As the school year comes to an end for many districts while others prepare for upcoming vacations, school leaders have the opportunity to reflect on successes and failures, how to improve as well as ways to redefine their respective missions.

Here are a few tips to maximize your “down time”:

1) Take time to visit your school community
– Walk the district
– Visit the local businesses
– Interact with neighborhood families

2) Provide administrators, teachers and staff with a suggested reading list
– Choice Words by Peter Johnston
– A Place Called School by John I. Goodlad
– Think Like A Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
– David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

3) Collaborate with colleagues in similar positions from other districts to share best practices and invaluable insights

4) Consider new legislation and how it impacts your district

5) Regroup and reconnect with family and friends