Your beginning teachers are learning how to maintain structure during the holiday season while still engaging students in meaningful ways. Mentors are helping them anticipate behavior dips and plan ahead. For you as principal, November is about balancing morale, gratitude, and structure across the entire school.

Boost staff morale by showing gratitude in small, consistent ways—notes, shout-outs, coverage for duty, or a coffee cart. Introduce fun competitions or schoolwide goals to keep energy positive and focused. At the same time, model healthy boundaries for yourself and your staff so the break is truly a break. Encourage teachers to “over-plan” the days before vacation with engaging activities to avoid behavior spikes. Your leadership in this season helps maintain both joy and order, setting everyone up for a smooth return in January.

November Newsletter

Action Step Prompt:
Plan one low-cost, high-impact gratitude activity for your staff and one goal-based engagement activity for students.

Make sure you check out your access to The Principal Academy resources and supports!