Craig Verley

*Inhales deeply through the nose.*

Ahhhh… Nothing like that new school year smell! Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! Did you remember all your work passwords on the first try? Resist the urge to immediately jump into the deep end of all the back-to-school year stuff coming at you like a train in the tunnel. Now is the time to revisit and review how things went last year, and remind yourself what you wanted to do differently this year. Are those items in your plans for the year? If not, now is the time to include them. Once that look back is done and lessons incorporated or noted, take a look at the year ahead. Think through how you might like to begin to implement a few things and then be sure to make notes/calendar reminders, etc. of those things. Be realistic in those goals and timelines. Growth and challenge are good as long as you are also being realistic. 

Once you have taken some time to do all that, then start to re-connect with folks with your ears and mind open. You may get some good ideas and input on a few things that will alter your plans in a good way. After you re-connect with various people that you may not see on a regular basis, make a reminder to reach out again on a certain date, even if it is a quick check in text or email. That way it does not become a situation where you seem to reach out only when you need that person for something. 

Basically, the return to work is a perfect time to allow yourself a moment to gather yourself and that of your team, if you are lucky enough to be a part of a team. 

I hope your school year is a great one! Remember, your TSPRA family is just a call/text/email away if things go sideways and you need to reach out.