Deans' Digest - March Edition
Spring Cleaning Your Sanity: Prepping for the End-of-Year Marathon
March is here, and that means two things: the school year is in its final stretch, and student life professionals everywhere are hanging on for dear life. Between prom, senior pranks, and graduation, the next few months are a marathon. But before the sprint to summer begins, let’s talk about some much-needed spring cleaning—for your policies, processes, and sanity.
1. Declutter Your Discipline Approach
Have you noticed that some of your go-to disciplinary responses just aren’t working? Maybe it’s time to toss the outdated, ineffective policies and refresh your approach. Ask yourself:
- What discipline trends have been popping up lately?
- Are there alternative strategies that could be more effective?
- Is there a way to implement more restorative conversations in daily interactions?
2. Refresh Student Engagement
By March, student enthusiasm is meh at best. Combat disengagement with fresh approaches:
- Mix it up – Introduce new leadership opportunities or give students a say in end-of-year activities.
- Check-in – Hold quick circle discussions or small group chats to gauge how students are feeling.
- Make it relevant – Connect lessons, programs, and events to what’s happening in their world right now.
3. The Ultimate Survival Kit for Spring Events
You know the big ones are coming: prom, senior pranks, and graduation. Prepare now so you’re not putting out fires later.
- Prom – Have clear expectations and backup plans for “creative” student ideas.
- Senior Shenanigans – Get ahead of pranks by offering sanctioned fun activities.
- Graduation – Triple-check your seating chart now. You’ll thank yourself later.
4. Mental Spring Cleaning: Avoiding Burnout
As the chaos ramps up, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
- Say no to unnecessary meetings. (Yes, really.)
- Take 5-minute breaks – Step outside, breathe, avoid eye contact with students who look like they’re about to tell on each other.
- Lean on your people – Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, or your therapist, don’t go it alone.
5. Quick Checklist: Are You Surviving or Just Barely Holding On?
- You have at least one set of backup formalwear in your office for emergency prom duty. ✅
- You’ve caught yourself saying, “I’ll deal with that after graduation.” ✅
- You know exactly where to find extra tissues for weepy parents. ✅
- You’ve considered hiding in a supply closet. ✅✅✅
If this checklist hits too close to home, take a deep breath. You’ve got this! And remember, you’re not in this alone.
Dean’s List: Andrew McMasters’ “Listening without Agenda”
Andrew McMasters , Seattle-based entrepreneur and professional actor with over three decades of experience in arts and business, announces the release of his groundbreaking book “Listening without Agenda: Practical Steps for Effective Listening” Drawing from his extensive background as a corporate trainer working with Fortune 500 companies and his expertise as an improviser, McMasters has crafted a practical guide addressing one of leadership’s most overlooked skills – effective listening.
This transformative book offers:
- Practical exercises to develop genuine listening abilities
- Management techniques for building stronger relationships
- Strategies to create happier and more productive teams
- Insights on avoiding common listening pitfalls
- Real-world examples and interviews with effective listeners
Readers will gain actionable methods for immediate implementation in their professional lives while developing a skill set crucial for leadership success. With a 5-star rating from early readers, this resource fills a critical gap in professional development literature.
Ready to transform how you connect with others? “Listening without Agenda: Practical Steps for Effective Listening” is available now in Kindle format, with McMasters’ signature blend of expertise and humor making this essential skill both accessible and engaging.
Food for Thought
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
How are you fostering collaboration within your school community?
Humor Corner
Why did the dean bring a ladder to work? Because they wanted to reach new heights in student engagement! 😆
Got a funny school-related story? Share it with us for next month’s humor corner!
Self-Care Corner
This month’s self-care tip: The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
Take a moment to breathe and reset when stress levels rise.
Wisdom Corner
“Students don’t remember the rules you enforce, they remember how you made them feel.” – Unknown
Let’s keep building relationships that foster growth and community.
Here’s to a smooth, (mostly) sane end-of-year stretch!
—The Deans’ Roundtable Team
Bridget Johnson
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