How to Start the Year Strong as a School Leader

Don’t just hand out the staff handbook—hand out clarity, connection, and culture.

Orientation: The Most Powerful Days of the Year

Too many schools waste the most powerful days of the year: orientation.

If you’re a school leader, those first few days with your staff set the tone for everything that follows.

This is what I’ve learned after 20+ years as a school head and now leading the Hive Schools International network:

How to Start the Year Strong:

1. Set Expectations Clearly

Avoid confusion. Confirm schedules, workloads, calendar dates, report card deadlines, working times, committee roles, and marketing duties (yes, have them sign up for the different events at the start of the year). Clarity builds trust.

To be frank, work your ass off to ensure all of the logistics are ready to go for your team. Give them everything they need to plan for the year.

2. Align on a Shared Vision

You’ll never hit a target that you aren’t aiming for. Almost as bad is when everyone is aiming at different targets.

Ask:

• What are we aiming to accomplish this year?
• What are our non-negotiables in teaching and relationships?
• What is our common enemy—low literacy, student apathy, bullying?

3. Build Belonging—Intentionally

Great schools don’t happen by accident.

• Everyone wants to feel like they belong - this includes support staff, security guards, cleaners, and even that jerk teacher who annoys you.
• Give them time to laugh, connect, and set up.
• model vulnerability, connection, and authenticity.
• Repost the hugs, the high-fives, the laughter.

4. Build Culture - from Day 1

Orientation and training is crazy busy with so many “must get through things” but in the end, your team will remember how you made them feel during the week.

• Meet new staff at the airport and help them settle in.
• Feed them well. Start on time. Capture the joy.
• Repost the hugs, the high-fives, the laughter.

The Bigger Picture

Because in the end, it’s not just about starting school.
It’s about starting strong as a team.

Share Your Ideas

I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences as well:

• What’s your theme? What’s your vision?
• What’s your “enemy” this year?
• What’s a great way to build belonging and culture?