Beginning with Purpose: Why the First Days of School Matter Most

What are you doing to create the type of school worth running toward?

As we prepare for the beginning of another school year, it's important to remember that the first days of school are more than just icebreakers and new supplies. They are the opening chapter of a story that will be written by all members of the learning community—principals, teachers, students, support staff and parents. It's one filled with growth, challenge, and discovery. And just like any great story, how it begins matters.

A strong start sets the tone. It builds momentum. It lays the groundwork for what’s to come—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

For some, a strong start means reestablishing structure—clear routines, consistent expectations, and a sense of order that brings stability and focus. For others, it begins with having their most basic emotional and physical needs met: feeling safe, supported, well-rested, and cared for. Until those needs are addressed, meaningful learning can’t truly begin.

In the classroom, that might look like:

• Greeting each student by name at the door.

• Teaching expectations with patience and modeling.

• Providing predictable routines and visual schedules.

• Offering a welcoming environment where students feel seen and valued.

• Taking time to listen—really listen—to what students are saying with their words and their behavior.

It’s easy to get swept up in content goals and pacing guides. But the first few weeks of school should never be rushed. These are the days that build trust, spark curiosity, and establish the climate in which all other learning will take place. They communicate, in both subtle and significant ways, what kind of year this will be. Every interaction, every procedure taught, every space prepared sends a message about what we value. These days offer a unique opportunity to establish the vision for the months ahead: What will we prioritize? How will we treat one another? What kind of community are we building here? In many ways, the tone set in the first few weeks becomes the atmosphere that carries throughout the year. When we approach these opening moments with clarity, intention, and care, we lay a foundation strong enough to support every challenge and celebration to come.

Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or support staff, your presence in these early days matters more than you may realize. Every kind word, every well-timed smile, every moment of calm amidst the back-to-school buzz contributes to the kind of environment where students—and staff—can thrive.

Because a strong start isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

So let’s begin with purpose. Let’s choose connection before correction, clarity over chaos, and grace over grind. When we begin well, we give every student—and ourselves—the best chance to soar.

Want to Make this Year the Most Magical One Yet?

If you're ready to design a school experience that students want to be part of—where learning feels meaningful, spaces are immersive, and every child feels seen and inspired—then you're going to love my new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth.

Blending real-world classroom experience with timeless lessons from Disney Imagineering, this book offers a powerful framework for rethinking how we design learning environments. It's packed with practical ideas, storytelling strategies, and inspiration to help you turn your school into a place where imagination meets purpose—and where students can't wait to come back each day. 

Click here to learn more. 

Meanwhile, I'd love to hear your best advice for creating a strong start to the school year; please share below. Cheers!