The year is winding down and it’s time to start thinking about how to finish strong. The end of the year can be a hectic time. Finals, transitions, and summer plans are all on our minds. But fear not, with a little bit of planning, organization, and motivation, you can make the most of the remaining weeks and  on a high note!

1. Prioritize Your Time – It’s so busy right now! So its crucial to prioritize your time wisely. Make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed before the end of the year and rank them. This will help you focus your efforts and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

2. Celebrate Your Student’s Accomplishments – Spring is a great time to celebrate student successes and achievements. Host a recognition event to honor students who have excelled academically, socially, or behaviorally. This can be a powerful motivator for students!

3. Plan for Next Year – For now, just think. How can you improve your program for next year?  Consider what worked well this year and what areas could be improved upon. NO need to take action just yet. But reflect on your goals and objectives for the coming year and start laying the mental groundwork for a successful start in the fall.

5. Take Care of Yourself – Make sure you are taking care of yourself during this busy time of year. It’s easy to get bogged down in endless tasks and to-do lists, but don’t forget to take breaks, and take a day off for mental health if you need to.  Take time to exercise, meditate, or practice other self-care techniques that can help you maintain your energy.

You CAN finish the school year strong and set yourself up for success in the coming year. Remember to stay organized, celebrate student success, plan for the future, engage students in fun activities, and take care of yourself. With a little bit of effort and motivation, you can make the most of the end of the school year and finish strong as a middle school counselor.

I know you’ve still got things to do and lessons to plan during the day. So let me make things a little easier.  Why reinvent the wheel? Click here for some tried and true college readiness classroom counseling lessons (or, use them as group counseling activities) that are DONE FOR YOU!  Or, check out this Trade Careers Unit-A topic that doesn’t tend to get too much attention in counseling lessons.