Back to School: Reset, Recharge, and Resist the Target Dollar Spot

Back to School: Reset and Recharge without breaking the bank.

Back to school. That magical time of year when your stress dreams start starring unsharpened pencils, incomplete class lists, and a never-ending loop of professional development PowerPoints. If you’re anything like me, the thought of returning to the classroom sparks both excitement and a mild case of hives.

Let’s talk about how to return with intention--because you deserve more than just survival mode.

Reflect, Refresh, Improve: Routines That Don’t Drain Your Soul for Back to School

Before you dive headfirst into lesson planning and label-making, take a hot second to reflect on what actually worked last year. (Spoiler: it might not have been that color-coded sticker chart you spent six hours laminating.)

• Reflect: What routines helped your classroom run smoothly? Which ones made you want to scream into your coffee mug?

• Refresh: Choose one routine to update. That’s it. Don’t overhaul everything. Just pick a routine that needs a glow-up.

• Improve: Ask yourself--does this routine help me or stress me out? If it’s the latter, it’s time to Marie Kondo it.

  
  

Real Self-Care: For You AND the Kids

Can we stop acting like self-care has to be some fancy spa day? Sometimes it's just sitting in your car in silence for five minutes after work… no radio, no podcasts, no small humans yelling your name.

This year, let’s normalize building breaks into our classroom day. Our students need brain breaks, movement, and mindfulness just like we do. Try:

• Stretching with your students

• Taking a "silent walk" around the building

• Playing calming music during transitions

• Letting everyone (including you!) color for five minutes

  
  

And at home? Whether it’s walks with the family or pretending you don’t hear them yelling while you walk alone down the street--no judgment. Take the break. Binge a show. (Yes, even if it’s a guilty pleasure. Especially if it’s a guilty pleasure.)

Budget Check: Step Away from the Clearance Bins

I know, I know. Making your classroom “Pinterest-worthy” is tempting--especially when it doubles as your second home. But hear me out: don’t spend your entire paycheck before the first paycheck.

Instead, look for creative ways to stock your space without emptying your wallet:

• Facebook yardsale groups: You’d be surprised what people give away before a new school year.

• Rummage sales: Vintage finds? Yes. Dollar books? Even better.

• Retiring teachers: Bless them. Sometimes they’re more than happy to pass the torch--and their materials.

• Classroom wish lists: Post them. Share them. Say thank you when someone grabs an item or two.

  
  

Your classroom doesn’t have to look like a catalog to be a warm, welcoming space. Your presence and energy matter more than anything you put on the walls.

One Final Pep Talk

Back to school isn’t just about the kids. It’s about you, too. Your routines. Your joy. Your ability to show up as your best self, even when the copier is jammed and someone already used your last Expo marker.

So reflect, refresh, and maybe relax a bit. You’re not starting from scratch--you’re starting from experience. And that makes all the difference.

Now go on, walk into that building like the rockstar you are--with snacks in your drawer, caffeine in your cup, and boundaries in place. (Okay, we’re still working on that last one.)