Set expectations and set them high - A very smart college professor of mine said, "Students will always live DOWN to your expectations." If we start the relationship expecting little of our kids, we directly or indirectly are telling them that we don't think they can excel. We don't believe that they have value. We don't expect them to behave civilly and to take responsibility for their actions. Why is the rear view mirror in your car so much smaller than the windshield? The view forward is the most critical. Let your students know what you expect academically and in their personal behaviors. Let them know that you KNOW that they have choices ahead and that you are here to guide their learning and support their efforts to succeed.

Discuss classroom expectations - Write them out. Better yet, have the students write them out. You, your student and their home supporter all need to be in on this and sign agreement to the "rules of the road."

Keep connected - Give students progress reports - daily. Yes, daily. These can be a review of the coursework mastered. It can be a sentence acknowledging something the student accomplished in the classroom. Send home notes that highlight successes and follow up with a chat.

Encourage learning every way you can. Use technology-assisted materials that are relevant to your student. Engage students in discussion of any subject in which they show a personal interest. Facilitate student-led discussions on topics that illustrate course materials through subject matter that is a part of your students' world.

I've worked in education for 20 years, collaborating with teaching teams, developing best practices and creating strategies on how to "launch" the school year. In reflection, some tools may change, some subject emphases may shift, some coursework is brand new - but always, we start the school year with the hopes of engaging our students in learning. With the promise of helping young people.

Fueling the trajectory to a productive school year all begins with that first genuine, friendly greeting at the classroom door.

On the Road toward another Successful School Year - Reflections

• What type of strategies will you use to help students get "ready to learn?"
• What type of projects and activities worked well last year?
• What steps will you take to connect with your student's parents and/or guardians?