The Director's Planner: Week of April 28th, 2025
Severe Weather Drills, Intentions, and One More Week of Prep
Happy Monday! This week is all about wrapping up the month and getting ready for the celebrations coming in May. I want to give a huge shoutout to everyone who has shared the May Resource Toolkit with other Directors—it truly means the world to me. The Director’s Collective is growing because of leaders like you who believe in supporting each other, and I’m so grateful to be building this community together.
1 Monthly Focus
Plan Teacher Appreciation Week (TAW)
We’re officially ONE week away from Teacher Appreciation Week! Over the next few days, your focus should be on getting everything organized and ready so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Now’s the time to print signs, send out a parent reminder in your newsletter, and double-check that all donations and supplies have been delivered and sorted by day.
💡 Pro Tip: Just joining us, working with a tight budget, or looking for one more easy way to celebrate? Don’t forget to check out the free May Resource Toolkit. It includes printable signs and themed postcards for parents to write special notes of appreciation to their child’s teachers!
2 Thoughts to Consider
I. “Communication is about what is received, not what is intended. If there is a gap between what you are saying and what they are hearing, you have to find a new way to say it.” -James Clear
I know I have said this before, but it is worth hearing again. (And again.) Perception is reality—especially in leadership. If your team or parents aren’t understanding what you’re communicating, it’s tempting to blame them for "not listening." But leadership demands more. It asks you to look inward first. What feels clear to you may not feel clear to the person hearing it. It’s not about whose fault it is—it’s about whose responsibility it is. What message isn’t landing at your center? Now change how you deliver it. Simplify it. And repeat it.
II. “One of the simplest gifts you can give yourself each morning: Pause. Close your eyes. Breathe—just for one minute. Everything else can wait.”
Close your door, set your phone timer, and do it. Then figure out how you can build this small practice into your routine throughout the day.
3 Action Items
I. Conduct your April fire AND tornado drill
Nothing like waiting until the last minute! 🌪️🔥April marks the start of tornado season here in the Midwest, so now’s the time to make sure you’ve completed both your fire drill and your tornado drill for the month. (Especially with some potentially strong storms rolling through several states today!)
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t have an easy tracker from your licensing department? Grab my Fire + Tornado Drill Tracker to keep your preparedness plans organized and up-to-date!
II. Send the monthly newsletter
May is packed with activities, appreciation weeks, and end-of-year events—so now’s the perfect time to get your newsletter out early and help families stay ahead. Highlight important dates like Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day celebrations, and Memorial Day closures, and keep communication clear before the busy season really kicks in.
💡 Pro Tip: I don’t know how else to tell you to CHECK OUT THE DAMN TOOLKIT! The May Resource Toolkit includes pre-written newsletter content you can easily customize for your center, plus ready-to-use reminders and ideas to keep families engaged (and save you hours of work!).
III. Order supplies for Mother’s Day gifts
Whether your center celebrates with homemade gifts from the children or a center-wide event like Muffins with Mom, now’s the time to order any supplies your classrooms will need to make the celebration special.
💡 Pro Tip: One last time for those in the back… the May Resource Toolkit ALSO includes printable Mother’s Day signs (with inclusive wording for all family types) and an “All About My Mom” printable that teachers can help kids fill out—it’s guaranteed to get some laughs and make wonderful keepsakes.
And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.
