By Les Potter, Ph.D. and Karen Potter, M.Ed.

We all think about what we are going to do to be prepared for that first day students arrive on campus. Unfortunately, you only have one opportunity for a good first impression! The best plan to have is to be thoroughly prepared and be flexible enough for any emergency.

If you are an experienced principal surrounded by capable staff, this experience will be less traumatic than for the new principal or the principal of a reconfigured or new school However, it is always a good idea to plan this important day carefully.

Meet with different groups (administrators, team leaders, teachers, counselors, clerical, custodians, cafeteria staff, etc.) several times well in advance of the opening day. Brainstorm to make sure all issues are covered. Create a thorough checklist, and revisit last year's checklist to help remind you of any problems that might have occurred.

Possible items to include on your checklist:

1. Will you have an orientation program for students and parents? This could be especially important for incoming and new students. Orientation should include the expectations of your school as well as helping students become familiar with the campus. Do you have a packet of materials that all students (or all new students) will receive? Are all the materials up to date? Who will collect these materials into a "welcome packet" for students?

Do you need directional signs for students and parents? If so, make arrangements for supplies and decide who will make and hang them. Where should the signs be placed and when? Remember to laminate outside signs! Do you have campus maps? Make sure you have enough, especially for the students new to your school.

How are student schedules going to be distributed? Is this done prior to the first day? If so, when, how, and by whom? What do you do for students who show up the first day without schedules? What if a student wants a schedule change? Obvious changes need to occur quickly, for example, a student who has no lunch period or a 6th grader scheduled in 8th grade classes. Who does these changes? Other changes may not have to happen so soon - what is your policy?

How will parents and students know the bus schedule? Is it mailed to them, posted, handed out? This is a very important item that frequently is forgotten in the rush of the first day back to school.

Where do students new to the school go when they arrive on campus and who will work with them? These students will need to register - what do they need to have with them (proof of residency, health records, report card or transcript, etc)? What happens if a student shows up without a parent or records? Do you have a plan for this student? Believe me, it will happen!

Do all teachers have class lists? How are you asking teachers to handle new students or no-shows? How will attendance be reported? What else are teachers supposed to do that first day? Make sure they are clear about what they need to do concerning required forms, free and reduced lunches, insurance, locks and lockers, uniforms, supply lists, etc. Will you extend first period to allow for these functions?

Are you handing out textbooks that first day? If not, when? Do the teachers have adequate numbers of textbook issue forms? If teaching and learning are the focus, then students need textbooks and assignments the first day. Make this a priority!

Check with the teachers to make sure they have the supplies and materials needed for that smooth first day and that they will be ready to teach from day one. It sets the academic tone for the year. Also be sure they have keys that will work for their classrooms. Ask teachers to post their names, room numbers, and subject outside their classrooms.

Remind teachers to check students' class schedules each period. This will help catch those who are in the wrong classes.

Check with the cafeteria manager to ensure she or he is ready. Ask questions about free and reduced meal forms, responsibilities of cafeteria staff, and the entire cafeteria operation so both of you are clear on who does what and when. Review free and reduced lunch policies with teachers. Remind them to inform students how to receive these benefits and to review lunchroom procedures with the students.

Make sure you have before- and after-school security for the students. Review the policies of who can pick up what students and where. Check with local police to ensure they have officers there to facilitate traffic flow before and after school, especially on those first few days when there will be a high number of parents transporting children.

Do you have designated drop-off and pick-up areas for parents? Do you have someone or a place indicating the routes and bus numbers for students who wait until the end of the day to ask? What contingencies do you have for students who miss their bus? Check the bike area. Is it locked? Who locks/unlocks it?

Check your lights, PA system, copiers, computers, air conditioning, plumbing, and fire alarm systems. Have walkie-talkies charged and ready to go. Be sure your faculty knows your school safety plan and lock-down procedures.

Have the outside of your school spruced up. School pride starts with a nice campus.

Arrive early, walk the grounds, take personal responsibility for ensuring all functions and plans are being carried through. Know that you may have to call in substitutes, even on that first day.

Be visible, and wander around. Ask PTA and other volunteers to assist you. Use them to float around campus and help out as needed. Be sure volunteers are prepared and supervised.

All staff members should know what they will do from first to last bell. Be sure to check with new and beginning teachers to let them see your personal support and reassurance.

Look at all possible scenarios that could happen that confusing first day such as late buses, more new students than expected, teachers who call in sick, etc. Have contingency plans for every scenario.

Meet after school the first day with administrators and staff to go over any problems or concerns that they may have. Keep a record of these so you can refer to them as you prepare for next year's opening day.

Leave a large basket of apples in the lounge for staff to let them know you appreciate their hard work and wish them a great new year!

Effective planning is the key to a successful opening day of school. If you are an experienced principal, you will probably just have to revisit and update your plan. If you are new to the principalship or new to that school, certainly look at what the school has done in the past. Ask colleagues at other schools to share their preparation plans. Discuss your concerns with the area superintendent or superintendent and, of course, with your staff. Everyone has an important stake in a smooth opening of school. Good luck!

Les Potter is Principal of Silver Sands Middle School in Port Orange, Florida, and a 2004 Scholastic Principal Fellow. Karen Potter is a classroom teacher and administrator in training at Sweetwater Elementary School, Port Orange, Florida.