Your Organizational Jumpstart: Simple Systems for a Joyful Year

Let’s just call it like it is: the start of a school year can feel like drinking from a firehose.

You’re answering emails, welcoming new staff, greeting new families, preparing for teacher in-service, fixing tech issues, and somehow still expected to cast vision and lead with purpose. Sound familiar?

But leadership doesn’t have to feel that chaotic.

What you need isn’t more time, it’s better systems. That’s the secret to creating a school year that doesn’t just run… but runs well. One where you actually have the margin to enjoy your people, stay focused on your goals, and lead with clarity and calm.

If you're ready to start strong and stay sane, here are a few of my favorite organizational tools that I’ve used myself—and shared with the principals I coach:

My Go-To: The Brain Binder
This isn’t just a binder—it’s your portable brain.
I keep everything in it: weekly priorities, meeting notes, shout-outs, data tracking, monthly checklists, and even quick reminders. It travels with me to classrooms, team meetings, and sometimes even home when I need a quiet moment to think. Tabbed sections make it easy to find what I need fast, and it becomes a steady anchor all year long.

The monthly principal checklists are one of the most helpful parts—they give me a big-picture view of what’s coming up, so nothing sneaks up on me. From fire drills and enrollment deadlines to compliance reminders and campus events, it’s all right there.

Daily Agenda That Works for You
Your calendar shouldn’t just reflect your appointments—it should protect your priorities.
I block my time into categories: visibility in the morning, meeting blocks, email check-ins, and (yes!) space to think and plan. Because when you’re leading a whole school, thinking time is leading time.

Bring It All Together with Google Tasks + Calendar
Here’s a tip that’s been a game-changer for me (and the leaders I coach):
Take those monthly checklists, to-dos, and even your printed PDFs… and add them to Google Tasks. Then drag those tasks right onto your Google Calendar.

This is how you move from reaction mode to intentional leadership—where your time reflects your purpose.

Meeting Notes You’ll Actually Use
When it comes to meetings, I stick to one simple format:
→ What’s the purpose?
→ What decisions did we make?
→ Who’s doing what?
→ What’s next?

That way, every meeting ends with clarity. It saves time, avoids confusion, and makes follow-up so much easier.

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years: your peace of mind matters.

When your systems are simple and clear, everything else gets easier: conversations, meetings, priorities, decisions, and even discipline. You lead better when you’re not running on fumes.

That’s why I teach these systems step-by-step inside the VIP Leadership Lounge and walk through them deeply in the Purpose Driven Principal Program. These aren’t fluffy suggestions; they’re tried-and-true tools that have helped real leaders just like you show up with confidence and calm.

So if you’re feeling the weight of the year already, here’s your invitation:
Let’s do this differently. You don’t have to hustle your way through leadership. You can design it on purpose, with support, structure, and systems that remind you: you were called to this.

You don’t need another survival guide.
You need rhythms that bring peace, purpose, and yes, joy.

Let’s build that kind of year, together. If you're interested in learning more, schedule a call today: Let's Talk

—Michelle
Your coach, cheerleader, and fellow principal in the trenches