Summer is a perfect time for educators to breathe a sigh of relief after a school year full of fun and challenges. However, summer is also an excellent opportunity to make sure that a school is ready with a fresh look and organized to start an exciting new school year. Here are five simple yet effective ways that a principal or teachers can spruce up a school over the summer months.
Declutter and Organize Storage Spaces
First off, the best place to start is to eliminate the unnecessary clutter that has accumulated throughout the years. Disposing of broken education resources and paperwork not only makes the school appear cleaner and brighter but frees up areas that can be cleaned and organized, thus providing more storage space for essential supplies. With a clean slate, you can now organize art supplies, class projects, and lesson resources for the upcoming school year.
When sorting through the clutter, it is important to decide what should be kept and what should be discarded. Items that are broken or damaged beyond repair should always be thrown out. When it comes to educational materials and documents, only keep things that are up-to-date and relevant for teaching in the classroom.
If paperwork has not been used in years or is irrelevant to current curriculum, it can be safely discarded. Make sure to properly recycle any paper documents that need to be thrown away. Finally, don’t forget about digital clutter! Delete old emails and unsubscribe from any newsletters that are no longer needed.
Implement Energy-Efficient Lighting
If your school uses outdated lighting, it might be time to consider changing to energy-efficient lighting. These upgrades save money spent on electricity bills, and the white brightness gives the school a bright, modern look. The modern look and pocket-friendly benefits are a win-win!
Create a School Garden
A school garden can be an excellent activity for students while giving your institution a fresh and updated exterior appearance. You don’t need to designate a large space for a school garden. A small garden in an area of the school campus that community members can see will create an inviting, nurturing environment.
When selecting plants for a school garden, it is best to choose hearty varieties that are easy to care for and can withstand varying weather conditions. Hardy perennials such as yarrow, hostas, and lavender are ideal choices as they require little maintenance and will return year after year with minimal effort. These plants also offer a pleasant flower display that will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making for an excellent educational opportunity. For a greener look, opt for drought-tolerant grasses like wheatgrass and foxtail that are easy to care for while providing plentiful texture and visual interest.
Give the Building and School Grounds Some Love
Over the summer months, it is important to devote some time and resources into giving the school building and grounds a makeover. If you have access to power washing equipment, this can be an effective way to remove dirt and grime from walls, sidewalks, and other areas of the campus. Pressure-washing will also help restore faded paint that may have been exposed to extreme weather conditions over the school year.
Additionally, you can beautify the grounds by planting flowers and other plants around the exterior of the school or creating an outdoor learning space where students can study, read, or do homework together. This will encourage students to interact with nature while also providing a pleasant learning environment during classes or recess.
Installing a new and improved school sign is another excellent way to give your building an updated look. You can have custom school signs made that include your school’s name, mascot, or other related images. This will create a positive first impression for people passing by the school as well as provide students with a sense of pride when they enter the campus each day.
Update the Technology Inventory
With the rise of e-learning, the need for technology has never been more significant. Updating old and outdated technology is crucial to ensure that teachers and students have access to the latest technologies and a seamless experience during e-learning activities. Check the condition of computers and other crucial devices such as projectors, monitors, and printers before the beginning of the new school year.
Deep-Clean the Floors and Carpets
Schools’ floors receive a lot of traffic and wear and tear every year, combined with various spills and accidents. Carpets and floors can give an unsightly look when not maintained well. The summer is the best time to clean the floors and carpets, allowing them to dry and curing any dirt or stains that have accumulated over time.
When it comes to cleaning the floors and carpets of a school, there are two options: DIY or professional. For DIY cleaning, one can rent a steam cleaner or purchase products specifically designed for floor care such as concentrated cleaners and degreasers.
On the other hand, if you want to save time and get the job done right, hiring a professional floor cleaning company is the best option. Professional floor cleaners will use special equipment and techniques to ensure that your floors are clean, fresh, and ready for the new school year. The cost may be a bit higher than DIY cleaning but it is worth it in the end as you will get guaranteed results with less hassle and effort on your part.
Enhance Safety
The safety of your school should always be one of the top agendas when sprucing up the school. During the summer months, hire a locksmith to check your locks and ensure all windows and doors are secure. Replace any locks that are dysfunctional or keys that have gotten lost. Ensure all fire alarms and extinguishers are functioning and up to date. Consider installing security cameras and alarms to boost safety measures for your school.
Sprucing up your school over the summer break can significantly impact the school’s appearance, morale, and functionality for the upcoming school year. Implementing a school garden, repainting the building, cleaning floors and carpets, upgrading classroom furniture, and implementing energy-efficient lighting are only some of the ways to achieve this goal. The improved ambiance of the school, positivity, and fresh outlook it brings, will make the upcoming academic year more manageable, and more enjoyable for all involved.
