The start of the school year comes fast. One day you are enjoying the last quiet moments of summer, and the next you are in a whirlwind of schedule changes, parent emails, and students stopping by with questions. It is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you do not have a clear plan for what to tackle first.
Whether you are stepping into the role for the first time or diving back in after summer break, having a focused checklist for the first month can make all the difference. That is why we have created this First 30 Days Checklist. It will help you start the year organized, connected, and ready to support your students.
If you have been following along with our recent posts, you have already seen a few tools in action:
- In How to Create a Counseling Calendar That Actually Works we shared strategies for mapping out your year so nothing important slips through the cracks.
- In How to Talk to Students About Schedule Changes (Without Breaking Their Heart) we offered tips for navigating those sometimes-tough conversations during the first weeks of school.
- In How to Order ACT Fee Waivers 2025/2026 we walked through a key step in making sure all students, especially those facing financial barriers, can access the ACT.
Now, let’s pull it all together with your First 30 Days Checklist.
Finalize and Share Your Counseling Calendar
- Block out major testing dates, college application deadlines, FAFSA open dates, and school events.
- Use last month’s calendar post as your guide so nothing important sneaks up on you.
- Share your calendar with staff, students, and families so everyone is on the same page.
Do Senior Credit Checks/Meetings Early
- Once your schedule change form closes, the very next step should be meeting with seniors to discuss their credits and college plans before application season starts.
- Review graduation requirements for each senior and flag any missing credits right away.
- This is also the perfect time to highlight our blog post From “I Don’t Know” to “Here’s What I Did”: Helping Students Brag the Right Way. Share it with seniors now so they have time to think about their strengths and accomplishments. That way, you can talk through it during your senior meetings and help them present themselves confidently in applications and scholarships.
Build Student Connections
- Drop by classrooms to introduce or reintroduce yourself.
- Send a welcome email or newsletter so students know where to find you and what you can help them with.
- Set up open office hours during lunchtime, which is often best for casual drop-ins, and schedule appointments for all other times to stay accessible without constant interruptions.
Get Ahead on Schedule Changes
- Use the talking points from our recent post to keep conversations with students clear, consistent, and kind.
- Set a firm deadline for schedule changes so you can transition into other important work.
Review Testing Supports
- Check your supply of ACT fee waivers and place an order if needed.
- Make a list of eligible students now so you can ensure they get the support they need well before registration deadlines.
Connect with Key Staff
- Touch base with administrators, teachers, and support staff to align on priorities for the semester.
- Create a clear system for teachers to share concerns about students, and make sure they know how to use it. Gathering this information early helps you address potential challenges before they escalate.
Organize Your Office and Systems
- Set up your files, student folders, and online systems so you can find what you need quickly.
- Create a “quick grab” area with commonly used forms and resources for students.
Prioritize Self-Care
- The first month can be intense. Schedule short breaks for yourself during the day and protect that time.
- Remember, you cannot fully support students if you are running on empty.
The first 30 days are about building a strong foundation, setting routines, connecting with students and staff, and making sure you have the tools you need for a successful year. With this checklist in hand, you can start the year with confidence and help your students do the same.
