Right now you’re probably doing a weird mix of things.

Thinking about January.
Trying not to think about January.
Mentally replaying a few moments from this semester you wish had gone differently — and a few that went better than you expected.

You’re not in planning mode yet.
You’re not fully off either.

You’re just… in between.

And honestly? That’s not a bad place to be.

This is usually when principals get real with themselves — not in a big “new year, new everything” way, but in a quieter one. About what felt heavier than it should have. What drained more energy than expected. And what you really don’t want to keep dragging into the second half of the year.

This week isn’t about fixing any of that.

It’s just about noticing it — because that awareness is what makes the next stretch feel different.

A strong second semester almost never comes from doing more.

It comes from being clearer.

Clear about what actually moves the work forward.
Clear about what creates noise without much return.
Clear about where your presence really matters — and where it probably doesn’t.

When January starts to feel heavy, it’s usually not because principals don’t have ideas. It’s because everything starts competing for the same space. Every issue feels urgent. Every request feels important. And suddenly you’re making decisions all day long about things that probably don’t all deserve the same level of attention.

The shift isn’t about fixing everything.

It’s about deciding what actually matters — and being okay letting the rest wait.

And honestly? That takes pressure off in a way most leadership moves don’t.

When the second semester starts, don’t try to reset everything.

Instead, pick one thing you want to feel clearer right away.

Not new.
Not better.
Just clearer.

Something that already exists but tends to cause a little friction in January:

Decide what you actually want people to know about it — and name that early. A quick reminder in your weekly memo or a few minutes in your first meeting back is often enough.

Clarity sticks when it’s consistent.
And that kind of clarity builds momentum fast. (Way faster than rolling out something brand new.)

When setting expectations early, this language helps:

“We’re going to focus on doing a few things well instead of trying to do everything.”

It gives direction.
And let’s be honest — it gives people permission to stop spinning.

Before school starts back, do one simple reset at home.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and reset one space you interact with every day:

Stop when the timer ends.

You’re not organizing your whole life.
You’re just making one space feel calmer and easier to use.

That small sense of order shows up more than you’d expect once the pace picks up again.

Episode 9 of The Principal Exchange Podcast is a great listen if you want something practical right now. We talk through five “five-minute fixes” — simple, low-lift moves that help shift energy, build trust, and strengthen culture without adding more to your plate.

There are a lot of ready-to-use resources on the marketplace that can help you head into the second semester feeling more prepared (and less overwhelmed). Worth checking out, our vendors have awesome products!👉 Link to TPE Marketplace

This newsletter is, and always will be, free. But to help support our mission we would love for you to share with your school leader friends! As a thank you, we have a referral program for you to earn rewards as you share!

We are doing a big giveaway from now until January 31st. For each referral, you are going to get an entry into our $100 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Just make sure to use your referral link below to get your entries!

Psst… referrals must confirm their email to count!

Remember, you don’t need to come back with everything figured out.

You just need to be clear enough to decide what matters — and confident enough to stay there when things get loud again.

That’s how strong second semesters actually start.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “Okay… I can do that,” then you’re exactly where you need to be!

— Sarah & Andra