State testing closes this Friday, marking the end of the first full year under the ATLAS assessment system. For many educators, that final click of the submit button signals more than the end of testing—it signals the start of the final stretch.
How do you plan to finish the year with your students?
When I think back to my own years in the classroom, I remember the exhaustion that builds by May—the result of countless hours of teaching, guiding, supporting, and caring. But I also remember something else: the deep, authentic connections I had with my students. Those relationships, built over a year of shared learning and trust, were what carried me (and them) through the final weeks.
These last weeks of school are powerful. They hold a unique blend of reflection, anticipation, and hope. They offer us a chance to close the year with intention and joy—and to prepare our students not just to leave our classrooms, but to carry forward what they’ve gained.
As I prepared to end the school year, I would always ask myself:
– How can I help my students transition into summer in a way that leaves them feeling capable and connected?
– What can I do now that will prepare them to begin the next school year with confidence?
– What experiences will help them reflect, celebrate, and grow?
One thing I always did—without fail—was end the year the way I began it: with team-building. These weren’t just fun activities (though they were definitely fun). They were designed to help students develop the success-ready skills that matter—communication, collaboration, empathy, perseverance. They also reminded students that school is a place where they belong.
I also made space for open-ended learning. I’d tell students, “We’re going to try out some new learning—something you might encounter next year.” Then I’d support them in navigating that learning successfully. Afterward, we’d reflect: What helped you succeed with something new? It was powerful to see how capable students felt when they realized they could stretch and grow.
Quiet reflection was also key. I’d ask students to think about:
– What are some good things you accomplished this year?
– What’s something you learned about yourself as a learner?
– What’s one area where you want to grow stronger?
Some of these reflections they kept private, others they shared with the class. Sharing created a sense of collective growth and encouraged students to celebrate each other’s progress. It also helped them realize they weren’t alone in their challenges or their hopes.
And because I taught middle schoolers, I was always mindful of their growing independence—and their need for safe connection. I had students reflect on who their trusted adults were outside of school, especially those they could turn to over the summer. For some students, school had been their most consistent safe space. Helping them identify summer support was essential.
We also talked about hope. What do they hope their summer will feel like? What kind of experiences do they want to have? And how might they know they’ve met those hopes?
Finishing well doesn’t require a grand finale. But it does require purpose.
Let’s finish the year with:
– Connection – Strengthen relationships and leave students with a sense of belonging.
– Care – Let students know they matter and have people who believe in them.
– Hope – Help them imagine and prepare for a positive summer and school year ahead.
Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or someone who shapes education policy—this is our collective opportunity. Let’s send students into summer not just finished, but fulfilled.
Check out our Year End Toolkit including End-of-Year Reflection & Summer Readiness Checklist for students. We also added a brief guide for parents on how to help their student finish the year strong.