Students might be enjoying the final weeks of summer, but principals are hard at work preparing for back-to-school or already welcoming students and families to the first days of the new year.

NAESP has assembled some school-tested resources to help new and veteran principals start the year strong as well as some updates on what's changing for schools this year.

Also: The Principal’s Office Blog: What’s on Your School’s Supply List?

• NAESP President Barb Chester in the New York Times: Scissors, Glue, Pencils? Check. Cleaning Spray?
• Build Effective Teams: Strategies to Motivate Your Staff
• Student Recognition: Dream, Reach, Succeed!
• Reach Out to Parents: How to Help with Homework
• Take Care of Yourself: Make Friends with the Clock
• Turn to the Tried-and True: 194 High-Impact Letters for Busy Principals
• Keep Your Sense of Humor: If You Don’t Feed the Teachers…

For more good ideas, see the Principal's Office Blog: What's On Your School List?