The final few weeks of school are here. The countdowns are up, the energy is shifting, and summer is near. But before the last bell rings, this is a powerful moment to pause—not just to reflect but to reimagine.
You’ve spent the year nurturing your students and cultivating a love of learning. You’ve built routines, responded to needs, and gathered insights—both big and small. Now is the time to ask: What have I learned? And how can I use that learning to grow forward in service of equity and justice?
A few years ago, our Early School Success network brought in Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford- an advocate for Improvement Science. I have been revisiting her work lately, which emphasizes using data for improvement, not just a systematic way to make incremental changes for students. She writes, “Improvement science is not neutral. It is a tool—and like any tool, it can be used to build justice or reinforce inequity. We must choose justice.”
Here are a few ways to use these final weeks with intention and liberation in mind:
Look beyond the numbers
In early childhood and early grades, data is more than test scores. It’s the stories, the observations, the growth you’ve seen day by day. As Dr. Hinnant-Crawford says, “Data must be humanized. It must be contextualized. It must be used to tell the truth about systems—not just students.”
Celebrate the small wins
A student who now writes their name. A child who learned to share. These are not small things. This is everything. These moments are evidence of transformation—and they matter deeply.
Reflect on what worked
What routines supported learning best? What strategies helped students feel seen and successful? What might you do differently next year? “Improvement is not about fixing students,” Dr. Hinnant-Crawford reminds us. “It’s about fixing systems that fail students.”
Set the stage for next year
Use what you’ve learned to shape student-centered goals. Even one small change—rooted in equity and empathy—can have a big impact. Ask yourself: What do my students need to thrive, and how can I design for that from the start?
Rest is part of the work
Reflection is powerful, but rest is essential. You’ve done meaningful, heart-centered work. Take time to breathe, celebrate, and restore. Liberation work requires sustainability.
You’re almost there. Thank you for your care, your commitment, and your courage. As you close out this year, know that your work matters—and that your reflection now is the seed of transformation for what’s next.
With gratitude,
Marina and the ESS Team