Start Strong: Define Your Classroom Mission & First Project Vision

Overview

Welcome to this Initiate Monday article for our Back To School Case Study Series.

• What: Count this as your how to guide towards understanding how to initiate your Monday for any class management project that focuses on Back To School planning.
• Where: You will use the downloadable resource and content in this article to complete the Initiate Monday step of the project management workflow process for all things class management/organization. In the long term, count this as another resource added to your project management toolbox!
• Why: We know that class management is often the hardest thing to deal with as an educator. The strategies you implement for one class may not work for another. This is where our free resources and project management strategies (adapted for classroom spaces) are here to help! With consistency, organization, and implementation of the project management practices we share, you’ll find class management to be much easier to wrangle!

Quick Summary

The first week of school is more than just name games and seating charts—it’s your chance to set the tone for the entire year. The Project Charter Template helps you clarify your classroom’s mission and design a meaningful first project that reflects your values and your students’ needs. Whether you’re in a traditional classroom, homeschool, or after-school program, this tool helps you start with purpose and heart.

The truth is, no matter the setting, August is a high-stakes month. And without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into survival mode. Let’s avoid that like a plague by making a mindset shift and acting on those to do’s!

How to Use It

Use this template during your back-to-school planning to align your classroom mission with your first project. Here are two examples of how you can use the template:

• Your first project might be a “Classroom Culture Documentary” where students interview each other, reflect on their hopes for the year, and co-create a short video or poster series about what kind of learning community they want to build.
• If you’re preparing for early assessments, use the charter to frame a “Learning Launchpad” project that helps students reflect on their strengths and set goals for growth.

This tool works great in team planning meetings, PD sessions, or solo prep time.