Happy Summer! For school administrators summer break is a time when the pace slows and the daily demands lessen. But in truth, summer is not merely a break from leadership; it is a vital part of it. It offers the opportunity to rest, reflect, and refocus—three essential practices that enable administrators to lead with clarity, purpose, and sustainability.

Consider the example of a farmer at the end of the harvest season. After months of planting, tending, and gathering crops, the farmers don't simply walk away from the field. Instead, they examine the soil, take note of what grew well and what didn’t, repair their tools, and begin planning for the next season. Without this intentional period of rest and review, the farm’s future success would be in jeopardy. The same is true for school leadership who diligently work to ensure their teachers and students grow and reach their full potential. Summer is the season to tend to the soil of leadership—to pause, assess, and prepare for what comes next.

The first element is rest. Administrative work is relentless, demanding attention across a wide range of responsibilities:—strategic planning, faculty support, crisis management, parent communication, and more. Without meaningful rest, administrators risk burnout and diminished capacity. Summer offers a much-needed chance to step back, restore energy, and reconnect with personal well-being—an investment not only in the individual, but in the entire school community.

Reflection follows rest. The quieter pace of summer invites administrators to ask deeper questions: What initiatives had the greatest impact this year? Where did the school fall short of its goals? When did leadership feel authentic and effective, and when did it feel reactive or misaligned? Reflection transforms experience into insight. It helps leaders recognize patterns, refine their approach, and lead with intention rather than inertia.

The final and perhaps most important step is refocusing on values. Throughout the school year, it’s easy to become caught up in the urgency of daily tasks and immediate challenges. Summer allows leaders to slow down and reconnect with the foundational values that brought them to this work in the first place. What do they believe about education, community, and leadership? How do those beliefs shape decision-making? Refocusing on values ensures that leadership remains grounded, authentic, and consistent.

Harry Kraemer, Jr., in From Values to Action, argues that self-re flection is not optional for leaders—it is essential. For school administrators, summer provides a natural time to engage in this reflective process. It’s a time to restore personal balance, assess professional direction, and recommit to a values-driven approach. When administrators return to campus in the fall, having taken the time to rest, reflect, and refocus, they are better equipped to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion. In doing so, they set the tone for the entire school, creating a culture rooted in purpose and resilience.