Celebration Notes
A ready-to-print stack of little notes that go a long way.
Meaningful Check-Ins Made Simple
A simple staff wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.
Alissa Christensen
A simple system for keeping track of staff check-ins so you can intentionally support every team member, even when you're leading a large staff.
Why try it
Great leaders build simple systems to stay connected. Whether you lead 15 people or 150, tracking conversations, remembering important life events, and scheduling follow-ups helps every staff member feel seen, supported, and cared for.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Build your check-in list
Write down every staff member you supervise. This becomes your master list so you can easily see who you've connected with recently and who may need a conversation.
2
Capture what matters
After each meaningful conversation, take a minute to jot down a few notes about what matters most to that staff member, such as family updates, personal goals, health concerns, upcoming events, celebrations, or challenges.
3
Set a reminder
If someone shares something significant, take 30 seconds to set a reminder in your phone or calendar before moving on with your day, whether it's for next week, after a surgery, or a one year anniversary.
4
Review it weekly
Spend five minutes each week reviewing your tracker. Ask yourself who you haven't checked in with lately, who could use extra support, who has something important coming up, and who you said you'd follow up with. Choose two or three staff members to intentionally connect with the following week.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Leadership team
Have assistant principals, instructional coaches, or department leaders use the same tracker so every staff member has someone intentionally checking in with them.
Calendar system
Color code calendar reminders for personal follow-ups so they're easy to spot throughout the week.
Five-minute Friday
Set aside five minutes every Friday to review your tracker, schedule reminders, and plan next week's check-ins.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Keep it secure
Store the tracker somewhere private, like a locked drawer or a password protected file, since notes may include sensitive details such as a health diagnosis.
Leader Tip #2
Write it down later
Jot your notes after the conversation instead of during it, so staff feel comfortable sharing openly.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Alpaca Pulse Check-In
Turn insights into action
With just three simple questions, Alpaca's Pulse Check-In helps school leaders listen to their teams and act where support is needed most.
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