24 years of teaching middle school band and I still get excited about beginning a new school year. Seeing eager new and returning students is invigorating and reminds me of why I became a teacher. The importance of our actions cannot be underestimated during those critical first days. Simply put, plan for success. What is the goal for the first week? What do you want the students to accomplish? Plan each day with this goal in mind. Use the ideas below to plan for your best y