---
title: Back-to-School Guide for Educators | Wayfinder
description: The first six weeks set the tone for the rest of the year. Here is how you can build a solid foundation of belonging and connection from the first bell.
image: https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Set%20The%20Tone%20For%20The%20New%20School%20Year%20No%20Ghost.png
---

[![Wayfinder](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/wayfinder-theme/images/61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png?width=200&name=61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png "Wayfinder")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/)

[Log In](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login)

[![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6)

- Curriculum + Products 
    - Our Offerings 
          - Grade Levels 
                  - [District-Wide (PreK-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/district-wide-curriculum)
                  - [Elementary School (PreK-5)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/elementary-school-curriculum)
                  - [Middle School (6-8)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/middle-school-curriculum)
                  - [High School (9-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/high-school-curriculum)
          - Use Cases 
                  - [Advisory, Academics + Electives](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/advisory-academics-and-electives)
                  - [Counseling + MTSS](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/mtss-counselor-package)
                  - [College + Career Prep](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/college-and-career-prep-curriculum)
                  - [Portrait of a Graduate](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/portrait-of-a-graduate)
                  - [Professional Learning](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/professional-learning)
- Why Wayfinder 
    - [Prepare for the Future](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/why-wayfinder) 
          - [What Students Learn](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/what-students-learn)
          - [Wayfinder Advantage](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/wayfinder-advantage)
          - [Research-Backed](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/research-backed)
          - [Testimonials](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/testimonials)
          - [Case Studies](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/case-studies)
- Resources 
    - [Explore Our Resources](https://www.withwayfinder.com/resources/resources) 
          - [Curriculum Samples](https://www.withwayfinder.com/resources/sample-curriculum)
          - [Guides](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/guides)
          - [Conferences + Events](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/wayfinder-conferences-events)
          - [Funding Support](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/funding-grant-writing-resources)
          - [Blog](https://blog.withwayfinder.com)
          - [Shop](https://shop.withwayfinder.com/)
- About Us 
    - [Get to Know Wayfinder](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/about) 
          - [Wayfinder Story](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/story)
          - [Our Team](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/team)
          - [Careers](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/careers)
          - [Contact Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact)

- Curriculum 
    - [Our Offerings](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/product-overview) 
          - [District-Wide (PreK-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/district-wide-curriculum)
          - [Elementary School (PreK-5)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/elementary-school-curriculum)
          - [Middle School (6-8)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/middle-school-curriculum)
          - [High School (9-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/high-school-curriculum)
    - Use Cases 
          - [Advisory, Academics + Electives](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/advisory-academics-and-electives)
          - [Counseling + MTSS](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/mtss-counselor-package)
          - [College + Career Prep](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/college-and-career-prep-curriculum)
          - [Portrait of a Graduate](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/portrait-of-a-graduate)
          - [Professional Learning](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/professional-learning)
- Why Wayfinder 
    - [Prepare for the Future](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/why-wayfinder) 
          - [What Students Learn](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/what-students-learn)
          - [Wayfinder Advantage](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/wayfinder-advantage)
          - [Research-Backed](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/outcomes-research)
          - [Testimonials](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/testimonials)
          - [Case Studies](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/case-studies)
- Resources 
    - [Explore Our Resources](https://www.withwayfinder.com/resources/resources) 
          - [Curriculum Samples](https://www.withwayfinder.com/resources/sample-curriculum)
          - [Guides](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/guides)
          - [Conferences + Events](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/wayfinder-conferences-events)
          - [Funding Support](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/funding-grant-writing-resources)
          - [Blog](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/)
          - [Shop](https://shop.withwayfinder.com/)
- About Us 
    - [Get to Know Wayfinder](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/about) 
          - [Wayfinder Story](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/story)
          - [Our Team](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/team)
          - [Careers](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/careers)
          - [Contact Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact)

[LogIn](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login)

[![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b)

- [Privacy Policy](https://www.withwayfinder.com/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.withwayfinder.com/terms-of-service)

© Wayfinder, 2023

# Setting the Tone: Your Guide for Back-to-School

<iframe data-hsv-src="https://play.hubspotvideo.com/v/21904666/id/217676540734?play_button_color=ffffff&amp;autoplay=true&amp;muted=true" referrerpolicy="origin" sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups" allow="autoplay; fullscreen;" style="position: absolute !important; width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; left: 0; top: 0; border: 0 none; pointer-events: initial" title="HubSpot Video" loading="lazy" data-hsv-id="217676540734" data-hsv-play-button-color="ffffff" data-hsv-width="1920" data-hsv-height="1080" data-hsv-autoplay="true" data-hsv-muted="true" data-hsv-full-width="false"></iframe>

 

We’ve put together Setting the Tone: Your Guide for Back-to-School, filled with resources, articles, and activities to help you build a foundation of belonging and connection, get students ready for a year of development, and start with a winning attendance strategy.

[Get the Guide](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/back-to-school-guide#back-to-school-guide-form)

## Get Your 2026 Guide for Back-to-School

**Fill out the form on this page to download the Back-to-School Guide**

![Set the Tone: Your Guide for Back-to-School](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Setting%20the%20tone%20cover-1.png?width=589&height=696&name=Setting%20the%20tone%20cover-1.png)

**Setting the Tone: Your Guide for Back-to-School** is a practical resource to help leaders and educators create a culture for success at the beginning of the year.

Inside the guide, you'll find research, activities, and more to:

- Support a strong attendance strategy that gets students back in the classroom
- Build belonging and connection across campus
- Support executive functioning like healthy habit building, and more

# Get the Curriculum + Tools You Need to Build Future-Ready Students

Explore how Wayfinder can support across campus to cultivate purpose-driven learning with research-backed PreK-12 curriculum, MTSS-ready resources, school climate surveys, and real-time insights.

**Talk with our team to learn more!** 

[Learn More](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/demo)

[![Get the Curriculum + Tools You Need to Support Future-Ready Students](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/New%202026%20Climate%20Survey%20LP%20mock.png "Get the Curriculum + Tools You Need to Support Future-Ready Students")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/demo)

![Wayfinder's best back to school resources for this year](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Collage%20templates%20(2).png?width=400&height=100&name=Collage%20templates%20(2).png "Wayfinder's best back to school resources for this year")

![Set The Tone For The Year - Back to School 2026 transparent-1](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Set%20The%20Tone%20For%20The%20Year%20-%20Back%20to%20School%202026%20transparent-1.png "Set The Tone For The Year - Back to School 2026 transparent-1")

### Get Even More Educator Resources for Back-to-School Success

The shared belief that *anything is possible this year* is not automatic—It's built through leadership, intentional planning, and the culture and climate you create. It looks like a shared language every district speaks, clear ways to measure what matters, and the confidence to act on what you learn to help students and educators thrive.

Get even more activities, resources, and guides to experience your best back-to-school season yet.

[Get More Resources](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/back-to-school-resources-activities?hsLang=en)

[![Wayfinder Mark](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/wayfinder-theme/images/61e1f52beb439c5d014b7ecd_wayfinder-footer.png?width=200&name=61e1f52beb439c5d014b7ecd_wayfinder-footer.png "Wayfinder Mark")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/)

Wayfinder is a division of Lemnis

[Log In](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login)

[Schedule Demo](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=b901867d-bf22-4671-a44d-7d65fa036bac&signature=AAH58kG2slF8CBkZNCzzAj6JPThf96aOfQ&pageId=153467595697&placement_guid=5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6&click=313de5bb-d4e1-4af6-9704-99dab9569bc0&hsutk=&canon=http%3A%2F%2F21904666.hs-sites.com%2F-temporary-slug-5b95e557-6e24-4794-b53c-4974d1a5a4ad&portal_id=21904666&redirect_url=APefjpHItIO9jWlRISzfrVAGEQhywJAnoZR4V1nd7EUTeIn5RvwygK5cJKTmg-gncUNXsoQjYwKU2gApYq_OUgI3DJHtu7oWiKDUqqH7cLR1AyRyQfdQchAR0Qlmobq9grz95zAIaMmv&hsLang=en)

 500 SW 116th Ave, Suite 178, Beaverton, OR 97225, USA

- [Curriculum + Products](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/product-overview) 
    - Grade Levels 
          - [District-Wide (PreK-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/district-wide-curriculum)
          - [Elementary School (PreK-5)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/elementary-school-curriculum)
          - [Middle School (6-8)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/middle-school-curriculum)
          - [High School (9-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/high-school-curriculum)
    - Use Cases 
          - [Advisory, Academics + Electives](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/advisory-academics-and-electives)
          - [Counseling + MTSS](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/mtss-counselor-package)
          - [College + Career Prep](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/college-and-career-prep-curriculum)
          - [Portrait of a Graduate](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/portrait-of-a-graduate)
          - [Professional Learning](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/professional-learning)

- [Why Wayfinder](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/why-wayfinder) 
    - [What Students Learn](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/what-students-learn)
    - [Wayfinder Advantage](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/wayfinder-advantage)
    - [Research Backed](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/research-backed)
    - [Testimonials](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/testimonials)
    - [Case Studies](https://www.withwayfinder.com/why-wayfinder/case-studies)
- [Resources](https://www.withwayfinder.com/resources/resources) 
    - [Curriculum Samples](https://www.withwayfinder.com/resources/sample-curriculum)
    - [Guides](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/guides)
    - [Conferences + Events](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/wayfinder-conferences-events)
    - [Funding Support](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/funding-grant-writing-resources)
    - [Blog](https://blog.withwayfinder.com)
    - [Shop](https://shop.withwayfinder.com/)
- [About Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/about) 
    - [Wayfinder Story](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/story)
    - [Our Team](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/team)
    - [Careers](https://www.withwayfinder.com/about/careers)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact)

© Wayfinder 2026

[Privacy Policy](https://www.withwayfinder.com/privacy-policy) [Terms of Service](https://www.withwayfinder.com/terms-of-service) [Partners and Integrations](https://www.withwayfinder.com/partners-and-integrations)

[![Instagram](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/ig.svg) Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wayfinder_edu) [![LinkedIn](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/linkedin.svg) LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayfinder-edu/) [![Threads](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/threads.svg) Threads](https://www.threads.net/@wayfinder_edu) [![Facebook](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/fb.svg) Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wayfinder.education) [![BlueSky](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Icons%20(800%20x%20800%20px).png) BlueSky](https://bsky.app/profile/wayfinder-edu.bsky.social) [![youtube](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/youtube.svg) youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@withwayfinder)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "VideoObject",
  "caption" : {
    "@type" : "MediaObject",
    "contentUrl" : "https://pages.withwayfinder.com/media-transcripts/217669686850/en.vtt",
    "inLanguage" : "en",
    "name" : "en Captions"
  },
  "contentUrl" : "https://21904666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21904666/video_assets/217669686850/inherited/web_optimized.mp4",
  "dateModified" : "2026-07-21T20:24:07.428Z",
  "duration" : "PT1M19.253S",
  "height" : 1080,
  "name" : "the_importance_of_the_first_30_days_of_school_-_stowe_elementary (1080p) (1)",
  "thumbnailUrl" : "https://21904666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21904666/Videos%20%2B%20Thumbnails/Featured%20Schools/The%20Importance%20of%20the%20First%2030%20Days%20of%20School%20-%20Stowe%20Elementary.mp4/medium.jpg",
  "uploadDate" : "2026-07-21T20:23:44.815Z",
  "width" : 1920
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "VideoObject",
  "contentUrl" : "https://21904666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21904666/Videos%20%2B%20Thumbnails/Featured%20Schools/The%20Importance%20of%20the%20First%2030%20Days%20of%20School%20-%20Stowe%20Elementary.mp4",
  "description" : "At Stowe Elementary in Des Moines, Iowa, the answer wasn't a new policy—it was a shift in culture. Three years ago, more than a third of students were chronically absent. Today, that number is as low as 12%. In this video, Stowe's principal, associate principal, success case manager, classroom teacher, and students share what changed—and why kids now say they come to school because it brings them joy. From the first 30 days of school to year-round belonging, Stowe's story shows what's possible when a school community comes together to make every day worth showing up for. Learn how Wayfinder supports schools building belonging and future-ready skills at withwayfinder.com.",
  "duration" : "PT1M19S",
  "keywords" : "chronic absenteeism, Student Attendance, school belonging, MTSS",
  "name" : "The Importance of the First 30 Days of School - Stowe Elementary",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/61b278e75dfa79997c242442/61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Wayfinder"
  },
  "thumbnailUrl" : "https://21904666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21904666/stowe.jpg",
  "uploadDate" : "2026-07-21"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://www.withwayfinder.com/#organization",
  "@type" : "EducationalOrganization",
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "US",
    "addressLocality" : "Beaverton",
    "addressRegion" : "OR",
    "postalCode" : "97225",
    "streetAddress" : "500 SW 116th Ave, Suite 178"
  },
  "alternateName" : "Wayfinder K-12 Future-Ready Skills",
  "areaServed" : {
    "@type" : "Country",
    "name" : "United States"
  },
  "award" : [ "CASEL SELect Designation - Grades 6-9", "CASEL SELect Designation - Grade 12" ],
  "contactPoint" : [ {
    "@type" : "ContactPoint",
    "areaServed" : "US",
    "availableLanguage" : [ "English", "Spanish" ],
    "contactType" : "Customer Support",
    "email" : "success@withwayfinder.com"
  }, {
    "@type" : "ContactPoint",
    "areaServed" : "US",
    "availableLanguage" : "English",
    "contactType" : "Sales",
    "url" : "https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact"
  } ],
  "description" : "Wayfinder is a comprehensive K-12 curriculum and platform that helps schools build future-ready skills and increase student engagement. With research-backed lessons, MTSS-ready resources, educator professional learning, and real-time data insights, Wayfinder equips districts to help every student develop self-awareness, empathy, collaboration, agency, and purpose.",
  "email" : "success@withwayfinder.com",
  "foundingDate" : "2015",
  "hasCredential" : {
    "@type" : "EducationalOccupationalCredential",
    "credentialCategory" : "CASEL SELect Program",
    "recognizedBy" : {
      "@type" : "Organization",
      "name" : "CASEL",
      "url" : "https://casel.org"
    }
  },
  "knowsAbout" : [ "Social Emotional Learning", "SEL Curriculum", "K-12 Education", "CASEL Framework", "CASEL SELect Programs", "Student Development", "Educational Technology", "Purpose-Based Learning", "Advisory Curriculum", "MTSS Tier 1", "MTSS Tier 2 Interventions", "MTSS Tier 3 Interventions", "College and Career Readiness", "MTSS", "K-12 Curriculum", "MTSS", "Social Emotional Curriculum", "School and district leaders", "Resources for School Administrators", "Resources for District Administrators", "Social Emotional Education", "Future-Ready Skills", "Durable Skills for Students", "Student Well-Being", "Student Wellness", "School Counselor Resources", "Tools for School Counselors", "District-Wide K-12 Curriculum", "AI in Education", "Digital Discernment", "Cellphones in Schools", "School Resources", "School District Resources", "Student Belonging", "Chronic Absenteeism", "Student Attendance", "Bullying Prevention" ],
  "legalName" : "Wayfinder, Inc.",
  "logo" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "caption" : "Wayfinder Logo",
    "height" : 200,
    "url" : "https://www.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/wayfinder-logo-main.png",
    "width" : 600
  },
  "name" : "Wayfinder",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayfinder-edu/", "https://www.instagram.com/wayfinder_edu", "https://www.facebook.com/wayfinder.education", "https://www.youtube.com/@withwayfinder", "https://www.threads.net/@wayfinder_edu", "https://bsky.app/profile/wayfinder-edu.bsky.social", "https://pg.casel.org/wayfinder/" ],
  "slogan" : "Purpose-driven learning for K-12 students",
  "url" : "https://www.withwayfinder.com"
}
```