The first weeks of school set the tone for everything that follows. They’re about expectations and routines — but also about something deeper: giving students a true sense of belonging and agency. In this article, Challenge Success, shares a practical three-step blueprint for teachers to foster agency from day one — helping students feel heard, supported, and empowered in their learning. It’s a reminder that when students are given the space to ask, share, and explore, they don’t just learn more — they thrive.