INSPIRE Within a matter of hours, our entire world seemed upside down and out of focus. While we had known for a while of the possibility it could come, the domino effect for our family had been shockingly quick and surprisingly unsettling. Our story in those first days of the COVID-19 shutdown is is not... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE A staff member entered my office, sat down at the table with me and sighed deeply. She began, "This conversation is going to be uncomfortable." She looked up from her notecard at me with a nervous but hopeful glance and then continued, "And that's ok. I know we'll get through it and I know... Continue Reading →

To the loyal and awesome members of the #TMGenius tribe (aka TM leaders, geniuses, and proud families): I was inspired to begin this tradition of writing a letter to our tribe this year when my good friend and leadership coach, Danny Bauer, shared his third annual letter and the reasoning behind this valuable practice. (Interested... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE After an all-call, many unfamiliar faces gathered to greet me in the lobby. While I can’t remember the exact words I said, I do remember the gist of my very first message to my new staff, “My first objective will be to learn. Learn about you, what your hopes are, who our students need... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE The Professional Learning Community (PLC) work of Richard and Rebecca DuFour speaks to building the kind of culture that supports the important and impactful work of adult learning and ultimately, our endgame, student success. Specifically, they address the kind of leadership that some may think of as an either/or choice - either building a... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE I distinctly remember the first time I addressed the 70+ people who would now be calling me their principal. Not only was I brand new to the role, but I'd recently moved to the area and was new to the district. These people didn't know me and I didn't know them. Whatever I communicated,... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE When your school culture is all about positivity and that magical mixture of love and high expectations, there needs to be a certain amount of healthy conflict to combat artificial harmony and ensure the forces of mediocrity aren't winning. In the last several years, our school has developed compelling and connected core values, vision,... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE Great leaders are, without exception, great communicators. They find effective ways to communicate in a language and manner that not only paint a crystal clear picture of their vision, but also give those they serve the information, feedback, and motivation they need. Effective communication is ultimately about connecting people and bringing them together towards... Continue Reading →

LEARN It's official. The honeymoon is over. Deep into October, the newness of the school year has worn off and it's easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the awesome things we wanted to be and accomplish this year. We remember August's passion and energy around our vision of being a better version of ourselves... Continue Reading →

INSPIRE The four pillars that Solution Tree suggests are necessary for an effective PLC, or Professional Learning Community, are the same that all effective organizations are built upon. The vision, mission, core values, and goals all align to keep everyone focused and committed on the most impactful and important work. Our school team has done... Continue Reading →