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The Power of Being Prepared: Why Our First Three Days Were a Massive Success

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 We just wrapped up our first three days of school, and the energy across campus is incredible! The secret to this smooth start didn't happen by chance; it was all about preparation. Building the Foundation We spent April, May, and June completely resetting our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. We sat down with teachers and staff to identify the exact behaviors we want to see in every corner of our campus—from the cafeteria to the hallways. To keep those expectations clear and top-of-mind, we installed new signage everywhere. Before the school year even started, our teaching team came together for a focused one-day training to ensure we were all aligned. Teaching the blacktop expectations Teaching Expectations from Day One During these first three days, we met directly with every student in grades 1 through 6 to walk through and review our common area rules together. Because of this proactive approach, we are already seeing the positive, respectful beh...
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Stealing Time for Science: A "One School, One Book" Adventure 📚🔬

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After 19 years in education—navigating everything from the toothless smiles of kindergarten to the voice-cracking transitions of 8th grade—I’ve learned one universal truth: time is our most precious resource. As a principal, I’m a firm believer that we shouldn't just be lecturing; we should be coaching kids through authentic, real-world discovery. But in the crowded schedule of an elementary school day, Science often gets pushed to the back burner. That’s why my recent job-embedded project focused on one thing: "Stealing" time back for Science. The Vision: From Presenters to Coaches I used our school-wide "One School, One Book" (OSOB) event as a launchpad to integrate NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) concepts directly into our literacy blocks. The goal was simple but ambitious: I wanted to see our teachers shift from "presenters" to "Science Coaches." I wanted to walk into a reading lesson and see students actively using Science an...
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The "1000 Days of May": Surviving the May-ember Madness

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 They call it May, but any school administrator knows the truth: it’s May-ember . It is that high-octane, non-stop, "how-is-it-only-Tuesday" marathon that marks the end of the academic year. This year, it feels like the madness didn't even wait for the calendar to flip; it spilled right over from April and hit the ground running. It is only May 5 , and if you feel like you’ve already lived a thousand days this month, you aren't alone. The Administrator’s Mental Tab If you looked at the "open tabs" in an admin’s brain right now, it would look something like this: The School Side: State testing logistics, Open House prep, final evaluations, the delicate puzzle of classroom placement for next year, hiring new talent, and the inevitable "staff shuffle." The Big Picture: My district team and I are currently deep in the trenches designing important new incentives for next year. Is May the "right" time to add one more thing to the plate? Proba...
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When Life Gives You Coyotes, Change the Plan: Reflecting on Jam with the Fam

  When Life Gives You Coyotes, Change the Plan: Reflecting on Jam with the Fam If there is one thing we’ve learned in education, it’s that flexibility isn't just a skill—it’s a survival tactic. Our annual Jam with the Fam family dance is usually the highlight of the spring. Last year was a total blast with over 200 people glowing under the blacklights. This year? Well, let’s just say Mother Nature and a very persistent coyote had other ideas. The Best Laid Plans... We started with high hopes for April 10. We had the neon ready, the blacklights prepped, and the food trucks booked. But as the date approached, the clouds opened up. Since Jam with the Fam is an indoor/outdoor social event, we made the tough call to postpone one week to April 17 to stay dry. We felt like we won! The food trucks could reschedule, and while our DJ couldn't make the new date, he hooked us up with a killer custom playlist. We were golden. Or so we thought. The "Wild" Turn of Events By Tuesda...
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Sunshine, Sandwiches, and Smiles: A Recap of Lunch on the Lawn

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  There is something magical about breaking the routine of the school day, especially when it involves a picnic blanket and a favorite grown-up. Our recent Lunch on the lawn event in April was a resounding success, proving once again that some of the best school memories are the simplest ones to make. With over 200 adults joining us on campus, the energy was electric (and the weather was perfect!). Here’s a look at why this event has become a community favorite. Low Stress, High Connection The beauty of "Lunch on the Lawn" is its simplicity. We wanted to create an event that focused on connection rather than complex logistics. Easy Check-In: Families skipped the front office lines and checked in at tables right outside. A quick sticker later, they were ready to feast! Lost and Found Spotlight: We took the opportunity to spread out the "Lost and Found" mountain. Seeing parents reunited with long-lost hoodies and water bottles was a win for everyone involved. Picn...
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Stop Reinventing the Wheel! 🎡

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  The "Save-Your-Sanity" School Flyer Bundle: September thru May Let’s be real for a second: It’s 7:00 PM on a Sunday. You’re finally sitting down with a glass of wine (or a very large coffee), and suddenly you remember— Open House is in three days.  You realize you haven't posted to Instagram, the school Facebook page is silent, and the "Upcoming Events" section of your newsletter is looking a little... blank. We’ve all been there. In my  19 years in the front office , I’ve learned that communication is the heartbeat of a school, but  creating  that communication from scratch every single month? That’s how burnout happens. I’m on a mission to help school leaders move from "Chaos Coordinator" to "Confident Communicator." That’s why I created the  September thru May Monthly Event Flyer Bundle.  I built these in the trenches for my own school community, and now I’m sharing the playbook with you. What’s Inside the Bundle?  This isn't just a ...
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