I hope your first week back was awesome and that you are well-rested and ready to go for the upcoming week!
As I mentioned in last week’s email, each new semester affords us the opportunity to refresh and start anew. With that in mind, I want to offer you a challenge this week.
What’s one thing you can do, with respect to your own professional habits, that would result in the greatest good for your district, your school, or your classroom?
I asked my staff this question halfway through my first year as a Principal. I’ve asked it several times since then, but the reason why I started with this question was because of a conversation I had with one of my school counselors. Over the years, he and I have developed a very strong relationship, but it wasn’t easy at first. In fact, it was downright hard. That conversation was one of the hard times.
I can still see him sitting across from me in the media center and I can hear him say the words, “I don’t know who you are. I know don’t what you’re about.” Talk about a punch in the gut! But, he was right. I was so busy trying to be the “perfect principal” that I hadn’t really given my staff the chance to know me, and I realized very quickly that intentionally getting to know them was the single greatest thing I could do for my school.
So, today, I’m asking you the same question: What’s one thing you can do that would have the greatest impact on your district, school, or classroom? I challenge you to write it down and keep it in front of you throughout this semester. Tell a trusted colleague or close friend and have them serve as an accountability partner.
I’d love to know what you decide to do and/or how it’s going in a few months.
Choose to be Great!
Angelo
Published by Angelo DelliSanti
“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career.
Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017.
Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.
View all posts by Angelo DelliSanti
CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 