Happy New Year!
Wait… despite its accuracy, that might not be the right greeting for this time of year. Nonetheless, I hope the new school year has brought you happiness!
Before diving in, I want to acknowledge that I seriously considered not continuing with these posts. Self-doubt had set in, and I wasn’t sure if they were bringing as much value to people as I had hoped. The last thing I want is for this to feel like “one more thing”—for you, or for me.
However, about a month ago—when these posts were supposed to start—people began asking, “Where’s the message?” Since then, I’ve heard from enough of you and made enough promises to continue that you’re getting a little bit more! The goal remains the same: I want to encourage your hearts and remind you that greatness begins with a choice.
As many of you know, I have the privilege of working for an amazing organization, Capturing Kids’ Hearts. One of my favorite parts of the job is training educators on our process. Earlier this summer, one of our leaders, my friend Julie, shared some encouragement with our team, and within it was a powerful challenge: “Less of us, more of them.” It was a reminder that leadership is at its best when shared with everyone.
I want to carry that same spirit into this year’s posts: less of me, more of you. If I’ve learned anything from the past three years of meeting with leaders nationwide, it’s that “we are smarter than me.” I’m so grateful for what I’ve learned from all of you and how you’ve helped me become a better leader. This year, I want to focus on and share the leadership lessons I’ve learned (and will continue to learn) from you.
Just last week, I had the pleasure of working alongside the team at Somerset Hills School District in New Jersey. The Superintendent, Dr. Brian Brotschul, is someone I’ve come to deeply respect and admire over the past two years. I believe his words to the district on their opening day are a great reminder for all of us as we begin another year with students.
Dear Colleagues,
I wish you well today as students arrive at your rooms eager to learn, excited to connect with you and their peers, and prepared to take the next step in their respective education. Whether today marks their very first day in our Kindergarten rooms, or the first day of their last year with us, each of you makes an impact, and each of you allow the District to become an important part of the story of many children.
Although we hosted Commencement for the Class of 2024 only 75 days ago, I shared some thoughts with the graduation class from Robert Fulghum, whose words in the book All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindegarten ring true in all aspects of your work as educators and bear repeating as you work with your next cohort of students:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
Although simple, the above has a lot of possible reflection points and ideas to share in your classrooms, regardless of the grade span in which you teach.
The new year offers an opportunity to shift, change, grow, and develop. My role is to allow you all the space and grace to meet and exceed any expectations you have for yourself. I hope I perform those skills well for you. After all, without the entirety of our staff here in the District, our students do not exceed their potential.
Please enjoy the journey that the year provides – I look forward to seeing what you all achieve in your classrooms, performance spaces, athletic fields, and beyond.
Sincerely,
Brian
#ChooseToBeGreat
Angelo
CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 