Reflecting On “The Final Stretch” (CtbG Y3:E33)

~ Angelo DelliSanti

On April 28, I wrote a post titled The Final Stretch. It focused on a few key areas that I thought would help educators finish the year strong. As a recap, the main points were:

  • Set the Standard
  • Connect with People
  • Affirmations Matter
  • Give Grace Generously (G3)
  • Create Memorable Moments
  • Reflect and Grow

Three weeks later, I find myself wondering how these six simple behaviors are going for you. If you’re reading this and struggling with “simple,” I’d point you to a phrase my friend Shane uses all the time: “Simple doesn’t mean easy.”

Some of you will finish your school year this week, while others reading these words have well over a month of school left to go. Wherever you are in the year, I invite you to stop and reflect on the ideas I listed above.

Where have you been successful, and what fruit have you seen because of your intentional actions?

Likewise, is there one specific area where you’ve fallen short?

For me, giving grace as generously as I hope to receive it is a constant challenge. There are moments when I have to push myself to offer grace, even when every part of me is thinking, “You should know better!” or “How would you feel if the roles were reversed?” I’m not proud of those thoughts, but they’re true. I have to be intentional about giving grace, even when it’s hard. Oftentimes, that’s when it’s needed the most.

If there’s a particular area you’re working on and you’d appreciate a midweek check-in, just reach out and I’ll make it a point to follow up.

As you push through The Final Stretch, remember that you’re having a continuous impact on everyone around you. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be a leader. Be intentional over these final weeks; you never know how far the ripples might reach.

#ChooseToBeGreat

Angelo

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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.

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