In an era where perception shapes reality, the story your school tells, or fails to tell, matters more than ever. Branding goes beyond logos and colors; it’s about crafting a clear identity, building trust, and forging meaningful connections with families and the community.
When done intentionally, school branding becomes a powerful tool for increasing family engagement, ensuring consistent communication, and strengthening
school culture. It provides a voice, a visual identity, and a unifying message that reinforces who you are and what you stand for.
What is School Branding?
Branding is the intentional expression of your school’s mission, values, and culture. It includes visual design but also the tone of your
The Power of Predictability: A Key to Strengthening School Culture and Climate
By Philip Carney, EdD
Envision a classroom where both the teacher and the students are frustrated. The teacher is upset because students aren’t following expectations, and the students are escalating—not out of defiance, but because the expectations are unclear and inconsistently enforced. When no one really knows what to expect, the environment feels unsettled. Students become distracted. Behaviors become disruptive. And learning quickly takes a back seat to confusion.
This situation raises an important question: If the rules only matter sometimes, do they really matter at all?
The Importance of Predictability
In education, where change and uncertainty are con-
stants, school leaders are always searching for ways to improve student behavior, enhance teacher effectiveness, increase student performance, and foster a positive school climate. While innovative strategies and new technologies often take the spotlight, one of the most overlooked yet essential elements of a thriving school is predictability.
Predictability might seem mundane or even rigid at first glance, but it plays a crucial role in creating a structured, safe, and productive learning environment. When students and teachers know what to expect and how to respond to one another, stress decreases, engagement rises, and behavior improves.
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TEPSA President/Dana Harley Boyd
Hello TEPSANs and Happy Holidays,
As we step into the year’s final weeks and approach winter break, I offer a simple word of encouragement. Legacy lives in relationships—how a child is greeted by name, how a teacher feels supported, and how families are welcomed with dignity. Kids feel it. Adults echo it. Communities remember it.
As the first half of the year closes, take a quiet moment to reflect: What legacy have you begun to build since August? What is the one thing teachers, students, and community members will connect to your leadership this year?
This fall, I leaned into coaching principals on purposeful walkthroughs and effective feedback. Our conversations have been honest and growth-minded, and the change is visible—clearer look-fors, tighter supports, and more confident instructional leadership. Seeing that transformation in just a few months is a legacy I’m grateful to witness; it reminds me that sustained coaching shifts practice and, ultimately, changes student lives. Consider writing a three-sentence legacy statement and sharing it with your team so everyone knows what you are intentionally building together.
This season is about finding the gifts in all of us and naming them out loud. Before the break, affirm your faculty’s greatest gift—be specific about how it shapes learning and culture, and connect it to your campus vision. Encourage your faculty to do the same for students and families. A short note, a quick call, a sincere hallway word can carry someone until the first semester break. Extend this spirit to community partners who show up for your kids—let them know their support matters.
Above all, TEPSAN leaders, truly rest. Set the autoresponder. Close the laptop. Take a walk. Read for joy. Sleep without an alarm. Protect one fully offline day. Disconnect so you can return reconnected to your purpose. Rest isn’t the enemy of excellence; it’s the engine. Healthy leaders build healthy schools.
When we return, we’ll sharpen the work: belonging first, foundations steady, routines reset, feedback tight, hope high. Your legacy is not perfection—it’s faithfulness and courage— choosing people over performance urgency and leaving every space a little more loving and a little more excellent.
With gratitude and purpose,
Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association
Telling Your Story: The Power of School Branding
messaging, the stories you share, and the experiences families have when they interact with your school. Strong branding aligns what you say with what you do. It communicates with authenticity, fosters unity, and cultivates pride. Most importantly, it connects back to your mission and vision, ensuring your identity is consistent with the experiences families and staff actually have.
A Driver of Engagement
Families want to feel connected to the place where their children spend much of their day. Branding helps make that connection. From marquee messages to family newsletters, event graphics to social media posts, consistent branding communicates, “You belong here.”
Thoughtful branding also increases participation. Events like a “STAAR-B-Que” feel more intentional than a generic “Family Night.” Families begin to see themselves as part of the story being told. Sharing student achievements, staff highlights, and partnerships through branded messaging builds pride and strengthens ties between schools and the community.
Consistency in Communication
Clarity is a gift to families. Strategic branding provides a consistent framework for communication, helping parents quickly recognize what’s important. Whether through a Facebook post, weekly email, or campus message, unified branding ensures the school speaks with one voice.
Consistency also strengthens internal communication when staff newsletters, presentations, and signage reflect the same look and feel, reinforcing key messages and unity.
Owning Your Story
Every school has a story, but without intention, others may shape it for you. Branding empowers leaders to own the narrative and showcase what makes their school unique. It also fuels pride. When students and staff see their school’s story celebrated, through spirit wear, murals, hashtags, and recognition spotlights, they gain a stronger sense of belonging. These aren’t just decorations; they’re culture-builders.
Practical Strategies
Effective branding doesn’t require a big budget. Start with these steps:
• Clarify your message: Center communication on your strengths and values.
• Stay consistent: Use consistent colors, logos, and fonts.
• Share often: Highlight stories in newsletters, websites, and on social media.
• Involve your people: Let students and staff create content or serve as ambassadors.
• Celebrate: Recognize achievements to build pride and connection.
• Listen: Gather feedback to keep your brand strong.
Final Thoughts
School branding isn’t about image—it’s about authentically communicating who you are and what you value. Done with purpose, it becomes a bridge: connecting schools with families, fueling school pride, and shaping a reputation that reflects the heart of your campus.
Branding gives clarity to your message, energy to your culture, and ensures your story is heard and understood. Most importantly, it lifts the incredible work happening every day in your classrooms. If you don’t tell your story, someone else will, so make sure it’s one worth sharing.
TEPSA member Maggie Walton is a principal in Granbury ISD. With over 15 years in education, she is passionate about cultivating culture, developing staff, and creating schools where students and teachers thrive.
The Power of Predictability
Research consistently shows that schools with clear expectations and predictable routines experience fewer behavioral disruptions, higher student achievement, and stronger teacher-student relationships (Sprick, Garrison, and Howard, 2021). If school leaders truly want to build a strong and positive culture, predictability must be near the top of the priority list.
Predictability Creates a Safe and Productive Environment
Predictability is not just about rules; it’s about creating stability and structure. In high-stress situations, whether in a classroom or across the school campus, predictability allows students and staff to feel safe and in control.
Consider the daily act of driving a car. It’s often cited as one of the most dangerous things people do regularly. Yet, most of us get behind the wheel each day without overwhelming anxiety—because we trust that others know the rules of the road and will follow them. We expect drivers to stay in their lanes, obey traffic signals, and yield when appropriate. In short, we expect them to drive predictably.
Now, imagine that while driving, someone suddenly swerves across lanes, runs a red light, or ignores a stop sign. In that moment, your sense of security vanishes. Your focus sharpens, and you become hyper-alert to potential danger. This sudden shift occurs because the predictability you rely on has been broken—and when predictability disappears, safety feels uncertain and fragile.
The same principle applies in schools. When expectations and responses are consistent and predictable, students feel safe and know how to navigate their environment. However, in an unpredictable school setting, where rules are unclear or inconsistently enforced, students experience uncertainty, heightened anxiety, and even trauma.
The Research on Predictability in Schools
Educational research supports what effective school leaders already understand: predictability contributes to stability, increases engagement, and promotes positive behavior.
• Predictability Reduces Behavioral Issues: A study found that when teachers consistently enforced classroom expectations, student behavior improved significantly, and disciplinary referrals dropped by 41% (Emmer & Evertson, 2016).
• Predictability Lowers Stress and Enhances Learning: The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI) emphasizes that predictable environments are especially critical for students with trauma histories.
These environments help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Schools with clear routines and structured interventions report fewer emotional outbursts and higher levels of student engagement (TLPI, 2020).
• Predictability Strengthens Student-Teacher Relationships: Research by Sprick, Garrison, and Howard (2021) shows that when students know what to expect from their teachers, they are less likely to resist authority and more receptive to feedback and redirection.
How School Leaders Can Prioritize Predictability
Predictability starts at the classroom level, but school and district leaders play a critical role in ensuring that consistency extends across the entire school.
1. Establish and Communicate Clear and Consistent Expectations
Predictability begins with establishing clear, specific expectations for both students and staff. It’s important to note that posting rules isn’t enough—students must clearly understand:
• What is expected of them in various situations.
• What responses they can anticipate from teachers and administrators if they meet—or fail to meet— those expectations.
For example, when teachers use pre-established redirection strategies, students are less likely to resist interventions. Consider a teacher who tells students: “If you get off task, I will quietly place a blue card on your desk as a reminder to refocus.”
If this expectation is clearly communicated and consistently applied, students are less likely to react defensively when redirected. But in a classroom without predictability, where a teacher imposes an unexpected consequence, students may interpret a random redirection as unfair, leading to defiance or disruption.
2. Align Expectations Across Classrooms and Campuses
When expectations vary from one classroom to another, students receive mixed messages. This inconsistency often leads to confusion, frustration, and a lack of trust in the school’s systems.
Imagine an elementary school where one teacher enforces a strict “no talking in the hallways” policy, while another allows casual conversation. Or consider a middle or high school where one teacher strictly enforces a no-cell-phone policy, while another teacher down the hall regularly allows students to use their phones without redirection. Students quickly learn that rules can seem subjective and situational— undermining their sense of fairness and contributing to behavioral issues. ) page 6
The Power of Predictability continued from page 5
To prevent inconsistency, leaders should ensure expectations and consequences are aligned across classrooms, grade levels, and the entire campus. While achieving full alignment among all staff members on every expectation is extremely challenging, it is essential to establish a strong baseline of consistency across various school settings. Greater predictability can be achieved by:
• Collaborating with teachers and administrators to create and define common expectations.
• Consistently enforcing rules across all settings and personnel.
• Clearly communicating with students and families so everyone understands what to expect.
3. Use Predictability to De-escalate Conflict
Unpredictability often leads to stress and emotional escalation, while clear, consistent, and predictable responses help defuse tension. This principle extends beyond schools. Consider predictability’s role in a high-stress profession like law enforcement.
When police officers, for example, give clear and specific commands, people are more likely to comply because they understand what is expected. A calm and structured interaction allows both parties to navigate the situation safely.
However, if an individual behaves unpredictably by making sudden movements or ignoring directions, the situation can escalate quickly. The officer, trained to assess potential threats, may perceive the unexpected movement as dangerous, possibly mistaking it for an attempt to reach for a weapon. In this case, a lack of predictable behavior creates unnecessary risk for both the officer and the individual.
While the stakes in schools may be lower, the same principle still applies. When students know in advance how misbehavior will be addressed, they are less likely to react emotionally or escalate aggressively.
For example, compare these two school scenarios:
• Unpredictable Response: A student blurts out in class. The teacher suddenly yells and gives an unanticipated consequence, causing defensiveness and escalation by the student.
• Predictable Response: A student blurts out. The teacher uses a pre-established intervention such as a non-verbal cue or guided questioning to redirect the off-task behavior. Because the student expects this response, the child is more likely to self-correct without resistance.
When teachers handle behavioral issues with consistent, predictable interventions, students tend to remain calmer and more cooperative. Just as structured communication helps reduce stress and risk in other high-pressure situations, predictability in the classroom can create a sense of emotional safety and prevent escalation.
Predictability as a Leadership Priority
Predictability doesn’t mean rigidity—it means creating a stable, supportive learning environment where students and staff can thrive.
• When students know what to expect, they feel more secure and confident.
• When teachers apply consistent interventions, students are more likely to trust the established systems and self-regulate.
• When administrators align expectations across classrooms, the school culture shifts toward stability, engagement, and success.
Campus educators at all levels—teachers, instructional coaches, assistant principals, and principals—can impact their school’s climate by intentionally reinforcing predictability. Even small adjustments can transform a chaotic, reactive environment into one where learning and positive relationships flourish.
District leaders play an equally important role when they treat predictability as more than just a classroom management tool. Instead, it should be seen as a strategic investment in student achievement, teacher retention, and school safety. When behavioral systems are clear, consistent, and predictable, schools experience fewer disciplinary referrals, stronger teacherstudent connections, and better academic outcomes.
Dr. Philip Carney is the owner and lead consultant of Connect-Ed Solutions. He draws from over 20 years of experience as a teacher, campus principal, and district administrator to help schools implement practical, researchinformed systems that support student and staff success.
References
Emmer, E. T., & Evertson, C. M. (2016). Classroom Management for Middle and High School Teachers. Pearson.
Sprick, R., Garrison, M., & Howard, L. (2021). CHAMPS: A Proactive Approach to Classroom Management. Pacific Northwest Publishing. Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (2020). Consistency and Predictability in Trauma-Informed Schools. TLPI.
ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used solely to enhance language clarity and readability. It was not used to generate original content, develop arguments, or conduct analysis. The author reviewed all edits and accepts full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of this work.
Empowering Student Leaders Through Service: Our Top 5 Campus Community Projects
At Helena Park Elementary, leadership is more than a title—it’s a commitment to serve others with heart, empathy, and purpose. As assistant principal, I have the privilege of watching our students grow into compassionate, proactive leaders, not just within our school walls, but throughout our local community. While we utilize the Capturing Kids’ Hearts framework to build strong internal relationships, our students have developed meaningful ways to connect with and support the world around them.
Through our student-led service organization, K-Kids, our 5th graders have taken leadership to the next level. These students, along with their teacher sponsors, work collaboratively to identify needs, organize projects, and inspire others to join in acts of service. Here are our top five community projects that not only address real-world needs but also empower students to lead with integrity and heart:
1. Humane Society Drive
Understanding the importance of kindness to all living beings, our students lead a campus-wide collection for our local Humane Society. Students create flyers, encourage their peers to donate, and collect donations of pet food, toys, collars, and blankets. This project teaches them responsibility, advocacy, and the value of caring for voiceless members of our community.
2. Community Care and Prayer Outreach
Drive
In partnership with a local nonprofit, our students collect non-perishable food, warm clothing, and toiletries for individuals and families experiencing hardship. K-Kids coordinates the drive from start to finish—sorting donations, creating care kits, and even helping deliver them. The experience reinforces empathy and the importance of direct community impact.
3. Thanksgiving Basket Project
One of our most heartwarming traditions, this project provides complete Thanksgiving meals for families in need within our own school community. Students organize donation lists, decorate boxes, and help pack meals with love. This project helps students recognize the value of gratitude and ensures every family has a seat at the table during the holidays.
4. The Giving Field Partnership: Campus Garden and Seed Ball Creation
Students roll up their sleeves and work hand-inhand with The Giving Field, a local urban farm, to learn about sustainability and food security. They create seed balls, plant produce, and help maintain our school’s garden. Not only does this project teach science and environmental stewardship, but it fosters patience, teamwork, and long-term vision. ) page 8
Empowering Student Leaders Through Service
5. Pink Out Day: Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Foundation
To raise awareness and support for breast cancer prevention and research, our students organize a “Pink Out Day,” encouraging staff and peers to wear pink and donate to the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Foundation. Students compete against homerooms, enjoy dressing up in extreme pink, and organize campuswide events, learning how to use their voice to bring light to serious causes.
Each of these projects not only addresses a local need but also empowers students to take ownership of their impact. They are the planners, problem-solvers, and heart behind every effort. At Helena Park Elementary, we don’t just build students—we build communityminded leaders who understand that service is a powerful path to connection, purpose, and change.
When students lead with compassion and action, they become the kind of leaders our world truly needs.
Lainey Hanna, a TEPSA member with 17 years of experience in education, has served as Assistant Principal at Helena Park Elementary in Nederland ISD for six years. Previously a middle school educator, she is honored to be recognized as the 2025 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year for Texas and TEPSA Region 5 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Scan the QR code to learn more from Lainey and other leading practitioners on the TEPSA Talk podcast recently named #39 in Best 100 Educational Leadership Podcasts (Million Podcasts) and #76 in Top 100 Texas Podcasts (Feedspot Texas Podcasts). Listen and subscribe on Spotify and Apple.
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Doing Your Level Best with Senate Bill 12
Texas Senate Bill 12, passed during the most recent session of the Texas Legislature, enacts sweeping changes to parent rights, DEI, and student health and safety. It has been met with confusion, but some things are clear: There are new requirements for educators that, if violated, could result in mandatory discipline.
Parent Rights
Parents have always had supreme rights to their children’s education. This has become a focus of recent legislative sessions. SB 12 says a public school may not infringe upon a parent’s rights unless to provide lifesaving care or to promote a compelling state interest.1
DEI is Banned
Except as required by law, a school district: “May not assign diversity, equity, and inclusion duties to any person; and shall prohibit a district employee, contractor, or volunteer from engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion duties at, for, or on behalf of the district.”2 This specifically bans employees, contractors, and volunteers for DEI projects, except some student clubs. More on clubs below.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion duties means:
• influencing employment practices with respect to race, sex, color, or ethnicity except as required by law;
• promoting differential treatment of or providing special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity;
• developing or implementing policies, procedures, trainings, activities, or programs that reference race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation except for the purpose of student recruitment efforts by Historically Black Colleges and Universities or as required by law; and
• compelling, requiring, inducing, or soliciting any person to provide a DEI statement or considering any person based on the provision of a DEI statement.3
The law allows some DEI student clubs as long as each student has parental consent, but it specifically does not allow clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity.⁴
The law cautions districts not to infringe upon a student’s First Amendment rights. The State: “Hey school districts, if you violate a student’s constitutional rights when you ban all the DEI stuff, remember, we told you not to.” One assumes it is still lawful for a student to wear a non-disruptive article of DEI clothing, for example. The law does not say a school employee’s First Amendment rights are protected.
SB 12 says a public school may not infringe upon a parent’s rights unless to provide life-saving care or to promote a compelling state interest.¹
Punishment: School districts shall adopt a policy and procedure for the discipline, including termination, of a district employee or contractor who intentionally or knowingly engages in or assigns to another person diversity, equity, and inclusion duties.
Student Health Care
A school employee or contractor must obtain parental consent before:
• providing health care services, tests, or treatments; or
• providing medication
Consent for “routine care” as that term is defined by the district provided by someone who is “authorized by the district” to provide health care services, can be obtained at the beginning of the year and will be effective unless withdrawn until the end of the year.⁵
The TEA created a model notice to parents to opt-in or opt-out of certain health care and related services. View "Model Language to Comply with Senate Bill (SB) 12 and Texas Education Code (TEC), §§26.0083 and 26.009" at https://bit.ly/3VMLi1C.
The TEA also developed a parental notification containing parental rights and options for a variety of programs, activities, and health care services.⁶ View "Parental Rights and Options Information" at https:// bit.ly/4noGVpb.
Be on the lookout for continued guidance from TEA and your district on parental notifications, opt-ins, and opt-outs.
Punishment: A school district shall take disciplinary action against an employee for providing health care services if the district did not obtain a parent’s consent for the child’s participation in that activity.
Conclusion
This article barely scratches the surface of SB 12. Until the confusion is clarified by the state, strict enforcement of the mandatory punishments will cause a hyper-conservative interpretation by those seeking to keep their jobs and certifications.
Kevin Lungwitz practices law in Austin and is a former Chair of the School Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Endnotes
1Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 1.009
2Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 11.005
3Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 11.005(a)
4Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 11.005e(5)(d); Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 38.0815
5Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 26.009(a-3)
6Tex. Educ. Code Sec. 26.001(e)
Note: Information from Legal Ease is believed to be correct upon publication but is not warranted and should not be considered legal advice. Please contact TEPSA or your school district attorney before taking any legal action as specific facts or circumstances may cause a different legal outcome.
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Celebrate Outstanding Texas PK-8 School Leaders: Call for TEPSA Award Recommendations
Visit the Awards section at tepsa.org to learn more and submit a recommendation.
NAESP National Distinguished Principal for Texas
In partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the prestigious National Distinguished Principal (NDP) award recognizes exemplary school leadership. The award recipient represents Texas at the NAESP NDP program in Washington, D.C. Candidates must meet all criteria for selection.
• Recommendations due December 12.
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From the Classroom to Human Resources: Leading with Relationships at the Core
My journey in education began as a bilingual teacher, where I learned that relationships are the foundation of learning. Building trust with students and families— often across language and cultural barriers—taught me that connection must come before instruction. That lesson has guided me through every role since: Campus/District Instructional Technology Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, and now, Director of Human Resources.
Each step has deepened my understanding of how relationships shape outcomes. As a campus leader, I saw firsthand how the strength of a school culture depends on the strength of its relationships. Now, in Human Resources, I have the privilege of supporting every educator in our district—but I hold a special place for our principals. Having walked in their shoes, I understand the weight they carry: instructional leadership, campus culture, staffing, discipline, and the emotional labor that comes with being the heartbeat of a school.
Supporting principals means more than answering staffing questions or navigating policy—it means being a thought partner, a sounding board, and a steady presence. It means advocating for their needs at the district level and ensuring they have the resources and personnel to lead effectively. But just as I support them, I also encourage principals to lean into relationships to support their teachers—and each other—especially during the most challenging parts of the school year.
When the pressure mounts—testing season, staffing shortages, behavioral challenges—it’s easy to get swept up in logistics and lose sight of the human side of leadership. But this is precisely when relationships matter most. Teachers need to feel seen, heard, and valued. A simple check-in, a handwritten note, or a moment of genuine listening can go further than any formal recognition. Principals set the tone for their campuses, and when they lead with empathy, it ripples outward.
Supporting new teachers, in particular, is critical to retaining our future educators. Here are five ways principals can build strong relationships that help new educators thrive:
1. Be Present and Approachable – Your visibility and accessibility matter. A quick hallway check-in or casual chat after dismissal can reassure new teachers that they’re not alone.
2. Pair Them with the Right Mentor – Choose mentors who are empathetic and patient. A strong mentor relationship fosters growth through connection, not just instruction.
3. Celebrate Small Wins – New teachers are often their own harshest critics. Recognize their progress with affirmations that build confidence and momentum.
4. Protect Their Time and Energy – Avoid overloading them with extra duties. Give them space to focus on instruction and relationships with students.
5. Foster a Culture of Support, Not Perfection – Normalize asking for help. Share your own learning journey to model vulnerability and growth.
And don’t forget the “why.” Remind new teachers of their purpose. Share stories of impact and help them reconnect with the reason they chose this profession. Purpose is what sustains us through the hard days.
One moment that reminded me of the long-term power of relationships happened at a teacher recruitment event at UTSA. A student shared that she had attended Wagner High School, where our current superintendent, Dr. Fields, had been her principal. She spoke with such warmth and said she now wanted to return to JISD—not just to teach, but to give back to the community that shaped her. That’s the legacy of relational leadership.
In Human Resources, I don’t just see vacancies—I see the ripple effect they have on morale, instruction, and student outcomes. Relationships aren’t just part of the
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work—they are the work. And when we lead with connection, we create schools where everyone—students, teachers, and leaders—can thrive.
Erika Oliván Garza is the Region 20 Past President, 2025 TEPSAN of the Year, and currently serves as the Director of Human Resources in Judson ISD in San Antonio, Texas. She is the co-author of the "T-TESS Black Book: The Go-To-Guide for Administrators." Her 26 years of experience include serving as a bilingual teacher, curriculum writer, and campus instructional technologist in Northside ISD, and as technology instructional specialist, assistant principal and principal in Judson ISD. bring your team! think! conference dec. 3-4 (austin)
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Celebrating
Staff and
Students
During the Holidays: Ideas for School Leaders
The holiday season is a natural time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who make a school thrive: your staff and our students. Principals have a unique opportunity to set the tone of joy, gratitude, and community during this time of year. Here are some practical and meaningful ways to celebrate both staff and students during the holidays.
1. Spotlight Staff with Personal Touches
• Handwritten Notes of Appreciation: A short note recognizing specific contributions can mean more than a large gift. Personal recognition goes a long way.
• “12 Days of Cheer”: In the days leading up to winter break, surprise staff with small gestures like cocoa in the lounge, snack baskets, fun dress-up days, or door prizes.
• Staff Shoutouts: Use morning announcements, newsletters, or social media to highlight staff members and share gratitude from students and families.
2. Create Holiday Traditions for Students
• Classroom Door Decorating Contest: Let students and teachers team up to create festive displays. Celebrate creativity with awards like “Most Spirited” or “Most Unique.”
• Holiday Assemblies or Talent Shows: Give students a stage to share music, art, or poetry tied to the season. Celebrating their talents boosts pride and school spirit.
• Community Service Projects: Encourage student groups to give back through food drives, toy donations, or holiday cards for nursing homes. This spreads the joy beyond the school walls.
I took this one to the next level! One year, I decided to have a hallway decorating contest during the holiday season to bring some joy to our school and provide the students who didn’t get to experience anything like this at home, something to remember. I bought each grade level a tree and said decorate it and the bulletin board by it with a theme. Well, it turned into an all-out hallway transformation that looked like something out of a movie! Our entire school transformed and it was pure magic!
3. Celebrate Togetherness
• Staff and Student Spirit Week: Themed dress-up days such as ugly sweaters, pajama day, or holiday hats bring laughter and build community.
• Holiday Breakfast or Luncheon: Host a simple meal for staff or invite families to share in a community potluck that celebrates cultural traditions.
• Inclusive Celebrations: Recognize the diversity of holidays celebrated by your staff and students, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, so everyone feels valued.
One of my favorite traditions at our school was the holiday luncheon. We would invite all previous and retired staff members back for this special event. They shared stories from the good old days and took the time to mentor our young teachers. It was truly a nostalgic and meaningful gathering.
4. Give the Gift of Time
• Cover a Class or Duty: Surprise teachers by stepping in for a recess or class so they can enjoy a break.
• No-Homework Nights: Give students and families
the chance to relax and spend time together during the busy season.
• Early Dismissal Treats: When schedules allow, use early release days to celebrate with games, hot cocoa, or a festive send-off.
5. End the Year with Reflection and Gratitude
• Gratitude Walls: Create a space where staff and students can post notes of appreciation.
• Year-End Recognition: Celebrate accomplishments such as academic growth, acts of kindness, or attendance milestones so everyone knows their efforts are noticed.
• Principal’s Message: Record a short holiday video or write a heartfelt letter to staff, students, and families. Remind them of the community you have built together, or make it fun by singing a holiday jingle dressed up in a Santa suit.
Final Thought
Celebrating during the holidays does not have to be extravagant. What matters most is being intentional.
When principals lead with gratitude and joy, they set a culture where staff feel appreciated and students feel valued. Those moments of celebration ripple into the new year and fuel energy and connection well beyond the holidays.
Todd Nesloney is TEPSA’s Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership. He is an award-winning educator, author and international speaker.
Ross Braun is a former elementary principal who is passionate about supporting schools and leaders to ensure every child has a safe, loving and engaging learning environment. Ross is now the VP of Positive Education at Spring, Texas-based, School Life.
Campus Growth Without the Guesswork
Principals across Texas are looking for practical ways to improve instruction, strengthen staff, and better support students—without adding complexity. Leader in Me offers a campus-wide model for teaching life skills, growing literacy and leadership, and improving school culture. It’s aligned with TEA’s frameworks and designed to work within existing staff structures. And with philanthropic funding available, it’s affordable for districts of every size. Click here to learn more about Leader in Me!
Association News
Get Your POs Ready: TEPSA Summer Conference Registration Opens January 14
Are you genuinely learning if you’re not enjoying the process or connecting with other learners? For Texas PK-8 school leaders, the TEPSA Summer Conference is the best event of the year for precisely these reasons! The enthusiasm for learning, and laughter, are contagious and re-energizing.
Join us June 9-11 at the Round Rock Kalahari for three days of impactful learning plus fun opportunities to share ideas and connect with your peers. The TEPSA Summer Conference features:
Expert Speakers : Gain insight from leading experts in education who provide valuable strategies and perspectives on current trends and challenges.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow leaders, fostering relationships that can lead to collaborative projects and career advancement.
Resource Sharing : Access a wide array of resources and tools that can be implemented in your school or district to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
LeadWell: The PreCon Experience
Upgrade your conference registration to include our new immersive pre-conference experience focused on strategy, connection, and impact.
From energizing speakers and exclusive resources to premium swag and can’t-miss giveaways, LeadWell is the upgrade your leadership journey needs. Your district will thank you—and your students will feel the impact.
Get Your POs Ready
Registration opens January 14. Members save $300 over the nonmember rate!
• Conference: Member $599/Nonmember $899
• Conference + LeadWell: Member $848/ Nonmember $1198
Share Your Best Ideas
Reconnect with your inner teacher and share your brightest ideas with fellow school leaders. Topic session proposals accepted November 12 - January 12.
Scan the QR code or visit the TEPSA Summer Conference page at tepsa.org for latest updates.
Round Rock Kalahari
Helping educators succeed in and out of the classroom
Registration for the 2025 TEPSA Summer Conference Opens January 14
TEPSA Highlights
Scan the QR code to learn more.
Calendar/Deadlines
• Recognize outstanding PK-8 school leaders. Visit the Awards section at tepsa.org to submit a recommendation and/or an application for the NAESP National Distinguished Principal for Texas. Recommendations due December 12. Applications due January 23.
• Make plans to join us at THE event of the year for Texas PK-8 school leaders, June 9-11 at the Round Rock Kalahari. Registration opens January 14. Share your best ideas with peers! Topic session proposals accepted November 12 – January 12.
• Discover leadership tips and insights on the TEPSA Talk podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Managing Chaos: Insights from the TEPSA Summer Conference
An informal survey at the 2025 TEPSA Summer Conference revealed that a majority of school leaders effectively handle chaos on their campuses by establishing clear routines and structures. Educator Dr. Philip Carney emphasizes that predictability is a vital yet often overlooked element in fostering a safe and positive learning environment. According to research, predictability helps reduce behaviorial issues and strengthen student-teacher relationships.
If you find yourself depending on prayers, sticky notes, or caffeine and hope, Dr. Carney writes that “even minor modifications can convert a chaotic, reactive atmosphere into one where learning and positive relationships can thrive.” To understand how predictability is essential for enhancing school culture and climate, don't miss Dr. Carney's article on page one.
What helps you survive the daily chaos of your Abbott Elementary?
Routine & Structure
Prayers & Post-its
Caffeine & Hope
The Melissa Method: “Don’t worry about it. I know a guy!”
