UC TI
Empowering Learners! Shaping Leaders!
DearReaders,
Inaneradefinedbytechnologicalshifts,globalinterconnectivity,andrapidlyevolvingworkforce demands,thefoundationofastrongsocietystillrestswhereitalwayshas—initsschools.Today’s learnersarepreparingforjobsthatmaynotyetexist,solvingproblemsthatareincreasingly complex,andnavigatingaworldthatrewardsadaptability,creativity,andcollaboration.As educationtransformstomeettheserealities,theinstitutionsshapingournextgenerationmustbe bold,forward-looking,anddeeplyattunedtotheneedsofdiversecommunities.
ThiseditionofTheEducationMagazine,“The10MostAdmiredSchoolDistricts,”celebrates districtsthatexemplifythisvision.Thesearetheinstitutionsredefiningwhatitmeanstobemarketready,technologicallyfluent,sociallyconscious,andacademicallydriven.Theirsuccessisnot measuredsolelybytestscores,butbytheirabilitytocultivatelearningenvironmentswherestudents areempoweredtothinkcritically,innovateboldly,andgrowwithconfidence.
Ourcoverstory,NewportNewsPublicSchools,capturesthatevolutionbeautifully.Morethana centuryold,thedistrict’sstorybeginsin1896withthecreationoftheNewportNewsBoardof SchoolTrustees,layingthegroundworkforarobustpubliceducationsystem.Thetransformative consolidationofNewportNewsandWarwickin1958becameaturningpoint,shapingtheunified schooldivisionthecommunityrecognizestoday
Whatfollowedwasatrajectoryofgrowthparallelingthecityitself.Withapproximately26,000 studentsacross40schools,NNPShasbecomenotjustaneducationalinstitutionbutapillarofcivic identity—guidedbyaclearmission:ensuringeverystudentgraduatescollege-,career-,andcitizenready.Generationsoffamilieshavepassedthroughitsclassrooms,shapedbyleaderswhobelieve thatreadinessisnotanoutcomebutapromisebuiltdailythroughrigorousacademics,meaningful opportunities,andacommitmenttoequity
AlongsideNewportNews,thiseditionspotlightsexceptionaldistrictssuchasKingstonCommunity SchoolDistrict,Perkins-TryonPublicSchools,CentraliaElementarySchoolDistrict,andSan DieguitoUnionHighSchoolDistrict,eachsettingpowerfulbenchmarksforeducationalexcellence.
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People Behind This Issue
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Newport News Public Schools
www.sbo.nn.k12.va.us
www.cps.edu
Ladue School District
www.ladueschools.net
www.pausd.org
www.rosemead.k12.ca.us
www.sduhsd.net
Building Bright Futures for Every Student
IntheheartofcoastalVirginia,, NewportNewsPublicSchools (NNPS)standsasashining exampleofinnovation,inclusion,and studentsuccess.Withamissionto ensureeverystudentgraduates college,career,andcitizen-ready, NNPShasearnedareputationasone ofthemostadmiredschooldistrictsin thenation.Rootedinalonghistory anddrivenbyaboldvisionforthe future,thisdistrictcontinuestoevolve tomeettheneedsofitsdiverseand growingstudentpopulation.
ARichHistoryandEvolving Mission
ThestoryofNewportNewsPublic Schoolsdatesbackto1896,whenthe NewportNews(Va.)TheBoardof SchoolTrusteeswasestablishedsoon afterthecity’sincorporation.This foundationalbodypavedthewayfor theSchoolBoardin1921.Apivotal momentarrivedin1958withthe consolidationofNewportNewsand Warwickcities,formingtheNewport NewsCityPublicSchoolsDistrictwe knowtoday
Overthedecades,NNPShasgrownin stepwiththeexpandingpopulationof NewportNews.Today,thedivision proudlyeducatesapproximately 26,000studentsacross40schools, guidedbyaseven-memberschool boardandadedicateddivision superintendent.Thecoremissionof NNPSisclearandcompelling:to ensurethatallstudentsgraduate college,career,andcitizen-ready
Withadedicated,proactiveSchool Boardandstaff,theschooldivision’s commitmenttoallstudentsisupheld throughacomprehensiveapproach, fromearlylearningliteracyandmath programstostate-of-the-artscience labsandadvanced educationaltechnology
ANationalLeaderinInnovation
NNPShasconsistentlygarnerednationalrecognitionforits innovativeandeffectiveprograms.Thedivisionboastsanimpressive 12MagnaawardsfromtheNationalSchoolBoardsAssociation (NSBA),aprestigiousprogramthatcelebratesexemplaryschool districtinitiatives.Mostrecently,NNPSreceivedthe2024Silver MagnaAwardforitsYouthDevelopmentProgram,highlightingits commitmenttofosteringwell-roundedstudentsbeyondacademics.
AcademicExcellence:OptionsandOpportunitiesforAll
NNPSoffersarobustcontinuumofacademicprogramsdesignedto engagestudentsateverylevel,fromelementarytohighschool. Complementingitscomprehensivecorecurriculum,thedivision providesadiversearrayofmagnetandspecialtyprogramoptions, allowingstudentstoexploreareasofinterestsuchas:
• EnvironmentalScience
• ArtsandCommunication
• Aviation
• GlobalStudies
• HealthSciences
• InternationalBaccalaureate
• Science,Technology,Engineering,andMath(STEM)
• MaritimeEngineeringandEnvironmentalStudies
Beyondthesespecializedpathways,NNPSalsooffersavarietyof otherimpactfulprograms,includingDualLanguageImmersion,Early College,AdvancedPlacement(AP),EarlyCareer,andCareerand TechnicalEducation(CTE).Theseofferingsensurestudentshave multipleavenuestopursuetheirpassionsandprepareforfuture endeavors.
Cover Story
DemographicsandDedicatedSupport:Embracing Diversity
NewportNewsPublicSchoolsisavibranttapestryofdiverse learners.Whileenrollmenthasremainedsteadyataround 26,000students,thedemographicmakeupcontinuestoevolve. Significantly,over2,500studentsspeakalanguageotherthan English,highlightingthedivision’scommitmenttosupporting amulticulturalstudentbody.
Tocatertothisrichdiversityandensureeverystudentthrives, NNPSembracesanequity-centeredinstructionaldesign. Teachersutilizedifferentiatedinstruction,culturallyresponsive teachingpractices,anddata-informedsmallgroupsupportto addressindividuallearningstylesandneeds.Thedivision's strategicactionagendaprioritizeshigh-qualitycoreinstruction, evidence-basedliteracypractices,andfosteringastrongculture andclimateineveryschool.
Community-CenteredServices
NNPSextendsitscommitmenttostudent well-beingbeyondtheclassroomthrougha rangeofcommunityservices.The school-basedStudentSupportServices andMentalHealthTherapyProgram providesdirectaccesstoStudentSupport SpecialistsandLicensedMentalHealth Professionalswithinschoolbuildings.These servicesarecrucialforpromotingemotional well-being,reducingbarrierstolearning,and fosteringstudentsuccess.
Beyondthesein-houseservices,NNPS activelyengageswiththewidercommunity throughinitiativeslikeitsannualSTEM CommunityDay,partnershipswithlocal organizationsformajorpublicevents,anda robustAdultEducationprogramthatenables adultstoearntheirGED.
EnrichingExperiences:Extracurriculars andBeyond
NNPSfirmlybelievesinthepowerof extracurricularactivitiestofosterholistic studentdevelopment.TheYouth DevelopmentDepartmentworksdiligently toensurethateverystudenthasthe opportunitytoparticipateinatleastone club,sport,oractivity.Inthe2024-2025 schoolyearalone,NNPSofferedan impressive1,225opportunitiesrepresenting 331uniqueclubs,sports,andactivities acrossgradesK-12-a13%increaseoverthe previousyear.Morethan20,000students participatedinatleastoneextracurricular activity,demonstratingthewidespread engagement.
Fromdiverseclubofferingstorobustmiddle andhighschoolathleticprogramsincluding track,volleyball,basketball,andabroader rangeofsportsatthehighschoollevel, NNPSprovidesampleavenuesforstudents toexploretheirinterests,developnewskills, andbuildcharacter.Additionally,Outdoor Educationprogramsemphasizeskill development,safety,andteamworkthrough variousoutdooractivities.
Cover Story
CollaborativeLeadershipforSeamless Operations
ThesmoothoperationofNNPSisatestament toitscollaborativeleadershipmodel.Central departmentsprovidestrategicsupportand oversight,ensuringallschoolsarealignedand responsivetostudentandfamilyneeds.
Eachdepartmentisledbyexperienced professionalswhopartnercloselywith schoolstoimplementdivision-wide initiatives,monitorperformancedata,and delivercrucialprofessionallearning.This networkedapproachensureseveryschoolis well-equippedtoserveitsstudents andfamilies.
FosteringaWelcomingandInclusiveEnvironment
NNPSiscommittedtocultivatingawelcomingandinclusive environmentforall,especiallygivenitsdiversepopulation, includingmanymilitary-connectedstudentsandEnglishLanguage Learners.Targetedprogramsareinplacetosupportthesegroups, suchasahighschoolsoccerclubthatengagesEnglishLearnersto boostattendance,aprogramthatrecentlyearnedanationalaward forattendanceinitiatives.
TheFamilyandCommunityEngagementteamisintegraltothis effort,withaspecialistineachschool,someofwhomarebilingual tocatertospecificschoolneeds.Thesespecialistsprovidesupportto studentsandfamiliesinvariouswaysandhostnumerousfamily eventsthroughouttheyeartoensureresourcesarepromotedand familiesreceivethehelptheyneed,bothwithinandoutside ofschool.
ComprehensiveStudentSupport:Beyond Academics
NNPSoffersaholisticsuiteofstudentsupport servicesthatextendbeyondacademicinstruction toaddresssocial-emotionalwell-beingandcareer development.Schoolcounselorsprovide individualizedcollegeandcareerplanning, guidingstudentstowardstheirpost-graduation aspirations.CareerPathwaysprogramsoffer invaluableexposuretoreal-worldindustriesand mentorshipexperiences,bridgingthegap betweenclassroomlearningandfuturecareers.
Furthermore,studentsbenefitfrommentalhealth support,wellnessprograms,andstrong partnershipswithlocalbusinessesandhigher educationinstitutionssuchasWilliam&Mary andChristopherNewportUniversity These partnershipsprovideinvaluablenetworking opportunitiesandensurestudentsarenotonly academicallypreparedbutalsowell-equippedto navigatelifebeyondgraduation.
Each day in Newport News Public Schools the focus is on one mission: ensuring that all students graduate college, career and citizen-ready!
FutureForward:AcceleratingStudent Achievement
Lookingahead,NNPSissteadfastinitscommitment toacceleratingstudentachievementthroughstrategic initiatives.Keygoalsincludestrengtheningcore instruction,streamliningtheK-12curriculum,and expandingaccesstoadvancedcoursework,including theopportunityforstudentstoearnanassociate's degreefromVirginiaPeninsulaCommunityCollege whilestillinhighschool.
Thedivisionisalsoimplementingacomprehensive readingactionplan,enhancingprofessionallearning forteachers,andleveragingdatatoprovidetargeted supportwhereit’sneededmost.Thesepriorities underscorethedistrict’sunwaveringfocusonits mission: ensuring every student graduates college, career, and citizen-ready
LeadershipwithaVision
AtthehelmofNNPSistheseven-memberelected SchoolBoardanditsSuperintendent,Dr.Michele Mitchell,aseasonededucatorwithover33yearsof experienceintheNewportNewsschoolsystem.
HavingservedasSuperintendentsince2023, Dr.Mitchellbringsawealthofleadershipfrom variousroles,includingExecutiveDirectorofStudent Advancement,wheresheoversawcriticalservices likesocialwork,psychologicalservices,dropout prevention,specialeducation,giftedprograms,and school-basedmentalhealthinitiatives.
Herextensivebackgroundasateacher,assistant principal,middleschoolprincipal,directorofspecial education,andinterimChiefAcademicOfficer providesherwithadeepunderstandingofthe educationallandscape.
Dr.Mitchell’smessagetocurrentandprospective studentsandtheirfamiliesisoneofunwavering dedication: “Newport News Public Schools is a place where every child is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their fullest potential. We are committed to providing a rich, inclusive, and innovative educational experience that prepares our students not just for graduation, but for successful and meaningful lives as future learners, skilled professionals, and engaged citizens.”
Centralia Elementary School District
Shaping a Future of Learning and Opportunity
Intoday’srapidlyevolvingeducationallandscape,parentsseekmorethan academicachievement.Theywantschoolsthatprovidesafe,nurturing environmentswheretheirchildrencanthriveholistically TheCentralia ElementarySchoolDistrict(CESD),servingAnaheim,BuenaPark,andLaPalma, California,hasconsistentlydeliveredonthispromise.
Foundedin1875,CESDhasalonghistoryofadaptingtochangingtimes.Despite challengesfacedbymanyschooldistricts,CESDhasmaintaineditsreputationfor excellencebyprioritizingsafety,creativity,andacademicrigor.Undertheleadership ofSuperintendentMs.NormaE.Martinez,thedistrictcontinuestoinnovate, offeringprogramsthatinspirediverselearnersandcultivatealifelongpassion forlearning.
BuildingaLegacyofExcellence
CESDhasspentnearly150yearsbuildingstrong educationalfoundations.Thedistricthasearned recognitionatbothnationalandstatelevels,including theNationalBlueRibbonAward,U.S.News&World ReportBestElementarySchool,andmultiple CaliforniahonorssuchastheCAPBISPlatinumLevel Awardforallschools,CADistinguishedSchools,CA GoldRibbonAward,CAPivotalPracticeAwardfor boththeschoolsandthedistrict,andtheCAGreen RibbonSchoolSilverLevelAward.Theseaccolades highlightCESD’sfocusonhelpingstudentsachieve successacademically,socially,andemotionally
Centralia’semphasisonkindnessanddigital responsibilitydistinguishesitfurther Asbotha KindnessCertifiedDistrictandaCommonSense District,CESDintegratesethicaltechnologyuseand charactereducationintoitsprograms.Theseinitiatives preparestudentstoengageconfidentlyandresponsibly intheircommunitiesandthedigitalworld.
UnderstandingandExceedingParental Expectations
Parentstodayexpectelementaryschoolstoprovide morethanacademicinstruction.Theyseek environmentsthatensuresafety,encourageacademic growth,andnurturecreativitywhilepreparingstudents withskillsforfuturesuccess.CESDaddressesthese prioritieswithabalancedfocusonsafety,innovation, andenrichment.
Thedistrictstrengthensphysicalsafetywithsecure, single-pointentrysystemsandclearemergency communicationprotocols.Tosupportemotionalwellbeing,CESDassignsmentalhealthprofessionalsto everycampus,ensuringstudentsreceivenecessarycare.
Academically,CESD’saward-winningprogramspush studentstoreachtheirpotentialwhileexpanding opportunitiesforfuture-readyskillswithSTEM instructionandinitiativesthatbuildcollaborationand adaptability,meetingthedemandsofarapidlychanging worldthroughitslearningineachschool’sInnovation Labs,whoutilizetheDesignThinkingProcess. CreativityisfosteredthroughitsspiralingVisualand PerformingArts(VAPA)programs,wherestudent creativityinarts,danceormusicisfostered.
TheCESDAdmissionsAdvantage
CESDwelcomesallfamiliesresiding withinitsattendanceboundariesand acceptstransfersduringtheannual springtransferprocess.Familiesoften choosethedistrictbasedonits reputationforhighacademic achievement,numerousawards,anda focusonsafetyandcreativity.Many relocatespecificallytoenrolltheir childreninCESDschools,drawnby thesupportiveenvironmentanda culturethatvaluesparental involvement.
Thedistrictalsoprovidesrobust supportforfamilieswithdiverse needs.Itoffersfreeafter-school programsforchildrenwhoqualify basedonincome,affordablechildcare options,andafter-schoolintervention programsdesignedtoenhance learning.Additionally,CESDensures studentshaveaccesstofreebreakfast, lunch,andsupperforthose participatinginafter-schoolprograms, reducingbarrierstosuccessand fosteringastrongfoundationfor learning.
InnovativeProgramsThatInspire
CESDsetsitselfapartwithafocuson innovation.Eachschoolhas InnovationLabs,wherestudents fromtransitionalkindergarten(TK)to sixthgradeexplorerobotics,coding, anddesignthinking.Theselabshelp studentsbuildcriticalthinkingand problem-solvingskills,preparing themforatechnology-drivenfuture. StudentsutilizeArtificialIntelligence throughtoolssuchasAdobeExpress, creatinganddesigninginsafeand developmentallyappropriateways.
Thedistrict’sScienceofReading initiativestrengthensliteracyamong TKthroughGrade1studentsusing research-basedmethods.
“
We are a district that is student-driven. Each day, we live out the Board values of Collaboration, Higher Student Achievement, Student-Centered and Equity, all of which support our efforts to be the district of choice for our families
ThisprogramunderscoresCESD’sdedicationtofoundational skillsthatsupportlifelonglearning.Eachschoolhostsan additionalteachertoprovidesupporttothisspecializedgroupof earlylearners.
CESDextendsitsimpactthroughinitiativeslikethe NeighborhoodResourceCenterandCentraliaBoutique Theseprogramsprovidefamilieswithessentialssuchasclothing andaccesstosocialservices,creatingasupportsystemthat ensureseconomicchallengesdonothinderstudents’success.
EmbracingDiversityandAdvancingInclusivity
DiversitydefinesCESD’sidentity,withstudentsspeakingmore than30languagesathome.Thestudentpopulationincludes54% Hispanic/Latino,24%AsianAmericanandPacificIslander,and 14%Whitestudents.About25%areEnglishlearners,manyof whomparticipateintheDualLanguageImmersionProgram, whichdevelopsbilingualismandbiliteracyinEnglishand Spanish.
CESDcelebratesthisdiversitythrough culturalevents,artsprograms,andstudent leadershipinitiatives.ActivitieslikeBalie folklóricoandfilmmakingprovidestudents opportunitiestoconnectwiththeirheritage whilebuildingvaluableskills.This inclusiveapproachfostersalearning environmentwhereeverystudentfeels representedandempowered.
ACommitmenttoPersonalized Learning
CESDprioritizessmallclasssizesto ensurestudentsreceivepersonalized attention.TransitionalKindergartenclasses havea24:1student-teacherratio,supported byanadditionalassistant.Kindergarten classesmaintaina24:1ratio,whilegrades 1-3havea26:1ratio,andgrades4-6havea 29:1ratio.
CESDboastsahighlyexperiencedteaching staff.Themajorityofteachershaveover15 yearsofexperienceandactivelyparticipate inprofessionaldevelopment.This dedicatedteamfostersstrongrelationships withstudentsandparents,creatinga supportivelearningenvironment.
Toaddressdiverselearningneeds,eachschool employsanadditionalcredentialedteacherto providetargetedintervention.Thisteacher utilizesaLearningCentermodel,supportedby classifiedstaff,toaddressacademicgaps. Additionally,eachschoolhasamentalhealth professional,eitherasocialworkeroraschool counselor,tosupportstudents’emotionalwellbeing.
EngagingandEmpoweringStudents
CESDbelieveseducationextendsbeyondthe classroom.ProgramsliketheOutdoorScience Program,wheresixthgradersattendamultinightcampingtripinthelocalmountains,where theyengageinoutdoorlearningandactivities. Thisimmersiveexperienceleavesalasting impressiononstudents,creatingmemoriesthey carryintoadulthood.
Studentleadershipopportunitiesfurtherenhance campuslife.ThrougheventssuchastheStudent LeadershipandCareerConference,CESD encouragesstudentstoexploretheirinterests, hearfromprofessionals,andenvisionfuture careers.Theseprogramsempowerstudentsto becomeconfident,capableleadersbothinschool andbeyond.
SpecializedProgramsforDiverseLearners
CESDoffersavarietyofspecializedprogramsdesignedto meetthediverseneedsofitsstudents.TheGiftedand TalentedEducation(GATE)program,availableatall schools,providesuniquelearningopportunitiesfor qualifiedstudents,includinganannualSaturdayconference wheretheyengageincreativeandinnovativeactivities.
Thedistrictalsodeliverscomprehensivespecialeducation servicesforstudentswithindividualizedplans.TheDual LanguageImmersionprogrampromotesbilingualismand biliteracyinEnglishandSpanish,attractingfamiliesfrom acrossthedistrictduetoitssuccess.Severalschoolsinthe districtfocusondistinctprogramsthatenhancelearning.
TheAVID(AdvancementViaIndividualDetermination) schoolprioritizescollegeandcareerpreparationandserves asamodelsiteforteamsacrossthestateseekingeffective AVIDimplementation.ALeaderinMeschoolemphasizes leadershipskillsusingStephenCovey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Anotherschooloperatesanawardwinningstudentgardenprogram,recognizedwitha CaliforniaGreenRibbon,SilverMedalaward,focusingon environmentalimpact,health,andeducation.
CESDintegratesarobustvisualandperformingarts (VAPA)programacrossallschools.Fourschoolsspecialize invisualanddancearts,whileanotherfouremphasize music.StudentsinTransitionalKindergartenthroughGrade 3exploregeneralizedartssuchasmusicappreciation,choir, andfoundationalarttechniques.BeginninginGrade4, studentsselectafocusarea,furtherdevelopingtheirskills. ThedistrictsupportsadvancedmusiciansthroughitsHonor StringsandBandprograms,showcasingstudenttalents throughimpressiveperformances.
BehindtheScenes:TheTeamsDrivingSuccessatCESD
CESDprioritizesclean,safe,andwelcomingcampuses. MaintenanceandOperationsteams,includinggroundsstaff, custodians,andskilledmaintenanceworkers,ensure schoolsremainintopconditionforstudentsandthebroader community.
Thedistrictalsooperatesitsownfoodservicesdepartment, focusingonprovidingfreshlypreparedmeals.Mostlunch optionsaremadein-houseratherthandeliveredfrom processingsites.CESDextendsthiseffortduringthe summer,usingalunchtrucktoservefreemealstochildren under18inkeycommunitylocations.
Behindthescenes,severaldistrictteamsworktogether tosupportschools.TheTechnologyDepartment ensuresseamlessoperationswithmodernsystems.The FiscalTeamcarefullymanagesbudgets,whilethe EducationServicesTeam—coveringSpecial Education,InstructionandInnovation,Expanded Services,andStudentServices—provides comprehensivesupporttostudents,staff,andfamilies. HumanResourcesworksallyearroundtostaffupthe variousdistrictprograms.
Meanwhile,theSuperintendent’sOfficeoversees communicationwiththecommunityandequipsthe BoardofEducationwiththeinformationneededfor informeddecision-making.Fiveelectedofficials governthedistrict,ensuringitmeetstheneedsof studentsandthecommunity
Ms.NormaE.Martinez’sImpactonCESD
Ms.NormaE.MartinezhasledCESDas Superintendentsince2015,buildingonhertenurewith thedistrictsince2010.Withover30yearsin education,shefocusesonfosteringstrong communitiesthroughhigh-performingschoolsthat enhanceopportunitiesforstudentsandfamilies.
Ms.Martinezemphasizesaddressingopportunitygaps andpreparingstudentsasfuture-readylearners.She prioritizestheneedsofhistoricallyunderserved studentsandworkstobridgethegapbetweenschools andcommunities.Herinitiatives,includingtheawardwinningCentraliaCollaborative,Neighborhood ResourceCenter,andCentraliaBoutique,have strengthenedcommunitysupportandresources.
InadditiontoherroleatCESD,Ms.Martinezserves asChairpersonfortheCentraliaEducationFoundation andtheSchoolsFirstEducationFoundation.Shealso actsasViceChairfortheAnaheimCommunity Foundationandparticipatesonseveralnonprofit boards,reflectingherdedicationtocommunity service.
Sheoftenencouragesstudentsandparentstopursue ambitiousgoals,invokingthewordsofHenryDavid Thoreau:“Buildcastlesintheairandlayfoundations underthem.”Shebelievessuccessstemsfromeffort anddetermination.Ms.Martineztakespridein CESD’saccomplishmentsandremainscommittedto supportingitsscholarsandfamilies.
NothingChanges
Everygrowthstoryyouadmire startedwithoneunglamorous move.
Notthebookdeal.
Notthefundinground. Notthekeynotestage.
The move.Theonethatlookedsmall first ontheoutsidebutshiftedeverythingon theinside.
Theproblemis,mostpeoplenevermake it.Theythinkthewinstartswitha“big break,”sotheywait.
Foundersdon’twait. Theylifttheirfoot.
WhytheFirstInchMattersMoreThan theFirstMile
Businessmomentumdoesn’tstartwith courage.Itstartswithmotion.
Standingstillfeelssafe.Youtellyourself you’re“thinkingitthrough”or“waiting fortherighttime,”butinreality,you’re stuckbecausestayingputcostsnothingin the shortterm.
Exceptitdoescostyou.Quietly.Every day.In:
· Unsentproposalsthatcouldbring revenue.
· Avoidedphonecallsthatcouldsavea partnership.
· Productideasthatdieinyournotebook becauseyounevertestedthem.
Youdon’thavetoleapintoafullpivotora90daylaunchsprint.Youjusthavetobreakthe stillness.
TheFounder’sDefinitionof“LiftingYour Foot”
Inbusiness,liftingyourfootisanydecisionor actionthat:
1.Movesyoufromideaintoevidence.
2.Replacesastallwithasignalofprogress.
It’srarelydramatic.Infact,itusuallylookslike:
· Returningtheinvestor’semailyou’ve beenavoiding.
· Sendingapriceincreasenoticetoaclient.
· Cancellingthesoftwaresubscriptionyou knowyou’llneveruse.
· Publishingyournewpricingpagebeforeyou feel“ready.”
It’saboutbuildingatrackrecordofforward motion,notwaitinguntilyourconfidencefeels bulletproof.
WhyWeResisttheFirstMove
You’renotlazy.You’reprotectingyourselffrom thediscomfortofexposure.
Thesecondyoumove,yourisk:
· Beingjudged.
· Makingavisiblemistake.
· Learningthatyourideadoesn’twork.
Soyoudelay.Andinthatdelay,theweight growsheavier
Theirony?Movingevenoncemakesthenextmoveeasier Foundersknowthisbecausewe’veallfelttheshift—once thewheelturns,theresistancedrops.
Support Counts asMovement
Oneofthefastestwaystoliftyourfootistoadmityou’re stuck.Nottoyourreflectioninthebathroommirror,butto anotherhumanwhocanhelpyoumove.
Thatcouldmean:
· HiringafractionalCOOfortenhoursamonth.
· Askingapeerfoundertoreviewyourpitchdeck.
· Bookingacallwithalawyertocleanupyourcontracts.
Theactofasking momentum.CEOsatthetopoftheir is gamedon’thesitatetouseit.Theyoutsourcebottlenecks beforetheycalcify
YouDon’tNeedaFive-YearPlan—YouNeeda FirstStep
Here’sthetrap:founderswaittoactuntiltheycan seethewholeroad.
Thetruth?Yourarelyseebeyondthenextcorner. Youjustmovetowardit,andonlyonceyourethere doesthenextturnbecomevisible.
Thatfirststepmightlooklike:
· Openingyourbankdashboardandfacingthe numbersyou’veignored.
· Puttingyourproductinfrontoftenstrangersto hearwhattheyreallythink.
· Releasingabetaversionandlettingitgetmessy inthewild.
Perfectiondoesn’tcreateprogress.Progress createsoptions.
TheHiddenReturnontheFirstMove
Whenyouliftyourfoot,youdon’tjustcreate externalprogress—youcreateinternalleverage:
· Speed–Onceinmotion,decisionshappen faster.
· Clarity–Feedbackreplacesspeculation.
· Credibility–Peopletrustthosewhoactwithout waitingforconditionstobeperfect.
Thisiswhyseasonedfoundersmakequick,small movesdaily—theyknowtheROIcompounds.
TheQuietDisciplineofForwardMotion
Youwon’tseealotofInstagramposts aboutfounders:
· Sendingoverdueinvoices.
· Cancellingunderperformingcampaigns.
· Removingthemselvesfromapartnershipthat’s notworking.
Butthosemoveskeepcompaniesalive. Theyprotectcashflow,sharpenfocus, andpreventoperationaldrag.
Momentumisnotbuiltinbursts.It’sbuilt inconsistent,almostboringmovement. Thekindthatdoesn'ttrend—but doespay.
IfYou’veBeenStandingStill
Here’syourrealitycheck:
Youdon’tneedthe nextmove. perfect Youneed nextmovethatkeepsyou any fromfossilizinginplace.
Ifyou’rewaitingforasign,thisisit:
· Identifythesinglesmallestdecision you’vebeenpostponing.
· Makeitbeforethedayends.
· Watchthepressuredropandthenext moveappear.
That’showyoubuildunstoppable momentum—onedeliberateliftatatime.
FinalWord
Youdon’thavetorunfullspeedfromthe start.Youjustcan’tstaystill.
Liftyourfoot.Evenaninch.Becausethat inchchangeseverything—itkillsinertia, startsmomentum,andsignalstoyourself andothersthatyou'rebuildingsomething worthmovingfor.
CEOsdon’tgettherebygiantleaps.They gettherebyrefusingtostandinthesame spotfortoolong.
Yournextchapterdoesn’tbeginwhen you’reready.Itbeginswhenyoumove.
Nurturing Lifelong Learners in Rural Michigan
We Inspire, We Educate, We Graduate—All Students, All of the Time.
IntheheartofruralMichigan,schoolshave
longservedasmorethanjustclassrooms. Theyhavebeengatheringplaces,reflections oflocalvalues,andsteppingstonesforyoung peoplepreparingtobuildtheirfutures.Kingston CommunitySchoolDistrictstandsfirmlyinthat tradition.Whatbeganasasmallschoolservingan agriculturalcommunityhasgrownintoadistrict shapedbyprogress,technology,andnew opportunities.
Today,Kingstoncarriesaclearmission:tocreatea safeandsupportiveplacewhereeverystudentcan thriveacademically,socially,andemotionally.Its visionreachesevenfurther,aimingtodevelop lifelonglearnerswhocanadapttoachanging world.Thisbalanceofhistory,innovation,and communitydefinesKingston’sstory.
AcademicProgramsThatGrowwithStudents
AtKingstonCommunitySchoolDistrict,learning buildsstepbystep,witheachstagedesignedto meetstudentswheretheyareandpreparethemfor whatcomesnext.Intheelementaryyears,children gainstrongfoundationsinreading,math,science, andsocialstudies.Technologyblendsintodaily lessons,whilemusic,physicaleducation,and hands-onSTEMprojectssparkcreativityand criticalthinking.
Bythetimestudentsmoveintojuniorhigh,the curriculumexpandstoincludeelectiveslike Spanish,STEM,andappliedtechnology.Atthe highschoollevel,opportunitiesmultiplywith AdvancedPlacementcourses,dual-enrollment partnerships,andcareer-focusedprogramsinareas suchasagriculture,healthsciences,andbusiness. EachpathwayreflectsKingston'sfocuson readinessforbothcollegeandcareers.
EnrollmentandCommunitySnapshot
KingstonCommunitySchoolsservesaclose-knit studentbodyofabout600to650learnersspread acrossitselementary,middle,andhighschool programs.Thedistrictalsoprovidesadaycare center,GreatStartReadinessProgramclassrooms, andayoungfivesoption,ensuringfamilieshave supportfromtheverybeginningofachild’s learningjourney.
Moststudentscomefromthesurroundingrural community,wherethepopulationislargelyWhite, yetdiversitycontinuestogrowyearbyyear.Around 56percentofstudentsqualifyforfreeorreducedpricemeals,thoughthedistrictensureseverychild receivesbreakfastandlunchatnocost.WithEnglish languagelearnersandspecialeducationstudentsin themix,Kingstonplacesstrongemphasison personalizedinstruction.
LeadershipwithaClearVision
GuidingKingstonCommunitySchoolsis SuperintendentShonaVennevy,whoseleadership reflectsbothvisionanddeepcommunity commitment.Shedescribesthedistrict’sapproach simplyyetpowerfully: “At Kingston Community Schools, we believe in developing creative minds, building leaders, fostering a love for community, and striving for excellence. We Inspire, we Educate, we Graduate all students, all of the time. Every child matters.”
Herfocusextendsbeyondacademics.Byworking closelywithfamiliesandcommunitypartners,she ensuresthateverystudenthasthesupportneededto succeednotjustintheclassroombutinlife.Under herdirection,Kingstoncontinuestogrowasadistrict wherecollaboration,care,andhighexpectationsgo handinhand.
MeetingEveryStudentWhereTheyAre
KingstonCommunitySchoolsunderstandsthatno twostudentslearninthesameway.Teachersuse differentiatedinstructiontoreachvisual,auditory,and hands-onlearners,makingsureeverychildhasa chancetoconnectwiththematerial.Forthosewho needextrasupport,targetedprogramsinreadingand mathprovidethefocusedattentionthatcanmakeall thedifference.
Thedistrictalsoplacesstrongemphasisoncultural responsiveness.Lessonsandclassroomconversations bringindiverseperspectives,helpingstudentssee valueineverybackgroundandexperience.Staff membersreceiveongoingtraininginequity,cultural awareness,andspecialeducationpractices.Together, theseeffortscreateanenvironmentwherestudents notonlysucceedacademicallybutalsogrowinto thoughtful,compassionateindividuals.
ASchoolattheHeartoftheCommunity
ForKingstonCommunitySchools,servingfamilies goesfarbeyondtheclassroom.Thedistricthas becomeatruehubforthecommunity,offering programsandresourcesthatsupporteverydayneeds. Familiescanturntotheschoolsforhelpwithfood, clothing,andconnectionstolocalservices,ensuring thatnochildisleftwithoutessentialsupport.
Schoolfacilitiesalsoopentheirdoorsforcommunity use.Gyms,fields,andauditoriumsregularlyhost events,creatingasharedspaceforbothstudentsand neighbors.Inaddition,localresidentsareinvitedto volunteerandmentor,givingstudentspositiverole modelswhiledeepeningcommunityties.Through theseefforts,Kingstonstrengthensthesenseofpride andsharedresponsibilitythatdefinesthedistrict.
OpportunitiesbeyondtheClassroom
KingstonCommunitySchoolsbelievesthateducation continueslongafterthelastbellrings.Studentscan choosefromawidevarietyofextracurricular programsthatnurturetalents,buildconfidence,and encourageteamwork.Athleticsplayacentralrole, withteamscompetinginfootball,basketball, volleyball,baseball,softball,trackandfield,andcross country,withgolfsoontobeadded.
Clubsandorganizationsgivestudentsplentyof chancestoexploretheirinterests,fromroboticsand engineeringtoequestrianactivities,powerlifting,and leadershipthroughstudentcouncilorNationalHonor Society.Thefineartsalsoholdastrongplacein Kingston,withbandandvisualartsprograms providingcreativeoutlets.Together,these opportunitiesfosterresilience,collaboration,anda well-roundedstudentexperience.
LeadershipandTeamworkbehindtheScenes
ThesuccessofKingstonCommunitySchoolsisbuilt onaleadershipstructurethatvaluescollaborationand sharedresponsibility.Atthetop,thesuperintendent providesstrategicdirectionandensuresthedistrict staysfocusedonitsmission.Principalsguidethedaily lifeofeachbuilding,overseeinginstruction,student services,andcommunityengagement.
TheBoardofEducationplaysavitalroleinshaping policiesthatreflectthecommunity’svaluesand expectations.Alongsidethem,adedicatedsupport staffkeepsthedistrictrunningsmoothly.From administrativeassistantstobusdrivers,fromcooksto custodiansandparaprofessionals,everyrole contributestocreatingasafeandwelcoming environment.Together,thisnetworkofleadersand staffensuresKingstonremainsstrongandcohesive.
ACommitmenttoDiversityandBelonging
KingstonCommunitySchoolsworksintentionallyto makesureeverystudentfeelsseenandsupported.The districtfollowsstrongequitypoliciesthatguarantee fairaccesstoprogramsandresourcesforalllearners. Thiscommitmentreachesbeyondpolicyintodaily practice,whereteachersuseculturallyresponsive approachestocreateclassroomsthatreflectand respectdifferentperspectives.
Studentsupportprogramsalsoplayakeyrole.Peer mentoringandinclusiveactivitieshelpfosterasenseof belonging,allowingstudentsfromallbackgroundstofeel connectedandvalued.Byweavingdiversity,equity,and inclusionintoitsculture,Kingstonensuresthattheschool experiencepreparesstudentsnotonlyforacademic successbutalsoforlifeinadiverseworld.
SupportingStudentsEveryStepoftheWay
KingstonCommunitySchoolspairsstrongacademicswith servicesthatcareforthewholestudent.Counselingis availableateverygradelevel,helpingchildrenandteens withacademicplanning,personalchallenges,andfuture goals.Atthehighschool,careerreadinesstakescenter stagethroughjob-shadowingopportunities,dualenrollmentcourses,andpartnershipswithlocal businesses.
Mentorshipprogramsconnectstudentswithstaffand communitymemberswhoguidethemalongbothcollege andcareerpaths.Healthandwellnessalsoremaina priority,withschoolnursesandmentalhealthresources ensuringthatstudentsarecaredforphysicallyand emotionally Together,theseservicesgiveKingston studentsthesupporttheyneedtothrivetodayandstep confidentlyintotomorrow
BuildingtheFuturewithPurpose
KingstonCommunitySchoolslooksaheadwithaclear planforgrowthandinnovation.Guidedbyitsstrategic actionplan,knownasC.A.R.D.S.,thedistricthasoutlined prioritiesthattoucheverypartofschoollife.Culture focusesonbuildingleadersandstrengtheningpartnerships withfamiliesandthecommunity.Academicsaimto expandopportunitiesforlearningandstudentgrowth.
Retentionandrecruitmenthighlighttheimportanceof supportingastrong,qualifiedworkforce,whilediscipline centersoncreatingclearandconsistentexpectations acrossallschools.Finally,supportensuresthatstudent wellnessremainsattheheartofeverydecision.Withthese goals,Kingstonisbuildingonitshistoryofexcellence whilepreparingstudentstosucceedinanincreasingly complexworld.
NoOneTalksAbout The PowerPlay
Theloudestpersonintheroomrarelyrunsit.
Inhigh-stakesleadership,poweroftenbelongstotheonewhoknowswhento stepforward—andwhentostepback.
I’vewatchedthisplayoutinboardroomsonfivecontinents.Themost influentialleadersguardtheirenergylikeinvestorsguardcapital.Theydon’t burnitoneveryrequest,meeting,orfight.Theydeployitwherethereturn ishighest.
Thatisn’tretreat.It’sprecision.
WhyEnergyIsaStrategicAsset—NotaRenewableOne
You’vebeentoldto“showupeverywhere”and“alwayssayyesto opportunity.”That'sadvicedesignedtokeepyoubusy,noteffective.
Energyworkslikeworkingcapital:ifyouspenditindiscriminately,you’ll havenothingleftforthedecisionsandconversationsthatactuallymove theneedle.
I’veseentoomanyfounders,executives,andcreativesburnthemselvesout tryingtobeconstantlyavailable.Bythetimetheyhitthemomentthattruly matters—negotiatingacriticaldeal,steeringthroughacrisis—they’re runningonfumes.
TheleaderswhowinoverdecadesbuildwhatIcallanEnergyReserve Strategy:theyinvestinrecovery,declinelow-valuedemands,andpreserve theircapacityfortheworkonlytheycando.
TheCEOPatternYou'llNeverSeeinTheir LinkedInPosts
Whenyoustudyleadersatthetopoftheir game—OprahWinfrey,AvaDuVernay,Shonda Rhimes,NaomiOsaka—younoticeapattern:
Theysay“no”morethantheysay“yes.” Theydisappearonpurpose. Theychoosewhentospeak,ratherthanreactto everymoment.
Oprahhassaidherbreakthroughcamewhenshe stoppedsaying“yes”outofobligation.NaomiOsaka skippedpressconferencestoprotecthermental bandwidth.AvaDuVernaydirectsherfocustoward theworkthatwilloutlastthenoise.
Noneofthemconfuseconstantpresencewith meaningfulimpact.
HowtoBuildYourOwnEnergyReserveStrategy
Stopthinkingofenergymanagementasself-care.It’s operationaldiscipline.
Here’stheframeworkIusewithexecutiveswhowant sustainableinfluence:
1. AudittheDrains–Trackyourweek.Identify whatdrainsyouwithoutdelivering measurablevalue.
2. CutWithoutGuilt–Ifitdoesn’tmoveyour missionforward,it’sano.No justificationrequired.
3.ScheduleRecoveryLikeRevenueWork
Blocksolitude,deepwork,and decompressionintoyourcalendarbefore anythingelse.
4.DecideYourDeploymentTriggers
Definethecriteriaforwhenyou’llstepin, speakup,ortakethelead.Ifitdoesn’t meetthatbar,youhold.
Thisisn’tabouthiding.It’saboutcontrolling thetermsofyourvisibility
WhyThisWorksinDividedTimes
Intoday’spolarizedclimate—inside companies,markets,andpublic discourse—reactionspeedisoverrated. Leaderswhopausebeforeactingcansee beyondthenoise.
CongresswomanPramilaJayapalcallsher introversionanadvantage:itallowsherto hearmore,filterfaster,andfindleverage pointsinheatednegotiations.
Thesameappliesinbusiness.Ifyouburn energyreactingtoeveryprovocation,you loseclarity.Ifyouholdback,assess,and respondonlywhenimpactispossible,your influencecompounds.
TheDiplomaticDeploymentPrinciple
Thinkofyourinfluencelikeahigh-value currency.Ifyouspenditoneverysmall transaction,itlosesvalue.Spendit strategically,anditsweightgrows.
ThisiswhyAvaDuVernay’svoicecarries. Shedoesn'tengageeverybattle.Shepicks theonesthatshifttheindustry
Youcandothesame.
· Saveyourinputformomentsthatdefine direction.
· Letothersexhaustthemselvesinthenoise.
· Whenyouspeak,makesureitcounts. Thisisn’tpassivity—it’s tacticalpatience.
TheMisconceptionThatCostsLeaders TheirEdge
Toomanytalentedpeoplebelievethatinfluence requiresconstantoutput.Theyconfuseactivitywith authority
Inreality,measuredpresencebuildsmoretrustthan constantchatter Thepeopleyoulead,sellto,or negotiatewithlearnthatwhenyoustepin,itmatters.
Thatscarcitycreatesweight.Andweight movesdecisions.
ThePlaybookforQuietInfluence
IfyouwanttooperateliketheleadersI’mdescribing, here’sthesystem:
1. TreatEnergyasCapital–Yourtimeand presenceareassets.ProtectthemlikeyourP&L dependsonit—becauseitdoes.
2. OperateFromaReserve–Neverletyourenergy accounthitzero.Decisionsmadefromdepletion arealmostalwayscostly
3. DefineYour“Yes”and“No”Rules–Without clearcriteria,you'llspendyourselfonworkthat doesn’tmovethemission.
4. BuildRechargeRituals–Whetherit’sadaily walk,twohoursofphone-offtime,orquarterly solostrategydays,makeit non-negotiable.
5. DeployWithIntention–Whenyouengage, bringfullclarity,preparation,andpresence.Then stepbackbeforeyouredgedulls.
TheBottomLine
Leaderswhomasterenergycontroldon’tjustlast longer—theywinmoreoften.Whileothersburn themselvesouttryingtobeeverywhere,they conservepowerforthemomentsthatchange everything.
Yourjobisnottobeconstantlyvisible.Yourjobisto beunmistakablyeffectivewhenitmatters.
Ifyoudothiswell,youwon’tneedtofightfor attention.Yourabsencewillbenoticed—andyour presencewillbefelt.
Perkins-Tryon PublicSchools
A Community of Learning and Growth
IncentralOklahoma,educationcarriesapersonaltouch.Familiesherewantmorethanaschoolsystem;they wantaplacewheretheirchildrenareseen,known,andsupported.Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsmeetsthat needbycombiningstrongacademicswithaclose-knitcommunityfeel.
ThisdistrictbringstogetherthetownsofPerkinsandTryonandreachesacrosspartsofPayne,Lincoln,andLogan counties.Itserves1,618studentswhoattendfourschools:anelementaryschoolforearlylearners,anintermediate schoolforgradesthreethroughfive,amiddleschool,andahighschool.Eachday,elevenbusesconnectstudentsto classroomsspreadacross197squaremiles,creatingasharedexperienceforchildrenfromallcornersofthedistrict.
Perkins-Tryonisgrowingsteadily.Newbusinessesareopening,morefamiliesaremovingin,andthelocaleconomyis expanding.Thedistrict’s2025–2026valuationstandsat$103,956,260,areflectionofthecommunity’supward momentum.Throughitall,thedistrictstayscommittedtoitsmission:tostriveforexcellenceandprepareevery studentforthefuture.
AcademicExcellencewithPurpose
Theschoolbuildsitsacademicprogramsaroundtheideathatlearningshouldopendoorsforeverystudent.Core subjects,includingmathematics,science,languagearts,andsocialstudies,formastrongfoundationforcritical thinkingandproblem-solving.Beyondthebasics,studentsexploreSTEMprograms,thearts,foreignlanguages,and vocationaltraining,givingthemspacetodiscoverwhatexcitesthemmost.
Thisbalancedapproachhelpsstudentsconnectclassroomlearningtoreal-worldopportunities,whethertheirnextstep iscollege,technicaltraining,oracareer Thedistrict’sgoalisclear:topreparewell-roundedlearnerswhoarereadyto succeedwhereverlifetakesthem.
EnrollmentandTransfers
Perkins-Tryonwelcomesstudentswholivewithinthe districtandalsoconsiderstransferrequestsfrom outsidefamilies.Transferapprovalsdependonspace availableattherequestedgradelevel,basedonthe district’sestablishedcapacitynumbers.Applications arereviewedcarefullytoensureclasssizesremain manageableandlearningenvironmentsstaystrong.
Transfersmaybedeclinedifspaceislimitedorif attendanceordisciplineconcernsarepresent.This thoughtfulprocessallowsthedistricttomaintainits personalapproachtoeducationwhilemakingroom fornewstudentswheneverpossible.
GrowingEnrollmentandaDiverseStudentBody
Theinstitutehasseensteadyenrollmentoverthepast severalyears,reflectingthedistrict’sreputationasa trustedplaceforlearning.Studentnumbersgrewfrom 1,516in2021–2022to1,616in2025–2026,asignof thecommunity’scontinuedgrowthandconfidencein theschools.
Thedistrictalsoservesadiversestudentpopulation.About 75percentofstudentsidentifyasWhite,15percentas NativeAmerican,5percentasAfricanAmerican,and5 percentasHispanic.Thisdiversityaddstotherichnessof classroomdiscussionsandhelpsstudentslearnfromone another’sexperiencesandperspectives.
SupportingEveryStudent
Perkins-Tryonbelievesthateverychildcansucceedwhen giventherighttoolsandguidance.Thedistricttakesan inclusive,equity-focusedapproachdesignedtomeet studentswheretheyare.Personalizedlearningplanshelp teacherstailorinstructiontoindividualneeds,whileahighquality,inclusivecurriculumensuresthateverylearner feelsrepresentedandchallenged.
Teachersreceiveongoingprofessionaldevelopmentand support,allowingthemtobringfreshstrategiesintothe classroom.Earlyinterventionprogramscatchpotential strugglesbeforetheygrow,andstudentshaveequitable accesstotechnologyandresources.Data-drivendecisionmakingkeepsthefocusonwhatworksbestforstudents.
EngagingwiththeCommunity
Theschoolextendslearningbeyondtheclassroomby encouragingstudentstobeactivemembersoftheir community Thedistrictsupportsarangeofservice opportunitiesthatteachresponsibility,empathy,and leadership.Studentsparticipateinfoodandclothingdrives, coatgiveaways,andrecyclingprogramsthathelpcarefor bothpeopleandtheenvironment.
Volunteeringatlocalfoodbanks,joiningschool-based serviceclubs,andtakingpartincommunityclean-up projectsgivestudentshands-onwaystomakeadifference. Blooddrivesandotherinitiativesfurtherstrengthenties betweenschoolsandthecommunity,showingstudentsthat givingbackispartofeverydaylife.
ExtracurricularOpportunities
Perkins-Tryonprovidesstudentswithawiderangeof extracurricularactivitiesthatencourageteamwork, leadership,andpersonalgrowth.Athleticsplayacentral role,withprogramsinfootball,basketball,cross-country, volleyball,baseball,track,golf,andbothfastandslowpitchsoftball.Cheerleadingaddsenergyandschoolspirit, bringingcommunitiestogetherforeverygameandevent.
Beyondsports,studentsexplorecreativeandleadershippursuits.Thebandoffersmusicaldevelopment,FFAsupports agriculturallearningandleadership,Esportsengagesstudentsincompetitivegaming,andtheHOPESquadfocusesonpeer supportandcommunitywell-being.Theseopportunitiesallowstudentstodiscovertheirpassionswhilebuildingskillsthat lastalifetime.
LeadershipandKeyDepartments
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsareguidedbyateamofdedicatedleadersfocusedonsupportingstudents,teachers,andthe broadercommunity.AtthetopistheSuperintendentwhooverseesthedistrict'svisionanddailyoperations.TheSpecial EducationDirectorensuresthatstudentswithuniquelearningneedsreceivethesupporttheydeservewhiletheDirectorof Operationskeepsthedistrictrunningsmoothly
OtherimportantrolesincludetheFederalProgramDirectorandtheprincipalsofeachschool,includingthehighschool, middleschool,intermediate,andelementaryschools.Thisteamworkstogethertomaintainaconsistent,high-quality educationalexperienceacrossthedistrict.
StudentSupportServices
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsprovidearangeofservicesdesignedtohelpeverystudentsucceedbothinsideandoutsidethe classroom.Academicsupportprogramsgivestudentsextrahelpwhentheyneedit,whilecounselingservicesguidethem throughpersonalandsocialchallenges.Healthservicesandsocialservicesensurethatstudents’physicalandemotional needsaremet,creatingasafeandsupportivelearningenvironment.
Behaviorandemotionalsupportprogramshelpstudents managechallenges,andcollegeandcareerreadiness initiativespreparethemforlifeaftergraduation.Special educationservicesensurethateverylearnerreceivesthe guidanceandresourcesnecessarytoreachtheirfull potential.
AcademicInitiatives
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolshaveembracedinnovative programstostrengthenlearningandensurestudentsreach theirfullpotential.OneoftheseinitiativesisIXL,a personalizedplatformformath,Englishlanguagearts, science,andsocialstudies.IXLusesanadaptivesystemthat adjustsquestiondifficultybasedoneachstudent’s performance,allalignedwithOklahomaStandards.
Foryoungerlearners,Perkins-TryonoffersWaterford,an earlyeducationplatformforpre-kindergartenthroughsecond grade.Waterfordfocusesonliteracy,math,and science,providing
lessonstailoredtoeachchild.Thisprogrambuildsastrong foundationintheearlyyears,settingstudentsupforsuccess inlatergrades.
CommitmenttoStudentsandFamilies
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsfocusoncreatingasafe, inclusive,andacademicallychallengingenvironmentwhere everystudentcangrowintellectually,socially,and emotionally.Facultyandstaffworktirelesslytosupport learningandpersonaldevelopment,whilethedistrictvalues thestrongpartnershipsharedwithfamiliesinnurturing lifelonglearners.
Prospectivefamiliesareencouragedtoexplorethedistrict’s programs,extracurricularopportunities,andresources,all designedtoeducatethewholechild.Studentsareprepared notonlyforacademicsuccessbutalsoforleadership, citizenship,andmeaningfulparticipationinadiverseworld.
Thedistrict’sleadershiphasearnedstatewiderecognition. DonnaBoles,intermediateprincipal,wasnamed ElementarySchoolPrincipaloftheYearin2015–2016by theOklahomaAssociationofElementarySchoolPrincipals. SuperintendentDougOglehasreceivedmultiplehonors, includingOASARegionAssistantSuperintendentofthe Yearin2018,2020,and2023,andOASARegion SuperintendentoftheYearin2025.Theirguidanceensures thatPerkins-Tryoncontinuestoprovideexcellenceforevery studentandfamily
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We believe in educating the whole child and preparing students not just for academic achievement, but also for leadership, citizenship, and meaningful engagement in a diverse world.
The Unpolished StoryThat Builds Your Influence
Foundersspendmillionstryingto craft“theperfectstory.”They hireagencies,shootcinematic videos,polisheverylineuntilitshines.
Thentheywonderwhyitdoesn’tconnect.
Here’sthetruthmostPRdeckswon’ttell you:thestorythatearnsinfluenceisrarely theoneyou’vepolished.It’stheone you’velived.
TheBoardroomLessonNobody PreparesYouFor
Afewweeksago,Isatinaroomwith fifteenhigh-performingfounders.We werethereforstrategy,nottherapy.Yet oneperson—withoutaslidedeck,without the“approved”brandnarrative—tolda raw,unscriptedaccountofthemomenther businessalmostfolded.
Shedidn’t“present.”Shetalked.She describedtheweekshehadtochoose betweenmakingpayrollandpayingher mortgage.Sheexplainedexactlyhowshe calledhersupplierandnegotiatedtermsto buyherself48hours.
Itwasn’tpretty.Butthetablewentsilent.
That’swhenithitme:yourinfluence startswhereyourpolishends.
WhyWeHidethePartPeopleNeedMost
Mostleadersknowtheirrésuméversionoftheirstory—the LinkedIn-approvedbulletpoints:
· Grewrevenueby300%.
· Expandedtothreecontinents.
· FeaturedinForbes.
Buttheycutthesentencesthatmatter:
· Spentsixweekssleepingonafriend'scouchtosavethe business.
· Spentfouryearssellingaservicenoonewantedbefore findingproduct-marketfit.
· Nearlyquitthenightbeforethebigbreak.
Wecutthembecausethey’remessy.Wecutthembecause they’renot“on-brand.”
Theirony?Thosearetheexactlinesthatmakeyoubelievable.
TheStrategicRiskofStayingPolished
Here’sthecostofstaying“safe”withyourstory:
1.Yousoundlikeeveryoneelse.Polishedfounderbiosare interchangeable.
2.Youcreatedistance.Peoplecanadmireperfection,butthey rarelytrustit.
3.Youloseleverage.Investors,clients,andpartnersleanin whentheybelieveyou’vebeentestedandsurvived.
EveryCEOIrespectusesstoryasatool—notasa highlightreel.
HowtoFindthePartofYourStoryThat MovesPeople
Forget“crafting”foraminute.Gostraighttothe eventsthatfeltriskytosayoutloudatthetime. Askyourself:
· WhathappenedthatchangedthewayIrunmy business?
· WhendidIhavetomakeadecisionthatcost memorethanmoney?
· Whatmistaketaughtmesomethingno spreadsheetcould?
Thosearethepointsofconnection.That’sthe materialpeoplerepeatwhentheytalkaboutyou inroomsyou’renotin.
TheRealRoleofVulnerability
Wemisusetheword“vulnerability”inbusiness.
It’snotaboutoversharingoremotionalcatharsis.It’sabout strategictransparency—sharingenoughofthetruthto makethelessonundeniable.
Here’sthefilter:Ifthepersonacrossthetablecanapply whatyoulearnedtoavoidamistake,ortakeacalculated riskfaster,it’sworthtelling.
Ifit’sjustforshockvalue,saveitforthememoir
CommunityIsn’tJustComfort—It’sCurrency
Onefounderinthatroomsaidsomethingthatstayedwith me:
“Ididn’tcomeheretobeinspired.Icamehereto rememberI’mnottheonlyoneinthefight.”
That’swhypeercommunitiesmatter.Notbecauseyou “feelseen,”butbecauseyougetoperatingintelfrom peoplewho’vesurvivedwhatyou’reinrightnow.
Whenyoutellthetrueversionofyourstory insideatrustedcircle,twothingshappen:
1.Yougetthestrategiesthataren’tinbooks.
2.Youbuildalliancesthatturnintodealflow, partnerships,andbackchannelintroductions.
ThisiswhyeveryseriousfounderIknow investsingettingintherightrooms—notjust forvisibility,butforsurvival.
TheBusinessCaseforTellingtheRealStory
I’vewatchedleaderstripletheirspeakingfees, closeseven-figurecontracts,andlandmedia features—notbyaddingmoresuccessstats,but byrevealingtheturningpointsbehindthem.
Themechanicsaresimple:
· Rawdetailmakesitmemorable.“Iwas downtomylast$412”stickslongerthan“we werestrugglingfinancially.”
· Specificitysignalstruth.Peopleinstinctively truststorieswithdates,numbers,andreal stakes.
· Strugglesignalscredibility.Ifyou’vebeen throughit,youcanhelpothersnavigateit.
YourstoryisnotPRfluff.It’sanassetwitha measurableROI.
IfYou’veBeenEditingYourselfDown
Considerthisyourpushtostopsandingofftheedges.You don’tneedadramaticoverhaul.Youneedtoreintroducethe humanstakesintoyourorigin,yourturningpoints,andyour currentplay
Trythis:
· Identifyonestoryyou’vebeenavoidingbecauseitfeelstoo raw.
· Writeitinbulletpoints—justthefacts,noadjectives.
· Decidewhichpartsconnecttothevalueyoudelivernow
· Shareitinaroomwherethereturncouldbereal—whether that’sasalesmeeting,investorpitch,orstrategicpeergroup.
FinalWord
Yourpolishedstorymaygetpolitenods.Yourrealonewillget remembered,repeated,andrelayedtodecision-makersyou’ll nevermeet.
Inbusiness,beingknownisn’tabouttellingpeoplewhat you’veachieved—it’saboutshowingthemwhatyou've survived,andhowthatshapesthewayyoulead.
Don’twaitforpermission.Don’twaitforthe“right”moment. Therightmomentistheoneyoudecidetostophidingthepart thatmakesyoucredible.
Liftthefilter Tellthetruth.That’showinfluencestarts.
SanDieguitoUnion HighSchoolDistrict
Coastal San Diego’s Premier Talent Engine
Forbusinessesseekingacompetitiveedgein SouthernCalifornia,accesstoahighlyeducated andskilledworkforceiscritical.TheSan DieguitoUnionHighSchoolDistrict(SDUHSD), servingthedesirablecoastalcommunitiesofNorthSan DiegoCounty,isaleadingeducationalinstitution consistentlyproducingtop-tiergraduatesandfuelingthe region'stalentpool.
Establishedin1936,SDUHSDhasalong-standing reputationforacademicexcellenceandinnovation. Comprisingfivecomprehensivehighschools,amiddle school,andalternativeprograms,SDUHSDservesa diversestudentpopulationwithasteadfastcommitmentto providingaworld-classeducation.
UndertheleadershipofSuperintendentDr AnneF Brown,thedistrictcontinuestoadvance,implementing future-focusedinitiativesthatcultivatecriticalthinking, creativity,andadaptability–essentialattributesforthe modernworkforce.
BuildingaHigh-CaliberWorkforce
SDUHSDisconsistentlyrecognizedasoneofthetopperforminghighschooldistrictsinCaliforniaandthe nation.Itsschoolsfrequentlyearnaccoladesforacademic achievement,collegereadiness,andoverallexcellence.
TheserankingsunderscoreSDUHSD’seffectivenessin preparingstudentsforfuturesuccessinhighereducation anddemandingcareers.KeyindicatorsofSDUHSD’s strengthincludeexceptionalstandardizedtestscores,
consistentlyhighgraduationratesexceedingandastrong trackrecordofgraduatesattendingtopuniversities nationwide.ForbusinessesinSanDiegoCounty,SDUHSD representsavitalsourceofhighlyqualifiedtalent.
SDUHSD’scommitmenttodevelopingafuture-ready workforceisreflectedinitscomprehensiveprogram offerings:
●RigorousAcademicCore:SDUHSDprovidesa challengingandcomprehensivecollege-preparatory curriculumacrossalldisciplines,ensuringstudentsdevelop astrongacademicfoundation.
●STEMLeadership:Recognizingtheimportanceof Science,Technology,Engineering,andMathematics, SDUHSDoffersspecializedSTEMprograms,academies, andpathwaysacrossitshighschools.Theseprograms provideadvancedcourseworkandhands-onlearning experiencesincutting-edgefields.
●CareerTechnicalEducation(CTE)Pathways: SDUHSDoffersdiverseCTEpathwaysalignedwith regionalindustrystrengths,includingBiotechnology, Engineering,ComputerScience,DigitalMediaArts,and Business.Thesepathwaysprovidestudentswithindustryrelevantskillsandopportunitiesforinternshipsand certifications.
●VisualandPerformingArts(VAPA):SDUHSD recognizesthevalueofcreativityandinnovationinthe workforceandprovidesrobustVAPAprogramsacrossits schools,fosteringcreativeexpressionandcriticalthinking.
CultivatingAdaptabilityandInnovation
Intoday’srapidlychangingbusinessenvironment, adaptabilityandinnovationarecrucial.SDUHSD prioritizestheseskillsthrough:
●Inquiry-BasedLearning:SDUHSDemphasizes inquiry-basedlearningmethodologiesthatencourage criticalthinking,problem-solving,andindependentlearning –skillshighlyvaluedbyemployers.
●TechnologyIntegration:Thedistrictstrategically integratestechnologyacrossthecurriculum,ensuring studentsdevelopdigitalfluencyandarecomfortableusing technologyasatoolforlearningandinnovation.
●21st-CenturySkillsFocus:SDUHSDexplicitlyfocuses ondeveloping21st-centuryskillssuchascollaboration, communication,criticalthinking,andcreativitythroughout itsprogramsandextracurricularactivities.
TheSDUHSDAdvantage:Connecting
Educationto Industry
ForbusinessesinNorthSanDiegoCounty,SDUHSDoffers adistinctadvantagebycreatingstrongconnectionsbetween educationandindustry.Thedistrictactivelyfosters partnershipswithlocalbusinessesandorganizationsto providestudentswithreal-worldlearningexperiencesand careerpathways.
SDUHSD’sCTEprogramsaredesignedwithindustryinput andoftenincludeadvisoryboardscomprisedofbusiness professionals.Thisensurescurriculumrelevanceand alignmentwithindustryneeds.StudentsinCTEpathways benefitfromopportunitiessuchas:
●InternshipsandWork-BasedLearning:SDUHSD facilitatesinternshipsandwork-basedlearningexperiences withlocalcompanies,providingstudentswithpractical skillsandindustryexposure.
●IndustryCertifications:ManyCTEpathwaysoffer industry-recognizedcertifications,enhancingstudents’ employabilityandprovidingbusinesseswithapoolof qualifiedcandidates.
●CareerCounselingandGuidance:SDUHSDprovides comprehensivecareercounselingandguidanceservices, helpingstudentsexplorecareeroptionsandconnectwith potentialemployers.
Fees,Accessibility,andCommunityInvestment
SDUHSDiscommittedtoprovidingexceptional publiceducationaccessibletoallresidentswithinits boundaries.Tuitionisfreeforresidentstudents.The districtalsoprioritizesequitableaccessandcommunity supportthrough:
●FocusonEquityandAccess:SDUHSDis committedtoensuringequitableaccesstohigh-quality educationforallstudents,regardlessofbackground.
●StrongCommunityEngagement:SDUHSD activelyengageswiththecommunitythroughparent involvementprograms,communityevents,and partnershipswithlocalorganizations.
●InvestmentinFacilitiesandResources:SDUHSD demonstratescommunitysupportthroughongoing investmentinmodernfacilities,technology,and resourcesthatenhancethelearningenvironment.
InternationalStudentConsiderations
SDUHSDprimarilyservesresidentstudentswithinits districtboundaries.However,theSanDiegoregionisa globalhubwithasignificantinternationalpresencein industriesliketechnology,biotechnology,andtourism. ThepresenceofuniversitieslikeUCSanDiegoand SanDiegoStateUniversity,whichattractinternational studentsandfaculty,contributestoaglobally-minded environmentintheregion,potentiallybeneficialfor businesseswithinternationalconnections.
BusinessPartnershipsandKeySanDiego Industries
SDUHSDrecognizestheimportanceofaligningits programswiththeneedsofSanDiego’skeyindustries. Potentialhiringpartnersandmajoremployersinthe regionthatmaybenefitfromSDUHSD’stalent pipelineinclude:
●Technology/Biotechnology:Qualcomm(San Diego),Illumina(SanDiego),ThermoFisher Scientific(Carlsbad),BDBiosciences(SanDiego), GeneralAtomics(SanDiego).
●Defense/Aerospace:GeneralDynamicsNASSCO (SanDiego),BAESystems(SanDiego),Northrop Grumman(SanDiego).
●Healthcare:SharpHealthCare(SanDiego), ScrippsHealth(SanDiego),UCSanDiegoHealth.
●Tourism/Hospitality:SanDiego’slargetourism andhospitalitysectorreliesonaskilledworkforce, andSDUHSD’scareerpathwayscancontributetothis industry.
●CleanTechnology/RenewableEnergy:SanDiego isagrowinghubforcleantechnology,and SDUHSD’sSTEMprogramscansupportthissector
Theseindustriesrepresentkeyemploymentsectorsin SanDiegoandpotentialcareerdestinationsfor SDUHSDgraduates.
LeadershipandRegionalImpact
SuperintendentDr AnneF.BrownleadsSDUHSD withafocusoncontinuousimprovement,innovation, andcommunitycollaboration.Herleadership emphasizespreparingstudentsforarapidlyevolving worldandensuringSDUHSDremainsadrivingforce fortalentdevelopmentincoastalSanDiegoCounty
Dr.Brown’scommitmenttostrongacademics,futurereadyskills,andbusinesspartnershipspositions SDUHSDasavitalassetfortheregion’seconomic prosperity.HervisionensuresthatSDUHSDcontinues tobeapremiersourceoftalentandakeycontributorto thedynamismoftheSanDiegobusinesscommunity.
TheSDUHSDInvestment:FuelingSanDiego’s EconomicEngine
Investingincommunitieswithtop-tierschooldistricts likeSDUHSDisastrategicinvestmentintheregion’s economicfuture.SDUHSD’sdedicationtoacademic rigor,innovation,industrypartnerships,and communityengagementmakesitaninvaluableasset forbusinessesseekingahighlyskilledworkforceanda thrivingbusinessenvironmentincoastalSanDiego County
Forcompanieslookingtoestablishorexpandtheir presenceinSouthernCalifornia,SanDieguitoUnion HighSchoolDistrictisnotjustaneducationalsystem, butacriticalpartnerinbuildingaprosperousand innovativeregionaleconomy
