On The Way To School

Welcome to On the Way to School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he shares personal stories and valuable insights on managing emotions in the educational environment.
In this episode, Christopher reflects on the importance of emotional awareness and control, drawing from his experiences in various educational settings. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balanced emotional state for personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
Learn practical strategies for handling emotional triggers, fostering effective communication, and building supportive relationships within your team. Whether you're dealing with high-stress situations or seeking consistency in your emotional responses, this episode offers thoughtful guidance to help you navigate the complexities of your educational journey.
Tune in and elevate your approach to emotional management, ensuring a positive and productive atmosphere for educators and students alike.

Welcome to On the Way to School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, let's elevate our journey together.
As we enter the second full week of September, many of us are settling into the new school year. It's a time to reflect on our roles and whether we're in the right place professionally. Today, I share insights on finding resilience and joy in your work, drawing inspiration from mentors, and considering whether you've outgrown your current position.
Remember the importance of communication and community connection. If you find joy within your community, you might need new opportunities. If not, it may be time to explore new paths. Stay tuned for more guidance tomorrow on preparing for potential transitions.
Thanks for joining me on the way to school. Stay inspired.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he returns from a brief hiatus to discuss the art of decision-making in the educational landscape.
In this episode, Christopher shares insights on handling difficult decisions, emphasizing the importance of having complete information, setting decision-making deadlines, and effective communication. Drawing from recent experiences, he highlights the often-overlooked complexities and pressures of making the right call.
Additionally, Christopher introduces an exciting new initiative—a reorientation program for veteran and career employees—underscoring the necessity of thorough planning and robust communication to ensure its success.
Tune in to gain valuable strategies for navigating decision-making challenges and kickstart your week with renewed energy and focus.

Welcome to On the Way to School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, let's elevate our journey together.
Good morning, everyone. Hopefully, you are somewhere with good air conditioning and power today. Our AC on campus is on the fritz, making for a unique experience in the morning heat. However, we're pushing through, and people are working hard to fix it.
It's Thursday and the fifth day of school for our high school. The back-to-school energy is palpable as faculty and students settle into their routines. This week, I've been assigned lunchtime supervision, which has given me the chance to engage with students and observe their interactions during unstructured time.
I've witnessed students finding their way, forming groups, and even playing games like Roblox. One student, in particular, was thrilled to share his game experience with me. These moments of connection can brighten someone's day, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of the school's startup energy.
My son, DJ, a junior at my school, is also navigating his way through the community. It's heartwarming to see him and other students building their sense of belonging. As educators, we must also find ways to connect with each other, whether through lunch meetings or casual conversations.
This year, I encourage everyone to take a moment to get closer to colleagues, ask meaningful questions, and break away from the monotony. A colleague recently joined me for lunch supervision, and we had a great conversation about various topics, reminding me of the importance of these connections.
So, as we head towards the weekend, let's cherish these moments of community building and have some fun. Thanks for joining me on the way to school.

Welcome to "On the Way to School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, let's elevate our journey together. It's Wednesday, September 4th, and Los Angeles is experiencing a heat wave. While my lunchtime supervision during this heat might be a topic for another day, today's focus is on an exhilarating adventure I had post-wedding.
Join me as I recount a thrilling whitewater rafting trip with my family and the lessons learned along the way. Despite my inability to swim, I embraced the challenge, thanks to our guide's expert instructions and the supportive teamwork of our group. From overcoming fears to the importance of synchronized effort, this experience offered profound insights into taking risks and working together.
Discover how being in the front of the raft taught me to face obstacles head-on and the significance of keeping pace with your team, even when the going gets tough. This episode is packed with valuable lessons that can be applied both in and out of the classroom. I hope you find it inspiring and helpful on your way to work. See you tomorrow!

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, let's elevate our journey together.Good morning, people. After a refreshing Labor Day break, we're back with stories and reflections. Recently, my oldest daughter got married, and the experience was truly magical. In this episode, I share my journey as the father of the bride, drawing parallels to leadership and the profound moments of walking her down the aisle.Traditionally, the father of the bride's role is understated, but being present and supportive during such a significant transition is powerful. I reflect on the importance of being calm and encouraging in pivotal moments, whether in family or leadership roles. The moment of giving my daughter away was filled with emotions and lessons on responsibility, accountability, and the beauty of letting go when the time is right.Join me as I recount these experiences and draw life analogies from this special day. Tomorrow, we'll dive into another adventure—whitewater rafting with my new son-in-law, daughter, and wife. I hope these stories inspire and assist you on your journey to school. Take care.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he delves into the intricate world of equity and inclusion in educational institutions.
In this episode, Christopher shares insights from his extensive higher education administration and organizational management background. He breaks down the essential components of practical equity work in schools into three crucial areas: policy, programming, and curriculum. Learn how these elements interplay to create a structured and inclusive environment for students and staff.
Discover the importance of clear policies, engaging programming, and comprehensive curriculum development. Christopher provides practical advice on organizing equity offices to deliver on their promises and measure their effectiveness.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to elevate your journey in fostering equity and inclusion within your school community. Happy Friday, and enjoy your weekend!

Welcome to "On the Way to School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he shares his excitement for welcoming secondary students back to school and reflects on his journey.
In this episode, Christopher delves into the crucial topic of social justice and equity work in schools. He discusses the challenges equity practitioners face, their wide-ranging responsibilities, and the importance of support from school leaders. Learn about these roles' influence and impact on the school community and explore strategies for effective collaboration to achieve equity and inclusion goals.
Tune in for insightful reflections and practical advice to elevate your journey in education. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation about creating more equitable schools.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, let's elevate our journey together.
In this midweek episode, we tackle the theme of perseverance in the face of fatigue and discouragement. Christopher shares a personal anecdote about an unexpected birthday celebration at the health office, reminding us of the small joys that can brighten our day.
We delve into the everyday experience of feeling discouraged when our efforts and ideas aren't immediately recognized or understood, especially as new school community members. Christopher offers insights into the administrator's perspective, highlighting the importance of timing and communication in implementing new initiatives.
Drawing inspiration from a Victor Hugo quote, we explore the concept of "an idea whose time has come" and the patience required to see our ideas come to fruition. The episode encourages educators to stay motivated, seek clarity when needed, and find comfort in growth and adaptation.
Join us as we reflect on these valuable lessons and continue to bring joy and innovation to our school campuses. And remember, sometimes a simple visit to a colleague's office can lead to unexpected delights—like a piece of cake!

Welcome to "On the Way to School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, let's elevate our journey together.
This episode explores the importance of leveraging data for informed decision-making in schools. Christopher shares insights on how strategic data use can drive meaningful changes and improve the school community. He emphasizes the need to avoid relying solely on intuition and highlights the importance of being transparent and honest when using data to guide decisions.
Join us as we delve into practical examples of using surveys and feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every voice is heard. Christopher's experience and advice will help you make more efficient and effective decisions, ultimately fostering a healthier school environment.
Grab your coffee and get ready for a great day on the way to school!