On The Way To School

In this Friday episode, I reflect on making it through a short but full week in schools, capped by the excitement of homecoming weekend. A real highlight for me was seeing my son recognized on the homecoming court, which gave me the chance to discuss the difference between leadership and stewardship and what it means to be seen and celebrated by one's community.
I also share some takeaways from our recent board meeting and why engaging with the governance side of schools is such a valuable step for aspiring leaders and community members. Finally, I preview what’s ahead, including more from my book, Lonely Graduation, and some NAIS governance resources that I’ll be unpacking in future episodes.

In this episode of "On the Way to School", I continue the conversation about my book Lonely Graduation, sharing personal stories from my own college nights and a student-athlete's signing day. I explore the emotional transition that follows major achievements and how celebrations can sometimes feel draining or isolating. I emphasize the importance of giving ourselves space to process both the joy and the loneliness that can come after success.
I hope you enjoy! 

Welcome to "On the Way to School" with Dr. Dennis. In this episode, I open up about my upcoming book, Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone. September has always felt like a month of calibration to me, and as I get deeper into writing, I wanted to share some of that process with you.
I discuss where the book began with my own experience as a first-generation college graduate and the unexpected loneliness I felt on the night of my commencement. That moment launched a 20-year journey of discovery and understanding, and it has shaped how I think about transitions of all kinds: graduations, new jobs, relationships, and even endings.
Along the way, I also share how I've been weaving in the voices of seven people I interviewed for the book, all of whom answered the question: What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "lonely graduation"? Their stories, combined with mine, open up space to reflect on what happens after the applause fades.
This episode is a preview of the book, but it's also an invitation for you to reflect on your own milestones, the silence that follows, and the meaning you've found in those moments.

Good morning! Welcome to "On the way to School." I'm Dr. Dennis, and I'm excited to share my reflections on our recent high school back-to-school night. It was heartwarming to see so many parents returning to campus, and I loved hearing the stories that emerged from those interactions. The passion our teachers have for their roles truly shines through, and it's inspiring.
 
I'm also thinking about the concept of a "reverse back-to-school night," where we can involve our kids in family routines at home. It's all about encouraging self-awareness, having the courage to embrace new challenges, and finding joy throughout the school year. Let's make it a fantastic year together!

Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School!" As I reflect on the first days of the school year, I keep coming back to the importance of "calibration", adjusting my pace and energy across classrooms, meetings, and responsibilities.
In class today, I checked in with students using a Beyoncé mood meter. In my calendar, I've worked on scheduling strategies that create space for both urgency and pause. In staff meetings and even in the process of moving into a new office, I've been mindful of how we set the tone together.
The key takeaway for me is this: slow down and take stock, pivot when needed, strike a balance between urgency and collaboration, and be cautious not to move too quickly that you burn out or leave others behind.
I hope you enjoy, comment, and share! 

Welcome back to a new season of On the Way to School! I’m Dr. Dennis, and I’m thrilled to share my reflections on the first week back at school. Join me as I recount memorable moments from carline drop-offs, inspiring classroom interactions, and the joys of family life.
In this episode, I’ll dive into my experiences teaching an equity, justice, and leadership course, discussing the balance between visible and behind-the-scenes work. I’ll also highlight upcoming events, including the State of Inclusion, and share my plans for data deep dives and guest hosts. Plus, I’m excited to announce my goal to release a book in early 2026. Let’s embark on this journey together!
 
 
 
 

Welcome to "On the Way to School." I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. In this episode, I discuss the onboarding process for new school staff, emphasizing the importance of feedback and clear communication during the crucial first weeks on campus. I share insights on how issues can emerge from informal communication channels and stress the importance of new hires communicating any concerns with their mentors or supervisors as early as possible. I offer practical tips, such as asking your supervisor how they prefer to receive feedback and sharing how you like to give it. I also encourage being proactive in seeking support. Additionally, I emphasize that school leaders should set clear expectations and model respectful communication to help new teams succeed.

Welcome to "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today I'm excited to explore the impact of disruption on both our personal and professional lives. Disruptions can often feel overwhelming, and I want to explore why that is and share some valuable strategies to help us stay on track amidst the chaos. Staying focused and being prepared for life's unexpected challenges is crucial; together, we'll uncover valuable insights. Let's get started!
 
 
 

In this episode of On The Way To School, I’m excited to share my personal experiences with AI at work. It all started with an unexpected recap from an AI companion during one of our meetings, which opened my eyes to the potential of this technology. I’ll delve into the diverse ways AI is being utilized in educational environments, highlighting the importance of transparency and discussing the ethical considerations that need to be kept in mind. I hope to provide practical insights into how schools and leadership groups are adapting to AI, ensuring that we engage with this technology in a responsible and informed manner. Join me on this journey as we explore the intersection of education and artificial intelligence!

Join me, Dr. Chris Dennis, this Monday morning as I delve into the powerful theme of setting the right intentions and cultivating positive habits. I'll be sharing some personal reflections on the milestones I've encountered throughout my journey, with a particular emphasis on the impact of habits we form at the start of the school year.
Have you ever considered how a seemingly small decision, like hitting the snooze button, can set the tone for your entire day? I'll explore this idea in depth, examining how these little choices can ripple out and influence our day-to-day experiences and overall success. 
I believe that focusing on winning each day, even through small, incremental steps, can lead us to significant long-term achievements. It's all about the compound effect of our daily actions. With this in mind, I'll also share my commitment to breaking down barriers with students and fostering meaningful yet straightforward connections that can create lasting impacts on their lives.
I look forward to engaging with you all and inspiring one another as we embark on this journey of growth and connection together. Let's make the most of every day!