Completed a post-Thanksgiving half marathon. Grateful for the miles. @fit_leaders

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. Alfred says hi.

The Scouting America Food Drive delivered a tremendous donation to the Gateway Food Pantry. The continued generosity of our community over the past month reminds us what’s possible when people come together to help others.

Thought & Action for the Day:

I just finished Live Today Well by Fr. Thomas Dailey. Such a thoughtful reminder to slow down & be present. I kept noticing moments of Jesuit influence throughout the book, especially the Examen. It’s a powerful invitation to approach each day with purpose, gratitude, & kindness.

Thought & Action for the Day:

My third marathon is complete — the @IndyMonumental. Each race teaches something new about grit, gratitude, and growth. Thankful for @CNOFinancial and all who make this event possible. Indy reminded me why I run. @fit_leaders #BoycottAverage

Thought & Action for the Day:

Leadership is about learning, growing, and striving to be a little better each day. Grateful to have my article on growing as a leader published in the Missouri Elementary Principal magazine. Proud to share my journey as a principal. @MoAESP, @SLSEPA1, @NAESP

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Honored to attend & present at SLU’s Consortium for Human Flourishing workshop on promoting student & educator well-being. Energized by the insights & connections, and grateful for the chance to reflect on what it means to truly flourish in education.

I love my new coffee mug! Thank you so much, Stacey Winkler Bader!!

In only two hours, our community filled three carts to the brim with food and contributed over $300 in donations. Your generosity is making a real difference as we work together to stamp out hunger. Thank you to everyone who stepped up today!

Happy birthday to Alfred, the best Boston Terrier we’ve ever had!

Just finished The Blueprint by @bloomer_sa — the perfect read to refocus before the school year starts. Practical, honest, and full of reminders about what matters most as a principal. Grateful for this one.

One of the things I really enjoy is mentoring new administrators. I’m excited to be working with Erik Dessau as he begins his administrative career, and of course I had to get him one of my favorite leadership books by @ToddWhitaker —a must-read for anyone in school leadership.

Thought & Action for the Day:

McClellan: What some public schools can't give us www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...

Running recovery continues! Today was my first run in Forest Park in over a month, and it felt great to be back out there. Even better—I got to break in my new Patrick gear.

July 31: The feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Founder of the Society of Jesus. St. Ignatius calls us to be "contemplatives in action," to "find God in all things," and to always seek the magis – the more, for the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - AMDG).

Took some time off from running after thinking I broke a couple of toes a few weeks ago. There’s still some pain, but it felt really good to be back out there today. Not the fastest or the smoothest run—but definitely the most appreciated one in a while.

Just finished From Fear to Faith by @gary_zimak. It’s not about pretending fear doesn’t exist—it’s about refusing to let it lead. With honesty, Scripture, and simple yet powerful steps, Zimak gently guides us toward peace through trust—not control. Do not be afraid to be saint.

Big thanks to our district curriculum team for leading a meaningful day of professional learning for administrators. The focus on high-quality instruction, collaboration, and student impact made the time valuable and energizing. Grateful for the leadership!

Wait, What? by James E. Ryan is a quick but powerful read. Five thoughtful questions that push you to listen better, think deeper, and lead with more intention. @harperonebooks.bsky.social

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thank you @NAESP for the awesome shirt and gifts! I appreciate the opportunity to learn, share, and grow through the conversations you spark online. Proud to be part of a community that champions school leaders and student success.

I just finished Let Go of Your Fear by @gary_zimak. This book is full of insight & encouragement. Every chapter offered meaningful reminders abt what it means to let go of worry and lean into trust—especially when life feels uncertain. @avemariapress

Just returned from the White House Retreat—three days of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. If you're looking to step away and reconnect with God, consider joining me next year: July 9–12, 2026. It’s a powerful experience. Let me know if you're interested. @whretreat

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Just finished A Different Kind of Power by @jacindaardern — highly recommend. A powerful, honest reflection on leadership rooted in kindness, empathy and strength. Thank you @CrownPublishing for sharing this story.

Wordle 1,469 2/6 ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Thought & Action for the Day:

Beyond the Miracle Worker by Kim E. Nielsen gave me a whole new perspective on Anne Sullivan. Far more than Helen Keller’s teacher—her story is one of grit, complexity, and deep impact. Thanks, @BeaconPressBks.

Finished 1st in my age division at this year’s Run for 21 supporting the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis. It’s a great event that brings people together and reminds me how fortunate we are to have organizations like DSAGSL making a real difference.

Thought & Action for the Day:

Exciting news from Rogers! Our WonderWorks: Where Young Learners and Families Flourish program has been named a 2025 Promising Practice by @CharacterDotOrg. Proud of our students, staff & families for creating a place where kids thrive!

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Finished Leading a High Reliability School. A powerful reminder that excellence in education isn’t left to chance—it’s built through systems, collaboration, & clarity. A great read for any school leader working toward lasting impact. @SolutionTree, @robertjmarzano, @CameronRains

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Grateful for everyone who came to the Gateway Food Pantry Volunteer Appreciation Lunch today. Volunteers are the heart of what we do. If you're interested in helping out, let me know—we’d love to have you join us! @ProfPatMcKelvey

So much destruction in Forest Park after the tornado—countless trees down and so much damage across the area. I captured this image of one tree that, while not blown over, clearly bears the marks of the storm’s strength. A powerful reminder of how quickly everything can change.

Thought & Action for the Day:

Thought & Action for the Day:

Enjoyed catching up with some of my fellow principals. I’m grateful to work alongside such thoughtful, supportive, and dedicated people who care deeply about their schools, their staff, and—most importantly—their students.