 Dean's Digest | | August 2025 | Issue #25 |
| Setting the Tone: Your First 10 Days BackThose first days back — whether you're brand new to the dean's chair or coming in with years of experience — set the tone for the year ahead. They're also the prime window to see your school's culture at its most authentic, before routines harden and habits take hold. In the first ten days, you're both a participant and an observer: listening for what's said (and unsaid), noticing where students gather, watching how faculty handle small disruptions, and gauging the mood in the hallways. This isn't about rushing to "fix" things. It's about building an informed, relationship-centered baseline so that when you do act, you're aligned with the culture, the needs, and the people who make your school what it is. |
Practical Tools & ResourcesDownloadable Resource: "First 10 Days Back-to-School Checklist for Deans" — covering observation points, key questions, and priority actions. |
Book Recommendation: The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins — not written for schools, but full of adaptable leadership strategies. |
Tech Tip: Use a notes app like Notion or OneNote to log daily observations and categorize them by "quick wins" vs. "longer-term strategy." |
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Conference Spotlight2025 Deans' Roundtable Annual ConferenceJune 23-26, 2025 | A tremendous success!  What an incredible four days of professional development, networking, and collaborative learning! Our annual conference brought together education leaders from across the independent school community for transformative sessions and meaningful connections. Conference highlights included: | • Dr. George James - "I Give Myself Permission" Keynote presentation | | • Learning Courage Team - "From C.A.R.E. to Culture: Strengthening Systems of Student Support" | | • Schwartz Hannum - Legal Hot Topics for Education Leaders | | • Soundcheck Prevention - Student Wellness Hot Topics with Lee Bergeron | | • David Torcoletti - "Building a Faculty Field Guide: Essential Tools for Understanding Today's Students" | | • New Deans Orientation - Specialized programming for emerging leaders |
"Four days of learning, connecting, and growing together as a community of education leaders committed to student life excellence." |
From R.E.A.L. discussions about advisory programs to action planning sessions for implementing new strategies, attendees left with practical tools, renewed energy, and strengthened professional networks. Thank you to all who joined us for this incredible gathering of education leaders! |
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Wisdom & Reflection Corner"The culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior the leader is willing to tolerate."
– Gruenert & Whitaker, "School Culture Rewired" |
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Humor & Light TouchNew dean on first day: "Where's my office?"
Veteran teacher: "Oh honey, you mean your mobile crisis management unit? It's wherever the chaos is loudest." 😂 |
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Dean's Roundtable ShopShow Your Dean Pride!  Discover our collection of over 30 specially designed products for deans, student life professionals, and fans of The Deans' Roundtable community. From professional apparel to office accessories, find the perfect way to celebrate your role in shaping student life and building school communities. |
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Ready to Set Your Year Up for Success?Want a mentor to walk you through those critical early weeks? Join our Community of Practice or explore one-on-one mentorship coaching. |
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