Staff LifeLeader

Life School is exploring the possibility of establishing a Sick Leave Bank to support employees who have exhausted their available leave and are suffering from catastrophic or serious illness or injury. This program would allow employees to donate a portion of their local leave into a shared bank that can be used by eligible employees in times of extended medical need. Not sure what a sick leave bank is? Click here to learn more.

Thank you to the 79% of staff who completed this year’s Fall WDYT? Employee Engagement Survey, conducted by Gallup. The WDYT? program turns your feedback into action, helping administrators focus on what truly matters for our staff and teams.

Over the past few years, we’ve focused on Q04 Recognition and Praise and Q08 Mission and Purpose—and we’re proud to report these are now our highest-rated areas compared to other K-12 educational entities. This reflects the intentional effort of our staff to encourage one another and live out our mission every day.

This year, 84% of respondents said someone at work encourages their development, and overall staff satisfaction continues to grow—we’re now in the 77th percentile compared to other K–12 schools. These results show the collective commitment of our staff to creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

We are inspired by these results and remain committed to building trust, valuing people, and pursuing continuous improvement as we continue to identify additional areas we can focus on to enhance engagement and satisfaction at Life School.

Click here to access the Fall 2025 Survey Results on the WDYT? Page of the Extranet.

Every season has its stretch — the time when the pace quickens, demands pile up, and energy feels thin. It’s in these moments that our Strengths matter most. They aren’t just tools for the easy days; they’re anchors for the challenging ones.

Your unique talents are already wired to help you through the tough spots. Maybe it’s your Responsibility that keeps things steady, your Empathy that reminds others they’re not alone, or your Strategic thinking that finds a way forward when the path isn’t clear. Whatever your Strengths are, trust them — they’ve brought you this far for a reason.

And when we combine our talents with those of our teammates, something powerful happens: strength multiplies. We balance each other, lift each other, and discover new solutions together. So as the season stretches, remember — growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when we lean into who we are and into one another.

Strengths Strategy: When the season stretches you, try asking ChatGPT: “I’m a [your role] and my Top 5 CliftonStrengths are [list them]. How can I lean in, tone down, and adjust these strengths to Rise & Shine during challenging times?”

You’ll receive personalized ideas to help your natural talents shine brighter—even when the days feel long. And don’t stop there—take what you discover and talk it out with a teammate. AI can offer insight, but real wisdom often emerges in conversation, where perspective meets partnership.

As a district, we are committed to building trust, valuing people, and pursuing continuous improvement—and that means being intentional about how we plan for the future.

District leaders have begun the process of our Comprehensive Needs Assessment, a key step in identifying our strengths and areas for growth. This work is grounded in data and shaped by your voice. Through surveys such as the Employee Engagement Survey, New Hire Survey, and Exit Surveys, we listen carefully to staff experiences and insights to guide our priorities.

We’re also excited to kick off this year’s Superintendent Advisory Meetings in November. Each campus has a representative on this advisory team, ensuring every school has a voice in shaping district priorities and helping us better serve our staff and students.

Congratulations to Ebony Washington, our G.E.M. (Give Every Month) Member of the Month! Ebony has been generously giving every month since 2021, and this month her name was drawn to be recognized for her consistent support of Life School. Thank you, Ebony, for your ongoing generosity and dedication. You truly embody what it means to be a LifeLeader!

LifeLeader Smiles are a great way to share all the amazing things our people are doing every day! All SMILES get published to the Extranet. Have you shared a smile lately? This month we are highlighting Citizenship.

Citizenship: The Heart of Community
Every thriving community starts with people who care and take responsibility for making it better. This month, let’s recognize those who are shining with the attribute of Citizenship — showing pride in our school, contributing to the greater good, and modeling what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Angela Litke, Thank you for always being so bright and cheery! It brings a light to our campus and staff that we definitely need! Keep being the powerful fashionista you are! #Citizenship

Simone Howard, Thank you so much for always being so kind, thoughtful, and incredibly helpful. Your warmth and dedication do not go unnoticed every single day! Your kindness makes a meaningful difference, and I’m genuinely grateful to work alongside someone as caring as you. #Citizenship

Kali Coffey, Thank you for what you bring to your precious students. You respect them by showing them constant compassion and providing them with a safe environment every day! #Citizenship

Wendy Bazemore, Thank you for being your authentic self each and every day! Your laugh and shining spirit are infectious. I am grateful to have you as my Life School bestie! #Citizenship

Diamond Jordan, Sending you a Smile because you have a smile every time I pass you in the hall. Thank you for making our days a little brighter! #Citizenship