Summary:
This episode continues the second half of a practical checklist for Christian school administrators, with Mark Zockoll and Matt George walking through actions 11 through 20. The focus is on simple, immediate steps that improve leadership, communication, staff appreciation, and school culture.
Key Topics:
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In this episode, Mark Zockoll and Matt George continue their 30-item list of easy actions Christian school leaders can take right away, emphasizing practical changes that can be made from the office.
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Action 11: Keep a dedicated office toolkit so leaders are not constantly borrowing tools like hammers, drills, and screwdrivers from others.
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Action 12: Keep a ball pump in the office, along with extra needles and backup pumps, so athletics and random requests can be handled quickly.
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Action 13: Call into the school disguised as a parent or outsider to evaluate the voicemail, hold music, and front office experience.
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Action 14: Double-check voicemail recordings so they are current, clear, and still usable when people call in looking for staff or administrators.
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Action 15: Create a branded thank-you postcard using a tool like Canva so the school can send professional, personal notes quickly and affordably.
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Action 16: Send one handwritten postcard each week to a stakeholder outside the school, using it as a simple way to show gratitude and build relationships.
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Action 17: Drop into each classroom or homeroom once a year to read a 20-minute story, giving students a surprise visit and teachers a short break.
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Action 18: Call five random students down to ask about the school’s spiritual standing, giving students a chance to be heard and valued.
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Action 19: Buy office staff special swag that no one else in the school has, reinforcing appreciation, unity, and the distinct role of the front office.
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Action 20: Get a tearaway calendar with one dad joke per day to create moments of humor and help leaders bring joy into the school day.
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The episode closes with a Christian administrator spotlight on Susan Reynolds, who is serving as interim administrator of Covington Christian School in Indiana.
Timestamps:
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(00:00) Part two begins: actions 11 through 20 for Christian school leaders
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(02:05) Keep a dedicated office toolkit instead of borrowing tools
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(04:56) Put a ball pump in your office with extra needles
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(07:03) Secret-shop your school by calling in and checking the front desk experience
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(08:36) Update voicemail recordings so callers do not hit dead ends
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(10:38) Create a branded thank-you postcard in Canva
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(14:07) Send one handwritten postcard a week to a stakeholder
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(15:37) Visit each classroom once a year and read a 20-minute story
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(18:22) Ask five students what they think about the school’s spiritual climate
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(19:31) Buy office-only swag to appreciate and unify staff
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(21:53) Use a tearaway calendar with a daily dad joke to bring humor into leadership
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(23:24) Christian administrator spotlight: Susan Reynolds at Covington Christian School
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(24:44) Closing prayer and sign-off
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Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!