Tomorrow River Schools

September Spirit Article

Ryan Ruggles, District Administrator
Everyday Leadership in Action

In Tomorrow River Schools, leadership is not defined solely by titles, positions, or on special occasions. Everyone can be a leader and everyone has leadership potential. We make a conscious effort to weave leadership and service into the daily actions, attitudes, and choices of staff and students. This year, the district has placed a renewed focus on fostering everyday leadership opportunities. These are everyday moments where individuals can step up, contribute, and positively influence others. The philosophy is tied directly to our district’s Profile of a Learner, which emphasizes the skills of collaboration, citizenship, critical thinking, communication and character.

This philosophy was given fresh energy during the district’s recent back to school convocation. Staff participated in conversations that leadership is not about monumental achievements but about small, meaningful interactions that can change someone’s day, or even their life. All of these moments add up and define who we are, and ultimately become our legacy.

Building on this message and our district’s Profile of a Learner, our schools are creating opportunities for staff and students to lead through collaboration, empathy, and initiative. We are building on last year’s goal of creating opportunities for public displays of learning in every class and grade level. Our classrooms and hallways are already reflecting this vision. Through public displays of learning, students are showcasing their work, sharing their thinking, and teaching others. This practice is turning student learning into a community event. These opportunities not only build confidence and communication skills, but also allow students to lead by example, showing that leadership can be as simple as taking pride in your growth and inspiring others to do the same. Staff members are modeling leadership daily by supporting colleagues, mentoring, being technology leads for their peers, and creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued. Staff are encouraged to bring new ideas and bring solutions to problems or needs.

All of this work builds upon the messages from past convocation speaker, Joe Beckman, who inspired us with his reminder to “just look up.” Beckman’s challenge to our staff and students was about presence and being truly aware of the people and opportunities around us. He inspired us to make human connections and lead with empathy and understanding. When we combine everyday leadership with Beckman’s urging to connect with those in front of us, we create a culture where staff and students are both leading and uplifting one another, every single day.

This truly is who we are in the Tomorrow River. Whether it’s a student helping a classmate understand a lesson, a teacher mentoring a new colleague, or a custodian greeting every student with a smile, all of these moments matter. They shape not only our school culture but the character of the leaders we are building for the future. Leadership here is not reserved for special events or certain people, it is who we strive to be every day.