Rich Smith

Husband, Father, Life-Long Learner, and Educator. Dickinson Public Schools.

[Rich Smith @resmith701]

“The warm sunlight that filled the soul.” Rest easy, Bobby.

[Thor Nystrom @thorku]

The send-off to Harrison Smith in the locker room will get you in the feels 🥹

[Ben Stevens @BenScottStevens]

The world is 4.543 billion years old.

And you and I exist at a time where we get to watch Shohei Ohtani play baseball.

That’s pretty sweet.

[Tansu Yegen @TansuYegen]

The teacher challenged his students to remove a mandarin from a glass full of water without spilling a single drop.

[Rich Smith @resmith701]

One of the best panels I’ve witnessed is with all stakeholders talking at the table regarding a shared interest, public schools and kids. The quiet minority with adults who work for children’s systemic progress and have two ears and one mouth.

#dpspride #belegendary @NDCELorg

[PurpleReignVikings @reign_vikings]

I’m not ready for this 😭

[Thor Nystrom @thorku]

Last Dance

[Thor Nystrom @thorku]

Adam Thielen “Coming Home” remix

[Justin McMillan @justinwmcmillan]

As school leaders head back before staff arrive, those first few days can feel both energizing and isolating. But that solo time is incredibly valuable. Here’s what the latest research and top experts say great principals should focus on in these early days:

1. Recenter on Vision and Strategy
Michael Fullan reminds us in The Principal that coherence is the foundation of effective leadership.
•Revisit your school’s vision and mission
•Identify 2–3 high-leverage focus areas for the year (such as engagement through cooperative learning or strengthening Tier 1 instruction)
•Ask yourself: “If this year is a success, how will students, staff, and families experience it differently?”
@MichaelFullan1

2. Prepare the Physical and Emotional Environment
Todd Whitaker has said that “the culture of a school walks in the building before the principal does.”
•Walk every hallway, classroom, and shared space
•Refresh key areas with intention—this might mean reorganizing a staff lounge or updating student celebration boards
•Ensure your building reflects excellence before anyone else steps inside
@ToddWhitaker

3. Design Your Feedback and Coaching Systems
Robyn Jackson’s work (Never Underestimate Your Teachers) emphasizes the importance of structured support and growth.
•Draft your classroom walkthrough plan and feedback calendar
•Build coaching tools aligned to your schoolwide focus areas
•Prepare your first five feedback conversations before school even starts
@Robyn_Mindsteps

4. Make the Welcome Personal
Elena Aguilar’s coaching research points to the power of connection.
•Write a short, personalized welcome note to each team member
•Record a brief message or video sharing your excitement and vision for the year
•Design a meaningful welcome-back experience that reminds your team they matter
@brightmorningtm

5. Study the Right Data
Paul Bambrick-Santoyo and Douglas Reeves both stress the importance of early, focused data work.
•Review not just test scores but engagement, attendance, and discipline patterns
•Identify a few key indicators to track weekly
•Let your early data drive your first PD sessions and instructional priorities
@DouglasReeves

The best leaders don’t wait for the team to arrive to start leading. These first few days are your chance to set the tone, clarify the path, and prepare the runway so your staff can take off.

#LeadershipMatters #InstructionalFocus #SchoolCulture #PrincipalsLeadFirst #VisionDrivenLeadership

[Jake’sGoldStarMom @HeidiJeanLK]

On the most difficult day, I woke to the news that my only son was killed in Afghanistan. He was due home in just 2 weeks. I already had his birthday present, planned to go to a baseball game like old times, cook his favorite foods, joke and tease and make up for lost time, but in the blink of an eye, we lost him. The denial and shock were crippling.
My first rational thought was, “Who will remember him when I’m gone”? He was just 21 with no children, and the notion that he might be forgotten brought an anxiety that I can’t articulate. Our family was grief-stricken and we learned in one moment what Memorial Day is truly about.
Jake was a Christian, a comedian, an athlete, a huge dog lover, an artist and the best son and friend.
I genuinely hope you all enjoy your long weekend, and if you don’t have a hero to remember, please remember mine. This is all we can do for him now.
If prompted to do so, please share him with the world. It would be a gift.
PFC Jacob H Wykstra
KIA May 28, 2014
Maruf, Afghanistan
He is forever loved and missed ♥️🇺🇸

[Rich Smith @resmith701]

It was like Disneyland came to town today! An exciting day @ Dickinson Public Schools filled with celebration and growth. Dr. Jessica & John Hannigan continued coaching with our teams toward taking the next step in how to effectively support students and staff. #BeMighty

[VikingzFanPage @vikingzfanpage]

This Harrison Smith return video is AWESOME

🎥: @Vikings

[strizzyallen @Strizzzzyyy]

Never chased a bag.

No issues on or off the field.

Just violence and #Vikings football for 14 straight years.

Hitman.

[Minnesota Vikings @Vikings]

BAH GAWD THAT'S @HarriSmith22's MUSIC!!

The #Vikings and S Harrison Smith have agreed on a restructured contract for his 14th NFL season.

[Jessica Minahan, PhD, BCBA @jessica_minahan]

A good reminder for all of us… https://t.co/gtgr9VlQFk

[Rich Smith @resmith701]

@ConsciousTching Excited for the opportunity to be in the position to improve opposition for our students life skills!

[Rich Smith @resmith701]

@learningandtheb Great conference! “Meaningful learning shifts teachers and students from emotions about outcomes/results to emotions about ideas.” It’s always been about the people! This conference is transcending for 21st Century Education.

[Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband]

“He has been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. This isn't my moment, it’s my dad’s moment."

- Freddie Freeman on running over to his dad after his walk-off grand slam home run to win Game 1 of the World Series

[Gov. Doug Burgum @GovDougBurgum]

Grateful to join in the grand opening of the Southwest Area CTE Academy in Dickinson, an incredible educational facility that will help elevate the skills of our students and support our workforce.

With 14 programs and a wide range of career training opportunities, the SWCTE Academy will create pathways to provide students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce and thrive.

Thank you to the many public and private leaders who collaborated on this project to raise the funds and bring another fantastic educational facility to life.