The Next Adventure

Summer 2022Vol. 4 No. 4

Just a few weeks ago, a member of our team boarded a plane for the first time in five years. An emergency landing had left him with a paralyzing fear of flying, and even though he loves to travel, he just hadn’t been able to shake it. But as he got ready for this trip, he got some good advice from his therapist: Fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin.

Think of the last time a car suddenly cut you off in traffic. For at least a split second, you probably felt your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your stomach leaping into your chest—all the physiological signs of fear. But now, imagine you’re inching up the lift hill of a rollercoaster. All those same feelings, right? But if you’re a thrill seeker, that anticipation of the first big drop isn’t scary—it’s exhilarating.

Starting a new school year in our current moment might feel a little like boarding that plane or buckling into that rollercoaster. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the future is never certain—and it’s natural for that lack of control to come with a little anxiety. But with thoughtful preparation and a change of mindset, you can move from fear to excitement.  

That planning is exactly what we’re here to help with. In this issue, you’ll find creative ideas for building community relationships, whether it’s investing in your local businesses or starting a Spanish-language radio show. You’ll learn to push your thinking with new mental models, and discover new strategies for overcoming hesitation and doubt in your plans for progress. You’ll also find some practical tools you can put to use right away, like a guide to family communication throughout the year. 

If you’re feeling that sense of trepidation as the first day of school approaches, don’t try to get rid of it—just try to reframe it. Get excited. Whatever it holds, this year will be your next adventure—and you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.

Anita Foster: From Crisis to Confidence

How Anita Foster brought years of crisis communications experience to her everyday work at Arlington ISD.

A Breath of Fresh Air

How North Dakota is using federal funds to reconnect students to their state parks.

Accessible Language

Eduspeak as a Barrier to Family Engagement

On the Air with LOBO Live

How a unique approach in Longview ISD is breaking down language barriers and engaging their entire community

The Next Adventure

Summer 2022Vol. 4 No. 4

Just a few weeks ago, a member of our team boarded a plane for the first time in five years. An emergency landing had left him with a paralyzing fear of flying, and even though he loves to travel, he just hadn’t been able to shake it. But as he got ready for this trip, he got some good advice from his therapist: Fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin.

Think of the last time a car suddenly cut you off in traffic. For at least a split second, you probably felt your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your stomach leaping into your chest—all the physiological signs of fear. But now, imagine you’re inching up the lift hill of a rollercoaster. All those same feelings, right? But if you’re a thrill seeker, that anticipation of the first big drop isn’t scary—it’s exhilarating.

Starting a new school year in our current moment might feel a little like boarding that plane or buckling into that rollercoaster. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the future is never certain—and it’s natural for that lack of control to come with a little anxiety. But with thoughtful preparation and a change of mindset, you can move from fear to excitement.  

That planning is exactly what we’re here to help with. In this issue, you’ll find creative ideas for building community relationships, whether it’s investing in your local businesses or starting a Spanish-language radio show. You’ll learn to push your thinking with new mental models, and discover new strategies for overcoming hesitation and doubt in your plans for progress. You’ll also find some practical tools you can put to use right away, like a guide to family communication throughout the year. 

If you’re feeling that sense of trepidation as the first day of school approaches, don’t try to get rid of it—just try to reframe it. Get excited. Whatever it holds, this year will be your next adventure—and you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.

Marketing Matters

How marketing can help municipal leaders tell your story and build community support.

Building Hype

Your facilities are funded by taxpayer dollars—so how can you show your community where their money is going?

Mental Models to Move You Forward

Armed with these new ways of thinking, you can reenergize your long-term plans.

Anita Foster: From Crisis to Confidence

How Anita Foster brought years of crisis communications experience to her everyday work at Arlington ISD.

Touch Points

A Yearlong Family Communication Calendar.

A Breath of Fresh Air

How North Dakota is using federal funds to reconnect students to their state parks.

Confronting Hesitation

Understanding Conflict and New Ways of Thinking

Accessible Language

Eduspeak as a Barrier to Family Engagement

Smarter Not Harder

Teacher and Digital Content Coordinator Randy Dorsey is using homegrown marketing to share the success story of Grant Career Center.

On the Air with LOBO Live

How a unique approach in Longview ISD is breaking down language barriers and engaging their entire community

Committing to Community

How investing in your local community strengthens your schools.