Somehow, we blinked and the “new school year” is no longer new. The fresh notebooks are a little less crisp, our calendars are a little more colorful (and full), and the early morning hustle is starting to feel like routine. Welcome to October — that magical month where the buzz of the first few weeks gives way to the steady rhythm of school life. The air shifts (well, at least it’s supposed to), pumpkin-flavored everything makes a comeback (YES!!!!!), and classrooms begin to feel like communities again. Students and staff are settling in, relationships are forming, and the work — the real, meaningful, sometimes messy work — is underway. October is the part of the school year where we begin to see glimmers of what’s possible.
And as we settle into this next chapter, it’s the perfect time to revisit our shared theme for the year: “Making Excellence A Habit: Where What We Do Becomes Who We Are Together.” This isn’t just a catchy phrase for the start of the year — it’s a reminder that the work we do every day, in all its small and significant ways, shapes our collective identity. Excellence isn’t a finish line we cross; it’s something we practice again and again until it becomes part of who we are. And here’s the comforting truth: habits don’t require perfection (phew…LOL). They just require practice. Excellence doesn’t mean every day is flawless or that we never drop a ball. It means we’re committed to picking it back up — together — and learning as we go. Think of it like watering a plant: if you forget one day, you don’t throw the plant out — you water it the next day and keep going. Over time, those small, consistent efforts help it grow strong and thrive.
But as we focus on building habits of excellence, we also need to remember that excellence can’t thrive if we’re running on empty. The work we do is important — deeply so — but you are even more important. October is often the month when the pace picks up and the to-do lists seem to grow overnight. That’s exactly why it’s also the right moment to pause and ask yourself: Where can I build in rest, joy, and life inside and outside of school? We talk often about modeling resilience, boundaries, and well-being for our students and school partners — and that modeling starts with us. Take the walk. Close the laptop. Say yes to that dinner with friends or that Saturday nap. The work will always be there, but you are the most important ingredient in making it meaningful.
So, here’s to October — to routines taking root, to habits becoming second nature, and to the small, steady actions that shape who we are as a team. And as we ease into our version of fall here in California — maybe not as dramatic as the East Coast, but beautiful all the same, let’s keep showing up for our students, school partners, for one another, and for ourselves. And if all else fails this month… light a fall-scented candle, pour yourself a cup of something cozy, and remind yourself: you’re doing great!
With gratitude (and probably a pumpkin spice latte in hand),
And as we settle into this next chapter, it’s the perfect time to revisit our shared theme for the year: “Making Excellence A Habit: Where What We Do Becomes Who We Are Together.” This isn’t just a catchy phrase for the start of the year — it’s a reminder that the work we do every day, in all its small and significant ways, shapes our collective identity. Excellence isn’t a finish line we cross; it’s something we practice again and again until it becomes part of who we are. And here’s the comforting truth: habits don’t require perfection (phew…LOL). They just require practice. Excellence doesn’t mean every day is flawless or that we never drop a ball. It means we’re committed to picking it back up — together — and learning as we go. Think of it like watering a plant: if you forget one day, you don’t throw the plant out — you water it the next day and keep going. Over time, those small, consistent efforts help it grow strong and thrive.
But as we focus on building habits of excellence, we also need to remember that excellence can’t thrive if we’re running on empty. The work we do is important — deeply so — but you are even more important. October is often the month when the pace picks up and the to-do lists seem to grow overnight. That’s exactly why it’s also the right moment to pause and ask yourself: Where can I build in rest, joy, and life inside and outside of school? We talk often about modeling resilience, boundaries, and well-being for our students and school partners — and that modeling starts with us. Take the walk. Close the laptop. Say yes to that dinner with friends or that Saturday nap. The work will always be there, but you are the most important ingredient in making it meaningful.
So, here’s to October — to routines taking root, to habits becoming second nature, and to the small, steady actions that shape who we are as a team. And as we ease into our version of fall here in California — maybe not as dramatic as the East Coast, but beautiful all the same, let’s keep showing up for our students, school partners, for one another, and for ourselves. And if all else fails this month… light a fall-scented candle, pour yourself a cup of something cozy, and remind yourself: you’re doing great!
With gratitude (and probably a pumpkin spice latte in hand),
Blog by: Amber Fretwell, Executive Director of School Partnerships
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