Spark from ARC
Building the Next Level of Excellence-August 6, 2026
Dear School District 189 Team,
A new school year isn't simply another page on the calendar. It is another opportunity to change lives.
In just a few days, thousands of students will walk through our doors carrying hopes, questions,
challenges, dreams, and unlimited potential. Some will arrive eager to learn. Others will need
encouragement before they believe in themselves. Every one of them will be looking to us — for
guidance, for inspiration, for consistency, and for someone who believes they can succeed.
That is why what we do matters.
Every connection made.
Every name learned.
Every lesson in the classroom.
Every student greeted with dignity and respect.
Every meal served.
Every bus route driven.
Every classroom cleaned.
Every problem solved.
Every encouraging word.
More Than A Lesson - May 4, 2026
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on something at the heart of our work — relationships.
Throughout the year, I periodically meet with students across the district. Their feedback is thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring. Our students talk about their NWEA scores and growth targets, confidence with state testing, safety, school culture, and their relationships with staff. They can clearly articulate the strategies that help them learn best. They are focused, capable, and driven.
But when asked a simple question — “Who are your favorite staff members, and why?” — the answer is remarkably consistent. It always comes back to relationships. Our students are most positively impacted by the adults who invest the time and energy to know them, support them, and believe in them.
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City of Champions-March 16, 2026
City of Champions
East St. Louis has long been known as the City of Champions, and this year we were
reminded of that once again when our Flyers brought home the IHSA Class 3A State Boys
Basketball Championship Title.
Championships in our district don’t just happen in athletics.
It happens in classrooms where students and teachers are earning state recognition for excellence, where seniors are leading the region in Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion — a graduation requirement in Illinois — and where students are earning early college credits through Dual Credit, Running Start, and Advanced Placement courses while still in high school. Championships and excellence happen because staff across our district are creating the conditions for students to feel supported every day. Excellence is also reflected in the national recognition we recently received as a Magna Grand Prize Award for our commitment to improving indoor air quality, an honor made possible by the expertise and dedication of our facilities team.
All of these achievements share one common thread — you. The work you do each day keeps our district Anchored in Excellence. These victories happen because of the commitment to excellence each of you brings to your work daily.
The Power of How We Show Up- January 2026
I hope each of you enjoyed your holidays and are off to a great start in the third quarter. Winter break may have offered time to rest, but our purpose and commitment never pause. Each day we return ready to give 100% and focus relentlessly on meeting the academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of our students.
As we move into the testing season, every moment, every interaction, and every decision counts. Remember this truth:
“Every day you show up, you are either adding to or taking away from the culture of your school. There is no middle ground.”
— Clint Swindall
Challenges will arise. When challenges are met with complaining, pessimism, and excuses, the result is negativity — and negativity never leads to excellence. Instead, focus on what you can control, how you influence others, and the positive impact you make each day. Hope in the future gives you power in the present.
Persistence and Positive Believing are the Master Keys to Excellence- October 2025
Nothing in the world will take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated people who have not attained excellence. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogans “press on” and “keep walking” have turned many failures into success.
Things usually don’t happen the way we expect. Situations and circumstances can change suddenly. Some situations may leave you wondering, “What just happened? Why am I going through this?” Our natural inclination is to develop a “victim” mentality, have a “pity party,” or suddenly play the “blame game.” These actions can add stress and frustration to your life. As a result, you will become bitter instead of better. This is dangerous because you can’t produce positive results with negative thoughts.
Regardless of what happens in life or in your circumstances, despondency isn’t the answer. When faced with a challenge, you must override the temptation to quit, lose hope, or be discouraged. Instead, think positive, focus on your vision, your purpose, and your passion. If you focus on your misfortune, you will miss the provision that will convert your problem into an opportunity. Remember, your mind is your control tower. Do you really believe you can be great and achieve excellence? Is your will reflected in your words and actions?
HOME STRETCH MOTIVATION- MARCH 2025
The home stretch of the school year is here, and I want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the
dedication, heart, and hard work you pour into our students each day.
From the very beginning of the year, we committed ourselves to operating with courtesy, dignity, respect,
professionalism, compassion, and empathy - values that shape our interactions with students, families, and
one another. These principles are the foundation of a workforce culture that is not only productive but also
meaningful and inspirational. They help bring out the best in each of us, fostering an environment where
learning and growth can thrive.
TEACHER APPRECIATION - MAY 2024
In light of recent staffing adjustments, it's understandable that uncertainty may exist within our community. Yet, within change lies opportunity. Each transition presents us with a chance for growth, adaptation, and renewal. Let us embrace these moments, understanding that challenges are not barriers but pathways to progress.
A HOLIDAY SPARK FROM ARC - DECEMBER 2023
On behalf of the Board of Education and Financial Oversight Panel, thank you for making a positive difference in the lives of our students. As we approach the end of the calendar year and semester, each of us should reflect on what we have accomplished and focus on our goals for the second semester.
EXCELLENCE IS A HABIT - AUGUST 2022
Our theme this year is “Excellence is a Habit.” Habits are heavily influenced by your thoughts. When you sow a thought, you reap words that eventually become actions. Your actions form habits, which shape your character. Character is critically important because it determines your destiny. The aforementioned transitions started with your thoughts.
REACHING UP AND REACHING OUT - APRIL 2020
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach
my destination.” – Jimmy Dean
The past six weeks have been unprecedented. Circumstances changed in a heartbeat, and
everyone from staff to students to parents were thrown into a whirlwind without warning. Each of
you have stepped up in a time of crisis and have done an incredible job under the toughest of
circumstances. For that, I want to express my sincere appreciation.
RISE ABOVE THE URGE TO QUIT - FEBRUARY 2020
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is
always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison
The challenges of the first semester took a lot of effort to overcome and caused some of us to
grow weary. It is imperative that we replenish the drive, energy, and enthusiasm we exhibited at
the beginning of the school year. If you are truly committed to empowering excellence, you will
resist the temptation to become lackadaisical during times of fatigue or adversity.
EAGLE OR OYSTER? - AUGUST 2019
School has begun and we are off to a great start! As we embark upon this school year, I am
reminded of the story of the eagle and the oyster. I encourage you to read the passages below
and find some “golden nuggets.”
LEVEL UP TO EXCELLENCE - JANUARY 2019
Are we demanding enough from ourselves and our students? High expectations are critical to our success and the success of our students. What is success? Success is typically defined as the accomplishment of one’s goals. To attain success, we must have the ability to move from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.
THE POWER OF BELIEF - MARCH 2018
Our thoughts are one of the most powerful tools we possess. The self-talk we do in our minds will motivate or minimize our actions. I know firsthand that life shrinks or expands in proportion to our beliefs, courage and expectations.
PROGRESS ON THE PATH - DECEMBER 2017
District 189 is making progress. The annual Illinois Report Card shows our students are making real academic gains that are leading to improved graduation rates, college readiness, college enrollment and persistence.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE - AUGUST 2017
We are blessed to be chosen to work with our community’s most precious resource, our children. They depend on us to provide them with a high-quality education in spite of every adversity we face. For children, education is the gateway to opportunity, the pathway to the future and their ticket to the middle class.
The school year will soon be coming to a close. It is hard to believe that most of the school year is already completed. There have been many great experiences and successes during this time. Four high school students will be graduating with their high school diploma and their associate’s degree from SWIC through the Running Start program.
REFLECTIONS OF EXCELLENCE - DECEMBER 2016
At the close of a calendar year, it is customary to reflect on our successes and challenges. Reflection is a crucial habit to ensure continuous improvement. A commitment to excellence requires us to never settle for low quality, mediocrity or poor performance. On our journey toward excellence and greatness, we should celebrate our successes; however, we must not be content until we reach our destination.
TRUE GRIT: THE PREDICTOR OF EXCELLENCE - SEPTEMBER 2016
In her book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Persistence, Angela Duckworth explains that a critical predictor of success is not talent, but grit. This former MacArthur Fellow makes the case that reaching excellence, despite the presence of challenges, requires the sustained and focused application of deliberate, hard work over time. It means operating with a passionate persistence and a steadfast desire to succeed.
EXCELLENCE THE STANDARD - NOT THE GOAL - August 2015
"Excellence can be attained if you care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical, and Expect more than other think is possible." - Ronnie Oldham
As we begin the 2015-16 school year with the spirit of expectancy, we must remember that winners see themselves as champions before they begin the race.
PERSISTENCE AND POSITIVE THINKING ARE KEYS TO SUCCESS - APRIL 2015
"Nothing in the world will take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than the unsuccessful person with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of education derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." - Calvin Coolidge
YOU NEED A VISION - JANUARY 2015
What is your vision?
Helen Keller said, "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."
What is it that keeps you up at night--that thought that makes you light up and fills you with joy when you think about its possibility?
In life, situations don't always turn out the way we want or expect. Sometimes circumstances beyond our control may make us angry, confused or disappointed. Instead of throwing in the towel or throwing our hands up in despair, express your feelings and concerns with a trusted friend, family member or colleague, but don't quit.
SHARPEN THE SAW - OCTOBER 2014
"Oftentimes, people become too fixated on order and hectic schedules that they forget to pause, assess the state of their well-being and replenish themselves to continue on the road of endurance." -- Stephen Covey
In his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," Author Stephen Covey discusses seven habits that highly successful individuals perform consistently. I would like to focus on the seventh habit from Covey, "sharpening the saw," which he defined as "prioritizing your well-being--physical, spiritual, mental and social/emotional--by taking the time out of the structural routine to strengthen, replenish, and renew yourself."
"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win." - Michael Jordan
In life, just as in the game of basketball, we don't set out to finish last or even finish second. Our innate desire is to always finish first; to do our best; to play to win. Are we perfect? No. Do we strive for perfection? Yes. We must seek out those qualities and traits that can move us as close to perfection as possible in the way that we approach our daily responsibilities.
STEPPING OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE - SEPTEMBER 2014
"Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone." - Robert Allen, The One Minute Millionaire: The Enlightened Way to Wealth
We are often told that in order to receive, we must believe and step out on faith. There's an inner voice that speaks to our hearts and minds. It's asking, "When are you going to fulfill your purpose?"
SCHOOL YEAR 2014-2015: A GREAT START - AUGUST 2014
I am pleased to report that East St. Louis School District 189 has had a strong beginning in school year 2014-2015. This is, by far, the best start since I've been a part of the district. Our them for this year is "Believe in Excellence."