Roger Quist Middle School

🌟✨Celebrating a Stellar Back-to-School Night!✨🌟 Thank you for joining us! It was an incredible turnout, and your enthusiasm was contagious. Let's keep the positive energy flowing! 💪🤝 #BackToSchool #TogetherWeSucceed @SD27J @justinwmcmillan facebook.com/10005743939145…

Apply today or share with someone who you know is ready to join a dynamic team!!

John Wooden shared a mindset we all need to carry with us every single day. “Yesterday is gone. That’ll never change. Tomorrow is yet to be.” So how do you impact tomorrow? By what you do today. That’s the only way. Wooden pushed his players with a simple but powerful challenge: Make each day your masterpiece. He reminded them often: “You’ve got to put the past out. Good or bad, it’s gone. The only way you can affect the future is what you do today.” Then he shared a poem he loved by Vivian Larimore: “I’ve shut the door on yesterday, its sorrows and mistakes. I’ve locked within its gloomy walls past failures and heartaches. And now I throw the key away to seek another room and furnish it with hopes and smiles and every springtime bloom. Focus on what you can control… and make today your masterpiece.

Great PD @PrincipalKafele If you want effective instruction in every classroom, you cannot rely on the principal alone. The most successful schools intentionally build, support, and empower teacher leadership. Here are the core takeaways every school leader should consider: Teacher leaders are the bridge Principals and assistant principals have countless responsibilities. Teacher leaders, whether in formal roles like instructional coaches or as informal influencers, serve as the bridge between leadership and classrooms. They provide ongoing support, offer real-time coaching, and build trust because they are still working directly with students. Empowerment requires authority, autonomy, and support Strong teacher leaders are not just appointed, they are developed and empowered. This includes clear roles with real authority and accountability, dedicated time and compensation, and training on how to coach adults effectively. Instructional expertise alone is not enough. Trust and credibility come from proven success with students and a willingness to share practice openly. Build a culture of coaching and collaboration The most effective schools move away from isolation and toward a culture where coaching is the norm. Everyone is supported, including principals, assistant principals, and teachers. Students see adults learning and growing, which strengthens engagement across all grade levels. The principal’s role is essential Principals play a critical role in recruiting and selecting teacher leaders, developing them through intentional support, and retaining strong educators by creating meaningful leadership pathways. They also protect teachers from unnecessary distractions so the focus stays on students. Strong principals create the conditions where teacher leadership can thrive. Trust, credibility, and a focus on students come first Teacher leaders build credibility by demonstrating strong instructional practice and consistent results with students. They invest in relationships through ongoing conversations, not one-time evaluations. They also use sound judgment, knowing when to elevate concerns, always keeping students at the center of decisions. Schools that invest in teacher leadership create sustainable systems that improve instruction, strengthen retention, increase student achievement, and build a culture of excellence. If your school is serious about effective instruction in every classroom, investing in teacher leadership is one of the highest-leverage moves you can make. Highly recommend the book Unleashing Teacher Leadership by Joshua Barnett. It is practical, actionable, and full of tools schools can use immediately. What is one thing your school is doing well with teacher leadership, or one area you want to strengthen? Share in the comments so others can learn alongside you.

Check out PrincipalMcMillan's video! #TikTok tiktok.com/t/ZTkQbmN6n/

We’re building something special at Quist Middle School, and we’re looking for the right people to help take it even further. Now Hiring: 6th Grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher applitrack.com/brighton/onlin… We are looking for next-level game changers who are ready to collaborate, innovate, and make a real impact on students every single day. Here is what makes this opportunity different: * 3 hours of common planning time daily * 4-day school week * A highly collaborative and supportive team culture * A shared mission to take our scholars to the next level If you are an ELA or Social Studies teacher, we want to hear from you. If you are a K–6 certified elementary teacher who thrives in literacy, we strongly encourage you to apply. We are not just hiring a teacher. We are building a team of Dream Makers committed to excellence for every student. Help us spread the word. If you are ready to make an impact, fill out an application and join something special.

Calling on Dream-Maker ELA and Social Studies Teachers!!! Check out the posting!! applitrack.com/brighton/onlin… I am reaching out to share an exciting opportunity at Quist Middle School. We currently have an opening for an 8th Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, which includes teaching two sections of ELA and two sections of Social Studies. At Quist Middle School, we are deeply committed to our mission: Hearts and Minds: Every Scholar. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. We are more than educators; we are champions for every scholar. Our work is grounded in three core commitments: We are Champions for Each – Relationships that Matter We prioritize knowing our scholars as individuals, building strong relationships, and ensuring our instruction reflects who they are and what they need to succeed. We Expect Excellence – Ownership and Engagement We provide clear learning pathways and create highly engaging classrooms where scholars are actively involved in their learning every day. We RISE to the Crown – Equity We believe we are the number one determinant of student success and act with urgency to ensure every scholar achieves mastery. We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about building relationships, committed to high expectations, and dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all learners. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please apply at the link above. #teacher #hiring #ELATeacher @ColoradoEA @RQMSRoyals

Calling on Dream-Maker ELA and Social Studies Teachers!!! Check out the posting!! applitrack.com/brighton/onlin… I am reaching out to share an exciting opportunity at Quist Middle School. We currently have an opening for an 8th Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, which includes teaching two sections of ELA and two sections of Social Studies. At Quist Middle School, we are deeply committed to our mission: Hearts and Minds: Every Scholar. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. We are more than educators; we are champions for every scholar. Our work is grounded in three core commitments: We are Champions for Each – Relationships that Matter We prioritize knowing our scholars as individuals, building strong relationships, and ensuring our instruction reflects who they are and what they need to succeed. We Expect Excellence – Ownership and Engagement We provide clear learning pathways and create highly engaging classrooms where scholars are actively involved in their learning every day. We RISE to the Crown – Equity We believe we are the number one determinant of student success and act with urgency to ensure every scholar achieves mastery. We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about building relationships, committed to high expectations, and dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all learners. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please apply at the link above. #teacher hashtag#hiring hashtag#ELA hashtag#socialstudies hashtag#ELATeacher hashtag#SocialStudiesTeacher @BrianHullPE @SD27J @RQMSRoyals

Sometimes you wonder if the work you’re doing is really making a difference. Then a message like this shows up and reminds you why you do what you do. “Thank you to Justin for being an incredible boss and such a caring leader. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and big teddy bear heart don’t go unnoticed. I appreciate you more than you know!” Leadership is never about one person. It’s about the incredible people you get to work alongside every day. Grateful for a team that supports each other, pushes each other, and shows up for kids and for one another.

Every child that walks through your door is someone’s entire world. Act like it. Hamish Brewer This reminder hits different every single time. To a parent, that child is their whole world. Let’s treat them like it with patience, respect, and relentless belief. #Relentless #OneMoreRound #Teachers #Education #Motivation @brewerhm

Great educators and educated leaders should look at their schools through the lens of a restaurant. When someone opens a restaurant, they are not aiming for 20% satisfaction, 30% satisfaction, or even 80–90% satisfaction. They are aiming for 100%. Every single guest. From the moment someone walks through the door, the expectation is clear. The host greets you with warmth and positivity. Systems are in place so the experience begins smoothly and efficiently. When you sit down, the service continues with intention. You order appetizers, meals, drinks, and every part of that experience is expected to meet a certain standard. In education, we talk about essentials for all and ruthless equity. Every student deserves access to the standards that matter most. Just like a restaurant has a standard for how a steak should be cooked, we have standards for learning. And here’s the key: if that steak comes out wrong, the cook doesn’t say, “Well, it’s close enough.” They take it back and make it again until it meets the standard. That’s reteaching. That’s intervention. That’s commitment to the expectation. When we leave a great restaurant, we say, “That was an amazing meal. I’ll be back.” Every expectation was met. But imagine if only part of the experience was good. The host was great, the appetizer was decent, but the main dish missed the mark. Chances are, you’re not going back. In education, we can’t settle for partial satisfaction. Our scholars deserve the full experience. At Quist Middle School, we aim for the Royal Experience every single day. We strive for 100% of our scholars reaching the essentials. When students fall short, we intervene and reteach. When students meet the standard, we extend and elevate their learning even further. Because excellence isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. At Quist, we rise to and through the crown.

Best surprise of the school year and a perfect reminder why we do this work. This morning, one of my awesome 8th graders, walked straight up to me with a big grin and said, “I have your hat!” Flashback to Parent-Teacher Conferences: Valentina and her mom showed up wearing these exact sheep hats. I laughed out loud, told them how hilarious they were, and asked where I could get one. She remembered. She went out of her way. And today she handed me mine. I am still smiling. In this job we pour so much into our students: late nights planning, tough conversations, and endless work behind the scenes. Sometimes it feels like we are just pushing through. But then a student does something like this and you are reminded of the real impact we actually make. They notice. They care. They carry those little moments with them. Moments like today are why it is so important to pause and find the joy in the work. Because the joy is real, it is contagious, and it comes right back to you when you least expect it. #PrincipalLife #StudentImpact #FindTheJoy

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X A passport gives you access. It opens borders. It allows you to step into spaces you’ve never been before. Education does the same thing for our scholars. Education isn’t just about grades or test scores. It’s about opportunity. It’s about confidence. It’s about critical thinking. It’s about giving every child, regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance, the tools to walk into their future prepared and powerful. When we invest in education, we invest in possibility. When we raise expectations, we raise outcomes. When we believe in our scholars, they begin to believe in themselves. Across this country, our students deserve classrooms that challenge them, support them, and prepare them. They deserve adults who refuse to lower the bar and instead provide the scaffolds to help them reach it. Tomorrow does belong to those who prepare today. Let’s keep preparing. Let’s keep pushing. Let’s keep believing in the power of education to unlock every door. #EducationIsThePassport #FutureFocused #InvestInOurScholars #HighExpectations #EquityInEducation #TomorrowStartsToday

Educators & Leaders: Who Are YOU… and Who Might You Become? This question isn’t just a title; it’s a CALL TO ACTION that could redefine your entire career! In this explosive Week 301 of the AP & New Principals Academy (“Milken January” edition), @PrincipalKafele hosts powerhouses @WadeWhitehead and @nadertwal give raw, unfiltered dive into transformative educational leadership. Mic-drop moments that hit HARD: “The system that we have is designed to have the outcomes it has. That was on purpose. So if we want different outcomes, we got to go figure out what was under the ground that it keeps giving us the same fruit. You can prune the tree that’s going to produce more fruit, more of the same fruit. So if we don’t like the fruit, we got to interrogate the root.” • “If I can change the attitude, the content will fall into place.” (Pro tip: Power Mondays = game-changer for student empowerment!) • “The system is designed for the outcomes it has. Want different fruit? Interrogate the ROOT.” (No more well-oiled machines; we’re PEOPLE, not cogs!) • “There’s no ‘JUST’ in education. You’re a world-changer, period.” (Aides, teachers, principals; YOU matter. No qualifiers.) youtube.com/live/XY6WkqQ8H… #EducationalLeadership #PrincipalLife #MilkenEducators #TransformativeTeaching #APNewPrincipalsAcademy #LeadershipWins #InterrogateTheRoot

@justinwmcmillan @ToddWhitaker @PrincipalKafele @casas_jimmy @JTSPOTLIGHTS @bethhill2829 @PrincipalProj @unfoldthesoul @BrianHullPE @carrieyantzer1 @JonGordon11

Over the past three years at Quist Middle School in 27J, I have had the privilege of being part of a team that has delivered sustained, measurable results for students both academically and culturally. The data tells a powerful story of growth, focus, and collective commitment as we continue to rise to the crown at Quist. Student achievement gains (Meeting and Exceeding): Sixth Grade • ELA increased by 28 percent showing strong, sustained growth • Math increased by 63 percent showing exceptional growth • Science increased by 15 percent showing a solid upward trend • Social Studies increased by 27.5 percent Seventh Grade • Math increased by 41 percent • Science increased by 26 percent • Social Studies increased by 24 percent Eighth Grade • ELA increased by 8 percent on top of already high achievement • Math increased by 13 percent • Social Studies increased by 23 percent This represents double digit gains in nearly every content area. At the same time, office referrals and suspensions have decreased by over 50 percent, reinforcing that strong instruction, clear expectations, and positive relationships create both academic excellence and a thriving school culture. Proud of the Royals, our students, staff, and community, who prove every day that when culture and instruction align, results follow. #SchoolLeadership #StudentAchievement #MiddleSchoolSuccess #InstructionalLeadership

@PrincipalProj @BrianHullPE

How can you foster more teacher ownership of growth goals in the new semester? Leader @BrianHullPE has a tool for that. ⤵️⤵️⤵️ principalproject.org/the-most-power…

Thank you so much for the collaboration @PrincipalProj!

@justinwmcmillan @casas_jimmy @ToddWhitaker @BrianHullPE @PrincipalKafele @PrincipalProj @NAESP @Principal_H @BethHouf @bethhill2829 @JTSPOTLIGHTS

Leaders do not build great schools through compliance. They build them through investment. A culture of compliance says, “Do this because you have to.” A culture of investment says, “I believe in this because I see how it impacts scholars, my work, and why I chose this profession in the first place.” As leaders, the question we should constantly be asking is this: How do we help our staff see next-level investment, not out of obligation, but out of belief? When educators are truly invested, they do not just complete tasks. They lean in. They innovate. They problem-solve. They stay late not because they were told to, but because they know a light bulb is about to turn on for a child tomorrow. And that light bulb moment is everything. I get asked all the time by scholars, especially when they hear about my time at the Air Force Academy, “Mr. McMillan, you could be flying F-22s right now. Why are you on lunch duty, in hallways, and in classrooms?” The answer is simple. This is mission work. We save lives. We help scholars realize their potential. We create ripple effects that never end. Flying F-22s is incredible and important work, but what happens inside our schools every single day is the most important job in the world. True leadership is about clarity of mission, consistency of actions, and genuine relationships. When staff members feel valued, trusted, and connected to the ‘why,’ compliance disappears. Investment takes its place. And when adults are invested, scholars thrive. This is the work. This is the calling. And this is why what we do matters now and forever.

FOLLOW THE PROCESS Coach Nick Saban doesn’t actually refer to it very often, but every one of his assistants and players lives by it. They say it for him, tattooing it at the front of their minds and on every action they take, because just two words are responsible for their unprecedented success: The Process. Saban, the head coach of the University of Alabama football team—perhaps the most dominant dynasty in the history of college football—doesn’t focus on what every other coach focuses on, or at least not the way they do. He teaches The Process. “Don’t think about winning the SEC Championship. Don’t think about the national championship. Think about what you needed to do in this drill, on this play, in this moment. That’s the process: Let’s think about what we can do today, the task at hand.” In the chaos of sport, as in life, process provides us a way. It says: You’ve got to do something very difficult. Don’t focus on the outcome. Break it down into pieces. Do what needs to be done right now and do it well. Then move on to the next thing. Follow the process, not the prize. The road to back-to-back championships is exactly that: a road. You travel it step by step. Excellence is not a single moment. It is a series of moments done well. One step, then the next, then the one after that. Saban’s process is simple and demanding: live in the present. Take it one step at a time. Do not get distracted by the opponent, the scoreboard, or the noise around you. The process is about finishing. Finishing games. Finishing workouts. Finishing film sessions. Finishing drives. Finishing reps. Finishing plays. Finishing blocks. Finishing the smallest task in front of you and finishing it well. Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. The Obstacle Is the Way. Penguin Group, USA, 2016. @RyanHoliday