Kristilynn Turney, Ed.D.Keynote Speaker, Salem Speakers Bureau · TEDx Ensley Ave ED 2026 I Dynamic Speaker & Presenter I Author I Transforming Schools Through Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, and School Improvement I Results-Driven Educational Leader | E

(Episode 01)The Greatest Time of Year? Why Some Students and Staff Struggle & How Leaders Can Help?

12 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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In this opening monologue, a school principal shares personal enthusiasm for the holiday season while reflecting on why the same two‑week break can be less exciting—or even stressful—for many staff members and students. The speaker acknowledges the disparity in experiences and promises to present practical strategies, tools, and resources that leaders can use to support their school community during the holidays, especially for those who do not view the season as favorably.

Chapters

It's my favorite time of year, the holiday season, and if you can't tell yet, I really get into it. I love the lights, opening presents, spending time with family and friends, and yes, even traveling. But one of the things that I reflect on as a principal is how it was not always the most exciting time of the year for my staff and students. I think about maybe some of the things that they were going And why that 2-week break and that holiday season wasn't as exciting for them as it was for me. So I want you to stick around because I'm going to share with you some strategies as well as some tools and resources that you can use to support your staff and students during the holiday season, especially if they don't view it as favorably as maybe I do or you do.