Little Wins

Alpaca
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Little Wins is a podcast that shines a light on the small moments making a big impact in schools. Hosted by Karen Borchert, each episode features courageous conversations with principals, heads of school, and superintendents who are building trust, sparking belonging, and shaping culture—one hallway celebration, heartfelt gesture, or coffee-fueled conversation at a time. Because in education, it’s the little things that often matter most—and they’re the reason people stay.

  1. Phone-Free Days & Hallway Affirmations: How Principal Graham Centers Love and High Expectations

    4D AGO

    Phone-Free Days & Hallway Affirmations: How Principal Graham Centers Love and High Expectations

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Devon Graham, principal of grades 6–8 at Washington Parks Academy, part of the Cornerstone Schools network in the Detroit area. Washington Parks is a tuition-free public charter school where character education isn’t just a poster on the wall it’s built into every routine, relationship, and classroom. A longtime community member and former elementary teacher who found his calling in middle school, Principal Graham has built a culture defined by three words: integrity, love, and collaboration. From greeting students each morning with affirmations and “nothing but love for you,” to rearranging every classroom into collaborative groups, to running a 42-person staff group chat that doubles as a real-time support and celebration thread, his leadership is deeply personal and relentlessly student-centered. Together, Karen and Devon dig into what it looks like to live out Cornerstone’s character mission every day: phone-free learning, radical transparency with families, hiring for heart first, and making sure both students and staff feel seen, supported, and held to high expectations. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: 1. Nothing But Love: Why Devon starts every day with positive affirmations, clear expectations, and “I’ve got nothing but love for you” for his 6–8th graders. 2. Desks in Fours: How rethinking classroom layout—from rows to centers—teaches collaboration, difference, and global readiness. 3. Hiring for Heart: The interview questions, on-the-spot mock lessons, and “do you love children?” filter that shape Washington Parks’ staff. 4. The 42-Person Group Chat: One shared text thread for teachers and staff that handles bathroom breaks, tough moments, quick changes, and daily celebrations. 5. Radical Transparency with Families: How honest conversations about staffing, student challenges, and social media build trust and shared ownership. 6. Phone-Free as a Game Changer: Collecting cell phones every morning—and how it’s shifted focus, safety, and emotional regulation on campus. Key Moments 01:20 Inside Washington Parks: community roots, family feel, daily affirmations 03:00 Morning “little wins”: clean halls, collaboration, and daily growth 03:28 Why desks aren’t in rows anymore—what collaboration looks like today 04:34 Devon’s path: from 5th grade teacher to middle school social studies 08:58 Cornerstone Schools & the three dimensions of a complete life 12:44 Hiring for culture: loving kids, mock lessons, and day-one expectations 16:09 Voice & vulnerability: making it safe for teachers to ask for help 19:26 The 42-person group chat: support, coordination, and daily “love my work family” notes 21:48 Real-time wins: assessment growth, emojis, and protecting instructional time 27:36 Working with families: Title I meetings & honest staffing updates 30:56 Phones & safety: collecting devices and partnering with parents 33:25 Teaching emotional regulation: more adults to talk to, fewer reasons to fight 34:49 Phone-free as a “game changer”: focus, recovery, and closing gaps 39:12 A little win: a retaken test, a 79/80, and a life-changing call home 42:42 What educators can do now: lead with care, love, and respect Connect with Devon Graham Website: https://cornerstoneschools.org/ Follow UsKaren’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchertAlpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpacaAlpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast:Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    46 min
  2. Fantastic Fridays & TikTok Mornings: How Bill Gallagher Builds Culture at Northshore High School

    12/24/2025

    Fantastic Fridays & TikTok Mornings: How Bill Gallagher Builds Culture at Northshore High School

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Bill Gallagher, Principal of Northshore High School in Slidell, Louisiana, where a diverse community, a family feel, and a whole lot of creativity shape daily life. A former coach who stepped into the principal role mid-pandemic, Bill has spent the last six years building a culture rooted in belonging, recognition, humor, and steady leadership through change. From TikTok morning messages to “Fantastic Friday” phone calls, from empowering teachers to letting seniors bring a lawnmower on “Anything But a Backpack Day,” Bill shows what happens when school feels human, joyful, and connected. Together, Karen and Bill dive into culture-building that’s both intentional and fun and why talking to students may be the simplest, most powerful leadership move of all. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: About All Kids: Bill’s three-word culture mantra—and why inclusiveness is the heartbeat of Northshore. Traditions That Stick: How post-COVID improvisation on the football field sparked new student-led rituals. Empowering Staff: From eliminating mass emails to letting teachers run the school’s “Future Focus” night. The Daily TikTok: Why a 60-second video builds connection, consistency, and joy across a 1500-student campus. Fantastic Friday Calls: Celebrations that make parents cry happy tears—and are now spreading across the district. Growing Together: How shifting the entire district to block scheduling became a collective exercise in trust and growth mindset.Key Moments 00:01 Introducing Principal Bill Gallagher and Northshore High School 04:22 A family of educators & the unexpected path to leadership 06:58 Becoming principal overnight… in the middle of COVID 10:17 New traditions & letting students lead the fun 15:02 Empowering a 165-person staff through ownership and trust 16:35 Northshore Notes & the zero mass-emails policy 20:02 Future Focus Night and letting teachers shine 24:29 The power of being “just people” with your team 25:04 Why Bill makes a TikTok video every school day 32:11 Fantastic Friday phone calls and spreading recognition 36:41 How student & staff culture fuel each other 37:15 Moving to block scheduling—and navigating it together 42:36 Lightning Round: About All Kids, alumni teachers, & what every educator can do right now Connect with Bill GallagherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/principal-gallagher Website: https://northshorehigh.stpsb.org/ Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast: Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    49 min
  3. From Isolation to Creating a “Crew Culture”: Eric Filardi on Trust, Visibility & Belonging

    12/17/2025

    From Isolation to Creating a “Crew Culture”: Eric Filardi on Trust, Visibility & Belonging

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Eric Filardi, principal at Mendenhall River Community School in Juneau, Alaska, a uniquely remote elementary school in the shadow of the Mendenhall Glacier reachable only by boat or plane. With 19 years of experience across New York, Abu Dhabi, and now Alaska, Eric shares how life-and-death logistics, extreme weather, and geographic isolation shape a school where crew culture, emotional safety, and deep community connection aren’t optional—they’re survival. From inheriting a struggling school with flat funding, high special education needs, and eight principals in ten years to building a “crew” that trusts each other, gives honest feedback, and shows up for kids, Eric walks through how vulnerability, visibility, and real-time listening have transformed his school’s culture. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: Living next to the glacier, teaching at the edge of the mapWhat it means to lead a school within eyeline of the Mendenhall Glacier, in a capital city only accessible by boat or plane and why “thinking several steps ahead” is part of everyday school leadership. From Long Island to Abu Dhabi to AlaskaHow diverse teaching experiences from rural New York to Queens to the United Arab Emirates shaped Eric’s belief in community integration and professional intimacy with families. When survival and schooling intersectStories of polar-bear lockdowns, moose at the door, minus-40 school days, and car heaters and how shared risk and dependence on one another builds a unique kind of community. “Crew culture,” not isolationWhy Eric calls his staff a “crew,” how job-alike isolation in small schools leads to loneliness, and what it takes to create emotional safety and shared purpose across just ten unique classrooms. Turning around an unhealthy cultureStepping into a school with unstable leadership, funding crises, dissolved special education supports, and scared staff and how transparency, vulnerability, and showing your own learning curve help rebuild trust. Key Moments 01:22 A school frozen in time—and why families fiercely protect it 02:18 Life in Juneau, Alaska: a city only accessible by boat or plane 03:24 Eric’s journey from Long Island to Abu Dhabi to Alaska 06:33 What the UAE taught him about community and relationship-based teaching 09:47 Moose at the door and minus-40 days: the realities of Alaskan schools 15:49 Pride, isolation, and being the only teacher in your grade 19:25 Taking over a school facing high turnover, low funding, and burnout 26:07 Rebuilding trust through vulnerability and transparent leadership 30:58 How Alpaca Pulse made feedback safe and actionable 41:03 Empowering paraprofessionals with training and a para PLC 48:04 A small win: moving his desk to the main office for more visibility 49:05 One thing educators can do right now: listen, reflect, act Connect with Eric Filradi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-filardi-84252411Website: https://mrcs.juneauschools.org/en-US Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast: Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    51 min
  4. “Everybody’s a Leader: Wade Stanford on Horizontal Accountability and Human-Centered Schools”

    12/10/2025

    “Everybody’s a Leader: Wade Stanford on Horizontal Accountability and Human-Centered Schools”

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Wade Stanford, Superintendent of Westwood ISD in rural Texas, a “small but mighty” district of just over 1,300 students where trust, empowerment, and relationships drive every decision. From navigating a 20–25% student mobility rate and growing homelessness to building a relational police department and a culture of “horizontal accountability,” Wade shows how a family atmosphere with a team spirit turns little wins into lasting change. Together, Karen and Wade explore what it means to lead with positive intent, why every role is a leadership role, and how simple, consistent practices like no direct instruction the first three days of school and making sure no student goes hungry create deep, human-centered school culture. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: Leading a “small but mighty” district: How Westwood ISD meets the needs of a highly mobile and often hidden homeless student population with wraparound care. Redefining school policing: Why Wade launched a district police department focused on relationships, soft uniforms, and early intervention instead of punishment. Horizontal accountability: How “everybody holds everybody accountable” creates trust—from students speaking up to assistant principals giving honest feedback to the superintendent. From coach to superintendent: The story of Coach Hagler’s biology class, a high school track meet, and the moment Wade knew he was called to education. No direct instruction the first three days: How Westwood uses the start of school to build relationships, ensure kids are fed and safe, and set a foundation for learning. “Everybody’s a leader”: The belief statement that empowers food service, admin assistants, and teachers alike to lead from where they are. Family atmosphere, team spirit: Why Westwood embraces the heart of family but the standards and accountability of a high-performing team. Key Moments 00:01 Introducing Superintendent Wade Stanford and Westwood ISD 01:20 A rural district with high mobility—and why relationships matter more than ever 02:45 What a 20–25% mobility rate really means for kids and families 09:09 “Horizontal accountability” and students speaking up when something isn’t right 11:25 Building trust through vulnerability, positive intent, and honest feedback 13:14 Coach Hagler’s biology class and the moment Wade chose education 18:39 Knowing when you’re truly ready for the next stage of your career 20:51 No direct instruction the first three days—only relationships, safety, and care 27:23 “Everybody’s a leader; they lead from where they’re at” 31:17 A family atmosphere with a team spirit—and why teams don’t tolerate dysfunction 40:15 One thing any educator can do to strengthen culture right now Connect with Wade Stanford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-stanford-9319a3abWebsite: https://www.westwoodisd.net/ Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast: Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    42 min
  5. Culture in the Small Moments: How Frank Macri Builds Trust in Voorheesville CSD

    12/03/2025

    Culture in the Small Moments: How Frank Macri Builds Trust in Voorheesville CSD

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Frank Macri, Superintendent of Voorheesville Central School District in upstate New York, a small, tight-knit community that “bleeds purple and gold” and treats the school as its gathering place. A Voorheesville resident for over 20 years and a former music teacher and jazz saxophonist, Frank shares how leading where you live changes everything how he thinks about visibility, presence, and the tiny interactions that build trust. From greeting students, to tracking his connections with over 200 staff members, to a district-wide “Blackbirds” mantra, Frank shows how intentional, everyday actions turn culture into a lived experience for students, staff, and families. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: From First-Gen Grad to Superintendent: How Frank’s journey from aspiring musician to educator shaped his belief in school as a place that breaks cycles and opens doors. Culture in the Micro-Moments: Why a sprint down the hallway and the feedback that followed transformed how he thinks about presence, tone, and perception. The Connection Tracker: How logging meaningful interactions with staff and students helps ensure everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Learning to Lead (Again): How professional development at Harvard and in situational leadership reframed his approach to visibility, support, and growth for his team. Shared Decisions, Clear Roles: Inside Voorheesville’s committee and shared decision-making model and why “input” doesn’t always mean “final say.”Key Moments 01:19 “We bleed purple and gold”: Community, homecoming, and fireworks on campus 03:03 From first-gen high school graduate to music teacher and school leader 04:09 Jazz saxophone, caroling, and bringing music into the superintendent’s role 05:36 When running to a situation escalated everyone else and what it taught him about perception 07:37 Smiling, whistling, and greeting students: tiny behaviors with big impact 09:31 The “connection tracker”: how Frank logs interactions with 200+ staff members 17:19 Professional development, Harvard courses, and discovering the ladder of inference 20:18 One Minute Manager, situational leadership, and building a goal-setting culture 24:37 How admin goal tracking shifted focus, feedback, and personal growth 29:14 Redesigning shared decision making, committees, and incentives for educator voice Connect with Frank Macri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-macri-9a54b8124  Website: https://www.voorheesville.org/ Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast: Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    49 min
  6. Culture as a Strategy: Dr. Andy Crozier on Building Award-Winning Schools in Central Lee CSD

    11/26/2025

    Culture as a Strategy: Dr. Andy Crozier on Building Award-Winning Schools in Central Lee CSD

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent of Central Lee Community School District in rural southeast Iowa, a district where homegrown pride meets award-winning culture. A Central Lee alum himself, Dr. Crozier returned home to lead the district that shaped him and has spent the past decade proving that culture is a strategy. From visible leadership and weekly scoreboards to thoughtful staff recognition and quality-first decisions, Andy shows how consistent, intentional actions turn values into results. Together, Karen and Andy explore how presence, trust, and pride create a ripple effect across classrooms, staff, and community, and how happy teachers really do make happy kids. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: From Student to Superintendent: How Dr. Crozier’s journey home shaped his leadership philosophy. Culture as Strategy: Building award-winning schools through visibility, recognition, and accountability. Happy Teachers → Happy Students: Why employee joy is at the heart of student success. The Power of Presence: How weekly walkthroughs, one-on-ones, and PLC visits fuel authentic connection. Recognition That Matters: Why high-quality staff gifts and visible appreciation strengthen pride and belonging. Key Moments 00:01 Introducing Dr. Andy Crozier and Central Lee CSD 02:15 Small-town pride and culture that feels like family 13:45 Turning feedback into growth and systems of visibility 16:58 How weekly “wins and measures” create sustainable change 20:14 Scoreboards, accountability, and the 4 Disciplines of Execution 26:07 Walkthroughs, PLC visits, and visibility as a superintendent 28:27 “Little Wins” that drive culture from Yeti cups to recognition 39:00 “Find a way to be in a good mood”: The mindset that changes everythin Connect with Dr. Andy CrozierLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-crozier-92106925aWebsite:https://www.centrallee.org/ Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast: Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    41 min
  7. Culture Starts with Listening: Superintendent Dr. Adam Magliari on Leadership That Connects

    11/19/2025

    Culture Starts with Listening: Superintendent Dr. Adam Magliari on Leadership That Connects

    In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Adam Magliari, Superintendent of Mediapolis Community School District in southeast Iowa — a rural district of just under 1,000 students, where pride runs deep and connection fuels everything. A former PE teacher and longtime high school principal, Dr. Magliari brings both heart and systems thinking to leadership. His doctoral research on teacher burnout and retention continues to shape how he leads with intentional listening, shared decision-making, and a relentless belief that “it takes all of us.” Together, Karen and Adam unpack how Mediapolis (known locally as “Mepo”) lives out its vision, Motivated by Excellence, Pride, and Opportunity. From preschool expansion and strategic planning to student “Lighthouse Teams” and staff mentorship, this episode shines a light on how small, deliberate actions build thriving school cultures. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: “It Takes All of Us”: How one simple motto inspired collaboration across every level of the district. Individualized Consideration: What Dr. Magliari’s research reveals about supporting and retaining great teachers. The Lighthouse Team: A leadership model empowering staff — and now students — to own their school’s goals. Community Connection: Partnering with the city to align school and community vision through 2050. Culture in Action: From announcing football games to joining the lunch line, visibility and humility drive trust. Key Moments 00:02 Introducing Dr. Adam Magliari and the Mediapolis community 03:20 Launching the district’s first preschool 06:30 Building two-way trust with the community 09:30 Visibility, involvement, and leadership by example 13:00 From student teacher struggles to superintendent lessons 19:00 The “Four I’s” of transformational leadership 22:30 Why individualized consideration matters most 43:00 Career exploration and “grow your own” educator programs 44:38 Celebrating staff ownership and shared wins 46:10 Advice for new leaders: “Change takes time, listen first.” Connect with Dr. Adam Magliari  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-magliari-877801331Website: https://www.meposchools.org/ Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library  🧵 About the Podcast: Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

    47 min
  8. Be Yourself and Lead with Joy: Matt Smith’s Blueprint for a Connected School Culture

    11/12/2025

    Be Yourself and Lead with Joy: Matt Smith’s Blueprint for a Connected School Culture

    In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Matt Smith, Principal of Kiski Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania, a hometown leader proving that joy and connection can transform school culture. A proud Kiski graduate himself, Matt returned to lead his alma mater 30 years later with a clear philosophy: be visible, be authentic, and celebrate every win, big or small. From music between classes to his “CAVS LEAD” ticket system for leadership and empathy, to showing up on the school’s live morning show, Matt has created a culture where everyone feels seen and valued. He shares how a “senior prank” became a driveway breakfast, why he eats lunch at a student desk in the hallway, and how a small idea like purposeful positivity can ripple through an entire building. 💡 Little Wins in This Episode: Purposefully Positive: A simple mindset that reframes every conversation toward what’s working. CAVS LEAD Tickets: Students and staff recognized for leadership, empathy, accountability, and determination. Visible Leadership: Morning announcements and hallway lunches as daily connection points. Joy in the Hallways: Replacing bells with music to make every transition fun. Hire for Heart: Why connecting with kids matters more than the perfect interview answer. Aspiring Educators Program: Building the next generation of teachers through early classroom experience. Key Moments 00:01 Welcome to Little Wins 01:19 What you feel when you walk Kiski’s halls 03:35 Coming home: leading his alma mater 05:24 Year 1 as principal—being himself and setting tone 07:08 “Purposefully positive” leadership and hiring the right team 08:50 The CAVS LEAD ticket system 13:53 Music instead of bells: joy in transitions 19:26 Morning announcements and hallway visibility 25:29 The musical cameo: celebrating student work 31:48 Aspiring Educators program 37:59 Senior sunrise, sunset, and student-led traditions 42:30 The senior prank breakfast 44:26 The power of being yourself Connect with Matthew SmithWebsite: https://highschool.kiskiarea.com/  Follow Us Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchertAlpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpacaAlpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.comAlpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 🧵 About the Podcast Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures—one meaningful win at a time. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Little Wins for more stories of courage, connection, and culture from leaders who prove that big change starts small.

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Little Wins is a podcast that shines a light on the small moments making a big impact in schools. Hosted by Karen Borchert, each episode features courageous conversations with principals, heads of school, and superintendents who are building trust, sparking belonging, and shaping culture—one hallway celebration, heartfelt gesture, or coffee-fueled conversation at a time. Because in education, it’s the little things that often matter most—and they’re the reason people stay.

Information

  • Creator
    Alpaca
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Alpaca
  • Show Website
    Little Wins