🎧 Episode 119 Summary: “The Principal’s Timeline – August”

Hosts: Mark Zockoll & Matthew George
Topic: Leadership Planning for Christian School Principals in August

As the school year looms, Episode 119 dives into what August means for Christian school administrators. Mark and Matt bring their signature humor and insight as they highlight quirky holidays (like National Bow Tie Day and Toilet Paper Day) before digging into the practical and spiritual heart of the month: preparation.

August, they say, is the “month of everything” before students walk through the doors. It includes deep work in facilities readiness, staff onboarding, teacher in-service planning, and parent/student orientation. Mark emphasizes the tension between giving faculty enough prep time and meeting training obligations, joking that anyone who’s perfectly balanced that should “bottle it and sell it.”

Matt reminds listeners that new teacher orientation is fire hydrant season—info overload that requires intentional checkpoints throughout the fall. The episode also highlights the need for prayerful leadership, meaningful spiritual emphasis, and even lighthearted team-building (cue “duck duck goose for teachers”).

From revisiting handbooks and drills to planning social media launches and ordering last-minute supplies, August is a whirlwind—and this episode is a roadmap.

🔑 Keywords:Christian education, Principal timeline, August planning, Teacher orientation, In-service week, Facilities prep, Staff development, Back-to-school, School culture, Faith-based leadership

“New teacher orientation? It’s fire hydrant time. Don’t expect them to remember everything—set checkpoints.” – Matt George

“Don’t let the school year start with unresolved strain. Make sure you start right—before God and with your team.” – Mark Zockoll

“Yes, team-building is important. No, your teachers don’t want to play duck duck goose—but yes, they’ll end up loving it.” – Matt George

“Your parents don’t want rules and lectures at orientation. They want hope, joy, and a reason to trust your leadership.” – Mark Zockoll

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