In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Samantha Sebestik, principal of Pleasant Acres Elementary in Rantoul, Illinois—a school where joy, equity, and student empowerment aren’t buzzwords, they’re everyday practices.

Sami shares how her team leads with connection, culture, and curiosity—from student-led school tours to jobs that give every child purpose and pride. You’ll hear how intentional hiring, high-fives in the hallway, and conscious discipline are shifting student behavior and building trust among teachers.

If you’re looking for practical, heart-filled leadership ideas that truly change the game, this episode is your blueprint.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

1. Photos in the Hallways, Names in the Air: Sami’s team ensures every student is seen literally by displaying their photos and greeting them by name before they even reach the classroom.
2. Jobs With Joy and Purpose: From watering office plants to leading assemblies, students apply for real jobs that give them leadership experience and a sense of ownership in their school.
3. The Parachute Team: A cross-functional group quietly surrounds new or vulnerable students with extra care and connection from day one.
4. Lead With Listening, Follow With Trust: Before officially stepping into her role, Sami met individually with every staff member to understand their hopes, ideas, and strengths.
5. Positive Notes as a Leadership Habit: Every week, her leadership team handwrites notes to teachers—starting the feedback loop with appreciation, not critique.

Timestamps:

03:56 "Books as Windows and Mirrors"

07:29 Bilingual Community Celebration Leadership

10:44 Cultural Learning Event for Schools

15:13 Pre-Role Engagement Insights

17:21 Weekly Positive Feedback Meetings

20:10 Assume Positive Intent in Feedback

25:16 Transient Student Support Strategies

28:19 Youth Engagement Eases Staff Burdens

31:46 Parachute Team Welcomes New Students

33:43 Conscious Discipline: Importance of Connection

35:58 Teacher's Growth Leads to Best Year

39:19 Adapting and Sharing Ideas

Connect with Samantha Sebestik

Website: https://www.rcs137.org/domain/74

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🧵 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.

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