Leadership Laps
Leadership Laps explores the journeys and stories of educational leaders within Aurora Public Schools, Colorado's most diverse school district. Like a marathon, leadership requires training, perseverance, and a long-term vision. In each episode, we'll hear from those who are helping guide our district toward #DestinationAPS, sharing their personal stories, challenges overcome, leadership lessons learned, and what keeps them motivated along the way. From superintendents to principals, district leaders to classroom innovators, these conversations reveal the passion, purpose, and people behind APS's commitment to excellence. Join us as we discover how these educational leaders pace themselves through the leadership marathon while creating positive change for our 40,000 students from 130 countries of origin.
Leadership Laps
Celebrating Milestones w/Principal Janelle Kirkley
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In this episode of Leadership Laps, we sit down with Janelle Kirkley, Principal of Dartmouth Elementary, who brings a unique perspective as a proud APS alumna. In her 21st year with APS and third year as principal, Janelle leads Dartmouth through a remarkable year of dual celebrations: the school's 50th anniversary and achieving Performance rating once again. She shares her journey through two decades in Aurora Public Schools, the defining moments that led her to school leadership, and how she balances honoring Dartmouth's rich half-century legacy with innovation and moving forward. Janelle offers insights about stepping into a school with established traditions, maintaining high performance, and what it means to serve the same district that shaped her own education.