The Sandbox, and its vibrant community of "Sandfleas," has become a treasured space for like-minded leaders to step out of the structured daily routines and into a place of creativity, collaboration, and candid conversation. From its inception, the Sandbox has been more than just a metaphorical gathering—it's been a space where leaders can engage authentically, challenge one another, and share the joy of unstructured play.
In the world of education and leadership, we often find ourselves surrounded by formal schedules, polished presentations, and pre-set agendas. It can sometimes feel like the swing set on the playground: purposeful, predictable, and with a clearly defined direction. The playing field often operates by an unspoken hierarchy, where roles are clearly defined, and competition or expectation lurks in the background. But the sandbox—ah, the sandbox—was a place where boundaries blurred, where ideas were allowed to take shape freely, without the constraints of labels or formal expectations. In the sandbox, we could just be.
This is what has made our gatherings at The Sandbox so special: it is in the “in-between” moments—those unscripted conversations between sessions, or after hours over a cup of coffee or even a round of karaoke—that some of the best ideas, collaborations, and connections are born. It's in those quiet exchanges that we often find the most inspiring ideas and the deepest bonds with colleagues who share our passion for transformative leadership.
This year, we gathered in Denver, where the tradition continued, hosted by Tom Thorpe and the R.E.D.I. Lab at Colorado Academy. The beautiful thing about these gatherings is that while the setting changes each time, the spirit remains the same: it is a space for leaders to step out of the traditional structure and share what they are truly passionate about. Whether discussing the latest trends in education, brainstorming future initiatives, or simply catching up with old friends, the time spent together is always invaluable.
And yes, this year we even managed to sneak in a little bit of karaoke fun. Nothing brings people together quite like belting out a classic tune after a full day of thought-provoking discussions. Laughter, camaraderie, and a little bit of vulnerability (as we all sing, sometimes off-key) make for some of the most memorable moments of the event.
As we continue to grow and extend the reach of the Sandbox, we look forward to bringing together even more passionate, innovative thinkers from across the country. The vision of the Sandbox has always been about creating a space where leaders can play, connect, and grow together, and this year's gathering proved once again that this vision is alive and thriving. The energy, the ideas, and the friendships continue to shape and define what it means to be part of this incredible community.
We can't wait for next year’s gathering—and in the meantime, we’ll be holding on to the memories of another amazing year of play, passion, and possibility. Until then, we remain grateful for the chance to come together as Sandfleas in the sandbox. Here's to many more years of collaboration, conversation, and creativity!
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