Last year, school administrators and teachers, students and members of the Alva community spent several day-long sessions in strategic planning. They examined the purpose of the local schools, discussed strengths and weaknesses and set goals in several areas.

"Do you know how to eat an elephant?" asks Principal Shane Feely. "One bite at a time.

"I received that advice from a fellow coach early in my career, and it is important advice for anyone. How many of us have felt overwhelmed by work- or home-related tasks that seemed too large to even start? It very well may be the truth of our existenc...