Administrative Assistant 2026 QUICK TIPS | It Takes a Team
The relationship between a principal and administrative assistant is one of the most important partnerships in a school. Effective communication, clear systems, proactive planning, and mutual trust allow school leaders to focus on supporting students, staff, and families while ensuring the day-to-day operations of the building run smoothly. The following Quick Tips were developed by practicing school leaders and are designed to provide practical strategies that strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, and help…
First 90 Days 2026 QUICK TIPS | Be There, Build Relationships & Be Informed
Whether you’re a new administrator, new to a building or want to remind yourself of what’s key to kick off the year, be sure to check out the First 90 Days Checklist to set yourself on the right track. As always, being there for staff and students is the first step to building and maintaining relationships. Learning what you can from meetings and data to prepare for the year ahead will help…
September 2026 QUICK TIPS | Let’s Do This!
As another school year begins, the pace is fast, the expectations are high and every interaction matters. The opening weeks set the tone for the culture, systems and relationships that will carry a school throughout the year. In this edition of MASSP Quick Tips, principals from across Michigan share practical strategies that have helped them launch the school year successfully – from building meaningful connections with students and staff, maintaining a visible…
Meeting the Moment: Reimagining MTSS for Secondary Schools
Michigan's PA 146 has accelerated the conversation around Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports, placing renewed attention on how middle and high schools identify and support students who need additional help. Yet for many secondary leaders, one question remains: What does high-quality MTSS actually look like in a middle or high school? Research continues to point to the same conclusion. Strong MTSS systems begin with strong Tier 1 instruction, but many secondary schools still struggle…
August 2026 QUICK TIPS | Back to Basics
At the end of each summer, administrators have all the opportunities a new year brings to establish a team culture, prepare for what's to come and collaborate with colleagues to ensure everything that can be taken care of before students show up is done. Take this time to make your lists and check them twice – we want 2026-2027 to be oh, so nice! Amy Pashak, Principal, Walled Lake Western High School…
That Was Great | Campers Take What They Learn into Life
The first week of Michigan Student Leadership Camp back in 2016 changed Paige Weber’s life. This senior counselor said camp expanded her world in ways she never imagined it would, meeting people from backgrounds different from her own, building lifelong friendships, and learning lessons that shaped who she would become. With three years as a camper and seven on staff, she’s not only supporting students at camp, but also in her own…
Member Spotlight | If You See It, You Can Be It – This is What Can Happen when a Visual Learner Becomes a Principal
While sitting in an interview for an assistant principal candidate, Evan Winkler, Brandywine Middle/Senior High School Principal (then a phys ed, health teacher and coach), heard what the person up for the role was talking about and thought “I feel like that's what I love about teaching.” After seeing that same person be successful as an administrator, and with some encouragement from building leaders, Evan pursued his certification through MASSP’s Path to…
June 2026 Board Quick Tips | Time for Communication, Reflection & Preparation
Take time in the coming weeks to celebrate your school community's achievements and reflect on the year's successes and challenges. Remember that after the last school bell rings, there's still a bit of work to do. Families are looking for clear communication at the end of the school year and throughout the summer. School websites and social media platforms can be some of the most powerful tools schools have to keep families…
May 2026 QUICK TIPS | Prepare to Wrap Things Up & Celebrate
May is frequently the busiest month of the year for school administrators, encompassing ceremonies, staffing decisions, and financial planning. The MASSP Board has compiled the following tips to support effective planning and a smooth conclusion to the school year. As you approach the end of the year, remember to savor the final moments with your graduating seniors. Jeff Dykhouse, Principal, East Grand Rapids Middle School Make a plan for wrapping up the…
April 2026 QUICK TIPS | Spring to It
Many schools are kicking off April with spring break – let it be a reminder that you need to take care of yourself in order to lead your school through the final quarter of the academic year. Whether you're traveling or experiencing a staycation, please find time to rest and find joy each day. Check out these tips from your Board to help you when you return to school. Nicole Carter, Principal,…