QUICK TIPS | 90-Day Plan 2025
Whether you're stepping into the principal’s office for the first time or returning with years of experience under your belt, the start of a school year brings a flurry of tasks, expectations, and relationships to manage. Valerie Boggan, Principal, Kalamazoo Central High School Take intentional walks through your building with a variety of people—custodians, counselors, teachers, even students. As you walk, ask questions that stir vision: "What happens in this space?" "Does…
QUICK TIPS | First Day of School 2025
The first day of school sets the tone for the school year. Students opening lockers, finding someone to sit with in the lunch room, new teachers and students, etc. Overcommunicating these items before and throughout the first day will help students, staff, and parents feel comfortable and prepared. Jason Messenger, Principal, Portage West Middle School For middle school students, the first day—and especially their locker—is a huge deal. To ease nerves and…
AUGUST QUICK TIPS 2025 | Here We Go Again
Whether you're a new administrator or have years of experience, going back to school is a cycle you've been on since you were five. Your Board of Directors is here to provide you some friendly reminders about how to prepare for a great start to the school year. Jeffrey Dykhouse, Principal, East Grand Rapids Middle School Connect with your PTO in August to build a plan for how your parent organization can…
June & July Heritage Month & Recognition Days 2025
June LGBTQ+ Pride Month: All Month Pride Month is an annual celebration that takes place in June to honor the LGBTQ+ community, promote inclusivity and raise awareness about the ongoing fight for equal rights. It commemorates the Stonewall riots in New York City, which occurred in June 1969 and sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride Month is celebrated by individuals, organizations and communities worldwide. During Pride Month, people embrace their true…
Quick Tips | May 2025
In less than two months, the school year will be a wrap – and there's a lot happening between now and the last day. Prepare for celebrations, recognitions and big moments with advice from your Board of Directors. Michael Mulligan, Principal, Dickinson-Iron ISD Take time to enjoy the awards nights and end of year concerts. It is an excellent way to remind yourself of why it is great to be a principal. Assemble…
Quick Tips | April 2025
As the school year nears its final stretch, it’s time for principals and administrators to focus on key priorities to ensure a smooth and successful wrap-up. The following quick tips highlight essential actions to streamline teacher evaluations, finalize master schedules, optimize budgets, and plan for year-end activities. By taking proactive steps now, you can support your team, enhance staff satisfaction, and prepare your school for the upcoming academic year. Amy Pashak, Principal,…
QUICK TIPS | March 2025
Each month your MASSP Board of Directors creates a list of Quick Tips to accompany the month's Principal Checklist. Check out what your leaders and representatives have to say about things to keep in mind to be the best leader you can as we head into spring. JoLynn Clark, Principal, Frankenmuth High School Obtain input from instructional staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.) on preferences and/or considerations to be taken under advisement while working…
FEBRUARY QUICK TIPS 2025 | Beat Winter Blues by Staying On Track
It's cold outside, but your MASSP Board of Directors has hot ideas to keep you moving forward this winter. From keeping staff motivated to planning for next year, ideas abound in this month's Quick Tips. Theresa Stager, Principal, Saline High School February can be a difficult month for leaders. Staff morale usually “dips” around this time. Consider a spirit week, a hot chocolate bar in the staff room, or another way to…
Quick Tips | January 2025
JoLynn Clark, Frankenmuth High School January is a good time to survey students and staff on how the 1st semester went and on setting goals for the 2nd semester. If you’ve utilized a theme for the school year with staff or students, this is a good time to evaluate how that focus is coming along, or identify tweaks to be made for 2nd semester. It also re-establishes the theme’s focus for the…
PROM QUICK TIPS | Prepare for the Best Prom Ever
A quintessential American tradition featured in teen movies and TV shows, Prom is built up in many students' minds as the opportunity for the best night of their teen lives. Ensure the story of the night is one of fun and memory making while being safe and smoothly run by working with your Student Leadership Team and students well in advance – and checking in on progress over the months ahead. Amy…