Corunna Leader Named Michigan’s 2025-26 Middle School Principal of the Year
Arriving back at Corunna Middle School after their meeting, Principal Ingrid Dettman and Corunna Public Schools’ Superintendent John Fattal found no students or staff in classrooms. When they walked into the gymnasium it was packed with the entire CMS student body, staff and CPS community members. There, Wendy Zdeb, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, made the surprise announcement that Dettman has been selected as Michigan’s 2025-26 Middle…
Grandville Leader Named Michigan’s 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year
The entrance buzzed with excitement as Grandville Public Schools and Grandville High School staff, board members, students and special guests from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals gathered in anticipation of Principal Adam Lancto's arrival. Returning from a meeting, Lancto was greeted with an enthusiastic surprise as MASSP announced him as Michigan’s 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year. “Adam’s commitment to collaborative leadership, innovation and personalized student support is truly…
Walking a Mile in Our Students’ Shoes: My Day Shadowing a 10th Grader
Written by Amy Pashak, Walled Lake Western High School Principal and MASSP Board of Directors President-Elect As the President-elect of MASSP, I've been inspired to get a firsthand look at the student experience. Recently, I spent a full day shadowing a 10th-grade student at Walled Lake Western High School. This impressive student is a positive leader in our school, active in both student leadership and on the cheer team. Shadowing her provided…
West Bloomfield Leader Named Michigan’s 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year
The West Bloomfield High School auditorium seats were filled with students, staff, board members, family and many individuals from the school community awaiting the arrival of their Assistant Principal, Susan (Susie) Aisner. Upon Aisner's arrival, the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals' Executive Director, Wendy Zdeb, surprised her by announcing she had been selected as the Michigan 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year, and the auditorium erupted in celebration. “Susie…
Pioneer Middle School Leader Named Michigan’s 2025 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals recognized Christopher Moore, Assistant Principal of Pioneer Middle School, as the 2025 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year for Michigan. The announcement was made during a surprise celebration at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Board of Education meeting Nov.12, with many members of the Pioneer Middle School community present to share in the excitement. “MASSP’s Administrator of the Year awards honor leaders who demonstrate exceptional…
Connecting Michigan’s School Leaders: A Message from Your NASSP State Coordinator
Written by Jason Messenger, Portage West Middle School Principal and MASSP Board of Directors Member As we move further into the school year, it's important to reflect on the dedication and leadership that principals across Michigan demonstrate every day. The role of a principal goes beyond managing a building; it’s about creating a positive environment where students, staff, and the community can thrive. As your NASSP State Coordinator, I want to highlight…
Effective School-Based Mental Health Programming: the TRAILS Solution
It was Christina’s 11th year teaching. In addition to the expected needs of the fifth-grade population, she noticed that, despite being several years out from the pandemic, her students had a heightened degree of anxiety and social and emotional struggles compared to the beginning of her career. She and her co-teacher had volunteered to try the social and emotional learning (SEL) program from TRAILS, a nonprofit that equips school staff with training…
Navigating the Mid-Fall Challenges: Building Resilience and Engagement in Our Schools
Written by Michael Leiter, Jenison High School Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Members As secondary school administrators across Michigan, the month of October often feels like a crucial turning point in the academic year. By this time, we’ve transitioned from the hectic energy of the school year’s beginning into a steadier rhythm. However, this period also brings its own unique challenges—student engagement may begin to wane, faculty may be feeling the…
Connecting Students to Financial Aid Opportunities in Michigan
Written by Emily Hurtado-Arboleda, High School Services Analyst with MI Student Aid in the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. MASSP Partner in Education October is College month, and the MI Student Aid outreach team wants to help your high school by providing tools and resources to help students find their path to postsecondary education! Who We Are MI Student Aid is located within the Office of Higher Education, in…
Wilcox, Petoskey Middle School Principal, Honored as a Finalist for National Award
The National Association of Secondary School Principals named Jon Wilcox, Petoskey Middle School, as one of the top three finalists for the 2025 National Principal of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates Wilcox’s exemplary leadership, innovative approaches to education and his unwavering commitment to student success and school improvement. It has been more than 14 years since Michigan has had a finalist in the running for a National Administrator of the Year…