MASSP Partner: PoP! Fundraising
Well, it’s almost time for our students to return for a brand-new school year! It was an honor for POP! to be a part of EDCON in June and to share our message in a breakout session with many of the attendees. We started the session with a question: What would you do if you had an extra $15,000 for your middle school program? Here are a few responses from that conversation:…
Model the Way: Using AI to Save Time and Improve Instruction
In December of 2022, during my morning drive to Hillside Middle School, I first became aware of AI, or ChatGPT specifically. Prior to that, most of my AI experience was confined to doom-and-gloom movie portrayals like Skynet from the Terminator series or, perhaps slightly more optimistically, the self-aware eponymous robot from the movie Chappie. I did have a conversation with a tech-minded friend some weeks prior regarding a new app that could…
Relationships Matter
It is my hope that this article finds you rested, rejuvenated and ready to start the new school year. As you prepare to greet your staff and students, remember the importance of building relationships. No matter what we are asking of others, until they trust that we care about them, really care about them as a person … not teacher, secretary or student … getting business accomplished is difficult. The beginning of…
QUICK TIPS SEPTEMBER | Set a Tone
The first days and weeks of school set the tone for the remainder of the year. Students’ first experiences powerfully communicate what your school represents. What is posted on the walls, what experiences they engage in the classroom, and the opportunity they are provided to explore and discover all that makes your school great matters. What you say, what you do and what you promote reflects your identity values and beliefs. Students…
Pray What?! Rolling Into the School Year After . . . Groff?
Death. Taxes. The U.S. Supreme Court changing religious accommodation law? Observant readers of this column may recall last year’s opening salvo: “Pray What?! Rolling Into the School Year After Bremerton.” Bremerton involved a high school football coach whose “personal” and “private” prayers – in the middle of the football field, surrounded by a crowd, immediately after football games – were protected by the First Amendment. This year, Groff v. DeJoy takes us…
Virtual Student Mental Health Summit | Call for Presentations
Since its establishment in 2019, MASSP's Student Mental Health Summit has collaborated with thousands of educators and students, fostering the creation of essential school-based mental health resources and programs. We are thrilled to announce the return of the SMHS on September 28 as a fully virtual event. Our aim is to illuminate vital content, curriculum, and school-based initiatives in a way that every interested student or educator can access, regardless of where…
Reinvigorating Your Parent-Teacher-Student Organization
The first day of the new school year is quickly approaching. August is upon us. As a building principal, this is the time of year when you’re going over those last details that need attention, the final tweaks to the master schedule, professional development plans, and new teacher orientation, to name a few. One of the things that has been resonating in my mind this year is reinvigorating the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO).…
Quick Tips | Upgrade Your New Staff On-Boarding & August Checklist
MASSSP provides monthly principal checklists. In the August Checklist, we include new staff on-boarding as a key task. The hiring process for new staff members is a significant investment of time and effort … now the important part will be developing and retaining the new staff. Developing a plan to welcome, onboard and support new staff members is critical as you maintain a positive climate and culture in your school. Professional development…
QUICK TIPS JULY | Getting Started – New Administrators & Preparing for Success with Your Administrative Assistant
Preparing for the start of the school year, whether you've been at it for more than a decade or are starting out fresh, being sure to go into the office each day ready to work in partnership with Your Administrative Assistant is key. The first 90 days of any job is crucial. Make sure to start your career on the right foot. Consider the First 90-Days Checklist a guide to establish and…
Partner Spotlight | Herff Jones
Herff Jones is the leading provider of handcrafted graduation and recognition products to inspire achievement. As a division of Varsity Brands, Herff Jones has a wide range of products that include class rings, championship rings, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames and announcements. Focused on building long-term relationships in the educational community, Herff Jones has been helping elevate student experiences for more than 100 years and over 60 years in the state…