Work in Progress: 8 Tips for Leaders
When I saw that I was scheduled to submit an article for MASSP by July 10, my first thought was that nobody would read it. After all, isn’t that the month we all enjoy the recreation that our own beautiful state has to offer? It is also a great month to catch up with family or travel. I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to share with colleagues though, so…
LegalEase | Déjà Vu: Search and Seizure in the School Setting
Several Michigan school districts recently banned backpacks at school because of safety concerns. There’s no sugarcoating that terrible reality. The demand for increased school safety means that school administrators are held to higher and higher standards to secure their buildings. Given the stakes, it’s important that administrators know exactly when and how they can conduct searches and seizures at school. This isn’t the first time the topic has been covered in this…
Breaking Down Barriers: How EOS is Revolutionizing the AP Recruitment Process
Did you know that some groups of students are often overlooked for enrollment in advanced high school courses? It's true! Wouldn’t it be nice to have the tools and resources needed to identify these students, understand their barriers, and create an action plan to increase enrollment and close opportunity gaps? That’s where Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) comes in. Watch this 2-Minute Video to learn what EOS is all about. We believe that every…
Celebrating Commencement Without Commencing a Lawsuit: A Guide to Graduation
Cue the “Pomp and Circumstance” – it is almost graduation season! In coordinating these momentous occasions, school officials should nevertheless proceed with caution, as seemingly small decisions can have significant legal consequences. Follow these guidelines to ensure that the festivities proceed smoothly and lawfully. 1. Student’s Right to a Diploma Graduating seniors may act out as they approach the end of their high school careers, especially in the form of senior pranks.…
Esports Through the Eyes of a Superintendent, Assistant Principal and Coach
I became Superintendent of Pinconning Schools in August. I presented esports and MHSEL to the board members during my first board meeting. I knew it was something that our students needed to experience and be part of. I presented the esports program at a former staff meeting over three years ago at my former high school. I couldn’t believe the information about the number of scholarships to universities and how the viewership…
Considerations in Issuing Discipline for Off-Campus Student Speech
During a time when many students actively use social media as a platform for speech, school officials are increasingly faced with the difficult determination of when student speech is protected by the First Amendment and, accordingly, when discipline may be issued for social media content or other off-campus student speech. As school officials making many of these determinations, Principals should be aware of important First Amendment principles and caselaw governing off-campus student…
Where Are We Headed On Transgender Student Bathroom Policies?
A few years ago, transgender student bathroom use was perhaps the most hot-button culture war issue for many school communities. Some allowed transgender students to use bathrooms that matched their gender identities. Others did not. Districts on both sides were sued in various venues across the country. After a handful of court decisions, the winners were those that allowed students to use bathrooms aligned with their gender identities. Various federal agencies incorporated…
SWATTING Follow Up – From the Michigan State Police
Recently, several school districts in Michigan were subjected to “swatting” calls, falsely warning of the presence of an active shooter. The practice of swatting is defined as a form of harassment to deceive an emergency service provider into sending a police and emergency service response team to a specific location. The practice is disruptive and wastes valuable law enforcement and school resources. In light of recent events, the Michigan State Police Office…
An Administrator’s Quick Guide to Complying with the IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school districts to identify, evaluate, and offer a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities who need specialized instruction and related services. Most students who receive special education do so on local school campuses and spend some part of their day in general education classrooms. As a result, school administrators play a vital role in ensuring IDEA compliance. The IDEA requires school districts…
Let’s Talk About Sex … Education Opt-Outs?
Last year, we fielded several emails and calls from school districts that received so-called parental opt-out forms. And we’ve heard through the grapevine that another wave of parental opt-outs are potentially on the horizon in February or March 2023. Perhaps it is merely coincidence that MDE released a memorandum on the topic on February 2, 2023. Regardless, school administrators should know what Michigan law requires and, contrary to what some parents will…