In the Middle With You: Digital PSAT & AI
Session #1 of the 2023-24 webinar series Thank you for attending session 1 of our In The Middle With You webinar for the 2023-24 school year. Special thanks to our guest presenters: Kari Anama and Ted Gardella from the College Board and our very own, Colin Ripmaster from MASSP, for presenting great information on the topics of PSAT-Digital Transition and AI in Middle Schools. During our session, Kari and Ted shared information about the digital transition of PSAT 8. They both shared rich resources…
In The Middle With You: Restorative Practices
Session #7 of the 2023-24 Webinar Series During the final "In The Middle With You" webinar for the 2023-24 school year, the focus was on Restorative Practices, with insights from Travis Thomsen and Sidney Bailey IV. Travis, principal of Portage North Middle School, shared his collaboration with Gryphon Place to create trauma-informed classrooms and manage compassion fatigue, emphasizing self-care and understanding spheres of influence to combat burnout. Sidney from Portage West Middle…
In the Middle With You: Parent Engagement & Student Voice
Session #6 of the 2023-24 webinar series This webinar focused on fostering student voice and parent engagement in middle schools. The discussion centered around the importance of involving students and parents in school activities, while acknowledging that successful strategies should be adapted to each school's unique context. Data from surveys and other sources was identified as a valuable tool for improving the school environment. Practical examples were shared by two MASSP board…
In The Middle With You: SEL & Staff Appreciation
Session #5 of the 2023-24 webinar series During our March In The Middle With You Webinar, we discussed the topics of Social Emotional Learning and Staff Appreciation. Special thanks to our Board of Directors representatives, Jeff Dykhouse and Craig Blower for sharing some of the great work each is leading in their respective buildings! Jeff Dykhouse, principal of East Grand Rapids Middle School, discussed the implementation of the Trails to Wellness program, developed by…
In the Middle With You: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Session #4 of the 2023-24 webinar series. Thank you for attending session 4 of our In The Middle With You webinar for the 2023-24 school year. Special thanks to our presenters Sonica and Lilliana fromThe Regional Laboratory Midwest for presenting great information on the DILE Approach (Data Informed Leadership for Equity) a program available to middle schools. During our session,we started by revisiting the definitions of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). We then particpated in the “Name Game”,…
In The Middle With You: PSAT/SAT Goes Digital
Session #3 of the 2023-24 webinar series In this session, presenters Kari Anama of College Board, presented great information on the topic of digital PSAT and Craig Blower of Swan Valley Middle School shared his fall testing experience. During our session, Kari shared valuable information related to the spring PSAT 8 test and helpful tips to help make sure you are prepared for the digital transition this spring. https://youtu.be/F3wQOfPOX_Y Slide Deck
In The Middle With You: Artificial Intelligence
Session #2 of the 2023-24 webinar series During our session, Bill Jones (Principal, Hillsdale Middle School) shared informative information related to the use of artificial intelligence in school. Bill started with general definitions, walked us through a short evolution and growth of technology, talked about the limitations of AI, and shared some AI education resources and tools. Interestingly, I used the new Zoom AI meeting summary feature to generate a summary of our…
September DEI Awareness Guide
September is a great month to start your DEI journey, as it brings numerous occasions to observe and celebrate DEI, such as through your Homecoming practices, Hispanic Heritage Month, Constitution Day and International Day of Peace. I hope to give you a few considerations that may help guide you to recognize and integrate DEI principles during this important month and beyond. Homecoming Homecoming is a cherished tradition in many schools, where alumni…
Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Schools: Embracing August Celebrations and the Return to School
As school administrators, one of your fundamental responsibilities is to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, staff and stakeholders. The month of August presents an excellent opportunity to reinforce the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as students and staff begin to return to school after the summer break. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of significant observances during this month, such as World Indigenous People…
Women’s History Month Offers Opportunities to Shine Light on Achievements, Important Moments & More
March is Women’s History Month! Celebrating this in schools is an important way to recognize the achievements of women and bring awareness to gender equity. Schools can honor this month in a variety of ways, from classroom activities like a discussion about influential female figures to recognizing great works by female authors. Check out the list below for ideas to recognize Women's History Month in your school: Create a bulletin board or…