Beyond the Launch: When Activity Becomes Impact
The beginning of a school year offers no shortage of reasons to celebrate. The buses arrive on time. Class schedules come together. Staff members return energized from professional learning. A new initiative launches with enthusiasm. Hallways feel orderly. Families express appreciation. The first few weeks unfold with a reassuring sense that the hard work of planning has paid off. Those moments matter. They deserve to be recognized. They are also easy to…
Watch for Michigan School Census Invitation Beginning Sept. 15
Beginning Sept. 15, every Michigan public school will receive an individualized link to participate in the 2026 Michigan School Census, a statewide literacy and school library study led by Wayne State University and funded by the Michigan Legislature. Participation from every type of school matters – whether your building has a fully staffed library, limited or shared services, or no dedicated library staff. The census is intended to create a clearer picture…
The Right People, at the Right Time
By the time you read this, some of you are already into the new year — hallways full, buses rolling, the first fire drill behind you. Others are holding onto the last quiet mornings before it all begins. Wherever you land on the calendar, the feeling is the same: A fresh start is here, and with it that familiar mix of energy and weight. I felt both in front of many of…
The Innovative Leaders Network: An Opportunity to Lead Innovation at Your School
As school leaders return to their buildings, much of their attention is focused on preparing everyone else for the year ahead like planning professional learning, identifying instructional priorities, reviewing goals, and thinking about the experiences they want to create for students. While you’re planning to support everyone around you, don’t forget to make space for your own growth. What do you want to learn this year? What challenge or opportunity would you…
September 2026 QUICK TIPS | Let’s Do This!
As another school year begins, the pace is fast, the expectations are high and every interaction matters. The opening weeks set the tone for the culture, systems and relationships that will carry a school throughout the year. In this edition of MASSP Quick Tips, principals from across Michigan share practical strategies that have helped them launch the school year successfully – from building meaningful connections with students and staff, maintaining a visible…
Michigan High School Esports League Fall Season Registration is Now Open!
Returning and new schools can register on our new USAEL/RallyCry platform using the Registration Guide and IT Requirements Guide. Register for the 2026 Fall MHSEL Season. Coaches can also join MHSEL & RallyCry staff for a guided walkthrough of the new platform, including key features, resources, and tools for managing the season. Choose a session: August 25 at 3 PM or August 26 at 7 PM.
Evaluating Probationary Teachers to Facilitate Professional Growth and Effectiveness
Individualized Development Plan The Teachers’ Tenure Act requires that all probationary teachers receive an Individualized Development Plan (“IDP”) developed by an “appropriate” administrator in consultation with the teacher. An IDP includes specific performance goals to assist the teacher with improving effectiveness, and with designated training to help the teacher meet those goals. The IDP must include a timeline during which the teacher must meet IDP goals that may not exceed 180 days.…
What’s Your Story?
One of my favorite parts of this job is hearing the stories that don't make the headlines. The conversations that happen in hallways at conferences. The coffee before a meeting starts. The moment someone leans in and says, "Let me tell you what we pulled off this year!" Those are the ones I remember. This year, MASSP is making a real push to amplify the voices of school leaders across Michigan, and…
Tilling the Soil – Preparing for the Year Ahead
Each August, something shifts. We walk our buildings. We hear the hum of returning life. We feel both the excitement and the weight of a new year ahead. It’s a lot like tilling a garden. Before we can plant anything meaningful, the soil has to be turned over. It has to be broken up, aerated and made ready to receive what's next. That's what great leaders do before the first day of…
The Future-Ready Principal Is Not the Person With All the Answers
In recent conversations with school leaders, I have watched the same questions surface again and again. What should students be allowed to use? What should teachers be expected to do? Do we need a policy? Are we moving too slowly? Are we moving too fast? You can feel the pressure behind those questions. Not because these leaders are resistant to change, but because they understand the weight of getting it wrong. Their…