Bridging Innovation and Flexibility: The Northern Michigan Innovation Academy
The Northern Michigan Innovation Academy represents a forward-thinking shift in how East Jordan Public Schools serves its students. Offered in partnership with U-Tech Prep Academy, the program provides a personalized, flexible learning environment for students in grades 7–12. By combining high-quality online curriculum with the support of a local district, NMIA offers a unique path for families seeking alternatives to traditional seat-time education. Addressing a Growing Need The impetus for NMIA was…
Attention, Admin, You are Going to Washington, D.C. … Copy?
“Admin, Mr. Rummel, Mrs. Fayad. Admin, you are needed - emergency main office!” the walkie-talkie blared. Mid-evaluation, my assistant principal, Maha Fayad, and I side eye one another and rush out. As we shuffle down the hall we are met half way by our office manager, “Mr. Rummel, there is an issue in the atrium.” “Now?! It’s 20 minutes until the end of the day. Who is it? Kids? Adults?” Light stuttering…
For the Students | Start Next Year Strong: How Principals Can Empower Student Leadership Now
May is a strange but powerful moment in the school year. You’re not at the starting line, but you’re not quite at the finish either. Energy can dip, seniors are transitioning out, and student leadership groups may begin to coast. But here’s the opportunity: What happens in these final weeks quietly determines how next school year begins. For principals, this is a window to partner with your student leadership adviser in a…
Michigan High School Esports League Spring 2026 Season Results
The Michigan High School Esports League wrapped up its spring season this week with an in-person semifinals and championship event held at Oakland University on April 25. The state’s top teams competed on campus in four of the league’s most popular titles, while additional championship matches were held virtually throughout the week. Scholastic esports continues to grow across Michigan, creating inclusive opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds to participate, build connections, and…
Use AI to Get Student Feedback and Analyze It
As an EdCon keynote speaker, I'll be talking to all attendees about AI this June. Below is a practical AI use you can apply as you work through the stakeholder feedback and end-of-year reflection section of your MASSP May Principal’s Checklist. Principals need stakeholder feedback before the year ends, but many don’t have time to build a survey and sort through the responses. Instead of walking into next year guessing what needs…
May 2026 QUICK TIPS | Prepare to Wrap Things Up & Celebrate
May is frequently the busiest month of the year for school administrators, encompassing ceremonies, staffing decisions, and financial planning. The MASSP Board has compiled the following tips to support effective planning and a smooth conclusion to the school year. As you approach the end of the year, remember to savor the final moments with your graduating seniors. Jeff Dykhouse, Principal, East Grand Rapids Middle School Make a plan for wrapping up the…
Uplifting Student Voice: How Bay City Western Asks “What’s Up Warriors?”
Every year, schools across the State of Michigan send out climate and culture surveys to their students to evaluate their campuses and buildings. While taking the pulse of your organization is a widely accepted best-practice, many of us ask the question, “Are we getting the true voice of our students?” At Bay City Western High School, staff and administration have taken what was at one time a yearly survey, and turned it…
Innovation in Action | Where Joy Meets Rigor: How Copper Island Academy Is Reimagining School Through the Finnish Model
In the northern reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—where Lake Superior winds shape both landscape and lifestyle—a quiet transformation in education is taking root. At Copper Island Academy, learning looks and feels different. There is movement. There is trust. And perhaps most strikingly, there is joy. That transformation didn’t begin with a strategic plan or a mandate. It began with a question. A Community at a Crossroads In 2020, as schools across the…
From Thrun Law | Student Dress Codes: More Than a Fashion Statement
The words and images displayed on student t-shirts and hats are often more than just decoration; they are expressive activity and may be protected by the First Amendment. This article discusses the legal standards regarding student expression and provides pointers for implementing and enforcing student dress codes, including at special events such as prom and graduation. First Amendment The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of both speech and…
We Celebrate the Heartbeat of Each School
In every school, there is a steady rhythm that keeps the day moving forward. It is not found in a bell schedule or a lesson plan. It is found in the front office, behind the scenes, and in the countless interactions that make a school feel like a community. On Administrative Professionals Day, we celebrate the individuals we often refer to as the heartbeat of our schools. To honor their impact, we…