Regulation is Outpaced with Emerging Nicotine Innovations and Exposing Youth to Increased Public Health Risks.
Commercial tobacco companies[i] continue to transform their products, allowing them to evade regulation and policies. Circumventing regulation increases allurement to new and emerging tobacco products among youth, leading to addiction, adverse health effects, and rising public health concerns. Since 2007, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)/e-cigarettes have nearly tripled in nicotine strength (6% or greater), dropped in price by 70%, and have increased e-liquid compacity by twenty-nine times.[1] Historically, there has been low…
Representing Michigan, Returning from Washington, D. C., Inspired
When I was boarding the plane for the National Education Leadership Awards Conference, I had no idea what to expect. Upon arrival, I took a look at the conference schedule and saw very little “sit and get” and a lot of networking sessions. As a naturally introverted person, I was immediately concerned. However, that concern quickly evaporated when I started talking to the other award winners at the conference and realized I…
Leadership Lives Here | Building the Bench: Celebrating Districts Growing Leaders From Within
By Heidie Ciesielski, MASSP Associate Director of Leadership Preparation and Certification In a time when the education job market is lean and the search for strong administrator candidates is more competitive than ever, some districts are choosing not to wait for leadership talent to appear from the outside. Instead, they are building it from within – identifying promising educators, investing in their growth, and providing scholarships to aspiring leaders enrolling in Path…
To Graduation and Beyond: Helping Students Stick the Landing After Commencement
Commencement is a beautiful lift-off. Caps fly. Names echo. Families cheer. For a few shining hours, everything feels complete. But here’s the truth we don’t say out loud enough: Graduation is not the finish line, it’s the runway. Right now it might feel like a narrow balance beam. As principals, part of our leadership responsibility is not only to help students take off, but to ensure they can stick the landing in…
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…