Breakout Round Presentations
BREAKOUT ROUND 1
Recalibrate the Culture, Part II
[JIMMY CASAS, J CASAS & ASSOCIATES, PRESIDENT & CEO]
In this breakout session, participants will take a deeper dive into “Recalibrate the Culture” with a renewed understanding of the importance of effective processes, frameworks, and practical tools you can utilize immediately to cultivate a healthier culture for your school community.
Handle with Care, Part II
[JOY KELLY, J CASAS & ASSOCIATES, LEADERSHIP COACH]
In this breakout session, participants will take a deeper dive into “Handle with Care” with a renewed understanding of the importance of effective strategies, tools and techniques you can utilize immediately to handle difficult situations.
Culturize, Part II – Creating a Culture of “Wow” Moments
[MATT DEGNER, J CASAS & ASSOCIATES, LEADERSHIP COACH]
We will take a deeper dive into the four core principles of “Culturize” and share examples of Culture Builders that will inspire every member of the school community to be more and do more than they ever thought possible.
Michigan’s Educational Ecosystem: Better Together
[WALT SUTTERLIN, MICHIGAN VIRTUAL, SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS]
Have you had an idea to improve teaching and learning, but struggled to get it off the ground? Have you heard of cool things happening “over there” and wondered how “they” made it happen? Do you stand in awe of educational innovation and want to be part of it? Join us to get a taste of the connections across Michigan’s educational ecosystem that might answer some of these questions or inspire you to tap into the vast resources of togetherness!
MCAN (Michigan College Access Network) 101
[JENEEN HATOUM, MCAN, DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL INNOVATION]
Join this breakout session to learn more about the Michigan College Access Network! What does MCAN do statewide and at the local level? What resources, grants and supports does MCAN offer to help schools increase their rates of students moving on to post secondary including: counselor training, the FAFSA tracker, FAFSA completion, and local MCAN support.
Considerations for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Secondary Schools
[TRAVIS THOMSEN, PHD, PORTAGE NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL]
Research around essential components of effective MTSS systems are growing rapidly at the elementary level. The translation and application of those components vary widely in middle and high school settings. Join a facilitated conversation around the five essential components of MTSS and learn practical strategies to implement them in your building. The journey of one middle school will be shared along the way to highlight the application and importance of each component.
Breaking the Generational Curse: Moving Students From Unbelievable to Unstoppable
[DR. MARIE FEAGINS, DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT, CHIEF OF LEADERSHIP & HIGH SCHOOLS; KIMBERLY ROGERS, NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL; MEGAN WATERBURY, DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT, PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR]
The stakes for public school leaders to improve achievement are higher than ever. During this session, participants will explore the power of developing and leveraging dynamic relationships, data, and love to close opportunity gaps, improve graduation rates, and elevate success with historically underestimated students and communities.
BREAKOUT ROUND 2
Creating an Advisory/ESA Period
[KIM VILLAROSA, SALEM HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL]
Learn the advantages of creating an advisory period as part of your daily schedule for students. The lessons learned from creating a schedule to support student social emotional learning will be shared. The data gathered from students and staff after two years will be shared during the presentation. There will be opportunity for questions and answers at the end of the presentation.
INsight & OUTreach: achieving the highest levels of access, opportunity, and success for all students
[CORY MCELMEEL, SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL; PAUL DEANGELIS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS, PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT]
Identifying and supporting students furthest from access is some of the most important work we do in public education. In this session, participants will hear how we are reducing the predictive power of demographics, working with deeper insight data – using qualitative data – about students; gathering actionable data about our school’s climate, culture, beliefs, and practices, and how our partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools is a foundation to us achieving the highest levels of access, opportunity, and success for all students.
The Education Landscape Has Changed, Why Haven’t Schools? – Innovating for Student Growth
[PHIL JANKOWSKI, ANCHOR BAY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SUPERINTENDENT]
In the new education environment it is essential to take innovative approaches to change education and maximize student growth. We know what is effective and not effective, we just need the will to do it. Learn how best to improve student growth and how to measure success.
Middle School Across Michigan
[SHAWNA BIRCHMEIER, KUEHN- HAVEN MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL; JEFF DYKHOUSE, EAST GRAND RAPIDS MIDDLE SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL; AND AMY HENDRY, CARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL- WARREN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS, PRINCIPAL]
Middle school can be a challenging time for students and parents alike. By focusing on mental health and well-being, educators can provide guidance during challenging times. This dynamic middle school principal trio with more than 35 years of combined experience will discuss successful approaches related to building a strong community and leveraging parents, fostering the mental health and well-being of students, and implementing Positive Behavior Intervention Systems and Restorative Practices to bring optimistic energy back to learning.
The Fun Factor: Leveraging Positive Communication Strategy to Build Partnership, Loyalty and Understanding!
[TOM LIETZ, MASSP, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT, AND TIM MCAVOY, UTICA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL & COMMUNITY RELATIONS]
School communication is serious work. We build a reservoir of positive intent through relevant, consistent and pertinent information that is consumable by our diverse audience. What principals and districts often forget is that we get to have fun with this work and that fun is valuable. Learn about how to develop a communication strategy that is positive, engaging and fun to build capital when you need it with your community.
The 4 C’s of Board Policy
[PATRICK KREGER, NEOLA, POLICY ASSOCIATE]
Current, Compliant, Comprehensive and Connected! This session will cover the critical importance of understanding and implementing board policy. The basics of policy development and adoption will be covered as well as current hot topics in policy.
Embracing Student Mobility While Maintaining Accountability
[RYAN SINES, FRASER HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL]
Student mobility is a growing reality in our schools. In a post-pandemic learning environment, many schools have embraced blended learning, off-campus experiences, dual enrollment, and more. While this increased mobility can bring many benefits, it also raises new concerns for school administrators, teachers, and parents. In this session, we will discuss how Fraser High School has leveraged the Open Campus® software to track student movement and communicate with parents during school hours and during after-school activities.
Building & implementing a Secondary MTSS Model: Unifying Academic & Behavior Systems to Leverage Student Success
[ADAM LANCTO, GRANDVILLE HS, PRINCIPAL; ASHLEE BUCHOLZ, GRANDVILLE HS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL; MIKE KENNEDY, GRANDVILLE HS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL; AND MATT COOK, GRANDVILLE HS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL]
While the elementary level has been quickly implementing and finding success with PBIS and tiered interventions for academic & behavior supports, the secondary level has found structural and social challenges for implementing a unified MTSS system that works as well as an elementary system. Join us to learn about our journey at Grandville High School to build and implement an MTSS model that fits within a high school environment. We will discuss what has worked, what we have learned from failure, and how the importance of a consistent strategic plan from the district level down to the building level are key to MTSS success.
BREAKOUT ROUND 3
Loving the “Unlovable” Connecting with ALL Students
[ROGER GURGANUS, PATRICK HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL]
This presentation will focus on connecting with all students. As educators we have students who are hard to connect with and those students are the students we need to give hope to the most. We will focus on real-life examples of students who we have encountered and steps that we have taken to show them their value and their future. Attendees will leave this session, with a clear-focus on being “The One” for all students, even the ones who seem “unlovable.”
MASSP Anti-Vaping Toolkit: Fighting the Flood – Leveraging a Community of Experience to Combat Vaping: The MASSP Vaping Tool-kit,
[TOM LIETZ, MASSP, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT; VERNON BURDON, LAKE ORION HS, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL; JUSTIN HAUSER, L’ANSE CREUSE MIDDLE SCHOOL EAST, PRINCIPAL; AND MIKE OSTRANDER, BELDING HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL]
Prior to COVID vaping was already a pandemic level challenge to schools. According to a 2022 study nearly 3 million students, grades 6 – 12, are using e-cigarettes. The problem shows no sign of stopping. MASSP leveraged incredible membership to pull together the best tools, solutions and approaches to fighting the flood of vaping. This discussion with principal leaders from around the state will focus around the tools in the MASSP Vaping Tool-Kit and how you can use them.
Using MI Merit Curriculum (MMC) Flexibility to Promote Possibilities
[RASHELL BOWERMAN, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, INSTRUCTIONAL CONSULTANT]
The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements are not meant to be a one-size fits all sequence of courses. Instead, the MMC content should be embedded into courses, experiences and opportunities that allow students to learn in personalized ways. Let’s reimagine what earning credit looks like. This session will support leaders in understanding the MMC and the promoted flexibility. Participants will also gain an understanding of the modifications allowed through a PC, providing options for students to modify the MMC based on their post-school goals.
Navigating Legal Issues Surrounding Transgender Student Rights
[CRISTINA T. PATZELT, ATTORNEY LAW FIRM, P.C.]
Does a student have the right to use the bathroom of the gender with which they identify? May a transgender girl participate on a girls sports team? This session will help participants understand state and federal law and case precedent related to transgender student rights. Participants will learn the current status of how civil rights laws apply to transgender students and how to apply the law to common circumstances.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Effective School Leadership
[PRINCIPAL BARUTI KAFELE]
This is a highly engaging, self-reflective session that focuses on school leadership relative to issues of diversity, equity & inclusion. Strategies will be shared toward creating and sustaining equity and inclusion in a diverse student learning environment which will be inclusive of important conversations around race and cultural competence.
Accreditation in Michigan: Collaboration for Continuous Improvement
[MICHAEL NAUSS, COGNIA, SENIOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR]
While regional accreditation has been a part of the Michigan educational landscape for over 125 years, the evolution of continuous improvement practices and policies can sometimes leave schools leaders with unanswered questions for successful implementation. This session will provide guidance on the status of accreditation in Michigan, its value proposition and support for the integration/alignment of MDE resources.
Innovative Fundraising with Pop!
[SARAH RUSCH & JEFF ELDRIDGE, POWER OF PURPOSE (POP!), JASON MESSENGER, PORTAGE WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL]
Need to raise money for Middle School student activities, recognition, field trips, and staff appreciation? Want to have some $$ in your principal fund to bring FUN to your building? PoP! can help raise money for your school with their online donation based programs. Our programs inspire and uplift students, are easy to run and take less than 10 minutes for parents to participate. Hear from Jason Messenger on how working with PoP! has revolutionized fundraising at PWMS.
MASSP Contract Guide: Safeguards for Principals
[JEFF THEUER, LOOMIS LAW FIRM]
Join MASSP’s attorney, Jeff Theuer, from the Loomis Law firm. He will provide an overview of the key elements in MASSP’s Model Contract Guide to help ensure all building administrators have a fair contract that defines their working conditions, proper compensation and support. Additionally, Attorney Theuer will share pitfalls principals need to avoid to stay out of trouble in their day-to-day work.
BREAKOUT ROUND 4
The Great Resignation: How the Lack of Benefit Education Has Helped Fuel this Ongoing Economic Trend
[JOSHUA WILLIAMS, WILLIAMS & COMPANY FINANCIAL SERVICES, VICE PRESIDENT]
Let’s change potential negative perceptions school employees have of their benefits, particularly new employees. Williams & Company has been working with school employees for more than 20 years and has found a gap between an employee’s perceived value and actual value of their benefits. This lack of understanding may have contributed to the dissatisfaction that has led to record resignations among school employees in the past two years.
Grow MainStreet from the Middle Up
[COLIN RIPMASTER, MASSP, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; NOVELLA DANIELS, WESTWOOD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, MATH CONSULTANT; ALLISON DYKHOUSE, NORTHVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SOCIAL WORKER; JOSH DELAMETEER, GRANT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TEACHER]
Is your Middle Level staff frustrated as they work hard to close the learning gaps amongst students, and see the same results? Are you looking to improve learning and engagement, while reducing behavior referrals, teacher workload and burnout? Learn from a panel of rural, urban and suburban educators who are finding success addressing these challenges through a series of hands-on, competency based modules that are turn-key, easy-to-use, address grade level standards, career and college exploration, and result in a dynamic EDP and talent profile.
Legal Pitfalls in the Student Discipline Process
[JENNIFER STARLIN, THRUN LAW FIRM, P.C., ATTORNEY]
Student discipline is often a dreaded, yet necessary, aspect of a principal’s job. Join Thrun attorneys as they discuss how to navigate legal landmines in the student discipline process and ensure your discipline process is legally compliant.
MASSP Contract Guide: Safeguards for Principals
[JEFF THEUER, LOOMIS LAW FIRM]
Join MASSP’s attorney, Jeff Theuer, from the Loomis Law firm. He will provide an overview of the key elements in MASSP’s Model Contract Guide to help ensure all building administrators have a fair contract that defines their working conditions, proper compensation and support. Additionally, Attorney Theuer will share pitfalls principals need to avoid to stay out of trouble in their day-to-day work.
Culture Overhaul – How to Reignite Passion and Positivity Post Pandemic
[MEREDITH BEARD, L’ANSE CREUSE HIGH SCHOOL NORTH, PRINCIPAL MELISSA CHASE, L’ANSE CREUSE HIGH SCHOOL NORTH, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL]
The pandemic took a toll on students and staff. Learn a variety of ideas to implement that focus on rebuilding relationships, celebrating staff and students, and creating a culture that produces noticeable results.
The AI Invasion: Skynet or Sky is the Limit!
[TOM LIETZ, MASSP, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT, RYAN CAYCE, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL LEARNING & RESOURCES, MASSP; JASON FEIG, KHAN ACADEMY DISTRICT PARTNERSHIPS; WILLIAM JONES, HILLSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL; AARON ROMOSLAWSKI, FOREST HILLS NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL]
Doom and gloom or the next revolutionary ed-tech. Regardless of how you view it, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay (and has been here for years!). ChatGPT, Bard, integrated chatbots in Word and Google Docs, and many more that will flood the market present challenges, but equally, many or more opportunities. Join us for a conversation about how these tools can be managed and utilized for your work, for your staff, and to drive student learning opportunities!
Increasing Equity and Decreasing Systemic Barriers for All Students with a Focus on Students of Color
[SHARIDA LEWIS, ROYAL OAK HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL; LEZAH PHILLIPS, GENERATIONAL WELLNESS & RETIRED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAl]
Increasing Equity and Decreasing Systemic Barriers for all students, with a focus on students of color.
Education with a Purpose and Career Academies: An Overview
[COLLEEN SCHUMM, FORDSON HIGH SCHOOL, ACADEMY LEAD TEACHER]
An overview of how utilizing Career Academies/Pathways can help to give all students a clearer vision of postsecondary success by making the most of their time in high school. Students explore potential career pathways while completing their Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements through the lens of their Career Academy. What students learn along the way can help to guide their decisions and help them to answer the all important question of “What’s next?” after high school.
The College Board Update – The Digital SAT (What You Should Know to Be Ready) and CLEP (Providing More Opportunities for Your Students)
[TED GARDELLA & KARI ANAMA, COLLEGE BOARD]
This session will deliver the latest information on the Digital SAT implementation in Michigan. We will follow up the June 6 MASSP webinar with more information and provide the latest on practice resources for your students. Information on the College Board’s Bluebook application, and how it will work with your technology. We will also cover updates on how to use CLEP to increase college credit for your students.