How AI Can Make Your Job Easier as a School Secretary: November 2024
MASSP is committed to bringing you practical and easy-to-understand tips on how to use AI to work smarter, not harder. In this quarterly guide, we’ll show you a simple way to use AI in your daily routine with an idea and a prompt you can try today. It’s no secret that the world is changing rapidly, and technology – especially AI – is becoming a part of our everyday lives. This can…
Secretary Scenarios w/ Chat GPT | Helicopter Parents
Here’s the situation: Helicopter parents are continually showing up at the school office throughout the year with items to drop off, requests to see their child, etc. How can we discourage this behavior? Here’s a list of professional ways a school secretary could handle frequent visits from helicopter parents, developed by ChatGPT, edited by humans: Set Clear Boundaries: Politely explain the school’s policies on parent visits, emphasizing the importance of allowing teachers…
Stuck in the Middle with You: Navigating Parent Custody Disputes
By Jennifer Starlin, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. When all is not quiet on the home front, building secretaries are often the first to know. Parents may make requests that the other parent not be permitted access to the student or claim that the other parent’s rights have been limited by a court. Sorting through the drama to determine the truth can be a daunting task. Under Michigan law, both parents of a…
Corunna Leader Named Michigan’s 2025-26 Middle School Principal of the Year
Arriving back at Corunna Middle School after their meeting, Principal Ingrid Dettman and Corunna Public Schools’ Superintendent John Fattal found no students or staff in classrooms. When they walked into the gymnasium it was packed with the entire CMS student body, staff and CPS community members. There, Wendy Zdeb, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, made the surprise announcement that Dettman has been selected as Michigan’s 2025-26 Middle…
Grandville Leader Named Michigan’s 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year
The entrance buzzed with excitement as Grandville Public Schools and Grandville High School staff, board members, students and special guests from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals gathered in anticipation of Principal Adam Lancto's arrival. Returning from a meeting, Lancto was greeted with an enthusiastic surprise as MASSP announced him as Michigan’s 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year. “Adam’s commitment to collaborative leadership, innovation and personalized student support is truly…
Innovative Instruction at Forest Hills Northern High School
This year, I’ve been fortunate to visit schools across Michigan to learn about innovative practices that reimagine how students engage with learning. For me, innovation means improving existing practices —whether or not technology is involved. My recent visit to Forest Hills Northern High School perfectly captured this definition, showcasing programs that are personalized, hands-on, and deeply engaging for students. The innovation journey began several years ago when Jon Gregory, former Principal of…
Walking a Mile in Our Students’ Shoes: My Day Shadowing a 10th Grader
Written by Amy Pashak, Walled Lake Western High School Principal and MASSP Board of Directors President-Elect As the President-elect of MASSP, I've been inspired to get a firsthand look at the student experience. Recently, I spent a full day shadowing a 10th-grade student at Walled Lake Western High School. This impressive student is a positive leader in our school, active in both student leadership and on the cheer team. Shadowing her provided…
West Bloomfield Leader Named Michigan’s 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year
The West Bloomfield High School auditorium seats were filled with students, staff, board members, family and many individuals from the school community awaiting the arrival of their Assistant Principal, Susan (Susie) Aisner. Upon Aisner's arrival, the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals' Executive Director, Wendy Zdeb, surprised her by announcing she had been selected as the Michigan 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year, and the auditorium erupted in celebration. “Susie…
Gratitude and Appreciation: Building a Strong School Culture
It's no secret that educators are often underappreciated. The long hours, the emotional toll, and the constant pressure to meet standards can take a significant toll on our well-being. Yet, despite these challenges, we continue to dedicate ourselves to our students and our schools. As administrators, we have a unique opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work of our staff. By fostering a culture of gratitude, we can boost morale, increase…
2024 Lame Duck Preview
With the election in the books, the Michigan Legislature returned to Lansing this week and dove headfirst into what could become a busy lame duck session. Both chambers seem determined, at least for now, to finish out the 2023-24 legislative session with a bang (all three remaining weeks of it…tick tock). The House and Senate Education Committees both met, though they were far from the only committees that had school-related legislation on…