Learning Forward: West Ottawa High School
Pathways to Prosperity Walking through West Ottawa High School, it would be easy to start counting. Alongside a comprehensive core curriculum and a variety of world language offerings, students can pursue AP courses and the IB Diploma Programme, career and technical education, dual enrollment, early middle college and work-based learning. Applied, fine and performing arts give students room to discover and deepen their interests and passions, while athletics, clubs and other extracurricular…
New Fiscal Year, New Rules: Your FY 2027 Compliance Checklist
Governor Whitmer signed the FY 2027 State School Aid Act (Public Act 25 of 2026) on July 21, 2026. The Act attaches several compliance obligations to district funding — and falling short on any of them can mean real money out of the District’s pocket. Some of these obligations carry over from prior years, but the 2026–27 cycle introduces new requirements that every building principal and central office administrator needs to understand. …
Six Weeks In: Leverage Early Warning Data as the Instructional Leader
Six weeks into the school year, attendance, discipline and course performance data are beginning to tell a story. The question is whether we are looking across those indicators closely enough to notice which students may be getting off track and what they need from us next. As building leaders, it is on us to not only comply with Michigan’s MTSS requirements, but to fill the role of instructional leaders and steward what’s…
Homecoming: School Culture Comes to Life
There are plenty of serious moments in the life of a principal, but Homecoming week reminds me why I became an educator: Sometimes the most important work we do is helping students have fun, feel like they belong, and create memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. At Woodhaven High School, Homecoming is much more than a football game and a dance. It is a week when…
TL;DR: Politics Briefly
Not much happened in Lansing this week. But sometimes what lawmakers don't do tells us something too. The House Education and Workforce Committee posted a lengthy agenda Wednesday: HB 6023 (Paquette): Adds the Classic Learning Test as an accepted college entrance examination. HB 6096 (Kelly): Extends how long Annual Career Authorization (ACA) can be used for certain career and technical education teachers. HB 6106 (VanderWall): Makes changes to the Student Mental Health…
Before the Crisis: Let’s Really Talk About Student Well-Being
What does school actually feel like for your students every day? Every student has a daily experience at school. The question is whether we are paying close enough attention to that experience before a student reaches a crisis point. Conversations about student mental health often focus on what happens once a student begins to struggle, especially after a crisis or tragedy affects a school community. Intervention and access to support are essential,…
Work Permits Are Changing: What Principals Need to Know Now
Beginning Oct. 2, Michigan is moving youth work permits out of local schools and into the state’s new Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) run by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). For principals, there are two things to know right now: There is very little that schools need to do and nothing that has to be done urgently. The new system may create opportunities to use information about student…
Student Fundraising Pitfalls to Avoid
Student fundraising is a staple of the secondary school experience, funding everything from robotics trips and athletics to senior proms. The beginning of the school year can bring about numerous requests for fundraising. However, for secondary school administrators, managing these initiatives carries significant compliance, financial, and ethical responsibilities. Under Neola Policy 5830 (Student Fundraising), board policy establishes a clear framework: Because compulsory attendance laws make students a "captive audience," student solicitation must…
Your District Started with AI. Here’s How to Get Past “Now What?”
If your district has an AI task force, a working group, or draft guidance developed, you've already done something a lot of districts haven't: you started. But starting isn't the hard part. The hard part is what comes next. Michigan Virtual has spent the past year talking with district leaders, ISD coaches, and tech directors about where they're stuck with AI. Clear patterns have emerged. It's rarely "we don't know what AI…
October 2026 QUICK TIPS | Things Don’t Just Fall Into Place, You Can Guide Them
With a month or so of school under our belts, it's time to ensure that good habits have been established for students, staff and administrators. Be sure to make time for all of the big and little things that are important to you – and work them into your daily or weekly schedule. What you intentionally plan now will seem like second nature in the months ahead. Nathaniel Moody, Assistant Principal, Valleywood…