Discipline Done Right: Requirements for Suspending and Expelling Students
No one went into education to become a disciplinarian, but unfortunately, it comes with the job. Michigan law has several specific requirements for disciplinary removals of more than 10 days. Add in the special rules that apply to students with disabilities and matters involving sexual harassment, and handling discipline can become daunting. An informed approach makes the process easier for all involved. When a disciplinary issue arises, first consider whether the conduct…
The Evolving Challenge of Youth Vaping: What School Leaders Need to Know
Vaping trends are moving in a positive direction. Yet, despite falling use and purchase trends for e-cigarettes from its peak in 2019, nearly 1.63 million youth, mostly in middle and high school, use them. School administrators face an increasingly complex battle against youth vaping as manufacturers deploy sophisticated new technologies designed to attract young users. Recent research and developments highlight why traditional approaches to this challenge may need updating. Smart Vapes: A…
Get in the Game: Join the Michigan High School Esports League for Spring 2025!
The Michigan High School Esports League (MHSEL), in partnership with the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), is gearing up for an action-packed Spring 2025 season—and we want your school to be part of it! Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or Athletic Director, now is the perfect time to explore how scholastic esports can enhance your school. Why Esports? Benefits for Students Esports isn’t just about video games; it’s about providing…
The Balanced Principal: A Path to Sustainable Success
As a school principal, your to-do list feels endless—meeting student needs, managing staff, navigating community expectations, and tackling unforeseen challenges. It’s easy to feel as if success hinges on doing more and doing it faster. But what if the secret to effective leadership wasn’t about doing more, but rather about doing less—with intention? A timeless lesson from a martial arts student offers a powerful analogy for school leadership. When the student asked…
Quick Tips | January 2025
JoLynn Clark, Frankenmuth High School January is a good time to survey students and staff on how the 1st semester went and on setting goals for the 2nd semester. If you’ve utilized a theme for the school year with staff or students, this is a good time to evaluate how that focus is coming along, or identify tweaks to be made for 2nd semester. It also re-establishes the theme’s focus for the…
MASSP Board of Directors Election Information 2025
MASSP election season is just around the corner. Are you ready to take on a bigger role within the Association, be an advocate for your fellow administrators and help advance your career? Every year, one-third of the seats of the MASSP Board of Directors are up for election-it's almost time! This year MASSP is seeking candidates for: President-Elect** Region 2 Representative Region 4 Representative Region 6 Representative Region 10 Representative Middle Level…
Record-Breaking Enrollment in Michigan Achievement Scholarship Program: A Win for Students and Schools
Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced a historic milestone for Michigan students and families: more than 56,000 Michiganders are benefiting from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Program this fall, saving more than $131.5 million in tuition costs. This represents a significant step toward making higher education more accessible and affordable, with benefits extending to community colleges, Tribal colleges, private institutions and public universities across the state. The program, launched in 2022, provides recent Michigan…
Strength Through the Season: Nurturing Resilience in Students
As educators, we are uniquely positioned to support students through the holiday season, a time that can be both joyful and deeply stressful for many. Reflecting on my experiences as a principal and parent, I’ve come to appreciate the vital role we play in fostering resilience in our students, particularly during this busy and often overwhelming time of year. The holiday season brings a flurry of activity for both staff and families.…
Keys to Unlocking Post-Secondary Success for Students with Disabilities
Written by Jessica Garber, Escanaba Middle and High School Assistant Principal, Michigan Leadership Fellow and Gina Schmitt, Grand Haven High School Assistant Principal, Michigan Leadership Fellow Let’s close the gaps and unlock opportunities! Assistant Principals are often critical advocates for students with disabilities. While the IEP process is often our focus, transition planning might be one of the most critical opportunities to close gaps and unlock opportunities. Students with disabilities in Michigan…
This Week in Politics in 5 Sentences (or Fewer)
Almost 200 bills were reported out of committee in the Legislature this week…just sit with that a minute…ok, ready to move on, because we have miles to go before we sleep since that long list of bills includes…deep breath…SB 285 (mandatory kindergarten), SB 463 (FAFSA completion as a graduation requirement with various waivers), and HB 6255 (legislation to address lingering debt from the Detroit Public Schools takeover of a decade ago) which…