High School Esports Fall Season Recap: State Championships, Awards Ceremony & More at Michigan State University
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Esports League wrapped up its fall 2025 season with an in-person event at Michigan State University, bringing together more than 400 students, coaches and spectators for Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Championships and an All-State Awards Ceremony, Dec. 6. The event highlighted the rapid growth of high school esports in Michigan and showcased standout talent from across the state. The MSU STEM building buzzed with activity as…
McKinney-Vento: Protecting Unhoused Students
The economic uncertainty caused by the recent lengthy federal government shutdown may have increased the number of students with housing instability. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento) is the federal law that protects students who are experiencing homelessness by removing barriers to school participation. Building staff who understand McKinney-Vento’s definitions and requirements are the “boots on the ground” who make it possible for schools to comply with the law and provide these…
Enough
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “OK, that’s enough for today”? Enough tricky parent conversations that seem to start before you’ve even made it to your office. Enough student behaviors that feel more layered and complex than ever. Enough new legislation, new requirements, new mandates to interpret, implement and communicate. This time of year has a way of stretching school leaders in every direction. The stretch is real; so too is the…
Getting Ahead of the Curve: How Royal Oak Middle School is Redefining MTSS
What if a school could spot a student’s academic or social-emotional need before it ever had the chance to become a barrier? At Royal Oak Middle School, that question isn’t a hypothetical; it’s the heartbeat of the work happening every single day. Under the leadership of my fellow MASSP Board member, Kristin Meldrum, MTSS isn’t a program or a checklist. It’s a culture. A way of seeing students. A way of supporting…
REGIONAL CONNECT CONFERENCES — REGISTRATION FILLING FAST!
As January approaches, seats are filling quickly for this year’s Regional Connect Conferences. These events jumpstart the student leadership season with meaningful, student-driven programming that strengthens school climate and culture. The momentum continues at the statewide 2026 Student Leadership Conference, Mission: Possible, in February where students from across Michigan gather to elevate their voices and expand their leadership capacity. Why Your Students and Advisors Should Attend? 1. Student Voice Strengthens School ClimateWhen…
Connected in Purpose, United in Practice
Our theme for the year is “Connected in Purpose, United in Practice.” At Jenison High School, this motto is purposeful and driven by initiatives that are student and staff-centered. We know that when adults learn together, our students do better. So professional learning communities have taken root and are thriving at JHS. Every student is connected to an adult through meaningful connections and evaluated by relationship mapping, and student voice is elevated…
Understanding Parents’ Rights and District Obligations Under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides students 18 or older or emancipated (“eligible students”) and their parents three primary rights: (1) the right to inspect and review education records, (2) the right to seek amendment of education records, and (3) the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records. FERPA defines “education records” as records which contain information directly related to a student and are…
QUICK TIPS DECEMBER | It’s the Season to Celebrate
From celebrations to reflection, December is a great time to take time for yourself and for others. Remembering why you do this in the middle of a whirlwind of a month can keep you (and your staff) centered during this busy month. It’s almost time to start planning for next year, but remember to enjoy this season with your students and staff! Jessica Garber, Escanaba Jr./Sr. High School Make time to celebrate the…
Understanding Michigan’s Rules on Emergency Seclusion and Restraint
Michigan schools have seen a notable increase in parental complaints and disputes regarding the emergency use of seclusion and restraint in recent years. For the 2025–26 school year, administrators report that these issues are becoming overwhelming. It is critical for secondary school leaders to refresh their understanding of the law and best practices to avoid significant legal liability. Under the Michigan Revised School Code, sections 1307 to 1307h (MCL 380.1307–380.1307h), the legislature’s…
Michigan Transitions to WIN Work Readiness Assessment for 11th Graders
The Michigan Merit Exam is administered each spring, and consists of three components: College Board SAT® with Essay Reading & Writing and Math Employability Skills Assessment M-STEP Science and Social Studies Michigan is entering a new phase in career readiness testing. As part of the state’s legislative requirement to assess employability skills, the ACT WorkKeys exam is being replaced by the WIN Work Readiness Assessment beginning this spring. At the most recent…