Understanding the Change in Grad Rate Calculations
Last week, MDE published a memo (see Memo #070-23: Modifications to Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate Calculations) outlining changes that are coming to the adjusted cohort graduation rate calculation. These changes are required by the US Department of Education beginning with the 2022-23 school year. In short, the changes means that length of enrollment can no longer be factored in when calculating graduation rates. This could result in noticeable year-over-year change in graduation…
Reinvigorating Your Parent-Teacher-Student Organization
The first day of the new school year is quickly approaching. August is upon us. As a building principal, this is the time of year when you’re going over those last details that need attention, the final tweaks to the master schedule, professional development plans, and new teacher orientation, to name a few. One of the things that has been resonating in my mind this year is reinvigorating the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO).…
Quick Tips | Upgrade Your New Staff On-Boarding & August Checklist
MASSSP provides monthly principal checklists. In the August Checklist, we include new staff on-boarding as a key task. The hiring process for new staff members is a significant investment of time and effort … now the important part will be developing and retaining the new staff. Developing a plan to welcome, onboard and support new staff members is critical as you maintain a positive climate and culture in your school. Professional development…
Finding Energy and Inspiration
This summer has been a mix of all the right things for me: relaxation, energy and inspiration. I’ve really enjoyed taking on a new hobby – gardening. We’ve always had shrubs and flowers around the property but this summer my significant other built my dream raised garden for fruits and vegetables. I am thankful that so many gardeners post videos on YouTube for those of us who are clueless. I have been…
Partner Spotlight | Herff Jones
Herff Jones is the leading provider of handcrafted graduation and recognition products to inspire achievement. As a division of Varsity Brands, Herff Jones has a wide range of products that include class rings, championship rings, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames and announcements. Focused on building long-term relationships in the educational community, Herff Jones has been helping elevate student experiences for more than 100 years and over 60 years in the state…
Work in Progress: 8 Tips for Leaders
When I saw that I was scheduled to submit an article for MASSP by July 10, my first thought was that nobody would read it. After all, isn’t that the month we all enjoy the recreation that our own beautiful state has to offer? It is also a great month to catch up with family or travel. I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to share with colleagues though, so…
Knowing Your Value: Utilizing the MASSP Contract Guide to Negotiate Your Best Contract
The last five years have unquestionably demonstrated the importance of school leadership. The influence of the principalship can be seen in school culture, academics and even staffing. The value of the principal is unquestionably high. Research on developing principal pipelines demonstrates the desire to cultivate the best in new leaders to ensure opportunities for student growth and school success. Borrowing from our friends at the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, In the…
Building Bridges, Not Walls: Strategies for Fostering Positive Relationships between Administrators and Associations
As a principal I played a number of roles in my very large district of nearly 40 schools. One of those roles was as a member of our bargaining team. I was also responsible for keeping the wheels on a bus hauling more than 115 staff and 1,500 students. When we think of the EA in our schools we often think of contentious issues, challenging negotiations, grievances and more. We rarely think…
Modernizing Middle School: Hillside’s Journey from Good to Great!
Hillside Middle School in Northville has a lot going for it. I visited the school during Inclusion Week at Northville schools, and it was Superhero Day! Located in one of the most affluent suburban Detroit communities, they have no shortage of resources. Hillside Principal Bill Jones, rocking his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-shirt, is going on his seventh year at the Middle School and has learned a lot in his leadership journey.…
Breaking Down Barriers: How EOS is Revolutionizing the AP Recruitment Process
Did you know that some groups of students are often overlooked for enrollment in advanced high school courses? It's true! Wouldn’t it be nice to have the tools and resources needed to identify these students, understand their barriers, and create an action plan to increase enrollment and close opportunity gaps? That’s where Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) comes in. Watch this 2-Minute Video to learn what EOS is all about. We believe that every…