AWSP Blog

Here is a list of January recognitions and holidays, along with suggestions on how to observe and celebrate them within your school community.

2024 has been a great year thanks to all of you! We hope that you are able to truly rest and enjoy the holidays during the next couple of weeks. Please note that the AWSP office will be closed Friday, Dec. 20 at noon through Friday, Jan. 3.

Recognizing special days and events is more than a celebration—it's an opportunity to build inclusivity, foster understanding, and highlight the values we want to promote within our school communities. Here’s a detailed list of December recognitions and holidays, along with ways to observe and celebrate them within schools

As we approach Veterans Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on the meaning of service and the incredible parallels between the leadership experiences of veterans and school administrators. Having spent 23 years in the military, I understand that leadership is not just about rank, position, or power. It’s about service, sacrifice, and the steadfast commitment to a greater mission. Veterans serve our country with dedication, courage, and resilience, and in many ways, school administrators serve in much the same way—leading with heart and dedication in the battlefields of education.

Teacher Appreciation Week is not just about saying thank you; it's about showing teachers that their hard work and dedication are valued and appreciated. As principals, we have the privilege and responsibility to create a positive and supportive environment for our teachers to thrive. By implementing some of the ideas shared in this article, we can make this week truly special for our educators.