AWSP Blog

In a recent conversation with Sue Anderson, Director of OSPI’s Educator Effectiveness, she reminded me of the required Fall and early Winter TPEP dates. Sue has been a school leader and certainly understands the demands placed on principals and assistant principals. With the frenetic pace school leaders are keeping, they may think they are behind, or missing important TPEP timelines. Here is some quick info for you as you continue to plan out your observation and evaluation schedules. Take a deep breath, you have plenty of time to complete any TPEP requirements.

These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504.. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.. Please consult your district attorney if you are looking for legal advice, as that is out of my realm.

In the middle of National Principals Month and an ongoing pandemic, Almira Principal Kelsey Hoppe's just got a lot tougher. Earlier this week, we heard the somber news from the town of Almira, where their school recently burned to the ground. Home to about 300 residents, this farming community’s school served 118 K–8 students. We don’t need to tell you the importance of school within a community, especially a small community like Almira where many of the students are the 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th generation family members to have attended the school. It’s just hard to fathom that kind of loss.

Help is on the way! Did you know that the Office of System and School Improvement has monthly themes? AWSP is working hard to align much of our communication around these same themes and The theme for October is Culturally Responsive Positive Behavior Interventions and supports.

These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504.. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.. Please consult your district attorney if you are looking for legal advice, as that is out of my realm.

In this edition of AWSP News, we discuss the kick off to National Principals Month, one of the most challenging years in your careers, getting connected with colleagues in one of our many different professional networks, the unfortunate TikTok trend happening this year, AWSP’s third annual WELL Summit, Fall AWSP Regional Meetings, a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, and a message from AWSP Past President Cameron Grow.

If you’ve never met Cameron but you’ve watched Ted Lasso, you’ve basically met Cameron. His leadership is all about the power of the positive and building relationships. I can’t speak to his biscuit skills, but the belief in people and bringing out their best…that’s all there. I had the chance to visit him at Lincoln Middle School in Pullman for this Fast Five video on creating a positive staff culture a few years back. Even with just a few students and staff around, the sense of family, belonging, and love is palpable. It’s something you feel as soon as you walk in – this is a place people love to be. Read our interview with AWSP Past President Cameron Grow.

October is full of many events, happenings, and holidays that are woven into our schools' fabric. Homecomings, spirit days, and Halloween festivities take shape and create a sense of camaraderie, connection, and even fun for students and the community. One tricky aspect of navigating dress-up days and even Halloween festivities: being aware, sensitive, and mindful of cultural appropriation. As you consider your school's community and cultural context, what shifts can be made to ensure dress-up days become opportunities for fun and unity rather than opportunities for pain and harm?

October is National Principals Month, but you might not be feeling much love lately. This is not an easy time to be a principal. We've always said the job was incredibly challenging but the most rewarding job in the world. The work you've done just to open the doors this year for kids to be back is nothing short of inspirational. Your leadership matters now more than ever, and every...single...day. Thank you for everything you do for your students, staff, and communities. Each and every day, we celebrate you. This month especially, remember you are truly a super star.

This content is emailed weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each newsletter contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up to date. Please consult your district attorney if you are looking for legal advice.