AWSP Blog

Having a sense of belonging in school does wonders for students. Research shows that it helps them both learn and grow. Unfortunately, many students feel disconnected and disengaged in school. Luckily, we don’t have to just hope that our students feel a sense of belonging in school. There is a lot we can do as educators to actively build it. This just might be the year to make BELONGING your school’s theme. To help, I’ve summarized a book that shows teachers how to build belonging in their classrooms.

Navigating political discussions in our classrooms, hallways, and staff rooms is challenging during any election year, but in our increasingly dangerous political climate, the best thing school leaders can do this summer is to be prepared. What are some resources and strategies to help you lead through this difficult time?

As educators, we know that reliable, sufficient funding is the backbone of a thriving educational environment. Adequate core funding ensures that schools can maintain essential programs, support student learning, and provide the necessary resources for both teachers and students to succeed. WASA has recently released a press statement emphasizing the need for enhanced core funding for our schools. They outline the significant challenges schools face due to funding shortfalls and advocate for a sustainable funding model that meets the diverse needs of all students.

Every year, the AWSP Board President selects someone to receive the AWSP President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (AWSP’s mission). Dave Riddle, the 2023-24 AWSP Board President and principal at LaVenture Middle School in the Mount Vernon School District, selected Dr. Ismael Vivanco this year. He is the outgoing Mount Vernon School District superintendent and currently serves as the superintendent at Northwest Educational Service District 189..

Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell is the third winner of the Annalee Braley AWSP Membership Award. Cindy is a ray of light who gives back a tremendous amount to AWSP and school leaders across the state and country. Cindy is an award-winning leader, Solution Tree consultant, and frequent conference presenter. Her devotion to helping her fellow leaders, our association, and her dedication to students make her an easy choice to represent Annalee's legacy.

Dear High School Principals and Counselors, As we wrap up the 2023-24 school year, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedication to guiding and mentoring students as they move beyond high school. From offering dual-credit opportunities to preparing graduates for college-level studies, your schools serve as crucial launching pads into higher education. Your students are our students, and so we write to seek your partnership in these essential last weeks of the school year.

As you think about next school year, and the type of culture and climate you want to push front and center - make sure students are active in the collaboration. "Nothing for us, without us" has been a phrase used by AWSL for years, and now is the time to think about how to weave and incorporate student voice into your practices. Let AWSL support you in this important work. Your students are worth it. Your staff is worth it. Your community is worth it, and YOU are worth it.

OSPI is excited to announce that SchooLinks, Inc., has been selected as the Apparent Successful Bidder for the SB5243 Universal HSBP Platform! Implementation planning will begin once contracts are finalized and will be communicated to school districts in conjunction with the legislative report due Oct. 1, 2024.

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.

Welcome to the beautiful month of May. I would say that May is a magical time for the students and staff we serve. It is the final push of knowledge and skills for our students to ensure they are ready to move on to the next grade, level of content or post high school graduation. Our staffs are digging deep this month and truly giving their students everything they have left. They (like us) are exhausted but we are all determined to dig a bit deeper to finish strong. The month of May is full of celebration opportunities for you utilize to celebrate with you staff. Some are ridiculously simple and others will require a bit of prep work. I have no doubt that this month's School Celebration Newsletter has something for everyone.