AWSP Blog

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.

With Black History Month here, you may ask, "What does this mean for me?" In our daily lives, many of us may not know how to best honor, acknowledge, or celebrate cultures, whether our own or somebody else's.

As we usher in February, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Member Engagement Month – a month-long campaign dedicated to fostering connection, amplifying your voices, and providing you with exciting opportunities to shape the future of education for principals and assistant principals across the state. At AWSP, we believe that an engaged and active membership is the heartbeat of our professional association. It is your passion, dedication, and insights that drive positive change in the educational landscape. That's why we're rolling out a series of initiatives, blog posts, and weekly emails throughout the month to help you make the most of your membership.

As we dive into September, there are lots of changes in the air. A new school year, a new season, pumpkin spiced drinks, and Constitution and Citizenship Day!  State law requires the study of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Washington state as a prerequisite for graduation from public and private high schools. Additionally, federal law enacted in December 2004 states: "Each educational institution that receives federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution..." to commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. If this day falls on a weekend (like it does this year), then the day can be observed the week before or after.