Join AWSP Create an Account Member Login

  • Retirement & Health Benefits for January 22, 2021

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 22, 2021
    Retirement Blog

    The secret of making progress is to get started.
    ~ Mark Twain

     

    Even though the Democrat leadership has asked members to limit the number of bills they introduce, clearly, they and their Republican counterparts didn’t listen. Even so, the reality, however, given that the session is an entirely virtual one, is that just a fraction of these bills will make it through the process compared to previous sessions.

    At this point, a few bills deserve highlighting:

    Retirement Related Proposals

    HB 1032 | Concerning early retirement options for members of the teachers’ retirement system and school employees’ retirement system plans 2 and 3.

    Sponsors: Harris, Stonier, Dolan, Boehnke, Leavitt, OrtizSelf, Callan, Riccelli, Santos, Bergquist.

    The bill proposes reducing early retirement penalties for older school employees in order to help protect vulnerable older teachers and classified employees from health Covid–19 related health risks. As an example, currently, school employees with 30 years and at age 62 can retire with no reduction in benefits. This bill proposes lowering the age to 60 until such time as the Governor’s proclamation of emergency is repealed. The penalty for early retirement for those with less than 30 years would also be reduced. If passed, this would allow older employees most at risk to the virus an option to retire earlier. If passed, it would also save a school district dollar by losing its higher paid employees. This bill is currently before the House Appropriations Committee awaiting a hearing.

    School Employee Benefit Board (SEEB)

    SB 5322 | Prohibiting dual enrollment between school employees’ benefits board and public employees’ benefits board programs. Sponsors: Robinson By Request: Health Care Authority (HCA)

    SB 5322 is HCA-requested legislation. The proposed legislation makes it clear that members who are dual-eligible for both PEBB and SEBB must choose to receive their health benefits (medical, dental, and vision) from either the PEBB or SEBB program. 6189(4) could have been read to allow dual-eligible members to pick and choose which program to get each component of health benefits from, which would have been very difficult to administer and would likely have caused confusion for members.

    This bill has been sent to the Ways and Means’ Committee and will have a public hearing on 1/28/20.

    SB 5326 | Concerning health and pension benefits for school bus drivers employed by private nongovernmental entities Sponsors: Robinson

    This bill is basically a reintroduction of a bill offered last session to guarantee health insurance (SEEB) and pension contributions for providers of school district transportation services.

    Obviously, any private provider will pass the costs of these employee benefits to the district. This would be (surprise, surprise) an unfunded mandate.

    It has not currently been assigned to a committee for a hearing.

    Other Bills:

    There are a large number of bills proposed primarily dealing with expanding various employee benefits and qualifications. They address such areas as unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, and workmen’s compensation. These proposals may or may not apply to school districts. If so, there will be a fiscal cost to districts.

    It is no surprise, for example, that the Unemployment Insurance fund has been severely depleted. Ideas have been floated as to how best to replenish the fund without just hitting employers with a huge premium increase.

    For example, HB 1343 proposes to provide employer relief in unemployment insurance by relieving COVID–19 related benefit charges, providing contribution relief, and making appropriations to rebuild the unemployment trust fund. Note that the sponsors are all Republican which does not bode well for the bill’s passage. See the Democrat and Governor proposal below. Sponsors: Hoff, Stokesbary, Chambers, Corry, Ybarra, Dufault, Barkis, Walen, Dent, Walsh, Dye, Schmick, Boehnke, Gilday Read the bill report which outlines details of the proposal. The bill is currently before the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee awaiting a hearing.

    SSB 5061/HB 1098 | Concerning unemployment insurance. This bill would increase the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers, starting later this year. It also would rejigger rates used to calculate unemployment insurance taxes paid by employers to prevent their tax bills from soaring. Sponsors: Keiser, Conway, Billig, Dhingra, King, Nguyen, Saldaña, Stanford, Wilson, C.

    By Request: Office of the Governor

    This bill has passed out of Senate Labor, Commerce, and Tribal Affairs Committee and is in Rules awaiting floor scheduling.

    Another example: The Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) legislation passed in 2017 was an agreement between Washington’s employers and workers.

    Two bills (HB 1073 and SB 5097 ) in the 2021 virtual legislative session are proposing changes.

    • Lowering employees’ eligibility for benefits from having to work 820 hours or more to just earning $1,000 in the qualifying period.
    • Expanding the “family member” definition to include non-blood related individuals whose close association is the equivalent of a family member.
    • Removing the exemption for small businesses (less than 50 employees) from job restoration and health benefit coverage mandates.
    • Lowering the eligibility for job restoration rights from having to work 12 months for an employer to merely 90 days.

    Both bills have had public hearings and will move to Executive Session by their respective committees.

    Comment: In the ‘old days’ legislators and their aides could be approached either formally or informally to discuss these types of proposals. Lobbyists and association representatives were in constant contact with legislators and staff to help craft proposals of benefit to all parties. Given the virtual-ness of the current reality, that previous process will not work. That is why constant electronic communication by constituents, school leaders, and association representatives like those from WASA and WASBO are more needed than ever.

    Fred Yancey/ Mike Moran
    The Nexus Group

  • Brilliance from Within

    by Caroline Brumfield | Jan 21, 2021
    Brilliance from Within

     
    On Wednesday, January 20th, we witnessed the inauguration of a new president. Speeches, pageantry, fireworks, oaths, and traditions were on display as the symbolic exercise of welcoming a new president was on full display.
     
    Of the noteworthy dignitaries and celebrities that were a part of the inauguration, maybe the most discussed was 22-year old Amanda Gorman. Amanda was the inauguration poet and read her poem, 'The Hill We Climb.' She was the youngest inauguration poet in our nation's poet. With poise, grace, power, and emotion, she captivated the country and the world as she invited us in to think, reflect, and look forward to what is possible.
     
    Social media exploded with posts, compliments, and accolades for the brilliant poet and author. Many were amazed that someone so young could captivate the world in the manner in which she did. It leads me to this thought... There are Amanda Gorman's in every school. We need to find them and elevate them.
     
    There are students whose brilliance lies within and can outwardly appear to be a murmur rather than a rumble. As adults and educators, we need to find ways to put a megaphone next to that murmur and let that brilliance rumble. In our schools, and communities students are ready for the opportunity to step into themselves and be the next Amanda Gorman.
     
    Brilliance should no longer be thought of as a novelty or even a surprise. What would happen if we flipped the script and treated each student as brilliant, remarkable, talented, and capable of changing the world.
     
    Inside of our schools right now is the next Amanda Gorman. Let us take Amanda's exquisite reading during the inauguration as a reminder that there is so much brilliance within. Let us find it, celebrate it, and amplify it.
     

  • Legislative Update for January 15, 2021

    by David Morrill | Jan 15, 2021

    leg update blog

    A very unusual session started this week, beginning with more somber opening day House and Senate sessions in which both houses voted on remote rules. Members who traveled to Olympia for the first day had to navigate terrible rain and tightened security measures to enter the Capitol.

    Committee hearings began on Tuesday and continued all week. Most offered some sort of introductory presentation and then jumped in to begin hearing bills. The Governor’s budget was introduced by the staff of the Office of Financial Management to the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.

    We were pleased to see important programs like principal internships and mentorships were included in the Governor’s budget, as well as funding for Cispus and our student leadership programs. Cuts to the supplemental budget are high on many people’s concern list within the education community. We want to ensure school funding remains stable through the pandemic. The other significant budget questions raised this week are how and when the roll out of federal funds will happen and how this impacts state budget decisions. Stay tuned for more on that.

    Comprehensive school counseling programs, anti-racist training for educators, graduation waivers for high school students, repeal of the edTPA assessment, and an important transportation bill are a few of the bills discussed this week in the education committees.

    Bills Scheduled For Next Week

    Senate Early Learning and K–12 Education Committee

    Monday 1/18

    • SB 5037 | Establishing transparent school opening metrics tied to COVID–19 prevalence
    • SB 5147 | Exploring alternative school calendars
    • SB 5161 | Teaching Washington’s tribal history, culture, and government

    Wednesday 1/20

    • SB 5070 | Concerning menstrual products in schools
    • SB 5043 | Providing housing to school district employees

    Friday 1/22

    • SB 5184 | Establishing a building point of contact in all K–12 schools for students in foster care
    • SB 5151 | Concerning foster care and child care licensing by DCYF
    • SB 5136 | Prohibiting fees for child care licenses

    House Education Committee

    Thursday 1/21

    • HB 1085 | Promoting a safe learning environment for students with seizure disorders
    • HB 1113 | Concerning school attendance

    I expect additional bills to be added next week as well.

    If you are interested in learning more about these bills, check them out on the legislative website.

    If you are interested in becoming a “Principal Partner to a Legislator”, please contact me. I’d love to get all 147 state legislators paired up with a principal or team of principals.

    And, if you want to share your voice in this remote session, it is easier than ever with remote testimony.

    More Links and Resources:

  • Retirement & Health Benefits for January 15, 2021

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 15, 2021
    Retirement Blog

    Health, Pension and Other Benefit Issues

    As the vaccines continue to make their presence felt to all, we still live in a COVID–19 world. The pandemic may well be on its way out, but until that time, the Washington State Legislature is operating in a “Zoom” world. This not only impacts how AWSP operates but also affects employers and present and future school retirees.

    Although the main task of the 2021 session is to create and adopt a new biennial budget for 2021–2023, many policy related bills have been introduced. And since money will be on the table, there will be much competition, so the Legislature will look elsewhere for funds. No surprise, but many of the proposed bills will fall on employers as unfunded mandates, saving the state dollars.

    The need for AWSP and our members to be involved is even more critical than usual. The previous sessions where in-person and timely contact with legislators was the norm, this year the process has changed. (As an aside, there is concern that many pieces of legislation will be settled in back rooms and little, if any opportunity to modify said legislation will be available.)

    Moving, here are some focus areas and goals.

    Protect Retiree Healthcare Benefits.

    • The Legislature lowered the Medicare Healthcare Benefit from $183 to $150 in 2011. In 2018 and 2019 WSSRA successfully lobbied for increases back to $183 per month. Protecting the Medical Benefit at $183 per month is critical in helping to keep retiree medical premiums affordable. Legislators may feel the need to reduce and/or eliminate this benefit to help fund other areas in the budget.

    Make the Actuarially Recommended Pension Payment.

    • During many past recessions, the Legislature had reduced their share of the pension payments. That increased the unfunded liability in the pension funds, incurring a 7.5% annual interest penalty for the state. This is far more costly in the long run but skipping or reducing the state’s pension contribution is a means to allow those dollars to be spent elsewhere.

    Manage Covid–19 Risk in Schools by Reducing Early Retirement Penalties. (HB 1032)

    • Reducing early retirement penalties for older school employees will help protect our vulnerable older teachers and classified employees from health risks. As an example, school employees with 30 years and at age 62 can retire with full benefits. WSSRA proposes lowering the age to 60 until such time as the Governor’s proclamation of emergency is repealed. The penalty for early retirement for those with less than 30 years would also be reduced. If passed, this would allow older employees most at risk to the virus an option to retire earlier. If passed, it would also save district dollars by losing the higher paid employees. This bill is currently before the House Appropriations Committee awaiting a hearing.

    Address the potential loss of years and service and pension calculation due to the furloughing of state employees. (SB 5021).

    • This bill attempts to correct the effect of expenditure reduction efforts on retirement benefits for public employees, including those participating in the shared work program. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing on 1/18/20 before the Senate Ways and Means Committee @ 4 PM.

    Other Benefit Issues

    There are also a number of bills proposed to expand or loosen the requirements for unemployment insurance, workman’s compensation, labor and industry claims and paid family and medical leave.

    There is even a bill (SB 5169) that concerns provider reimbursement for personal protective equipment during the state of emergency related to Covid–19. Many of these could have fiscal impacts on districts. WASA and WASBO are tracking these bills. Stay tuned.

    In conclusion, no one association is as effective as a legislator’s own constituent who tells his/her own story and the impact of selected legislation on one’s life or school. That is why member involvement is so valued and critical to any legislative success AWSP may have. Be informed, engaged, and passionate about this process.

    Fred Yancey
    The Nexus Group LLC

  • Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources | Jan. 15 Edition

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 15, 2021

    image of inclusion cutout people

    Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources

    Happy Friday! This week’s email includes links to information on:

    Upcoming Classes and Events:

    Multiple dates: Special Education Teachers Office Hours

    Monthly: Improving Outcomes For Students With Disabilities - Elementary

    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. For more information, contact  Abby Bowers.

  • AWSP Principals Focus on Relationships, Leadership and Partnerships

    by David Morrill | Jan 13, 2021
    three sailboats on the water


    As a superintendent, and former assistant principal and principal, I admire and respect our AWSP principals and assistant principals. Why? Principals and assistant principals are committed to the students they serve! Principals and assistant principals are advocates for their staff members! Principals and assistant principals are tireless workers committed to making things better for their school community! These are just a few of the many reasons why our principals and assistant principals are so admired and respected.

    Principals and assistant principals know it all starts with The 3 Ships – RelationShips, LeaderShip and PartnerShips. Principals and assistant principals are great at building and developing relationships with their students, staff, parents, and colleagues. Principals and assistant principals also understand every meaningful and worthwhile relationship is built on two major factors: trust and communication. Relationships aren’t always easy to navigate, but we can learn from our relationship challenges, insights, and experiences.

    As John Maxwell states, “Everything rises and falls with leadership.” Principals and assistant principals understand leadership is not about the position – it is about influence and impact. In a school building, the leadership rises and falls with the principal and assistant principals. Principals have the opportunity to influence and positively impact the climate and the culture. Each principal carries their own weather system and their weather system influences the building’s weather system.

    Principals and assistant principals understand the importance of partnerships. Partnerships are built from a combination of relationships and leadership, brought together through connections that are mutually beneficial. There are many partnerships in education and AWSP is a great partner. Principals and assistant principals understand the benefits of a solid partnership creates a synergy where the combined effort is greater than the individual effort.

    AWSP has been a leading voice in education for decades and represents principals, assistant principals, and interns. AWSP advocates for their members, offers engaging professional development, supports members with coaching and mentoring, promotes diversity and equity, creates strong student leaders, provides unique learning centers, and communicates so members are informed, engaged, and connected. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and professional group of principals and assistant principals in Washington.

    In order to help and support our principals and assistant principals - regardless of which role you are in – I wrote The 3 Ships: Relationships, Leadership and Partnerships. Whether leading a family, team, staff, or building The 3 Ships was written to strengthen relationships, grow and develop leadership skills, and identify and promote partnerships. In this book, I use stories, examples, and practical experiences to develop the skills and abilities necessary to successfully navigate one’s relationships, leadership, and partnerships. 

    The 3 Ships: Relationships, Leadership, and Partnerships provides guidance for growth, development, and happiness as it relates to these three important concepts. This book will also help each leader grow and develop skills related to relationships, leadership and partnerships, which will result in being happier as a person and as a leader – at home, at work, and in life. The 3 Ships also offers hope and direction to bring anyone’s ship into the harbor, regardless of the crises and challenges they and their crew face along their journey. 

    Dr. Randy L. Russell is the Superintendent of the Freeman School District in Rockford, WA and is the President of RLR Leadership Consulting. Email him or follow him on Twitter at @RandyLRussell24. For more information visit www.randyrussell.org  and to become a launch team member, sign up at  www.the3ships.com.

  • Legislative Update for January 8, 2021

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 08, 2021

    leg update blog

    Legislative Update for January 8, 2021

    The 2021 legislative session kicks off on Monday, January 11th and both the House and the Senate will convene for opening day and swearing-in ceremonies.

    In the published plans for the House of Representatives, they “require an in-person quorum to vote on House rules. This will be held at a Thurston county facility large enough to accommodate all House members and maintain physical distancing. The members will be sworn in and sign their oath of office during opening day proceedings. The press may observe the proceedings, but no guests will be permitted on site.”

    The first day for the Senate requires “an in-person quorum of at least 25 members to vote on changes to Senate Rules. Those who wish to be physically present for this vote will vote in shifts in a manner that will provide for adequate social distancing.”

    All opening day ceremonies, committee hearings, and floor sessions will be broadcast on TVW. Check out their website for links to all of the action. They have some fantastic daily and weekly reporting on everything legislative.

    While much uncertainty remains about how usual legislative business will work, we will jump in next week to remote committee hearings to share testimony related to several bills. Up next week will be the first chance to weigh in on Governor Inslee’s proposed budget as well as several bills in both the House and Senate Education committees. Also planned for next week are overviews of various agencies and workgroups related to childcare, early learning, juvenile justice programs, and impacts on higher education including FAFSA completion.

    We are thrilled that the Governor’s budget contains funding for our principal intern and mentor programs as well as funding for outdoor education and support for student leadership programs. Governor Inslee also proposes increasing staffing levels for counselors in elementary schools. We also know that there are bills in the works to hold funding stable with regards to enrollment and transportation, as well as a bill to expand the flexibility of LAP dollars.

    Bills being heard next week include:

    • HB 1028 (repealing the edTPA assessment for new teachers)
    • SB 5030 (developing comprehensive school counseling programs)
    • SB 5044 (developing anti-racist and cultural competency training for educators)

    I’ll have more to report next Friday. If you have questions or want to get involved in advocacy, please contact me!

    In the meantime, check out these resources for more information:

  • Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources | Jan. 8 Edition

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 08, 2021

    image of inclusion cutout people

    Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources

    Happy Friday! This week’s email includes links to information on:

    Section 504: Accommodations and modifications requests in the age of COVID

    Case Law: Special Education Legal Alert

    We Are People First: Using Person-First Language

    Dyslexia: Signs of Dyslexia at Different Ages

    ADHD: ADHD Symptoms at Different Ages

    PESB: Recruiting Washington Teachers 2021 Planning Grant

    Upcoming Classes and Events

    Multiple dates: Special Education Teachers Office Hours

    Monthly: Improving Outcomes For Students With Disabilities - Elementary

    1/13: Dyslexia & Literacy Instruction: Syllabification and Orthography

    1/13, 14, 20, 21: Engaging Challenging Conversation

    1/14: Autism Workshop Series: Visuals and Non-Verbal Communication

    1/19: Dyslexia & Literacy Instruction: Phonology

    1/21: Autism Workshop Series: Addressing the Sensory Needs of Students With ASD

    1/28: Autism Workshop Series: Peer Relationships

               
    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. For more information, contact  Abby Bowers.

  • Critical Conversation Resources for Schools

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 08, 2021
    partially painted wall

    Where do we even begin? How do I have these conversations with my staff and students? These questions come to mind, anytime there is turbulence in our greater world, especially when societal issues make their way into our schools. The Association of Washington Student Leaders has put together resources for schools to use regarding critical conversations in times of need. We hope these resources help you navigate through these issues and times with students and staff alike. 
     

  • Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources | Dec. 17 Edition

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 07, 2021

    image of inclusion cutout people

    Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources

    Upcoming Classes and Events

  • Multiple dates: Special Education Teachers Office Hours
  • Monthly: Improving Outcomes For Students With Disabilities - Elementary
  • 1/7: Autism Workshop Series: Setting up the Environment
  • 1/13 Dyslexia & Literacy Instruction: Syllabification and Orthography
  • 1/13, 14, 20, 21: Engaging Challenging Conversation
  • 1/14: Autism Workshop Series: Visuals and Non-Verbal Communication
  • 1/19: Dyslexia & Literacy Instruction: Phonology
  • 1/21: Autism Workshop Series: Addressing the Sensory Needs of Students With ASD
  • 1/28: Autism Workshop Series: Peer Relationships
    •           
    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. For more information, contact  Abby Bowers.

  • School Celebration Newsletter | January Edition

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 04, 2021

    Celebrations

    Happy 2021 

    This past year is one that provided me a variety of opportunities to learn, grow and become a better person and principal. As we turn the page on 2020 I want to encourage you to reflect on the positive memories of the year. It is important to honor the incredible work you have done to support your staff, students, and families you serve through this unforgettable school year. Even when exhausted you continue to inspire and motivate your staff. If no one has told you lately I want you to know you are doing a phenomenal job. I hope you find this month's newsletter full of simple ideas to help bring laughter and joy to your work. Feel free to reach out to me if I can do anything to support your work or be a sounding board as you maneuver through these unchartered waters. Cheers to 2021 and this fantastic world of principaling.

    January Days of Celebration 

    Jan 4 - National Spaghetti Day (It's what is for dinner).

    Jan 4 - National Trivia Day- game time for everyone--think kahoot or random email trivia.

    Jan 5 - National Bird Day-Is your school mascot a bird? You could really do so many fun things with this one.

    Jan 5 - National Whipped Cream Day - Bring in the desserts for an afternoon snack that you could add whip cream to. (Ice cream, cookies, angel food cake, shakes, floats and fruit) Deliver via room services to your staff for an added bonus.

    Jan 7 - National Bobble Head Day - Use one of many free apps available to turn your staff into bobble heads.

    Jan 8- National Bubble Bath Day - No baths at school but you could have a blast with bubbles. Bubble machines or bubbles to greet students and staff or have a recess time bubble party. (I am having visions of Laurence Welk in my head--yes I am that old).

    Jan 11- National Clean Your Desk Day - This would be appreciated by so many families and custodians especially.

    Jan 13 - National Rubber Ducky Day - Purchase a variety of rubber duckies and place a number on the bottom of each. The number will correlate to a gift box full of simple and inexpensive prizes.

    Jan 13 - National Sticker Day - Put positive stickers around the school.

    Jan 14 - National Dress Up Your Pet Day - Ask staff to share pictures of their pet with bonus points if the animal is dressed up.

    Jan 15 - National Bagel Day - Ask your PTO to provide breakfast for staff with the main item being a bagel with a selection of all of the various toppings.

    Jan 15 - Is also National Hat Day-- Students and staff wear their favorite head covering today.

    Jan 19 - National Popcorn Day--A pack of microwave popcorn to help staff "positively popping into 2021." Or a buffet for a movie night at home with family include popcorn and candy to help staff balance work and family tonight.

    Jan 20 - National DJ Day-Play music throughout today in celebration. I love my Jammy Pack (see picture above) Music lifts everyone's spirit. Shout out to Allyson Apsey who introduced me to the pack! It is a game changer people.

    Jan 21 - National Squirrel Appreciation Day - Trail mix with nuts for all or hide paper squirrels all over campus and ask staff to list the many places they see them. Winners can be entered into a drawing for each one they locate.

    Jan 24 - National Compliment Day - Provide staff members with a notecard to write a compliment on for co-worker or school volunteer. Connect with families by also sending out appreciations post-cards for their never ending support of the school (Don't forget your PTO).

    Jan 25 - National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day - Oh my, this should be so much fun!! Wrap a special treat in bubble wrap for staff. Or create a stress relief kit with bubble wrap and a few other items (ibuprofen, gift card for class coverage/recess duty, stress balls, breathe mints, etc).

    Jan 27 - National Chocolate Cake Day - This is an easy one- go to the local bakery and pick one up.

    Jan 28 - National Kazoo Day - Visit Amazon, Oriental Trade, or a local party store and easily pick up a few of these to celebrate. Morning announcements with a kazoo introduction will be unforgettable.

    Jan 28 - National Lego Day-Ask your students to share their lego creations and share them via your school social media account. 

    Jan 29 - National Puzzle Day - Place a few puzzles in your staff room for staff to work on during lunch or breaks or provide a cookie that is in the shape of a puzzle with a note "You are a part of the puzzle that keeps our school striving for excellence."

  • OSPI January 2020 School Safety Blog

    by Xenia Doualle | Jan 01, 2021
    Safety blog

     

    Happy New Year! We have been waiting for 2021 for a long, long time now. Let’s kick off this new year school safety blog by considering something you might not expect. Consider this:

    We all teach reading.

    For those of you who have known me for a while, you may know that I was an English teacher for years – both English Language Arts and English As a Second Language. I have taught every grade level from K thru graduate level courses. Mainly in secondary classrooms in different places around the country – the world, even. So what? How does that apply to school safety?

    Language Arts teachers teach reading. Reading skills apply across all curriculum areas. Math teachers, science teachers, Social Studies teachers, PE teachers, music teachers – all of us – also teach reading by taking basic reading skills and adapting them to specific content areas. Vocabulary. Structures. Rules. We all use them. We build on them. We deepen, sharpen and focus them to meet the needs of each specific subject.

    So again…. How does that apply to school safety?

    Just as reading lays the groundwork to better access other areas of study, comprehensive school safety planning lays the groundwork to better address all kinds of threats and hazards. And those threats and hazards impact the physical, emotional, psychological, and educational safety and well-being of our students and staff.

    We are coming out of one of the most challenging times in our history. We have adapted, sharpened, modified, and focused our work to that environment for the better part of a full year now. We have also worked hard at keeping ourselves, our staffs and our students healthy and safe.

    In terms of prevention, mitigation, protection, response and recovery, we are hopefully approaching recovery. Let’s adapt what we have experienced and learned to the next stages of school safety. Your comprehensive school safety plan is your umbrella for covering all the bases, teaching skills, coordinating, collaborating, and adapting to new situations – even new threats and hazards.

    You are the “reading teacher” for your comprehensive school safety plan. Revisit your school safety plan. How current is it today? How can we adapt, build on, improve, and strengthen our pre-pandemic plans? What updates are needed for the coming newer normal? What new requirements do we have to meet? What skills do we need to practice, to build on? What else do we need to consider? Who might we have forgotten to include in the process? Are we ready for the next big thing?

    Please feel free to let me know what help you need to do this. What issues would you like to see covered in these school safety blogs this year?

    We are all in this together.

    We all teach reading.

     

  • Winter Closure/ Happy Holidays from AWSP

    by Xenia Doualle | Dec 18, 2020

    Happy Holidays from AWSP

    Wow! What a year! Hard to believe what just happened in 2020, so we don’t say this lightly when we say thank you for your unwavering leadership this past year. Regardless of the role you play in the system, your leadership has mattered. And, it’s been the collective leadership of everyone coming together to work through the challenges presented to us this past year.

    Please note that the AWSP office will be closed starting at 2pm on Friday, Dec. 18 through Monday, Jan. 4. If you encounter a professional emergency at this time, reach out to one of our associate directors by cell phone. Access the directory on our website. Have a happy holiday! 

     


  • AWSP News for December 18, 2020

    by Xenia Doualle | Dec 18, 2020

    In our final AWSP News episode for 2020, we discuss:

    • some of those emails you’ve been getting from us about Cispus,
    • impacting your kids with a powerful MLK experience in January,
    • our partnership with world-renowned educator, YouTube video sensation and TED talker Shelley Moore for two Leading For Inclusion events,
    • some professional advice for you during your Winter Break, and
    • our holiday office closure.

    Prefer to read the news? Check out the script.

  • The White Elephant Year

    by Caroline Brumfield | Dec 15, 2020

     

    Chances are you’ve participated in or at least heard of a white elephant gift exchange. If not, here’s a quick description:

    Each person brings a wrapped gift to the exchange and puts it in a centralized location. Guests number off, and Person 1 chooses a gift from the pile to unwrap. Person 2 can either choose a gift from the pile, or steal from Person 1. Person 1 is not allowed to steal the gift back, and must choose a new gift from the pile. Person 3 can choose a gift from the pile, or steal from person 1 or 2. Play continues so forth until all gifts are unwrapped. There are usually pre-agreed upon rules about how many times a gift can be stolen before it is “locked in.” Strategies are developed, alliances are formed, and most of the time everyone leaves the party still friends with each other.

    Why is it called a “white elephant” exchange? According to my highly-reliable Google research, the phrase is thought to have originated with the King of Siam, who would give rare albino elephants as “gifts” to people he didn’t like. The white elephants were beautiful, but they were considered sacred and therefore weren’t allowed to work. They had costly upkeep with little return on investment. 

    Each year before we close the office for the holidays, our staff holds a white elephant gift exchange, typically at our office or a restaurant. We gather around a table and one by one, choose, open, and steal gifts. We’ve had people bring old mix tapes, creepy bird paintings, and even a full-size family wall portrait. Many people leave the exchange with something cute or fun – silly socks, tasty treats, or new bowls for their kitchen. But undoubtedly someone leaves with something they never expected, never wanted, and aren’t sure what to do with now. They take the gift home awkwardly, vowing to save it and pawn it off on someone at next year’s exchange. 

    When you think about it, 2020 has been a white elephant year of sorts. We certainly weren’t expecting it, most of us had no idea what to do with it, and I’m pretty sure we’ve all thought more than once that we wish we could send it back. (Sorry! Leaving unwanted gifts behind at the restaurant is not allowed.) 

    Being stuck with it, we’ve had to learn to make the most of it. Over and over again, we’ve overcome hurdles we never imagined having to take on. We’ve pushed forward in supporting each other through the separation, the changes, the loneliness, and the fear of a year full of unknowns. We've worked tirelessly to make this year as "normal" as possible for the people in our lives, quickly adapting as we go. 

    Case in point – this year’s AWSP white elephant gift exchange. It won’t be at a restaurant or the office, but we’re holding it over Zoom. It won't be exactly the same, but this is one tradition 2020 isn’t going to take away from us. 

    As the pandemic began, 2020’s return on investment seemed quite low. The year brought difficult decisions, financial hardship, anxiety, and sadness to many. But around every turn there have been silver linings to our struggles: Close conversations with our families at home. Intentional video chats with faraway friends. Encouraging cards and messages from coworkers. The opportunity for many of us to be more involved with our kids’ schooling. It is by focusing on these silver linings that we are making the most of 2020 instead of letting 2020 get the best of us.

    For what we were gifted unexpectedly, I think we’ve done a pretty good job of finding its hidden value. 

    And hey, maybe that creepy bird painting will look okay in the guest room?

  • AWSP Staff Gives Back for the Holidays

    by Caroline Brumfield | Dec 11, 2020

     

    Each year, the staff at AWSP signs up to sponsor two or three families for the holidays through the Tumwater Lions Club. it's a tradition we look forward to annually as each year draws to a close.

    We started our staff tradition about 10 years ago. It used to be that we bought gifts for each other. We'd draw names for a secret Santa exchange, then purchase a surprise gift for the person whose name we chose based on their list of hobbies and interests. While the internal gift exchange was fun, we all agreed that none of us actually needed those gifts, and that the money would be better used shopping for families in need. (We still do a staff white elephant gift exchange just for laughs - more on that in a future blog post!)

    The wish lists we receive from the Lions Club are anonymous. Families are organized numerically, and we only find out each student's age, gender, and top three wishes. 

    The requests from families are never anything huge. More often than not, the wish lists include basic clothing items, shoes, and a simple toy or two. Some children wish for art supplies, some for books, some for legos. Shopping for these families each year not only serves as a team-building exercise for our staff, but it also reminds us how blessed we are. The holidays have always been a challenge for many families financially and emotionally, but the impact of this year has made it harder for even more families and students than usual. As we gathered up our items for each family, carefully labeling and organizing them, we remembered to be thankful for the little things -- which to some people are actually quite big things.

    Sponsoring families for the holidays is just one way we work internally as a staff to build culture, engage the community, and close the gap.

    What do you or your team do to give back during the holiday season? We'd love to hear about it! Share with us in a comment below. 

  • Responding to Hateful Speech in Schools

    by Caroline Brumfield | Dec 07, 2020


    In a recent article published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), author Mica Pollock addresses the topic of hateful speech in schools. She writes, “hate-filled speech has been on the rise as students (and adults) emulate divisive and derogatory language heard in national rhetoric and policy.” 

    So how might educators respond to hateful speech?

    Pollock suggests that “Educators should never passively tolerate hateful speech. Instead, we forbid threat speech and harassment. We challenge all speech that denigrates or misrepresents ‘types of people.’ We treasure free speech, not as some ‘right’ to disparage others without any consequences but as the ability to discuss ideas. Each of these ways of handling speech is core to an educator's job.” 

    What are specific strategies for responding?

    Pollock encourages educators to listen, focus on the facts, ask students to use evidence, and to respect privacy. She also says to remember that “your overall task is to support the safety and well-being of the students in your room, along with their learning.” 

    She offers several dialogue suggestions in her article and also refers readers to the website #USvsHate for more specific lessons and examples of activities that help students get to know and respect their peers. 

    Read more from ASCD.

  • Washington Listens

    by Caroline Brumfield | Dec 04, 2020


    Need support during COVID-19? Here is a new resource called Washington Listens provided by several partnering agencies in our state. 

    Washington Listens is a support line that provides non-clinical support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to COVID-19. Washington Listens is free and anonymous. Any Washington resident can call and a support specialist will listen and help to guide you to connections within your community. 

    How do you access Washington Listens? Call 1-833-681-0211. Washington Listens is staffed Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    For more information, check out their website or this fact sheet.

  • Framework Criterion Resource Pages

    by Caroline Brumfield | Dec 03, 2020
    Leadership Framework Header Image

     

    The refreshed version of the AWSP Leadership Framework is the perfect tool for your professional growth!  School leaders across Washington state now have access to incredible resources to support their work in each of the eight criteria. On December 1, AWSP launched our Leadership Framework Criterion Resource pages. These pages are housed on our AWSP website and contain everything from current article and blog posts to book recommendations and AWSP video content specific to each criterion. We know that school leaders are always looking for ways to grow their skills and understanding of high-quality leadership. These resource pages will help guide you on your professional growth journey.

    Resource pages can be accessed quickly by using our short URLs. For example, Criterion 1 resources are at www.awsp.org/LF1. Criterion 2 resources are at /LF2, and so on.

    AWSP will continue to update these pages with additional resources as we receive them. Do you have a great resource that has helped with one or more of the Criteria? We'd love to share it with other members! Send it our way.

  • High School Principals Connect with Higher Ed Representatives

    by David Morrill | Nov 25, 2020
    Chief Education Office Network logo

     

    High school principals have a lot on their minds this month as they work to support teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning and sharing experiences with other principals is valuable while they navigate similar challenges, such as grading, attendance, and planning for graduation. The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Network – a partnership between the Association of Washington Principals (AWSP), Partnership for Learning, Washington Roundtable and Challenge Seattle – brings principals together this school year for monthly virtual workshops and offers access to online curriculum developed by AWSP.

    The November CEO Network meeting offered an opportunity for principals connect with one another, as well as engage with representatives from higher education groups and institutions around postsecondary admissions, as well as resources for high school families and counselors.

    Julie Garver, director of Academic Affairs and Policy at the Council of Presidents, and Terri Standish-Kuon, president and CEO of Independent Colleges of Washington, emphasized that their member schools want to enroll Washington students. 

    Garver and Standish-Kuon discussed the importance of sharing financial aid resources with high school students and families. Filling out a financial aid application, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), is a key first step for students and families in determining the resources available to them. For example, the Washington College Grant is now available to all eligible families. It can be applied to an apprenticeship, two-year college, or four-year college in Washington. It’s also important for families to document any significant change in income or expenses that may have occurred. 

    Representatives from Pacific Lutheran University, St. Martens University, Washington State University, and Western Washington University discussed changes to their admissions processes in response to the pandemic. This includes test-optional pathways for students. Institutions are looking closely at students’ experiences, backgrounds, and service or mission. Letters of recommendation and essays are other ways that admissions offices learn about students. 

    Melody Ferguson from Pacific Lutheran University said applying to a college isn’t choosing, but “allowing us to have a longer conversation.” 

    When determining student supports, Cezar Mesquita of Western Washington University said the institution identifies social and financial resources that would help students thrive. These supports can be informed by grade trends and class rigor.  

    Principals also heard from Randy Spaulding, executive director of the Washington State Board of Education, about high school credit waivers/adjustments, supporting mastery-based learning, how learning standards could reflect ethnic studies and culturally responsive education, and more. 

    Resources:

    • Close
    Back To Top