AWSP Blog

These resources are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each post contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.

In 2011, Meridian High School began an ambitious goal to grant wishes that MHS staff and students had for MHS students to brighten the season for students we care about in whatever way we can.  Through the efforts, our leadership teacher, leadership class, our staff, and generous donations from our community, Winter Wishes has grown in scope and created new opportunities for students in December.

From Dan, Samuel and the team at Disability Roadmap Project: When AWSP came on board as a funding partner for the Disability Roadmap Project, you helped spark the beginning of what has turned into an astounding journey of visibility and impact. Thanks to your early support, the short My Disability Roadmap film has reached millions through the 2022 New York Times publication. We are deepening the film’s themes through “Our Disability Roadmap,” a free, yearlong series of educational webinars featuring Samuel’s extended conversations with his mentors about transitioning to adulthood. The film has been nominated for a Critics Choice Award, named one of the best short films of the year by Hollywood Reporter, and is currently eligible for Oscars consideration!

I recently attended the Learning and the Brain — “Teaching Struggling Brains” Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, with several of my staff. Led by some of the most respected researchers currently practicing in the United States, these three days were packed with big learnings and takeaways to support our work with students. The ability of these researchers to speak to educators in a manner that was understandable and applicable to our educational world was one of the most impressive aspects of this research-based conference.

Happy December, friends. I absolutely LOVE the holiday season. This is the month you MUST remember to take care of yourself, have some fun with your family, AND make some unforgettable memories. I find by adding fun activities for my staff, I automatically get an energy boost from their positivity, smiles, and excitement. Research is clear when you help others fill their bucket, YOUR bucket also gets filled. I encourage you to go for it this month and try something new and unique. Your staff will appreciate it, and so will your heart and spirit. Remember to email me or tag me on social media so I can see your creations and celebrations.

This will be my last AWSP School Safety Blog. I am retiring as of December 31, 2022. I have been involved in K-12 education since…. well, let’s just say it’s been a long time. It has been a fulfilling, powerful journey. It has been interesting, as well.  A recent conversation underscores just a part of what has made it interesting.

Focusing on gratitude and thankfulness is always a great strategy for self-care and great leadership. And it's even more appropriate this month, which also happens to be National Native American Heritage Month. From all of us here at AWSP, AWSL, Cispus, and Outdoor Schools Washington, we can't tell you how grateful and thankful we are for each and every one of you. You make the magic happen for students and adults in your school, and we're thankful for that.

Some of our young people in Washington amaze us by their commitment and work to serve others and their communities. Sometimes these students do not show up on high school 'radars' that traditionally focus on highest competitive academics, athletic achievement, or relative social popularity. And yet, some of our most promising young people are quietly doing astonishing things to help others and their communities. We want to identify and recognize these vital future community builders and leaders in Washington!

These resources are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each post contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.

Did I get your attention with my last blog, “Let’s Rethink Improving Instruction?” I hope so. It has conjured up a wide array of emotions, but most importantly, it stirred long-overdue discussions about a system that needs to be addressed. What system? The working conditions of our principals and assistant principals. For starters, let me be clear. I believe in the power of improving instruction. I believe our system improved 12 years ago with the statewide implementation of TPEP. I believe teachers and principals have journeyed through powerful conversations to improve student outcomes. I believe that leaders across the state have worked diligently to create systems to support improving instruction and cycles of feedback.