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June Holidays & Recognition
Recognizing special days and awareness months is an opportunity to build community, highlight values, and celebrate the individuals and events that shape our school environments. These observances support a culture of belonging, appreciation, and learning. By honoring diverse contributions and causes, schools model empathy, curiosity, and respect—qualities that help shape students into thoughtful, engaged citizens.
Learn MoreSchool Survey on Nicotine/Tobacco Cessation Resources
Washington Breathes is gathering information about resources available to middle and high schools to assist students who are using commercial tobacco products and who are dependent on nicotine. Through this survey, we hope to better understand cessation resources or programs that schools are utilizing, as well as identify needs and barriers. We recognize that many…
Learn MoreRetirement & Health Benefits – Final Update 2025
A bruising, budget challenged session has concluded and the Governor has acted. Below is a brief summary of pension, health care and other legislation that will impact school districts, present staff and future retirees. The work to implement the changes begins…
Learn MoreSurvey: Confiscated Tobacco Products in Washington
Washington Breathes and the Rutgers Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco are asking educators to complete a simple survey to help us gather photos of products and information about the amounts of e-cigarettes, vape pens, cigarettes, oral nicotine pouches, and other commercial tobacco products from students that have accumulated in your school or school district.
Learn MoreFederal Advocacy Update and Action Alert from NAESP/NASSP
Spring is a season of change in schools and in Olympia, with students, staff, and legislation all in transition. As we wait for final decisions on the state budget and key bills, leaders are also looking ahead to the 2026 session with curiosity and hope—especially around AI and student-centered reforms. While funding gaps remain a…
Learn MoreErin Lucich Wins 2025 AWSP President’s Award
OLYMPIA –– 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). Woody Howard, the 2024-25 AWSP Board President and principal at Ben…
Learn MorePractical Tips on Implementing the Science of Reading
The science of reading is a large body of research consisting of multidisciplinary studies from the fields of education, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. This body of research explains exactly how the human brain learns to read and explains the best practices for quality reading instruction in the classroom. Join Lexia on June 18…
Learn MoreEvery-Day Wellness: Building Habit Loops & Health
You’d think that school administrators would be quite healthy. You walk countless steps in hallways, classrooms, and common areas throughout the day and often into the evening. You’re surrounded by curriculum that touts self-discipline. You observe teaching practices that help make tasks manageable. You understand how important movement is for our bodies and brains. Despite…
Learn MoreOak Harbor Intermediate School Principal Wins 2025 Annalee Braley Membership Award from AWSP
OLYMPIA –– Raenette ("Rae") Sasaki Wood is the fourth winner of AWSP's Annalee Braley Membership Award. Her devotion to mentoring fellow leaders, supporting Leaders of Color, and advocating for the needs of principals and assistant principals demonstrates why she so perfectly honors and carries forward Annalee’s legacy.
Learn MoreReturn on Investment: The (positive) investment of sending students to AWSL Summer Programs
Educators and school leaders recognize that academic achievement is only one part of a student's success story. Thriving in school and life is deeply tied to students' emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of belonging. That's why now, more than ever, sending students to AWSL Summer Programs isn't just a leadership opportunity; it's an investment in…
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