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Learning and The Brain: Conference Review
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…
Learn MoreSchool Celebration Newsletter | December 2022 Edition
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…
Learn MoreOSPI School Safety Tips for December 2022
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…
Learn MoreA Message of Thanks
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…
Learn MoreUW Presidential Scholars Nomination/Opportunity
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…
Learn MoreSpecial Education and 504 Tips & Resources | Nov. 18, 2022
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.
Learn MorePART II: Can We Rethink “Improving Instruction”?
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…
Learn MoreSEBB Open Enrollment for School Employees
It’s open enrollment time for school employees through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Open enrollment takes place from October 31 through November 21, 2022. Enrollments, changes, and premiums are effective January 1, 2023. This is your chance to change your medical, dental, or vision plans. All of the information you need can be found on…
Learn MoreThe Dream of Buying Lunch in the Cafeteria
Belongingness is a big deal for every individual. When people feel like they belong to a place or group, they express, share, contribute, and give their best. Â Students are not exempt from this. Â Students can give their best when they feel they belong to their school, classroom, playground, sports team, band, cheerleaders club, music, or…
Learn MoreWhat Does a “Sense of Belonging” Really Mean?
In my third year as the principal at Sunnyside Elementary in the Marysville School District, my goals for my students are to have a voice and to feel a sense of belonging and connection to their school. With those goals in mind, I initiated a student council, that would be voted by and would represent…
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