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September 2015 IN THIS ISSUE
2 President’s Message: Being A Connected Principal
3 Executive Director’s Report: Advocate for Change!
4 NAESP Report: National Update
5 Legal News: Maximize Your Impact
9 National Distinguished Principal: Mark French
11 Best Practices: Moving Forward
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You may want to save this special issue of the Advocate as it will be the last paper copy of our association’s magazine. This summer the MESPA executive committee decided to transition the Advocate into a blog. We are excited to share our members’ great writing and journalism with the world! –EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JON MILLERHAGEN
Best Practices: 1:1 Technology Learning Experience
14 Best Practices: Social Media & Flocking
15 Best Practices: Reinventing Your Staff Meetings
The Advocate is going digital! Volume 45 Number 1
WWW.MESPA.NET MESPA 2015-2016 Leaders State Officers Nancy Antoine, Northfield
President-Elect
Tim Bell, Prior Lake-Savage
NAESP State Rep.
Joey Page, Richfield
Past-President
Statewide Committee Chairs Nancy Antoine, Northfield
Communications
Educational Advisory Jen Olson, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Dr. Susan Risius, South Washington Co. Dawn Brown, New Ulm
Legislative Resolutions Membership
Michelle Krell, Kasson-Mantorville
MN School of Excellence
Sam Richardson, Prior Lake-Savage
Negotiations Rolf Carlsen, Anoka-Hennepin Retirement
Mari Lu Martens, Sibley East
Division Presidents and Presidents-Elect Central
Randy Pauly, Cambridge-Isanti Nichole Laven, Mora Heather Nelson, Stillwater Dr. Tom Hobert, Stillwater
East Suburban
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Minneapolis
Tammy Goetz, Minneapolis Merry Tilleson, Minneapolis
North Suburban Ranae Case Evenson, Anoka-Hennepin Jeremy Tammi, Anoka Hennepin Rae Villebrun, Floodwood Tom Cawcutt, Barnum
Northeast Northern
Wendy Templin, Bemidji Jason Luksik, Bemidji
Saint Paul
Rebecca Pedersen, Saint Paul Christine Vang, Saint Paul
South Suburban
Paul Helberg, Lakeville Lisa Reichelt, Farmington
Southeast
John Huttemier, Waseca Annette Freiheit, Hayfield
Southwest Karla Beck, St. James-Butterfield-Odin Patti Machart, Cedar Mountain West Suburban Western
Mark French MESPA President
Eric Skanson, Rocori
Secretary/Treasurer
EPAC
President’s Message
Mark French, Osseo
President
Karen Keffeler, Wayzata TBD Darla Harstad, Alexandria Ken Gagner, Morris
Professional Leadership for Professional Leaders The Advocate is the official publication of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), which is affiliated with NAESP. It is published 3 times a year by MESPA staff (Jon Millerhagen, Executive Director). Advertising inquiries should be addressed to the MESPA office. All published articles become the property of MESPA and may not be reprinted without permission.
MESPA, 1667 North Snelling Av, Suite C101, St. Paul, MN 55108 Phone: 651-999-7310 or 800-642-6807 Fax: 651-999-7311 mespa@mespa.net www.mespa.net Twitter: @MESPAprincipals Kelsey Gantzer, Communications Manager
Being A Connected Principal
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here is much written and talked about regarding the benefits of being a connected principal and educator. My journey began at the TIES conference in December 2013 when George Couros, educational technology leader from Canada, encouraged assembled principals to “Tell your school’s story.” I took that challenge and activated my Twitter account (@PrincipalFrench) to post one amazing thing happening at my school each day (#RLRoadrunners). Since then, through trial and error, with the help of great mentors, and a growing curiosity, I have expanded my connectivity from Twitter to Voxer, EdCamps, Skype, blogging, and podcasts, among a variety of other social media and device applications and tools. What I have received from being a connected principal has far outweighed any trepidation about “being out there on social media,” fears about not having time, and concern that I am not “techy” enough. Most of the tools I referenced are very easy to use. In cases where I needed assistance, I relied on my principal friends and mentors. Feel free to contact me and I can help you with tools I use or put you in touch with others more knowledgeable than I am. Through Twitter, I have connected with educators all over the world. I get to learn from them and read about the amazing ways they support staff members and students. I regularly participate in Twitter chats: online conversations that take place at a specific time on a certain date moderated by a host posing questions that participants answer. A great Twitter chat to start with is the #mnlead chat on Sundays at 7:00 pm. You don’t even have to answer questions your first time in a Twitter chat. You can just “lurk”— follow along and read what others are writing. Through Voxer I have joined with a great group of education leaders from around the country who form the core of my PLN, Personal Learning Network. These colleagues are just a “vox” away from answering a question, providing insight, or offering ideas. Voxer is a walkie-talkie type app that allows you to connect in real time or read and listen to Voxes when you have time.
Attending an EdCamp is an easy way to connect with others, as well as share and increase your knowledge. These gatherings bring together educators passionate about sharing and learning. It’s not just about technology topics – sessions at EdCamps, which are developed by the participants on site, range from movements such as genius hour to conducting effective teacher observations. EdCampMSP takes place October 10, 2015 at the Minnesota History Center. I used Skype to connect with a class of 3rd grade students when I was away from school. One of my teachers uses Mystery Skype to connect with other classrooms around the world to learn about their culture and geography. At the NAESP National Leaders Conference last February I was the mystery guest of the day. I Skyped in from Senator Franken’s office in Washington, DC and Senator Franken himself even made a cameo appearance and greeted the 3rd graders. You may wish to connect with others by writing a blog that shares your observations, musings, and experiences. I follow and read many blogs that always get my mind racing with ideas I could apply in my school or add to
Continues on page 9.
Benefits of MESPA Membership Membership in MESPA provides you with the network of peers and resources you need to succeed! E Legal representation and services E Legislative advocacy E Professional development, with continuing education credits E Communications tailored to the professional needs of education leaders E Honors, recognition and public relations E National standards supported by our Minnesota School of Excellence Program
SEPTEMBER 2015
Executive Director’s Report Jon Millerhagen MESPA Executive Director
Advocate for Change!
Expanding the ways we give and get
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reetings MESPA principals! As the summer winds down and everyone is preparing for a new school year, know that we are available at the MESPA office to help with your leadership needs. If you are wrestling with budgeting, scheduling, or staffing challenges, feel free to call us. If we can’t help, we will get you in touch with someone who can. Remember, MESPA is your association, created “by principals, for principals”. We stand ready to help you improve the quality of your service to your school. MESPA has been publishing an association magazine since 1960. It was a glossy paged
publication called the Principal. In 1970, MESPA began publishing the Advocate and discontinued the Principal in 1998. You may want to save this special issue of the Advocate as it will be the last paper copy of our association’s publication. This summer the MESPA executive committee decided to transition the Advocate into a blog. As you know, a blog allows us to maximize the benefits of technology and share all of this great work digitally, in a timely fashion, and to a wider audience. We are excited to share our members’ great writing and journalism with the world! The staff is working on developing our new MESPA Advocate blog, and we should be up and running by Institute in February.
Speaking of Institute and the rest of our professional development lineup, we have several remarkable opportunities for you throughout this year (see the box below for details). We are working to make it MESPA’s standard that most of our professional development opportunities are created by principals who have been on the front line with students, staff, and parents. It is our goal to control the cost of our seminars and workshops to ensure you will have room in your budget to become members of MESPA and NAESP, as well as attend New Principals’ Seminar, Legal Seminars, and MESPA Winter Institute. Please know that our number one criteria for selecting and creating professional development is the use of researched, best practices for individuals in the field. Visit our web page at www.mespa.net/pd to register for MESPA’s professional development opportunities. As you make plans for the school year, I encourage you to make room for your MESPA division meetings, Winter Institute, and these professional development opportunities. We guarantee you will have numerous chances to “Give and Get” new learning as you connect with MESPA principals. Have a fantastic school year!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MESSAGE FROM JON
MESPA Business Partners
MESPA Fall Leadership Conference – On September 20-21, more than 100 of MESPA’s finest principals will gather at Ruttgers for our 2015 Fall Leadership Conference. Division leaders, committee members, and executive staff will create activities to serve principals across Minnesota. We thank these professionals for sharing their time and efforts with us as we plan for a successful year. If you are a member of MESPA’s leadership team and are unable to attend the conference, please talk with your Division President and select an alternate principal to replace you at our conference. I look forward to seeing you there.
The MESPA Board of Directors approved the following businesses as 2015-2016 MESPA business partners. They support MESPA through financial donations. To learn more about their products and services geared to the needs of the principalship, visit Business Partners on the MESPA Web.
21CSO – On August 11, the 21st Century School Office (21CSO) Design Team rolled out their first one-day seminar for principals and their office staff. The ten-member team of exemplar principals and secretaries spent the summer creating best practices to share for the purpose of having the smoothest operating and most magnificently efficient school office ever! Join us for our next 21CSO seminar on November 18. MESPA New Principals’ Seminar – If you are a new principal or assistant principal, we strongly recommend that you attend the New Principals’ Seminar on October 5. You will be joined by dozens of new and experienced principals ready to learn with you and teach you the ins and outs of this fantastic career. This is a “must attend” for new principals! Roger’s Legal Seminars – This fall we will conduct six sessions of the popular legal seminars around the state, presented by Roger Aronson. Join us for the best legal advice for principals wanting to stay out of trouble. For those of you who are new to MESPA, Roger Aronson is our legal counsel and a day with him learning what you missed in your school law class is priceless! MN PreK-3 Principal Leadership – Now is the opportunity to get up to speed on PreK-3 Leadership for your school. MESPA’s PreK-3 Design Team has been working in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Education Early Learning staff to bring you a five-day series (see back page for dates). Principals and their teams are encouraged to attend.
Premier partners Horace Mann Lifetouch TIES Champion partners Lexia Learning Istation Franklin Covey MESPA has three levels of business partnerships, based on level of donation. E Premier partner, $7,700 - $15,000 + E Champion partner, $4,700 - $7,700 E Star partner, $2,500 - $4,700
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WWW.MESPA.NET
RPM—Retired Principals of MESPA
NAESP Report Tim Bell MESPA NAESP State Representative
Jean Vogel, President Retired Principals of MESPA
National Update What to look for and how to connect
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t’s fall, so it must be membership time again! If you have already joined for the upcoming year, thank you! If you are just thinking about getting around to it, there is no time like right now to join/renew your membership! MESPA and NAESP provide a voice for principals and education throughout the nation. It is amazing to hear the successes NAESP is having with the full reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) — also known as the dreaded “No Child Left Behind” Act — that will provide educators the support they need to offer high quality education for every student. Highlights in the Senate bill include: E Elimination of Adequate Yearly Progress measures and the 100% requirement E Defining school leader as the principal of an elementary, middle, or high school E Removal of unworkable turnaround models which are currently required E Allowing use of Title II funds for School Leader Residency Programs E Allowing use of Title II funds to develop induction and mentoring programs designed to improve school leadership and provide opportunities for mentoring principals E Coordinated services and alignment with early childhood education, as well as use of funds to support professional development for principals in leading Pre-K-3 alignment in their learning communities! While there is still much to do, the above are welcome improvements in the long overdue and much politicized ESEA reauthorization process. We may not be there yet, but we are closer than we were yesterday!
So, what else can I expect from my NAESP membership? How about $2 million professional liability coverage? $1000 per year of membership (up to $10,000) to cover legal costs? NAESP Knowledge Bank (new this year) where you can collaborate with fellow colleagues — to deposit challenges and withdraw solutions? How about Principal magazine — a publication for and by principals? The NAESP website which offers an amazing menu of topics for the principal? Besides all of the above and more, you get to be involved in shaping the future of education — leaving a legacy not only in your school and Minnesota, but for the greater good of all. If you are new to the principalship and an NAESP member, I encourage you to join the National Panel of New Principals. You will have an opportunity to make connections across the nation, make your needs known, and help make the organization even stronger. Additionally, you can earn some valuable expertise in many areas, ranging from Professional Development to Boosting Parent Involvement in a positive way, and earn some great rewards! You can sign up easily — newprincipal.org is all you need to know! As always, I am ready and willing to visit with all of you about MESPA and NAESP! Please call/ reach out to colleagues to make your year the best it can be — and the best one ever! I want to bring your message to the national level.
Connect and collaborate with your colleagues on Twitter by tweeting and following our hashtag: #mespaMN We’ll be sharing the “Tweet of the Week” in each E-News issue.
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elcome Educators to the 2015-2016 school year. The Board and I would like to invite you to join Retired Principals of MESPA (RPM). Please explore the purpose, necessary qualifications and the 2015-2016 tentative plans of RPM. We also want you to consider submitting your application to become a 25 year service award recipient. The purpose of RPM is to: L Facilitate and enhance communication between MESPA and RPM. L Promote, enhance and unify the professional energy among retired MESPA members. L Serve as a resource for MESPA and its members. L Recognize individuals who have demonstrated career-long dedication to the principalship and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education. L Engage in activities that promote the networking of its members. Qualifications for membership are: 1. Retired and a member of MESPA. 2. Served as a licensed elementary/middle school principal or assistant principal. Tentative plans for our upcoming meetings: October: Tour of CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints. November: Tour Minnesota Department of Education. We also are hoping to have someone from MDE talk to us about Minnesota Early Childhood in today’s schools. February 3-5, 2016: MESPA Institute “Growing the Minnesota Child: Proactive Principalship.” Do you qualify for the 25 Year Service Award? Principals will be receiving the 25 year award at the Institute. To qualify for the 25 year award, an individual must have 10 years as principal and 15 years as a teacher or other education position. If you are a qualifier for the 25 year award, please complete the application at www.mespa.net/rpm. April: We will be attending a theatrical production. Specific information will follow. Details about RPM, are at mespa.net. Click on the menu drop down located to the right of the “Resources” tab. If you are interested in joining us, contact Jean Vogel at vogel_jean@yahoo.com.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Legal News Roger Aronson MESPA Legislative and Legal Counsel
Maximize Your Impact How to best invest your time
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ears ago I attended a seminar on time management for lawyers. One of the speaker’s suggestions has always stuck with me. The suggestion was that every year a lawyer should “fire” the bottom 10% of clients and invest that time in the “good” clients. The idea is a good one. Work to your strengths. Invest where you make the most significant impact. Get the best results from your efforts. Minimize the amount of time you spend on losing issues. This year presents the opportunity for principals to reinvest in their strengths. Indeed, the noticeable absence of new mandates provides principals with a somewhat rare opportunity to focus on each school’s strengths. Reflect for a moment on the last several years. August has become an unsettling time where discussions were dominated by the implementation of new mandates. A year ago schools were focused on avoiding the Department mandated teacher evaluation model. Significant efforts went into developing and agreeing to local evaluation plans. Working together, administrators and teachers accomplished this. However, focusing on solving this mandate dominated the work of principals. And it didn’t end there. The implementation of state mandated evaluations caused some uncertainty in principal relationships with teachers. In many districts teachers were not used to having principals in classrooms providing input on teaching practices. It took some time to adjust to increased attention. Coaching on individual teaching practices was not always openly welcomed. In fact, the drive to improve teaching skills was, at times, threatening to some teachers. Principals worked to maintain positive relationships while at the same time motivating teachers to accept suggestions and coaching. This year we should be past the discomfort stage and continue on the improvement phase. Again, an opportunity to invest your time in what you do best. Two years ago, principal time was consumed with new bullying mandates. This included
interpreting the new statutory definition of bullying, crafting training programs, and the implementation of new policies. This is another issue under control and affords principals an opportunity. This year’s efforts can be directed to improve existing student conduct and discipline programs. Similarly, last year the gift ban statute was applied to principals. The new statute raised a host of issues that folks had to deal with. What is or isn’t a gift was a common question. The time and energy that went into solving gift problems last year can now be invested in other more professionally productive goals. None of this is to suggest that you can rest this year. To the contrary, this will be busy another busy time. But it can be more productive. And let me add a few areas for you to work on. First, review all practices that you have at your school regarding money. With few exceptions, all monies at the school are district funds and have to be accounted for as a matter of local policy and state law. For example, the purchase of food for staff is generally prohibited by local policies, with a few exceptions. Even when well intended, these practices have the potential to violate local policies. Are you familiar with your local policy? Do you know the exceptions? Is there a local policy? If not, is someone talking about adopting one? Failure to properly account for money can undermine your success. Unquestionably, your most important responsibilities include the vision of the school, support of teachers, and the achievement of students. Unfortunately, all of this can be forgotten in the context of an inappropriate $300 expenditure for food and beverage or some other minor item. Typically, principals rely on subordinates for decisions on small amounts of money. The purchases may be for a classroom, for a department, or for the office. If the staff member decides the purchase is appropriate, the discussion often ends there. But the principal’s responsibility is larger than justification of the expenditure. The principal should be aware of the district policy for expenditures, communicate
that policy to staff and periodically review practices with staff and district finance people. Simply finding out what people are doing and asking if there are any questions is a positive step. When ignored, small amounts of money can grow into very large issues. This problem is completely solvable. You just have to remember to review practices before an inappropriate expenditure slips through. Another reminder. Work on your relationships with staff. Many legal problems start as relationship issues. Some examples in my experience include the tone of voice used, the failure to make a meeting on time, looking at text messages during a meeting, trying to be funny in an email, intervening to solve someone else’s problem — the list goes on. When teachers are upset the next step is often the secret anonymous survey. You know the progression. Certainly, some relationship and climate issues are beyond the principal’s control and certain staff members thrive on creating crisis and conflict. It may be impossible to reach some of them. But many of these issues can be avoided. So reinvest your time on the staff that you can, and do, reach every day. Be a good listener, don’t look at your messages during a meeting, and don’t miss a meeting. Remember that you are the principal. Sometimes just being there on time, listening, and staying to the end is the most important part of your involvement. Invest your time wisely. It’s going to be a great year. And don’t forget to call your lawyer. You’re the group that I’m reinvesting my time in this year.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Legal Issues Seminars Presented by Roger Aronson, MESPA’s legislative and legal counsel, this full-day seminar is both relevant and interactive. Aronson is a highly regarded school law expert who will provide you with the insights and knowledge needed to be effective in your work. Breakfast, lunch, and CEU’s included. DATES & LOCATIONS September 25 – Duluth MN October 8 – St. Peter, MN October 20 – Mahnomen, MN October 27 – Twin Cities, MN November 2 – Stewartville, MN November 4 – St. Cloud, MN Register online at www.mespa.net/pd
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WWW.MESPA.NET
MESPA has gone digital!
is a 2015-2016 member
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RY SCHOOL MINNESOTA ELEMENTA ION PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIAT SERVING ELEMENTARY
Mark French, President
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AND MIDDLE LEVEL PRINCIP
Jon Millerhagen, Executive
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Online Membership Renewal
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Thank you to everyone who has renewed your 2015 – 2016 membership. If you have not renewed your membership yet, please do so as soon as possible for continuous MESPA benefits. If you don’t renew by October 1, your name will be removed from the Advocate and E-News lists and member legal benefits will lapse. Those of you who already joined MESPA this year should have received an email confirmation and a memberships card in the mail.
Renew your membership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) at the same time as you renew your MESPA membership online. Remember, it’s important to maintain continuous membership in NAESP in order to keep your accrued legal benefits. Legal benefits accrue at $1,000 per continuous year of membership, up to $10,000.
How to Renew Your MESPA and NAESP Memberships It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Go to www.mespa.net 2. Sign-In by entering the email address MESPA has on file for you (typically your school email) and the password mespaprincipal (change your password once you’ve signed-in) 3. Click on the gray Renew until 01 Jul 2016 button to renew your membership and update your profile information.
As a reminder, membership renewal is online only this year! Please contact Rosie Mitchell at 651.999.7314 or rmitchel@mespa.net with any membership questions. MESPA provides the network of peers and resources you need to succeed! Renew your membership today! MESPA dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal tax purposes.
Is your spam-blocker keeping the MESPA E-News from you? Do you receive the MESPA E-News in your e-mail each week? If you don’t, your spam-blocker may be stopping e-mail you’d like to receive! To ensure that you continue to receive e-mail communications from MESPA, including issues of the MESPA E-News, Legislative Update, e-mail alerts and mail from MESPA staff, please be sure your dues are in and add mespa.net to the list of allowed e-mail addresses in your (or your district’s) spam blocker.
Elementary Principals Action Committee The Political Action Arm of MESPA EPAC promotes MESPA members’ political involvement as one of your ongoing professional responsibilities. Contributions to the EPAC fund support MESPA legislative advocacy. Priorities in the 2015 Legislative Platform include: ✔ Adequate sustainable funding ✔ Full-time licensed principal at each school site ✔ High-quality, aligned, school-based Pre-K - Grade 3 system For more information, visit the EPAC-sponsored Legislative Advocacy Center on the MESPA Web site.
State chairperson: Dr. Susan Risius Royal Oaks Elementary 7335 Steepleview Road, Woodbury, MN 55125 651/768-4700 – srisius@sowashco.org
Contact your division’s EPAC Representative and send your contributions today! Central
David Oehrlein
320/243-3725 x1137 doehrlein@paynesville.k12.mn.us East Suburban Candace Hofstad 651/425-4803 chofstad@sowashco.org Minneapolis Debbie Regnier 612/668-4610 debbie.regnier@mpls.k12.mn.us North Suburban Kari Rock 763/506-2301 kari.rock@anoka.k12.mn.us Northeast Kraig Konietzko 218/485-4435 kkonietzko@isd97.org Northern Joleen DeLaHunt 218/237-6220 Jdelahunt@parkrapids.k12.mn.us South Suburban Josie Koivisto 952/496-5922 jkoivisto@shakopee.k12.mn.us Southeast David Craft 507/645-3501 david.craft@nfld.k12.mn.us Southwest Darin Doherty 507/934.3260 ddoherty@stpeterschools.org St. Paul Jill Gebeke 651/293-8790 jill.gebeke@spps.org West Suburban Andrew Vollmuth 952/806-7000 avollmuth@isd271.org Western Corinna Erickson 218/643-5881 erickson@breckenridge.k12.mn.us
Prepared and paid for by EPAC, 1667 North Snelling Avenue, Suite C101, St. Paul, MN 55108. Dr. Susan Risius, chair
SEPTEMBER 2015
This partnership between MESPA and the Science Museum of Minnesota honors the key role elementary and middle level principals play in developing a culture that encourages and celebrates math and science literacy. The award recognizes the vital importance of fostering lifelong science literacy and encouraging student interest in math and science. The Science Museum of Minnesota provides $300 of programming to the recipient of the award and the recipient is recognized at MESPA’s Institute Banquet in February. Applications are due in the MESPA office by December 5, 2015. For complete details, to learn more about last year’s winner (John Garcia), and to download an application form, visit www.mespa.net/sci-math.
Welcome New Members! Joined MESPA July 1-23, 2015 CENTRAL DIVISION Kayla Bell, Eagle Valley School District Shawn Huntley, Montevideo Public Schools John McDonald, Delano Public Schools Maureen Odegard, Lac Qui Parle Valley School District Tom Otte, Pierz School District EAST SUBURBAN DIVISION Kristi Abbott, Mounds View Public Schools Lindsey Boumgarden, Mounds View Public Schools James Caldwell, Forest Lake Area Schools Elizabeth Catterall, Mounds View Public Schools Jennifer Holt, South Washington County Ryan Lang, Mounds View Public Schools Thomas McCarthy, South Washington County Schools Curtis Slater, Forest Lake School District Karin Swainey, East Metro Integration District MINNEAPOLIS DIVISION Richard Cradit, Aspiring Principal Katie Pekel, University of Minnesota NORTH SUBURBAN DIVISION Katie Arnold, St. Francis Schools Laurie Resch, Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools NORTHEAST DIVISION Brett Archer, Lake Superior School District Robbi Mondati, Cloquet Public Schools NORTHERN DIVISION Susan Ninham, Red Lake School District
SOUTH SUBURBAN DIVISION Beth Anderson, Lakeville Area Public Schools Erin Kyllo, Inver Grove Heights Community Schools Kyle Latch, Hastings Public Schools Cindy Magnuson, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Barbara Olson, Eastern Carver County Schools Jenna Ruble, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Nathan Slinde, Eastern Carver County Schools SOUTHEAST DIVISION Brian Grensteiner, Tri-City United Schools Katy Schuerman, Kenyon-Wanamingo School District Donita Stepan, Byron Public Schools SOUTHWEST DIVISION Joy Freitag, Glencoe-Silver Lake Public Schools Scott Lusk, Cleveland Public Schools Jen Mahan-Deitte, Minneota Public Schools SAINT PAUL DIVISION Sevgi Acik, Saint Paul Brooke Tousignant, Nova Classical Academy WEST SUBURBAN DIVISION Calvin Keasling, Bloomington Public Schools Steve Searl, Bloomington Public Schools WESTERN DIVISION Steven Radtke, Parkers Prairie Public Schools Ann Wothe, Menahga
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Do you promote science and math? Have you helped your school embrace STEM, or have you created a special program for staff development or students or the community? Are you the principal of an environmental, math, or science specialty/magnet school? Apply today for the 12th annual Science and Mathematics Principal of the Year Award!
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Got Science? Got Math?
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MESPA INSTITUTE 2016
Proactive Principalship
FEBRUARY 3-5, 2016 Where do principals go in February? To the MESPA Institute! Three days of networking and professional development in “Growing the Minnesota Child, Proactive Principalship.” + Dave Burgess, well-known author of Teach Like a Pirate, will be our Wednesday keynote + Rafranz Davis, tech specialist and digital diva, will be our Thursday morning keynote + Roger Aronson, MESPA Legislative and Legal Counsel will present on Friday + NEW this year: MESPA Speaks! — Short 5-10 minute presentations from your colleagues (or you!), find out more and/or sign up at www.mespa.net/institute + We’re bringing back last year’s highly praised ‘Unconference’ — an innova- tive and personalized PD model, being billed by educators across the country as “the most responsive and affirming PD available.” + A plethora of Breakout Sessions – check www.mespa.net/institute for updates + A gala reception preceding the banquet and awards celebration + 60 vendors showcasing education products and services Online registration will open soon – look for details in the E-News and at www.mespa.net/institute
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SEPTEMBER 2015
Outstanding Assistant Principals Seeking Nominations
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he National Association of Elementary School Principals and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association honor PreK-8 assistant principals who are doing a superb job in their role as elementary and middle level school leaders with the third annual National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year award. This honor program promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (PreK-8) schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal. NAESP will share the successes and best practices of the nationwide group of honorees in a practical document for other principals to utilize. “Top Tips for Assistant Principals” will represent the voices of assistant principals who have exemplified unique leadership in their schools. It will include all areas of discipline, success stories, tools, and practical solutions. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must: ✔ Be a member of NAESP; ✔ Have been an active assistant principal for at least two years; ✔ Be an active assistant principal at time of nomination; ✔ Demonstrate exceptional leadership in a particular school program; ✔ Be respected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large; and ✔ Set high expectations for school staff and students. Applications and references are due in the MESPA office by November 14, 2015. For complete details, visit www.mespa.net/honors.
President’s Message, continued from page 2. my practices. Blogging allows you to express yourself through the written word on your own time. I follow leaders who blog every day, every week, and every month. It’s really what you are comfortable with sharing and have the time for. WordPress.com is an easy site for creating a blog but there are other options for you to explore. One amazing blog I follow is adjustingcourse. wordpress.com by Wayzata Principal Brad Gustafson. If you aren’t connected with Brad yet on Twitter, Voxer, or his blog, you need to be (@ GustafsonBrad). He has been a great friend and mentor. In addition to reading other educators’ blogs, I have recently become engaged with following and listening to podcasts. These are online audio/visual programs in which hosts record and share conversations with guests and/or share their thoughts about a specific education topic. Following podcasts is a new experience for me and I was honored to be a guest on two new podcasts this summer: The Edvice Podcast hosted by Steven Bauer, an educator in Kentucky, and EduRoadTrip hosted by Greg Bagby from Tennessee, Justin Birckbichler from Virginia, and Mari Venturino from California. I’m exploring the idea of creating a podcast with the theme of me learning about and performing the job of someone in our school community on a weekly basis. Let’s see if I can take this idea and put it into practice!
Becoming more connected with other educators in my district, in Minnesota, across the country, and around the world has energized and motivated me, even after 34 years as an educator. In October, I’m taking my connectedness to a new level, meeting face to face. A principal in Maryland who I have connected with mainly through Twitter writes a prolific blog, jonharper70.wordpress.com, and he and I communicate and share ideas online. I write a blog about my passion for cooking at principalwhocooks.wordpress.com and his nineyear-old daughter, Bailey, commented on a post I wrote last winter about making sushi. She said it reminded her of a video she saw where someone made candy sushi. We agreed to a summer candy sushi making session on Google Hangout. It was a great and fun experience making candy sushi with Bailey, showing another level of being connected. We are going to do another cooking challenge, Cupcake Wars in which we’re going to give each other a secret ingredient that the other person has to incorporate into their cupcake. In October, when I am in Washington, DC, I’m going to take a side trip to the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland to connect in person with Jon, Bailey, and their family. My wish for you is to become more connected, establish and develop relationships with others who will help you grow, and find ways to support staff members to help students achieve.
Mark French National Distinguished Principal Mark French, principal of Rice Lake Elementary in the Osseo Area Public School District, is Minnesota’s 2015 National Distinguished Principal (NDP). MESPA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals present the prestigious award. French will be honored along with his peers during NDP ceremonies in Washington D.C. on October 15-16. “I believe things have to start with me,” said French. “One of my most impactful learnings this past summer was reading the book Teach Like a Pirate. Although nothing in the book was new and earthshattering, the messages resonated with me and I gained some new mantras. My attitude is infectious and I get to control the way I show up each day. Are the people I interact with at the end of the day getting my best as the people at the beginning of the day do? I believe I have to role model, be visible, have a positive attitude, enjoy my job, and have fun.” The NDP program was established in 1984 to honor exemplary elementary and middle level principals who set the pace, character, and quality of education children receive during their early school years. The program highlights the fundamental importance of the school principal in achieving educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students and reinforces their continued leadership in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning. One NDP principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more NDP information and nomination/application forms for 2016, please visit www.mespa.net/ndp. Note: NDP nominations are due January 4, 2016; complete NDP applications are due January 25, 2016.
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WWW.MESPA.NET
MESPA Helps You Stay Connected Discussion Forums: www.mespa.net/forums
Twitter: Follow #MESPAmn
MESPA forums are private and can only be viewed by MESPA members who are logged into their accounts. You can follow a forum to received updates on all conversations happening in that forum, or you can follow specific posts/ topics that interest you. Currently MESPA has two forum categories:
Connect and collaborate with colleagues from anywhere in the world on Twitter! Use the hashtag #MESPAmn to tweet at your MESPA colleagues and see their tweets.
Exchange Forum: use this space to ask questions, post responses, and learn best practices from other MN Principals. Resources Forum: use this space to share new resources, articles, innovations, and more with other MN principals.
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Honors: www.mespa.net/honors
MESPA strives to share the positive stories and accomplishments of Minnesota principals. We annually honor the exceptional work of colleagues in the profession and in the broader education community. These principals and their stories serve as inspirations to us all. Apply for one of these honors or nominate a colleague today:
MESPA Member Directory: www.mespa.net/directory
MN National Distinguished Principal
Find a colleague’s contact information in a snap. Search by names, schools, division, committee, AND areas of expertise (once principals have identified themselves). Make sure to update your own contact information and areas of expertise in your member profile. The Member Directory can ONLY be accessed by MESPA members.
Science and Math Principal of the Year
MN National Outstanding Assistant Principal MESPA Division Leadership Award MN School of Excellence Validation
News Legal Services Careers Discussion Forums Honors Negotiations Retirement
25 Year Service Award You are encouraged to utilize all of MESPA’s resources: www.mespa.net/resources.
Action Committee
SEPTEMBER 2015
Best Practices: School Culture Leadership John Huttemier Principal, Wascea Public Schools
Moving Forward
A different line of questions for your staff
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hrough my years in education, one required for maximum impact on learning and thing continues to resonate in making leverage those methods. Continually monitor decisions at a building and district impact on learning and modify methods based level. We often ask the wrong questions when on the need for improvement. Change the focus leading new initiatives. Our tendency is to use from “what is being taught” to “what is visibly staff to establish whether change is needed being learned.” In the words of John Hattie, rather than focusing on the need “when it is clear what teachers are to strive towards continuous teaching and students are learning, Our job as improvement. True leadership student achievement improves.” requires challenging the current leaders is to Rather than asking teachers what comfort level and understanding tools they want for their classroom that there is always a better way help others based on the latest trend, we need to do things. Moving forward to take a different approach. We understand that sometimes requires a leap on the need to ask what visible learning part of individuals in the learning the journey in looks like in a classroom and what environment. The leap creates an will allow them to improve environment in which people are moving towards tools the amount of time visible learning encouraged to problem-solve and can be witnessed on a daily basis. continuous improve through innovation. At any juncture, could things be improvements done better? Could students be Our job as leaders is to help others understand that the journey more engaged and in charge of their is the in moving towards continuous personal learning environment? improvement is the destination. We need staff confidence at a level destination. Human nature thrives in where they continue to see the maintaining the status quo in life. potential to do it better. Where The majority of individuals are happy when they are motivated to look for ways to increase feeling in control of their environment. The visible student learning. challenge toward improvement and modification We need to move away from the mentality of upsets the balance of control that provides the “I teach” and “it is their choice to learn.” The comfort of our existence. Our job as building only way to move forward as a school is to leaders is to create a comfort in the journey and have all of the staff asking the same questions not the destination. of themselves. Creating a staff who enjoys the In defining the journey in our school process of problem solving ways to do things environments it is important to look at visible better. Creating a staff who finds comfort in the learning in our classrooms. If the journey is journey! wrapped around finding and witnessing visible RESOURCES learning, we begin to strive towards a focus Hattie, John. Visible Learning. New York: Routledge, 2009 on continuous improvement. John Hattie Hattie, John. Visible Learning for Teachers. New York: has written multiple books focused on visible Routledge, 2012 learning. The main idea of the books is to focus on evaluating the impact teachers are having on student learning and adjusting methods accordingly. Create, find, and evaluate the means
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
New Principals’ Seminar Surviving and Thriving in the Principalship Monday, October 5, 2015 TIES Education Center, St. Paul Please join us for this networking and professional development opportunity for elementary and middle level administrators new to the principalship. One of the smartest decisions I made during my career was to attend this seminar as a new principal. The investment has paid back exponentially throughout the years. –MESPA Executive Director, Jon Millerhagen
Our one-day program offers practical advice from people who understand the flow of your work. This comprehensive seminar builds professional capacity, and provides you with a solid orientation to the resources and assistance available from MESPA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Plus you earn continuing education credits Network statewide with others new to the profession and presenters who are practitioners in the field. Seminar topics are designed to support you in your role as an elementary or middle level principal and MESPA member: E School law for new principals with Roger Aronson – MESPA legal and legislative counsel (highly regarded school law expert; practiced in school law since 1981; co-chairs the MN State Bar Association School Law Conference; on the executive committee of BELL – education lobbyist group; represents MN Association of Secondary School Principals). E 21st Century School Office and Pre-K Leadership snapshots. E How to Survive Your First year – with a panel of experienced Minnesota principals. E Benefits of membership in MESPA– our responsive, grassroots association with MESPA Executive Director Jon Millerhagen and MESPA President Mark French. Cost: $95 MESPA member $150 Non-member For more information and a registration form, click on Professional Development and New Principal Seminar.
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You have the power to stop bullying. Hamline’s new Bullying Prevention Certificate program is designed to support teachers and administrators to meet professional development goals under the Safe Schools Act. With Hamline’s fully-online Bullying Prevention Certificate, you will: Learn how to foster cultural transformation in your school. Explore system-wide approaches to bullying prevention rooted in broad-based, current research, including the Olweus model. Discern how to effectively engage bystanders to address bullying behavior. Gain the tools to successfully address and manage cyber bullying in schools and work with parents and the community to combat cyber bullying. Discover how to lay an early foundation for effective social behavior in adulthood.
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Start this fall! Foundations of Bullying Prevention and Bystander Behavior and Bullying Prevention begin September 30.
Learn more at hamline.edu/stopbullying15
SEPTEMBER 2015
Best Practices: Resource Leadership Billy Chan Principal, Osseo Area Schools
1:1 Technology Learning Experience Education equity with technology access
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primary goal in addressing equity in education is access to technology. In an urban school district with a high poverty level such as Saint Paul Public Schools, the digital divide continues to widen. The concept of moving to a 1:1 Technology Learning Environment in the school setting allows this divide to be bridged, providing equal access for all students and permitting their technological needs to be met.
E There is a gap between Caucasians and minorities when it comes to broadband and high speed Internet. Only 49% of African Americans and 51% of Hispanics have high speed Internet at home, as compared with 66% of Caucasians.
In the case of Eastern Heights Elementary, low-income students face obstacles in the use of technology in comparison to their peers from Technology integration, a component of more affluent households. Students the Saint Paul Public Schools’ who have access to technology at Personalized Learning Initiative, “... the digital home are more prepared for lessons afforded students a new approach requiring the use of applications divide has to learning. The district chose the or other educational software. At iPad for a standard technology Eastern Heights, teachers report far-reaching device because it is an all-in-one that the majority of their students multimedia tool offering durability consequences are inadequately prepared for and ease of use. Additionally, its using technology due to the lack of extensive educational applications when it comes access to it outside of the classroom. available to teachers and students creates challenges in using to education.” This are of great benefit. The first rollout technology as a teaching tool. of a 1:1 iPad program in Saint Paul With a 1:1 technology program, Public Schools took place at Eastern all students are able to access information, Heights Elementary School in the fall of 2014. resources, and data relevant to their studies. Even as technology and Internet access become Eastern Heights Elementary could not count on more affordable, there is still a massive gap all students having the same access to technology between those with access to technology and at home. Moreover, the idea of students accessing those who are without it. According to the Pew technology from the computer lab seems Internet and American Life Project, “the digital more and more obsolete as students have the divide has far-reaching consequences when ability to access information from almost any it comes to education.” This project’s “Digital place at any time. Eastern Heights’ teachers Differences” report included the following data: and administrators understand that having equal access to educational resources such as E 62% of households with an income of technology is not only pertinent to students’ less than $30,000 a year used the success, but it is also an educator’s responsibility Internet, while 90% of those making to provide equal access under Title VI of the Civil $50,000-$74,999 used the Internet. Rights Act of 1964. E Young adults, minorities, those with no college experience, and those with lower household income levels access the Internet primarily through their smartphones. E 80% of Caucasians used the Internet in contrast to 71% African Americans and 68% Hispanics.
Furthermore, implementation of a 1:1 iPad program at Eastern Heights is logical and strategic. Many students use personal technology devices outside of school. Students engage in communication skills with technology devices and collaborate with peers to create personal projects using various applications and software programs. To limit students’ capability and capacity when they come to school would be a step backward. Additionally, exposing students to technology early in life will better prepare them for future challenges and opportunities as they follow the k-12 education track, eventually transitioning to college and the workforce. Eastern Heights experienced many ups and downs with their 1:1 initiative, but the majority of the experiences were positive. Moreover, iPads presented teachers with a tool for Personalized Learning and differentiated instruction. With access to digital resources, students have more choices, enabling them to take ownership of their learning. Eastern Heights’ staff saw an increase in student engagement and collaboration with peers and teachers. Interestingly, there was a decrease in negative student behaviors and office referrals. After a year of technology integration, Eastern Heights experienced a paradigm shift in culture. Teachers became more comfortable with technology, at times, allowing students to take the lead in using technology as a learning tool. Technology integration has become second nature in teaching and learning at Eastern Heights. The next steps for the Eastern Heights team include seeking technology integration professional development opportunities to enhance the skills of the teaching staff. Also, the team is looking into curriculum alignment and instructional strategy modification to better meet students’ needs. Overall, the 1:1 technology initiative at Eastern Heights succeeded in achieving its goal to provide equal access to technology for all students, thus meeting their technological needs, and bridging the digital divide by providing each student with an iPad. REFERENCES Digital differences. (2012, April 13). Retrieved July 23, 2015. Digital Divide: The Technology Gap between the Rich and Poor. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2015. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2015, from http://www2. ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleagueresourcecomp-201410.pdf Technology in Education. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2015.
Changing Schools? Retiring? Let MESPA Know! Please contact MESPA if you will retire or change schools during the 2014-2015 school year. mespa@mespa.net • 651-999-7310 • 800-642-6807
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WWW.MESPA.NET
Best Practices: School Culture Leadership Jeremy Tammi Principal, Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools
Social Media & Flocking How counting sheep can help
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updating, replying, posting, tweeting, and liking. As Clint Eastwood once said in his 1971 performance in Dirty Harry, “Go ahead social media—make my day.”
Fast-forward to 2015 and school principals are inundated with the wonders of social media and digital leadership. Facebook, Twitter, Email, Instagram, Texting, Websites, LinkedIn, etc. There are times when all of this can consume a person and we fall into a trap of constantly
Most of us have become so conditioned to the “message received” ring on our phone that Doc Holliday would be extremely impressed how quickly we can read an email/text, send out a response, dust of our hands, take a deep breath and say to ourselves—done! In this new age of Digital Leadership, school leaders can find themselves consumed by the instant gratification of immediately responding to an email or text. However, this can be dangerous for the other aspects of our lives and can lead to stress and burnout. According to the Leadership Resource
ack in the early 1980’s, my grandmother would tell me as a young boy to “count sheep” when I would complain to her I couldn’t sleep. I would snuggle back into bed and get a couple sheep safely over the fence, but usually after 4 or 5 safe jumps my ADD would kick in and I would soon be thinking about a baseball or hockey game coming up the following day. Thus, the ability to catch some high quality REM sleep would suffer.
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Center, “Leaders who cannot separate their ‘leadership’ lives from their personal lives are also at higher burnout risk.” Also, neglect of family and friends become risk factors. Linda Stone from the Huffington Post coined the phrase “continuous partial attention” defined as “the state of always being partly tuned into everything while never being completely tuned into anything.” In a sense we become work zombies and addicted to our smart phones. One way you can reduce stress is to be cognizant of your work habits and ask yourself if you are becoming a work zombie, consumed by the social media monster. According to the website HelpGuide.org, your emotions are contagious, and stress has an impact on the quality of your interactions with others. The better you are at managing your own stress, the more you’ll positively affect those around you, and the less other people’s stress will negatively affect you. As school leaders slide into the 2015-2016 school year, remember to have a balance between your professional and personal life, exercise, eat healthy, get support from your MESPA colleagues, share your thoughts and challenges with other professionals that understand your position, and finally turn off the technology and follow grandma’s advice — count some sheep and get some sleep!
SEPTEMBER 2015
Best Practices: Instructional Leadership Patrick Glynn Principal, Prior Lake – Savage Area Schools
Reinventing Your Staff Meetings What have you flipped lately?
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hange is education’s new constant! It participation quickly increased. (Thanks for the surrounds us everywhere these days ideas, Mark French!) as instructional practices evolve and The result — TIME! 40 minutes or so. Time differentiation finds itself at the forefront the next morning for staff learning and doing. of meeting students’ needs. At the same Time for deep discussion on ONE topic (ex: our time, improved practices are also offering building site goal). Time for teachers to plan an opportunities for principals to better serve their event (ex: Environmental Ed Day), engage in staffs. As instructional leaders, we software (ex: Smore), or launch a are often the ones most open to Twitter account. All Grainwood As instructional change and willing to model new teachers have Twitter accounts delivery methods in our buildings. leaders, thanks to more PD time at staff Here’s one change (maybe more of an adventure) that I took on during we are often the meetings. the past year to broaden my skills Your can do this, people! You can do ones most open something different, something and find more quality professional development time for my staff. For the first time in nine to change and better! years, I had maximized my staff Through encouragement, support, meetings with continuous and willing to and a friendly challenge from engaging learning. Teachers were my @MESPAmn colleagues, I collaborating, sharing their own model new ventured away from a traditional nuggets of knowledge, asking for staff meeting in 2014-15 and delivery help, stepping up to assist, and into the realm of a flipped staff skills that they could meeting. Gone were the monthly methods in our practicing replicate in their classrooms and sit-and-get information delivery with their students. buildings. sessions that I had prepped, indetail, for nine straight years. In Yes, the videos were clumsy and their place, a five minute or less, filled with mistakes at first. I unpolished but direct, @TouchCast video session got over it! Yes, I would have loved to take the of me delivering all pertinent information for time to edit and make sure a polished product the upcoming month, with some attempt at existed each month. I did not have the time, but specificity and pizazz. YES — in five minutes or I got better. In fact, later in the year, I started less! @TouchCast allowed me to embed a visual delivering similar short videos to our school agenda, or a multitude of other visuals (photos, families, instead of an email or blog post. I video clips, twitter feeds, etc.) as I quickly found that messages could be sent with energy, verbalized (often dressed in some strange hat) all ideas explained with conviction, and sensitive the monthly important information that could information delivered with emotion. In the be delivered without discussion. end, I discovered that video communication had arrived for the principal. It can be used The videos took about 20-30 minutes to produce to support our school’s initiatives, provide an and were sent most late afternoons one-day unchallenged voice to market our strengths, and prior to our traditional staff meeting mornings. increase professional development time for staff. Staff needed to watch the videos before we gathered the next day and there were some In the upcoming year, what change are you going minor follow-up discussions needed during the to make? What risk are you willing to take? meeting. Thanks to a few interwoven game-like What best practice are you going to model for rewards strategically placed in the fall videos, your staff or families? Someone challenged me; now I challenge you!
MSBA Annual Leadership Conference Show & Tell Event Once again the Minnesota School Boards Association is inviting school districts to “show off” their successful educational programs or projects during the 95th annual Leadership Conference to be held January 14, 2016, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. School districts can use the display to showcase exemplary student, adult or early childhood programs to the 2,000 plus school leaders attending the Conference. The program displayed can be unusual or traditional. It should be a program that is an example of the breadth of activity being carried out by your district. Remember to ask your superintendent for the link to the electronic Show & Tell Application form that was emailed to them on July 31, 2015, or go to www. mnmsba.org, mouse over the Learning Center tab, click on Leadership Conference from the dropdown box, and then click on the Show & Tell Space Application form link.
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Each district that participates will receive a press release to put in their hometown newspaper featuring their participation in the state’s annual Leadership Conference.
Honors, Recently Retired, Memoriam Help us recognize and honor MESPA members by keeping us informed throughout the year. Send names to Kelsey Gantzer, MESPA Communications Manager: kelsey@mespa.net. Honors and Recognition Have you or a colleague recently won an award, been recognized for an accomplishment, or done something exciting in your school? Let us know and we’ll honor you in the E-News! Recently Retired Let us know if you’re retiring during the 2015-2016 school year. In Memoriam Send the names of MESPA members and past members who have died, along with their last school prinicpalship. We’ll honor them in our weekly E-News.
Presort Std US Postage PAID Hopkins MN Permit 1455
Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association 1667 N Snelling Avenue, Suite C101 St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
MESPA MISSION The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals. Moving? Changing schools? Retiring? Let MESPA Know! mespa@mespa.net • 651-999-7310 • 800-642-6807
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MESPA CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS For complete information, visit the MESPA Web site at www.mespa.net Click on Professional Development
2015 Sunday - Monday, September 20-21 Leadership Conference and Board of Directors Meeting Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, Deerwood, MN Monday, October 5 New Principals Seminar 8am-3:30pm TIES Education Center, St. Paul
2016
MN PreK-3 Principal Leadership Series Sponsored by MESPA and MDE Day 1: Thursday, October 29 Day 2: Monday, December 7 Day 3: Monday, January 11, 2016 Day 4: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 9am - 3pm TIES Education Center, St. Paul
Thursday-Friday, October 15-16 National Distinguished Principal Recognition Washington, D.C. Wednesday, November 18 21st Century School Office (21CSO) 8am - 3:30pm TIES Education Center, St. Paul Friday, December 4 Board of Directors Meeting TIES Education Center, St. Paul
2015 Legal Issues Seminars Presented by Roger Aronson September 25 Duluth October 8
St. Peter
October 20
Mahnomen
October 27
Twin Cities Metro
November 2
Stewartville
November 4
St. Cloud
Tuesday, February 2 NDP Finalist Selection DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington Wednesday, February 3 Board of Directors Meeting DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington Wednesday-Friday, February 3-5 Annual MESPA Institute Convention DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington Friday, February 5 Annual Meeting DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington Friday, April 22 Board of Directors Meeting TIES Education Center, St. Paul