Dear ISD/RESA Superintendent,

As we approach Thanksgiving Break, I want to thank you and your staff for your dedication to making a positive impact on children’s lives. This week was particularly inspiring as I attended our ECAN meeting, where the focus on preparing all children for Kindergarten was truly energizing. I’ve also seen our new ECAN Director, Mrs. Amy Brauer, actively connecting people with resources and supporting the network’s efforts. Having Amy in this role has been a game-changer.

Here are my three things:

• Collaboration with MEMSPA - The MAISA team had the opportunity to meet with MEMSPA this week to review our collaborative work around building the capacity of educators in leadership roles with the skills and knowledge needed to drive literacy improvement. This was an opportunity for MAISA to support MEMSPAs work around the Literacy Leadership Network (LLN) and to welcome Dr. Jerry McDowell as the new MEMSPA Executive Director. We look forward to continuing our partnership and support of Elementary and Middle School Principals.
• Legislation - Mr. Dave Ladd is currently monitoring federal conversations relating to education. He has also suggested that we schedule a quick legislative Zoom meeting after the first week of December. If things change, we will give as much notice via email messages to the membership. Date TBA.
• Network Reports - An MAISA member asked me if MAISA could provide short updates on our Networks. I have asked our networks to give updates (some will be at different times because of meetings) for your easy review. I hope you find these updates helpful as our Networks continue to do amazing work for students and staff across Michigan!

• GELN Three Things
• ISD PR Three Things
• ECAN Three Things
• METL Three Things
• ​​SEILN Three Things

Lastly, this newsletter is rich with updates and professional development opportunities. Please forward and share with your staff members. We appreciate the work of so many to support our leaders across Michigan. As always, please call me if you have any questions or need any support.

We are Better Together,



j

In this edition of the InSiDe Update:

• 35i MiFamily Engagement Centers Lunch and Learn Webinar
• Early Math 23h Updates
• ECAN Updates
• METL’s Three Things: November 2024
• GELN's Three Things: November 2024
• SEILN's Three Things: November 2024
• ISD PR Network Communication Center
• November MLC/Smore Update
• Preschool Development Grant Renewal
• AESA Annual Conference
• January 2025 EWIMS Training
• Michigan Association of Nurses SCECH course
• Save the Date: Prekindergarten Training of Trainers (TOT)

To learn more, click here.

View the full document here.

During the Early Childhood Summit, key needs were identified for different roles within ISDs. One need identified by superintendents was understanding the early childhood programs offered in Michigan through ISDs. To begin this series, here is a short spotlight of Early On® Michigan, a federally funded early intervention program, and the 54d grant through the State of Michigan that serves children with disabilities or developmental delays from ages 0-3.

Other resources:

• MiLEAP
• Information for families and referrals
• Early On®

As the committees continue their work, we will incorporate the needs identified from the Early Childhood Summit.   

The ECAN standing committees are:

• Birth to Third Grade Alignment
• Birth to Three
• Legislation and Advocacy
• Professional Learning
• PreK for All

Local Information Campaign Addresses Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic student absenteeism is a concern for schools across Michigan and the nation. What’s being done to address it? Check out this well-done, Michigan-made awareness campaign that the ISD PR Network learned about at its October meeting. The campaign organizers encourage you to “admire and acquire” tips and strategies from the toolkit and employ them in your area. Here’s an update on the campaign launched earlier this school year.

The "In Class Is Where It's At!" tri-county (Macomb, Oakland, Wayne counties) campaign, aimed at raising awareness about chronic absenteeism, is making a significant impact. The campaign's landing page has garnered nearly 28,000 views since August, highlighting strong community interest. The toolkit has been shared with districts/community partners and is actively being used to support local efforts. Additionally, organizers were recently featured on WJR's School Talks, hosted by Dr. Robert Livernois, showcasing their efforts to a wider audience and further amplifying the campaign's message.

Kudos to ISD PR Network members Dana Chicklas, Wayne RESA and Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools who, with others in the tri-county area, were involved in this campaign’s development. If you have questions, please contact Mark Edwards at Mark.Edwards@oakland.k12.mi.us.

The next ISD PR Network Meeting is Friday, January 24, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.

If you’d like to have a staff member added to the ISD PR Network listserv, please contact Gerri Allen at gallen48@juno.com.

Check out the November 2024 Smore update about MAISA's partnership with the Michigan Learning Channel (MLC) that brings the Literacy Essentials to life through the literacy broadcast series Read, Write, ROAR!

Here are a few highlights:

• MAISA's Annie Spear spoke at the 47th annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar about the Michigan Learning Channel's Read, Write, ROAR! series
• MLC media kits are now available
• New and revised EduPaths courses announced that align with Literacy Essentials and Read, Write, ROAR!
• Survey seeking feedback regarding MLC

Click here to read the full update via Smore!

We are less than two weeks away from the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) 2024 Annual Conference. The conference will occur on December 4-6, 2024, in Orlando, Florida!

The annual conference brings together thought leaders and ESA professionals from across the country to tackle current critical issues that include:

• Leadership Matters
• AI & Innovation
• Collaborative/Collective Impact
• Student Engagement
• ESA Board Member Governance

To register, click here.

View the full document here.

Visit the MAISA Event Site to view monthly calendars and upcoming meetings and events.