Black History Month
Michael Johnson & Detra Fields, MEMSPA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Chairs
|
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. As we continue to celebrate and acknowledge these historical people from all periods of United States history, we are reminded that each of these individuals were once elementary and middle school aged students who all had someone who believed in them. As educators, coaches and parents, we all have the ability to be the person that makes a positive difference in the lives of our children. Who knows, one of them just may appear on a list in the near future.
Detra Fields and Michael Johnson
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Chairs
MEMSPA
|
|
|
|
Leading with Gratitude, Grace and Compassion
Becky Hager, Principal - East Jackson Elementary
|
For 22 years, I was a teacher in the district where I grew up, where I graduated from. As I watched different administrators come and go, I was reflective about their leadership and who I aspired to be when I was in that role. Though I felt prepared to move into a leadership position, doors kept closing, both in my district and neighboring communities. Every “no”, every “sorry, we have filled the position” left me heartbroken, yet more determined. One administrator told me “Be yourself--If you are not, both you and the district that hires you will be disappointed.” This statement really helped me to define who I was as an aspiring leader. Looking back, I am grateful for all those doors closing because the one that ultimately opened was perfect, as if it opened just for me.
In 2018, I applied for the Assistant Principal position at East Jackson Elementary. I made it through the first round and was granted a second interview. After meeting again with the interview committee, I was led on a tour of the newly renovated school with EJE Principal Heather Jacobs. During our informal chat (which I knew was part of the interview), it was clear Heather and I shared the same vision for building relationships with students, staff, and families. As we walked the halls of the building, I was able to listen and once again reflect on the leader I aspired to be...a Servant Leader. I will never forget the moment when Steve Doerr, Superintendent of East Jackson Community Schools called and offered me the position. Here I was on the 4th hole on the back nine of my Tuesday night golf league, worried that another door was about to close. Yet this one opened--WIDE! I was grateful to finally have been given a chance.
Heather set the bar high for me. Early on, she gently guided and pushed me to soar on my own. I tried to give myself grace when I made mistakes and I was grateful for her leadership in helping me to be reflective (with lots of laughs along the way). Little did I know she was preparing me to step into a new role the very next fall--her job as Principal. Maybe I should have seen the writing on the wall during the MEMSPA Conference in December when she attended the breakout session on retirement. After the first of the year, Heather told me she was retiring in June and I was ready to take the wheel.
|
|
|
|
MEMSPA Region 6 Honoree Highlight!
Kathleen Quain, Morton Elementary
|
I am Kathleen Quain, proud principal of Morton Elementary which is one of three elementary schools in Marysville Public Schools. It is an honor to have received the recognition of Region Principal of the Year for Region 6. To say I was shocked when I learned the news would be an understatement. I could not believe that I was chosen when there are so many other amazing leaders who are deserving of this recognition. With that being said, I am truly grateful to represent our region and feel blessed to be a member of MEMSPA. The collaboration and partnerships you gain from this organization will only grow your skills as an educator. Thank you MEMSPA for having opportunities like this to showcase so many phenomenal leaders.
I have so many things to be grateful for as we begin the new year. First, I work for a supportive school district with talented educators who have gone above and beyond this school year to support our students and families. Their collaboration, dedication, and commitment to helping each and every student succeed is nothing short of amazing. I am also grateful for our wonderful families. They have been so patient and flexible with the pivoting back and forth from virtual to face-to-face learning and I am extremely thankful for their ongoing support. Last, I would like to recognize the students of Morton Elementary. The last ten months have been challenging no doubt, but through it all, they continue to be positive, present and engaged in their learning. They come ready each day with a smile on their face and I am very proud of their efforts during these unprecedented times. My hope for everyone this year is to continue to look for opportunities to shine, even when the going gets tough. Sure there will be hurdles yet to jump, but if we continue to learn, grow, and stay positive together, we can accomplish anything.
Congratulations, Kathleen!
|
|
|
|
Leader in Me Lunch & Learn Series |
Have you heard about the CASEL SELect social-emotional learning initiative offered by FranklinCovey Education? Leader in Me is in nearly 6,000 schools in over 60 countries and is ranked the number one provider of SEL Change Management.
If you are looking to improve student SEL, family engagement, and/or staff wellness in your school community, please join Michigan Leader in Me School practitioners along with FranklinCovey representatives as they answer the who, what, where, when, why and how of Leader in Me.
Each 45-minute session in this 3-part series will focus on a different topic as shown below. There is no fee to attend. Registered attendees will receive a complimentary copy of The Leader in Me book by Sean Covey and one lucky person will win complimentary FranklinCovey P.D. for their school staff!
February 23 @ 1 p.m. - SEL Connection: Examine the MDE and Leader in Me SEL competency alignment, research, and evidence of how Leader in Me improves school leadership, culture, and academics.
|
|
|
|
To make big changes, schools sometimes need to go slow. Read how one Michigan school used MAP Growth data to evolve its culture, inform interventions, and address COVID-related learning loss.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
