NAESP Update- Earl Franks, Ed.D., NAESP Executive Director

Timely new resources for you, your teachers, and your school

Happy 2018 from all of us here at NAESP! Please know that daily, your NAESP staff strives to provide resources and services based on our mission, “to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle-level principals and other education leaders in their commitment for all children.” Below is an update on NAESP programs, products, and services. As NAESP members and future members, I hope you will take the time to access these valuable benefits. Hopefully these services can assist you in the important work you do for the students you serve.

New Opportunities

NAESP is proud to offer new resources and opportunities to help principals hone their craft. Here is a sampling of NAESP’s offerings—all meant to help you do your job better.

• Webinar Wednesdays. This fall, NAESP launched its newest FREE member benefit: Webinar Wednesdays. Each month, NAESP members will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field on a wide range of school leadership topics. Archived webinars are available only to members using your NAESP log in. Learn more at naesp.org/career/webinars
• Principals of Literacy Institute. Looking to learn more about literacy instruction? Need to expand your expertise as an instructional leader and learn how to develop and implement a strategic, schoolwide literacy plan that empowers your teachers, families, and students? Gather your leadership team and join NAESP and Scholastic for the Principals of Literacy Institute, Sept. 20-22, 2018, in Nashville. Learn more at scholastic.com/principalsinstitute.
• Afterschool and Summer Learning. NAESP has partnered with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to offer a new portal to help principals support and champion quality afterschool and summer programs. The initiative—which launches this winter—features a special supplement to Principal magazine, an interactive web-based portal with state specific tools and resources, best practice videos, and a research report. Visit http://afterschool.naesp.org/ to learn more.
• NAESP’s Annual Conference in Orlando. We hope you are making plans to join us for the NAESP Pre-K–8 Principals Conference, July 9-11, at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This premier professional development conference for elementary and middle-level principals will afford you the opportunity to connect with your peers, learn best practices, and have access to today’s education movers and shakers. To date, we have confirmed three keynote presenters: Sal Kahn, Daniel Pink, and Sean Covey. Visit the conference website and register today: naespconference.org.
• Principal Insights Delivered to Your Email. NAESP has relaunched its bi-weekly news aggregate, Before the Bell, to Principal Insights. It’s still delivered to your email twice a week—but the new content is geared toward leadership development for principals.
• Social Media Takeover. Every month, principals can connect with their peers to find practical solutions to the challenges of being a school leader. #NAESPChat is hosted by members of NAESP’s newly formed Digital Leadership Ambassador Program.
• Resources for Your Students. Help build the next generation of leaders with American Student Council Association (ASCA)—NAESP’s newly relaunched program that recognizes and supports student councils across the nation for making a difference in their schools and communities. Visit the new ASCA website, naesp.org/asca, to access information, activities, awards, and a student council store. Your students will be glad you did!

In Case You Didn’t Know

• NAESP Offers Legal Benefits. NAESP offers a solution to uncertain or inadequate liability coverage: a professional liability plan with legal assistance benefits. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if your school district doesn’t have sufficient coverage or refuses to defend you, your back-up plan is in place. Your association’s affiliation with the Trust for Insuring Educators (TIE) makes this valuable member benefit possible. Visit naesp.org/membership/legal-benefits to learn more.
• Student Awards Programs. NAESP administers the President’s Education Awards Program (PEAP) and the American Citizenship Awards (ACA); both are now open for the 2018 awards season. These programs offer a unique opportunity for principals to reward students’ success. This year we are proud to offer two new products: graduation cords and certificate jackets for PEAP. For more information on the awards and to order, visit peap-aca.org.

Other News

• NAESP welcomes Danny Carlson as the new Assistant Executive Director, Policy, Advocacy, and Special Projects. In this role, Carlson will guide NAESP’s advocacy and legislative initiatives and strategic alliances to advance the Association’s policy agenda. Reach out to Danny at dcarlson@naesp.org, or connect with him on Twitter @dannydcarlson
• Vice President Election. The 2018 NAESP Vice President Election will be open from March 20 – March 30. Look for your customized ballot in your email on March 20. In the meanwhile, learn more about the two candidates, Kimbrelle Barbosa Lewis and Thomas Payton. Visit naesp.org/2018-naesp-election to learn more.

If you are not a current NAESP member, please accept my personal invitation to join our family of principals, assistant principals, and other administrators. NAESP is the only national association committed to serving elementary and middle-level school leaders. Our unwavering commitment is to enhance our advocacy efforts and impactful support that we currently provide and to offer innovative and inspired products and services—all delivered with un-paralleled service. We put you, our members, at the forefront of everything we do.

If I, or our team of dedicated professionals at NAESP, can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thanks for being a part of the NAESP family and best wishes for a successful school year.

 

Press Release—For Immediate Release

The West Virginia Association for Elementary Middle School Principals (WVAEMSP) is proud to announce Ms. Jennifer Cox of Skyview Elementary School as the 2017 West Virginia Principal of the Year and recognized as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary Principals (NAESP).

Ms. Cox was notified of the honor at a surprise assembly at Skyview Elementary with all students, Monongalia County Schools Superintendent Frank Devono, Skyview Assistant Principal Stacey Sylvester, Counselor Matt Tolliver and the Skyview School staff in attendance.

Ms. Cox has many noteworthy accomplishments at the school including working with West Virginia University’s Department of Special Education to identify a group of 4th and 5th graders who would benefit from leadership training. A two-day training session was developed with WVU students as mentors to teach students the keys to effective leadership. Students then worked with their mentors to come up with projects that would improve school climate and culture. They then worked to make their project come to life, including reaching out to community members and families for the greater good of the school. At the end of the semester, a school-wide assembly was held to showcase the projects to other students, staff, WVU personnel, and community members.

Ms. Cox established the Responsive Classroom school program in 2012 in an effort to change the way the students and adults look at behaviors in the school. In the past six years, Skyview has undergone a complete transformation in regards to school best practices. The focus has changed from that of a reward system to that of teacher modeling, high expectations, and appropriate behaviors for becoming a successful adult in a global society.

Ms. Cox also developed a Peer Court to grow leaders using a risk assessment survey given to all students at Skyview. Those students who score lowest on this assessment are those at the lowest risk for failing in the school setting. A team of teachers looks at the lowest scoring students in 4th and 5th grades and selects members to be part of the Peer Court. Students are put through a rigorous training program by the school’s counselor. The Peer Court is then used to assist students in conflicts with others.

“Every day, it is my hope to lead my staff in the ultimate goal of student success of our agreed upon standards of excellence at Skyview,” Ms. Cox stated. “I must communicate our school culture and vision in every aspect of the day, encouraging and supporting those around me to not follow but go with me toward the goal of student success and achievement.

“When the climate of the school is positive and a sense of true caring permeates the building then the whole child is ready for success. A sense of a safe and secure environment promotes risk-taking. Students and staff willing to take risks will expand their learning, and success will come. It takes a strong relationship and shared responsibility for that positive relationship for achievement of all.”

The National Distinguished Principals program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level administrators who ensure that America’s children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. The program was established in 1984 to recognize and celebrate elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities.

Each year, NAESP congratulates principals from across the nation in both public and private schools and schools from the United States Departments of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools for their exemplary achievements. The 2017 NDP event will be held on October 12 and 13 in Washington, D.C. Ms. Cox will also be recognized at the WVAEMSP’s Leadership Conference at the Greenbrier Resort On Monday, November 13, 2017.

The West Virginia Association of Elementary Middle School Principals is the largest school administrator organization in West Virginia. The WVAEMSP offers advocacy and association benefits for all members. For more information please contact Executive Director Dr. Mickey Blackwell at 304-610-6680 or mblackwell@wvprincipals.org

Links:

http://www.wvalways.com/story/35475758/skyview-elementary-principal-recognized-as-national-distinguished-principal-for-west-virginia

http://www.dominionpost.com/School-raises-money-for-WV-Carin

UPDATE: It has been a year since the flood but donations are still needed and accepted. Read below to learn how you can still contribute. Thank you!

On June 23 and 24, 2016 constant rain and flooding overwhelmed many West Virginia communities.  The resulting floodwaters contributed to deaths of at least 23 people and created financial devastation for thousands of our neighbors.

Since this time, concerned citizens have shown their support and love for those affected. West Virginians, along with many,+ many others, have contributed donations, including food, water, cleaning supplies, and personal items.

Schools have been affected as well.  In several counties, students have lost supplies, and in worst cases, lost the school facilities that were the hub of their communities.  Places where students learned new concepts, explored the Arts and participated in sports teams and community organizations are no more. School band members have lost instruments, libraries are without books and athletic teams have fewer uniforms and equipment.

Many of you have contacted our association, seeking methods to support these schools and communities.  We are providing you with several organizations that have established flood relief efforts.  We invite you to explore these and others:

• American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia/flood-information

• United Way

http://www.unitedway.org/local/united-states/west-virginia

• Save the Children

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9419587/k.947F/West_Virginia.htm

If you are interested in volunteering or getting a group of volunteers we suggest the following.  Also, many local organizations have created their own structures with the community.

• West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

https://wvvoad.communityos.org/cms/

• Volunteer West Virginia

http://www.volunteerwv.org/2/index.cfm

• School Supply Drive

http://wvde.state.wv.us/schoolsupplies/

• The Education Alliance

http://floodsofsupport.com/

• West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission*

https://www.gofundme.com/suitemup

The West Virginia Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals applauds your interest in providing aid to our friends and neighbors!