September 18, 2018
2018 MEMSPA Annual Conference | December 5-7, 2018
Watch a Video from Keynote Speaker Jimmy Casas
What is your TRUE NORTH as a School Leader?
Micki Berg, MEMSPA President
Good afternoon and hoping as you are reading this, you are settling into the new year. We had our first full week of school last week and we are working on ensuring routines and procedures are in place at all grade levels.  

As a former Kindergarten teacher of 13 years, in the beginning of the year, I always found myself questioning how I was ever going to get them to walk down the hallway quietly, let alone read or add and subtract - and yet somehow they always managed to get there. At the building level, I find myself wondering the same thing and reminding myself how much modeling needs to be done, even with the older students in all areas. As they days progress though, you find joy in how things are taking shape in your building and seeing the joy on the student’s faces.

Do you know an Outstanding Assistant K-8 Principal?
MEMSPA/NAESP are accepting nominations for the National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. Our associations are committed to preparing assistant principals to step into the principal role. Recognition for the exceptional leadership of men and women who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of PreK-8 schools instills pride in their accomplishments and reinforces their leadership in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.

Find complete nomination criteria and processes here . Deadline for application is November 30 th .
Partner Spotlight
Renaissance Star 360 ® : An MDE-Approved Initial and Extensive Diagnostic Assessment

Your assessment, your choice! If you care about what is used in your building, be sure to let your district office know. The Michigan Department of Education is giving districts the option to choose benchmark assessments for the 2018–2019 school year. Plus, it gets better. The state will reimburse according to formula funding, and Renaissance Star Assessments ® are eligible!
 
With Star Assessments, educators can:     
  • Save time (assessments take 20 minutes or less, leaving you with more time for instructional needs)
  • Administer assessments at any time with no set up hassle
  • Enjoy unlimited use per student license (ideal for progress monitoring!)
  • Predict M-Step and SAT performance
  • Easily integrate assessment data with the Michigan Data Hub.
 
Watch this quick 30-minute webinar to learn the 10 essential questions you should ask your assessment provider so you can make an informed decision about benchmark assessments. Make your decision soon: MDE applications require proof of purchase by October 15!