The High AIMS January Update
January 2024 by Tom Burton & Dr. Mari Phillips
From Tom Burton, Executive Director
Dear High AIMS Community,
Happy New Year to all the members of the High AIMS districts! As we eagerly embrace the dawn of a new year, let's reflect on the profound insights offered in "Hidden Potential" by Adam Grant. Let's endeavor to champion leadership with unwavering authenticity, foster a climate that celebrates diverse perspectives, and tenderly nurture the dormant reservoirs of talent within our collective teams. Let's fully embrace the boundless power of originality and dedicate ourselves to uncovering the concealed potential within each individual.
Here's to a year overflowing with invaluable leadership lessons that shape our collective growth and pave the way for transformative progress!
Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in education. Please feel free to contact me if you have any thoughts or concerns about future programs.
Here's to a fantastic year ahead!
Warm Regards,
Tom
Executive Director
Leadership Retreat - A. J. Juliani's Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence & Impactful Messages from Four Powerful Superintendents!
Based on the feedback received on the Leadership Retreat, participants overwhelmingly expressed their enthusiasm, describing the experience as truly remarkable. The two-day event provided a wealth of AI ideas and applications, allowing attendees to collaborate with their district teams and strategize the next steps in conveying the significance of artificial intelligence to teachers.
On Day 1, A.J. Juliani, a prominent figure in education, delivered a compelling presentation, furnishing educators with meaningful and relevant information to effectively engage students through project-based learning, AI integration, and design thinking. A poignant message resonated throughout A.J.'s session, emphasizing a universal truth: "Our job is not to prepare our kids for something; our job is to help our kids prepare themselves for anything."
A.J. generously shared a plethora of resources, including PowerPoint presentations from his numerous keynote speeches and a variety of AI apps. These resources offer valuable tools for lesson planning and student engagement. You can access the materials through the following link: A.J Juliani AI Resources and Powerpoint. We are confident that you will be able to find these resources very helpful.
On Day 2 of the retreat, prominent superintendents and their teams presented to High AIMS members how their districts cultivate a culture of excellence among students and staff. The superintendents and their teams from Mason City School, West Clermont School, Deer Park City School, Kings Local, and the Assistant Superintendent from Reading Community City delivered impactful presentations, providing valuable information about their respective districts.
During their presentations, these leaders shared effective leadership and innovative strategies contributing to accelerating growth and achievement within their districts. Moreover, they outlined approaches to creating a positive learning climate for students and staff.
As we strive for continuous improvement, I encourage you to review the attached PowerPoint slides, which encapsulate each presentation's essence. These insights can serve as valuable resources for discussions within your district and be shared with your staff.
Theory of Actions High AIMS - West Clermont School District
Shared Visions to Accelerate District Progress - Deer Park School District and Reading School Districts
more Confidence and Clarity, less Chaos & Clickbait - Mason City School District
High Aims - Building a Culture of Growth - Kings Local School District
Below are pictures from the Leadership Retreat 2023.
High AIMS Executive Director, Tom Burton, welcomes High AIMS members to the Leadership Retreat 2023..
Tom Burton engages individual members at the Leadership Retreat.
High AIMS members are fascinated with AI tools that are available for students and staff.
High AIMS members learn about AI and the impact it has on teaching and learning.
A.J. Juliani speaks about leading and learning in the age of distraction.
A.J. Juliani presents the fastest growing jobs versus the fastest declining jobs.
ChatGPT is exploding onto the scene as an AI tool anyone can use.
Innovation in the age of distraction - The four shifts we will make .
A.J. Juliani reminds us that educators need to shift our thinking so that we can teach students to use AI to further their learning while maintaining academic integrity.
Mason superintendent, Jonathan Cooper, shares information about the learning climate and culture in the Mason City School District.
West Clermont School District superintendent, Natasha Adams, presents a problem of practice relative to leadership.
Deer Park Community superintendent, Jay Phillips and his team, along with the Reading assistant superintendent, Mark Edwards, present a shared vision to accelerate progress.
High AIMS members listen intensely to presenters to take information back to their districts.
Kings Local Superintendent, Greg Sears, shares with High AIMS members how Kings Local is building a culture of growth.
Summary of High Aims Leadership Retreat 2023
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 15 - Celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
It's great that we commemorate MLK's life at the beginning of the new year. This allows us to make resolutions regarding the actions we can individually take to promote a more equitable world.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s on the third Monday of January each year, near his birthday, January 15th. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to create Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the first year it was observed was in 1986.
This federal holiday serves as a reminder of Dr. King's tireless efforts in advocating for equality, justice, and the end of racial discrimination. Commemorated with various events, educational programs, and community service initiatives, MLK Day encourages reflection on the progress made in civil rights while highlighting the ongoing work needed to achieve Dr. King's dream of a truly inclusive and equitable society. It is a day to celebrate unity, diversity, and the enduring principles of justice and equality.
Numerous online resources are available to assist educators in conveying to students the profound impact of Martin Luther King Jr.'s words and their relevance. Taking the opportunity to impart information to students about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. fosters engagement and deepens students' understanding of his significant influence on society.
THOUGHTS ON LEADERSHIP: "Leading with Heart and Mind: The Synergy of Kindness and Curiosity in Leadership" by Mari Phillips
I indicated in an earlier newsletter that I would, from time to time, share my thoughts on leadership. The paragraphs below synthesize Brene Brown and Simon Sinek's key ideas about vulnerability, empathy, kindness, and curiosity in leadership and the need for leaders to foster environments that encourage exploration and innovation.
Brene Brown and Simon Sinek brilliantly point out that leadership goes beyond just calling the shots. According to Brown, being a kind leader is a game-changer—creating an atmosphere where everyone feels accepted and trusted. It's about embracing vulnerability and showing empathy. A kind leader allows team members to express their authentic selves. On the other hand, Sinek nudges us to lead with curiosity. Curious leaders foster innovation and adaptability. Blend kindness and curiosity; you have a recipe for a team and a thriving community. It's like bringing both heart and mind to the leadership table, creating a space where authenticity and new ideas flourish.
In summary, cultivate a leadership style that combines kindness and curiosity. Take a cue from folks like Brene Brown and Simon Sinek—let your leadership style be about embracing vulnerability, showing empathy, and creating a team where everyone feels at home. And don't forget the curiosity bit; it's the secret sauce for sparking innovation and keeping things fresh. Combine kindness with curiosity, and you've got a winning combo for leadership that's all about heart, mind, and creating a workspace where people can be their real selves.
Update on Leadership Cohorts
Embracing Progress: A High AIMS Leadership Cohort First Semester Reflection and Forward Vision
Dear High AIMS Leadership Cohorts,
Can you believe that we're in the second half of the year with the High AIMS Leadership Cohort adventure? We’ve had great participation, sharing of ideas and challenges, and fellowship with colleagues from different districts. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the administrators who came forward to lead their Cohort Group and those individuals who offered to host a meeting in their district.
Looking Back:
When we kicked off the Leadership Cohort meetings at the beginning of the school year, we were this mix of different districts, experiences, and dreams. But one thing brought us together — the shared goal of taking education to the next level in our school districts and communities. We've had some excellent discussions, shared projects that districts are working on, and learned a ton along the way.
Looking Forward:
Now, it's time to peek into the future. Our goal is big — making a real impact on education and revitalizing the High AIM Consortium to what it used to be. So, let's keep the vibe alive! Share innovative ideas, celebrate successes, and strengthen that collaborative spirit. Feel free to bring your unique flair and sense of humor to the High AIMS Cohort meetings. Our combined leadership mojo is what will shape the future of education. We have 22 school districts in the Consortium. Let’s plan to have representatives from the 22 districts at the Leadership Cohort meetings.
As we move into 2024, let's stick to what brought us here — thinking outside the box, including everyone, and keeping that love for learning alive. Together, we can turn our dreams for our districts into reality. At the end of the school year, we want to have a Best Practices Summit that collectively displays the innovative programs, creativity, and best practices from every High AIMS school district. We can do this!
Big thanks for all your hard work, laughs, and leadership. I can't wait to see you at the next cohort meetings.
Happy New Year!
Dr. Mari Phillips
COHORT HIGHLIGHT: The middle school principal cohort members pose for a picture as they end their December 13 meeting
The middle school principals met on December 13 at the Maderia Middle School to discuss some hot topics; Here are the topics that were discussed:
- ELA and Science Cohort take-aways
Interdisciplinary Units/PBL Units
Students W/D to attend private high schools - data from schools; Sycamore seeing an increase
Digital Citizenship presenters
Butler County AI Conference - Presentations
Science of Reading - Dyslexia legislation
High AIMS Cohort Coll Tool
Click on the link to see agenda items from other meetings. They have a running agenda.
COHORT MEETINGS COMING UP!
Curriculum Leaders - January 25, 2024 - Sycamore High School - 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
High School Principals - January 23, 2024 - Harrison High School 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Middle School Principals - January 17, 2024 - Indian High Middle School - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Elementary School Principals - January 23, 2024 - Princeton Administrative Center - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Assistant Principals - January 18, 2024 - Loveland Intermediate School - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Instructional Coaches - January 25, 2024 - Indian Hill Intermediate School- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Secondary Counselors - January 23, 2024 - Goshen High School - 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Elementary Counselors - January 23, 2024 - Goshen High School - 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tom Burton, Executive Director
Email: burtontdb@gmail.com
Mobile: 440-708-4800
Dr. Mari Phillips, Cohort Lead
Email: mphillips.highaims@gmail.comMobile - 513-673-0432
Administrative Assistant - Mary Slaughter