October Update

Hello AAESP Members,

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisper, I am delighted to bring you the latest news and updates from our association for the month of October.

1. Principal’s Conference:

Our annual Principal’s Conference is just days away, and I am thrilled to announce that this year's event promises to be our best one yet. Join us on October 13th and 14th at the Sheraton in Anchorage for a weekend of insightful workshops, networking opportunities, and inspiring speakers. Our theme this year is "Here for the Kids," and we have an incredible lineup of sessions that will help you sharpen your leadership skills and navigate the ever-changing landscape of education.

2. Legislative Updates:

AAESP has been working hard as part of a team of educators from ACSA to help develop Joint Position Statements for the upcoming Legislative session. Topics such as flat school funding, educator recruitment, and school debt bond reimbursements are just some of the items we are working on. Your feedback is important and we will be soliciting your input at the Alaska Principal’s Conference.

3. National Principal's Month:

October is National Principal’s Month. AAESP recognizes and appreciates the hard work, dedication, and positive impact that principals have on our schools and communities. Don't forget to take a moment to honor your fellow principals and the vital role they play.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals. Together, we will continue to empower leaders and elevate schools, making a lasting difference in the lives of students across our great state.

Wishing you a productive and inspiring October!

Warm regards,

Joshua Gill

President

School Website: https://www.pcsd.us/page/stedman-elementary-school

Find us on Facebook at: Petersburg School District

Why did you decide to become an administrator:

Since a young child I have always wanted to be a teacher, principal, and superintendent. I love the idea of educating our future children, promoting education in the homes, and moving myself and staff towards bettering ourselves.

What is your definition of a successful school?

When students graduate from high school, I consider that success. At PSD all teachers Prek-12 are able to participate in High School graduation and watch those students we once had take off on their new adventures.

Biggest struggle and how to fix:

My biggest struggle is how to find time for me. By breathing deep and putting myself and my health first I can overcome the urge to work through my evenings and early mornings. There is a lot of self-talk going on.

Biggest success achieved as an administrator so far:

The achievements are not mine alone. Our successful achievements lie in our staff, families, students, and community. I would say one of our biggest achievements is watching our High School seniors receive their diplomas every year. To add on, watching the recently graduated coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas 7 months later with the excitement of seeing their family, friends, and teachers is a sense of deep accomplishment.

Favorite quote: "You can learn something every day if you listen." Author Unknown

What advice would you give those entering the field of school administration?

Listen, observe, and assume positive intent in people. These could help you be open to understanding others' perspectives.

Last book you read? "Dust" By Hugh Howey

Greetings Principals and Assistant Principals,

As National Principals Month is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and outstanding leadership. Your commitment to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for every student makes a profound impact on your school community and your community at large.

Through your tireless efforts, you've inspired not only students but also teachers and staff, empowering all to strive for excellence. Your visionary guidance, empathy, and resilience have been a beacon of light, especially during challenging times.

This month, we celebrate your contributions, your passion for education, and your ability to bring out the best in everyone. Thank you for your continuous pursuit of excellence in education. Your role as a principal is instrumental in shaping the future, and we are fortunate to have each of you at the helm.

If ACSA or AAESP can be of service to you, please reach out – our team is committed to your success. Your success is student success.

I look forward to seeing you next week at the annual Alaska Principals Conference in Anchorage. If you have not yet registered, please do! The opportunities for high quality professional learning and networking are going to be fantastic!

Here's to you and all the incredible Alaska principals and assistant principals who make a difference every day. Happy National Principals Month!

Thank you and be well,

Dr. Lisa S. Parady

Mark your calendars! Our next monthly PK-12 Principal Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89249290371?pwd=M2hUR0p0WW0zR055RExWdjZORElXUT09

Meeting ID: 892 4929 0371

Passcode: 205964

Hear from colleagues around the state on important issues we are facing, as well as from experts in the field. These meetings are for members only, so be sure you have renewed your membership ASAP!

AAESP is excited to once again partner with Alaska Airlines in support of Alaska's Principals!

Ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 12 consecutive years from 2008 to 2019, Alaska Airlines flies to some of the most sustainable places on the planet, like Costa Rica and the Hawaiian Islands.

AAESP is looking forward to supporting our members by offering vouchers to attend professional development opportunities throughout the year, as well as offering YOU the chance to win two vouchers of your own! Stay tuned and watch for more information on how you can be the lucky winner of these tickets.

Thank you, Alaska Airlines, for supporting all of our hardworking principals across the state of Alaska! We appreciate your partnership!

57th Annual Alaska Principals' Conference and Pre-Conference:

Summary - 57th Annual Alaska Principals' Conference 2023 (cvent.com)

2023 WELL Women's Conference:

Summary - ACSA 2023 Women in Education Leading and Learning Conference (cvent.com)

Do you have an aspiring leader in your building that has expressed interest in becoming a principal? Or perhaps you see their great leadership potential and they have yet to discover it!

Building Educational Leaders for Alaska, BELA, is a new program aimed at identifying those future leaders and helping them develop their leadership skills and potential. Please share the following interest form with any aspiring leader that you may know who would make great school leaders in Alaska:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgraYhYMscnZgwP8KH1FMHzTwk4UMDV3ZjZILOU22hEPrEZg/viewform?usp=sf_link

The Alaska Staff Development Network has published their fall catalog which can be found at:

Web-AKStaffDevCatalog-Fall2023.pdf (asdn.org)

Check out all the fantastic Professional Development options available to you and your staff today!

NAESP Communities of Practice

Join NAESP’s Communities of Practice to network with other principals and assistant principals in pursuit of the highest and most meaningful results for schools. By joining a community, you will identify and share best practices, current research and resources; promote the essential leadership role of the principal; and create a network of colleagues with an interest in expanding their learning.

Join a Community of Practice

Assistant Principal Community of Practice: provides a space for assistant principals to network at a national level to ask questions, offer tips, get resources, and find support within a community of practice environment.

Early Career Principal Community of Practice: provides a space for principals in their first years on the job to network with colleagues and gain the essential skills of principal leadership.

Center for Diversity Leadership: works to both assist leaders of color in their pursuit of leadership positions and to amplify the voices of these leaders in order to encourage more diverse representation of leaders within schools.

Center for Innovative Leadership: works to highlight transformative and innovative practices and strategies that serve as a catalyst for shaping the long-term impact of school improvement efforts.

Center for Middle-Level Leadership: focuses on providing the exceptional skills and support that middle-level administrators need to lead outstanding schools with high levels of student achievement.

Center for Women in Leadership: works to support women administrators in the unique challenges that they face as educational leaders because of their gender.

Center for Early Learning Leadership: works to create a network of school leaders who create and support connections to prioritize best practices and strategies in leading the early grades, from preschool to grade 3.

The Principals of Color Network: A professional affinity group meant to provide much needed support and opportunities to connect with other principals of color.

*Community access is limited to NAESP members. Please log in.

Email: jrinaldi@alaskaacsa.org
Website: www.alaskaprincipal.org
Location: 234 Gold Street, Juneau, AK, USA
Phone: 907.242.9989
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akprincipals
Twitter: @alaskaprincipal