Greetings Alaskan Admins,
I hope this October newsletter finds you in a positive space, where your staff are collaborating and students are excelling. It was awesome to connect with so many of you at the recent Fall Principal’s Conference. What an outstanding professional development event! I hope you returned to your schools refreshed with some new inspiration for your students and staff.
October is here, bringing the fall weather, the completion of early-year activities, and the first quarter of the school year. As you find yourself deep into the daily duties and treading water from moment to moment, I encourage you to step back, take a deep breath, and look at the amazing opportunities ahead of you this year. Be intentional to prioritize your time or it will run away from you. Structure time with your student government to set goals for the school year. Utilize professional development time with your staff to analyze student learning data. Be sure to prioritize your time to get into classrooms, and find ways to detach from work in the evenings to maintain balance in your life.
A principal colleague once explained to me that he drove by a playground on his route to and from work. Each evening, he would mentally “drop off” his students there, then “pick them up” each morning on his way back to school. This mental exercise allowed this administrator to be more present for his family each evening. Our work as educational leaders can be challenging, yet so crucial, so we must continually work to be the best version of ourselves.
Wishing everyone a fantastic fall in your schools and communities. Remember that your effective, positive leadership is one of the most important factors for student learning and that YOU set the climate in your buildings. Take care of yourselves so you can take care of others. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if I, or other board members, can support in any way.
Rick Dormer
AASSP President
Principal, Ketchikan High School
Position and School:
Principal, Skyview Middle School
Years served as an administrator:
Beginning year 4
Schools served as an administrator:
Skyview Middle School
Why did you decide to become an administrator:
The opportunities I had while a teacher to work with new teachers and help them improve their own practices really influenced my choice to become an administrator. I had strong beliefs of what both teachers and students needed to be successful at school and working as an administrator offered me numerous creative ways to put those into practice.
What is your definition of a successful school?
A successful school is a school where students have pride and ownership in their school community, are excited to be there, and are engaged and growing every day. Expectations of students' behavior and academics are high, and students work to meet those expectations. At a successful school, there are many opportunities for students to be involved and expand their experiences beyond the classroom.
Biggest struggle and how to fix:
Having enough time to spend meaningful moments with staff.
Biggest success achieved as an administrator so far:
Helping to build a strong team at Skyview and working with them to eliminate cell phone culture while enhancing students social skills and relationships.
Favorite quote:
“The words we speak become the house you live in.” - Hafiz
“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” Proverbs 13:3
What advice would you give those entering the field of school administration?
Find joy every day. Even lunch duty and hall monitoring can be the best part of the day when you are present and actively looking for good things. Remember that difficult times are when we can grow the most.
Last book you read?
Honestly, the Mcgrath Response System Harassment, Misconduct, Discrimination and Bullying Handbook.
Anything else you would like to share?
Skyview is an incredible school on a sharp growth trajectory. We have a strong community built of staff, students and parents. It’s a great place to be!
Dear Principals,
As we celebrate National Principals Month this October, I want to recognize and express my deepest appreciation for each of you. Your unwavering commitment to leading your schools, guiding your staff, and supporting the growth and success of your students is nothing short of extraordinary. The impact you have on your school communities cannot be overstated, and the role you play in shaping the future of education is vital to the progress of our state and beyond. The work you do every day in service to your students, staff, and communities is inspiring, and it's an honor to work alongside you in this important mission.
Principals are the heart of our schools. You are not only educational leaders but also community builders, problem solvers, and champions for equity and inclusion. You foster safe and supportive learning environments where students can thrive, and your leadership empowers teachers and staff to be their best. In these challenging times, where the demands on education have grown immensely, you have risen to the occasion with resilience, innovation, and grace. Your leadership is what drives the positive change we see in Alaska's schools, and for that, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude.
It was wonderful to see many of you at the Alaska Principals Conference this past September. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, and the ideas shared during the conference reaffirmed the exceptional work that is happening in schools across our state. The sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration, creative problem-solving, and the power of shared leadership. I am always in awe of the innovative approaches that our principals are implementing to improve student outcomes, and this year's conference once again demonstrated how committed you all are to fostering continuous improvement in education.
The work you do is not without its unique challenges, but the dedication you show in facing those challenges head-on is remarkable. Whether it's addressing the complex needs of students in our unique Alaskan context, managing limited resources, or navigating the evolving landscape of education policy in our state, you consistently go above and beyond. I am inspired by your resilience and determination, and I want you to know that ACSA stands firmly beside you as you continue this important work.
In the coming weeks, ACSA will begin hosting constituent meetings across the state to connect each of you with your local legislators. These meetings will provide a valuable opportunity for you to build and strengthen relationships with lawmakers before the upcoming legislative session. We all know how critical it is to ensure that the voices of our educators and students are heard when important decisions about education policy are being made. By engaging with legislators, you can share your experiences, highlight the successes and challenges you face, and advocate for the needs of your students and staff. These meetings are a powerful tool for ensuring that your voice is part of the conversation as we work to shape education policy in Alaska. Your active participation in these meetings is crucial and will greatly contribute to the success of our collective efforts.
Please remember that ACSA is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need access to resources, professional development opportunities, guidance on leadership issues, or simply someone to talk to, our team is always ready to assist. We are committed to standing with you as you continue to lead your schools with courage and conviction. You are not alone in this journey, and we will be there to support you through every challenge and success. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any needs, questions, or concerns you may have.
As we move forward together, know that you are not alone. We are stronger together, and we are united by our shared commitment to the success of Alaska's students. The work you do is invaluable, and I am grateful for your partnership and dedication. Thank you for all that you do, and on behalf of ACSA, I wish you a happy and fulfilling National Principals Month.
Be well,
Dr. Lisa S. Parady
Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals
Email: alaskaprincipal@alaskaacsa.org
Website: alaskaprincipal.org
Location: 234 Gold Street, Juneau, AK, USA
Phone: 907-586-9702
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskaprincipals
