January Update
Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals
Happy New Year!
As we embark on the promising journey that is 2024, I extend my warmest greetings to each member of the Alaska Association of Elementary Principals. May this year bring you renewed energy, inspiration, and countless opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Reflecting on the past year, our association has achieved remarkable milestones, thanks to your dedication and collaborative spirit. Together, we have navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs, all with the shared goal of ensuring the best possible education for Alaska's young minds.
As we set our sights on the months ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie before us. Here are a few highlights and upcoming initiatives:
New Year, New Opportunities: January marks the beginning of a fresh chapter. Let us approach the challenges and triumphs of the coming months with the same resilience and determination that have defined our association.
Professional Development Series: Our commitment to excellence in leadership and education continues with a series of professional development opportunities planned for the year. I hope to see you at the MTSS/RTI Conference on January 27th and 28th. I am especially looking forward to learning from Dr. John Hattie. This is slated to be an amazing conference! Stay tuned for announcements on workshops, webinars, and conferences designed to enhance your skills and keep you at the forefront of educational innovation.
Advocacy Matters: As advocates for our students and schools, our collective voice holds tremendous power. The ACSA Legislative Fly-In is February 3rd through the 7th in Juneau. This is a great opportunity to meet with Legislators and let them know the challenges we have in education. Even if you cannot make it, I would encourage you to reach out to your legislator and voice your concerns. This year, let us continue to actively engage in advocacy efforts, promoting policies that prioritize the needs of elementary education in Alaska.
Member Spotlights: We want to celebrate your successes! If you or a colleague have a story to share—a program that yielded exceptional results, a creative solution to a common challenge, or any other noteworthy achievement—please reach out to us. Your experiences inspire us all. This month we are celebrating our National Outstanding Assistant Principal, Chantel Black!
Community Connection: Strengthening our ties with the communities we serve is fundamental to our mission. Let's explore new ways to engage with local stakeholders, creating a network of support for our schools and students.
As we move forward, remember that your leadership and commitment make a significant impact on the lives of Alaska's children. I am honored to serve as your president and look forward to the collaborative efforts that will shape the future of elementary education in our state.
Wishing you a January filled with inspiration and success.
Joshua Gill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
The Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals is proud to announce their National Outstanding Assistant Principal for 2024 is Chantel Black, Assistant Principal of Ptarmigan Elementary School in Anchorage.
Black was nominated and selected through a statewide search process conducted by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals.
Black graduated from the University of Wyoming in Laramie with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and went on to receive her Master of Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.
Prior to beginning her service as the Assistant Principal at Ptarmigan Elementary School in 2022, Black was an Assistant Principal in Quinhagak, Alaska as well as serving as the Principal in Eek, Alaska. Both schools are located in the Lower Kuskokwim School District.
Black previously served as an Instructional Coach and uses that knowledge to support teachers with all areas of instructional improvement. She leads the school-wide Safety Committee and serves on both the Student Support Team as well as the Guiding Coalition Team.
Her Principal, Ms. Kelly Ramey, shared that Black “exhibits exceptional leadership and communication skills, and is extremely aware of staff needs. She ensures that procedures and structures are in place to maximize academic success, while also keeping an eye on staff wellness.”
Congratulations, Chantel! We are so excited for you and your school community!
AAESP Partner Spotlight: Connected IT
Connected IT has over 75 years of combined experience implementing business technology solutions that support the needs of our customers. They provide exemplary customer service for all industries, including education, and are grateful for the hard work our educational leaders are doing each and every day in communities throughout Alaska.
Thank you, Connected IT, for your continued partnership with the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals!
Dear AAESP members,
Welcome to 2024! I hope this finds you happy and healthy as we enter a new year which is sure to be filled with exciting opportunities for you, your staff and students, as well as ways to get involved in the upcoming Legislative session which will be a very important one for your voice to be heard.
As principals, there is no stronger voice than yours when it comes to advocacy. You are trusted members of your school community and have firsthand knowledge of the needs of your buildings. This is the time to get involved and ensure your Legislators understand the priorities your communities face.
A great opportunity for in-person advocacy is the annual ACSA Fly-In which will be happening February 3rd - 7th. We will be offering special sectionals and networking opportunities just for principals this year, and would love to have at least one principal from each district attend. If you are unable to make it this year, we do have several advocacy-related resources for you to access below, including a recording of our recent Advocacy 101 Webinar to assist you in preparing to meet with your Legislators, as well as a link to our Joint Position Statements. Finally, we are kicking off our weekly Legislative Update Sessions which will be every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Join us to hear the most up to date information on educational bills.
Remember, YOUR voice is incredibly important, and we are here to help with your advocacy needs. Please don't hesitate to reach out at any time, for any needs you may have.
Respectfully,
Dr. Lisa S. Parady
ACSA Legislative Updates
Join us each Friday at 1:30 for Legislative Updates at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89916514305?pwd=WGxyYVNZNlRTdzZ1bXdud3ZlTTNKdz09
Join colleagues from around the state, understand legislative actions, and have unified efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the coming legislative session.
This year the agenda includes special principal-focused sessions, including a Commissioner Chat, collaborating on advocacy issues specific to principals, and professional networking opportunities. Your voice is important, and we would love to have at least one principal from each district in attendance. Please reach out to Jen Rinaldi at JRinaldi@alaskaacsa.org if you have any questions.
United, we can be a powerful force, pushing for funding and policies that support equitable access to quality education for all.
PreK - 12 Monthly Principal Meetings
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. We look forward to seeing you there!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or areas that your association can support you! Have a wonderful January, and we hope to see you soon! - Jen
Contact Us
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