The High AIMS March Update
March 2024 Tom Burton & Dr. Mari Phillips
A Message From Executive Director, Tom Burton
Dear High AIMS Community,
As we transition into the vibrant energy of spring, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and reflections with you all. March has been a month filled with growth, learning, and profound insights that I'm eager to pass along.
Firstly, I had the pleasure of delving into Adam Grant's latest masterpiece, "Hidden Potential." Grant's exploration of untapped talents and dormant abilities within individuals resonated deeply with me. His insights not only shed light on the vast reservoirs of potential within each of us but also provide actionable strategies to unlock these hidden gifts. I highly recommend this transformative read to anyone seeking to unleash their fullest capabilities.
Moreover, I recently had the privilege of attending the AASA National Conference on Education. Engaging with educators and thought leaders from across the nation was an enriching experience. The conference served as a catalyst for innovative ideas and best practices, reaffirming our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education. I returned from this event with a wealth of knowledge and renewed inspiration to propel our educational community forward.
As we approach the end of the academic year, it's essential to finish strong. Our end-of-year meetings provide us with the opportunity to reflect on our achievements, address challenges, and chart a course for future success. Let's harness the momentum of our collective efforts and strive to make these final months of the academic year truly impactful for our students and staff alike.
In closing and in honor of Women's History Month, I leave you with a powerful quote by Helen Keller: "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and empower one another as we work towards a brighter future for education.
Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling month ahead.
Warm regards,
Tom Burton, Executive Director High AIMS
March is International Women's History Month
Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®)
March is Middle Level Education Month
March is a special month for celebrating middle school education. This year's theme is "Leading from the Middle." Young teenagers are important. Teachers and adults who work with them play a vital role in helping them grow up to be confident, hopeful, and ready to face whatever comes their way.
Mindfulness Practices for Educators and Students
This topic is particularly relevant as the school year progresses, as educators, students, and school leaders may be experiencing increased stress and fatigue. Reflecting on my experience as a teacher, counselor, building administrator, and district administrator, when March approached, I invariably encountered a surge in stress and fatigue, grappling with the demands of end-of-the-year assessments, administrative responsibilities, and the anticipation of summer transitions with family. You must take care of yourself. I have attached a link to a document that I wrote that addresses some mindfulness strategies and techniques that can promote resilience and well-being. Click Here to read Promoting Resilience and Well-being Among Educators and Students.
Take a walk in the park
Go for a run
Spend quality time with family
End-Of-The-Year Innovative Practices Summit
Know that more information is coming about this event. STAY TUNED!!
Certificates for Your Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
To support the commitment to professional learning, each participant attending a cohort meeting will receive a certificate of professional development to use as hours for your IPDP.
Cohort Updates:
Take-Aways from Facilitating the 2023-2024 High AIMS Leadership Cohorts
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world," said Nelson Mandela. This is such a powerful statement made by a profound and powerful individual. We are about to end the third quarter of the school year. Soon, graduation will be upon us, and the school year will be over. Facilitating the 2023-2024 High AIMS Leadership Cohorts has been a joy and has given me various key insights and strategies related to educational leadership. I've learned that effective educational leadership extends beyond guiding institutions; it involves empowering individuals to make meaningful contributions within their school communities and beyond. Based on our numerous conversations, it's evident that through collaborative networks, professional learning, and a commitment to equity and inclusion, educational leadership is a transformative force capable of shaping a brighter future for the students you serve.
I have gained valuable insights through the facilitation of the leadership cohorts, and I trust you share the same perspective on the strategies listed below:
Building Collaborative Networks: High AIMS Leadership Cohorts offer opportunities to establish collaborative networks among educational leaders, facilitating the exchange of best practices.
Instructional Leadership: You are pivotal in shaping instructional practices within your school or district. Participation in High AIMS Leadership Cohorts provides a platform to learn effective instructional leadership strategies, including providing constructive feedback to teachers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Equity and Inclusion: High AIMS Leadership Cohorts prioritize promoting equity and inclusion within the educational environment. Through engaging discussions and shared experiences, participants gain insights into how districts address inequities, foster inclusivity, and create culturally responsive learning environments.
Professional Development: Supporting the professional growth of teachers and staff is paramount in educational leadership. High AIMS Leadership Cohorts offer avenues for engaging in round-table discussions and attending presentations, enabling participants to learn effective strategies for designing and implementing professional development programs tailored to the diverse needs of educators and students.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Participation in High AIMS leadership conferences has underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving AI technologies. I've learned that it is essential to remain abreast of emerging trends, research, and best practices to leverage AI's full potential in 21st-century teaching and instructional practices.
Innovative Programs and Practices: The High AIMS Consortium advocates for research-based innovative practices and programs to enhance student outcomes. Through visits to district schools, observations of innovative programs and practices, and engaging with staff and students, I have gained valuable insights into the positive initiatives driving progress within your schools and districts.
The High AIMS Consortium remains committed to providing a platform that fosters professional growth through collaboration, networking, and sharing while offering a supportive environment where individuals can courageously embrace vulnerability. I appreciate your commitment.
Upcoming Cohort Meeting Dates
Curriculum Leaders - March 29, 2024 - HCESC- 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
High School Principals - April 23, 2024 - Location: TBD - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Middle School Principals - March 13, 2024 - Kings Junior High School - 8:00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.
Elementary School Principals - April 23, 2024 - TBD - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Assistant Principals - March 21, 2024 - Springboro Board of Education - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Instructional Coaches - April 25, 2024 - Forest Hills School District - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Secondary Counselors - April 23, 2024 - Reading Junior/Senior High School - 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Elementary Counselors - April 23, 2024 - Reading Junior/Senior High School - 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
AASA Updates
Message from Assistant Executive Director Dr. Ann Levett, AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
Please don't miss out on the following events critical to your professional development. These are special opportunities offered to our Learning 2025 district partners:
Upcoming Summits
Learning 2025 Superintendents are encouraged to attend!
AASA National Summit on Community-Wide Learning on May 7, 2024 from 2-6:30 pm,
AASA and the Grable Foundation will host an important meeting in Pittsburgh, PA.- a National Town Hall on the Future of Public Education May 7-9, 2024. Registration is complimentary for High Aims members. Please register to attend May 8 & 9 here. Learning 2025 Superintendents are encouraged to join us on May 7 for an afternoon of learning with one another starting at 2 pm. We will have facilitated discussions about how you and other Demonstration Systems in the Learning 2025 Network are building more Student-Centered, Equity-Focused, and Future-Driven education.
Please register here for the May 8 & 9 session.
Questions: Contact vtruesdale@aasa.org. 703.7746930
Model Schools Conference 2024
June 23-26/ Orlando World Centered Marriott
AASA is partnering with the Center for Model Schools this year to expand our network options for districts across the country. As a result of this partnership, we are able to offer you a 25% discount on the registration fee for the Model Schools Conference. Teams are encouraged to participate. Please take a look at the attached flyer, which includes the discount code and link to the website. We will hold a Learning 2025 Initiative meeting on Sunday, June 23rd to kick off the event and will have a dedicated meeting space during the conference for debriefing. Relevant sessions will be identified that best meet the needs of our consortia. Please reach out with any questions to linda.lucey@hmhco.com at 518-860-8313 or to anyone on the AASA Learning 2025 leadership team.
AASA Learning 2025 Resources
AASA partner, Hanover Research, conducts research on problems of practice.
Benchmarking Supportive Attendance Practices
Close your eyes, and listen to the relaxing ocean waves. The sounds of Nature!
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