High AIMS October Update

Dear High AIMS Community:

I am delighted to welcome you to our October newsletter as autumn graces us with its beautiful palette of color. This month, we delve into impactful reads and exciting events that underscore our commitment to excellence in education and leadership.

Book Review: "The Anxious Generation" by renowned scholar Jonathan Haidt. This thought-provoking book explores the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth, offering profound insights into the societal changes that contribute to increased anxiety. Haidt eloquently unpacks the pressures of the digital age, constructing a narrative that resonates with educators, parents, and anyone committed to youth well-being. His compassionate approach and actionable recommendations empower us to rethink how we can best support the younger generation in navigating this complex world. Haidt’s analysis is both empathetic and enlightening, inviting readers to consider the ways in which we can create safer, more supportive environments for our children. He encourages us to listen, understand, and act, making this a must-read for all who engage with young people.

In other exciting news, we are proud to share the success of the First Annual Student Leadership Conference, hosted at the Delta Hotel. This groundbreaking event drew emerging student leaders from across our community, providing them with invaluable opportunities to develop their leadership competencies. Participants engaged in dynamic workshops, heard from inspiring speakers, and forged meaningful connections with peers. The conference represents a significant milestone in our mission to cultivate leadership potential within our students, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in any venture they pursue.

As we continue forging paths of excellence and empowerment, we thank you for your active participation and steadfast support. The High AIMS community remains united in its pursuit of creating transformative educational experiences.

Thank you for your continued dedication and enthusiasm. Let’s make this year outstanding!

Warm Regards,

Tom Burton, Executive Director

The First Annual High AIMS Student Leadership Conference, held at the elegant Delta Hotel, was a resounding success, bringing together 100 enthusiastic students from 15 different schools. This event was designed to ignite leadership potential and fortify the skills of our future leaders. The day kicked off with the Tom Burton, who guided students through a series of diverse leadership activities. These exercises were not only engaging but were crafted to challenge students’ problem-solving abilities, enhance their communication skills, and foster teamwork. Tom Burton’s approach left a lasting impression, energizing students to harness their potential and empower their peer groups.

Dr. Jen Mott moved the students with her storytelling interwoven with acts of incredible juggling. Dr. Mott shared her own journey of leadership, resilience, and self-discovery, offering students insights through juggling. The visual and narrative made her session both entertaining and engaging, leaving students inspired to navigate their leadership paths.

The conference concluded with a networking session, enabling students to connect, share ideas, and forge new friendships. This interaction provided a valuable platform for students to discuss what they had learned and how they plan to apply these insights back in their schools and communities.

As we reflect on this inaugural event, we celebrate the unity and ambition demonstrated by our young leaders, and anticipate future conferences that will continue to cultivate and enhance student leadership.

The High AIMS community congratulates all participants for their enthusiasm and commitment, setting a high benchmark for future endeavors.

Below are pictures of the event.

Students built a network of like-minded new friends who shared aspirations and interests. They gained confidence and independence through leadership activities that emphasized the positive impact they're capable of becoming.

The OHSAA Student Leadership Conference will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at

Cincinnati Princeton High School’s Matthews Auditorium, and administrators from

Southwest District schools are encouraged to attend along with their student-athletes,

coaches and other staff members. Check-in for the free event begins at 8:30 a.m., the

conference will run from 9:00 until 1:30 and lunch will be provided.

To register, follow these instructions:

1) Go to www.VikeNation.org/tickets

2.) Click on the big red box

3.) Then select the "Have a passcode?" option and enter the code "SLC2024".

Note: This code is designed to give you access to the ticket level and is to be entered

PRIOR to selecting your ticket

The conference is limited to 1,000 attendees, with a current school limit of 15. For

further questions, contact Joe Roberts, athletic administrator at Princeton High School,

at joroberts@vikingmail.org. The conference is designed to provide students with the

tools to create a transformational culture, one that builds strong character

and leadership traits.

Superintendents, District Leaders & Leadership Teams, we invite you to attend the High AIMS Leadership Retreat on November 20-21, 2024, at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. This two-day workshop, led by renowned consultants Dr. Mike Lubelfeld and Dr. Nick Polyak, will inspire and equip you and your leadership teams with effective growth and development strategies.

Below are two links. The first link is a registration form for the upcoming High AIMS Leadership Retreat, which will be held November 20-21 at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. This form allows you to register individually or as part of a team, and it also includes space for special accommodations or dietary needs to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees. The second link provides detailed information about the Leadership Retreat. It gives information about two highly respected experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and insight into the unique challenges and opportunities within school districts. All registration forms are due by Monday, November 4.

Registration form; Leadership Retreat Details

We look forward to your participation and empowering you and your team for success!

The start of the High AIMS Cohort groups has been very successful, with members actively engaged and eager to collaborate. Cohort members are enthusiastically sharing strategies and tips, fostering a supportive environment that enhances their leadership roles. It's particularly exciting to see districts presenting a variety of strategies, interventions, and programs they've implemented to improve student outcomes. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the collective knowledge within the group but also promotes the sharing of practical solutions and best practices that can be adapted and applied across different districts. Additionally, we’re thrilled to welcome new districts joining the High AIMS Consortium, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. Thank you to all members, especially our new partners, for authentically engaging in productive dialogue and contributing to a collective vision for educational excellence.

Click the link to review the meeting dates for each of the cohorts.