April Update

Dear Colleagues,

As we transition into the warmer months and the final stretch of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey thus far and extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication to our children in this great state.

April marks a time of renewal and growth, both academically and personally. It's a time when we see our students blossom and thrive, demonstrating the knowledge on the Alaska Star Assessment and skills they've acquired throughout the year. I am continually inspired by their curiosity, creativity, and resilience.

While we have done so much this school year, we have a busy couple of months ahead. I want to remind you of some things ahead:

1: Staff (Teacher) Appreciation Week- May 6th—10th. While this is official teacher appreciation week, our teachers would not be successful without the entire school team. Plan some special events each day; it does not have to be big. Your efforts will be appreciated.

2. 121st Day of the Legislative Session- May 15th—We still need a much-needed increase to the Base Student Allocation. Time is short. Please contact your legislator today and as many times as you can during the remaining days of this session. Tell them the good things that are happening in your school. Let them also know what will happen if we do not have an increase.

3. Alaska School Leadership Institute - May 29-31- This conference is a great way to wrap up this school year and start planning for next. With school leaders from around the state, you will be able to tackle the unique challenges faced by our leaders and collaborate to find solutions for schools of any size. This is a refreshing and reenergizing conference of hope and promise.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the school year, let us continue to support and uplift one another. We can empower our students to reach new heights and achieve their dreams.

Again, thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to education. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in our students' lives, and we are truly grateful for that.

Best wishes,

Joshua Gill

President, Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals

Stedman Elementary School Principal Heather Conn was named the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals National Distinguished Principal for 2024.

The Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals is proud to announce our National Distinguished Principal for 2024 is Heather Conn, Principal of Stedman Elementary School in Petersburg, Alaska.

Heather Conn was nominated and selected through a statewide search process conducted by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals. Conn is a 4th generation Alaskan and a life-long resident of Petersburg. She graduated from the University of Alaska Southeast with a Masters of Elementary Education and Special Education, and went on to receive her M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast in 2015. She is currently pursuing a PhD in School Psychology. Conn began her career as a Lead Teacher on the Lummi Indian Reservation at a Head Start. She taught at Tlingit and Haida Head Start in Petersburg and has taught in many different self-contained programs. Conn has been at Stedman Elementary since 2015 serving as a fourth-grade teacher and special education teacher before becoming principal in 2019.

Conn is a true educational and community leader. In addition to her leadership in the Petersburg City School District, she has previously served as a Board Member on the Viking Swim Club, the Community Advisory Board, and is currently serving as a Board Member of the Petersburg Medical Center. She also serves her community as a member of the Petersburg Indian Association Council.

Conn exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to student learning and her district. Petersburg City School District Superintendent Erica Kludt-Painter shares “Ms. Conn is so deserving of this award! Her skilled leadership, compassionate heart, and incredible work ethic are beyond compare!” Conn will travel to Washington DC in October 2024 for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary administrators selected by their respective states.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals’ NDP Program was established in 1984 to recognize elementary and middle level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for the students, families, and staff in their learning communities. More information can be found at: www.naesp.org.

Greetings from the Capitol City!

As the end of the school year draws near, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional dedication you demonstrate every single day to enhance the success of our students. As Principals, you understand that it is "Our Time" to lead. Despite the myriad challenges you encounter, your unwavering commitment to our children's growth and achievement is truly amazing!

I understand that the ongoing struggle to secure sufficient legislative backing for education funding can further compound your challenges. However, please rest assured that your relentless advocacy and unwavering support for our students, families, and communities do not go unnoticed. Your tireless efforts and passion for Alaska's students inspire me, and it is through your dedication as educators, our youth can realize their full potential.

As we approach the end of the legislative session, staying informed about legislation that could impact education in our state is imperative. I encourage you to participate in our weekly legislative updates, held every Friday at 1:30 p.m., open to all principal members.

Our organization has been supporting Principals in Alaska for over 50 years, and we remain a steadfast and reliable source of leadership in public education, committed to representing your best interests. Our purpose is to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public education.

As we navigate the final stretch of the academic year, I urge you to maintain your focus and strive to finish strong. Spring symbolizes new beginnings and renewed hope, and I am confident that you will continue to impact our students' lives positively.

Once again, I extend my gratitude for your invaluable contributions. Your hard work and dedication are making a tangible difference in the lives of students, families, and communities across the state; we are profoundly grateful for that.

If you need any support or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the ACSA team. We are here to serve.

Thank you for all that you do. I am sending you light and wishing you all good thoughts as we reach the finish line.

Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Alaska's students.

Warm regards,

Dr. Lisa S. Parady

ACSA Executive Director

Join us each Friday at 1:30 for Legislative Updates at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89916514305?pwd=WGxyYVNZNlRTdzZ1bXdud3ZlTTNKdz09

Mark your calendars! Our final PK-12 Principal Meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, May 14th at 10:00 AM.

Meeting ID: 870 8664 1903

Passcode: 044123

Our 2024 Alaska Principals' Conference will take place September 27th at 28th at the Sheraton Anchorage. Details are forthcoming and it will be a great event for all school leaders. Mark the dates down now and plan to attend!

We invite you and your leadership team to our 16th Annual Alaska School Leadership Institute (ASLI), an educational conference designed for school and central office leaders.

Embracing the School Leader Paradigm as our guiding principle, this year's conference promises insightful discussions and productive planning sessions.

Our agenda is focused on empowering you to elevate your schools through a process of continuous improvement. We'll harness the power of the cycle of inquiry to examine past practices and learn how to more efficiently work as a team to chart a course for the future.

Join us at ASLI as we embark on a journey of "becoming while doing" --exploring ways to be a learning leader leading a learning organization.

ASLI is designed for leadership teams from rural and small schools, but school teams from anywhere in Alaska can participate. There will be large and small group sessions, time to learn with colleagues in our same role from other districts, plus dedicated time to work together as a school or district team.

Please share the no-cost teacher level professional learning opportunities below with your staff.

Note: All the great opportunities provided at no-cost for your district. Free-Forever curriculum, relevant professional learning, and now we have added District level support.

District Program and Sign up

The Computer Science team at Alaska Staff Development Network is helping districts look at a where they are “now" and where they hope to be in the "near future". We want districts to keep those programs that are working well and that fit into their budgets, and then identify where the gaps in implementation remain a challenge across their districts. This is a service to support Alaska Districts.

Code.org has developed some resources that support these processes and made them available to our staff and to the Alaska’s Program Districts.

Our first districts to join this new program are Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Yukon Flats School District. We hope these resources will help them reach their short term and long-term goals.

Please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Bobo at cbobo@alasakacsa.org. for more information.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or areas that your association can support you! -Jen

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