High AIMS May Update
May 2024 - Tom Burton & Dr. Mari Phillips
A Message from Executive Director, Tom Burton
Welcome High AIMS Community,
I am immensely excited to launch our newsletter with highlights from the recent Forged Futures event in Pittsburgh. The enthusiasm and active participation of our members were nothing short of remarkable. Witnessing educational leaders and innovators from across the nation engage and forge connections with global thought leaders was genuinely uplifting. As we navigated through the event, we were guided by the reminder that "Innovation is the calling card of the future.”- Anonymous. This quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our gathering and the forward-thinking mindset we strive to embody.
This extraordinary gathering was made possible through the unwavering support of our esteemed partners. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to AASA, the Grabel Foundation, Knowledge Works, Remake Learning, and all our other collaborators for their pivotal role in making this event a beacon of success. In the spirit of pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons, we take inspiration from Arthur C. Clarke's words: "The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.”
As the year draws to a close, I want to send my warmest regards to each of you. May the end of your year be as rewarding as it is peaceful, and I eagerly anticipate our next opportunity to come together. John F. Kennedy once said, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” This statement reminds us of the continuous journey of growth and development that lies at the heart of education and leadership. Moreover, as we pave the way forward, let us remember Steve Jobs' profound insight: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Here's to a future ripe with potential and innovation. Until we meet again,
Warmest regards,
Tom Burton
Executive Director, High AIMS
Congrats to all who played a part in preparing students for life's experiences.
As you end the school year, the High AIMS team extends our sincerest appreciation to you, the guiding lights of our educational community. Your steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success has propelled students forward, shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow. As your students embark on new adventures, they carry the invaluable lessons and insights you've shared. Students will walk out of their schools with heads held high, ready to take on whatever comes next—all thanks to you.
Upcoming Summer Workshop at Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools
High AIMS is happy to share a summer professional learning opportunity offered by one of our High AIMS school districts, Indian Hill Exempted Village.
June 7 - Earl Hunter II - Responding to Misbehavior Advanced Responsive Classroom Workshop - Suitable for Educators K-6 - $260.00 per person
You can find an approach to misbehavior that you and your students will appreciate. Misbehaviors will happen regardless of grade level or subject matter. An educator who responds to power struggles, defiance, and meltdowns using a consistent discipline framework creates a predictable learning environment where students can thrive. Join educator, author, and Responsive Classroom expert Earl Hunter II for an energizing one-day workshop dedicated to exploring effective strategies for understanding, addressing, and reducing challenging behavior in the classroom to create the ideal learning environment for your students. Register with this link. Limited seats are available.
Many Thanks to the High AIMS Superintendents and Cohort Groups!!
Superintendents and Cohort Groups,
Thanks to the High AIMS superintendents for identifying district leaders and building leaders to participate in the High AIMS Leadership Cohort groups. They were amazing!
The cohort participants have interacted with various leaders representing southwest Ohio school districts throughout this school year. They shared similar goals and have been able to team up, tackle challenges, establish significant connections, and facilitate deep discussions crucial for continuous growth. Cohort participants, thanks for sharing your voice through online evaluation surveys or face-to-face meetings. We appreciate your input and are committed to implementing necessary changes based on your suggestions. We understand that knowledge drives progress, and we can continually improve by continuously learning.
High AIMS is unwavering in our commitment to making this consortium a reliable source of support for you as you navigate your leadership roles and engage in professional development. We will continue to facilitate the exchange of best practices and provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field of education, ensuring that you have the tools and knowledge you need to excel in your roles.
I have provided the link to the meeting agendas and minutes of the cohort groups. Looking ahead to the next school year, let's keep the momentum going and continue our journey of growth and collaboration!
Warm Regards,
Dr. Mari Phillips,
Cohort Lead, High AIMS
News and Resources from AASA - The School Superintendents Association
The Leaders Edge - News and Resources from AASA
News of the Nation - National News for School Leaders
Mental Health Awareness Month - This Mental Health Awareness Month, AASA is shining a spotlight on work-life balance and the value of professional networks. Click the link to get work-life balance tips for district leaders.
2023-2024 High AIMS Highlights
At the Leadership Retreat, Superintendent Greg Sears discusses different leaders, Diminishers and Multipliers. He provides descriptions of the two leaders and asks the question, which one are you?
Power 5 Future Skills at Kings Local School District.
High AIMS Assistant Principals Cohort Group
Curriculum Leaders visited Sycamore High School to hear about the Synnovation Lab.
Sycamore High School student escorts share their experiences as Synnovation Lab students.
Sycamore High School Synnovation Lab Students
High AIMS Instructional Coaches held their meeting at Indian Hill (IH) Intermediate School. IH coaches shared their coaching cycle and their PBL strategies.
IH Intermediate School's new STEM wing.
IH Intermediate School is an Ohio Designated STEM School.
Principal Pollitt shares secondary programs of study: Advanced Manufacturing, DECA, Entrepreneurship, and more.
Principal Pollitt shares secondary programs of study: Advanced Manufacturing, DECA, Entrepreneurship, and more.
Harrison High student-driven maker space activities provide students with 21st-century skills
High AIMS Elementary principals Cohort visited Bowman Elementary School in the Lebanon School District to learn about their Spanish Immersion Program.
High AIMS Elementary Principals Cohort visited 1st and 2nd grade Spanish Immersion classrooms at Bowman Elementary.
High AIMS Elementary principals visited 3rd and 4th grade Spanish Immersion classrooms.
High AIMS Cohort Groups model the teamwork motto.
High AIMS Secondary School Counselors Cohort exchanges ideas during a group activity.
Being an Assistant Principal is Heart Work!
Tom Burton, Executive Director, Email: burtontdb@gmail.com
Mobile: 440-708-4800
Dr. Mari Phillips, Cohort Lead Director, Email: mphillips.highaims@gmail.com
Mobile: 513-673-0432
Mary Slaughter, Administrative Assistant