INDIANAGRAM A publication of the Indiana Association of School Principals
AUGUST
VOLUME 28
NUMBER 7
NEW DESIGN!
Launch: Create the Culture You Want What will your school become because of the way you lead this month?
Indianagram AUGUST
VOLUME 28
NUMBER 7
The Indiana Association of School Principals leads in the advocacy and support of all principals in their commitment to every child.
President’s Letter
3
LEADER LENS From the IDOE
5
Leadership Habits that Shape Culture
6
THE TOOLBOX What Will Your School Become Because of the Way You Lead This Month?
7
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT When Neighbors Need Us
9
11
THE LAST WORD From the Editor in Chief
11025 East 25th Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 1-800-285-2188 or 317-891-9900 www.iasp.org tbarrett@iasp.org © 2027 Indiana Association of School Principals All rights reserved. Any duplication without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
LEGAL REVIEW KGR Law Briefing
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Tiffany Barrett Greg Bodie Kert Boedicker Julie Crone Rick Hunt
13
President’s Letter 3 IDEAS TO LAUNCH INTO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR Identify a Theme or Word for the Year: This year’s theme is Collective Effervescence, which is the deeply overwhelming feeling of positivity, connectedness, and joy we experience when we are united and contribute to meaningful work or participate in shared events that leave a lasting impact. Sociologist Émile Durkheim defined the concept in 1912, and Brené Brown popularized the idea in her book Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. Having a common theme or word for the year, lays the foundation that enables your team to experience and view the year’s highs and lows through the lens of this common journey. What is your word or theme for the year? Clarity is Kindness: Borrowing again from Brené Brown, it’s essential that we provide and live out clear expectations for our students, staff, and families about how we will interact and achieve our shared goals. In one of my early leadership classes, I heard the phrase, “You accept what you don’t address.” While addressing issues is important, this is a reactive posture. I appreciate the proactive and constructive connotation that comes with “Clarity is Kindness.” As educational leaders, we must set the tone in a consistent and positive way. When something comes up that falls below the standards or norms we’ve set together with the team, we must clarify and address the practice so we can help the person succeed and empower them to grow in their professional effectiveness. What Would a First-Year Principal Do?: This summer at the School Leader Collaborative Symposium in Pittsburgh, one of the breakout sessions focused on starting as a new administrator. After reflecting on the session, I decided to begin this year with a curious mindset as I thoroughly engage stakeholders to see beyond the familiar and willingly invest the time to map out a renewed, collective vision based on what our team learns from each other. This is my 13th year at HHMS and 18th year as part of the HHSC community. Yes, I know our students, families, staff, and community very well. I’ve been a Husky for nearly 20 years, but I never want to take that for granted. What am I overlooking as an experienced leader that a new principal might see more clearly? As part of the Cycle of Inquiry within the School Leader Paradigm (SLP), we progress continuously from Plan > Implement > Assess > Reflect, and the SLP provides resources to help guide us thoughtfully through this process. One goal this school year is to meet with all team members and students in small groups or individually, provide a brief culture survey to identify areas to improve using the framework of the Paradigm, and then map out our steps and priorities for us to take over the next 2-3 years based on the team’s input and collaboration. This is what I would do as a new principal, and the process is just as valuable to me now. Whether you are new or experienced in your leadership role, how can you lean in to listen and respond to the needs of your team, students, and community? As you begin the 2026-2027 School Year, my hope is that you will make a difference for your students and experience personal and professional growth as you achieve your goals with your school’s team. Most importantly, may you find joy and fulfillment knowing that you are making a deep impact in your communities. I’m honored to serve alongside you as the President of IASP and look forward to partnering with you in the important work that lies ahead. Resources Book: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone Example: School Leader Paradigm Entry Plan Example: 360° Survey (21 Areas)
Dr. Bret Bailey
IASP President Principal, Hamilton Heights Middle School
3
Sponsor Shoutout
THE INDIANAGRAM GUIDE Your guide to the sections and stories featured in each issue. Look for the colored labels throughout the publication to find the content that interests you most. THE BIG IDEA Featured leadership story
THE TOOLBOX Practical templates, checklists & resources
PRINCIPAL VOICES Perspectives from Indiana school leaders
TRY IT TOMORROW One actionable strategy
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Student voice
AI CORNER AI prompt of the month
LEADER LENS Reflection and leadership insights
THE LAST WORD A closing reflection 4
LEADER LENS
From the IDOE Dr. Katie Jenner Indiana Secretary of Education
BUILDING A SCHOOL CULTURE FOCUSED ON CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year! This year is already off to an unexpected start for many schools and communities across our state, with extreme severe weather affecting both safety and daily operations. I’ve heard from several principals who shared that they had to delay end-of-day dismissals or even close due to flooding or power outages. These are always tough decisions, and I appreciate the thoughtful, real-time actions taken to keep our students, educators, and families safe. Even in these challenging moments, there are always bright spots to be found…neighbors checking in on one another…volunteers helping clean up debris…or civic groups coming together to deliver needed supplies. These selfless acts remind us that there is something positive to be found in any situation. This was a lesson my dad taught me early on. Nearly every day he would ask my brother and me, “Tell me three good things.” Some days that was easy; other days, not as much. Yet he always waited patiently while we reflected back on the day. And at times when I just needed to vent, he would listen calmly before repeating his initial question: “okay, now, what are your three good things?” Looking back, I’m grateful for that…because it showed us that in the most challenging moments, your outlook and how you respond really becomes your superpower. As leaders, a lot comes across our desks each day, and it’s easy to get pulled down by the negativity…criticism of a decision you’ve made…colleagues who can’t seem to get along…or even a stressful situation at home that affects your focus.
What distinguishes good leaders from the very best is their ability to inspire others, to always find the win, and to share those wins with others. And in Indiana, we have meaningful wins to celebrate! Just this week, results from the most recent statewide IREAD assessment showed that literacy rates increased for the fifth consecutive year. Because of the work that you and your teams lead locally, statewide literacy rates have now surpassed prepandemic levels for every student population. This is just one example of the wins we must celebrate with our teachers, our families, our communities, and of course, our students! Often, celebrating a collective win is the jolt that teams need to keep moving forward. So, as you begin this school year, consider the many things you have to celebrate. Maybe it’s school-wide literacy gains…rising graduation rates…fewer chronically absent students… or a growing coalition of employers and community partners who are working alongside you to maximize opportunities for students. Every day is a new opportunity to find the positive, uplift one another, and get 1% better. And if we could each commit to doing that daily, those incremental improvements could lead to massive impact. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for challenging your teams to grow each day. And as always, thank you for all that you do for our Indiana students. Have a great school year!
5
LEADER LENS Julie Powell, Ed. D. Assistant Professor (Clinical) Department of Educational Leadership Ball State University LEADERSHIP HABITS THAT SHAPE CULTURE School culture is not defined by the slogans on walls or the policies in any handbook. It is defined by how people feel when they walk through the front doors each morning. It is the living, breathing environment created by daily interactions, shared values, and the safety felt with one another. At its core, a thriving school culture relies on deep relational trust. If you are a principal, your most important job is to cultivate an environment where all people feel seen, valued, and supported. True connection cannot happen behind closed doors or through formal meetings alone. It requires human moments. This year, commit to bringing more joy and intentional fun into daily routines—whether that means launching meetings with collaborative trivia or quick team games, hosting unexpected coffee trucks, or creating space to celebrate personal and professional wins. To keep this momentum going for everyone, connection must also be deeply individualized. Over the next few weeks, host one-on-one "stay interviews" with every single staff member! Find out what keeps your staff inspired to be there, what fills their creative cup, and how you can help them smash their professional goals. Here are a few quick and fun videos to enjoy and/or share with others: https://x.com/Joe_Sanfelippo/status/20860658157 32830567/video/1 https://x.com/Joe_Sanfelippo/status/18077317705 00006312/video/1 https://x.com/Joe_Sanfelippo/status/19516538123 95032646/video/1 Build a Culture by DESIGN, not DEFAULT | Simon Sinek Funny comedy about teachers (I love this lady so much!)
Lastly, believe that the little things matter the most and culture is built from one interaction to another. One thing I teach in my human resources course at Ball State is that employees don’t quit organizations, they quit bad bosses. Read that again and don’t be a bosshole! Instead, be the school that no one wants to leave and everyone wants to be part of. Build connectedness, togetherness, a deep care about the work, and a thoughtfulness about how things are organized. Decide how you will greet people in the morning to be the kind of leader that everyone wants to work for. Decide how you will extend grace when mistakes happen. Decide how you will model the consistency between what you say and what you do. What will people feel after interacting with you as you launch the school year? WIll they feel seen? Heard? Valued? It is always YOUR choice about how you will show up in all of the millions of interactions you will be part of. Build your staff up and laugh a lot! Happy School Year 2026-27!
JOIN US! JOIN US!
Assistant Principals Conference
Nov 16-17, 2026 | Sheraton at Keystone Fall Professionals Conference Nov 22-24, 2026 | JW Marriott 6
THE TOOLBOX Al Remaly Director of Software Business Development
WHAT WILL YOUR SCHOOL BECOME BECAUSE OF THE WAY YOU LEAD THIS MONTH? Leadership in education is rarely defined by grand, distant visions; it is built through the deliberate choices made in the everyday moments of school life. As a school leader, the focus you set this month sends a clear signal across your building about what truly matters. When you prioritize continuous teacher growth over mere administrative compliance, you set into motion a profound cultural shift. So, what will your school become because of the way you lead this month? It can become a place where feedback is welcomed rather than feared, where evaluations serve as powerful catalysts for professional development, and where teachers feel deeply supported in their craft. From Compliance to Collaborative Growth For too long, teacher evaluations have been viewed as a high-stakes, end-of-year checklist. Leading with intention this month means transforming that narrative. When evaluation systems are fragmented or weighted down by tedious paperwork, feedback arrives too late to make a real impact in the classroom. By leveraging comprehensive evaluation tools— such as Five Star Technology Solutions’ Pivot platform—leaders can centralize every stage of the evaluation cycle into a single source of truth. Unifying observations, document uploads, professional growth plans, and student learning objectives in one intuitive interface drastically reduces administrative friction.
By spending less time managing paperwork this month, you free up vital time to step into classrooms, observe instruction, and engage in meaningful, face-to-face instructional coaching. Elevating Feedback with Actionable Insights A supportive school culture thrives on clarity, consistency, and timeliness. Teachers need actionable insights while the lesson is still fresh, not weeks after the fact. The way you lead evaluations today directly dictates how quickly and effectively teachers can refine their practice tomorrow. Integrating research-backed frameworks into your evaluation process brings consistency and rigor to every conversation. Five Star Pivot’s integration of the RISE rubric and multiple locally created rubrics, evaluators can align feedback with clear, evidence-based standards of practice. Modern evaluation leadership utilizes cuttingedge technology to heighten impact. Pivot’s AIpowered performance overviews (leveraging Google Gemini) assist administrators by synthesizing observation notes into objective, timely, and actionable summaries. This official AIvalidated process ensures that feedback is delivered quickly, clearly, and constructively, helping teachers immediately see their strengths and identify targeted areas for growth. 7
THE TOOLBOX The School You Are Building Today
You foster a learning culture: When
The way you approach teacher evaluations
leaders invest in professional growth,
this month determines the climate of your
the entire school models a growth
school for the rest of the academic year. By
mindset for students.
treating evaluation as an ongoing, supportive partnership:
Ultimately, your leadership this month lays the foundation for a thriving educational
You build trust: Teachers recognize
community. By embracing modern, data-
that observations are designed to help
driven, and supportive evaluation practices,
them succeed, not catch them falling
your school will become a vibrant
short.
environment where educators are
You drive instructional quality: Clear
empowered and every student reaps the
rubrics and timely feedback directly
rewards of great teaching.
enhance classroom pedagogy and student engagement.
8
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT WHEN NEIGHBORS NEED US: RUSH COUNTY STUDENTS RISE TO SERVE AFTER DEVASTATING STORMS AND FLOODS
“I’m not sure if you’d say it was clubs. It was more so just people who saw it and came out. Josie did it because her mom works in the school district over in Connersville, so she’s allowed to bring stuff to the high school. Plus, she wanted to help in some way. Altogether, we had people on the Student Council board, Key Club board, FFA, and FCA!”
When disaster strikes, Hoosiers have always been known for their resilience and willingness to serve each other in times of need. Neighbor means something in Indiana, and we don’t let our neighbors down when they need help! The recent widespread flooding and intense storms across central Indiana have left a huge swath of destruction that will take months and years to recover from. But the response to human need and the care shown for our neighbors has been immediate, from first
Rush County students collected, purchased, and delivered supplies to neighbors in Connersville.
responders to ordinary neighbors doing extraordinary things to save lives and property. Our students have also risen to the occasion! I learned about students in Rush County who simply wanted to help. I asked one of our Kiwanis
It was a joint effort by our students and members of these high school clubs, who came together in a time of crisis to fill a need while demonstrating leadership and community service.
members for more information about what the Key Club was doing, and this is what she learned from one of the club’s members:
9
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT “Josie,” mentioned here, is not a Key Club member but is in FFA. Some of the students are involved in more than one of these
“These are our future leaders in our communities.”
organizations. As I understand it, six to ten students spent the day collecting donations,
This is a testimony to the caliber of our
running to Walmart to purchase items people
students and to the character, leadership, and
had not donated, and then taking the supplies
initiative they demonstrate when their
to Connersville. They tolerated some pretty
neighbors are in need. These are our future
ugly weather to remain in the parking lot for
leaders in our communities. We should be so
six hours.
proud of these kids!
Meet Dave! OUR NEWEST ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Meet Dave Strouse and hear his vision for elevating student voice across Indiana. In this introductory video, Dave invites school leaders to create opportunities for students to share their perspectives, influence their schools, and help shape the future of education.
10
LEGAL REVIEW
KGR Law Briefing Séamus Boyce KGR Law
Keith Butler KGR Law KGR LAW BRIEFING: BACK-TO-SCHOOL MANDATE CHECKLIST As we are entering the new school year, we thought we would take one thing off your lengthy “checklist” by providing you this article that identifies the professional development that is mandated by Indiana law for school staff as well as a reminder of other newer legal mandates. For each mandate, the hyperlinked legal citation is provided. You should ensure you are complying with all contents of the law. Mandatory Professional Development Sudden Cardiac Arrest – IC 20-34-8-9 Head and assistant coaches, including cheerleading coaches, as well as certain marching band, musical, and drama leaders, must complete sudden cardiac arrest training every two years. Bullying Prevention – IC 20-33-8-13.5 Employees and volunteers who have direct, ongoing contact with students must receive training regarding bullying prevention and reporting obligations. Restraint and Seclusion – IC 20-20.5-13-13 Appropriate staff must be trained regarding effective alternatives to restraint and seclusion, use of positive support interventions, and conflict de-escalation, and safe use of physical restraint and seclusion. The restraint and seclusion commission has created a model policy. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training – IC 20-26-5-46 At least one employee per school building needs to have nonviolent crisis intervention training.
Statewide Assessment Training – 511 IAC 5-5-5 The training is annually required by SBOE regulation for all school employees except bus drivers and covers testing security and integrity. Reading Specialist Trained in Dyslexia – IC 2035.5-6 et seq. Employer needs at least one reading specialist trained in dyslexia and related disorders. Child Abuse and Neglect – IC 20-28-3-4.5 The training is required for all employees likely to have ongoing contact with children as part of the scope of their employment. Employers must require it at least every two years. Also, it is a prerequisite for initial and renewed DOE licensure. CPR – IC 20-28-5.5-1 Training is a prerequisite for licensure, both initial and renewal. Prevention of Child Suicide – IC 20-28-5-12.3; IC 20-28-5.5-1(b) Training is a prerequisite for licensure. Human Trafficking – IC 20-28-5-12.3 Training is a prerequisite for initial DOE licensure. Concussions and Heat Preparedness – IC 2034-7-6 & (7) Coaches serving students in grades 5 through 12, including cheerleading coaches, must complete required concussion and heatpreparedness training before coaching and every two years thereafter. Bloodborne Pathogen – 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2) Although not a state mandate, we remind you of the federal regulation mandating annual training of all staff. 11
New(er) Mandates Reminder Wireless Communication Devices – SEA 78 (2026) Schools must implement and enforce a "bellto-bell" wireless communication device policy utilizing either a no-device approach or a compliant storage model. Success Sequence Instruction – SEA 88 (2026) Schools must incorporate the “success sequence” (academic and workforce education, maintaining full time employment, and marriage before children) into citizenship instruction. Teacher Compensation Differentiation – SEA 204 (2026) & HEA 1266 (2026) Ensure teacher pay increases tied to “academic needs” be based on clearly defined, individualized student need criteria rather than uniform or blended factors such as experience or retention bonuses (SEA 204); and pay all teachers who hold a literacy endorsement more than those that do not, even when the endorsement is obtained voluntarily. (HEA 1266).
Immigration Enforcement Cooperation – SEA 76 (2026) Cooperate with immigration enforcement except when in conflict with law (like FERPA). Math Instruction and Intervention Requirements HEA 1266 (2026) Ensure math instructional (60 min) and intervention (25 min) time minimums. Math Proficiency Notifications SEA 239 (2026) Parents must be notified when a student is identified as being at risk of not achieving grade-level proficiency in mathematics. Patriotic and Civic Youth Organizations / Military Access SEA 200 (2026) Provide appropriate access for certain youth organizations and military recruiters.
Legal Lesson While it may seem like a formality, ensuring compliance with mandated training and recently added requirements is even more important with so many changes in recent years.
Need Help? The KGR Legal Help Desk is available to IASP members for support with these topics and any non-personal employment questions. Until the next KGR Law Brief, start the school year strong!
12
THE LAST WORD FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF
IASP Executive Committee Dr. Bret Bailey President Dr. Jane Bitting President-Elect
THE LAST WORD: A NEW BEGINNING Welcome to a new school year and to a new chapter for the Indianagram. As Editor in Chief, I am excited to introduce this redesigned publication and a new recurring feature, The Last Word. Each month, I will use this space to reflect on the issue’s leadership vision, connect it to the realities of leading Indiana schools, and leave you with one final thought to carry into your work.
Duke Lines Vice President Raimeka Graham NPA State Coordinator
Our vision for the Indianagram is simple. We want every issue to be worth your time. We want it to feel less like another newsletter to skim and more like a leadership magazine created specifically for you. Each issue will center on one timely vision and feature authentic stories, practical strategies, student perspectives, helpful resources, and ideas you can use immediately. We hope it becomes a place where Indiana school leaders see themselves, learn from one another, and feel connected to something larger than their own building or district. This month’s vision is Launch: Create the Culture You Want. That message feels especially meaningful as we begin a year that has already brought unexpected challenges. Severe storms and flooding have affected communities across Indiana, disrupting transportation, damaging homes and schools, delaying dismissals, and forcing leaders to make difficult decisions in real time. Many of you have been caring for students, supporting staff, communicating with families, and responding to the needs of your communities, all while trying to launch a new school year. We see you. Leadership is rarely about having the perfect plan. It is about understanding your context, listening closely, adjusting when needed, and showing up with courage, compassion, and consistency. The culture you want is built through the small choices you make each day, especially when the work feels heavy. As you begin this year, remember that you do not have to lead alone. IASP is here to support, advocate for, and walk alongside you. Supporting Indiana school leaders is not only what we do. It is why we exist. Take a moment to consider one question: What will people experience because of the way you choose to lead today? Start there. Reflect often. Adjust when needed. Keep moving forward. We are honored to serve alongside you. Here’s to a year of courageous leadership, meaningful connection, and schools where every person can thrive. Lead on, Indiana.
Dr. Tiffany Barrett Editor-in-Chief, Indianagram IASP Assistant Executive Director
13
How can we support you? Indiana Association of School Principals 11025 E. 25th Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 317-891-9900 iasp.org