capitolmeeting

dressed to impress, the MASSP Board of Directors met at the Michigan State Capitol to discuss quarterly business and hear from guest speakers including Representative Matt Koleszar, Chair of the House Education Committee; Senator Dayna Polehanki, Chair of the Senate Education Committee; and Jeneen Hatoum from Michigan College Access Network. The group also heard a preview of the services available through our new partnership with Aetna; had the opportunity to tour the Capitol and learn about its storied history; and witnessed Governor Gretchen Whitmer sign the “Lowering MI Costs Plan” into law.

(conti.onPage29-MarchBoard)

“When I first started working in the Legislature, my boss told me that if there was ever a day when I walked into the Capitol and didn’t find myself admiring the architecture, it was time to find a new job.”

– Bob Kefgen, MASSP Associate Director of Government Relations

100% of attendees who responded to our survey said they would recommend the event to someone in their network.

More than 50 Aspiring Principals made it to Lansing for this year’s workshop, attending sessions that focused on days in the lives of Assistant and Middle School Principals, mental health, communication, student supports and more. With the help of seven Principals, four Superintendents and four MASSP staff members, breakouts and practice interview rounds ran smoothly.

A Few of Their Favorite Things

“EVERYTHING. The interview was the most valuable followed by the resume feedback.” – Kathryn Klco Stebelton, Davis MS, Teacher

“BE YOUSELF, remember you may not be the right fit, but that’s OK.”

– Ucal Finley, Cass Technical HS, Administrator

“The interview process was a huge help for me. Researching possible questions and answers will be useful. Not to downplay the fact that I’m a counselor and not a teacher … I’m still an educator .”

– E. Shantell Berry, The School at Marygrove, Counselor

Things are Looking Up!

After a welcome and introduction to presenters and staff by MASSP Exectutive Director Wendy Zdeb, workshop attendees each selected three sessions from the eight offered to attend. Aspiring Principals engaged with a principal panel discussion, practice interviews and shared a taco bar lunch that featured treats from (what is turning out to be) an annual cookie bake off.

30 YEARS IN EDUCATION 20 YEARS IN ADMIN

Top Left: Senior An Lizenga shares comments about Principal Koski in the filled Northville High School gym.

Main Photo: Senior Zach Ajluni (far left) contributed to Koski’s nomination: “Friendship encompasses all the important qualities of a leader. Friends are loyal, nonjudgmental, and are there for you when times get tough,” he said. “Mr. Koski has displayed these traits time and time again.” at center court during halftime of a Unified Basketball game, senior Zach Ajluni announced to a cheering crowd that Tony Koski, Principal of Northville High School, was named Michigan’s 2023 Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies.

Koski will represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Principal of the Year competition, which will be awarded in October 2023 at the Recognition Gala in Washington, D.C.

There was an outflow of support for his nomination from his community; from Koski’s previous and current colleagues, to employees/ teachers, students and parents. Every letter of support mentioned his unwavering commitment and passion for the students.