The Administrator Newsletter - February 2024

VOLUME 49 • ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 2024

THE

ADMINISTRATOR

INCLEMENT WEATHER DAYS ARE NOT MY FAVORITE

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. Hernandez examines ways to make up for lost instructional time.

Dr. Neathery takes a moment to acknowledge the contributions of school board members.

Executive Viewpoint

President’s Perspective

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Viewpoint • P. 3 President’s Perspective • P. 5 Asked & Answered • P. 6 Character Connection • P. 6 Building Block • P. 7 Safety & Wellness Segment • P. 7

ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: GWENDOLYN ADAMS In the Spotlight this month is Gwendolyn Adams, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for the Texarkana School District.

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Awards • P. 8 CoSN • P. 8 Administrator Spotlight • P. 9 Upcoming Events • P. 11 Job Openings • P. 13 Publication Sneak Peek • P. 14

AAEA Staff

2024 Calendar of Events

Dr. Mike Hernandez Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org

February

Mike Mertens Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org

Lenett Thrasher Director of Learning Services & Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org Sharon Chuculate Fiscal Services Coordinator s.chuculate@theaaea.org

Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org

Lana Webb Administrative Specialist l.webb@theaaea.org

Rachel Blocker Administrative Assistant r.blocker@theaaea.org

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AASBO Conference, February 7-8, 2024 Hot Springs Convention Center ArkASPA Spring Conference, February 22, 2024 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

March Certified Facilities Director (CFD) Classes, March 5 2024 Arkansas River Education Service Center, Pine Bluff

April Women in Leadership Conference, April 3-4, 2024 Robinson Center & Doubletree Hotel, Little Rock CASBO Certification Classes, April 23-24, 2024 DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock

May AAFC Spring Conference, May 1-3, 2024 Hot Springs Convention Center AAEA/ASBA Joint Conference, May 7, 2024 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

June AASEA Conference, June 10-11, 2024 Benton Event Center

July AAEA Summer Conference, July 29-31, 2024 Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

For more information, visit theaaea.org/events.

2023-2024 AAEA Board of Directors Dr. Karla Neathery AAEA President Superintendent, Sheridan

Stacy DeFoor AAEA President-Elect Assistant Superintendent, Benton

Charles Warren AAEA Board Secretary Chief Financial Officer, Fort Smith

Brian Kirkendoll AAEA Past President Principal, Alma

Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President Superintendent, Greenland

Kelvin Gragg AASA President-Elect Assistant Superintendent, Pine Bluff

Dr. Debbie Bruick-Jones AASA Secretary Superintendent, Bentonville

Shawn Rose AAESP President Principal, Hillcrest

Steven Helmick AAESP President-Elect Principal, Little Rock

Carol Skiba AAESP Past President Principal, Cabot

Amy Marek AASSP President Principal, Hazen

Dr. Jason Reeves AASSP President-Elect Assistant Principal, Alma

Matt Ziegler AASSP Past President Principal, Riverside

Rebecca Rosburg ArkASPA President Assistant Superintendent for HR/Federal Programs, Hot Springs

Lisa Hotsenpiller AACTEA President Director of Career & Technical Education, Fayetteville

Dr. Dana Brown AAFC President Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Mountain Home

Kelsey Bailey AASBO President Chief Financial Officer, Little Rock

Melody Crane AASBO Past President Business Manager/District Treasurer, Hector

Valerie King AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs, Siloam Springs

Natalie Gosdin Ellen Phipps AASEA President AACIA President Director of Special Education, Curriculum Director, Ouachita Searcy

Craig Dupuy Greg Collins Jason Brunner ASPMA President (until Oct) ASPMA President (begin Oct) AAMLA President Assistant Superintendent, Maintenance/Facilities Assistant Principal, Bentonville Benton Supervisor, Dover Jarod Morrison TEL-AR President Director of Maintenance/ Technology, Farmington

Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director

2024 AAEA Corporate Sponsors Presidential

American Fidelity Assurance Co. Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc. Curriculum Associates Educational Benefits, Inc. Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Solution Tree, Inc.

Prestigious

Bailey Education Group Cognia Just Right Reader Performance Services Renaissance Learning, Inc. School Responder

Distinguished

Capturing Kids’ Hearts Energy Systems Group Lexia Learning

Diamond

Allovue Apptegy Arkansas Public Safety Solutions Baldwin & Shell

Diamond (Continued)

ClearGov ClassWallet Edmentum Education Elements Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Goalbook Imagine Learning Middleton, Inc. OnToCollege SmartData Dashboard Stephens, Inc. Tanium White River Services and Solutions Winsor Learning

Platinum

AAMSCO Architecture Plus, Inc. C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC DotCom Therapy, Inc. Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Hight Jackson Associates Legacy Construction Management Nabholz Construction Corp.

Platinum (Continued)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / NWEA Phoenix Contractors Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Powers of Arkansas Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Progressive Technologies TRANE US, Inc.

Gold

CDI Contractors Cromwell Architects Engineers Cynergy Rehab Group IXL Learning Kinco Constructors, LLC Pearson Virtual Schools Red Comet TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing System

Silver

Adleta American Bus Sales, Inc. Correll, Inc. French Architects, PA SEAS Varsity Tutors for Schools 2

Executive Viewpoint Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

INCLEMENT WEATHER DAYS ARE NOT MY FAVORITE I don't know about you, but calling schools off for weather was my most gut-wrenching day as a superintendent. Depending on the impossible-to-predict the weather, you are either the hero or the goat. One of our colleagues recently posted on social media about the difficulties of making the right decision and drawing the ire of the community. Snow days can be a delightful surprise for students (and adults) eagerly anticipating a day off, but they can also disrupt the academic calendar and pose challenges for educators. When winter weather forces school closures, it becomes crucial to implement effective strategies for making up lost instructional time. However, figuring out the various approaches schools can take while including the stakeholders can be challenging. The following are some common ideas on how to approach making up lost instructional time.

Extend School Days Extending regular school days is one standard method for making up snow days. Schools can gradually compensate for the missed hours by adding extra minutes to each day. While this approach may require adjustments to transportation schedules, classified work schedules, and after-school activities, it offers a straightforward way to recover lost instructional time without significantly altering the school calendar.

There are some things to consider when using this method. Leaders must work with their teaching staff to adjust pacing guides to effectively utilize the extra minutes each day. Adding time may be easier in the elementary grades, where students may be self-contained. Still, in upper grades that change classes throughout the day, it may require time adjustments to each class with support for teachers to adjust lessons. No matter how you do it, the material for the course still needs to be taught and learned.

Utilize Virtual Learning (AMI) In the age of technology, virtual learning provides a valuable tool for schools to continue education during unexpected closures. Snow days can be transformed into productive remote learning days, with teachers conducting virtual classes, assignments, and assessments online. Utilizing platforms and tools that facilitate virtual collaboration ensures that students stay engaged and on track with their studies.

This is if you have everything working very well in your district, which means you have well-trained staff, students, and parents who know how to maximize the learning platform and support students in a virtual environment. Students must also have working computers with appropriate software and internet access to participate in the learning effectively. In my experience, this is a difficult task on a holistic district level. However, given the constraints of regulations in our state, districts may only choose to utilize online learning on rare occasions to limit learning loss during weather breaks while still complying with required attendance laws.

Convert Professional Development/Vacation Days Schools often allocate professional development or vacation days throughout the academic year to provide teachers with opportunities for training and collaboration. During snow-related closures, these days can be repurposed for instructional time. By converting planned professional development days into regular school days, schools can minimize disruptions to the academic calendar and maximize learning

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opportunities. Professional development days are critical to the educators and the district. These days should be opportunities to grow professionally to be more effective for students. Districts may be in the middle of training, such as the Science of Reading, or implementing the Professional Learning Community process. This work should not stop completely. Leaders must find a way to make this adult learning happen in another way or a different time.

Implement Saturday Classes While not the most popular option, holding classes on Saturdays can be an effective way to make up for lost time. This approach allows schools to maintain the structure of the regular school week while recouping instructional hours. To mitigate potential resistance, schools can implement Saturday classes selectively and communicate the importance of ensuring students receive the full extent of their education. There are many activities on Saturdays these days, including travel sports, gaming tournaments, and other family activities. Your community may lose their minds if you go this route, but it could be a good strategy for continuity's sake and making up learning time before testing. Many will say that the students won't come on Saturday. Remember, you are the adults and set the expectations.

Parents will often meet these expectations to ensure their children are learning.

Adding Days To End Of Year Most calendars have days added to the end of the year. Often, these may include days in June. There always seems to be strong opposition to going to school in June. It is almost like feeding a Mogwai after midnight. Somehow, shortly after 11:59 pm on May 31st, our students magically transform into menacing beings incapable of learning. Kids can learn anytime if the expectations are there. The caveat to this is that districts have to plan accordingly. The idea that no learning happens after a certain time, such as after state-mandated summative testing, should be avoided. We must be vigilant to stamp this mindset from our schools and communities. Remediation can occur in the last few days. Introducing the next grade level or course standards can happen here. Even extensions of learning can happen during these times, just like the fourth critical question from Rick Dufour. How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient? Whether it be after testing or a made-up snow day at the end of the year, no day should be wasted. There must be an expectation to learn at least 178 days or 1068 hours each year.

Snow days may disrupt the school calendar, but with thoughtful planning and creative solutions, educators can ensure that students receive the education they deserve. No solution is a silver bullet, but with collaboration and communication with stakeholders, schools can successfully make up for lost instructional time while maintaining the overall integrity of the academic year. As another colleague warned recently, we must ensure that 178 days or 1,068 hours do not become the maximum. Ultimately, the key is to prioritize educational continuity and maximize student learning with the time and opportunities we have been given.

Keep up the great work, and know I am always here to help you.

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President’s Perspective Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Board President

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS January may be cold outside, but inside our schools, the dedication and passion of our school board members burns brightly. In the spirit of School Board Appreciation Month, let's take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate these incredible individuals who tirelessly advocate for our students, educators, and communities.

School board members are the unsung heroes of our education system. They volunteer countless hours, often juggling demanding personal and professional lives, to serve on the front lines of shaping the future of our children. They navigate complex issues, make critical decisions, and face public scrutiny with unwavering commitment to ensuring every student receives a quality education.

Why They Deserve Our Appreciation: • Setting the Vision: Board members establish the strategic direction for our schools, setting goals and policies that guide curriculum development, resource allocation, and overall educational approach.

Their vision shapes the learning environment for generations to come.

• Stewarding Resources: They are entrusted with managing significant budgets, ensuring responsible allocation of funds to meet the needs of students, teachers, and staff. Their financial acumen lays the foundation for a thriving educational infrastructure.

• Championing Student Success: Every decision they make ultimately impacts the well-being and academic achievement of our children. They champion initiatives that foster a safe and inclusive learning environment, promoting intellectual curiosity, social-emotional growth, and a love for learning.

• Building Community Bridges: Board members act as liaisons between the school system and the community, working to cultivate trust and understanding. They listen to diverse perspectives, engage in open dialogue, and strive to build consensus for the betterment of all.

By acknowledging the immense contributions of our school board members, we not only express our gratitude but also reaffirm our commitment to building a strong and vibrant educational system for all.

Let's join hands in ensuring that their efforts are valued and supported, so they can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our children and our communities.

Scholarships Available!

AAEA and our Constituent Groups are proud every year to offer a number of scholarships to students in Arkansas. Applications are available online at theaaea.org/page/scholarships.

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Asked & Answered Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

The question was, "since the LEARNS Act says that a school district board of directors shall submit a copy of the current contract of employment of the school district superintendent to DESE, to whom specifically should I send it?"

Since the LEARNS Act also says, on page 40, that the superintendent's current contract should be published on the school district website, DESE has concluded that this action meets the intent of the law and a copy does not need to be sent to the Commissioner. The Standards Assurance unit at DESE will check for this when checking districts' websites for other required postings.

If you have questions for Mike, email him at m.mertens@theaaea.org.

Character Connection Creating a Positive Classroom Culture: Simple Actions for Student Success Submitted by Brooklynn Taylor, Marketing Coordinator, Capturing Kids’ Hearts Research shows students are more likely to succeed when they feel comfortable and connected. While there are many ways educators can foster a safe and welcoming environment, here are three actions your team can start doing today to engage students better.

Action 1: Greet Students at the Door Have educators meet students at the door with a smile and a friendly greeting. Students might want to give their teacher a handshake, a high-five, or a fist bump. This simple gesture allows the educator to set a positive tone for the day and deepens the student-teacher relationship.

Action 2: Share Good News Set aside time at the start of class for a few students to share positive news. Students’ good things don't need to be elaborate. For example, they may share something as simple as receiving a text from a friend or earning a good grade on a test. This helps deepen personal connections.

Action 3: Encourage and Celebrate Challenge your team to be intentional about giving affirmations. If they see something positive, share it!

Remember the adage, “we see what we seek.” Meaning, if we’re looking for good in our classrooms, we’ll find it! Encourage educators to give their students compliments in front of the class and write emails to students’ families bragging about the positive behaviors they’ve seen.

To learn more about the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process, visit ckh.org.

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Building Block Design-Build Myths and Facts Submitted by Sierra White, Marketing Communications Specialist, Performance Services In the complex design and construction world, the project delivery method can profoundly shape project outcomes. Design-build has emerged as a popular yet misunderstood procurement method amid the array of options.

Design-build projects will account for at least 47% of non-residential construction spending by 2026.

Click here to read about the myths and facts of design-build.

Safety & Wellness Segment Pandora’s Box: Protecting Students in the Metaverse and Beyond Submitted by Barbara Grimm, Founder and President of School Responder, and C.J. Huff, Ed.D. If growing up isn’t hard enough, social media has complicated our children's and youth's lives. Students today must not only navigate the challenges of childhood and adolescence, but they must also contend with unprecedented levels of cyberbullying.

In a 2023 study of middle school and high school students between the ages of 13 and 17, it was found that 26.5% of those surveyed had experienced some form of cyberbullying within the previous 30 days. This was an almost 10% increase from the same study conducted in 2016.1 With the incidents of cyberbullying increasing; it should come as no surprise there has also been a significant increase in both suicide and homicide rates among our nation’s youth.2 We all know our children and youth live and engage daily inside that mythological Pandora’s box, which has taken the shape of cellphones, laptops, watches, video game platforms, and many other digital devices.

Tech companies are already in hyperdrive in the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and the creation of a metaverse. As complicated as it is to protect our students today, protecting them tomorrow will be more complicated. As leaders, we must have the courage to jump into Pandora’s box, equipped with effective digital tools to safeguard our children and youth 24/7/365.

Click here to learn more about the technology available today that can adapt and assist school leaders in creating a community of care by meeting students where they are. Regardless of technological advancements, relationships and communication with trusted adults have always been and always will be the answer. Together, we can shut the lid and throw away the key to Pandora’s box.

1 https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-continues-to-rise-among-youth-in-the-united-states-2023 2 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db471.htm#fig3

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Awards Bailey Cotton Technology Director of the Year Mr. Bailey Cotton, Director of Technology and Safety for the Huntsville School District, was recently named the Technology Education Leaders of Arkansas (TEL-AR) Technology Director of the Year. Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director, and Jarod Morrison, TEL-AR President, presented Mr. Cotton with the award at his school district on January 8, 2024. View the full press release here.

CoSN: Support for Technology Administrators CoSN is a great resource for school technology administrators. Check this page monthly for links to articles to assist technology leaders as they navigate through digital learning transformations.

Click Here to Read About This Month’s Topics • Data Privacy Week • Trusted Learning Environment Seal • EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Series • CoSN 2024 Annual Conference, "Leading for Innovation: At Warp Speed" • CoSN Membership 68

Administrator Spotlight:

Gwendolyn Adams Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Texarkana School District

Gwendolyn Adams, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for the Texarkana School District, began her career at Jacksonville High as a biology, earth and physical science teacher, also serving as assistant girls basketball and track coach. She then moved to Maine and became a counselor and assistant track coach at Limestone High School. After leaving Maine, she moved to Waldorf, Maryland and taught social studies at Lackey High School in Charles County, Maryland.

Her journey then led her to San Antonio, Texas, where she taught middle school science and served as a counselor. From Texas, she came back to Arkansas and worked in several districts as a counselor, assistant principal, and principal, and presently serves as assistant superintendent of student services in the Texarkana Arkansas School District.

Gwendolyn says her favorite thing about her job is working with and being around the students. "The school environment has created a passion in me to see students thrive," she says. However, the she says each day presents new challenges.

"Addressing those unforeseen things can make it difficult to accomplish all that was originally planned for the day." Despite that, she believes a career in education is most rewarding if you have a passion to see children grow and succeed. She says others considering the career should know that "if one is committed to excellence and dedicated to see growth in students and adults, education is the work environment you should choose." The advice she's received that has been most helpful to her is that "in every decision you make as an educator always remember to do no harm to children.

We are here for them."

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with What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I am a football and basketball fan. My participation in athletics through college was a driving force.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

I went hang gliding several times.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

I am most proud to be a mother of one son.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I enjoy cooking, reading, and watching action movies.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I would love to visit Iceland.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

My major goal is to complete my dissertation in educational leadership.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I plan to be traveling abroad.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

Membership in AAEA has provided the opportunity to network with other educators across the state.

The resources available are a tremendous help. Also, the updates and information provided to educators is critical to our daily work efforts.

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UPCOMING EVENTS | FEB - MAR

Personnel Administrators!

Register Now! Facilities Directors!

Register Now! 11

Join us for the rst Arkansas Women in Leadership Conference which will be held at the Robinson Center and DoubleTree Little Rock on April 3-4, 2024. Presenters from Arkansas and across the country will share about their journeys, struggles they encountered, and rewards of being in uential female leaders.

Featured Speakers Pamela Smith

Sarah Catherine Gutierrez

Dr. Megan Godfrey

Abby Davis

Janel Keating

Tammy Whitehurst

Kim Cranston

Katie Beck

UPCOMING EVENTS | APR

Register Now!

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Visit arjobsined.schoolspring.com The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the ever-increasing challenge of recruiting quality staff. It is a significant resource for educators, both in-state and outof-state, seeking employment in Arkansas schools.

Over 165 school districts are participating in the program, which has been extremely helpful to schools and educators over the years. The site is used year-round and is accessed extensively during the second semester. It is not unusual to see over 400 jobs posted on the Job Board at one time.

With an account, school districts may post unlimited job vacancies throughout the year.

To subscribe (by district) or to post job openings, contact Lana Webb, Administrative Specialist, at l.webb@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.

Job Openings

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District Name

Position

Cossatot River School District

High School Principal

Batesville Charter School

High School Principal

Heber Springs School District

Director of Athletics

Benton School District

Middle School Assistant Principal

Mena School District

Middle School Principal

Fountain Lake School District

Middle School Principal

Mountain View School District

Middle School Assistant Principal

AAEA

Assistant Executive Director

Russellville School District

High School Principal

Ozark School District

Middle School Principal

Bryant School District

High School Principal

Jessieville School District

High School Principal

North Little Rock School District

Elementary Principal

Publication Sneak Peek: The Cutting Edge This segment features content from other AAEA publications. The Cutting Edge is a monthly publication available to AACTEA members. The following excerpt comes from the January 2024 issue.

NASA Eclipse Event Planned for Russellville The much-anticipated 2024 total eclipse is fast approaching, and NASA’s planned live broadcast of the celestial event will be hosted

by Russellville. A team of NASA experts from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama have recently met with elected officials, industry leaders, and local educators to discuss educational outreach opportunities.

Due to the length of the eclipse totality in Russellville, NASA is planning to host part of the agency’s live television broadcast from the city, as well as conduct several scientific presentations and public outreach events for visitors, which are expected to number more than 100,000. Additional factors for selecting Russellville included access to a large university, and proximity to Little Rock to engage media outlets and key stakeholders representing industry and academia. Leveraging the eclipse to provide quality learning opportunities will be a valuable and unforgettable experience for all area students.

Upcoming STEM/STEAM Opportunities Girls of Promise, an initiative of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, exposes girls to opportunities and mentors in STEAM fields. This annual conference, scheduled for April 5th, is open to 8th grade girls who are interested in STEAM careers. Click HERE for more information including registration.

Skills to Launch is a 10-week scholarship-based, hands-on program that is designed to provide technical skills and soft skills training to adults 18 and older, in a variety of relevant STEM trades, such as: Industrial Operations, Carpentry, Production welding, HVAC, Information Technology, and Solar Panel Installation. Next classes start in January 2024. Click HERE for additional information. eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for students in 6th-9th grades. Each team needs: 2-4 students, an adult Team Advisor (can be an educator), and a community problem to explore or try to solve. Teams choose one of two paths: science (asking a question and/or exploring a problem) OR engineering (solving a problem). Click HERE to learn more and to register a team. Team registration closes February 28, 2024.

Interested in more from The Cutting Edge? Contact our office at 501-372-1691.

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