Like A Rolling Stone: MESPA Gathers No Moss

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P. Fred Storti, MESPA Executive Director

September 2009 --
Report from MESPA Executive Director P. Fred Storti

“Great principals not only have high expectations for their students and staff, but high expectations for themselves.”

National Leaders Conference
Two outstanding MESPA leaders represented us at the National Leaders Conference in Washington D.C.: Past President Dick Oscarson and NAESP State Representative Jean Clark. On July 16, Dick and Jean met with our Congressional delegation on the top federal education issues that affect us everyday: NCLB, IDEA, and the Federal Stimulus plan.

I want to personally thank both Dick and Jean for their many years and contributions to MESPA as state leaders. Dick Oscarson is entering his fifth year of leadership as MESPA immediate past president. Jean Clark is in the sixth and final year of her second term as our MESPA NAESP state representative. Their combined leadership styles have modeled excellent communication skills, alliance building, and a culture of service to our members. They are true champions for children!

INVESTMN
INVESTMN is a collaborative initiative of MESPA, MASSP (secondary principals), and MASA (superintendents) that provides regular editions of talking points on key messages to be used by education leaders in your local communications and presentations. Formerly known as Champions for Children™, the success of this initiative and its influence on funding and public policy depends on the commitment of our members to use the materials provided with your stakeholders and legislators. You, our principals, can most effectively communicate key messages about public education throughout the state by sharing those messages in your community and preparing your staff, parents, and board members to do the same. Watch for your INVESTMN materials throughout the year -- and please use them!

NEW INITIATIVES FOR MESPA MEMBERS

Hazelden Olweus® Bullying Prevention Program
At this writing we are developing a partnership with Hazelden Publishing to bring the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to our members at a discount and if possible, develop grants to implement the Norwegian research-based program in your school community. Olweus is a comprehensive, school wide program designed for K-8 schools. Its goals are to reduce bullying problems among school children and to improve peer relations at school. Several of our members are already using the program with very positive results, seeing changes in school culture with improved relationships. Recently principals in the Chisago Lakes Schools implemented Olweus with a bully questionnaire of their students. Joe Thimm, principal at Taylors Falls Elementary, said “staff are excited about the program because it reinforces the right of every student to feel safe and secure at school.” More information will be forthcoming regarding benefits for our members implementing Olweus.

Colleague to Colleague and Book Read
Last year at this time we launched MESPA Colleague to Colleague, our blog. Over 25 percent of our members are using this interactive online forum to find solutions, solve problems, and share resources. This year, as another professional development initiative, we will be offering CEUs through a book read that will offer division-based discussions and a statewide Web-based discussion (using another blog). The book we have chosen aligns with our work to build strong professional learning communities and develop integrated school cultures that engage educators with our colleagues and communities: “Building Strong School Culture – A Guide to Leading Change.” Co-authored by one of our own, Dr. Karen Seashore Louis, currently at the University of Minnesota, the book provides an outstanding framework to guide education administrators in positively shaping culture district-wide. Details will be forthcoming.

MESPA Facebook
New this year to MESPA is Facebook. If you are so inclined, connect with your colleagues, see what they are doing, and highlight some of the great things happening at your school. MESPA Facebook is just another medium to build our network.

Own Your Data seminars
We know that there is no shortage of data and that using it strategically will help you meet your goals. Own Your Data Seminar, presented by Dr. Ben Silberglitt, Director of Software Applications, TIES, through our TIES partnership is being offered in locations throughout the state to meet the expressed needs of our members. Go to www.mespa.net and click on Professional Development for more information.

UPonGREEN
Last year MESPA moved in the green direction by minimizing paper at our Leadership Conference and board meetings. We created a Leaders Center in Members Only on our Web, www.mespa.net and posted documents there instead of copying them. This summer we learned about UPonGREEN, an organization that provides a practical framework for being green in schools, associations, businesses, churches, and government operations. We want to take green to the next level and hope you do too. We're partnering with MASSP, MASA, and TIES to bring the ecology message to schools and communities. This would be a great project to engage your parent groups, PTAs, or advisory councils on. Check out upongreen.com (or click on the logo on the bottom of the MESPA home page. Join the movement!

36th Annual Leadership Conference
On September 13-14, 144 MESPA leaders have been invited to our Leadership Conference at Breezy Point. These elected state officers, Board of Directors, and committee members from our twelve statewide divisions will come together to generate action steps aligned with our five strategic goals. It’s a great opportunity for networking and sharing the exciting initiatives happening in our divisions and schools.

High Expectations
Our work as school leaders is more important than ever. Great principals not only have high expectations for their students and staff, but high expectations for themselves. As instructional leaders we inspire, motivate, and support so that our students can achieve at the highest possible level. Thank you for the leadership you provide to make this happen and have a great start to the school year!

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

651.999.7310 MN toll free 800.642.6807

Fax: 651.999.7311 E-mail: mespa@mespa.net