September 20th Edition 

AWSA Update

Know Your AWSA Services: Career Center

We know how much school leadership matters.  AWSA’s Career Center provides members with the information and support they need to grow in this important profession, including:

  • Compensation information and data

  • Contract review and support

  • Job-related consultation

  • Job Postings (personalized job alerts)

  • Interview preparation

  • Resume/cover letter review

 


Memorial Service for Chuck Hilston to be Held September 23

Charles R. "Chuck" Hilston, executive director Emeritus of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), passed away Friday, July 21, 2023.  Family, friends, and colleagues will celebrate his life at a memorial service on September 23 at Luther Memorial Church in Madison.  Details for the service can be found in the obituary.  Read more.


Seclusion and Restraint Reports Due by October 1

It’s back-to-school time when summer school and fall planning give way to a fresh new school year.  Each year brings with it the opportunity and obligation to post annual notices and prepare reports.  Each school in the district must complete the Seclusion and Restraint Report by October 1 of each year.  This report is one of those requirements that can easily get lost in the excitement that the fall brings. Read more.


Restorative Practices: The Key Actions of School Leaders for Effective Implementation

By Dr. Amy L. Starzecki, District Administrator, Superior School District

When I arrived in Superior in 2018, district discipline data showed a large number of students being suspended or expelled each year. We saw specific populations were being suspended or expelled disproportionately as compared to their peers. The use of suspension and expulsion resulted in loss of instructional time with students out of the classroom and was having a direct impact on student learning. As an administrative team, we wanted to better understand disciplinary actions that minimize a student’s time outside of the classroom and reduce future incidents. We brought “Restorative Practices” to our school district. Four research findings rose to the top as most important for principals to ensure effective implementation of restorative practice.  Read more.


Leveraging Wisconsin’s Modified School-Based Mental Health Services State Funding

In the 2023-2025 State Budget, Act 19 changed how funds are distributed under the SBMHS Grant program from a competition to a per pupil allocation to all school districts and ICSs. Read more.


 

September 6th Edition 

AWSA Update

Know Your AWSA Services: Legal Benefits to Inform, Guide, and Protect

As an AWSA member, you have access to free telephone consultation with the association’s retained attorney; and are eligible for up to $1,500 of financial assistance for legal bills related to your service as a school leader. Read more.


Building a High Performing PLC: One School’s Journey to Model PLC Status in Two Years

Prairie View Elementary School in the Beaver Dam Unified School District has been engaging in the PLC work for many years, but only since the 2020–21 school year did they fully invest in the process and engage completely in transforming into a high performing PLC. Read more.


Assistant Principal of the Year Nominations Now Open

The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes Associate Principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across Wisconsin. Please note, as this award is facilitated by the NASSP, it is for secondary associate principals only. Learn more here.


Herb Kohl Foundation Now Accepting Teacher & Principal Nominations for Awards 

Nominations of Wisconsin PK through 12 teachers and principals can now be submitted online at KohlEducation.org for the 2024 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation teacher Fellowship and principal Leadership awards. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 5 p.m. central time. Awards are $6,000, with an additional $6,000 grant going to the school of each selected teacher and principal. Read more.


Save the Date for Upcoming AWSA Conferences

  • Associate Principals Conference: January 24-26, 2024, Concourse Hotel, Downtown Madison

  • High School & Middle School Convention: February 7-9, 2024, Concourse Hotel, Downtown Madison

Registration will open for both conferences in October. 


Elementary Principals’ Convention- Register Today! (Room Block Expires September 11)

The Convention will feature sessions by Dr. Anthony Muhammad, Jessica Cabeen, high-impact school leaders, and AWSA thought leaders.  Join your colleagues for this fantastic learning opportunity October 11-13, 2023, in Brookfield.  Learn more and register here.

Important updates:

  • Sessions have been added on 2023 WI Act 20 on early literacy, as well as AI in Action for elementary leaders.

  • The hotel room block closes 9/11/23- so reserve your room today!