August 12th Edition

AWSA Update

2026 Elementary Principals’ Convention

Register for the Elementary Principal's Convention at the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort & Spa from October 7-9, 2026. Learn and network with state and national thought leaders, including your colleagues from around the state.  Room block ends 9/7/26, and click here to see all the resort amenities!

The Blueprint to a Wisconsin Elementary School’s Mathematical Excellence

Every time someone reaches out to Winskill Elementary School to ask about our math success, they usually begin with the same question: “What resource do you use?” It’s a fair question. I usually smile and tell them we’ll probably need to schedule a meeting because the answer isn’t that simple. Resources matter, but they aren't where our story begins. Read more here.

Nominate an Outstanding Principal

Nominations of Wisconsin PK-12 principals can now be submitted online at KohlEducation.org for the 2027 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Principal Leadership awards. The deadline for submission is Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. Central Time. Awards are $6,000, with an additional $6,000 grant going to the school of each selected principal. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and community members. Learn more here.

In Case You Missed It: 2026-27 Principal’s Calendar

Each year AWSA publishes a calendar to help principals stay focused, organized and growing. The resource provides monthly lists of essential responsibilities, dates to remember, professional development opportunities, timely advice on key leadership topics and community builder ideas for parents, students and staff. Over the course of the school year, we will highlight the next month so you can “plan to plan”.  Click here to view the 2026-27 calendar.

Choosing Joy on Purpose

There is something about August that has always felt a little different to me. Maybe it’s the feeling of a fresh start. Maybe it’s the excitement of seeing people you haven’t seen all summer, walking into a building that has been quiet for a few months, and watching it slowly come back to life. There is something about a new school year that makes you believe, even for a moment, that anything is possible. Of course, August can also feel like a lot. Read more here.