New Episode of the Rock Star Principals’ Podcast Drops Tuesday, August 4th at 8:00am EST!

School starts (or has started) imminently and the time has come to stop admiring the problem and start finding solutions. This week, Jon and Nick talk about the latest developments around the country regarding COVID-19, provide two important "RSP Lessons for Starting the 2020-2021 School Year," and denounce the politicizing of the school reopening issue. Link … Continue reading New Episode of the Rock Star Principals’ Podcast Drops Tuesday, August 4th at 8:00am EST!

“Do You See Me?” The Power of Student Connections

https://blog.nassp.org/2019/02/06/do-you-see-me-the-power-of-student-connections/ Positive connections between students, teachers, administrators, and school community lead to academic success and a balanced education. To reach their potential, it is integral that children connect to at least one person in their school community. This connection needs to exist within a safe and stable environment, providing opportunities for these relationships to strengthen … Continue reading “Do You See Me?” The Power of Student Connections

Share Your Passion with Students: School-Wide Clubs

https://blog.nassp.org/2019/02/20/share-your-passion-with-students-school-wide-clubs/ A maximal learning environment cannot exist without students feeling safe and connected with their teacher in the classroom. But teachers quickly get caught up with the demands of covering curriculum and meeting mandates. Most times, it is easier to conform to the system instead of infusing our individual personalities into our school lives. When … Continue reading Share Your Passion with Students: School-Wide Clubs

Building Positive School Culture Through Service Activities

https://blog.nassp.org/2019/04/17/building-positive-school-culture-through-service-activities/ Middle level students are at a crucial age, consciously developing their identities while trying to understand how they fit in with their peers. Teachers, administrators, and staff have the opportunity to provide a compass for students navigating these difficult times. As middle level students develop their sense of self, they often begin looking for … Continue reading Building Positive School Culture Through Service Activities

Most Improved: Our Journey With Student Awards and Recognition

https://blog.nassp.org/2019/05/29/most-improved-our-journey-with-student-awards-and-recognition/ When I became principal at Downingtown Middle School, it surprised me to find a heavy emphasis on end-of-year academic awards. At the end of the year, a student could win eight different awards simply for making honor roll. Over 80 percent of the student body qualified for honor roll. Each of those awards were … Continue reading Most Improved: Our Journey With Student Awards and Recognition