From the President -I was at a meeting this summer where U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, addressed the crowd.  Her message went something like this: “Show me a great school and I’ll show you a great principal; show me a great principal and I’ll show you a great school.”  Read on >

Dear Members -Welcome to the next day of your rewarding and exhausting profession.  I’m sure you have renewed energy by which to engage your school staff and students in enthusiastic ways to improve learning in your particular school: Read on >

Benefits You Already Receive- Ten ways NAESP Membership makes a difference! As a MEMSPA member you are automatically a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Find out what comes with your membership....Read on >

Membership Renewal - It’s that time of year when everyone is jumping into the trenches full force.  It’s also that time of year when principalsneed to renew their MEMSPA Membership or establish their MEMSPA Membership!  Don’t let the deadline to renew or join MEMSPA slip by! Membership renewal forms were sent out in May so make sure you have your paperwork sent in. Read on >

New Orleans Bound - It’s not too early to plan your trip to the NAESP’s 88th Annual Convention and Exposition April 2-6, 2009, in New Orleans.  The NAESP annual convention is recognized nationwide for its quality professional development opportunities, motivational speakers, and chances to meet and network with other education professionals. Read on >

Spotlight On - Rob Kauffman: I’m the current Principal at J.A. Lanigan Elementary School in Farmington Hills, where I am starting my sixth year.  Lanigan Elementary has 460 students of which 28% of our student population receives free/reduced lunch.  We consider diversity a major strength. Read on >

Principal for a Day - (PFAD) programs have a long track record of success in many school districts. Inviting community leaders to shadow a principal for a day is a concept designed to help participants understand the rewards and rigors of the principalship. PFAD programs have resulted in appreciation and respect for schools, teachers, and principals, and they have built lasting public relations benefits. Read on >

Under the Dome -While legislative activity has taken a bit of a summer break here in Lansing we have been busy representing the issues you care about in Washington DC.
Read on >

The Reading Principal - Bill Rich, MEMSPA Past President and principal of McFall Elementary School with the Thornapple Kellogg Public Schools, will share his love of reading to students with MEMSPA members in a regular article titled, The Reading Principal.  In each article, Bill will share a favorite book that has been “field tested” with elementary students. This month, Bill discusses Tough Boris by Mem Fox.
Read on >

Did You Know - Nationwide, nearly 50 million students are heading off to approximately 97,000 public elementary and secondary schools for the fall term. Before the school year is out, an estimated $489 billion will be spent related to their education, with an average of $9,969 to be spent per pupil for fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools. Read on >

Article Submission - Have you ever read an article from a magazine, newsletter, or other source and thought, "I should pass this along to others,"? If you come across an article or have a story worth passing along to your colleagues, please contact Peter at debbie@memspa.org.