November Update
Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
Happy November!
I want to express my extreme gratitude to all those who have reached out this month with their kind words and well wishes, congratulating me on the National Distinguished Principals award. This has been the highlight of my career so far, and so many of you have been such a big part of it. Again, thank you.
Alaska Association Elementary Principals play a vital role in shaping the future of our children and, by extension, the future of our great state. We, as principals, hold the key to unlocking the potential within each young mind. As leaders, our influence extends far beyond the walls of our schools, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child receives a world-class education.
In the spirit of collaboration and shared vision, our association aims to foster an environment where every principal can grow, learn, and thrive. We are a community that values innovation, inclusivity, and the well-being of our students, staff, and ourselves.
Professional Development: The Alaska Principal’s Conference was a fantastic event. We will continue to provide opportunities for principals to expand their knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities. By doing so, we empower ourselves to lead more effectively and create environments that nurture both academic excellence and the personal growth of our students.
Advocacy: We will lead the charge for elementary principals in Alaska, advocating for policies that prioritize our students’ well-being and our educators' professional autonomy. Together, we can effect positive change at the state level.
The state of public education in our state requires your help. Please get in touch with your legislators now. We need them to know how necessary adequate funding for our schools is. They need to know we need help to get quality educators in our classrooms and the ability to keep them in our communities. Our retirement system pushes people out of the state, not encouraging them to stay. Our Joint Position Statements will give you talking points to help guide your discussions. If you need help practicing, reach out to the AAESP Team or ACSA to give you tips on your conversation. We are here to work together and make Alaska’s Education the priority of this Legislative Session.
Networking and Support: Building relationships with fellow principals is crucial. We will facilitate networking opportunities to share best practices, resources, and emotional support as we navigate the unique challenges of our profession.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to participate in the activities and initiatives of our association actively. Your input, experience, and passion are invaluable to our collective success. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of Alaska's youth. As we continue to grow, your involvement is important. If you are interested in more of a leadership role, please reach out to me or the AAESP Team.
I am excited about the work that lies ahead, and I look forward to working closely with each of you to build a brighter future for the children of Alaska. Let us continue to be the guiding lights in their educational journey, inspiring them to reach for the stars.
Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of serving as your President. Together, we can achieve great things.
With warm regards and the utmost respect,
Joshua Gill
Husband, Dad, Principal, and AAESP President
Sheila Sweetsir is a Koyukon Athabascan from the village of Galena, Alaska, a small village on the Yukon River. She is one of the founders for Alaska Native Cultural Charter School (ANCCS), a preschool through eighth grade school in Anchorage, Alaska.
In 2004 when she was working at Muldoon Elementary, Martha Gould-Lehe, a now retired teacher, approached her and asked if she would be willing to create a school that honored and taught the traditional values and pedagogy of Alaska Native people. The work began with a small group of parents, teachers, and community members meeting together to work on the charter to be presented to the Anchorage School District and to the State. After three intense years, ANCCS was chartered in the spring of 2007. It wasn’t until 2008 they opened their doors in a small church. The following year they moved into an old furniture store where they resided for two years, and in 2011 they moved into a leased space where they stayed for ten years until the pandemic hit in March of 2020 and students went online.
In March of 2021, due to issues with the ventilation and airflow to the classrooms, the leased building became uninhabitable as a school. Anchorage School District (ASD) worked diligently to find a space where ANCCS could reside until a proper building could be found. The ANCCS staff packed up the whole school and moved everything down the road into Bettye Davis East High School where the charter school shared space on the second floor for two years until June 2023. ASD closed one of its elementary schools and an agreement was made with ANCCS’s Academic Policy Committee (APC) for the school to move into the former Abbott Loop Elementary building. On June 1, 2023, Principal Sweetsir was handed the keys and ANCCS moved into their new home at 8427 Lake Otis Parkway.
After a long summer, ANCCS is now settled into its new space. The school is thriving and making the school its own with potlucks, daily Yuuyaraq Gatherings, sports (badminton, basketball, and Native Youth Olympics), movie nights, and a huge fall festival to name a few.
Principal Sweetsir said, “We are very fortunate to have a new building, but we know it is not about the space where we are but about the students and our mission. We’ve made our new space a welcoming, safe, and family-oriented place where we call everyone, our ANCCS family.”
ANCCS has passionate educators who strive to provide their students with a rigorous academic focus, sharing weekly ancestral words of wisdom, teaching Yuuyaraq, the Way of Being, and engaging in culturally relevant lessons. At ANCCS it is not uncommon to see a seal being cut up, students plucking a bird, making salve from locally harvested plants, and Yup’ik singing and yuraq (dancing). ANCCS uses traditional ways of using restorative practices and elder wisdom to guide students in understanding humanity and their purpose as good human beings.
After six years, Principal Sweetsir still considers herself to be very blessed to serve as the principal of the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School and be an Indigenous role model for all students. She says it provides her with the opportunity to make a difference on a different level, a level that allows students to feel comfortable being themselves and knowing that they are valued members of the community and world. She strongly believes that ANCCS’s Alaska Native and non-Native students deserve the very best education delivered by a strong group of educators who work tirelessly to create a culturally engaging learning environment where all students can achieve academic success and a cultural grounding to know who they are, where they come from, and carry their identity with them as they navigate life. She said she still loves waking up every morning and looking forward to an adventurous, fast paced day and saying, “Waqaa!” to all 275 students and supporting her staff and families.
Principals: The Guiding Lights in Challenging Times in Alaska
As our public education system faces unprecedented challenges, the importance of strong leadership within our schools has never been more evident. Principals and assistant principals, often the unsung heroes of our educational system, are stepping up to the plate and demonstrating that they are indeed the leaders our communities need. In these turbulent times, their unwavering commitment to their staff, students, and communities is a shining example of the strength and resilience of our public education system.
The role of a principal is more than just administrative; they are the guiding lights in our schools. They set the tone for the entire school community, creating a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive, teachers can excel, and parents and families can feel confident in their children's education. In times of crisis, these leaders become the bedrock on which the whole educational structure stands. We have seen that in Alaska repeatedly, COVID being just one example.
Principals and assistant principals are champions of their staff. They understand that the success of their schools is directly linked to the well-being and professional development of their teachers and support staff. Their unwavering support and leadership are helping teachers navigate the complex challenges, such as implementing the Alaska READS Act, the new unfunded mandate passed by the legislator at the Governor’s request. They ensure that quality education continues despite the circumstances. ACSA is here to help you navigate the challenges.
In the face of uncertainty and adversity, principals are the reassuring figures who provide stability for students. They are there to greet students at the school entrance, whether virtually or in-person, offering a friendly face and a sense of normalcy. They do their best to ensure that students have access to resources and emotional support, recognizing that education is not just about academics but also about the overall well-being of each child.
Moreover, our principals are instrumental in strengthening the bonds between schools and communities. They bridge the gap between education and the wider world, fostering partnerships and collaborations that benefit everyone. Whether it's problem-solving food scarcity, arranging mental health resources, or facilitating community outreach programs, principals are at the forefront of creating a sense of unity during these trying times.
During challenges, Alaska principals and assistant principals have shown that they are not just administrators but compassionate leaders who care deeply about the success of their students. They listen to the concerns of their communities and adapt their strategies to meet the unique needs of their schools. They inspire their staff to persevere, innovate, and overcome obstacles. Their leadership is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of education in Alaska can endure.
As we navigate these uncertain times, let us recognize and celebrate the pivotal role of our principals and assistant principals. Their dedication, resilience, and leadership have never been more crucial to the success of our public education system in Alaska. They are the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes to ensure that our students continue to learn and grow.
ACSA expresses our gratitude and support for their invaluable contributions to our schools, our children, and our communities. Together with all the ACSA affiliates, ASA, AASSP, AAESP, ALASBO and educators across Alaska we can overcome the challenges we face and emerge even stronger! So many thanks for the unwavering leadership of our principals, assistant principals!
Respectfully,
Dr. Lisa S. Parady
Nominations are open for National Outstanding Assistant Principal!
AAESP NOAP Nomination Form:
AAESP is growing!
Thank you!
#makingflyingmatter
Raffle tickets are just $20 for one, or six tickets for $100. Each voucher is valued at $1250 for a total travel prize worth $2500. Please reach out to alaskaprincipal@alaskaacsa.org for information on how to purchase raffle tickets. Don't delay! The drawing will be on December 15th!
PreK - 12 Monthly Principal Meetings
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89249290371?pwd=M2hUR0p0WW0zR055RExWdjZORElXUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4929 0371
Passcode: 205964
Hear from colleagues around the state on important issues we are facing, as well as from experts in the field. These meetings are for members only, so be sure you have renewed your membership ASAP!
Alaska Reads Act - Support Available!
Let's learn from one other! We know that you are all at different places regarding the Reads Act implementation and thought we would offer some opportunities for you to share ideas, challenges, and resources with your colleagues around the state. These sessions will not be formal presentations, but a time for principals to collaborate!
Join us on Zoom from 10:00-10:45 on Thursdays 11/9, 11/30, and 12/7.
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer at jschmitz@alaskaacsa.org
The Zoom information is below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82854299679?pwd=eTNyTDdLU2dtRjhMRFJHclo3eWNsUT09
Meeting ID: 828 5429 9679
Passcode: 000206
Additionally, we would LOVE to know additional ways AAESP can support you as you work to implement the Alaska Reads Act with your staff and in your buildings. Please complete the following form to let us know: https://forms.gle/4LBiYoLC1mMhWY6c9
BELA - It isn't too late to join!
Do you have an aspiring leader in your building that has expressed interest in becoming a principal? Or perhaps you see their great leadership potential and they have yet to discover it! We would LOVE to have more people join us for the BELA program!
Building Educational Leaders for Alaska, BELA, is a new program aimed at identifying those future leaders and helping them develop their leadership skills and potential. Please share the following interest form with any aspiring leader that you may know who would make great school leaders in Alaska:
RTI/MTSS Conference - Register Today!
Registration Link to the Alaska RTI/MTSS Conference:
UnitED Summer Conference in Nashville!
Contact Us
Email: jrinaldi@alaskaacsa.org
Website: www.alaskaprincipal.org
Location: 234 Gold Street, Juneau, AK, USA
Phone: 907.242.9989
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akprincipals
Twitter: @alaskaprincipal