MSAA Matters
October Volume I
"Believe in the possibility that we can strive to be antiracist from this day forward."
From author Ibram X. Kendi in the book: How To Be An Antiracist
October 12th
October is a month for all kinds of worthy recognitions: World Teacher Day on October 5th, Breast Cancer Awareness all month, Indigenous People's Observance Monday, October 11th, National Bullying Prevention Month, LGBTQ+ History Month and the continuation of Hispanic Heritage Month until October 15th. Our Horace Mann partners have provided us with a wonderful resource for Breast Cancer Awareness Month immediately following the entirety of this message.
Here at MSAA, we wanted to highlight National Principal's Month which takes place all October long. Please view the video below with a message for all of you from MSAA President, Julie Vincentsen.
Convocation
I have also included a short video compilation of our pictures from the Convocation. You certainly get a feel for the energy for opening this school year. Thanks to our sponsor O'Connor Studios for the great pictures and sponsoring our keynote speaker, Kimbrelle Barbosa Lewis.
Save the Dates
Saturday, February 12th ED Camp Live 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Thursday, March 10th 2:00 PM 5:00 PM; Friday, March 11th 8:30 - 3:00 PM our PK-8 Spring Conference is back!
Monday, April 4th Ed Camp Play 2.0 in partnership with DESE
October NAESP & NASSP National Principal's Month
Latest Articles, Videos, Websites, Podcasts for this Edition
Indigenous People's Day Resources
Student Council
Additionally, please find an update on MSAA Student Council's activities and the election of student officers. Hats off to Associate Director, Peter Smith for his leadership for our Student Councils.
The MASC Student Executive Board members conducted their initial meeting of the 2021-22 school year at the MSAA Office on Saturday, September 18th. The students began planning the 2021-22 calendar of events and will meet monthly throughout the year.
The members of the 2021-22 MASC Student Executive Board are:
President: Jade Moynihan, Foxborough Regional Charter School
Vice President: Paige Money, Tahanto Regional High School
Secretary: Megan Raymond, Oxford High School
Delegates:
Emma Pszeniczny, Minnechaug Regional High School
Lexi Quirk, Dracut High School
Skylar Gravell, Westborough High School
Evan Hemingway, Tantasqua Regional High School
SEMASC President: Carolayne Lage, Rockland High School
NEMASC President: Emerson D’Amato, Dracut High School
CDMASC President: Nicholas Goodchild, Oakmont Regional High School
WMASC President: Kiel Williams, Minnechaug Regional High School
Shah Foundation findyourfunds.org (An incredible opportunity)
In collaboration with other statewide partners, the Shah Foundation has been working on a project to increase access to tax credits and stimulus payments via findyourfunds.org. We would love your help in spreading the word with one more outreach before the October 15 deadline (if you haven't already done so!) to the principals and administrators in your network.
As you may know, households could get thousands of dollars in tax credits and Stimulus Payments - even if they don’t usually file or owe taxes. Please encourage your clients to apply for this money ASAP with a 2020 tax return or using the non filer sign up tool. As you know, access to these funds is critical for many right now.
Those eligible could get:
Child Tax Credit checks - $250-$300 per child per month
Access to all 3 three Stimulus Payments for individuals and/or eligible children / dependents (between $600-$3200 per person!) if they did not get them
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps many low income people (including many essential workers)
Families can still sign up for payments for the last 3 years and get the money!
People who make low or no income can sign up at any time through October 15; after that, they can sign up in 2022 with the new tax season. Learn more about what you can get and how to get free help at findyourfunds.org.
SPREAD THE WORD:
FindYourFunds.org helps families learn what payments they could be eligible for and connects them to free help. Outreach materials are available in 11 languages - including email/call/text templates, flyers and social media.
Upcoming Reminders/Events/Professional Learning Opportunities
#MSAA Chat
#MSAA Chat second Tuesdays of the month September - June at 8:00 PM. Next chat Tuesday, October 12th. Thank you to our facilitators: Marty Geoghegan, Bob Silveira, and Brian McCann!
Bullying Prevention Month
Resources below.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Please see below in the Articles/Video/Podcast section of this newsletter for a PDF link with resources for Hispanic Heritage Months from September 15th - October 15th for grades K-8. Thanks to Bobbie French for making me aware of this resource. Check it out!
DESE MSAA Early Learning Team
2021-2022 Elementary School Principals Networking & Professional Development Series
The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Early Learning Team, the MA School Administrators’ Association (MSAA) and the MA Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (MAECTE) will be hosting a series of networking and professional development opportunities for elementary school principals (Preschool to 3rd grade) and early childhood administrators and educators during the 2021-2022 school year. The theme for this year’s series will be Anti-Racist Leadership in the Early Grades. The 2021-2022 series will be virtual (unless otherwise noted) and will commence with a statewide kick-off event and be followed by webinars, networking sessions, book discussion groups, EdCamp Play, and a culminating statewide convening in the spring. Further details are posted on the Early Learning Team’s webpage.
The first convening will take place on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 3:00-5:00pm with Matthew Rodriguez from Equity Imperative speaking on Anti-Racist Leadership in Elementary Schools. Registration for the October 19th convening is open.
Statewide Meetings: Anti-Racist Leadership in Elementary Schools
Matthew Rodriguez from Equity Imperative and his team will deliver 3 professional development sessions (each 2 hours in length) on anti-racist leadership in the early grades. These sessions will be interactive and include whole group and small group discussions. The sessions will take place from 3:00-5:00pm on:
· Tuesday, October 19, 2021 (Registration is open.);
· Tuesday, December 7, 2021;
· Tuesday, February 8, 2021.
Networking Meetings
With participation from DESE Early Learning Team staff, MSAA will host regular Ring Central Gatherings for elementary principals on the first Monday of each month (2021 - TBA 2022 - TBA). MSAA will send the link out the day before the ring central gathering. If you don’t receive the link, email Beth Wittcoff at bwittcoff@msaa.net. In-person, school-based network meetings will be considered for the Spring 2022, if and when schools/COVID-19 guidance permits.
MSAA/DESE’s Early Learning Team PK-8 Spring Conference - Anti-Racist Social and Emotional Learning: The Importance of Family and Student Voice (In-person)
On March 10-11, 2022, MSAA and DESE’s Early Learning Team will host a convening focused on anti-racist social-emotional learning. A keynote presentation will be provided by Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite along with a mother and her daughter to talk about the impact of race on family and student engagement and social-emotional well-being. Workshops will follow the keynote presentation. (Hours/schedule to be determined)
EdCamp Play 2.0
In honor of Week of the Young Child (April 2-8, 2022), we plan to host EdCamp Play 2.0.
· Monday, April 4, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
· Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Book Group Discussions (all 3:30-5:00 p.m.)
All book group discussions will take place across two dates, and attendance at both is encouraged but not required. Discussions will be facilitated by MSAA, MAECTE and Department staff.
· November 9 and 17, 2021 – Can We Talk About Race? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
· January 19 and 26, 2022 – Purposeful Play: A Teacher’s Guide to Igniting Deep and Joyful Learning Across the Day by K. Mraz, A. Porcelli, and C. Tyler
May Statewide Meeting – LGBTQ: The Importance of Family and Student Voice (Date TBD)
The Early Learning team will provide 10 Professional Development Points (PDPs) for elementary school principals who, as part of this year-long professional development series, are able to take on a project or product related to early learning, anti-racist leadership and/or play as an instructional strategy and to engage in at least of 10 hours of professional development over this year long series. More information on PDPs is forthcoming.
For questions about any of the convenings in this professional development calendar, please contact a member of the Early Learning Team (781-338-3010 or achievement@doe.mass.edu).
Massachusetts Partnership for Youth INC.
Registration is now open for MPY’s webinars
Please visit www.mpyinc.org to view all webinars and conferences for the upcoming school year. We are proud to present over 100 trainings focused on the following topics to promote students’ holistic health, safety and well-being, including:
· Anti-Racism, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
· Social & Emotional Learning
· Mental & Behavioral Health
· Trauma-Sensitive Schools and Classrooms
Contact Margie Daniels at margie@mpyinc.org with any questions.
Current Articles/Videos/Podcasts
In this edition there are resources form NAESP and NASSP with strategies to recognize principals and also for advocacy.
Also in this edition I have included 5 articles on Indigenous People and the compelling evidence and importance of respecting native cultures and how we can do that better.
There is also a link from Learning For Justice with resources for teaching about LGBTQ+ Month and lastly an article on SEL for principals - in keeping with President Vincentsen's message on taking care of yourselves.
Closing Message from Bob Baldwin
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of ALL children. You are making a difference!
Warm Regards,
Beth
Beth Wittcoff
MSAA Assistant Executive Director
MSAA Matters Newsletter
Middle Level and Elementary Committee Liaison
Ring Central Gatherings
LGBTQ+ History Month
MSAA Position Papers
DESE LATEST RESOURCES
RING CENTRAL GATHERINGS
See member email for links to these gatherings!
There will not be a meeting on the Monday holidays.
1st Monday of the Month High School Administrator Gatherings 3 PM
PK - 8 Gathering @ 4:00 PM
2nd Monday of the Month Assistant Principal Gatherings 3 PM
November 8th (Indigenous People's Day - no Gathering in October)
3rd Monday of the Month Middle Level Administrators 3 PM
September 20th
4th Monday of the Month All Level Administrators 4 PM
September 27th
MSAA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FALL 2021
Professional Development Opportunities
Live/In-Person
October 6, 2021, Classroom Management, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Carol Gregory, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
October 13, 2021, How to Supervise and Evaluate the Low Proficient, Unsatisfactory, and Needs Improvement Teacher, Leadership and Administration, presented by Carol Gregory, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
October 14, 2021, Legal Aspects of Student Discipline, Leadership and Administration, presented by Colleen Shea, Stoneman, Chandler & Miller, Register
October 19, 2021, Practical Trauma-Informed Strategies to Reduce Anxiety in Students, Special Education, presented by Jessica Minahan, MEd, BCBA, Register
October 25, 2021, Restorative Justice, Leadership and Administration, presented by Dr. Curtis Bates, Seaside Educational Consultants, Register
November 3, 2021, Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching: Improving Practice Every Day, Leadership and Administration, presented by Shoshy Starr, Athena Educational Consulting, Register
November 8, 2021, Examining Student Engagement: Moving from Compliance, to Cognition and Intellectual Risk-Taking, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Teresa Sullivan, Ph.D., Register
November 15, 2021, Re-JOY-ning the Math Class! - Math Openers, Routines, and Experiences to Build MATH Positivity and Better Discourse in Your Classroom: Grades 5-9, Mathematics, presented by Marcie Abramson, Athena Educational Consulting, Register
November 17, 2021, Components of a Multi-Tiered System of Support and the Role, of the SST (Student Support Team) How do Both Structures Impact Teaching and Learning?, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Dr. Curtis Bates, Seaside Educational Consultants, Register
December 1, 2021, Strategies for Motivating the Low-Motivation Learner that Every Teacher Should Use Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Dr. Roseli Weiss, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc, Register
December 6, 2021, How to Reinvent Schools and Learning for Your School/District, Leadership and Administration, presented by Maureen Gilman, Seaside Educational Consultants, Register
December 8, 2021, Specially Designed Instruction (SDI): What it Is and What it Is Not, Special Education, presented by Abby Hanscom, Athena Educational Consulting, Register
December 10, 2021, Re-JOY-ning the Math Class! - Math Openers, Routines, and Experiences to Build MATH Positivity and Better Discourse, in Your Classroom: Elementary, Mathematics, presented by Marcie Abramson, Athena Educational Consulting, Register
December 14, 2021, RTI interventions and the SEI Classroom, Special Education, presented by Laurie Sullivan, Athena Educational Consulting, Register
Synchronous
Start Date October 6, Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Course for All Classroom Teachers and School Clinical Staff, Curriculum and Instruction, Karen Dodd Antonelli, M.Ed., Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register,
Subsequent Dates on Flyer
Start Date October 7, Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Course for Vocational High School Teachers and School Clinical Staff, Curriculum and Instruction, Karen Dodd Antonelli, M.Ed., Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register,
Subsequent Dates on Flyer
Start Date October 12, Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Course for Administrators, Leadership and Administration, Kaitlyn Torossion, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register, Subsequent Dates on Flyer
Asynchronous - Learning Portals open Oct 1, 2021 through January 15, 2022
The Inclusive Classroom: Reaching Students of ALL Abilities, through Co-teaching and Creating Tiered Interventions, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Dr. Judy Ann DeLucia, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Classroom Management: Keys to Maximizing Opportunities, for Student Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Dr. Curtis Bates, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Differentiated Instruction to Promote Maximum Learning Recovery, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Carol Gregory, Ribas Associates and Publications, Register
Learning Recovery, Curriculum and Instruction, presented by Cynthia Marchand, Ribas Associates and Publications Inc., Register 4 Graduate Credits Available
Succeeding with English Language Learners, English Language Arts, Dr. Cindy Crimmin, Ribas Associates and Publications Inc., Register Approved by DESE for the 15-PDP ELL License Renewal Requirement
Restorative Justice, Leadership/Administration, presented by Dr. Curtis Bates, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
How to Deliver Effective Feedback: Addressing What Matters Most to Improve Professional Practice, How to have a Difficult Conversation!, Leadership/Administration, presented by, Dr. Judy Ann DeLucia, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Effective and Stress-Free Parent Communication, Leadership/Administration, presented by Jared Procopio, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Expanding Math Mindsets: Digital Tools & Resources, to Engage Middle & High School Students, Mathematics, presented by Brian Skeffington, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Understanding the Differentiated Instruction Classroom: A Certificate Program for Paraprofessionals and Assistant Teachers, presented by Carol Gregory, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
Succeeding with Students with Special Needs: A Certificate Program for Paraprofessionals and Assistant Teachers, presented by Bill Simmons, M.Ed., Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
Succeeding with English Language Learners: A Certificate Program for Paraprofessionals and Assistant Teachers, presented by Dr. Cindy Crimmin, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
SEL in the Classroom: A Certificate Program for Paraprofessionals and Assistant Teachers, presented by Dr. Deborah Brady, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
Positive Anxiety - Making the Shift, Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, presented by Patric Barbieri, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC Register
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Academics and Social Emotional Learning to Maximize Student Learning, Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, presented by Maureen Gilman, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Getting Back on Track: Using PBIS Strategies to Create Safe and Supportive Classrooms, Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, presented by Maureen Gilman, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Sustaining Educator Wellness for the Long Haul, Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, presented by Christopher Dodge, Seaside Educational Consultants, LLC, Register
Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom: The Gateway to Learning Recovery, Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, presented by Dr. Deborah Brady, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register
1 Graduate Credit Available
Succeeding with Students with Special Needs, Special Education, presented by Bill Simmons, M.Ed., Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register Approved by DESE for the 15-PDP Special Education License Renewal Requirement
Recovering Learning Loss for Students from Low Income Homes, Special Education, presented by Dr. Roseli Weiss, Ribas Associates and Publications, Inc., Register