on named
On a fall ride to school in 2022, a 4th grade student from Fronteras Charter School named Solei noticed that many trees were being cut down to make way for new housing. It bothered her, and after lots of discussion about it with her family, she decided to ask her principal if she could raise awareness about deforestation and also raise money to help with planting new trees. Continue reading ‘AK Students’ Passion for Trees Contributes to Rainforest Reforestation’ by ACSA Staff
on As the Principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in the Southwest Region School District, I want to showcase one unique way that we are engaging students in a virtual environment in New Stuyahok, Alaska. I was born and raised in Alaska, and I have always been very connected to the land and its’ resources. I actively participate in subsistence activities to harvest fish, game, and edible plants, and my chief goal as a principal is to help my students and staff connect to the traditional way of life in a meaningful way.One opportunity we have had while in the red risk level where students are participating in distance learning is facilitating a way for them to connect through Subsistence Bingo.
Continue reading ‘Engaging Students in a Virtual Environment’ by Principal Robin Jones
on
“Be resilient, be responsive, and find what works.” – Robyn Taylor
Principal Robyn Taylor’s last semester started with a very broken foot in traction, a pandemic that turned school upside down while she was homebound, and a transition to homeschooling her 17-year-old daughter. So when she got the phone call that she was named Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals, she had to tell her wide-eyed daughter that the tears in her eyes were happy tears of gratitude. As a self-proclaimed optimist, Principal Taylor lives every day finding and shining light on the positive things even in this time of extreme upheavals. Continue reading ‘Alaska’s 2020 AASSP Principal of the Year: Robyn Taylor’ by Seanna O’Sullivan at ACSA
on The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers – with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region.
Continue reading ‘AASSP Regional Principals of The Year 2020 – Part 2’ by Seanna O’Sullivan at ACSA
on The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers – with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region.
Continue reading ‘AASSP Regional Principals of The Year 2020 – Part 1’ by Seanna O’Sullivan at ACSA
on Through new territories of learning and teaching, we must remember to celebrate all successes, even the little ones. Each community, parents and district’s staff, and students deserve an applause, gratitude, and appreciation, as well as a great big virtual hug. I’ve often said to colleagues (and I have been reminded by many) that the second semester just flies by. This year, with no exception, second semester flew by. This flight had a much different pattern, nonetheless, the end of the school year was still here in a flash.
on 
The Alaska School Leadership Academy (ASLA) is a professional development program for early career principals in Alaska. Started in 2018 and administered by the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ASCA) and the Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN), the program now supports two cohorts of principals from 24 school districts across the state. Continue reading ‘The Alaska School Leadership Academy (ASLA)’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN
on 
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has named Meghan Redmond, assistant principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Alaska, the 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year. Her award announcement is made during NASSP’s annual celebration of National Assistant Principals Week.
on 
While there are many advantages to working in the field of education, educators often communicate that they do not feel adequately appreciated for the extraordinary work they do. Recognizing that thankfulness is an important value and an often simple expression can make a significant difference, we have started a movement of deliberately spreading the practice of gratitude. Continue reading ‘Expressing Gratitude Matters’ by Principal Robin Jones of Chief Ivan Blunka School
on 
Three times a year, the Alaska Council of School Administrators publishes a bulletin that highlights K-12 administrative work in Alaska. It’s filled with reflection, commentary and celebration of the work leading Alaska’s schools.
This winter’s edition presents a wide series of voices and perspectives. Dr. Karen Gaborik, Superintendent in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and 2018 Alaska Superintendent Association President, writes about the ‘Mid-Year Team Check-In’, and how it helps gauge progress fulfilled and progress yet to make during a school year. Continue reading Alaska Council of School Administrator’s Winter Education Bulletin
