How many of you are heading somewhere to see the eclipse? Millions of people are heading toward the ‘Zone of Totality’ to get the best view of the eclipse. I am choosing to stay here as I see an eclipse every night when the sun goes down. It usually lasts all night and the next morning the sun comes back. Just sayin’… Don’t think for a moment our music will not have an eclipse theme. If you don’t like Bonnie Tyler do NOT listen to the music.
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Meanwhile, back in our schools, we are finishing up spring breaks and beginning ACAP testing. Good luck on both endeavors. We are also in the midst of the 2024 legislative session, and the budgets have begun to move. This means the session is winding down and could end in early May. Make sure you read the CLAS Advocacy Update on Monday. Whitney will have great information about the session. |
Click here to read the latest Ed Chat post from The Alabama Education Lab. |
Now, on with the update... |
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We're Hiring! Mentor Coordinator |
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CLAS is hiring a part-time mentor coordinator to assist with the Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program (ANPMP). The Mentor Coordinator will be responsible for leading and sustaining the New Principal Mentoring Program, ensuring its growth and positive impact beyond the initial developmental phase. The coordinator’s role will encompass various tasks aimed at fostering successful mentor-mentee relationships, promoting professional growth and development, and ensuring program compliance with relevant standards and policies.
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We have NOT abandoned the Podcast. We are working on a new platform as our old one is no longer available. |
You can access the podcast any time at clasleaders.org/podcast or under the communications menu on our homepage. It is now available on all major podcast libraries, so you can subscribe using the podcast app of your choice. |
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"Your energy is currency. Spend it well." |
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Acronyms surround us: NASA, NFL, NBA, NCAA, IDEA, IEP, OHI, are but a few examples of acronyms known by many. The advent of texting has added to the list of acronyms, some of which cannot be put in this update. If you are not aware of nor familiar with these abbreviations, I suggest speaking with someone who has a propensity for using them in a text, lol. OMG, there are so many of these. IYKYK. |
One powerful acronym/abbreviation (Why is the word, abbreviation, such a long word?) is FOMO. For the uninitiated, this is Fear Of Missing Out. FOMO is a slippery slope. If one is consistently worried about missing out on an event, conversation, or activity, it can lead to higher levels of worry. This in turn can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Cell phones have given us a sense of ubiquity. We can be everywhere or anywhere at any time.
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This is not possible. We cannot be all things to all people; we cannot be in multiple places at one time; and contrary to many, we cannot multi-task as well as we think we can. This mindset, FOMO thinking, is contributing to our mental health issues. |
Educators have seen many changes during their careers. Students and adults are being distracted by an instantaneous, “now” mindset that has been aided by our ability to get any piece of information in seconds by the device that rarely leaves our hand and never leaves our immediate reach. |
I am no Luddite. I am NOT against cell phones or technology. However, I am in favor of balance when it comes to cell phone usage. Everything has a time and place, and we must reclaim the value of face-to-face learning with teachers and students. Certainly, teachers can and should include technology into lessons; however, this should not be done at the expense of conversation and discourse that is critically needed in our lives.
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I saw a new acronym. JOMO (Joy OF Missing Out). Ok, I can get down with this. I love riding a tractor. Last week I worked on a tractor for about three hours without my cell phone. It was AMAZING! I probably missed a few things during that three-hour tour, but nothing bad happened. In fact, I am going back to Camden this weekend to work some more, and I plan to do so without my cell phone. I will be intentional in creating JOMO moments.
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Let me know your thoughts on JOMO. Just don’t expect an immediate response. |
Are you a retired principal or planning to retire by July 1? Or are you a former principal who is not currently employed in a LEA that participates in the Teachers Retirement System? If so, you may be interested in becoming a mentor for new principals around our state! Use the QR code above or go to the website to learn more about becoming a principal mentor for CLAS. We are looking for experienced administrators to help our newest school leaders in their leadership journey. Beginning in the fall of 2024, all first-year principals will have a mentor for two years. We need mentors for our newest principals, and I encourage you to apply! For questions regarding the Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program provided in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education and Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools please email [email protected].
The Alabama State Department (ALSDE) has compiled a list of FAQs for you! Click on the button below to view the FAQs. If you did not find the answer to your question, please email the ALSDE at [email protected]. |
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Remember, just because we are in uncertain times, does not mean we eliminate legal issues. In fact, Katrina Akers, Sagman, Bennet, Robins, Oppenheim, Taft, and I are here to help with your questions. Simply shoot us an email or give us a call if you have a legal question. Remember, we provide legal DEFENSE. We do NOT provide offense. We help defend you when you need legal help.
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The first rule of legal defense is, “Call before you dig yourself into a hole.” The second rule of legal defense is, “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” I cannot find a citation for either of those rules, and lawyers will not let me attach their names to it. |
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Gardendale beat Hueytown 2-1 this week in baseball. Did you know the game was won in the bottom of the 17th inning? This game is the longest on record for the AHSAA. Wow! That is a great pitchers duel. Oddly, all runs were scored in the 17th inning. We are way behind the national record of 25 innings between two Hawaiian schools in 1967. |
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Great Things Happening in Alabama |
Everyone is aware of the issues related to chronic absenteeism. Students who don’t come to school fall far behind their peers who attend regularly. Every state has seen increases in chronic absences since 2020. While Alabama has a higher rate than we had in 2019, our 2023 rate puts us in the top five in the nation for lowest chronic absenteeism. Click here to read that data. This is a testament to the work being done by everyone from the state department to local schools. We have more to do, and we want our rates to be much lower. Thankfully, we are heading in the right direction in our endeavor. If your school or system is doing great things in this area, let us know and we can share the great news!
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Click here to read more about attendance rates across the nation. |
Check out the ARI YouTube Channel filled with great videos to support you with testing, family communication, and instruction. |
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Several people were on top of the Coke/Pepsi game. Sprite, Barq’s, and Dasani are Coke products. Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and Fanta are Pepsi products. Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa. Tigers were most represented in the women’s NCAA, and Bulldogs were the most represented in the men’s tournament. |
National Day…. Wow! We have several National Days today: National First Contact Day, National Gold Star Spouses Day, National Flash Drive Day (really?), National Nebraska Day, National Deep-Dish Pizza Day, and National Read a Road Map Day. Note: Do not attempt the road map activity while driving. |
We have a few questions for you in today’s update. |
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| Which state has produced the most US Presidents? |
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Which college is the only one to win the NCAA Women’s and Men’s National Basketball Championship in the same year? |
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Two counties have produced the most Alabama Governors. Which two? |
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Thank you for all you do for those under your care! You are all rock stars in my book! |
"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." |
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Click below to view the Alabama Department of Archives and History
April Events and Updates |
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The Alabama State Bar is hosting its annual Law Day on May 1, 2024. Teachers can sign up to have a lawyer visit their classrooms in-person or virtually on (or around) May 1 to give a 45-minute presentation to students of all ages. Students can ask the lawyers questions about their careers, how and why they became lawyers, or any other questions they have about the legal profession. Secondary school students will have an opportunity to watch a short video about this year’s Law Day theme, “Voices of Democracy,” which encourages Americans to lift our voices to maintain our system of laws and to ensure that our democracy endures. To register for an attorney visit, please click on the link below by April 12. A volunteer attorney will contact you the week of April 22 to finalize the details for your Law Day visit.
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| Calling All Student Writers & Teachers: Help Short The Squirrel Create His Next Adventure!
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SHORT the Squirrel, Alabama's beloved literacy mascot, is embarking on a new adventure and is calling upon students and teachers statewide to join him in crafting his next book, Where SHORT Loves to Read! SHORT loves diving into books almost anywhere and everywhere – whether it's inside, outside, on the bus, in the car, at the park, or even in school! Now, he's curious to know: Where do YOU love to read? Students are invited to unleash their creativity by creating an illustration and caption showcasing their favorite reading spot. Teachers can submit entries on behalf of their students through the entry portal linked here. Entries are due by April 11, and all submissions must be drawn with black marker on white paper. A panel of judges will select several illustrations and captions to inspire SHORT's upcoming book, with winners set to be announced on May 6.
Beyond the joy of seeing their creations come to life in print, winners will have the opportunity to influence others through their creativity, empathy, and collaborative efforts. Additionally, they will also enjoy a special video pop-in visit with SHORT the Squirrel himself, along with a complimentary copy of Where SHORT Loves to Read.
This project is proudly sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education, highlighting the state's commitment to fostering a love for reading and literacy among its youth. For more information and to submit your entry, please visit www.SHORTtheSquirrel.com. |
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April Leadership Institute |
| April 16 - 18, 2024 (Multiple Locations) "Summer Learning from Compliance to Core Strategy for Addressing Gaps" Presented by: Andrew Maxey
More Information and to Register |
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May Lunch & Learn Webinar |
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53rd Annual CLAS Convention |
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Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools |
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