The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) is pleased to announce that Frank Hauser has been named as Alaska’s 2019 Principal of the Year.

AASSP President, Dan Carstens expressed his appreciation for Mr. Hauser’s work: “Frank is an example of excellence in our principal profession. He employs many innovative practices that would make schools at any level successful. I am honored to support Mr. Frank Hauser as Alaska’s Principal of the Year!”

Frank Hauser has been the school principal of Robert Service High School in Anchorage for three years and a school administrator for 15. He is a graduate of the University of Alaska and received his Masters from UAF.

“Frank Hauser is a truly an amazing educational leader. His care for students and staff is exemplary while providing leadership academically as well as operationally. He is a leader of leaders—-positive, scholarly, and willing to roll up his sleeves. He is an asset to every team or organization for which he is engaged. I would work for him in a heartbeat!” said Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Deena Bishop.

The mission of Robert Service High School, which has 1,533 students in grades 9 through 12, is to provide a superior education in a safe learning environment that will empower students to become responsible young adults who will succeed in a rapidly changing and complex society. Each student brings a unique contribution to the school and the responsibility to make it a better place.

One of Mr. Hauser’s proudest accomplishments at Service was the recent recognition by Special Olympics and ESPN as one of 30 Unified Champion Schools for inclusive practices in the nation and the first banner school in the state of Alaska.

A colleague in his building shared: “The broader community connection is a underlying theme in Mr. Hauser’s approach to learning. He encourages student participation in leadership/service groups and has been a great supporter of Service’s Partners’ Club/Peer Teachers. Regular education students participate with special needs students in the classroom as peer teachers; Service’s Partners’ Club is nationally recognized for creating an inclusive school climate. Mr. Hauser fosters global success in varied curriculum and service/leadership opportunities for all learners at Service.”

From a parent of a senior at Service: “I feel Mr. Hauser has a vested interest in making every student and teacher be the best they can be in education and as a person. I noticed as a parent the difference he has made at Service High School over the past three years. There are many different programs at Service, because not every student is the same.”

From the many comments made about Mr. Hauser, it is obvious that he is highly respected and professional. As a principal, it’s great to know he has a fun side too which his students can appreciate. A Service High student shared this example of how involved Mr. Hauser is with the school’s events: “The boys varsity hockey team made it to championships, while being there was enough support, I was able to spray paint his hair green to represent Service.”

In Mr. Hauser’s words: “Perhaps the most important thing I can do so that each learner will succeed in a globally competitive society is to foster and model an example of curiosity, lifelong learning, and respect for others’ perspectives.”

As Alaska’s Principal of the Year, Mr. Hauser will be representing Alaska at the national level. All state Principals of the Year will be recognized at the Principals Institute, September 30-October 3, 2019 in Washington, D.C.

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.

Redmond is in her fourth year as assistant principal at Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Alaska, a K–12 school consisting of 134 students. This rural Alaskan school is only accessible by boat or plane. Because the remote nature of the school limits opportunities for exposure to various careers and other robust experiences, Redmond leads the school’s quarterly exploration weeks which allow students to focus on one or two courses that help them explore careers and interests—with some exploration weeks leading to industry-based certifications. “I never want my students to feel as if they missed out on anything because of where they are from or who they are,” Redmond said. “So, I have made it my mission to find creative solutions using technology; a strong school staff team; and partnerships with local, regional, and state entities in order to close the opportunity gap for my students.”

Redmond also started the Small Schools Matter group to draw attention to the needs of remote schools and recently brought students to the state capital of Juneau to advocate for funding. Driven to provide a culturally relevant education for the nearly 100 percent Yup’ik Eskimo Alaska Native population, Redmond incorporates the native language into the school. Such efforts build trust within the native community—a trust which is often tested by high teacher turnover in rural Alaska. The school’s administrative team focuses on valuing teacher talent in order to retain it, evidenced by a 100 percent staff retention rate for the current school year.

Redmond holds a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood and early adolescence education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Alaska–Anchorage. She also serves on the board for the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

“Mrs. Redmond commits an exorbitant amount of time developing quality relationships with all of our students,” said Principal Robin Jones. “These relationships, built on trust and rapport, provide a solid foundation for challenging students to set goals and to reach their full potential. She builds these relationships in her role as assistant principal and also as the guidance counselor, student council advisor, and senior class advisor. Under Mrs. Redmond’s direction, students feel safe to take risks and explore the impossible.”

“In over thirty years in public education, I have rarely had the opportunity to work with individuals with Meghan’s talents and seemingly endless energy,” said Superintendent of Southwest Region School District Steve Noonkesser. “She is an amazing educator who pours her whole being into serving students. Her work on their behalf comes in many forms from counseling students about options for their futures, to helping them through the daily challenges they face in their studies, to working with staff in using student data to improve instruction. She plays many roles and provides support to all of the varied programs within the school, filling in wherever needed. She is truly a team player who understands the school’s mission and does whatever it takes to promote student success.”

“Meghan Redmond is a shining example of the leadership NASSP describes in our Building Ranks framework,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “Her efforts to build culture and lead learning at Chief Ivan Blunka School provide a platform for students to fulfill their greatest potential. We at NASSP are proud to congratulate her as our 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year and commend her for her achievements.”

Redmond will represent Alaska nationally when she formally receives her award during the National Principals Conference, July 18–20, in Boston.

• Aerospace Engineers-Design, construct, and test aircraft.
• Anthropologists and Archeologists-Study the behavior of human beings in different parts of the world and different periods in time.
• Architectural and Engineering Managers-Coordinate and manage the work of architects and engineers.
• Astronomers-Observe and study stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena.
• Atmospheric and Space Scientists-Investigate weather-related phenomena to prepare weather reports and forecasts for the public.
• Biochemical Engineers-Develop products using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering.
• Biochemists and Biophysicists-Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells or organisms.
• Bioinformatics Scientists-Conduct research using bioinformatics theory.
• Biostatisticians-Apply statistics to study topics in biology.
• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists-Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information to study and prepare maps.
• Chemical Engineers-Design processes for manufacturing chemicals and related materials.
• Chemists-Conduct research on chemicals using experiments or observation.
• Clinical Data Managers-Organize and analyze medical data.
• Computer Hardware Engineers-Design computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
• Computer and Information Scientists-Conduct research in the field of computer and information science.
• Conservation Scientists-Manage and protect natural resources like soil, forests, and water.
• Economists-Study monetary, fiscal, and other economic issues and problems.
• Electrical Engineers-Research, design, and test electrical equipment and systems.
• Electronics Engineers-Design or test electronic components for commercial, military, or scientific use.
• Energy Engineers-Design programs or systems to make buildings more energy efficient.
• Environmental Health and Safety Engineers-Environmental Health and safety engineers create and monitor safety programs to correct potentially unsafe working conditions.
• Environmental Planners-Environmental planners design and oversee environmental projects, such as restoring native plants and ecosystems.
• Environmental Scientists-Research ways to remove hazards that affect people’s health or the environment.
• Geneticists-Research and study how traits are inherited from one generation to the next.
• Geographers-Study the earth and its land, features, and inhabitants.
• Geoscientists-Study physical aspects of the earth, such as rocks, soils, and other materials.
• Health and Safety Engineers-Promote worksite or product safety by using knowledge of industrial processes.
• Historians-Research and understand the past by studying a variety of historical documents and sources.
• Hydrologists-Study water that is underground or at the surface of the earth.
• Industrial Engineers-Create systems for managing production processes.
• Manufacturing Engineers-Design ways to improve manufacturing processes.
• Marine Engineers and Naval Architects-Evaluate materials and develop machinery to build ships and similar equipment.
• Materials Engineers-Develop ways to create materials for certain products.
• Materials Scientists-Research and study the properties of different materials, such as metals, rubber, ceramics, polymers, and glass.
• Mathematical Technicians-Use numbers to help solve problems and conduct research.
• Mathematicians-Solve problems or conduct research using mathematical methods.
• Mechanical Engineers-Use engineering principles to design tools, engines, and other mechanical equipment.
• Mechatronics Engineers-Research or test automated systems or smart devices.
• Microbiologists-Study the growth, structure, and development of very small organisms.
• Microsystems Engineers-Research, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
• Mining and Geological Engineers-Study land for possible mining sites, and determine whether conditions are safe for mining.
• Molecular and Cellular Biologists-Research and study cell functioning.
• Nanosystems Engineers-Apply principles of nanotechnology to develop specialized materials or devices.
• Nuclear Engineers-Conduct research on nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
• Park Naturalists-Plan and conduct programs to educate the public about national, state, or local parks.
• Petroleum Engineers-Create methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production.
• Photonics Engineers-Design technologies involving light, such as laser technology.
• Physicists-Conduct research on the physical world by using observations or experiments.
• Political Scientists-Research a wide variety of political issues and test theories.
• Precision Agriculture Technicians-Use specialized technology to improve agricultural processes.
• Quality Control Analysts-Conduct tests to study the quality of raw materials or finished products.
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists-Study a variety of topics using remote sensing techniques.
• Remote Sensing Technicians-Assist scientists using remote sensing techniques.
• Robotics Engineers-Research, design, and test robotic systems.
• Social Science Research Assistants-Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research.
• Sociologists-Study the behavior of people in groups.
• Solar Energy Systems Engineers-Evaluate and analyze sites for solar energy systems, such as solar roof panels or water heaters.
• Statisticians-Create usable information out of numbers and data.
• Survey Researchers-Develop or conduct telephone, mail, or internet surveys.
• Transportation Planners-Conduct studies for proposed transportation projects.
• Validation Engineers-Design methods for products to be manufactured in ways that meet quality or safety requirements.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2019 ACSA Legislative Fly-In!

Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Elementary and Secondary Principals, Assistant Principals, School Business Officials and Central Office Administrators met in Juneau on March 24-27 for the annual ACSA Legislative Fly-In.

It was an incredible opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the state to receive policy updates on relevant topics, engage in professional development in leadership and to have unified efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the legislative session.

Alaska K-12 New Principal Academy and Transition Support Induction Program

Robyn Harris, Whaley School Principal Named Alaska Principal of the Year

Anchorage, AK – The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) has named Robyn Harris, Ed.S, Whaley School, ACE/ACT, and Outreach Principal as the Alaska Secondary School Principal of the Year.

When asked to tell her school’s story and what reviewers needed to know to understand the context in which she leads, Principal Harris said, “Whaley School is a separate day school in the Anchorage School District serving students with acute behavioral needs. I am honored to work with such a compassionate staff that come together to help at-risk, behavioral students by modeling what’s necessary to transition to their neighborhood school; they go beyond the school day and beyond the school doors to meet the students’ needs. Building strong healthy relationships with one another and students is important in our culture. Whaley School offers areas of learning that encourage our students to gain the necessary skills, not only academically but for life after ASD. These opportunities have increased our graduation rate to 77% and are in direct relationship to their success!”

Principal Harris, who has been at Whaley School for 7 years, shared, “Our ‘one’ language comes from our robust PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) model. This language, coupled with how we ‘meet students where are are’ each day, in not only what we say but how we say it, creates a climate and culture of care.” As one student said of Principal Harris, “Ms. Robyn listens to both sides of every story, is understanding, and makes you do your job. If you mess up, she doesn’t hold it against you and wants you to try harder than you did before. For example, one time she told me, ‘Get in there and do your work’ and I did. I turned my science grade around from a B to an A. Ms. Robyn makes me think about things when I’m angry. She talks me through it and doesn’t hush me off. She really listens and helps me realize it’s not worth getting upset about.”

Dan Carstens, AASSP President said, “We are extremely proud to name Ms. Robyn Harris as the 2018 AK Principal of the Year! Ms. Harris gives us an example of what a truly distinguished principal looks like in a vastly unique school. The culture of her school is positive and caring as a direct result of her leadership. Congratulations to Robyn Harris!”

Anchorage Superintendent Dr. Deena Bishop shared, “Robyn Harris is one of the most dedicated principals I know. She works tirelessly at Whaley/ACE/ACT to provide a welcoming and positive environment for her students so they can achieve great things beyond their high school years. When one visits her school programs, it’s clear that Robyn’s calm demeanor and positive interactions make a huge difference in the life of students and the greater school community. There is no stronger student advocate than Robyn Harris. She is very deserving of Alaska’s State Principal of the Year award!”

Principal Harris will be honored during the 2018 Alaska Principals’ Conference. The Alaska Principals’ Conference will be held at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel October 20-22, 2018. She will go on to represent the State of Alaska at the national level.

In an executive proclamation Governor Walker recognizes the vital role principals hold in the education of Alaska students and proclaims October 2016 as School Principals and Assistant Principals Recognition Month.

October is also acknowledged annually as National Principals Month by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators.

National Principals Month is an opportunity to say “thank you” to principals everywhere and to share with the community all the great work that principals do.  The key to student success is a great school, and the key to a great school is a great principal. A social media campaign is held during the month with the hashtag #ThankAPrincipal used to share appreciation of your principal and assistant principal via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The crowning event of School Principals and Assistant Principals Recognition Month is the annual Alaska Principals’ Conference. The Alaska Principals’ conference will be held at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel October 23-25, 2016. This year marks the 50^th annual conference. The theme is “Light and Lead” and will feature keynote speakers Jimmy Casas and Christopher Kai. For more information about the conference visit the conference registration website at www.regonline.com/akprincipal2016. The annual conference is hosted by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals (www.ak-principals.org) and the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (www.alaskaprincipal.org).

Read the full executive proclamation from Governor Walker here: 2016-principal-month-walker-proclamation

The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) invites you to nominate a secondary school Principal and an Assistant Principal for the 2018 Regional Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Awards (RPOY & RAPOY).

The nomination process is simple and can be completed by anyone in contact with the principal and assistant principal including students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers.

Click here to nominate a secondary school principal or assistant principal:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018RPOY

Nominations are due by Sunday, February 12th, 2017.

Nomination Criteria:  

• A secondary school Principal or Assistant Principal in Alaska, 
• Three or more years of experience as a principal,
• A current member of AASSP/NASSP (to be verified by AASSP). 

Only nominations that meet all the above criteria will be included in the ballot for each region. Selection of the RPOY & RAPOY is made only by current AASSP members.

For the purpose of this nomination process a secondary school is considered a school that includes some or all of grades 6-12.

An award recipient will be selected for each of eight AASSP regions. Nominations should be submitted through the link above and the results will be sent to the AASSP regional director, who coordinates the voting/selection process for their region.

Again, nominations are due Sunday, February 12th.

Please forward this email  to anyone who may be interested in nominating a principal or assistant principal.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.