Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB)

As a local school leader, do you want to make a difference in the current legislative landscape?

You're invited! Join MASB's Government Relations Team for a behind-the-scenes look and hands-on advocacy training at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

This event offers board members the unique opportunity to meet with their state representatives and senators, and learn from policy experts about issues affecting their districts.

To register visit: masb.org/BTSAC

🎂 A very happy birthday to one of MASB’s very own, Jennifer Smith, Director of Government Relations. Send some warm wishes to Jen on her special day in the comments below!

Good morning! Make it a wonderful day!!

"It’s almost time for the 2024-25 school year to begin, and that means one thing: Lots of back-to-school activities in Detroit are underway. They range from activities that give children a final few doses of fun before they head back to the classroom to events that provide free backpacks, school supplies, and other important things kids need to get the school year started successfully."

Here’s where to go for back-to-school supplies and fun Find out where you can go to get free school supplies, or just to give your kids a chance to have some fun before the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

"Led by high school art teachers Emma Bandos and Christine Cosgrove and assisted by four high school art students and one recent graduate, the Art Camp brought in more than 40 third- through eighth-graders to have fun making art and become familiar with the district’s art program, Bandos said."

Camp’s mission is to build an art community Students spend summer days making suncatchers, tie dye, nature collages, treasure maps and painted rocks at Lowell’s first art camp.

☀❗Don't miss your last chance to register for Summer Institute! Experience the ultimate educational retreat at Treetops Resort, nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Northern Michigan.

Join colleagues from across Michigan for Friday's exclusive full-day workshop featuring nationally acclaimed leadership expert Matt Lehrman, followed by a series of Board Member Certification (CBA) courses and Board Presidents Workshops throughout the weekend.
Register at: masb.org/summerinstitute

Have you locked in your spot for the 2024 Exhibit Show?
Don't miss your chance to reserve an exhibit booth or choose from several new and returning exclusive sponsorships at MASB's Annual Leadership Conference in Lansing this October.
This is the premier event for K-12 education leaders in Michigan, and your company can be a part of it – spots are limited!
Register at: https://bit.ly/3yayaeq

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUHsim5pMWs

Sponsor with MASB at ALC 2024

Be sure to register for TOMORROW'S virtual Back to School Legal Workshop on Aug. 8 from 8:30 a.m. – noon. This exclusive event, hosted by MASB's Labor Relations and Legal Services team, will address recent school law issues impacting the 2024-2025 school year.
This workshop is a must-attend for staying informed and ready to tackle any potential challenges that may arise.
Register at: masb.org/backtoschool

Good morning! Have a wonderful day!

" School districts are facing a more “normal” financial outlook as they head into the 2024-25 school year due to the end of COVID-relief dollars that padded district coffers over the past four years." Via: School News Network

Districts eye more ‘normal’ financial pictures due to end of ESSER funds The final deadline to spend federal money tied to COVID relief is on the horizon and districts are facing a much different funding climate.

Have you locked in your spot for the 2024 Exhibit Show?
Don't miss your chance to reserve an exhibit booth or choose from several new and returning exclusive sponsorships at MASB's Annual Leadership Conference in Lansing this October.
This is the premier event for K-12 education leaders in Michigan, and your company can be a part of it – spots are limited!
Register at: https://bit.ly/3yayaeq

From our friends at Dean Transportation:

Every summer, Dean Team members participate in the Kellie Dean Summer Rodeo.

It starts with each of the four regions across the state holding competitions for drivers and aides that include:
🛑🍦 Obstacle course
🔎👀 Identifying defects on the bus
📝💯 Written test

The best of the best from each region move on to compete in the state championship in July. It's a great opportunity for Dean Team members to showcase their talents and skills. It's also a lot of fun!

Join us in congratulating the 2024 winners:
🥇 First Place: Paul S. (Lansing)
🥈 Second Place: Ray D. (Alpena)
🥉 Third Place: Jo S. (Charlotte)

Prepare for the upcoming school year by attending our virtual Back to School Legal Workshop on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 8:30 a.m. – noon. This exclusive event, hosted by MASB's Labor Relations and Legal Services team, will address recent school law issues impacting the 2024-2025 school year.
This workshop is a must-attend for staying informed and ready to tackle any potential challenges that may arise.
Register at: masb.org/backtoschool

☀There is still time to secure your spot for MASB's Summer Institute, taking place at Treetops Resort from Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 18.

Attending this event has many benefits, including the opportunity to connect with other school leaders. You can exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from others who have successfully navigated similar challenges in their own districts.

With a diverse range of instructor-led Board Member Certification (CBA) classes available, many of which qualify for reimbursement through MDE, there is something for everyone!

Register at: masb.org/summerinstitute

Today is
"Friendship is one of the most valuable bonds one could ever ask for! Whether it is joy or sorrow, you require a friend to share your emotions. They are the ones that help you in difficult times."

International Day of Friendship | United Nations The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities

Good morning!

"In the thick of the science of reading movement, the kind of reading lessons a Michigan student receives largely depends on the public school they attend, according to a new report." Via: Free Press

Report: How kids are taught to read in Michigan varies widely The kind of reading lessons a Michigan student receives largely depends on the public school and district they attend, according to an MSU report.

"Godfrey-Lee schools partner with Lee Street CRC throughout the school to support students and their families in a variety of ways and the camp is one of them. Lee High School’s Kent School Services Network Coordinator Jocelyn Coria said she is “incredibly thankful” for the church’s community and their desire to serve the needs of staff and students. "

Partnership between district and church creates opportunity in the arts Lee Street Christian Reformed Church’s third annual “I Am Art” camp brought together neighborhood kids and local artists for colorful crafts, dance lessons and mural painting.

From our friends at MESSA:

MESSA makes the difference for employers and HR staff. MESSA’s experts take on the heavy lifting of health benefits administration, freeing up staff to work on other priorities. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from one of our members:

MESSA Makes the Difference: Lightening the Load for School Business Office Staff Lorie Briarton, Employee Benefit Coordinator for Troy School District, talks about how MESSA's suite of free health plan administration services save her pre...

"Governor Gretchen Whitmer will sign the general 2025 Fiscal Year (FY25) budget Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., according to her office."

Whitmer to sign budget for 2025 fiscal year, highlights education, jobs focus Governor Gretchen Whitmer will sign the 2025 Fiscal Year (FY25) budget Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., according to her office.

We're excited to announce that registration is now open for MASB's 2024 Annual Leadership Conference! Join us in Lansing or virtually from Oct. 24 – 27 for a weekend of inspiring speakers, insightful sessions and networking opportunities.

This year's conference theme centers around the transformative power of perspective. We will explore how a positive attitude and self-reflection can significantly impact leadership.
Check out this year's schedule and add-on registration options to build your unique conference experience! Register by Aug. 30 to save on your conference rate.
Visit masb.org/24alc

Good morning. Have a wonderful day!

🎂 A very happy birthday to one of ’s very own, Larissa Moyer, Assistant Director of Marketing. Send some warm wishes to Larissa on her special day in the comments below!

"North Rockford Middle students recently learned to identify red flags, watch out for clues and never share personal information to stop scammers in their tracks."

Too good to be true? Learning the tips and tricks to bust scams Middle school students recently got a lesson in protecting themselves from scammers from the Better Business Bureau.

Have you locked in your spot for the 2024 Exhibit Show?

Don't miss your chance to reserve an exhibit booth or choose from several new and returning exclusive sponsorships at MASB's Annual Leadership Conference in Lansing this October.

This is the premier event for K-12 education leaders in Michigan, and your company can be a part of it – spots are limited!
Register at: https://bit.ly/3yayaeq