MASSP Podcast

Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Podcast.

New Computer Science Requirement 03/25/2025

New Computer Science Requirement In this episode, we sit down with Larry Wyn from CS for Michigan to break down the key requirements of House Bill 5649, discuss staffing and training solutions, explore budget-friendly curriculum options, and highlight best practices. If you’re an administrator looking for practical steps to ensure compliance and create meaningful computer science opportunities for students, this conversation is a must-listen! /episode/index/show/massp/id/35854120

Winter/Spring 2025 MHSAA Update 03/03/2025

Winter/Spring 2025 MHSAA Update Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, joins once again to discuss how the winter sports season has been shaping up, what’s ahead for spring sports, and the process of sanctioning boys volleyball and girls field hockey as official MHSAA sports. We also talk about the growing trend of multi-sport athletes and what the future holds for high school athletics in Michigan. /episode/index/show/massp/id/35516365

Statewide AI Integration 02/20/2025

Statewide AI Integration This episode of The MASSP Podcast features a conversation with Aaron Baughman, formerly of Northville Schools and now with Michigan Virtual, on the impact of AI in education. The discussion covers Northville’s success in AI integration, common challenges schools face, and standout districts leading the way. Aaron also shares key mistakes to avoid, best practices for getting started, and insights on the future of AI in Michigan schools. /episode/index/show/massp/id/35367920

Principal of the Year, Jon Wilcox 02/20/2025

Principal of the Year, Jon Wilcox In this episode of The MASSP Podcast, 2024 Michigan Principal of the Year Jon Wilcox from Petoskey Middle School shares insights from his experience at the National NASSP Conference. He discusses connecting with other state award winners, key challenges and successes in education nationwide, and important conversations with legislative representatives. /episode/index/show/massp/id/35367860

Fall/Winter '24 MHSAA Update 10/30/2024

Fall/Winter '24 MHSAA Update In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns again to discuss athletic season updates, the MHSAA 100-year celebration, participation rate increases and more. /episode/index/show/massp/id/33692927

MHSAA Spring '24 Update 03/08/2024

MHSAA Spring '24 Update In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast once again to discuss the upcoming spring season. We discuss working with senior spring athletes, multi-sport athlete data, the Rep Council and their new AD Mentoring/Coaching program. /episode/index/show/massp/id/30292858

Flexible Schedules 02/05/2024

Flexible Schedules In this episode, East Grand Rapids MS Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member Jeff Dykehouse, joins the podcast to discuss his building's flexible schedule that they are running this school year. The schedule allows for additional time each day to focus on SEL lessons and support time that is teacher- and student-driven. Listen and learn what tools they are using and the feedback he's received from students, staff and parents. /episode/index/show/massp/id/29804028

Building Culture with Staff Spirit 02/05/2024

Building Culture with Staff Spirit In this episode, we focus on ways to build culture and rapport with staff and students. Todd Simmons, Cedar Springs HS Principal and 2023-24 MASSP President, joins us to discuss the Secret Super Staff Spirit Week and Every Student Known initiatives aimed at creating an environment of trust and relationships in his building. Listen in to learn how it's done and what it's meant for the school community. /episode/index/show/massp/id/29804093

MHSAA Winter '23 Update 11/27/2023

MHSAA Winter '23 Update MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns to the podcast to give a winter season update. Topics covered include a few changes to the basketball season, as well as some interesting announcements from MHSAA regarding student participation numbers, tournament attendance records, legislative bills impacting retirees and more. /episode/index/show/massp/id/28805063

Integrated Curriculum 10/24/2023

Integrated Curriculum In this episode, Traverse City Central Asst. Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member, Ben Berger, joins the show to talk about their TIE Program which features a special class block for a large group of freshmen to receive US History, English 9 & Biology curriculum all at once with a group of teachers. Ben shares the history of the program, what's changed in Year 2, and some unexpected positive outcomes beyond just student achievement. /episode/index/show/massp/id/28412840

A.I. in Education 10/19/2023

A.I. in Education In this episde, we are joined by Bill Jones (Principal at Hillsdale MS), Aaron Romoslawski (Asst. Principal at Forest Hills Northern) and Tom Lietz (Associate Director at MASSP) as we talk about the role of Artificial Intelligence in education. All three are passionate learners of AI and have seen the benefits of how this magnificent tool can impact the lives of administrators, teachers and students. Listeners should hear some interesting ways that AI can positively impact teaching and learning in their schools. /episode/index/show/massp/id/28366823

Student IDs with a Twist 10/19/2023

Student IDs with a Twist In this episode, former Principal of the Year and current leader at North Farmington High School, Mr. Joe Greene, shares with us a beginning of the year tradition for his seniors centered around their Student ID cards. If you have ever seen the photos on social media or via a news article, you will notice students dressing up like your favorite musicians, movie starts, characters and more. It’s a lot of fun and Joe explains how the process works and how the senior class takes ownership to ensure the tradition runs smooth while holding each other accountable for their choices. /episode/index/show/massp/id/28366736

MHSAA Fall '23 Update 09/08/2023

MHSAA Fall '23 Update MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast to share updates and changes coming to fall sports this school year. We discuss new rules, finals locations & qualifiers, team travel tweaks and more as Mark shares the rationale behind these new changes. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27981099

Catchin' Up with Nina - Marty Bulger 08/30/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Marty Bulger In this podcast, Nina interviews new board member, Mr. Marty Bulger, Region 11 rep and principal of East English Village Prep Academy in Detroit Public Schools Community School District. Marty talks about how he has returned full circle to the district and community that not only educated but nurtured him into the person he is today. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27891759

Catchin' Up with Nina - Tiela Schurman 08/30/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Tiela Schurman In this podcast, Nina interviews new board member, Ms. Tiela Schurman, Region 4 rep and principal of Midland High School. Tiela talks about her "why" and what drives her passion for education. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27891732

MTSS at Grandville HS 08/30/2023

MTSS at Grandville HS In this episode, we are joined by the Assistant Principal team from Granville High School that includes Ashley Buchholz, Matt Cook & Michael Kennedy, as they share their journey using a MTSS program to work with students on both academic and behavior improvements. They share who is on the team, what the components look like and lessons learned over the last decade. This is a great episode for anyone wanting to implement or improve their MTSS systems this year so let’s give it a listen. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27891468

Response to Intervention (RTI) 08/24/2023

Response to Intervention (RTI) In this episode, former MASSP President & Principal of the Year, Jim French (ret.), joins the podcast to share his passion and experience on RTI programs to help support academic achievement for students. Learn the approach used at Portage North HS and the positive impact a successful RTI program had on their school. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27842961

Catching up With Nina - Trayc Cunningham 08/08/2023

Catching up With Nina - Trayc Cunningham In this episode, Nina interviews Trayc Cunningham, secretary at Beecher High School about her experience over the last 28 years as an employee in various roles throughout the district. Trayc shares how she loves her students, showing them love as a mother away from home, but also how she's able to show them tough love too; while switching hats and shifting to become "Aunty" Trayc. /episode/index/show/massp/id/23151335

Catchin' Up with Nina - Jay Vesperman 08/08/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Jay Vesperman In this podcast, Nina talks with region 10 Board of Director representative, Principal Jay Vesperman. Jay talks about his transition from Assistant Principal of Woodhaven High School to being recently named the new building Principal. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27692625

Catchin' Up with Nina - Sharon Malaga & Monica Lowe 08/08/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Sharon Malaga & Monica Lowe In this episode, Nina talks with Sharon Malaga and Monica Lowe, both clerical staff from L'Anse Creuse Middle School East about what a day in their life looks like. /episode/index/show/massp/id/27691842

Hall Pass Systems 05/12/2023

Hall Pass Systems This episode features a handful of aministrators from a couple of school districts as we focus on how to keep are hallways safe and make sure students are where they are supposed to be. We are joined by Assistant Principals from both Grand Haven High School and Holland High School and learn about their different strategies for keeping track of where kids are and how to ensure hallways are safe and secure, and just as important, we are maximizing the time students are spending in the classroom for instruction. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26821176

Catching' Up with Nina - Torrie Maas 05/08/2023

Catching' Up with Nina - Torrie Maas Are you interested in learning about alternative discipline methods? In this episode, Torrie Maas of East Middle School (Farmington) talks about how they have implemented creative methods to help their middle school students learn from their mistakes and poor judgment. She explains how students can learn and have less punitive consequences when a school community works together towards this common goal. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26774313

Catchin' Up with Nina - Sheri Whipple & Madeline McDonnell 04/27/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Sheri Whipple & Madeline McDonnell In this episode, we talk about the importance of "onboarding" new clerical staff. Retired Administrative Assistant Sheri Whipple and newly hired Madeline McDonnell talk about how shadowing and overlapping at Cedar Springs High School was beneficial and key in a successful transition for both. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26672184

Catchin' Up with Nina - Andrea Glynn and Justin Hauser 04/26/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Andrea Glynn and Justin Hauser Looking for a unique field trip idea for your students? Listen as Nina chats with Andrea Glynn and Justin Hauser, both principals in L'Anse Creuse Public Schools as they talk about their combined end-of-the-year field trip to Metro Beach with all 1000+ middle school students from both of their buildings! /episode/index/show/massp/id/26651568

The Next Generation of Officials 03/23/2023

The Next Generation of Officials Brad Bush, Asst. Director for MHSAA, joins the podcast to spread the word about a legacy program that offers some new and exciting features. Juniors and seniors in you buildings can be trainined to become registered officials and help ref your school's sub-varsity contests. Learn how the curriculum resources and new, online modules work to help prepare the students and why schools should offer this opportunity. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26321043

Catchin' Up with Nina - Teresa Banish & Emily Spica 03/14/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Teresa Banish & Emily Spica Listen as Nina interviews Teresa Banish and Emily Spica, clerical staff at Traverse City Central High School about end-of-the-year celebrations. The ladies talk about hoe they plan these events and prepare year-round for culmination ceremonies. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26213991

Catchin' Up with Nina - Jeff Dykhouse & Casey Smith 03/13/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Jeff Dykhouse & Casey Smith Nina talks with our first Middle-Level Rocket League Esports Champion, East Grand Rapids Middle School about their involvement in the middle-level esports league. Principal, Jeff Dykhouse and coach, Casey Smith, talk about how providing an esports club has created a space for students who may not be involved in other extracurriculars or athletic clubs in school. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26214015

Catchin' Up with Nina - Megan Henry 02/24/2023

Catchin' Up with Nina - Megan Henry Nina talks live from the AP Summit with first-year Assistant Principal, Megan Henry. Megan shares her experience as a new administrator at Troy Athens High School, what she's learned, and what advice she offers to those aspiring to administration in the future. /episode/index/show/massp/id/26024787

Parent Learning Walks 02/03/2023

Parent Learning Walks Grand Haven HS Principal & MASSP Board Member, Tracy Wilson, returns to the podcast to discuss their Parent Learning Walks program which allows parents into their building during the school day for a tour and classroom visits. The walks have been occuring for years and it not only gives valauable insight to parents as they learn about the school, but creates trust and cultivates meaningful conversation within the community. /episode/index/show/massp/id/25800591

Shadow a Student 11/30/2022

Shadow a Student In this episode, Tracy Wilson, Grand Haven HS Principal & MASSP Board Member, joins us to discuss the Shadow a Student Program. Each semester, a group of teachers is selected to shadow a mix of students for the entire school day. Teachers then debrief at the end of the day to share their takeaways. Tracy shares how long the program has been running, the benefits it provides to the school culture and the changes it has brought to the school from experiences gained through the lens of a student. /episode/index/show/massp/id/25175880

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