'25 MSAA Summer Institute

Northbridge High School is currently in its second year of implementing the Yondr Pouch program, designed to create a phone-free learning environment. Throughout this process, we have encountered and navigated a range of challenges unique to our school community.

In this session, we will provide an in-depth review of our implementation journey, including the obstacles we faced, the solutions we developed, and key takeaways for other schools considering a similar initiative. We will share improvement data and insights from regular staff surveys to illustrate the impact on classroom dynamics, student engagement, and overall school culture.

Attendees will gain practical strategies for addressing common concerns, streamlining implementation, and maximizing the benefits of a phone-free environment. The session will conclude with an open Q&A to address specific questions from participants.

Are you considering the leap into district leadership? Wondering what it really takes to thrive as an Assistant Superintendent? Join us for an interactive and candid workshop designed for aspiring Assistant Superintendents, facilitated by experienced members of the M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Working Group (A.S.W.G.).

This dynamic session will provide:

✅ Insider insights into the expectations, challenges, and rewards of the Assistant Superintendent role
✅ Essential resources to help you successfully navigate your first year
✅ A sneak peek at the upcoming Aspiring Assistant Superintendent Seminar launching in the 2025-2026 school year
✅ A guided panel discussion where seasoned leaders will share their experiences and answer your burning questions

Whether you're actively preparing for the next step in your career or just exploring the possibilities, this session will equip you with practical knowledge, valuable connections, and the confidence to move forward.

This presentation caters to the new and veteran building leader, and has a particular focus on a humanistic approach to building and maintaining a positive school culture. From meeting new staff members to planning staff events to modeling professional reflective practices - and everything in between - this presentation offers a variety of strategies and practices to ensure a positive, sustainable school culture. While the content of the presentation is most applicable for middle and high school leadership, the majority of the conversation is relatable to educational leaders at all levels. The crux of the strategies discussed are based off of my ten years of administrative experience as a high school assistant principal, high school principal, and middle school principal (which followed my 12 years as a history teacher at the middle and high school levels). I take a very practical, rational approach to building leadership and continue to prioritize a positive culture in my building