American students face declines in math, science scores compared to international peers: report

By Jeffrey Clark, Fox News, December 4, 2024

“Coming out of COVID, parents and students got comfortable with the idea that it’s OK to stay home.”

—Suzan Harris, Principal of Henderson Middle School in Jackson, GA, and the 2023 Georgia Principal of the Year

How a school shooting impacted this leader’s approach to safety

By Micah Ward, District Administration, December 3, 2024

“I’ve got to catch myself every once in a while because of my experience to make sure I’m not going overboard on what we’re trying to do in the realm of safety. But at the same time, ensuring what we’re doing is thoughtful, practical, and makes sense.”

—Michael Bennett, Superintendent of the Greenville Central School District in Greenville, NY, and an NASSP Principal Recovery Network member

An Epidemic of Vicious School Brawls, Fueled by Student Cellphones

By Natasha Singer, New York Times, December 15, 2024

“Cellphones and technology are the No. 1 source of soliciting fights, advertising fights, documenting—and almost glorifying—fights by students. It is a huge issue.”

—Kelly Stewart, Assistant Principal of Juneau-Douglas High School in Juneau, AK, and the 2024 Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year

Maryland High School Opens Up Student-Led Barber Shop and Beauty Salon

By Nahlah Abdur-Rahman, Black Enterprise, December 9, 2024

“Students have to come to school, so just making life easier for students who may not be able to get to another place, or for parents who are working after school hours, transportation, just having it here just cuts out a lot of those barriers.”

—Kimberly Winterbottom, Principal of Arundel High School in Gambrills, MD, and a 2024 National Principal of the Year finalist