3 Schools, 3 Principals, 3 Cell Phone Bans 

By Paige Tutt, Edutopia, July 12, 2024 

“We’re seeing kids engage more in classrooms. Do they want to learn about math? Not all the time. But they’re not distracted by something that’s buzzing in their pocket.” 

—Kristy Zaleta, principal of Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, CT, and the 2024 Connecticut Principal of the Year 

Students Headed to High School Are Academically a Year Behind, COVID Study Finds 

By Linda Jacobson, The 74 Million, July 24, 2024 

“We’re trying to go backwards to go forwards. What third, fourth and fifth grade standards did you miss that are essential for your understanding of seventh and eighth grade standards?” 

— Charles Longshore, assistant principal of Dothan Preparatory Academy in Dothan, AL, and the 2024 Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year 

How This Principal Got His Groove Back, and 3 Tips for Others 

By Olina Banerji, Education Week, July 25, 2024 

“When you schedule your joy, you have something to look forward to. That really helps morale.”

—S. Kambar Khoshaba, principal of South County High School in Lorton, VA, and the 2021 Virginia Principal of the Year 

3 ways new school administrators gained confidence and had fun along the way 

By Kara Arundel, K–12 Dive, July 17, 2024 

“I still have all this other stuff, but my battery is charged because I prioritize myself getting ready for the day.” 

—Travis Moss, assistant principal of Spring Canyon Middle School in Springville, UT, and NASSP member