Every Friday morning during the school year, almost 100 students gather at Lambert High School in Suwanee, GA, to fill backpacks full of food for students throughout the county who need food assistance. National Honor Society (NHS) officers arrive at 7 a.m. to prepare for more than 100 volunteers who pack 530 individual bags of food for families experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers start packing at 7:30 and finish by 8:15.
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School and Student Leaders Unite to Advocate for Education Funding on Capitol HillÂ
Last week, more than 450 principals and student leaders from across the nation gathered on Capitol Hill for the National School Leader Advocacy Conference, marking the fifth anniversary of COVID school closures with a powerful call to action: Fund our future. Their unified message to lawmakers: Invest in public education, student mental health, and the educator pipeline.
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Leaning Into Literacy in ActionÂ
If you ask me what I collect, my answer is always the same: books. Reading has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal growth, providing endless opportunities for reflection, inspiration, and learning. But beyond just reading, I love discussing books with others, exchanging insights, and uncovering new perspectives. Below are some books that have significantly influenced my journey as a leader. The hardest part of writing this blog post was narrowing down my list to those included.Â
(more…)Five Reasons to Join NASSP’s Women in School Leadership Network Â
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s worth noting that NASSP has a very active Women in School Leadership Network that brings together leaders from around the country for well-attended monthly meetings online. One of the network’s newest co-facilitators is Molly Ouche, the principal of Parkrose High School in Portland, OR, and the 2024 Oregon Principal of the Year. Below, she shares five reasons why women leaders should become active in the network.Â
(more…)NASSP Awards First-Ever Student Service GrantsÂ
Earlier this month, NASSP announced the recipients of its first-ever Student Service Grants, which are part of a new national initiative to empower student leaders to create and lead service projects that address community needs. Funded by The Allstate Foundation, $141,000 in grants were awarded to 177 youth-led projects across the country, with grants ranging from $200 to $1,000. Â
(more…)One High School’s Varied Celebration of Black History MonthÂ
February is Black History Month, and schools around the country are in the middle of celebrating the numerous contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. One of those schools is Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, CT, where Assistant Principal LaShante James, students, and staff are marking the month with a variety of activities. James shares how her school honors this special time of year.Â
(more…)NHS Conference Proves Valuable for Students and AdvisersÂ
Stacey Behrensmeyer, a math teacher and National Honor Society (NHS) adviser at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, KY, brought her five officers to the recent NHS Conference in Chicago. With more than 15 years of experience as an NHS adviser at different schools, Behrensmeyer has attended national conferences in the past, but this was the first year she brought students from Highlands High School, where she has served as the adviser for three years. She shares why the conference was such a valuable experience for advisers and NHS members alike.Â
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A Community’s Resilience Seven Years After the Parkland Tragedy Â
Seven years after the tragedy that forever changed Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) in Parkland, FL, the community continues to demonstrate resilience, strength, and determination. Last summer marked a pivotal moment in that journey—the long-awaited demolition of the building where the shooting on February 14, 2018, took place. For many, its removal represents more than just a physical change; it’s a profound step toward emotional recovery. Â
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Strengthening Student Mental Health: JED and AASA Launch Innovative District InitiativeÂ
In response to the growing mental health challenges facing America’s youth, The Jed Foundation (JED) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, have joined forces to launch an initiative supporting mental health and suicide prevention in school districts nationwide.
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Transforming Teacher PD With AIÂ
Principals play a pivotal role in fostering high-quality professional development (PD) and creating a culture of continuous learning for their teachers. As instructional leaders, it is imperative for principals to create the conditions—and provide the support necessary—for effective PD so that meaningful improvements in student learning can take place.  Â
(more…)Support Your Case to Attend Â
Interested in attending UNITED, July 11–13 in Seattle, WA? We can’t wait to see you there!
We’re making it easy for you to request approval and secure your budget with our pre-filled letter template. Download here!
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How Our Middle School’s Week of Service Honors MLK’s LegacyÂ
Each year, students at John A. Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill, NJ, participate in the Carusi CARES Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service. It brings together our students in grades six through eight for a series of events aimed at helping the less fortunate in the local community. Working after school, our student volunteers collect, organize, and donate essential items to local organizations. We typically have more than 150 students help out—about a quarter of our school population—including all the members of our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).Â
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How School Leaders Can Support Immigrant Students and FamiliesÂ
School leaders have a unique role to play when it comes to supporting and partnering with immigrant families. As a leader, you can set the tone and create a vision for what kind of school community you wish to see. Of course, it’s not your job alone, but we have seen again and again that school leaders can have a tremendous impact on whether their school is one where English language learners (ELL) and immigrant students succeed. This kind of leadership is especially important when families are facing uncertainty and when the staff who work most closely with multilingual, ELL, and immigrant families are looking for guidance on what kinds of support they can offer.Â
(more…)National Student Council Shares Insights on Gun Violence Prevention With White House and Federal Officials Â
Last month, the National Student Council (NSC) offered its recommendations on gun violence prevention and safety to White House and federal officials. In a December 17 letter, NSC President Anjali Verma writing on behalf of the NSC gave feedback on active shooter drills, mental health, and safe firearm storage. NSC is a flagship student leadership program of NASSP.
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How a Dog Shaped My LeadershipÂ
Seven years ago, my family brought home a fluffy Siberian Husky named Rustam. At first, I didn’t feel connected to him. He was energetic, unpredictable, and honestly, a bit intimidating. I was unsure how to handle his wild personality and felt frustrated by his constant need for attention.
(more…)Five Reasons to Join NASSP in 2025Â Â Â
As 2024 ends and preparations for 2025 begin, many are reflecting on their personal, professional, and educational goals. If you’re a middle or high school principal, assistant principal, or educational leader, NASSP membership is a transformative step for your career. Â
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The Mental Health Crisis in the Digital Age
My guess is, if you’re a student reading this post, you’re on your phone. Nevertheless, however you found your way here, welcome.  
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Why I Applied for the Outstanding Achievement Award—and Why You Should TooÂ
A year ago, I decided to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award because I have always strived to excel in all areas of my life, including academics, leadership, and service. When I learned about the opportunity to be recognized for my hard work and dedication, I knew I wanted to take advantage of it. My NJHS adviser said I would be a great candidate and encouraged me to apply. Having my efforts recognized and appreciated inspired me to push myself further and reach higher levels of success in my academics and athletics. Through NJHS, I was able to influence my peers into becoming more involved in the Honor Society’s five pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
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Five Reasons to Attend the National Student Council ConferenceÂ
Michael Flynn is the youth services coordinator for Estill County Middle School in Irvine, KY, and a longtime adviser for the school’s student council. He’ll be bringing 23 student council members to the National Student Council Conference happening January 31–February 2 in Chicago. The event is co-located with the National Honor Society Conference. Below, Flynn shares the top five reasons Honor Society and student council advisers should attend.Â
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Honoring Our Veterans and Inspiring the Next GenerationÂ
Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart, both as a school leader and as the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran. My father served honorably and later dedicated himself to community service through our local VFW post. I grew up volunteering alongside him at events like our small town’s Rodeo and Apple Festival, witnessing the deep bonds veterans share and the values they uphold. Those experiences profoundly shaped my values and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in education to pass those values along.Â
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