Massp Podcast

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

In this episode, Bay 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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.