Issuu

The monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

The

Leaders

Adjust The Sails Viewpoint: Page 1

Kelvin Gragg Superintendent, Dumas School District

Students At The Center

Spotlight

Perspective: Page 2

Asked & Answered: Page 8

Virtually

October 2020

Vol. 46, No. 4

Spotlight: Page 5

The

Voice

for School Administrators

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Address: 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: 501.372.1691 Web Site: www.theaaea.org

The Positive Outcomes of Employee Recognition

Instagram: @aaea_littlerock Please contact us if we may provide assistance to you in any way.

S TAFF Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director r.abernathy@theaaea.org Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director - Elect m.hernandez@theaaea.org Mike Mertens, Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org

Benefits Corner: Page 7

This

Issue

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinson

Compliance Connection

Professional Development Opportunities

Administrator Spotlight - Kelvin Gragg

Benefits Corner

Asked and Answered

CoSN Update

Administrator Job Openings

Michelle Briggs, Director of Events & Operations m.briggs@theaaea.org Lenett Thrasher, Director of Learning Services and Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org Robyn Keene, Director of Financial Services r.keene@theaaea.org Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager m.smith@theaaea.org Karen Dean, Business Manager k.dean@theaaea.org Christy Dodds, Business Development Manager c.dodds@theaaea.org Madison Greene, Administrative Specialist m.greene@theaaea.org

IRS Announces 2021 HSA Limits, HDHP Guidelines Compliance Connection: Page 3

The AAEA Administrator is a monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) for members of the AAEA. Editor-in-Chief Michelle Briggs Managing Editor Christy Dodds i

2020-2021 A A E A Corporate Sponsors

2020-2021 A A E A Board of Directors

PRESTIGIOUS American Fidelity Assurance Co. Curriculum Associates, LLC. Educational Benefits, Inc. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education Solution Tree

DISTINGUISHED Imagine Learning

DIAMOND Apple Apptegy Arkansas PBS ClassWallet Edgenuity Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics PowerSchool Stephens, Inc. Strategos

P LAT I N U M AAMSCO Baldwin & Shell Construction C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Curriculum Associates, LLC Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Nabholz Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Schneider Electric Silverback Learning TRANE US, Inc. University of Arkansas: Department of Curriculum & Instruction

GOLD Classworks Crow Construction Kinco Constructors, LLC TIPS

S I LV E R Architecture Plus, Inc. French Architects, PA Got Zoom Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS Virco, Inc.

Debbie Atkinson, AAEA President Principal, Bergman

Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Secretary/Treasurer Principal, Alma

Dr. Stephanie Nehus, President-Elect Superintendent, Hot Springs

Scott Spainhour, AAEA Past President Superintendent, Greenbrier

Robert Poole, AASA President Stacey DeFoor, AAESP Superintendent, Prescott President Principal, Conway Jon Collins, AASA PresidentElect Superintendent, West Memphis

Mark Lewis, AAESP President-Elect Principal, Conway

Skipper Ward, AASA Secretary Superintendent, Magnolia

Pharis Smith, AAESP Past President Principal, Jackson County

David Maxwell, AASSP President Principal, Mena

Scott Smith, AASSP President-Elect Principal, Western Yell County

Chad Jordan, AASSP Past President Principal, Greene County Tech

Fred Lilly, ArkASPA President Superintendent, Camden Fairview

Dr. Lee Smith, AACTEA President Assistant Superintendent of Development, Mena

Shantele Raper, AAFC President Director of Federal Programs, Osceola

Cristy Dunnahoe, AASBO President Business Manager, Star City

Charles Warren, AASBO Past President Director of Federal Programs, Osceola School District

Sherry Stewart, AASEA President Director of Special Services, Rogers

Aaron Randolph, AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs/ Federal Programs, Cabot

Tracy Streeter, AACIA President Superintendent, Hamburg

J.D. Keeling, AAMLA President Principal, Dardanelle

Bill Tietz, ASPMA President (until October) Assistant Superintendent, Watson Chapel

Aliza Jones, ASPMA President (begin October) Facilities Consortium Coordinator, Lavaca

Dr. Richard Abernathy, AAEA Executive Director

1 ii

Executive

Viewpoint

Has the education world changed over the last seven months? Unless you have been living in a cave for the last seven months, you know it has changed. I am proud of the Dr. Richard Abernathy work school AAEA Executive Director administrators have done over that time and the “whatever it takes” attitude you have adopted. You have been challenged from every side including science, politics, parents, students, community, staff, etc., and you have not only survived but thrived in order to provide opportunities for your kids.

I am proud to say that we have a state full of leaders in Arkansas. I have seen you adjust your sails sometimes on a daily basis. The boats may take on a little water and the wind will certainly change, but you navigate those waters and continue to move forward. Not only are we moving forward, but we are making positive changes and learning to do things in a different manner. If anyone thinks education will go back to the way we were seven months ago, they need to rethink their position. When you load up in your boat and the wind blows you across the seas, the scenery will look different. That is exactly where we are going.

John Maxwell is one of my favorite leadership writers. I often think about his work and how you control your actions during times of change. One of his quotes is, “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” I think your actions and thoughts over the last seven months paint a very clear picture which role you may be in.

By the way, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family during these times. As I have mentioned to you before, burning the candle at both ends isn’t good. Give yourself permission to go home and leave the phone on silent and not answer every email, text, etc. Take care!

As we head across the uncertain waters, we will have to adjust our sails again, and again. But that is what leaders do. I will leave you with this: Bail out the water in your boat, adjust your sails, and hang on to a better educational system for all kids.

we can’t control the winds BUT WE CAN ADJUST OUR SAILS

1 October 2020

Perspective President’s

As administrators we must fully believe that education can continue successfully even when put to the test of pandemic times. We must be resolute in our commitment to the continual effective education of each of our individual students. I want to encourage each of us to focus on individual student learning. Now more than ever before it is necessary to stay centered on student needs and not managing the logistics of Covid 19. DESE has provided leadership and guidance during these difficult times. They have identified key factors necessary for Arkansas to be Ready for Learning: 1. We will ensure the continuity of teaching and learning by providing a guaranteed and viable curriculum that includes blended learning (K-12) and diagnostic assessments (K-8). 2. We will address unfinished learning from the prior year by using the Arkansas Playbook: Addressing Unfinished We will utilize a Learning Management System. 3. We will offer ongoing teacher training for how to use the selected Learning Management Systems. 4. We will schedule teacher training for blended learning (delivery of instruction).

Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal Bergman School District As circumstances arise that make us revise plans, it is critical to include our special populations in those plans. DESE has provided some useful resources to help us as we try to weave the needs of gifted, special education, dyslexia, English learners, and various other services. A few links are provided at the bottom of this article for your convenience. Our goal should be to bring collaborative teams to the table, via zoom or sitting “six feet apart,” to think differently about providing the best services possible to all of our students. While our methods have to be different, our goal remains the same. Every child needs a champion for both their academic, social and emotional needs. My prayer and goal for the year is to not allow pandemic management to cloud my vision, but to be a champion for each of my students and to encourage every teacher under my leadership to do the same. I challenge you to keep your focus on the children, both academically and emotionally. HELPING STUDENTS COPE Learning Services Curriculum Resources Reentry_Playbook Resources.docx Guidance for Gifted Education Programs

5. We will provide support for parents and students. Special Education Reentry Guidance 6. We will provide a written communication plan for interacting with parents, students, and the community. The Ready for Learning Plan provides guidance for schools during this unprecedented time as we navigate through the year. Our school plans will require much flexibility, yet you will notice that waivers for specialized individual student’s needs are not allowed. The guidelines offer flexibility for schools to continually revise plans and adjust day-to-day operations to ensure that all student needs are being met. As we are constantly monitoring and adjusting plans within our districts, I encourage us to take advantage of this opportunity for collaborative and creative planning to provide the most individual services that we can.

Dyslexia Guidance English Learner Ready for Learning Considerations

2 October 2020

Compliance

Connection

IRS Announces 2021 HSA Limits, HDHP Guidelines The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced in Revenue Procedure 2020-32 the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and guidelines for HSA-Qualified High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) for 2021. These amounts are adjusted for inflation each year. Employers may want to review and consider incorporating these new limits.

2021 Limits •

Employee-only coverage: $3,600 annual HSA contribution limit, $1,400 minimum deductible, $7,000 out-of-pocket maximum • Family coverage: $7,200 annual HSA contribution limit, $2,800 minimum deductible, $14,000 out-ofpocket maximum Many schools in Arkansas trust American Fidelity to provide HSA administration. We are happy to answer any questions you have about how this works.

Column Provided by: Tom Sledge, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Now Accepting Assistant Principals of the Year Nominations Nominations for Assistant Principals of the Year are now being accepted. If you know an outstanding assistant principal who exemplifies quality leadership, please nominate that person before October 9, 2020. Specific qualifications are outlined in the nomination forms linked below for the respective groups:

• • •

The AAESP nomination form for elementary assistant principals may be found here. The AAMLA nomination form for middle level assistant principals may be found here. The AASSP nomination form for secondary assistant principals may be found here.

3 October 2020

2020-2021 CALENDAR

2020 October ASPMA VIRTUAL Certification Classes — October 5-7, 2020 AAGEA DIGITAL New Coordinator Workshop — October 7, 2020 AAGEA DIGITAL Conference — October 23, 2020 AAEA DIGITAL Fall Conference — October 21, 2020

November CASBO Classes — November 16-18, 2020

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

2021 January AASA Superintendent Symposium — January 13-14, 2021, DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock AACIA Conference — January 31, 2021, Benton Event Center

February ArkASPA Drive-In Conference — TBD

April AACTEA Conference — TBD CASBO Classes — April 6-9, 2021, Benton Event Center ASPMA Certification Classes — TBD

May

AAFC Spring Conference — May 5-7, 2021, Hot Springs Convention Center

To see a schedule of more AAEA events, go to theaaea.org and click on “Events.”

ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference — TBD

June AASEA Special Education Conference — June 7-8, 2021, Embassy Suites, Rogers

To see conference details for upcoming events go to pages 9-13.

4 October 2020

Spotlight

Kelvin Gragg, Superintendent, Dumas School District says “I am very proud of every employee of the Dumas School District for the work he and she are doing to make this a successful start to the school year: Everyone has made my job much easier than it would normally be.”

One year ago, Kelvin’s older son retired from professional football and was trying to decide a career path. Kelvin simply shared with his son what his grandfather shared with him and that was to find a path in life that you enjoy and where you can help someone better himself or herself. Kelvin said, “Isn’t that what we all want to do, help students better themselves?” He found his calling, and it was to be in education. He would share this same advice with anyone— find a path in life that you enjoy and one where you can help people better themselves. His son is now coaching at the University of Memphis. Kelvin was one of the few that found his calling early on. All of his role models have been teachers and coaches. He knew after his playing days, he would be a teacher and a coach. His grandparents were educators as well, and each taught for over forty years. He had the privilege of being in his grandmother’s third grade class. From that moment forward, he knew he wanted to be in education.

Kelvin’s first job out of school was teaching social studies and coaching football at Monticello High School. After three years at Monticello, he moved to McGehee where he taught civics and coached football. He was fortunate enough to be part of two championship football teams there. After those two years, he moved to Warren where he spent the next twelve years teaching, coaching, and getting his first taste of administration. He serves as the dean of students for three years. In 2000, he moved into administration full time. He has served as a principal in Newport, Dumas, Crossett and Pine Bluff. In 2012, he was given the opportunity to serve as superintendent in the Dermott School District. In 2014, he moved to Dumas and has been there ever since. After many years in education his favorite thing about his job is developing relationships with young people. He is constantly being approached by young men and women who he has taught over the years. He doesn't always remember their names, but they remember him; and many share stories of their past and how they appreciate the guidance he provided them. He says, “There is no amount of money that can replace that feeling.” Dr. Tony Thurman, Cabot School District Superintendent, always introduces him as his 10th grade history teacher. That introduction and connection make him very proud of Dr. Thurman and their relationship. As he continues to impact the lives of students, they continue to impact his. He says, “ What amazes me the most is how resilient students are. Many times, we are the ones who create obstacles that our students must overcome. Our students want to do right. All we have to do is get out of the way and let them be successful.” He wants to be remembered as someone who served children with fairness and honesty. More importantly, he wants to be remembered as a devoted husband, a doting father, and a faithful friend whose word was his bond.

Continued on next page

5 October 2020

What Are Your Goals? “To improve my craftsmanship. I want to be a better superintendent tomorrow than I was today. I want to be a role model for young minority administrators who look like me.”

Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself working just as hard five years from now, with the same passion that I have today. I love what I do and where I’m working. Hopefully, the Lord will see fit to keep me productive and helping kids. How would your coworkers describe you? They would describe me as an individual who is fair and one who puts students first. If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing? Teaching American History and coaching football at some high school. What is the most daring thing you’ve done? I rode the Dragon Tail in the rain, 318 curves in 11 miles.

What have you done that you are most proud of? The single proudest thing my wife and I have done is to raise two outstanding young men. Each night, I thank God for placing my wife in my life and for blessing us with two young men who have done nothing but make us proud. The accolades I garner from my job are important to me professionally. However, nothing compares to the family God has given me. What do you enjoy doing during your time off? For the past 15 years, we have traveled the Southeastern and Northeastern part of the United States, watching our sons play college and professional football. I am looking forward to riding my Harley and spending some time at Lake Chicot, catching some crappie and bream. What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?” I would love to ride my Harley to Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; and I would love to visit Mount Rushmore. 6 October 2020

The Positive Outcomes of Employee Recognition

Corner

There’s a lot going on in our world today and I don’t think anyone could say it’s easy to deal with. Employees in every segment of our workforce, including educators, are being challenged in ways no one could have foreseen. Plain and simple, there’s a lot of negativity out there. For this, among other reasons, it’s critical that we identify ways to encourage, engage and boost morale of our employees. A structured recognition program could be your answer. Here are four ways recognition can have a positive impact.

1. Hold On To Your Employees: One analyst has documented that employers who offer a recognition program, retain employees 31% more than those without. Gallup shares that if an employee is not recognized, he or she is much more likely to leave within or after one year of employment. 2. Engage Employees: Several studies show that a recognized employee is an engaged employee. Not only are they engaged but they continue to look for opportunities to shine in their workspace. Do you have a way to measure employee engagement? 3. Boost Moral: This one is an easy one. A high percentage of employees simply don’t feel appreciated. You can turn this around by saying “thank you.” It really doesn’t take much more than that. 4. Encourage Peer Recognition: Believe it or not, peer recognition outweighs top-down recognition. Employees know that their work is most visible to their peers. When a coworker recognizes a job well done, especially in a public setting, it can have major impact on an employee. In some organizations this requires effort to change the culture. Typically, peer recognition is reciprocated. The more it is encouraged, the more it will happen. Whether you are a superintendent, a principal, a department supervisor or in any other leadership capacity, step back and look at your employees. How are they doing? As leaders, it’s your responsibility to create a healthy workplace. Positive recognition is one way you can do that. Column Provided by: Shane Pennington, Regional Sales Executive, Educational Benefits, Inc.

NEW WEBSITE. NEW APP. STILL THE

Voice

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.

Click here to take a tour of the AAEA App! 7 October 2020

The question goes like this, "Can we present our Annual Report to the Public virtually?" If a local school board is meeting virtually, the Annual Report to the Public can also be presented virtually in conjunction with the regular board meeting. If the board is meeting on-site, the annual report can still be virtual. However, a place should also be provided for participants to view the annual report meeting in person practicing social distancing. In addition, the annual report to the public is to be posted on the district website. NOTE: A recent change in the Standards for Accreditation rules removed the words, "By October 15.” Districts still are required to have a public meeting but it can be at any time during the year. A related question is what needs to be in the Annual Report to the Public. Districts have broad latitude on developing the specifics of the report.This statement is from the Standards of Accreditation: Each public school district board of directors shall systematically and, at least annually, explain its policies, programs, and goals to the community in a public meeting that provides opportunities for parents and other members of the community to ask questions and make suggestions concerning the school program in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Department. The report shall detail the progress of the district and schools toward accomplishing program goals, accreditation standards, and proposals to correct deficiencies. The report shall be made available to the public and the public shall be notified of the meeting.

Asked

Answered

Mike Mertens AAEA Assistant Executive Director If you have questions for Mike, email them to m.mertens@theaaea.org

Make sure you publicize the meeting, have an agenda, sign-in sheet, and keep these on file. Some districts have the Annual Report to the Public in conjunction with a regular board meeting.

Click here to read this month’s topics: EmpowerED Superintendent Webinar: Cybersecurity: Keeping Everyone Safe in Today’s Learning Environments and recordings on other Cybersecurity focus points.

8 October 2020

Attention AASBO Members! Save the Date!

DIGITAL

Fall CASBO Classes November 16-18, 2020 ALL LIVE STREAMING REGISTRATION OPEN SOON! 9 October 2020

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

L A IT

G I D

The ASPMA Board of Directors recently unanimously voted to postpone the 2020 October Conference including new board elections and Blue Ribbon Award presentation. The Board will meet again in late fall for further deliberations. CFD certification classes will continue in October in a virtual setting.

AGENDA 8:00 am - 10:00 am

HR101: Introduction to Human Resources Instructor: Jake Haak, CFO, Rogers School District

10:15 am - 12:15 pm

PS101: Introduction to Purchasing and Supply Management Instructor: Jake Haak, CFO, Rogers School District

12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

SI201A: Buildings & Grounds Safety and Security Instructor: Arkansas Public School Districts

Deadline to Register: October 2, 2020 Class Fees: $30 AAEA Members $45 AAEA Non-Members

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONNECT: Once you complete registration for the webinar through this site, please read your confirmation email for the Zoom link to connect to the webinar.

10 October 2020

October 7, 2020 Come and participate in this FREE workshop and gain valuable insight from experienced G/T Coordinators.

AGENDA 8:30 - 8:45

Welcome

8:45 - 9:00

Purpose

9:00 - 9:15

October Report

9:15 - 9:45

G/T Standards

9:45 - 10:45

Year at a Glance

10:45 - 10:55

AAEA Membership

10:55 - 11:20

AAGEA Mentoring Plan

11:20 - 11:25

Future Meetings

11:25

Questions

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONNECT: Once you complete registration for the webinar through this site, please read your confirmation email for the Zoom link to connect to the webinar.

11 October 2020

Your school is committed to building a professional learning community—but how do you sustain the work of collaborative teams? Through this interactive workshop, you will discover a 15-day challenge that has helped schools across the nation strengthen their unit design based on essential standards. Join expert Maria Nielsen to bring excitement and joy to your team! Participants will:

• • • • • • • •

Clarify the work of collaborative teams Establish steps for a guaranteed and viable curriculum Understand a 15-day pacing guide for a unit of study Recognize how to use depth of knowledge (DOK) levels to teach and assess at the rigor and complexity of the standards Anticipate and plan for Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions as the unit is planned Analyze assessment practices in your school Acquire a toolkit of templates and organizers to take back to your school Design a plan for taking the 15-day challenge back to your entire school or district

SCHEDULE 8:30 - 9:45

Session 1

9:45 - 10:00

Break

10:00 - 11:30

Session 2

11:30 - 12:00

Lunch Break

12:00 - 1:15

Session 3

1:15 - 1:30

Break

1:30 - 3:00

Session 4

Registration Fee: $100 per person $10 per person discount for groups of 5 or more from the same school/district NOTE: You must enter the code “2020AAEAFALL” in the promo code field during the billing portion of the registration process to receive the discount.

12 October 2020

AGENDA 8:30 8:3-9:35 9:35-9:40 9:40-11:00 11:00-11:30 11:30-12:15 12:20-1:20

1:20-1:25 1:25-2:25 2:25

Welcome Teaching Pre-AP and AP in a Blended Environment Presenter: Lana Sveda, Director K12 Services, CollegeBoard Break Keynote Speaker - Tyler Tarver AAGEA Business Meetings Lunch Break Virtual Tools and Differentiation Presenter: Monica Springfield, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Ozarks Unlimited Resource Educational Service Cooperative Break Panel Discussion on the Impact and Changes to GT Based on the Blended Model Questions Deadline to Register: October 21, 2020

Registration Fee: $80 AAEA Members $100 AAEA Non-Members

Job Site Subscription Service Tools to Help You Hire the Best! The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the ever-increasing challenge of recruiting quality staff. It is a significant resource for educators, both in-state and out-of-state, seeking employment in Arkansas schools. Over 165 school districts are participating in the program in, which has been extremely helpful to schools and educators over the years. The site is used year-round and is accessed extensively during the second semester. It is not unusual to see over 400 jobs posted on the Job Board at one time. With an account, school districts may post unlimited job vacancies throughout the year. Subscription renewals will be sent to superintendents this fall regarding 2020 renewal. To subscribe (by district) or to post job openings, contact Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager, at m.smith@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.

OPENINGS

Marion School District

Director of Communications

More Information

Pulaski County Special School District

Coordinator of Special Education

More Information

AAEA

Chief Financial Officer

More Information

Dawson Education Service Cooperative

Public Relations and Marketing Specialist

More Information

Riverview School District

Director of Food Service

More Information

Nevada School District

Superintendent

More Information

Mayflower School District

Superintendent

More Information

Conway School District

Superintendent

More Information

VISIT OUR JOB SITE FOR MORE

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/ 14

October 2020

Be a Part of Something…

Bigger

Than an Individual …

AAEA Staff Front (left to right): Mike Mertens, Assistant Executive Director; Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director; and Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director-Elect. Back (left to right): Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager; Lenett Thrasher, Director of Learning Services and Operations; Robyn Keene, Director of Financial Services; Karen Dean, Business Manager; Christy Dodds; Business Development Manager; Madison Greene, Administrative Specialist; and Michelle Briggs, Director of Events and Operations.

The Training

Voice

for School Administrators

Networking

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Mentoring

Legal Services

Advocacy