MoASSP Messenger
January 24 , 2025

"Celebrating a Century of Service"
Volume 38 Number 14
Since August 1987, MoASSP Messenger has been published by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals,
Countdown to the 52nd Annual MoASSP Spring Conference 64 Days
Joe's Latest Tweet..."Break the script..."
QUOTE FOR THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
"Celebrate loudly, often, and unapologetically. People need to know they matter."
~~Joe Sanfelippo
Capturing Hearts & Scraping Snow
Garrett Lamb in Austin with MoASSP's Handy Tool
Garrett Lamb, representing Capturing Kids' Hearts, one of MoASSP's newest sponsors,
is putting our handy-dandy ice and snow scraper to good use during an unexpected snowfall in Austin, Texas, this week! ❄️ For more information about Capturing Kids' Hearts, email Garrett at garrett.lamb@capturingkidshearts.org
ONE QUESTION ONE CLICK POLL
SHOULD STUDENTS LEARN REMOTELY ON SNOW DAYS?
POLL RESULTS
With the extreme cold this past Tuesday, we asked principals if they had a delay start. Here are the results.
YES: 10%
NO: 90%
UPDATE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Colleagues,
This week’s Messenger is packed with resources for you to review, explore, share, and save for future reference. It’s been a fantastic week, with highlights including engaging meetings in our South Central and Central regions—check out the snapshots of those gatherings below.
Chris and I also had a productive conversation with freshman State Representative Marty Jacobs, who brings a valuable perspective as a former principal. Additionally, we were glad to welcome Scott Kimble, Director of Advocacy for MASA, to the office yesterday for some great discussions.
As we look ahead, we’re just over two months away from the Spring Conference at the Lake. This annual tradition is shaping up to be exciting, with a few new twists to keep it fresh. You definitely don’t want to miss hearing from Joe Sanfelippo—mark your calendars and register today.
For high school principals, Missouri Scholars 100 information should have arrived in your mail by now. If not, you’ll find all the details in this edition. Remember, the deadline is February 14 at 4:00 PM.
Thank you for all you do for Missouri schools and students. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and go Chiefs!
Clark
Rep. Marty Jacobs Visits MoASSP HQ to Discuss Education Legislation
MoASSP welcomed Rep. Marty Jacobs to our world headquarters yesterday to discuss key legislation impacting education.
Rep. Jacobs brings invaluable insight and passion for supporting Missouri schools as a former principal at Liberty High School and Liberty North. He is now in his first term as a state representative. We’re grateful for his leadership and advocacy for education.
South Central MoASSP Meeting Highlights from Wednesday's Meeting in Washington
The South Central MoASSP met at Washington High School this past Wednesday for their monthly meeting.
Attendees were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by WHS culinary arts students, who showcased their talents. Key presentations included Mrs. Tona Burke and Commander Matthew Howell, who shared insights from the Navy Educators Program. They highlighted their recent trip to San Diego and the incredible opportunities the Navy offers students, a program tailored for school administrators to explore.
Clark Mershon, MoASSP Executive Director, and Chris Hoehne, Director of Programming and Development, provided updates from the state association office. Other agenda highlights included discussions on Holocaust education mandates, updates from legislative and board representatives, and a look ahead to the Aspiring Principals Workshop on January 29th. Patrick Burke, principal, Sullivan MS and SCMoASSP president, facilitated the meeting.
It was a productive meeting, underscoring the collective efforts to support and elevate educational leadership in Missouri. The next meeting is February 19 at 11:00 at Rich’s Famous Burgers in Steelville.
Central MoASSP Meeting Recap
Central MoASSP gathered on Zoom Thursday for an engaging and informative meeting.
The program featured discussions on Special Education supports, Artificial Intelligence in education, and strategies for providing effective instructional feedback.
Officers shared updates, and Chris Hoehne provided the latest news from the MoASSP office. The meeting was facilitated by Central MoASSP President Rodney Edington, principal of Green Ridge R-VIII.
Central MoASSP continues to support educational leadership in the region. The next meeting is scheduled for February 13 at 9:30 at the University of Central Missouri
TEACHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION PLAYBOOK RELEASED
INTRODUCING THE NEW MISSOURI EDUCATOR JOB BOARD
DESE has just announced the launch of the first-ever Missouri Educator Job Board.
This innovative platform made possible through a U.S. Department of Education pilot project, connects teacher candidates with Missouri school districts and charter schools.
It is free for both educators and schools to use. This new resource aims to simplify the hiring process and ensure that great educators and schools can easily find each other. See the 5-minute video below and the job link
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
It’s Time to Nominate Your 2025 Missouri Scholars
Over 700 Missouri Scholars 100 mailings have been sent to high schools across the state, kicking off the nomination process for this prestigious recognition. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your outstanding students. Ensure your nominations reach the MoASSP office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025. To avoid potential weather-related delays, early submission is strongly encouraged. Late submissions, including those affected by weather, will not be accepted. Let’s honor Missouri’s brightest scholars. Please call 573-445-5071 or email us at moassp@moassp.org with questions. A copy of the letter that was mailed is included below.
Welcome Two New Advertisers:
StepUp Consulting and Bailey Education Group
We’re excited to introduce two new partners supporting the MoASSP Messenger: StepUp Consulting and Bailey Education Group.
Each brings unique expertise and resources designed to help educators thrive. Be sure to click on their banners to learn more about how they can assist your schools. We are grateful for their commitment to MoASSP and their dedication to supporting Missouri principals. Thank you, StepUp Consulting and Bailey Education Group, for joining us in our mission!
Make Your Voice Heard: Join Us for Advocacy Day in Jefferson City
UPCOMING ASPIRING ADMINISTRATORS, AP, & AD WORKSHOPS
Encourage your teacher leaders, APs and ADs to attend.
National Leadership Conference July 11-13.
Connect, Grow, & Lead with MoASSP Online Networks
Join one of MoASSP's new online networks tailored for practitioners like you.
Whether you're a rural educator, a woman in leadership, or a middle school leader, these FREE networks provide a space to share insights, tackle challenges, and explore opportunities with like-minded professionals.
- Missouri Rural Leaders Network Chat
- Women in Leadership Network
- Middle School Leadership Network
Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers who understand your journey. New links will be provided soon for those who would like to join one of these networks.
Resource Awareness
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
JOB POSTINGS
MoASSP office receives phone calls from school districts requesting to post principal vacancies. We have included three popular job posting sites with links below for your information and also a document with the latest superintendent openings.
Unlock the Power of Conversation with the MoASSP App
Last week, all members received an email from School Info introducing you to the MoASSP app – a powerful tool designed to foster conversations within your region and across the state. If you haven't had a chance to explore it yet, now's the perfect time to do so. Click on the link in the email to access the app and discover a platform that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and growth. We've also provided a link for you to conveniently place the app on your desktop, ensuring that you can easily access it whenever you need it. What's even more exciting is that the conversations on the app are protected from Sunshine Law requests, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, engage, and expand your network. Start your journey towards personal and professional growth with the MoASSP app today.
Celebrating MoASSP's Growing Community: MoASSP is now a rolling membership.
Please have a look at the list below for accuracy, and don't hesitate to reach out if any corrections are needed. The list below reflects those who have been processed in the office in recent weeks.
Central Region
- Danny Morrison-Warsaw R9-Warsaw High School:dmorrison@warsawk12.org
- Nathan Parker-Warsaw R-IX-Warsaw High School-nparker@warsawk12.org
GKC Region
- Greg Taylor-Kansas City 33-Northeast High School-gtaylor@ner4.k12.mo.us
Northeast Region
- Aaron O'Laughlin-Marion Co. R-II-aolaughlin@marion.k12.mo.us
Northwest Region
- Jason Slaughter-South Harrison Co. R-II-South Harrison High School-jslaughter@shr2.k12.mo.us
STL Region
- Nicky Haley-Wentzville School District-Peine Ridge Elementary-nicolehaley@wsdr4.org
- Brian Brennan-Mehlville R-IX-Oakville High School-bbrennan@msdr9.org
- Kathryn Greer-Wentzville R-IV-Frontier Middle School-kathryngreer@wsdr4.org
- Terry Murray-Visitation Academy-tmurray@visitationacademy.org
South Central Region
- No new members at this time.
Southeast Region
- No new members at this time.
Southwest Region
- Kevin Post-Sheldon R-VIII-Sheldon High School-kpost@sheldon.k12.mo.us
- Synthia Young-Sheldon R-VIII-Sheldon Junior High School-syoung@sheldon.k12.mo.us
DESE COMMUNICATIONS THIS WEEK
Meet the 2024-2025 MoASSP Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Dr. Teresa McKenzie, President
Principal, Logan-Rogersville HS
Southwest Region
Deb Hill Haag, President-Elect
Principal, Moberly HS
Northeast Region
Dr. Corey Willich, Past President
Principal, Park Hill South HS
Kansas City Region
Barbara McCormick, Treasurer
Principal for Academic Affairs, St. Teresa's Academy,
Kansas City Region
Dr. Jay Apostol, NASSP State Coordinator
Principal, Monett MS
Southwest Region
Regional & At-Large Board Members
Bryan Himes
Principal, Sherwood Cass HS
Central Region
Jessica Cobb
Principal, Montgomery County R-II HS
NE Region
Dr. Benicia Nanez Hunt
Principal, Long International MS
St. Louis Region
Dr. John Boyd Jr.
Principal, Ste. Genevieve HS
Southeast Region
Dr. Stephanie Grisham
Assistant Principal, Rolla HS
At-Large Assistant Principal
South Central Region
Dr. Jim Kern
Missouri Professors of Educational Administration (MPEA)
Executive Director
Ex Officio
Dr. Adrian Singletary
Principal, Park Hill MS
Kansas City Region
Brian Witt
Principal, Bourbon HS
South Central Region
Joe Casey
Principal, Clever HS
Southwest Region
Dr. Shenita Mayes
Principal, Hixson MS
At-Large Inclusion
St. Louis Region
Lisa Craig
Principal, Stanberry R-II
Northwest Region
Dr. Spencer Allen
Principal, Helias Catholic HS
At-Large Non-Public
Central Region
Kate Lydon
Principal, Maryville MS
At-Large Middle Level
Northwest Region
Beth Houf
Principal, Capital City HS
NASSP Board Member















