LEADERSHIP MEMO
December/January
Team,
Greetings and Happy December to you! Let me begin by saying thank you and kudos for successfully navigating the first quarter of the school year and all the excitement the fall season brings. I am hoping that each of you had the opportunity to relax a bit and spend quality time with friends and family over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a great time of year to pause and reflect on what we care about most and for us to show gratitude for those who mean so much to us.
In the spirit of being grateful for you and the work you do I would like to take some time to express my sincere thanks to those who have hosted me for school visits over the past few months. I have been fortunate to get to seven additional districts through October and November and plan to get to nine more before the end of the school year (which would allow me to reach my goal of visiting each district by the end of this year!). Thank you to Robynne Prince, principal, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle (Prince George's), Anthony Barone, principal, Patuxent High (Calvert), Lamark Holley, assistant principal, Southampton Middle (Harford), Erin O'Hara, assistant principal, North Harford Middle (Harford), Dave Yoder, principal, North Garrett High/Northern Middle (Garrett), Bob Stike, principal, Boyd J. Miller Technical High (Washington), Logan Webster, assistant principal, Somerset Intermediate School (Somerset), Billie Brice, principal, Sudlersville Middle (Queen Anne's), and James Allrich, principal, Argyle Middle (Montgomery), for opening your doors to me to witness firsthand the great work happening with students, staffs and communities across our state. Regardless of the grade configuration, demographic makeup, setting (rural, urban, suburban), socio-economic needs or location, the one common theme is have seen across schools is that LEADERSHIP MATTERS!
The leaders I have visited (and those I have not this applies to you as well) demonstrate a high level of commitment to their students and those who serve them. They exhibit perseverance and a relentless drive to do what is best for kids, all day every day. As I have walked with each of them I can see that they know their students and have structures and processes in place to ensure the needs of students are being met. Secondly, our leaders truly and deeply care. They demonstrate a next level dedication to the young people who enter our buildings on a daily basis and to those who send their very best to us. I have heard countless stories of providing for students, families and caregivers with social emotional supports as well as the basics needed to survive (food, clothing, toiletries, etc.). Lastly, I see and hear an appreciation from our leaders that they are part of a larger community of professionals who have dedicated their careers to changing the trajectories of lives in each of our communities served. It is clear-being a school leader is indeed a calling. I thank not only those I have visited but ALL of our school leaders who engage in the same way with their students and teams each and every day.
As we move closer to the season of giving I want to acknowledge the gift of commitment each of you shows to your students, your roles, your schools, your teams, and your communities. Your leadership is the gift that keeps on giving-THANK YOU!
Always remember that YOU make a difference!
Sincerely,
Chris
443-545-9988
Colleagues,
As we enter December, I want to take a moment to thank you for the extraordinary leadership you bring to your schools each and every day. This season offers us a chance to reflect on all we’ve navigated together—our challenges, our progress, and the collective strength that defines Maryland’s secondary school principals.
I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who attended our MASSP/MAESP Fall Conference in Ocean City. Your engagement, insights, and collaboration made the event a tremendous success. When we gather as leaders—sharing the realities of our work, celebrating wins, and elevating our collective voice—it strengthens our profession, our advocacy, and ultimately, our schools.
Please also mark your calendars for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Conference in Tampa, Florida, in February 2027. This will be a powerful opportunity to elevate Maryland’s voice on the national stage and connect with school leaders from across the country.
Key Issues and Updates for Maryland School Leaders
Across the state, principals continue to juggle complex and evolving demands. Your feedback, questions, and experiences are shaping MASSP’s advocacy and informing statewide discussions. Several priority areas continue to rise to the surface:
Community Schools Funding and Guidance
As more schools transition into Community School designation, principals have raised important questions regarding allowable uses of Concentration of Poverty funds. Recent MSDE guidance emphasizes alignment with needs assessments, wraparound services, and specific requirements for spending.
MASSP will continue to advocate for clarity, support, and principal voice as implementation expands.
Student Attendance: Challenges and What’s Working
Attendance remains one of the most pressing issues facing school leaders statewide and nationally. Despite the challenges, Maryland principals are finding success through consistent, relationship-centered strategies. Some of the most effective approaches include:
Celebrating and highlighting attendance through grade-level competitions, student spotlights, treat carts, raffles, and schoolwide recognition.
Early identification and early intervention, with weekly targeted lists, mentors, and proactive outreach before patterns become chronic.
Building belonging and connection through advisory, SEL circles, student-led activities, and events that make school a place students want to be.
Supportive family partnerships, shifting the conversation from “Where was your child?” to “How can we help?”
Removing barriers—whether transportation, hygiene, clothing, mental health, or confidence—to help students show up consistently.
Using incentives intentionally, such as attendance raffles, special privileges, and recognition days that motivate students in meaningful ways.
Across schools, principals have reported increased daily attendance, re-engagement among Tier 2 and Tier 3 students, improved family communication, and strengthened school climate because of these approaches. Attendance work is human work—slow at times, but deeply impactful.
Behavioral and Mental Health Needs
Like states across the nation, Maryland continues to see increased behavioral needs and trauma-related challenges, especially among early adolescents. Principals are requesting more mental health staffing, high-quality professional development, and streamlined support systems—and MASSP is lifting these needs in every forum.
Staffing and Conditional Licensure
Support for conditionally licensed teachers remains a top concern. Many of you are serving as coaches, mentors, and instructional leaders while navigating vacancies in high-need areas. MSDE’s forthcoming toolkit will offer guidance and structure to better support these educators and those who lead them.
Principal Workload and Blueprint Implementation
The role of principalship continues to expand with increased compliance responsibilities, operational demands, and evolving Blueprint implementation requirements. MASSP is advocating for principal voice early in policy formation and for systems that honor both feasibility and sustainability.
Membership Matters
One of our priorities this year is growing MASSP membership. A larger, more engaged membership strengthens our advocacy power, enhances regional connections, and expands professional learning opportunities for all of us. Please encourage your colleagues—assistant principals, principals, and emerging leaders—to join us.
A Message of Purpose and Encouragement
As we close out 2025 and look ahead to a new year, I want to leave you with this reminder:
You were born to do hard things.
Every decision you make, every challenge you confront, every barrier you remove for a student or a staff member is evidence of your strength and calling.
Keep building.
Leadership is created one intentional step at a time.
Take the next right step.
Even when the path feels long or uncertain.
Keep it real.
Your authenticity is your greatest leadership tool.
And most importantly:
Remember why we do this work.
We do it for the kids.
Thank you for your courage, your clarity, and your unwavering commitment to Maryland’s students, staff, and communities. I am honored to serve alongside each of you, and I am inspired daily by the impact you make. Please reach out to chat
Kris R. Hemstetter
President, Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals
2025 Maryland State High School Principal of the Year
Now is the time to register for our Assistant Principal and Aspiring Leader Conference which focuses on the professional growth and development of our assistant principals and those who aspire to become building based administrators. Our conference will feature Dr. Sonja Santelises, Baltimore City Schools CEO, as well as school based practitioners providing concurrent sessions on relevant and timely topics. In addition, there will be a panel session as well as breakfast and lunch included in the prices of registration. Register now by clicking the conference graphic to take advantage of networking with colleagues from across the state!
Be a part of our Second Annual MASSP Women's Leadership Conference on March 19, 2026 at the Maritime Conference Center! This professional development experience is designed with the specific needs of women leaders in mind. Come and network and grow with colleagues from across the state and beyond! Register now by clicking on the conference graphic!
Many thanks to those who attended our annual MAESP/MASSP Fall UNITED Leadership Conference at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club in Ocean City. From our keynote speakers to our concurrent session and BOOM session presenters to our attendees and planning committee, the event was a huge success! The conference experience was one of professional growth and learning as well as camaraderie, collaboration, networking and fun. Please put November 5-7, 2026 on your calendars for next year's UNITED Conference!
The Polar Bear Plunge is just about 2 months away! MASSP couldn’t be more excited to partner with Special Olympics Maryland in support of the 25,141 Athletes and Unified Teammates of Special Olympics Maryland AND celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Polar Bear Plunge in Maryland!
Come join us for the Cool Schools Educator's Reception and Plunge on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, 5:00-7:30 at Sandy Point State Park. There will be complimentary food and adult beverages and the chance to network and celebrate with colleagues from across the state. Register now at https://support.somd.org/event/2026-cool-schools-educators-reception-and-plunge/e741276.
Help spread the word about the benefits of being a member of MASSP!
As you know, there are many benefits to being a member of MASSP including professional growth opportunities, chances to extend leadership, attendance at conferences, networking with colleagues from across the state and affiliation with NASSP and access to national level resources, programs, and materials. In addition, our advocacy work ensures secondary level administrators have a voice at the state and national levels. We are only as strong as an organization as each of you.
Please see these shout outs regarding membership efforts this year!
- Recognition is extended to the MASSP members of Anne Arundel County Public Schools for their exceptional success in collegial outreach and recruitment. Linda Chandler is specifically acknowledged for her role. Their concerted efforts have resulted in twenty-three new MASSP/NASSP members since July 1, 2025, significantly bolstering our organizational strength. *only 1 member not renewing
- Acknowledgment is given to Principal Rodrick Hobbs of Windsor Mill Middle School in Baltimore County for his commitment to professional development. His proactive leadership ensured that every member of the school’s administrative team became a member of MASSP/NASSP for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Recognition is extended to the MASSP members of Baltimore County Public Schools, with particular acknowledgment to Kim Culbertson, for their efforts in promoting membership in MASSP/NASSP. Since mid-September 2025, these efforts have contributed to the addition of four new members. *with no members being dropped
- A shout-out to MASSP members of Calvert County Public Schools, with particular acknowledgement to Anthony Barone, for increasing their membership by 3% in October 2025 with the addition of one new member.
- Acknowledgment is given to Principal Doug Dolan of La Plata High School in Charles County for his commitment to professional development. His proactive leadership ensured that every member of the school’s administrative team became a member of MASSP/NASSP for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- A shout-out to MASSP members of Carroll County Public Schools, with particular acknowledgement to Stacy Novotny, for their efforts in promoting membership in MASSP/NASSP. Since July 1, 2025, these efforts have contributed to the addition of four new members. *with no members being dropped
- Recognition is given to the MASSP members from Garrett County Public Schools with particular acknowledgement to David Yoder for their efforts in encouraging their colleagues to join MASSP/NASSP. Currently, 81% of the district's school-based administrators are members.
- The MASSP members of Harford County Public Schools are commended for their effective recruitment efforts. With particular appreciation for Erin O’Hara's leadership, their work has resulted in a significant 12.3% increase in county membership since September 1, 2025. This success accounts for nine new MASSP/NASSP members. *with no members being dropped
- Recognition is extended to the Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators (HCASA) for their commitment to the professional development of HCPS school-based administrators through the financial support of their MASSP/NASSP memberships.
- Recognition is extended to the MASSP members of Montgomery County Public Schools, with particular acknowledgment to Jewell Sanders and Ricardo Hernandez, for their efforts in promoting membership in MASSP/NASSP. Since August 2025, these efforts have contributed to the addition of eleven new members. *with no members being dropped
- Recognition is extended to the Prince George’s County Public Schools MASSP members for successfully promoting organizational membership. Eunice Humphrey and Robynne Prince are specifically acknowledged for their dedication. These efforts have yielded eight new members to the MASSP/NASSP community since August 2025. *with no members being dropped
- Acknowledgment is given to Principal Leroy Alicea-Cabassa of Sonia Sotomayor Middle School in Prince George’s County for his commitment to professional development. His proactive leadership ensured that every member of the school’s administrative team became a member of MASSP/NASSP for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- A shout-out to MASSP members of Somerset County Public Schools, with particular acknowledgement to Logan Webster, for increasing their membership by 10% in October 2025 with the addition of one new member.
- A shout-out to MASSP members of St. Mary’s County Public Schools, with particular acknowledgement to Debbie Dennie, for increasing their membership by 2.7% in October 2025 with the addition of one new member.
As you know, we are partnering with Learning Forward to present virtual professional development sessions for building based leaders focused on relevant and timely topics. We have provided sessions on School Improvement and Providing Support to New and Conditional Teachers. Our next session, scheduled for December 17 at 4:00, will be focused on Providing High Quality Feedback to Teachers. Our presenters will be Principal Stephanie Nesmith of Briggs Chaney Middle School in Montgomery County, and Kisha Logan, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Howard County. The session can be accessed using this Zoom link: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82229074123?pwd=u5eOhsssFaeUeSYkQCB9ea1maa4dl6.1 We look forward to seeing you there!
Tony Cattani is a highly experienced principal at Lenape High School in Medford, New Jersey and is the current NASSP Principal of the Year. he offers support to schools through the lens of professional development and speaking. Check out his materials links here:
- NASSP National POY video releases today.
We are excited to see March Leonard, former Howard County High School principal, named as the latest member of the Maryland State Board of Education. She is very supportive of those issues most relevant to your work and we will be collaborating with her and the other members of our state board to ensure principal voice is being heard.
We are also working to keep Blueprint and the associated opportunities and challenges at the forefront of discussion. As you know, we continue to provide information sessions to update our building leaders. Our next information session is scheduled for January 14th at 4:00. More information to come on the topic and contents. Please let Chris Truffer know of any specific questions and/or concerns moving forward as he is working closely with the AIB.
We will also be tracking state and federal legislation and will be again working closely with NASSP to ensure strong advocacy across all levels!
How will you plan on taking time to recognize and celebrate the many great things happening in your classrooms, schools and communities? Never hesitate to celebrate!
Here is the link to access all information related to Maryland State Board of Education meetings including agendas, minutes and videos: MD State Board Meeting Agendas Minutes and Videos
Here is the link to the December MASC Bulletin:
https://mrskcrawford.wixsite.com/so/2ePgu0D2k?languageTag=en
Here is the link to the November MASC Bulletin:
Here is the link to the October MASC Bulletin:
https://mrskcrawford.wixsite.com/so/26PaHcZyy?languageTag=en&cid=e77265be-72d5-4f56-a31c-a7036de10212
Contact us or visit the MASSP website
Thank you to our MASSP Partners
MASSP/MAESP Joint Partners:
Josten's
Lifetouch
Horace Mann
Edmentum
MASSP Partners:
American College of Education (ACE)
Avalon
EPI
Grand Canyon University
eDoctrina
AIM Institute
Imagine Learning
Maryland Non-Profit Partners:
Arts Education for Maryland Schools (AEMS)
Council of Educational, Administrative, Supervisory Organizations of Maryland (CEASOM)
Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC)
Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS)
Special Olympics Maryland
