School Administrators of Montana

SAM Friday Update 9-27-24

SAM Update 9-27-24
Hello SAM Members,

Welcome to FALL!  Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather and getting some time for yourself. 

DON'T FORGET: Our next SAM Webinar is Oct 10. The topic will be "AI - From the Administrators Desk, Policy and Practice.

Have you Logged In to the New Members Only Area of SAM Website?

The Members-Only area of the new SAM website is now live. On September 12, you should have received an email titled School Administrators of Montana - "Members Only" Area, which included your unique login details. Once logged in, you’ll gain access to the Online Learning Center, where resources from SAM webinars and conferences are available.  We will continue to roll out additional member tools in the next few months.

If you didn’t receive the email, are having trouble logging in, or have any questions, please reach out to Kim (samks@sammt.org) or Marcus (sammm@sammt.org) at the SAM office.

SAM Webinar Invitation

You are invited to the next monthly SAM webinar on Thursday, October 10 @ 10:00 when we will be discussion Artificial Intelligence:  Practical Tips from the Administrator's Desk. 

Fall SAM Webinar Schedule:

  • October 10: Artificial Intelligence - practical tips from the administrator's desk
  • November 14: Reinvesting and recommitting to IEFA implementation in our schools
  • December 12: CTE and Work Based Learning opportunities (TENTATIVE)

SAM Webinars are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00 AM.  Connect to the webinars on the SAM Zoom meeting room:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3923446729

All webinar resources are housed in the new SAM Online Learning Center and accessible to all SAM members.  You will automatically be in the Members Only area of the SAM website when you log in.  To locate the webinar resources, click on Resources >Online Learning > Courses >2024-25 SAM Monthly Webinars.  You will not only find the resources from the 9-12-24 webinar, but we will continue to add resources as webinars are completed.  Here is a quick video to help you find this area of the website: Locating SAM Webinar Resources.  Experiencing difficulties?  Contact Kim at the SAM Office (samks@sammt.org)

SAM Professional Learning Opportunities:

 2024-25 SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program Registration

SAM is continuing the long standing tradition of providing a low cost 1-1 coaching/mentoring model with the SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program (LPLP).  If you are new to your position OR if you would benefit from a mentor, this is the right program for you. LPLP provides each person with an experienced mentor that will provide support through 1-1 conversations and check-ins throughout the school year. Remember that leadership can be a lonely job. The LPLP mentor can be a great resource for quick guidance or a confidential ear to provide a sounding board in difficult situations. Register now for this opportunity to work with a mentor for only $750 for the entire 2024-25 program year.  Follow this link to register:  2024-25 SAM LPLP 1-1 Leadership Coaching & Mentoring Registration Form

MCEL Registration is Open

MCEL 2024 is scheduled for October 16 - 18 at the Missoula Hilton Garden Inn.  Thursday, October 17 kicks off with an energetic keynote presentation from Clint Swindall.  Follow the link to review the conference schedule and to register:  https://mcel.org/home.  All SAM members are invited to attend the annual SAM Membership Meeting on Friday, October 18 at 8:00 AM.   

MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year Nomination Closes October 11

  • MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year - Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 11, 2024:  This award recognizes outstanding school leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students.  The program honors high school assistant principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence; collaborative leadership; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and personalization.  To be eligible, the nominee must be an active assistant principal and have been an active assistant principal for at least three consecutive years.

Clean School Bus Rebate Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the latest round of funding from the Clean School Bus Rebate Program with up to $965 million available to school districts. Applications for this year’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program are due on the EPA online portal by 4 p.m. EST on January 9, 2025. Applicants can request up to $325,000 per bus for up to 50 buses per application. Funds can be used to cover bus and infrastructure costs for awardees requesting electric school buses, as well as eligible training costs for bus drivers, electricians, and others working with the new buses or infrastructure.

https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-rebates

Thanks for being a SAM member.

Please reach out to me directly if you have questions, comments, or if you need any assistance.

Rob Watson, Executive Director, SAM
email: samrw@sammt.org
cell phone: 406-570-4135
https://twitter.com/robwatson406

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwatson406/

Rob