In this issue: - SAM Webinar - January 9, 2025
- MAEMSP President Message
- SAM Legislative Network Registration
SAM Executive Director Message MT Principals Conference Registration SAM Youth Endowment Nomination Form - META Award Nominations
CoSN Update - SAM Business Partners
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| SAM Calendar of Events - Thursday, February 13, 10:00 AM: SAM Monthly Webinar - Navigating Difficult Conversations: Building Public Trust Amid Political Complexity with Caitlin Sullivan and Anisa Sullivan Jimenez from Leading Now
In today’s rapidly evolving and politically complex landscape, educational leaders face increasing challenges in building trust and effectively navigating difficult conversations.
By the end of this session, you will gain: - Increased insight into today’s politically complex environment
- Strategies to build trust with your stakeholders
- Pragmatic tips to approach tough conversations with confidence
Get ready for an interactive and practical discussion that will equip you with the tools to build common ground with stakeholders and navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
Connect to SAM webinars using this Zoom meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3923446729 |
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SAM Board of Directors
SAM Carol Phillips
President
Julie Hornby
President Elect
Sara Novak
Past President
MASSP Rhiannon Beery
President
Jason Slater
President Elect
Matt Lewis
Vice President
Sheri Heavrin
Past President
MAEMSP
Mark Goyette
President
Kelly Kinsey
President Elect
Travis Niemeyer
Vice President
Julie Hornby
Past President
Ted Miller
Ben Lambert
SAM Representatives
MASS
Joel Graves
President
Dan Grabowska
President Elect
Dale Olinger Past President Hannah Nieskens
Federal Relations
MCASE
Taylor Salmi
President
MACSS
Katrina Chaney
President
META
Paul Kozlowitz
President
SAM Office
Dr. Rob Watson
Executive Director
Kim Scofield
Director of Professional Learning & Member Services
Marcus Meyer
Director of Operations, Membership & Finances
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| Advocate, Celebrate and Reflect! by Joel Graves, MASS President
As we navigate through this crucial legislative session, I want to take a moment to connect with my fellow school administrators across Montana. Our role in shaping the future of education has never been more vital, and I'd like to share some thoughts on three essential actions we must embrace: advocacy, celebration, and reflection.
First and foremost, advocacy. During this legislative session, it is imperative that we stand up and speak out for our students, our schools, and our profession. Each of us has unique insights into the daily workings of our schools and the needs of our communities. These perspectives are invaluable in helping shape educational policy that truly serves Montana's children. Your voice matters – whether it's reaching out to legislators, attending committee hearings, or sharing your experiences with stakeholders. Don't underestimate the impact of your advocacy efforts.
Equally important is celebration. In the whirlwind of daily challenges and responsibilities, we sometimes forget to pause and acknowledge the remarkable achievements happening in our schools. From the dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond to reach a struggling student, to the academic team that brings home a state championship, to the administrator who implements an innovative program – these successes deserve recognition. Remember, if we don't tell our stories, others will write them for us, and they may not capture the true spirit and accomplishments of our educational communities.
Finally, I urge you to reflect. In our fast-paced profession, reflection might seem like a luxury we can't afford, but it's essential for our growth and satisfaction as educators. Take time to consider those magical moments that remind us why we chose this profession: the kindergartner who runs up for an unexpected hug, the middle school student who finally grasps a challenging concept, or the high school senior who earns that life-changing scholarship. These are the moments that fuel our passion and remind us that education is, indeed, the greatest profession there is.
As your MASS President, I've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible work happening in schools across our state. The dedication, innovation, and resilience displayed by Montana's school administrators continue to inspire me. During this legislative session and beyond, let's commit to being strong advocates for education, enthusiastic cheerleaders for our schools' successes, and thoughtful practitioners who take time to reflect on the profound impact we have on young lives.
The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities to make a difference. Keep advocating, celebrating, and reflecting – these actions not only strengthen our schools but also reinforce the vital role we play in shaping Montana's future.
Remember, each day brings new opportunities to impact lives, and each small moment can create lasting change. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Montana's students and schools. Together, we continue to make a difference, one day at a time.
Joel Graves Superintendent, Eureka Public Schools MASS President |
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Registration is Open for the 2025 METAtechED Conference |
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We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 METAtechED Conference, taking place on March 10-11, 2025, at the Delta Hotel in Helena.
This year’s conference will feature an incredible lineup of insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences tailored for school district technologists, IT directors, and technology leaders. |
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Keynote Presenter: - We are excited to welcome Jeff Utecht as our keynote speaker! With over two decades of experience in educational technology, Jeff has been instrumental in shaping Washington State’s Generative AI guidance and has worked with over 100 school districts across multiple states and countries. His expertise in AI and education makes him a leading voice in the field
- Keynote Presentation: "Generational AI"
Is tailored for IT Directors, we’ll explore how generational leadership intersects with artificial intelligence to shape the future of school technology systems. As technology evolves, IT leaders must navigate varying generational perspectives, blending the experience of seasoned staff with the tech expertise of younger professionals. We’ll focus on strategies for uniting these strengths, fostering collaboration across teams, and building innovative, AI-driven solutions that empower educators and students. By bridging generational gaps, IT Directors can drive the future of technology in education forward, fostering an agile and responsive educational environment.
Breakout Sessions – Deep Dive into Key Topics In addition to our keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in engaging breakout sessions covering the latest trends and challenges in K-12 technology, cybersecurity, and AI integration.
Breakout Session Topics Include: - Generative AI in Schools – Practical applications and strategies for leveraging AI in education.
- Cybersecurity Best Practices – Protecting student data and securing school networks.
- Infinite Campus & PowerSchool – Advanced tips, updates, and best practices for student information systems.
- Roundtable Discussions – Open forums for collaboration, problem-solving, and sharing solutions with peers.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of K-12 technology. Register today and be part of this transformative event! We look forward to seeing you in Helena! |
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META and MCASE Award Nominations Follow the links for more information about each award and to submit a nomination form.
Nominations are being accepted for the following META Awards until Friday, February 14. - META Technologist of the Year - The Montana Educational Technologists Association (META) presents the Montana K-12 School Technologist of the Year Program. This award was established to recognize the fine achievements and successes of a Montana K-12 School Technologist at the State level. Eligible candidates for this award must be current META members. The nomination deadline is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025.
- META Empowered Superintendent of the Year - The Montana Educational Technologists Association (META) presents the META Empowered Superintendent of the Year Award Program. This award is established to recognize a school superintendent that consistently and passionately provides educational technology leadership, support, understanding, and guidance in working with their school technologist(s) to create a successful and efficient network of tech-supported education for all students within their district. In order for the superintendent to be nominated, he/she must be a member of the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS). The nomination deadline is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025.
Nominations are being accepted for the following MCASE Awards until Friday, March 14. |
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Youth Endowment Nomination Deadline March 7 Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024-25 SAM Youth Endowment. In the Spring of 2001, the SAM Board approved the SAM Youth Endowment Fund Guidelines based on the belief that it was important for SAM to be involved financially with a cause that affected the youth of Montana. The purpose of the SAM Youth Endowment Fund is to make a positive impact on the youth of Montana by providing financial assistance to benefit children’s health, welfare, and/or education.
Nominations may be submitted to the SAM office before Friday, March 7, 2025: 2024-25 SAM Youth Endowment Information and Nomination Form
The criteria for the nominee is as follows: - Nominated student must be a Montana youth
- Nominated student must be a K-12 student
- Nominated student must have a financial need, i.e. health concern, family emergency, educational need
- Nominated student must be nominated by a member of SAM
Awards to nominated recipients will be distributed in April of each year and announced in the May SAM Bulletin. |
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| The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its Montana state affiliate chapter, Montana Educational Technologists Association (META) are pleased to continue to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.
Data Privacy Week – January 27-31, 2025
Data Privacy Week is an international event created to encourage everyone to safeguard their data and respect the privacy of others in order to enable trust when working online. Within school settings one of the main criteria is having policies and practices in place to protect the personal information of all staff and students.
CoSN has a history of providing reliable resources to help school leaders when it comes to protecting their school systems’ data and the data of the people they serve, not only during Data Privacy Week, but throughout each year. You are invited to review and implement CoSN’s free resources for assuring data privacy at https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/student-data-privacy/.
Among the new data privacy resources on the CoSN website is a series of five video interviews with “CoSN Privacy Champions” who each share their thoughts about the importance of Student Data Privacy. Other free resources include links to Data Privacy Blogs and a menu of Data Privacy Resources.
Trusted Learning Environment Seal
The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program is a unique privacy framework designed to support school system leaders in building effective privacy policies and programs within a culture of trust and transparency. Earning the TLE Seal is a mark of distinction for any school system. When districts earn the TLE seal they are communicating that they have taken strong, measurable steps to help protect the privacy of their students and staff. The TLE Seal Program was developed by CoSN in collaboration with a diverse group of 28 school system leaders nationwide and in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and ASCD.
Districts now have two options for earning the TLE seal. They can validate their successful practices across all five of the required areas of Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development, and Classroom. Additionally school districts may choose to work through the TLE process in smaller units by earning separate TLE Mini Seals in one practice area at a time. The TLE website can be accessed at https://www.cosn.org/trusted-learning-environment/.
EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Series CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net co-host an online edLeader Panel broadcast series, sponsored by ClassLink, to help superintendents connect and collaborate. Registration is free and participants can join the live event or view recordings or listen to podcast versions starting a day or two after the live broadcast.
The upcoming February 10, 2025 (5:00 pm Eastern Time) edLeader Panel broadcast focuses on the topic of Data Privacy: A Critical Multi-Stakeholder School District Priority. Stephen Harrell, Superintendent, Deer Park Independent School District, TX, Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent, Loudoun County Public Schools, VA and Dr. Calvin J. Watts, Superintendent, Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA, share the strategies their districts implement to assure that data privacy is successfully put into practice across all facets of their school district operations. Linnette Attai, Project Director for CoSN’s Student Data Privacy Initiative and Trusted Learning Environment Program, joins the superintendents on the February 10, 2025, edLeader Panel broadcast. Learn more about the upcoming broadcast and access the free registration link at: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/supers20250210/.
If you missed the January 13, 2025, edLeader Panel broadcast on Strategic Technology Planning and Investment: Aligning Priorities, Costs, and Outcomes which featured Krestin Bahr, Superintendent, Peninsula School District 401, WA, Dr. Doug Brubaker, Superintendent, Texarkana Independent School District, TX, and Dr. Bryan Duffie, Superintendent, Alma School District, AR, you are welcome to access the video recording and/or the podcast version at https://home.edweb.net/webinar/supers20250113/.
CoSN 2025 Conference:
The CoSN 2025 Conference is going to take place in Seattle, Washington from March 31 through April 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. You can learn more about CoSN 2025 and view the list of Pre-Conference Events and the CoSN 2025 “Schedule at a Glance” agenda at: https://www.cosn.org/cosn2025/
CoSN Membership: If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact membership@cosn.org. |
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