AAMLE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
January 15, 2012 is the deadline for the Shannon Wright, Administrator and Team That Makes a Difference awards. Applications can be found under the AAMLE Conference link
above.
| In the Middle - August/September 2011 |
Arkansas Schools Honored at the
2011"Schools to Watch" Conference
It was a tremendous moment at the National Forum's "Schools to Watch" Conference when Secretary Arnie Duncan presented his first major address regarding middle grades education. You can find the speech at http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/making-middle-grades-matter. It was incredible to have a sitting Secretary of Education speak on behalf of the middle grades and devote his entire comments to the middle grades, STW and our i3 work. You'll note that the speech quoted several of our Forum members including Steve Mertens, now at Illinois State University, Trish Williams of EdSource, and our colleagues over at Johns Hopkins.
Unlike years gone by, the Department is now quite aware of the middle grades; the Secretary of Education has noted our accomplishments and our challenges ahead; and we look forward to furthering our mission in the upcoming year. Jean Gossman a reporter for Ed Daily was at the gala dinner and wrote an article on the Secretary’s speech. The article can be viewed at http://schoolstowatch.org/
Following the Secretary's comments, Senator Whitehouse accepted the National Forum's Legislator of the Year Award. The press release from his office can be found at http://whitehouse.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=a6c47aca-7a0d-4f0e-b3f9-c37515960ae4. In addition, NASSP, NMSA, AEA and the National Forum conducted a Hill Briefing on the middle grades on June 22, 2011 at the Capitol Visitors' Center. Both Senator Whitehouse and Representative Grijlava participated in the briefing. Nearly 90 attended the briefing, and we are already making plans for another collaborative event next June.
To apply in Arkansas, click on the "Schools to Watch" menu above.
2011 AAMLE Annual Conference
Celebrations!
2011 Shannon Wright
"Middle School of the Year"
Cabot Middle School North was named the 2011 Shannon Wright "Middle School of the Year". Tanya Spillane is the Principal.
2011 "Administrator
That Makes a Difference"
Mr. Eddie Tipton, Principal of Central Middle School in Van Buren, was named the "Administrator That Makes a Difference" for 2011.
2011
"Teams That Make a Difference"
The 8th Grade Team from Atkins Middle School was named the 2011 "Team That Makes a Difference". Allen Wilbanks is the Principal.
Conference Photo Gallery
by Lifetouch
Lifetouch - Official Photographer of AAMLE
AAMLE has partnered with Phillip Martin and Ralph Pack of Lifetouch National School Studios, the official AAMLE Annual Conference photographers. Please help support their work by purchasing Annual Conference photos - including breakout session, general session, and annual award photos. For more information, contact Phillip Martin at Lifetouch National School Studio: (479) 631-8951, or e-mail at pmartin@lifetouch.com.