Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)

AWSP is closed today, Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.

We wish our members and partners a meaningful Juneteenth and will resume normal business hours on Monday.

REMINDER: AWSP's Spring Forum is TOMORROW, May 5, from 3:30 - 5 p.m. This Forum features two rounds of engaging breakout sessions focused on the issues that matter right now—attendance, CBAs, special education, equity, and more. You'll hear from AWSP's 2026 Principals and APs of the Year, AWSP Board President Jason Smith, AWSP Governmental Relations and Advocacy Director Roz Thompson, and OSPI Chief Education Officer Susan Lathrop. Walk away with actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and tools you can use immediately in your school. There's no cost to register! The Forum includes one free Leadership clock hour for AWSP members. Thank you to our Forum sponsor, Renaissance Learning! Save your spot: https://go.awsp.org/4umnEZb

Today we celebrate the leaders who shape the heart of every school—our principals.

Thank you for the countless decisions, the early mornings, the late nights, and the unwavering commitment to students, staff, and communities. Your leadership creates the conditions where learning thrives and people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Happy School Principals Day! 🍎

AWSP is excited to announce that Stephanie Leitz, principal at Wahkiakum High School, is the fifth winner of AWSP’s Annalee Braley Membership Award! Her devotion to mentoring fellow leaders, her support of student leaders through the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL), and her involvement in regional PLC work demonstrates why she so perfectly honors and carries forward Annalee’s legacy. Read the full announcement and learn more about the Annalee Braley Membership Award on our website: https://go.awsp.org/424UMso. Congrats, Stephanie!

AESD is excited to announce DiscoverWorks, a free, full-day summer learning program in select Washington school districts for students entering grades 1–9. The program includes daily reading and math instruction, hands-on enrichment, and field trips. It is funded by Ballmer Group and coordinated through regional ESDs. This is the first year of implementation in Washington, with pilots in Puget Sound Educational Service District and Educational Service District 105 regions. Learn more at discoverworkswa.org

We're proud to celebrate the remarkable work of school leaders across Washington who are making a lasting difference for students! This spring, six schools were recognized by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as ESEA Distinguished Schools, an honor that reflects exceptional student performance and a deep commitment to closing opportunity gaps. These leaders and their teams exemplify what’s possible when purposeful leadership, strong systems, and a deep belief in every student come together to create meaningful outcomes.

Principal Joe Jisa
Ruth Livingston Elementary (Pasco SD)

Principal Sean McKenna
Vale Elementary, Cashmeme SD

Superintendent/Principal Patricia Beathard
Brinnon Elementary, Brinnon SD

Principal Jennifer Hargrave
Davenport Senior High, Davenport SD

Principal Scott Krentel
McDonald Elementary, Central Valley SD (Spokane)

Principal Eric Valentine
Naches Valley High, Naches Valley SD

Read the full press release from OSPI: https://go.awsp.org/4n5wk3O

Congratulations to each of you!

Registration is open for K-8 Water Safe Washington 2026! The 50-minute Water Safety lesson is led by classroom teachers and empowers students to make safe choices near water. Empower your students to make water safe decisions by registering your school for the free Water Safe Washington K-8 lesson. Has your school signed up yet? Check the map! https://bit.ly/41lhgF5

Summer Conference is around the corner on June 28-30 in Spokane, and keynoter Brad Montague is excited to see you all there. A self-proclaimed stubborn optimist, Brad believes that great things happen when school and district leaders gather together. You may recognize Brad from his hit web series "Kid President" or one of his many New York Times bestselling books for kids and former kids. Read Brad's blog post and watch his video message to school and district leaders like you: https://go.awsp.org/47MdgRJ

And don't forget to register at www.awsp.org/SC!