Homecoming is more than a theme week, a game, a dance, or a pep assembly. At its best, it is one of the first major culture moments of the school year; a chance to remind students that school is not just a place they…

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One of my favorite parts of Summer Leadership Camp is how honest students get once they settle in. It usually doesn’t happen on the first day. The first day is busy. Students are figuring out where to go, who they know, what council they…

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Matt Alley, Associate Director MASSP Let’s be honest. May is weird. You’re not at the starting line anymore, but you’re definitely not at the finish either. Seniors are halfway out the door. Your energy is somewhere between “let’s finish strong” and “we made it.” …

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Matt Alley, Associate Director of MASSP There is a very specific point in the school year where everything seems to happen at once. Events are wrapping up. Elections are approaching. Calendars are filling. Energy starts to dip a little. And seniors… well… seniors are…

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Why the Work You Do Matters More Than You Think Matt Alley, Associate Director MASSP If you are an adviser, you already know this. The work you do rarely fits neatly into a bell schedule. It happens after school. Before school. On weekends. In…

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Michigan Student Leadership offers three statewide competitions that turn student ideas into action: Michigan Student Voice (a student keynote contest), Student Showcase (real projects and solutions), and Student Photovoice (storytelling through images). Together, they build public speaking, project design and execution, and advocacy; while…

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Culture & Climate Impact Team Task: Run one student feedback loop to capture authentic voice. How It Works: Design the Questions: Students craft three short, meaningful prompts. Example:  What connects you to our school?  What needs improvement?  What should never change here?   Collect…

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Posted by Matt Alley, Associate Director of Student Services Culture. The word we all throw around but rarely pin down. Everyone’s favorite catch-all, because it can mean everything … and sometimes nothing. We know it drives learning, behavior and the overall feel of a building. But it…

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Student Leadership Collaboration with Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan  Who we are  DMUM is a student-run nonprofit organization at the University of Michigan that raises funds and awareness for pediatric programs at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Despite the…

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Knowing that all schools handle the process and procedure of Homecoming differently, this list might not fit your program 100%, but a final checklist can’t hurt! The Week Before Homecoming Finalize Spirit Week Themes & CommunicationDouble-check themes are inclusive, clear, and promoted. Push reminders…

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