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President’s Report 2007-2008 This year, like most others, proved to be a very busy one for the Saskatchewan Middle Years Association. With the completion of our document, “On the Edge of Becoming” in 2007, the executive looked for a new project to focus on. The executive met in September and discussed possible ideas. After our discussion, we decided that the promotion of middle school philosophies through professional development would be one of our focus. In July, I attended the NMSA’s Affiliate Summit in Columbus, Ohio. At the summit, I shared our new document with other affiliate leaders from across the continent. It was very well received and while I was there I was lucky enough to share it with the Executive Director, Betty Edwards. She seemed to be impressed with the document and accepted our invitation to attend our annual conference in March. While at the summit, NMSA asked how they could better serve their Canadian affiliates and the idea of a Canadian Leadership workshop came into play. After conference calls and emails, Al Summers of NMSA, and the Canadian affiliates have tentatively booked an exciting workshop in Calgary at the end of May 2009. This workshop hopes to draw delegates from all over Canada and has some very exciting names. Potential speakers include Mark McLeod, Jeff Wilhelm, Janet Allen, Faye Brownlie, Margaret Heritage, and Kathy Hunt-Ullock. In November, SMYA sent two executive members, Heather Koskie and I, to the National Middle School Association’s Annual Conference in Houston. At the conference, we were treated to some of the most interesting speakers in middle level education. In January, our executive was invited to present in Swift Current on middle level philosphies. It was a trial run of our new initiative to offer professional development to school divisions who may not be able to attend our annual conference. At the PD day, we presented our newest publication, “On the Edge of Becoming,” as a keynote and then provided small group sessions n advisory, teaming, transitioning and varied instruction. The presentations were well received and we will look to next year to continue to develop our show on the road. In all, it was a very busy and productive year with SMYA. It was a pleasure to serve our delegates and promote middle years philosphies. Mike Spicer |