Chickasaw, Alabama – March 8, 2024 - The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) and Publishers’ Warehouse has named Michele Hewlett, assistant principal of Chickasaw Elementary School in the Chickasaw City School System, as Alabama's NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal. The program is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) to recognize assistant principals who demonstrate excellence in their roles and contribute significantly to the educational experience of Pre-K-8 students. Ms. Hewlett was recognized at a ceremony on March 8, 2024, at Chickasaw Elementary School.

Ms. Hewlett, who has served as assistant principal at Chickasaw Elementary for five years, was chosen for her outstanding leadership, innovative programs, and dedication to student success. She has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that promote positive behavior and support students with special needs.

One of Ms. Hewlett's most notable accomplishments is the positive office referral system, which focuses on recognizing and rewarding students for displaying the school's core values of PRIDE (preparedness, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence). Students who receive positive referrals are celebrated with their picture displayed on the "Shout Outs Board" in the front office and receive a special prize. This system has contributed to a significant reduction in out-of-school suspensions.

Additionally, Ms. Hewlett has made substantial improvements to the school's special education practices and procedures. Under her leadership, the special education department has been restructured to meet the individual needs of students, and new resources such as a behavior unit, multi-needs unit, sensory room, and ADA-compliant playground have been added.

"We are thrilled to recognize Michele Hewlett as Alabama's NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal," said Dr. Vic Wilson, Executive Director of AAESA and CLAS. "Her dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students exemplifies the best in educational leadership. Ms. Hewlett's innovative approaches and commitment to student success make her a true asset to Chickasaw Elementary and the entire Chickasaw community."

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About the NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal Award: The National Association of Elementary School Principals is committed to preparing assistant principals to step into the principal role. They want to honor assistant principals who are doing a superb job in their roles. The NOAP promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (Pre-K-8) schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal. NAESP will share their successes and best practices in a practical document for other principals to utilize.

About Publishers’ Warehouse: Publishers’ Warehouse is a long-time supporter of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators. They are Alabama’s one-stop shop for digital (EBSCOed) and print textbooks and instructional materials for K-12 schools. Publishers' Warehouse is the sponsor of the Alabama NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal recognition program.

About AAESA and CLAS: The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS).  CLAS is an umbrella association that serves thirteen different affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators.  CLAS provides the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support.  For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org.

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Pictured Left to Right: Lisa Silver, Publishers' Warehouse; Patrick Chappell, Publishers' Warehouse; Christy Amick, Principal, Chickasaw Elementary School; Michele Hewlett, Alabama's NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal; Vic Wilson, Executive Director, AAESA and CLAS; and David Wofford, Superintendent, Chickasaw City Schools.