Strand: Social Studies/History, DEI
Absolutism is not a thing of the past. As educators, looking to teach the truth, we truly are modern day absolutists. Join me in discussing ways you look to incorporate change in your classrooms and as well as activities that will engage all age levels. We are so lucky to be at a school and a region of the country that we are allowed to use or voices, lets make a change together as a community!
Strand: Art
You will learn simple techniques to draw the head of an elephant, lion, wolf, or bull in a stylized manner. Once drawn in pencil, you will trace with black markers and add a variety of designs and shapes to create an image that has a unique personality. NO TALENT REQUIRED!!! LET'S TAKE THE FEAR OUT OF DRAWING!!!
***Limited to 10 participants***
Strand: Technology, Pedagogy
We attended the inspiring MassCue Conference in October and are eager to share what we learned.
Demystify AI and up your AI prompt-writing skills, discover Google's LM Notebook (mind-blowing!) and Book Creator. Discover all that you can do with the Apple Notes app. Find out what studies show about teens and screen time. Increase accessibility in your classroom... and more!
Strand: Recreation
Do you have a hobby that's gone by the wayside because you never have time for it? Maybe you picked up an instrument years ago but haven't had time to play. Maybe you like to draw but it's been forever since you have had the chance. Maybe you enjoy knitting but never make time for it. Are you putting off working on the next great American novel? Come and hang out with others who want to spend time on something they enjoy but haven't prioritized for a long time.
Strand: Art, Technology
Together we will play with Canva's tools to create an avatar that looks like you! This workshop is great for you if you're still getting comfortable with Canva, are brand new, or just love using the tool!
Strand: Math/Science
Have you wanted to include more math (or any type of review) games into your classroom? Look no further! Learn to make and play games like SKUNK, Jeopardy, the Unfair Game, and Capture the Flag to help students solidify their knowledge. Some of these games are luck-based and students won't know who's ahead until the end, which keeps the class engaged and working to win the entire time!
Strand: Art, Recreation
We will work through the basics of taking and sharing photos using mobile devices.
***Limited to 12 participants***
PA 108 The Art of Upcycling: Giving New Life to Beautiful Things
Amie Keddy
Strand: Art, Recreational
Did you save last year’s calendar or an old note card because you can’t bear to toss away a pretty picture or a charming design?
Is there an empty stationary box or matchbook you wish could become something useful and new?
Would you like a fun space and time to cut and glue and play with paper?
If any of these questions apply to you, join me in The Art of Upcycling! I love giving new life to beautiful things that I’d rather not recycle or throw away. I’ll have examples, ideas, templates, tools, and an array of saved “treasures” for you to use. Feel free to bring along anything precious you’ve been squirreling away: old greeting cards, LP sleeves, out-of-date calendars, pretty papers, torn picture books, etc.
***Limited to 12 participants***
PA 109 Building a Positive Community with Responsive Classroom
Kim Navarro, Chris Sayers, Ashley Vandermark
Strand: Community Building, Social/Emotional Learning
Join us for an exciting workshop designed for classroom and advisory teachers with students of all ages in mind. We will kick off the day with engaging morning (start of the class) meeting activities that set a positive tone for the class. Throughout the session, you’ll experience interactive modeling, reflective practices, and effective strategies for addressing misbehavior. Our goal is to inspire you with fresh, fun ideas that not only unite your classroom community but also enhance your teaching and strengthen your relationships with students. Come ready to share and have fun!
PA 110 Bananas for Chemistry
Keith Bevan, Jeff Pilgrim
Strand: Math/Science, Recreation
Ever wondered what is happening at the atomic level when you make yourself a dish? Is your food physically or chemically changing? Come on down to the science lab to find out just that as we make bananas foster. Learn why color means flavor!
**Limited to 10 participants**
PA 111 Illustrate for Impact: Art Workshop for Heart of Dinner
Alice Gearhart
Interested in creating some simple art for a good cause? For MLK Day this year, the second and seventh graders spent part of the afternoon decorating cards for Heart of Dinner, an organization in New York City that provides meals and support for elderly Asian residents experiencing food insecurity and social isolation. Join this workshop to learn a little about Heart of Dinner and illustrate a grocery delivery bag. No special artistic skills are needed, just a little creativity!
Michelle LaMarre
Strand: Business and Finance
I will review all things finance and operations. Hear how the business office determines the annual budget, tuition rates, and financial aid. A quick overview of HR, health insurance, dining, safety and security, facilities, and health services. The format will be a short presentation mixed with questions and answers. No topic is off limits!
Jeremy Galvagni
Strand: Art, Math/Science, Recreation
Unit Origami is a type of origami where you fold many copies of the same unit and combine them to make a single object. The result is beautiful geometry!
Patrick Tenero
Strand: Social Studies/History
As we approach the 350th anniversary, we'll explore the history of the conflict known as "King Philip's War" and its ramifications, particularly in the Connecticut River Valley and Pocumtuck homelands.
Marcia Bernard
Strand: Technology, ELA, Social Studies/Hisotry
Give your lessons a spring refresh! Let's take a look at updates in Magic School, Padlet, WeVideo, and Book Creator, and explore creative ways to combine these apps (Smash'em!)
Jeff Cady
Strand: ELA, SEL
In this generative writing workshop, we'll explore how poetry can help transform challenging emotions into powerful creative expression. Participants will begin by journaling about a personal experience of bitterness, anger, or resentment—something unresolved or difficult to let go of. Then, through experimentation with point of view and literary devices, we'll shape those reflections into emotionally honest poems without being explicit. No prior poetry experience necessary—just a willingness to sit with strong emotions and see where your writing takes you.