The Schedule
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We are happy you joined us where we know "Connection is the Key" to Success.
Click the links below to review a recoding of the live sessions and/or resources provided by our specialists.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Friday, September 5, 2025
Presenters will use available 508 accessibility accommodations to support attendees. Sessions will be recorded, when possible, with transcription (CC).
Can't decide? Whenever possible sessions will be recorded and posted after the event.
Please click on the button next to the session(s) of choice to review resources
Please click on the button next to the session(s) of choice to review resources
8:00-8:45
Discover Tiger Time!
Discover Tiger Time!
Join us for an interactive session where you’ll get an inside look at our new Tiger Time program. Learn the key differences between a “Big Idea” session and a “CMS Class”, and find out how each can support your child’s learning. Bring your questions, share your feedback, and connect with others as we explore how Tiger Time can enhance the educational experience for all.
Presented By: Lindy Janssen, Academic Director
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
8:00-8:45
Re-Engaging Your Student: Building Student Motivation in Independent Study
Re-Engaging Your Student: Building Student Motivation in Independent Study
Join us to learn strategies to motivate and engage your disengaged student.
Presented By: Janette Acosta, 504/PLT Coordinator
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
8:00- 8:45
HOW TO: Search for Service Vendors & Use Amazon Punchout
HOW TO: Search for Service Vendors & Use Amazon Punchout
A guide on how to find service vendors using the school website vendor search tool, plus a review of how to use the Amazon Catalog with your ES.
Presented By: Kim Kosky with Melissa Vargas and Antoinette Galindo (The Business Services Department Team)
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Elective)
9:00- 9:45
Ethnic Studies Overview and Curriculum
Ethnic Studies Overview and Curriculum
Join us for an engaging look at the new Ethnic Studies requirement and what it means for students. This course is designed to broaden understanding of California’s diverse cultural and historical landscape while fostering empathy, critical thinking, and civic awareness. Together, we’ll walk through the course goals, curriculum highlights, and how it can enrich your student’s educational journey.
Presented By: Amanda Ferreira, Social Studies Department Chair with Taylor Felix, Ethnic Studies Instructor
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
9:00-9:45
Math: Preparing My Student for Performance Tasks
Math: Preparing My Student for Performance Tasks
Do performance tasks feel intimidating or get skipped during homework time? In this workshop, you’ll discover practical examples and easy-to-use strategies to help your student approach these higher-order thinking problems with confidence. Walk away with tools you can start using right away to build skills and reduce frustration!
Presented By: Mary Orvell, Math Specialist and Department Chair
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Core)
9:00- 9:45
Support English Learners Through ELAC
Support English Learners Through ELAC
Want to make a difference in the success of our English Learners? Join this workshop to learn about the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), its purpose, and how parents and educators can actively participate. Discover how your voice helps shape programs, provide valuable feedback, and build a stronger community of support for our English Learners.
Presented By: Gina Ledesma, English Learner Coordinator
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Elective)
10:00-10:45
"Understanding Your Child's Writing Journey: From Reluctance to Engagement"
"Understanding Your Child's Writing Journey: From Reluctance to Engagement"
This presentation addresses the common challenges parents encounter when their children struggle with writing, including anxiety, lack of motivation, and skill-related difficulties. Learn effective strategies to initiate manageable writing tasks that build confidence and foster a more positive writing experience.
Presented By: Debbie Nishihama, English Specialist and Department Chair
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
10:00-10:45
Test-Taking Tips for Success Throughout the Year
Test-Taking Tips for Success Throughout the Year
Assessments aren’t just about test scores—they’re tools to support learning and growth. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to understand and use different types of assessments, collect and interpret evidence of student learning, and apply that information to make informed decisions. We’ll also share practical test-taking strategies to help your student feel prepared and confident year-round, from daily practices to tips for the weeks and days leading up to testing.
Presented By: Amy Wood, Curriculum & Assessment Coordinator & Shoni Johnson, Curriculum & Accountability Director
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Core)
10:00-10:45
Getting Started with APEX Learning
Getting Started with APEX Learning
New to APEX? This session will provide an overview of the APEX learning platform, highlighting its key features, course options, and tips for supporting student success. Perfect for families and educators who want to better understand how APEX can be used as a powerful learning tool.
Presented By: Emily Hobby, Apex Specialist
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Core)
11:00-11:45
Navigating the Future: Introducing our Virtual College and Career Center
Navigating the Future: Introducing our Virtual College and Career Center
Get a guided tour of our brand-new Virtual College and Career Center! This workshop will help students and families explore its features, resources, and tools to support college planning, career exploration, and future success.
Presented By: Mary Halter, Guidance Counselor
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
11:00-11:45
Inclusion Support for Families with Students with Disabilities
Inclusion Support for Families with Students with Disabilities
Come and meet our Inclusion Support Assistants who will be working with some SPED families on how to improve or learn better instructional strategies or improving the student learning environment for SPED students who might be experiencing some challenges.
Presented By: Norma Austin and Gina Kuhlmann, Inclusion Support Specialists
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Core)
11:00-11:45
Growing Global Citizens: Why Social Studies Matters
Growing Global Citizens: Why Social Studies Matters
Why does Social Studies matter? Join us as we explore the importance of this subject, review how the standards and curriculum progress across grade levels, and share ways parents can best support their students. We’ll also highlight online tools and resources that bring history and civics to life, helping students connect the past to the world around them.
Presented By: Amanda Ferreira, Social Studies Department Chair
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Core)
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch and Learn: Q&A with CWCS Leadership & EL Reclassification Ceremony
Lunch and Learn: Q&A with CWCS Leadership & EL Reclassification Ceremony
Bring your lunch and join us for an open forum with CWCS Administration! This is your chance to hear about our programs, ask questions, and get valuable advice on policies and procedures. We’ll also take time to celebrate our newly reclassified English Learners and honor the hard work and dedication that led to their success.
Facilitated By: CWCS Leadership Team
1:00-1:45
Build Mathematical Thinkers (K-4)
Build Mathematical Thinkers (K-4)
How can we inspire students to truly think mathematically and strengthen their problem-solving stamina? In this session, we’ll explore practical activities and tasks—like those in our new Big Ideas classes—that you can easily weave into daily routines. Learn strategies to nurture critical thinking, persistence, and a love for math that goes beyond worksheets.
Presented By: Debbie Kutz, Early Math Intervention Specialist
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
1:00-1:45
Online Programs
Online Programs
Did you know that Connecting Waters students have access to a wide variety of online programs? In this session, you’ll learn how to log in, navigate each platform, and make the most of these tools to support student learning. Discover tips and tricks to help your family maximize these powerful resources!
Presented By: Amy Parsons, Program Support Specialist
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Elective)
1:00-1:45
Restorative Practices with School and Home
Restorative Practices with School and Home
This workshop will work to introduce and equip parents with the tools and understanding to support restorative practices at home and in partnership with the school. Parents will learn how restorative conversations, circles, and problem-solving approaches foster accountability, empathy, and stronger relationships between students and their peers, teachers, and families. Together, we’ll explore how restorative practices create a culture of respect and belonging, and how families can reinforce these values to help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Presented By: Melissa Cripe, Guidance Director
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
2:00 - 2:45
College and Career Readiness Through Dual Enrollment (9-12)
College and Career Readiness Through Dual Enrollment (9-12)
Did you know your student can take community college classes while still in high school? Join this session to learn how dual enrollment works, the benefits it offers, and the steps to get started so your student can get a head start on college and career goals.
Presented By: Samantha White, Guidance Counselor/Community College Liaison
Parent Educator Certification - Level II (Core)
2:00-2:45
Best Practices in Teaching your Child to Read (Grades K-2)
Best Practices in Teaching your Child to Read (Grades K-2)
Discover a set of 12 simple, research-based activities you can use right away to support your beginning reader. During this interactive session, we’ll model each activity so you leave with practical tools and strategies you can immediately apply to make reading fun and effective at home.
Presented By: Nathalie Longree-Guevara, Early Literacy Specialist
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
2:00 - 2:45
Get Ready for CWCS STEM Night & Science Fair!
Get Ready for CWCS STEM Night & Science Fair!
Are you excited about science, technology, engineering, and math? Come learn how your student can participate in our upcoming STEM Festival & Science Fair, filled with fun, hands-on opportunities to explore and showcase scientific creativity. We’ll share all the details you need to get involved and be prepared for the big event at CVRC on October 3rd!
Presented By: Sharon Stiefel, Science Department Chair
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
3:00-3:45
Exploring Our Resource Centers & Library Tools
Exploring Our Resource Centers & Library Tools
Discover all that our Resource Centers have to offer! In this session, you’ll learn how to navigate Atriuum to check out library materials and explore the wide range of resources available to support your student’s learning.
Presented By: Mayra Sandoval, Resource Center Coordinator
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Elective)
3:00-3:45
The "Why" behind Parent-Educator Duties
The "Why" behind Parent-Educator Duties
Ever wonder why parent-educators are asked to track attendance, follow a daily schedule, document instructional time, submit portfolio samples? In this session, we’ll uncover the purpose behind these and other requirements and the laws and policies that guide them—helping you see how each piece supports student success and compliance.
Presented By: The CWCS ES Advisor Team (Julie Boersma, April Bastress, Shanda Rickman)
Parent Educator Certification - Level I (Core)
3:45-4:00
Closing Panel: Q&A with Specialists
Closing Panel: Q&A with Specialists
Wrap up the day with an open Q&A session featuring CWCS specialists across curriculum, special education, and parent support.
Presented By: Panel of CWCS Specialists
Questions? Contact sjohnson@cwcharter.org or call 209.874.1119 x252
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