Full Session Descriptions

Round 1 - Concurrent Sessions

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Early ChildhoodInteractions Matter: How to Connect to Young Children to Extend Learning

Lynn Kuykendall, SC Department of EducationAngela Compton, SC Department of Education
Positive play-based interactions matter! Children benefit most when teachers engage in stimulating interactions that support learning and are emotionally supportive. Interactions that help children acquire new knowledge and skills provide input to children, elicit verbal responses and reactions from them, and foster engagement in and enjoyment of learning.(Yoshikawa et al. 2013) Participants will engage in hands-on activities that include how an educator approaches, responds to, communicates with, and supports children in all domains. This session will connect the work of the Pyramid model in developing nurturing relationships and creating supportive environments to the exploration of effective strategies that promote meaningful interactions -- setting the foundation for learning.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Vulnerable PopulationsBuilding Effective Lines of Communication with Families of Children with Disabilities

Cheryl Fitts, SC Department of Education
The primary focus of this session will be establishing working school-family relationships inclusive of families of children with disabilities and special needs. The information shared offers an opportunity for participants to determine where and how they can effectively initiate and sustain positive school-family partnerships within their practice. Basic principles surrounding communication and building relationships upon mutual respect and trust while valuing the strengths offered by each family will be discussed along with pitfalls to avoid.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Social Emotional LearningUsing Harmony and Inspire SEL Practices to Strengthen Connections Between School and Home Environments

Matthew Irvin, University of South CarolinaAlyssa Raygoza, University of South CarolinaShea Ferguson, University of South Carolina
National University’s Harmony partnered with University of South Carolina College of Education’s ALL4SC SEL initiative in July 2020, providing evidence-based Social Emotional Learning (SEL)support to both pre-service educators and school teams across the state. Using both Harmony (SEL curriculum) and Inspire (educator professional development), our work centers around promoting SEL in and out of the classroom. This presentation will discuss extendingSEL support into the home, focusing on approaches that will help support both families and students in SEL skill-building and development. We will share effective learning tools that are free and easily accessible online, to encourage practicing SEL in the home environment.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Mental Health and Self-CareConsistency of Care: Collaboration, Communication, and Early Identification

Rikki McCormick, SC Department of EducationSuzanne Snyder, SC Department of Education
Handle With Care has been used to provide a consistency of care among law enforcement, schools, and mental health providers to help mitigate the effects of trauma on our littlest learners. The P4 Project brought HWC to South Carolina and created a model of best practice partnering HWC with Pyramid. Participants in this session will not only learn about trauma, brain science, behavior, and Handle With Care, but also how to implement HWC and why this is the next best step in working with all students to have better social-emotional, behavior, and academic outcomes

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Whole ChildSimple Resources to Engage Families in Wellness

Daniel Hatcher, Alliance for a Healthier GenerationSeth Shelby, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn (and experience!) simple and impactful family engagement strategies that support physical and social-emotional health. We’ll emphasize inexpensive art and nature-based activities aligned to the Whole Child Model. Come prepared to learn, share, move, and play!

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Student LearningThe Importance of Relationships for Young Children and their Families

Carla Garrett, The SERVE Center at the University of North Carolina at GreensboroTracy Cole, East Carolina University Community School
The impact of the pandemic on our youngest learners, as well as their families, teachers, and administrators, is unprecedented and should guide how we choose to provide support, particularly to those who are overburdened and under-resourced. This session will focus on equitable access to high quality early learning environments that are culturally responsive and support growth for both children and adults. Presenters will illuminate the significant contributions of consistent relationships and experiences to their well-being. Recommendations and strategies for collaborative and integrated supports aimed at reducing inequalities will be highlighted. A feature presentation includes a Title I principal sharing how parallel experiences are vital to the development of relatedness for the full school community: children, teachers, administrators, and families.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Multilingual SupportsEssential Strategies for Effective Communication with Spanish-Speaking Families (Part 1)

Karen Utter, Carolina Family Engagement CenterMike Young, Center for Community Health Alignment and PASOsLydia Carnesale, SC Department of Education
After connecting the topic to the SC Family Engagement Framework, the presenters will engage participants in interactive learning activities to increase knowledge about three communication strategies: (1) providing access to qualified translators and interpreters; (2) bridging cultural differences that impact how communications are understood; and (3) providing all school staff (including front office) with professional development that builds understanding of how multilingual parents experience communication challenges with the school. When implemented well, these strategies facilitate development of trusting family-school partnerships that empower parents to support their children's learning and development.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Program Development/ImprovementThe 21st Century Family Engagement Ecosystem

Joseph Fratoni, One Green Apple, LLC
Current events have demonstrated the need for a family engagement management strategy instead of scatter-shot random acts. Most technology approaches are only teacher-focused, and do not implement all the resources available to the district. This presentation explains how to develop an ecosystem with a cohesive strategy that is family-focused, meets today’s challenges, is affordable, and develops impactful metrics to refine our strategy. We will discuss not only the importance of analyzing family engagement, but what and how do we measure, and who should receive this analysis. It will review currently available transformational concepts and technology that improve and measure engagement.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Effective Communication and CollaborationDeveloping Teamwork in a Child's Educational Experience

Ablean Hanna, SC Department of Education
Curriculum of the home is twice as predictive of academic learning than any other factor. We will discuss the major benefits which studies show to be a result of parental involvement. These benefits are apparent regardless of aptitude or family background. Participants will complete a parent questionnaire and discuss theirattitudes toward learning and school in their family or origin as they were growing up, and how that has affected their own educational attitudes and performance.

10 AM - 10:50 AM - Community and Practitioner SupportsMaintaining Family Connections and Promoting Enhanced Well-Being through Strategic Community Partnerships

Jena Martin, M. Ed., Family Connection of SC
This session highlights the first collaborative effort between Family Connection of South Carolina, the state's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) with SC Department of Social Services (SC DSS) to create an intentional partnership for the purposes of streamlining communication and providing direct support, resource linkage and training opportunities to enhance future health and education outcomes for one of our state's most vulnerable populations, children and youth in thechild welfare system and their families.

Round 2 - Concurrent Sessions

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Early ChildhoodReady, Set, Kindergarten!: Supporting Families in Kindergarten Preparation

Josephine Appleby, SC Department of Education
This session will share the work that the South Carolina Department of Education is doing in supporting early childhood families across the state—as well as programming that schools/communities/districts can request for free. The South Carolina Department of Education offers 5 different workshops for families based on the Early Learning Standards. In this session, participants will learn about the family workshops offered and additional resources for families.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Vulnerable PopulationsSchool and Community Support for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Yatisha Blythe, National Center for Homeless Education/SERVE Center
This session is designed to raise awareness on issues related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness across the state of South Carolina and the nation. This session will discuss: (a) the major themes of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act; (b) the impact of the pandemic on homeless students in South Carolina; (c) some best practices for implementing the law and removing barriers; (d) some innovative strategies for collaboration, and (e) an overview of resources for homeless students and families.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Social Emotional LearningTeaching Crucial Social Emotional Skills Both at Home and at School

Forrest Walter, Committee for ChildrenWesleigh Jones Drellishak, Committee for Children
Engaging your community and families around social emotional skill development has never been more important. Please join us in this session to review the key social and emotional competencies, why they are crucial to teach, and strategies and resources to engage community members and families in your school-based initiatives. We will review the Benenson Strategy Group’s survey data which focused on a diverse set of parents of school-aged children across the country and their belief in the importance of teaching social-emotional skills to students both at home and in schools.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Mental Health and Self-CareA Conversation About Suicide Prevention

Brenda Brown, LifeSource Suicide PreventionDale Brown, LifeSource Suicide Prevention
The isolation, fear and loneliness of the past two years has taken a heavy toll on our hearts. Many are struggling with thoughts of despair, depression and suicide. We are teaching people in every walk of life how to recognize the signs of someone who has reached this level of despair...and how to reach out a hand to help give them hope again.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Whole ChildCreating Active Environments for Healthy Learners

Erica Ayers, SC Department of Health and Environmental ControlBreonna Mealing, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Healthy students are better learners. Healthy students exist where schools, families, and communities work together to provide opportunities for physical activity before, during, and after the school day. This session will highlight how family and community engagement can improve learning, development, and health of children and adolescents. Evidence-based practices and user-friendly resources that schools and communities can use to increase the amount of time students and their families are physically active will be shared along with success stories from South Carolina schools.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Student LearningCreating Ideal Environments for Student Learning

Deborah DePaoli, Institute for Child Success
This presentation will address the optimal conditions for maximizing student learning. This will include physical environment, student-to-student interactions, family and parent engagement, communication and teacher-student relationship. Each of these subtopics will be explored through a lens of brain science, equity, and practical techniques. Participants will interact and come away with useable strategies to maximize student learning.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Multilingual SupportsAchieving Equity in Communication: Key Drivers of Change (Part 2)

Angela Rush, Charleston County SchoolsKaren Utter, Carolina Family Engagement Center
Effective communication is key to building strong family-school relationships where parents are integral and active partners in their children's education. Yet, as the number of multilingual learners continues to rise, educators are challenged to meaningfully communicate with the parents of all students. Overcoming this challenge is essential to achieving equity in opportunity for students and parents. Charleston County Schools is on the right path to improving its communication methods and language access services to overcome language barriers that limit opportunities for parent engagement. Reviewing Charleston's journey highlights practices that drive systemic change.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Program Development/ImprovementSC Resources for the 21st Century Family Engagement Ecosystem (Part 2)

Joseph Fratoni, One Green Apple, LLCTom Hudson, SC School Improvement CouncilJamie Cooper, SC Communities in SchoolRep. Robert Williams, SC House of Representatives - District 62 and Fatherhood and Families Engagement Programs
This panel discussion is a follow-up to a previous session on the 21st Century Family Engagement Ecosystem. Now that we know what this engagement strategy looks like, how do we implement this concept in South Carolina? What resources are available? Our panel discussion will include state leaders in educational support. They will address these issues and the purpose of their organizations. These leaders will highlight successes, challenges, and how participants can interact with these groups. Additional topics will include the importance of metrics, timelines, gathering district support, and developing programs in their community.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Effective Communication and CollaborationFrom Charleston, with Love: Supporting Families for Student Success

Rosa Fulmore, Charleston County School DistrictVanessa Smith, Ladson Elementary SchoolTyra Johnson, North Charleston Elementary SchoolTei Summerville, Baptist Hill Middle/High SchoolDwayne Crankfield, Jerry Zucker Middle School
Engaging and keeping families engaged in their child’s education has never been more challenging than during these difficult times. In this workshop participants will explore the supports, strategies, and resources utilized by the Charleston County School District’s Title I Parenting Team to build strong home-school relationships. Join us to take a closer look at how four schools are supporting families for student success.

11 AM - 11:50 AM - Community and Practitioner SupportsHeart4Schools: Students and Teachers in a Post Pandemic World

Angela McNeal, South Carolina Baptist Convention
Heart4Schools is a network of churches serving students and teachers in South Carolina. A panel of experienced leaders will share how they have been able to serve their schools after asking administrators, "How can we help?" Participants will hear a variety of ways schools can be served through teacher support, Reading Buddies (or mentors), Backpack Buddies (for the food insecure), meeting student needs, or helping with events. A time of discussion will give school administrators, teachers, parents, and community leaders an opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the conversation of how to best serve in a post-pandemic world.

Round 3 - Concurrent Sessions

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Early ChildhoodEffective 4K and 5K Transition - Countdown Programs that Engage Children and Families for Academic Success

Janice Kilburn, SC First Steps
This presentation will highlight two popular and successful programs for school transition – Countdown to 4K and Countdown to Kindergarten. These intensive transition programs consist of the child’s soon-to-be teacher or teaching assistant making 5 visits to work with the child and parents on activities to support school readiness at home and to help parents understand 4K/5K expectations. A 6th visit is made to the school to allow the family opportunities to tour the school and classroom, meet administrators, etc. The program will be described and results of recent research and testimonials of parents with be offered.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Vulnerable PopulationsEngaging Global Students and Families in South Carolina

Laurann Gallito Patel, Carolina Family Engagement CenterAvery Radford, Lutheran Services Carolinas New Americans ProgramRosa Fulmore, Charleston County School DistrictErnesto Bernal, Richland County School District OneSamuel Crook, Richland County School District OneSeth Hershberger, Lutheran Services Carolinas New Americans Program
During the session, the presentation team plans to: review immigration terminology such as refugee, asylee, migrant; provide helpful information about countries/geographical regions of origin, cultures, and languages of global and multilingual families that may be encountered in the school setting; share education rights and services required by law for students and families; outline culturally relevant and inclusive family engagement practices to build welcoming school culture and strengthen family-school partnerships; share insights from global families with students currently enrolled in/graduated from K-12 schools; and provide a national, state, and local support resources.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Mental Health and Self-CareMental and Emotional Wellness

Suzanne Snyder, SC Department of Education
This presentation will discuss the importance of mental wellness in your work. Learn what emotional intelligence is, why self care is important, and how to develop a self care plan and follow through. In addition, the presenter will share mental health resources available across the state and how the SC Department of Education is enhancing school based mental health services.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Whole ChildHow Do We Reconnect? - Principal Panel

Frank Robinson, SC Department of EducationMary Nell Anthony, Greenville Technical Charter HighRobin Coletrain, W.A. Perry MiddleChristy Dodd, Flat Rock Elementary
This panel will discuss family engagement best practices as utilized in schools across South Carolina. The panel will include administrators representing varied locations in South Carolina. Large and small schools will be represented.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Student LearningEmpowering Learners: Sustaining Wellness Through Self-Advocacy

Dr. Sarah Bowie, Office of Personalized LearningKeri Beach, Office of Personalized LearningHeather Bross, Office of Personalized LearningKristen Logan, Office of Personalized Learning
How can our community build a culture that empowers all children/learners with the life and work skills they need? As we consider learners as experts in their own experiences and recognize each student learns differently and at their own pace, it becomes clear there is a need for a shift in ownership that includes providing choice, autonomy, and decision-making skills. This learner-centered approach asks us to enter a partnership with learners by using tools and strategies (practices) that will increase self-awareness, wellness, and a sense of community. The session will provide families, community members, and educators practical methods to empower students to take ownership of their learning.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Multilingual SupportsLearning Better Together Through Best Practices

Amy Smith, SC Department of EducationLydia Carnesale, SC Department of Education
Participants of this session will gain a better understanding of how to connect and enhance daily interactions and relationships with children and families, with a unique focus on the assets of multilingual families. Bridging home skillsets with existing early childhood frameworks such as the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), conscious discipline and the SC Early Learning Standards create a foundation to enhance meaningful interactions, language and literacy development and understanding how to notice when growth and development is occurring.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Program Development/ImprovementParent Voice Matters: Lifting Families' Experience in SC's Early Childhood System

Rachal Hatton-Moore, SC First Steps/Early Childhood Advisory CouncilLexi Jones, SC First StepsLindsey Phillips, SC Family Voice Council Member
Alexis Jones and Rachal Hatton-Moore from SC First Steps and the Early Childhood Advisory Council, alongside Lindsey Phillips, a family leader from the SC Family Voice Council will present on lessons learned from families about their experiences with the early care and education system. Additionally, the three speakers will discuss ways to improve and expand family engagement, how to elevate family expertise during rapid feedback loops, and how centering family voice drives continuous quality improvement within an organization.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Effective Communication and CollaborationIngredients for Successful School/Parent Communication

Claressa Hinton, Carolina Family Engagement CenterKaren Utter, Carolina Family Engagement Center
This session focuses on practical ways that schools can increase ongoing, intentional two-way communication throughout the school year. Ms. Hinton will share the ingredients from some of her tried and true recipes for school/parent communication as well as advice on how you can substitute ingredients that will help meet the needs of families at high poverty schools. Participants will have an opportunity to share their own innovative strategies with the group and create their own checklist of key communications goals and strategies for the school year.

1 PM - 1:50 PM - Community and Practitioner SupportsBeaufort County School District Traveling Preschool Bus

Ashley Hutchinson, Beaufort County School DistrictDr. Rebecca Stempel, Beaufort County School District
Learn how the Beaufort County School District utilizes the Traveling Preschool Bus to provide high-quality early childhood learning experiences, parent education services, and connects families to support services in rural and under served areas of the community in efforts to prepare all children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

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