The Best and Safest Treasure: Communicating Your Library's Value - {Prairie I/II}

Dr. Christopher Villarreal/Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Join Dr. Christopher Villarreal for an inspiring keynote journey from his childhood days finding refuge in a small Kansas library to his current role as Director of Communications for Papillion La Vista Community Schools. Through weaving personal experience with professional expertise, Dr. Villarreal demonstrates how authentic communication transforms library impact. This keynote offers insights into crafting meaningful messages, navigating challenging conversations, and sharing your school library's story in ways that resonate with stakeholders while deepening community connections. Join us for a celebration of the vital role librarians play in creating welcoming spaces for all, while approaching complex community conversations with grace and purpose.

Session Resources (Includes both Keynote & Follow Up Resources)

Beyond the Story: Crafting Compassionate Communications for Your Library - {Prarie I/II}

Dr. Christopher Villarreal/Papillion La Vista Community Schools

In this hands-on workshop, build upon keynote insights to develop practical communication strategies for your school library. Participants will work through real-world scenarios, craft response templates, and practice messaging that maintains both professional standards and human connection. Leave with customizable frameworks and communication tools that will help you share your library's impact while fostering a welcoming, responsive environment for all stakeholders.

Session Resources (Includes both Keynote & Follow Up Resources)

Preparing Students for AI Literacy - {Prairie I/II}

Adam Vinter/Common Sense Education

This session examines how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts our ability to consume, create, and ethically participate in digital spaces. Given the abundance of new AI technologies emerging, we'll share new activities that help students practice the same digital citizenship dispositions they always have and apply them to new AI dilemmas. How do students believe what they see, create with integrity, and promote their mental health and values? How do educators best guide them with curious, open minds to navigate AI thoughtfully and safely? Join us to explore ready-to-use lesson plans on AI literacy from Common Sense Education.

Session Resources

Pre-Recorded Session Video

Golden Sower Award - {Meadowlark I/II}

Sara Collins/Millard Public Schools

Learn more about the award and the process of becoming a reader or member of the state-wide committee. 

Session Resources

But I Don't Have a TA? - {Bluestem}

Jake Barry & Amy Williams/Elkhorn Public Schools

In the chaotic and hectic time where librarians are being relied on more and more to do more and more, how can we possibly get it all done...WITHOUT A TA?? I don't have a magic wand, but I do have some strategies that have worked well in my library to share to help put time back in your day. Join us as we discuss solutions to the ever-growing problem at "But I don't have a TA?"

Session Resources

Pre-recorded Session Video

Books, Clubs, and Quiz Bowls!- {Niobrara}

Becki Huether/Disney Elementary, Annette Plucknett/Bryan Elementary, & Christy Cryer/Abbott Elementary - Millard Public Schools

In this session, you will hear from 3 Millard Elementary librarians on how books list are created, clubs are run and hosting a successful Quiz Bowl.

Session Resources

It's All Fun and Games in the Library- {Platte I/II}

Leia Rumsey & Jessie Andre/Norris School District

Teach students how to find books in your library and other engaging games that make library skills fun.  Presenters teach both elementary and middle school aged students and will provide many options and ideas to engage a variety of ages. 

Session Resources

Canva 101 - {Prairie I/II}

Dawn Ferreyra/ESU #3

**This session will also be repeated during the mini session time at the end of the day.**

Feel like a design expert in a few easy steps! This hands-on session will help you understand design basics including finding color pallets, font selection, and image manipulation to create professional level images and projects. 

Session Resources

Battle of the Books Conversation - {Meadowlark I/II}

Dr. Adam Larson/ESU #3

**This session will also be repeated during the mini session time at the end of the day.**

ESU3's Battle of the Books is about creating products that demonstrate an understanding of the themes found in selected books.  This flexible competition strives to hook students that love to read into a competition that asks them to flex their creativity muscles.  Come to this session to learn how the competition is structured and how you can hold something similar in your district!

Session Resources

Session Recording

Best Books of 2024:  Elementary - {Prairie I/II}

Facilitated by Jacki Harris & Sara Collins/Millard Public Schools

One of the best parts of being a librarian is reading books to share amazing titles with students.  Join us as we share the best elementary titles we've read in the last year.   Please bring your favorites to share with the group as well.  This is a great opportunity to learn and share. {A list of books discussed will be curated during the session & shared with all event participants!}

Book List

Best Books of 2024:  Secondary - {Meadowlark I/II}

Facilitated by Lynette Dergan & Amanda Gehrke/Millard Public Schools

One of the best parts of being a librarian is reading books to share amazing titles with students.  Join us as we share the best secondary titles we've read in the last year.   Please bring your favorites to share with the group as well.  This is a great opportunity to learn and share. {A list of books discussed will be curated during the session & shared with all event participants!}

Book List

Boost Up Your Book Club - {Prairie I/II}

Amy Williams & Jake Barry/Elkhorn Public Schools

Join us to explore ideas on how to run a book club at your school and on how to enhance your current book club 

Session Resources

Pre-Recorded Session Video

Engaging Experiences: Library Events That Inspire - {Meadowlark I/II}

Marlene Hunt & Jen Prasch/Millard Public Schools

**This session also has a hands-on follow up session during the mini session block at the end of the day!**

Discover how our libraries can become vibrant community hubs through engaging events and celebrations. This session explores innovative ideas and practical tips for hosting events that captivate audiences, promote literacy, and build meaningful connections within our school. 

Session Resources

Makerspace Refresh - {ESU #3 Maker Lab}

Dawn Ferreyra/ESU #3

Join us in the lab to explore new ways to engage your students in maker challenges! Get tips, tricks, and ideas to keep your makerspace fresh and engaging.

Level Up Your Lessons with Computer Science in the Elementary Content Areas - {Niobrara}

Dayna Derichs & Anne Ogg/Millard Public Schools

Looking for creative ways to level up your lessons by collaborating with classroom teachers in their content areas?  Join us as we work together to equip teacher librarians with practical strategies to integrate computer science concepts into the elementary classroom curriculum across various content areas. Participants will explore the use of innovative digital tools to enhance student learning, foster critical thinking, and develop computational skills.  Come explore as we level up beyond basic coding and dive into the world of robots, 3D printing, drones and more!

Session Resources

Tech Kits for STEM Career Exploration - {Platte I/II}

Amanda Sweet/Nebraska Library Commission

**This session also has a hands-on follow up session during the mini session block at the end of the day!**

Introduce your students to STEM skills that are most relevant to local industries, career opportunities, and innovation needs using the Nebraska Library Commission's Tech Kits Through the Mail and curated support resources. This session will start with an overview of the tech and innovation landscape in Nebraska, then dive into the specific tools and resources available to help you access educational technology for free, and build custom learning plans tailored to both the student and your community.

Session Resources

Recorded Session Content (from the Nebraska Library Commission NCompass Live Archive)

Canva 101 - {Prairie I/II}

Dawn Ferreyra/ESU #3

**This session will also be repeated during the lunch break mini session time.**

Feel like a design expert in a few easy steps! This hands-on session will help you understand design basics including finding color pallets, font selection, and image manipulation to create professional level images and projects. 

Session Resources

Engaging Experiences Session: Hands On Follow-Up - {Meadowlark I/II}

Marlene Hunt & Jen Prasch/Millard Public Schools

Come join us for a hands-on follow-up session to the Engaging Experiences session from the previous breakout session!

Battle of the Books Conversation - {Niobrara}

Dr. Adam Larson/ESU #3

**This session will also be repeated during the lunch break mini session time.**

ESU3's Battle of the Books is about creating products that demonstrate an understanding of the themes found in selected books.  This flexible competition strives to hook students that love to read into a competition that asks them to flex their creativity muscles.  Come to this session to learn how the competition is structured and how you can hold something similar in your district!

Session Resources

Session Recording

Nebraska Library Commission Tech Kit Playground - {Platte I/II}

Amanda Sweet/Nebraska Library Commission

Want to get some hands-on exploration with some Nebraska Library Commission resources and kits? Join us for this mini session to dig into what's available!