Sessions

Session Descriptions and Locations

Breakout #1
12:00-12:50 pm

Keynote Breakout Session

John Almarode

(*Session #1 only)


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Room 2529


Presentation Slides


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Science

Rachael Coleman

(*Session #1 only)


Proficiency Based 

Grading 


?


Presentation Slides


Curious how to use proficiency based grading with FOSS?  Come see how to easily grade student work to match your report cards!

Science

Tasha Jensen

(*Session #1 only)


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Room 2528


Presentation Slides


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Science
Melissa Mendenhall

(*Session #1 only)


3-D Science and 

Your Standards


Auditorium


Presentation Slides


Explore the latest updates to our state science standards and the revolutionary shifts in teaching expectations designed to foster student sensemaking. You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn how to transform and invigorate science instruction for your students.



Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL)

Deanna Taylor


Using AI 

as Part of Your 

K-2 Classroom


Little Theater


Presentation Slides


Dive into the exciting intersection of School AI and Language Arts education in this engaging workshop. We'll explore  SchoolAI's innovative features and how they can help enhance reading, writing, and critical analysis in your classroom.

English Language Arts (ELA) 

Lori McCarty


Toolkit for Transformation: Navigating 

Wit & Wisdom


Tech Atrium


Presentation Slides


Have you dipped your toes into the world of Wit & Wisdom? Let's dive deeper! In this session, we will go beyond the basics. Hear about the lessons I’ve learned from studying the materials, creating resources, and seeing Wit & Wisdom in action. This session will help you as you plan to teach W&W. Together, we'll explore the toolkit, troubleshoot common challenges, and share strategies. Whether you're new to Wit & Wisdom or looking to elevate your approach, this session will transform your teaching journey.

Gifted and Talented (GT)

Taryn Cox


Exploring 

Geodes 

Kindergarten


Room 2527


Presentation Slides


Reading can open up new worlds for students by helping them build knowledge and sparking their curiosity.  In this session we will explore Geodes® - information-rich books that provide emerging readers with an opportunity to build knowledge while practicing foundational reading skills.  We will dive into the teacher resources, the modules, and the books that all K-2 teachers have access to.  Learn how to flexibly incorporate Geodes® into your literacy instruction to better meet the needs of all your students, including your high ability learners, by putting research-based best practices into action. 

Gifted and Talented (GT)

Teresa Eldredge


Take the Plunge:  

Crafting Deeper Questions 

for Meaningful Learning


Room 2528


Presentation Slides


Dive deeper into questioning and discover the power of well-crafted questions. Learn how to quickly develop the most effective questions that inspire student thinking and foster deep learning. Participants will use a variety of free resources in this hands-on workshop to create powerful questions for all subject areas. Boost your questioning skills, inspire kids to learn, and transform your classroom!

Language and Culture Services (LCS)

Rebecca Atwell


ML Supports 

in 

Tier 1 Instruction 


Room 2523


Presentation Slides


Let’s help you engage and include your ML students within your lessons. In this session, we’ll explore Multilingual supports in different curriculum areas to help guide your tier 1 instruction. Analyzing WIDA reports, along with Can Do Descriptors can help you determine which strategies will be most beneficial for your ML students. Learn how small adjustments to a lesson can support language development and improve instruction for all learners.



Language and Culture Services (LCS)

Chelsey James


Multiple Perspectives 

in 

Wit and Wisdom


Room 2525


Presentation Slides


Worried about the possible cultural pitfalls as you teach Wit & Wisdom? Navigating topics surrounding history, prejudice, and the multiple perspectives in literature can be challenging for all of us. In this session, we will walk through concrete steps to help educators be prepared to teach the new curriculum with confidence. We will help you become more familiar with the resources provided for ML students within Wit & Wisdom, feel more prepared to tackle crucial conversations, and look at units within the curriculum to get more comfortable with topics you'll be addressing this year. Please bring any specific questions you might have involving language & culture within Wit & Wisdom.

Math

Melissa Garber


Using Games and Discussion to Engage Young Mathematicians


Choir room


Presentation Slides


Games can help young learners access complex mathematical ideas. Intentional selection of those games is a way to strategically support students with specific skill development.  When students discuss their strategic game play, teachers are also able to formatively assess and identify student strengths.  In this session, we'll explore simple games and activities to address fluency development and build number sense. 

Math

Molly Basham


Enhancing Problem Solving Skills with Numberless Word Problems


Band Room


Presentation Slides


Helping students engage with mathematics in context is critical to helping them understand the discipline. When the numbers are removed from a story problem, students have the opportunity to think deeply about what is happening in the context and they begin to move beyond hunting for numbers and using ineffective keyword strategies. In this session, we will explore different addition and subtraction problem types and how numberless word problem routines can help students build their mathematical problem solving skills.

Social Studies

Aimie Rizzuto




Little Citizens, Big Ideas: Shaping the Future in K-2 Classrooms 


Media Center


Presentation Slides


Elevate Your Social Studies Lessons: A Breakout Session for K-2 Teachers.  Join us for an immersive session tailored for K-2 educators keen on revitalizing social studies. We’ll explore the latest standards, unveil a wealth of resources from our dedicated website, and share dynamic strategies for lesson integration. This is your opportunity to empower your teaching, collaborate with peers, and infuse your curriculum with creativity. Together, we’ll make social studies an unforgettable adventure for our young learners. Dive into a world where theory and practice blend, fostering innovation and inspiration in every lesson. Are you ready to transform your classroom? Let’s embark on this journey together.

Successful School Spotlight

Majestic Elementary

Suzette Johnson and 

Vickie Daniels


Student and Teacher: 

A Partnership 

for Growth


Room 2529


Presentation Slides


By setting personal goals, students can create a roadmap for their academic journey. These goals can be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, helping students stay motivated and focused. By taking responsibility for their academic progress, students can cultivate a sense of ownership over their learning outcomes. This empowerment allows them to actively engage with their studies, seek help when needed, and celebrate their achievements along the way. Ultimately, by combining personal goal-setting with a proactive approach to learning, students can unlock their full potential and make the most of their educational experience.


Breakout #2
1:00-1:50 pm

Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL)

Deanna Taylor


Using AI 

as Part of Your 

K-2 Classroom


Little Theater


Presentation Slides


Dive into the exciting intersection of School AI and Language Arts education in this engaging workshop. We'll explore  SchoolAI's innovative features and how they can help enhance reading, writing, and critical analysis in your classroom.

English Language Arts (ELA) 

Melanie Smith


Toolkit for Transformation: Navigating 

Wit & Wisdom


Tech Atrium


Presentation Slides


Have you dipped your toes into the world of Wit & Wisdom? Let's dive deeper! In this session, we will go beyond the basics. Hear about the lessons I’ve learned from studying the materials, creating resources, and seeing Wit & Wisdom in action. This session will help you as you plan to teach W&W. Together, we'll explore the toolkit, troubleshoot common challenges, and share strategies. Whether you're new to Wit & Wisdom or looking to elevate your approach, this session will transform your teaching journey.

Gifted and Talented (GT)

Taryn Cox


Exploring 

Geodes 

Kindergarten


Room 2527


Presentation Slides


Reading can open up new worlds for students by helping them build knowledge and sparking their curiosity.  In this session we will explore Geodes® - information-rich books that provide emerging readers with an opportunity to build knowledge while practicing foundational reading skills.  We will dive into the teacher resources, the modules, and the books that all K-2 teachers have access to.  Learn how to flexibly incorporate Geodes® into your literacy instruction to better meet the needs of all your students, including your high ability learners, by putting research-based best practices into action. 

Gifted and Talented (GT)

Teresa Eldredge


Take the Plunge:  

Crafting Deeper Questions 

for Meaningful Learning


Room 2528


Presentation Slides


Dive deeper into questioning and discover the power of well-crafted questions. Learn how to quickly develop the most effective questions that inspire student thinking and foster deep learning. Participants will use a variety of free resources in this hands-on workshop to create powerful questions for all subject areas. Boost your questioning skills, inspire kids to learn, and transform your classroom!

Language and Culture Services (LCS)

Rebecca Atwell


ML Supports 

in 

Tier 1 Instruction 


Room 2523


Presentation Slides


Let’s help you engage and include your ML students within your lessons. In this session, we’ll explore Multilingual supports in different curriculum areas to help guide your tier 1 instruction. Analyzing WIDA reports, along with Can Do Descriptors can help you determine which strategies will be most beneficial for your ML students. Learn how small adjustments to a lesson can support language development and improve instruction for all learners.



Language and Culture Services (LCS)

Chelsey James


Multiple Perspectives 

in 

Wit and Wisdom


Room 2525


Presentation Slides


Worried about the possible cultural pitfalls as you teach Wit & Wisdom? Navigating topics surrounding history, prejudice, and the multiple perspectives in literature can be challenging for all of us. In this session, we will walk through concrete steps to help educators be prepared to teach the new curriculum with confidence. We will help you become more familiar with the resources provided for ML students within Wit & Wisdom, feel more prepared to tackle crucial conversations, and look at units within the curriculum to get more comfortable with topics you'll be addressing this year. Please bring any specific questions you might have involving language & culture within Wit & Wisdom.

Math

Melissa Garber


Using Games and Discussion to Engage Young Mathematicians


Choir room


Presentation Slides


Games can help young learners access complex mathematical ideas. Intentional selection of those games is a way to strategically support students with specific skill development.  When students discuss their strategic game play, teachers are also able to formatively assess and identify student strengths.  In this session, we'll explore simple games and activities to address fluency development and build number sense. 

Math

Molly Basham


Enhancing Problem Solving Skills with Numberless Word Problems


Band Room


Presentation Slides


Helping students engage with mathematics in context is critical to helping them understand the discipline. When the numbers are removed from a story problem, students have the opportunity to think deeply about what is happening in the context and they begin to move beyond hunting for numbers and using ineffective keyword strategies. In this session, we will explore different addition and subtraction problem types and how numberless word problem routines can help students build their mathematical problem solving skills.

Science

Heather Leister, Denise Rogers, Thelissa Powell

(*Session #2 only)



“Be A FOSS Boss" 

Kindergarten Q and A

Science Workshop


Auditorium


Presentation Slides


This session will be tips and tricks for getting started with FOSS science curriculum. We will brainstorm ideas on how to integrate science and literacy. Participants will gain insights on making FOSS doable for both 1/2 day and full-day Kindergarten. Come get your questions answered on how to make FOSS fun for you and your students!

Social Studies

Aimie Rizzuto




Little Citizens, Big Ideas: Shaping the Future in K-2 Classrooms 


Media Center


Presentation Slides


Elevate Your Social Studies Lessons: A Breakout Session for K-2 Teachers.  Join us for an immersive session tailored for K-2 educators keen on revitalizing social studies. We’ll explore the latest standards, unveil a wealth of resources from our dedicated website, and share dynamic strategies for lesson integration. This is your opportunity to empower your teaching, collaborate with peers, and infuse your curriculum with creativity. Together, we’ll make social studies an unforgettable adventure for our young learners. Dive into a world where theory and practice blend, fostering innovation and inspiration in every lesson. Are you ready to transform your classroom? Let’s embark on this journey together.

Successful School Spotlight

Majestic Elementary

Suzette Johnson and 

Vickie Daniels


Student and Teacher: 

A Partnership 

for Growth


Room 2529


Presentation Slides


By setting personal goals, students can create a roadmap for their academic journey. These goals can be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, helping students stay motivated and focused. By taking responsibility for their academic progress, students can cultivate a sense of ownership over their learning outcomes. This empowerment allows them to actively engage with their studies, seek help when needed, and celebrate their achievements along the way. Ultimately, by combining personal goal-setting with a proactive approach to learning, students can unlock their full potential and make the most of their educational experience.


Breakout #3
2:00-2:50 pm

Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL)

Deanna Taylor


Using AI 

as Part of Your 

K-2 Classroom


Little Theater


Presentation Slides


Dive into the exciting intersection of School AI and Language Arts education in this engaging workshop. We'll explore  SchoolAI's innovative features and how they can help enhance reading, writing, and critical analysis in your classroom.

English Language Arts (ELA) 

Stacy Selk


Toolkit for Transformation: Navigating 

Wit & Wisdom


Tech Atrium


Presentation Slides


Have you dipped your toes into the world of Wit & Wisdom? Let's dive deeper! In this session, we will go beyond the basics. Hear about the lessons I’ve learned from studying the materials, creating resources, and seeing Wit & Wisdom in action. This session will help you as you plan to teach W&W. Together, we'll explore the toolkit, troubleshoot common challenges, and share strategies. Whether you're new to Wit & Wisdom or looking to elevate your approach, this session will transform your teaching journey.

Gifted and Talented (GT)

Taryn Cox


Exploring 

Geodes 

Kindergarten


Room 2527


Presentation Slides


Reading can open up new worlds for students by helping them build knowledge and sparking their curiosity.  In this session we will explore Geodes® - information-rich books that provide emerging readers with an opportunity to build knowledge while practicing foundational reading skills.  We will dive into the teacher resources, the modules, and the books that all K-2 teachers have access to.  Learn how to flexibly incorporate Geodes® into your literacy instruction to better meet the needs of all your students, including your high ability learners, by putting research-based best practices into action. 

Gifted and Talented (GT)

Teresa Eldredge


Take the Plunge:  

Crafting Deeper Questions 

for Meaningful Learning


Room 2528


Presentation Slides


Dive deeper into questioning and discover the power of well-crafted questions. Learn how to quickly develop the most effective questions that inspire student thinking and foster deep learning. Participants will use a variety of free resources in this hands-on workshop to create powerful questions for all subject areas. Boost your questioning skills, inspire kids to learn, and transform your classroom!

Language and Culture Services (LCS)

Rebecca Atwell


ML Supports 

in 

Tier 1 Instruction 


Room 2523


Presentation Slides


Let’s help you engage and include your ML students within your lessons. In this session, we’ll explore Multilingual supports in different curriculum areas to help guide your tier 1 instruction. Analyzing WIDA reports, along with Can Do Descriptors can help you determine which strategies will be most beneficial for your ML students. Learn how small adjustments to a lesson can support language development and improve instruction for all learners.



Language and Culture Services (LCS)

Chelsey James


Multiple Perspectives 

in 

Wit and Wisdom


Room 2525


Presentation Slides


Worried about the possible cultural pitfalls as you teach Wit & Wisdom? Navigating topics surrounding history, prejudice, and the multiple perspectives in literature can be challenging for all of us. In this session, we will walk through concrete steps to help educators be prepared to teach the new curriculum with confidence. We will help you become more familiar with the resources provided for ML students within Wit & Wisdom, feel more prepared to tackle crucial conversations, and look at units within the curriculum to get more comfortable with topics you'll be addressing this year. Please bring any specific questions you might have involving language & culture within Wit & Wisdom.

Math

Melissa Garber


Using Games and Discussion to Engage Young Mathematicians


Choir room


Presentation Slides


Games can help young learners access complex mathematical ideas. Intentional selection of those games is a way to strategically support students with specific skill development.  When students discuss their strategic game play, teachers are also able to formatively assess and identify student strengths.  In this session, we'll explore simple games and activities to address fluency development and build number sense. 

Math

Molly Basham


Enhancing Problem Solving Skills with Numberless Word Problems


Band Room


Presentation Slides


Helping students engage with mathematics in context is critical to helping them understand the discipline. When the numbers are removed from a story problem, students have the opportunity to think deeply about what is happening in the context and they begin to move beyond hunting for numbers and using ineffective keyword strategies. In this session, we will explore different addition and subtraction problem types and how numberless word problem routines can help students build their mathematical problem solving skills.

Science

Lynn Gutzwiller

(*Session #3 only)



FOSS Easy Access


Auditorium


Presentation Slides


FOSS Easy Access is for K-2 teachers that want to teach science but don’t have time to prepare.  We’ve taken FOSS and simplified it to be nearly grab and go.

Social Studies

Aimie Rizzuto




Little Citizens, Big Ideas: Shaping the Future in K-2 Classrooms 


Media Center


Presentation Slides


Elevate Your Social Studies Lessons: A Breakout Session for K-2 Teachers.  Join us for an immersive session tailored for K-2 educators keen on revitalizing social studies. We’ll explore the latest standards, unveil a wealth of resources from our dedicated website, and share dynamic strategies for lesson integration. This is your opportunity to empower your teaching, collaborate with peers, and infuse your curriculum with creativity. Together, we’ll make social studies an unforgettable adventure for our young learners. Dive into a world where theory and practice blend, fostering innovation and inspiration in every lesson. Are you ready to transform your classroom? Let’s embark on this journey together.

Successful School Spotlight

Majestic Elementary

Suzette Johnson and 

Vickie Daniels


Student and Teacher: 

A Partnership 

for Growth


Room 2529


Presentation Slides


By setting personal goals, students can create a roadmap for their academic journey. These goals can be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, helping students stay motivated and focused. By taking responsibility for their academic progress, students can cultivate a sense of ownership over their learning outcomes. This empowerment allows them to actively engage with their studies, seek help when needed, and celebrate their achievements along the way. Ultimately, by combining personal goal-setting with a proactive approach to learning, students can unlock their full potential and make the most of their educational experience.


Building Map