Concurrent Sessions

Better Together: How to Use the Principal - Administrative Assistant Partnerhsip for Maximum Impact
Christie Johnson, Principal, Pewaukee SD
Andrea Smith, Admin Assistant, Pewaukee SD
When the principal and administrative assistant operate as a unified team, the school runs better. This session explores how intentional communication, clearly defined roles, and shared systems create a foundation for efficiency, trust, and calm in the midst of daily chaos. A principal and administrative assistant will share how they structure their work, streamline communication, and support one another to keep the school running smoothly and relationships strong. 

AI For Administrative Assistants: Elevating Excellence in Support of School Leaders
Rita Mortenson, Technology Coach, Verona SD
Join me for an engaging session designed for administrative assistants who want to use Artificial Intelligence as a helpful tool in their daily work supporting principals, superintendents, and other school leaders. We’ll explore how AI can support everyday responsibilities such as managing schedules, handling information, and improving communication. You’ll learn about a variety of AI tools that can help you sort, review, and analyze data in clear and manageable ways. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of AI tools you can use right away to strengthen your skills, build confidence, and continue providing essential support to school and district leadership.

Build Your Brand and Viability Through Improved Engagement and Service Excellence
Joe Schroeder, AWSA
The challenges on public education are more demanding than ever.  Your ability to effectively engage key stakeholders and dependably provide quality service are essential to meet such challenges over the long term. This session will focus on proven tools/approaches that you can employ with others to build your brand, deepen engagement, provide service excellence, and increase customer loyalty. In doing so, you will create a compelling identity that resonates with key stakeholders and grows enduring support for your school/district.

Maximizing Your School Management Software (Skyward)
Emma Narel, Skyward
John Narel, Skyward
Join this session to explore the many features of Skyward. This session will provide you with the skills to manage student data more efficiently and effectively, covering topics such as reports, lists, viewing student and accessing student information. Learn how to streamline communication with parents, and other various tools within Skyward to ensure a smooth day to day workflow. Whether you are new to these platforms or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will offer practical tips and techniques to help optimize your use of Skyward for better data management.

Google Sheets and Forms
Rita Mortenson, Technology Coach, Verona SD
In this session carefully designed to boost your existing skills and enhance your proficiency as an administrative assistant using Google Sheets. Delve deeper into the capabilities of Google Sheets, including advanced features like pivot tables, formulas, splitting cells, VLOOKUP, and more. These tools will empower you to streamline data management, craft dynamic reports, and automate intricate tasks, ultimately enhancing your efficiency and effectiveness. Whether you're organizing information, generating insightful reports, or making data-driven decisions, this session will provide you with the expertise and tools to excel in your administrative assistant role.

Front Office Conflict, Handling Challenging Interactions
Tammy Gibbons, AWSA
As a front office staff member, you are often the first line of defense for the school, the principal and the staff. Often there are uncomfortable interactions, challenging situations, or someone/something that is demanding your attention and urgency. Not everyone who comes through or works with you in the office handles their emotions or issues in the most effective ways/ In this session, participants will learn some conversational stems that can de-escalate and/or move a person out of their emotional state into a productive state.

The Impactful Administrative Assistant: Partnering with Administration to Manage Well and Improve Lives
Joe Schroeder, AWSA
Preparing students for today's highly demanding global economy and diverse community is highly dependent upon the quality of the relationship that administrative assistants have with administration. Joe Schroeder's work over three decades as an educational administrator in various roles across Wisconsin has reinforced his conviction that an excellent administrative assistant is like a superhero without the cape! This session will focus on proven strategies that a thoughtful, committed administrative assistant can employ in partnership with administration to manage the school/district efficiently, increase student wellness and success, and find means for a more whole and sustainable life outside of the job. 

Maximizing Your School Management Software (PowerSchool)
Danielle Baumerg, PowerSchool
Kelly Kujawanski, PowerSchool
Join this session to explore advanced features of PowerSchool used in schools today. This session will provide you with the skills to manage student data more efficiently and effectively, covering topics such as customizing reports, automating attendance tracking, and utilizing gradebook enhancements. Learn how to generate insightful analytics, streamline communication with parents and students, and integrate these tools with other school management systems to ensure a smooth workflow. Whether you are new to these platforms or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will offer practical tips and advanced techniques to help you optimize your use of PowerSchool for better data management and communication.