Embedded Files
Beyond Awareness: Autism, Inclusion, and Belonging 2:00 - 2:30 PM
Secondary/Adult Audiences 206
This panel explores how intentional support can promote true inclusion and improve educational experiences for people with autism. Laurel Davis will discuss what effective inclusion looks like in real classrooms and learning spaces, the role of educators and institutions, and how students and families experience support firsthand. Designed for students, educators, and community members alike, this conversation moves beyond awareness toward meaningful action.
Laurel Davis, Doctoral Candidate, Wilmington University, Class of 2026
Student Enrichment Coordinator, Upward Bound Math & Science
Proud parent of an autistic son, who is a junior at the University of MD, Eastern Shore
Phoenix Grimm Writing Across the Spectrum : Autism and Writing
Olivia will be addressing writing autistic characters, how my autism shapes my writing process,
navigating life with my diagnosis as a teen vs an adult
Gavin will discuss early life with autism and how it's shaped his writing. The message he wants to share is seen/read through the books he writes. Gavin has enjoyed creative writing since he was a child and would write stories with action and/or romance, but never thought it would go anywhere until he came up with the idea of Tomboy And Tomgirl.
Book Reading of Beeper! 2:00 PM Elementary Audience
Edward Haggerty LIBRARY Beeper is the story of a grackle that is hatched by a robin. He is adopted and loved but because he is a grackle and not a robin, he is teased by the other robins in the flock. When there is a sudden turn in the weather pre-migration, Beeper, with his hard beak, is called upon to help find food and water. Because of his success, he becomes the flock’s hero and is no longer teased. The book’s focus is adoption, love and overcoming teasing because you’re different.
The book is targeted, but not limited, for children from pre-K through 6th grade. The kindergarten kids enjoy the story when I read it to them and guide them through the pictures. The 10- to 12-year-old children can read it on their own, love the story and enjoy the “Interesting Facts” at the end of the story.
First Chapter Friday: Sparking a Love of Reading in Every Classroom 9:45 - 10:15 AM
Teachers Room 206
Kathy Kay, NCBT - Sussex Tech
Karen Willey, NBCT - Sussex Tech
Looking for a simple, high-impact way to get students excited about reading? In this engaging session, educators will experience First Chapter Friday firsthand—a powerful routine where teachers read the opening chapter of a high-interest book to hook student interest and build a culture of reading. Discover how just a few minutes each week can boost engagement, increase book checkouts, and inspire independent reading across all grade levels and content areas. Walk away with practical strategies, book recommendations, and ready-to-use ideas to bring this easy, effective practice into your classroom right away.
From Search Bar to Shelf: Your Catalog Adventure
Adult Audiences Room 200
9:45 - 10:15 AM
Vinny Alascia Administrative Librarian Delaware Division of Libraries
This session takes a look at the various methods for streamlining Delaware Library catalog searches, saving search lists, and looking for digital resources.
Graphic Novel Workshop All audiences 9:45- 10:15 AM
Elementary/Middle Auditorium
How do you organize visual ideas to tell a story? What’s the difference between a word balloon and a thought bubble? What are gutters and panels? The graphic novel format will be broken down, and students will gain a deeper understanding of storytelling through comics! Jarrett will also give great tips to avoid the pitfalls that young cartoonists often fall into.
Learning How to Read and Write scripts: Formatting, Writing, and Performance 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Middle/High School /Adult Audiences Room 208
Emerson Wright
In this workshop we will discuss how to read and write scripts in the correct format, and writing a one scene script on your own. At the end of workshop will we be coming together to share and possibly perform you scripts at the end (This is not required to participate in the workshop).
Malinda Lo - Writing workshop! - 9:45 - 10:20
High/Adult Room 208
Malinda Lo
Generative Writing: Exercises designed to create new material, often exploring YA voices, building fictional worlds, or writing diversity.
Constructive Critique: Intensive workshops for emerging writers where participants submit work for group critique, followed by detailed discussions and individual feedback sessions.
Genre Focus: She often teaches on YA fiction specifically, focusing on novels, though she has also covered elements like magical realism.
Authentic Voice & LGBTQ Content: Lo focuses on helping writers move past stereotypes to create believable, emotional, and often queer, voices that accurately portray young people.
Marc Nobleman All Audience talk 1:00 PM Auditorium
Strap in for one author's unprecedented journey to save the legacy of the secret co-creator of Batman.
Huge twists!
Sometimes tears!
Guaranteed to inspire, even people who couldn't care less about superheroes!
Pokémon Club - Visit this amazing opportunity to play, learn, and dive into Pokemon!
Location- Library
8:30 - 9:00 AM open to all
11:15 - 12:00 elementary
Lunch time. 12:00 - 12:50 open to all
2:30 -3:30 secondary
Student Coordinator Blake C. / Newark High School
Trainers of any experience across Delaware, it's time for your journey to begin. At the Pokémon club, our goal is to unite fans from across every sphere of the community through the card game. Whether you're new to Pokémon or consumed other media like the games, anime, or manga, this is the club for you. So let your journey into the world of Pokémon begin.
Raiders Read: A Coalition Model to Improve Secondary Literacy Instruction
9:45 - 10:15 AM Room 207
During the 2025-2026 school year, Woodbridge High School established a grassroots coalition of community, district, and school stakeholders to improve literacy instruction across all content areas, grade levels, and student populations. In this session, Woodbridge School District Secondary Literacy Specialist James Weiler shares the coalition creation process and examples of reading fluency routines piloted by coalition members in language arts, science, social studies, math, and career and technical education. Intended for district and school leaders and teachers.
The REAL Women, Veterans of Vietnam - High/Adult Audiences
9:45 - 10:15 AM Room 210
Delaware Humanities Speaker Series!
Inspired by best selling-author Kristin Hannah's hit historical fiction, The Women, Nancy E. Lynch presents The REAL Women, Veterans of Vietnam, based on war letters she received from REAL nurses and Donut Dollies as a columnist with The News Journal from 1968-1972.
SGA (Student Government Association) Hosts "The Ultimate Build Off 2:00 - 2:30
All Audiences Room 200
Juliet, Lexi, Paige, and Belinda
• Small groups get random supplies (cups, tape, string, etc.) and have to build the tallest/strongest structure
• Focuses on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
• Twist: everyone gets a role (leader, timekeeper, encourager) so all participate!
• Discuss your Student Gvernment working with Upforlearning.org to create closer student/administration relationship within your school.
Seven Thunders Academy Adventure with O.C. Jaime!
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Take part in the interactive Seven Thunders Quiz! Find out which Thunder you belong to and more!
Come and choose your Chocowackolickit from the Chocowackolickit tree! A candy confection from the World of the Seven Thunders!”
Story Roots 9:45 - 10:15 AM
High/ Adult Audiences Room 201
In this interactive workshop, participants explore how family, friends, place, and history shape identity, then shape the beginning of their own origin story. Through guided exercises and reflection, they’ll discover storytelling as a powerful tool for self-understanding.
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