B1 - Anxiety and School Performance – Rm. 413, Distance Learning Lab

 

David Gotthelf, Psychologist: Middlesex Partnership for Youth

 

Anxiety that students experience not only challenges academic progress, but also significantly affects behavior. This workshop will review how anxiety affects student behavior and performance, and strategies that can be employed to help students effectively manage the demands of school and home.
Content Strands: Health/Wellness/Physical Education, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health
Supporting students with disabilities or diverse learning styles

Course Materials: Anxiety and Fear      Sleep Anxiety Difficulties

 

B2 - Autocrat: A Google-Add On That Will Transform Your Classroom or Office – Rm. 205

 

Patrick Daly, Assistant Superintendent: North Reading Public Schools

 

Would you like to learn how to turn any data in a Google Sheet/Form into pre-populated documents or turn paper forms into online documents that can be tracked and managed in Google Drive? AutoCrat has transformed the way we do business in our office and it has many classroom uses as well. We currently use this process for our educator observations, printing certificates, human resources, and more! Participants will be able to sample the tool!
Content Strands: Technology

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B3 - Creating and Using Formative Assessments in Science – Rm. 313

 

Francis Vigeant, Chief Executive Officer and Founder: KnowAtom Science

 

In this presentation, explore concrete ways to create and use formative assessments to strengthen both science teaching and learning. We’ll discuss: why formative assessments are essential with next generation science instruction, how formative assessments benefit both the teacher and students, what all formative assessments share that make them so useful and concrete ways to incorporate formative assessment into every aspect of your teaching. Content Strands: Science/Engineering

 

B4 - Ensuring a Non-Hostile School Environment: Preventing and Responding to Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in School – Rm. 309

 

Michael Joyce, Attorney at Law: Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, P.C.

 

This presentation by attorney Michael J. Joyce will provide an overview of state and federal laws prohibiting bullying and discrimination in educational settings including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state laws which protect individuals from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and religion (M.G.L. c. 71, Section 5). The primary focus of the presentation will be to define not only the legal obligations and school district liability under state and federal law, but the best pragmatic approaches to conducting a thorough, reliable and comprehensive investigation, and implementing remedial measures designed to eliminate the bullying and/or harassment.
Content Strands: General or Interdisciplinary, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health, Special Education

Course Materials: Notes Handout

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B5 - I Graded My Students’ On-demand Writing Using The Rubric, Now What? Using Writing On-Demands to Inform Instruction – Rm. 305

Tonia McGuire, Grade 4 Teacher: J.W. Killam ES

During this session we will focus on how to use scored on-demand student writing and the resources available in the Units of Study for Writing to inform your instruction and take your students’ writing to new levels. We will use sample student writing and on-demand data to learn how to look for classroom patterns. Then, you’ll learn how to plan whole class, small group, and conferring sessions using what is in the Units of Study and other helpful resources.
Content Strands: English Language Arts/Reading/Writing

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B6 - Infographics! — Increase Student Engagement with Non-fiction Reading and Writing - Rm. 203

Jennifer Morneault, Health/PE Teacher, Christine Steinhauser, Library Media Specialist and Laura Warren, Reading Specialist: Arthur W. Coolidge MS

 

Engage students with reading, writing and thinking about nonfiction. Infographics are thought provoking and exciting for students to both read and create. In this workshop, we will guide participants through a few exercises where we will view and think about infographics. We will also share an interdisciplinary research project where students created their own infographics.
Content Strands: English Language Arts/Reading/Writing, General or Interdisciplinary, Health/Wellness/Physical Education, Literacy, Technology

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B7 - Journeys to Self-Understanding: Supporting Diversity through Children’s Literature – Rm. 226

 

Ewa Pytowska, NAMI Presenter: National Alliance on Mental Illness

“Journeys to Self-Understanding” is an opportunity for educators to interact with a unique collection of children’s books that represent diverse cultures, inspiring themes and hopeful illustrations. The books are examples of how the interplay of riveting texts and evocative illustrations, create opportunities for deep conversations with children, centered around such themes as self-determination, dreams, belonging, hardship, faith and non-conformism. In addition, the books can also be used to provide support for families.
Content Strands: English Language Arts/Reading/Writing, English Language Learner (ELL), General or Interdisciplinary, Literacy, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health

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B8 - LGBTQ Model Curriculum Units for the ELA and Social Studies Classroom – Rm. 224

Marie Caradona and Arthur Lipkin, Consultants: Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students, DESE

 

We will present best practices for integrating LGBTQ curriculum units into junior high and high school classrooms. Participants will be introduced to new ELA and Social Studies units, typically designed to take 2-3 class periods each.
Content Strands: English Language Arts/Reading/Writing, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health, Social Studies

 

 

B9 - Maker Days - Promoting Collaboration and Problem Solving Skills in the Classroom – Rm. 222

 

Whitney Cleary, Grade 5 Teacher and Beth Leavitt, Grade 2 Teacher: JT Hood ES and E. Ethel Little ES

 

What is one easy way to improve student communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills during a lesson? By using Makerspace ideas and STEM practices teachers will learn how to effectively design STEM lessons, create rubrics to guide learning, and find new ways for students to show what they have learned. Teachers will be introduced to using different forms of technology in classroom lessons including Spheros, Lego Wedo, green screen, Stop Motion etc.
Content Strands: Science/Engineering, Technology
B10 - Music Sharing Session – Rm. 223
Cheryl Webster, Instrumental Music Teacher: Arthur W. Coolidge MS
This session we will be discussing a new rhythm counting system being piloted in the Coolidge music classrooms as well as how to use Google Classroom, Doctupus and Goobric as a performance assessment tool. Bring your ideas with you! There will be time for discussing any other innovative ideas or initiatives being used in the music classrooms around the district.
Content Strands: Fine/Performing Arts

Course Materials: Google Slides Presentation

 

 

B11 - Promoting Resilience and Healthy Outcomes for LGBTQ Students – Rm. 209

 

Landon Callahan, Presenter for Safe Schools Initiative: Middlesex Partnership for Youth

 

This in-service workshop will address laws, policies and best practices to create a safe and supportive environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning students. This workshop, which includes stories of students, parents and school personnel, will be presented by Jeff Perrotti, Roger Bourgeois and staff from the Safe Schools Initiative.
Content Strands: Health/Wellness/Physical Education, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health

 

 

B12 - Restorative Justice – Rm. 207

 

Rich Catrambone, Retired School Professional/Counselor/Social Worker: Middlesex Partnership for Youth

 

Traditional school discipline does not always help students take responsibility and be accountable for their behaviors and realize how those behaviors reverberate through the school community. Restorative Justice works to change behavior, allows the victim to be heard, and acknowledges that a harm has been done. This workshop will use Restorative Justice approach to give participants the tools necessary to expand disciplinary alternatives employed in their school.
Content Strands: Health/Wellness/Physical Education, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health

Course Materials: Presentation Handout

 

 

B13 - Teaching Media Literacy in an Era of Fake News - Rm. 201

 

Kerry Gallagher, Digital Learning Specialist: St. John’s Prep

 

We hear a lot about “fake news,” but that term is really a symptom of the lack of media literacy in a digital age where information is instant. In fact, Stanford Graduate School of Education found that more than 80% of middle and high school students were unable to distinguish between advertisements and real news stories. This session will include advice from educators, journalists, media literacy experts, and emotional intelligence researchers on how to bring critical media literacy skills to your classroom so students are able to make informed decisions about the
media that bombards them every day.
Content Strands: General or Interdisciplinary, Literacy, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health, Technology

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B14 - Text & Tech- Bringing Literature and Technology Together – Rm. 225

Helen S. Kelley, Digital Learning Specialist & Dianne Maguire, Digital Learning Paraprofessional: E.E. Little School, N. Reading

 

Discover how we have integrated technology with some of our favorite children’s books. A variety of projects will be shared that were completed using chromebooks or iPads. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in some hands-on activities using Bee-Bots and Ozobots. Everyone will leave the workshop with ideas ready to implement with their students the next day.
Content Strands: English Language Arts/ Reading/ Writing, English Language Learner (ELL), General or Interdisciplinary, Literacy, Technology

 

 

B15 - The Addicted Brain: The Neuroscience of Addiction, Youth and Recovery – Rm. Performing Arts Center

 

Featured Presenter: Dr. David Walsh, Psychologist, Best-selling Author, and International Speaker

 

How is addiction connected to the brain’s primary mission of keeping us alive? How does addiction “hijack” the brain? Why do addicts continue to seek alcohol or drugs even as the rewards diminish? How do alcohol and drugs affect the adolescent brain differently? What about video game and Internet addiction? How can knowledge of the brain help recovery? Dr. Dave Walsh will explore these questions and more as he connects the dots between cutting edge neuroscience and the addiction epidemic.
Content Strands: General or Interdisciplinary, Health/Wellness, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health
Supporting students with disabilities or diverse learning styles

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B16 - The Changing Role of School Counselors/Psychologists in a MTSS – Rm. 307

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Sara Burd, Director of Guidance and Social Emotional Learning: Arlington Public Schools

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Putting a multi-tiered system of supports in place serves students and staff best; we know this from the research and from lived experience! However, there are a few roles within schools that are required to change how they spend their days, without much coaching or support! Counselors, social workers, psychologists, behavior specialists and all other staff who are typically used as advanced tiers social, emotional, behavioral supports and interventionists, will find they sink or swim in the new MTSS model. Are you an admin supporting someone in these roles, or are you someone currently in this role? This workshop is for you! We will take a look at the history of our work, the current work and where we need to evolve to in order to best serve students and ourselves!
Content Strands: Health/Wellness, MTSS/PBIS, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health, Support Staff/Specialists

Course Materials: Counselor Roles Presentation       Supporting and Responding to Behavior

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B17 - Trauma Sensitive Schools – An Overview – Rm. 301

 

Ray Albright, Lynda Michel, Jacquelyn Pelusi, Fiona Schuette, Teachers: Wood End Elementary School and Reading Memorial High School

 

An overview of the Lesley University Institute for Trauma Sensitivity 4-course certificate program. Interested in taking the course? Hear what teachers that have finished the series think. Learn what trauma is and how schools can become trauma sensitive. Hear how Reading Public Schools teachers from elementary through high school have used the courses to inform their own teaching practices.
Content Strands: Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health
Supporting students with disabilities or diverse learning styles

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B18 - Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain – Rm. 343, Library

 

Featured Presenter: Erin Walsh, M.A., Teacher, Speaker, and Consultant

 

Adolescence has been described as a "normally abnormal stage of life." This workshop explains exactly what happens to the adolescent brain on the path from childhood into adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, Erin Walsh shows why moodiness, quickness to anger, willingness to take risks, miscommunication and other familiar teenage behavior are so common-all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain. This workshop goes beyond the well-known issues of hormones and peer pressure. It also shows parents and anyone who works with youth how to use this information to understand, communicate with, and stay connected to their kids.
Content Strands: General or Interdisciplinary, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health
Supporting students with disabilities or diverse learning styles

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B19 - Mindful Movements – Yoga for You (and Your Students) – Rm. 314

 

Courtney Fogarty, RYT-200, District Data Coach & SCTG Project Director: Reading Public Schools

 

We spend most of our days focusing on our students’ needs; we cue into their emotions, motivations, and efforts. We
celebrate their successes and work with them through their challenges. But what about YOU? When was the last time you
gave yourself that kind of attention? Come take some time for YOU at this workshop and learn some yoga postures that
work just as well at your desk while waiting for a staff meeting as they do with your students after lunch.
Content Strands: Health/Wellness/Physical Education, Social Emotional Learning/Behavioral Health