CCS Secondary Mini-Conference: Full Schedule

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7:45am EST

Registration

Friday February 14, 2025 7:45am - 8:10am EST

Registration

8:15am EST

Opening Session

Friday February 14, 2025 8:15am - 8:25am EST

Opening Session

8:30am EST

Distributive Leadership Doesn't Happen by Chance

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 352

It takes a village! Great leaders empower others across the school community to take ownership of leadership responsibilities while sharing in decision-making processes. Distributive leadership does not happen by chance. Join the discussion on how great principals build teacher efficacy and distributive leadership in the spirit of continuous improvement.

Speakers

Stephanie Dischiavi

Northwest Regional Director, NC DPI

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 352

Administration Only

8:30am EST

APEX - Supplementals in the Classroom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 355

Participants will understand how to implement Apex Courses as part of their classroom structure. Courses can be used for content recovery or supplemental instruction.

Speakers

Dee BiaLowas

Customer Success Manager, Edmentum

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 355

All Levels

8:30am EST

App State's Mathematics and Science Education Center: A Resource in your Own Backyard LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 374

In this session, we will share information about the Mathematics and Science Education Center, and the resources that it has available. The session will emphasize the MSEC website and materials resource center, and Family STEM night programs. Additionally, we will discuss information about other ways for schools to collaborate with the MSEC.

Speakers

Dr. Leslie Bradbury

Appalachian State University

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 374

All Levels

8:30am EST

Brewing Standards and AI Innovation FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 376

Join us for a hands-on session on leveraging AI to transform teaching and enhance learning in middle and high school classrooms. Discover how educators have reimagined lessons across various subjects, including ELA, Exceptional Children, Art, Science, and Social Studies, by integrating safe and ethical AI tools. This session will showcase standards-aligned examples that boost engagement, enhance critical thinking, and personalize instruction. Our approach aligns with the NC Standard Course of Study and ISTE Standards for Students and Educators, inspiring innovative uses of AI that create dynamic, student-centered learning environments. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources designed to elevate their teaching and empower students.

Speakers

Stacy Lovdahl

Western DTL Consultant, NCDPI/Digital Teaching and Learning

Stacy Lovdahl has 24 years of experience as a state and district-level education technologist. She is an AI literacy trainer, the Western DTL Consultant for NCDPI, an Instructional Technology Facilitator and a middle school science teacher. Stacy has dedicated significant efforts... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 376

All Levels

8:30am EST

Child Welfare Services Overview from Intake to Adoptions LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 332

Join representatives from Caldwell County Department of Social Services to learn about Child Welfare Services. This presentation will allow participants to learn about what happens from intake to adoptions and the processes and procedures that are a part of these services.

Speakers

Laura Harrison

Caldwell County DSS

Crystal Henderson

Caldwell County DSS

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 332

All Levels

8:30am EST

Finding Funds for Your Classroom FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 381

Link to Slide Deck: https://curipod.com/62d8feb2-e480-4f16-92ee-80a8d8ee1962/lessons/e81f6cf6-1ed4-4696-b282-abe1abf3076a?showpreview=true

Learn the ins and outs to grant writing. Walk away from the session with ideas and examples of how to write a successful grant.

Speakers

Amy Philyaw

STEM Director/ Grant Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 381

All Levels

8:30am EST

Five Principles of Wellness for Educators FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 358

You can't teach well if you're not WELL! We will discuss the SAMHSA Five Principles of Wellness, practice a few wellness techniques and create a plan for our own wellness.

Speakers

Claricea Mitchell

Transition Specialist, Caldwell County Schools

I wear many hats. These are a few: Reg. Ed. Behavior Support, Alternative Placement and Mental Health Referrals, Caldwell County Child Collaborative Secretary, Student Support Services, and Raising Chickens, Dogs, Cats and Children!

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 358

All Levels

8:30am EST

Lights, Camera, Standards!: Your Guide to English Language Development LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 340

We will be looking at the WIDA English language standards. We will answer the question: “How can classroom teachers embed the ELD standards within their own curriculum?” We will give you strategies and ideas to help your English Learners as well as other students in your classes.

Speakers

Megan Starnes

ESL Teacher, Caldwell County Schools

Jennifer Decker

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 340

All Levels

8:30am EST

Prepared for Life: Caldwell's Future-Ready Students & Families LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 356

John Dewey said, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." Explore myFutureNC's county profile data to learn how education, business and government partners are collaborating to lift the value of education and workforce in Caldwell County. Discuss the role that educators must play in this work, identify ways your ideas can be shared with community leaders, and consider how we might encourage educational attainment for students and their families.

Speakers

Dr. Kim Case

NW Regional Impact Manager, myFutureNC

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 356

All Levels

8:30am EST

Road to Retirement FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 370

Join us for a comprehensive overview of the North Carolina Retirement System (NCRS) and the supplemental retirement plans offered through EMPOWER. Learn about the valuable resources available on ORBIT, the online retirement portal, and discover how to make the most of your retirement savings.

Our guest speaker, Kristin Bryan, district regional retirement counselor, will share her expertise and provide valuable insights.

Speakers

Kristin Bryan

Danielle Hood

Benefits Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 370

All Levels

8:30am EST

Stress Management FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 378

Learn techniques and lifestyle hacks to improve your stress management.

Speakers

Lori Starnes

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 378

All Levels

8:30am EST

Universal Design for Learning - Learning for All LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 371

What is Universal Design for Learning and how can this technique reach all learners, especially neurodivergent students? Come find out about the recently updated UDL guidelines and see what small interventions you can use to make your classes engaging to your students.

Speakers

Denise Allen

Beginning Teacher Mentor, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 371

All Levels

8:30am EST

Unlocking Potential: The Role of Caldwell County Economic Development LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 353

This presentation is designed to provide an introduction to the work of the county’s economic development department, an overview of Caldwell County’s economy, and a roundup of the industries present in Caldwell County. While manufacturing is still an important industry locally, Caldwell County’s economic has diversified since the Great Recession. The county has seen growth in the biopharmaceutical industry and other industries related to advanced manufacturing. Participants will hear from Economic Development Director, Ashley Bolick about current projects in economic development, career opportunities for CCS students, and how community members can stay connected to our work.

Speakers

Ashley Bolick

Economic Development Director, Caldwell County Economic Development

Caldwell-born and raised, I LOVE MY COMMUNITY! I'm honored to work on behalf of Caldwell County Government to promote business and industry here at home. We (Caldwell County Economic Development) work in four major focus areas: Existing Industry Support, Product Development and recruitment... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 353

All Levels

8:30am EST

Using Art to Support Literacy LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 375

Practice strategies for developing visual literacy by exploring works of art using inquiry, writing, and communication skills. Learn more about resources available from the North Carolina Museum of Art. Activities can be used across multiple grade levels and subjects.

Speakers

Kristin Smith

Manager of School Outreach, North Carolina Museum of Art

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 375

All Levels

8:30am EST

Using Data to Inform Your Instruction LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 372

So much data! Where do I find it? How can I use it to inform my instruction? During the session, I will share strategies for using data from EVAAS, SchoolNet and NC Check-Ins to help your students be successful.

Speakers

Dottie Hayes

K-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 372

All Levels

8:30am EST

“I have this kid," Assistive Technology Solutions LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 354

This presentation targets comprehensive skills classrooms looking for direct ideas to support their current students in increasing their participation and engagement. We will develop tools and supports during this training to target specific students presented. Participants will leave with materials made to integrate into their classrooms.

Speakers

Shela Bridges

Caldwell County Schools

Jennifer Simms

Caldwell County Schools

Tracy Stilwell

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 354

All Levels

8:30am EST

Cobras LAUNCH: Ensuring Student Success LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 379

Discover Cobras LAUNCH—a program created to help high school graduates seamlessly transition into the next phase of their educational journey. Piloted last year by CCC&TI, this summer bridge initiative was developed to address the challenges many graduates face during the months following high school. By offering intentional support and skill-building opportunities, Cobras LAUNCH equips students with the tools they need to thrive in college. Through an engaging and supportive environment, participants build confidence, develop essential skills, and foster a sense of community, setting them up for success as they begin their college experience.

Speakers

Brandy Dunlap

Dean, CEWD, CCC&TI

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 379

High School

8:30am EST

Enhancements to the ACT: What, When, and Why LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 351

Beginning with Spring 2025 national testing, ACT is rolling out enhancements to the test. Learn why ACT is implementing these enhancements, what changes are being made, and when they will affect different test administrations and modes.

Speakers

Lydia Griffin

Senior Account Executive, ACT, Inc.

College and Career Readiness Assessments and Resources

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 351

High School

8:30am EST

FAFSA 101 - Who, What, When, Where, and Why LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 333

Financial Aid, especially the FAFSA, is a daunting task for students and the educators that help support them. This presentation will go over all of the basics of financial aid and FAFSA like who needs to file FAFSA, what the FAFSA is, when should students file, where do you go for information, and why students should fill it out! This session will help educators support students in your classroom, or in your own life, answer questions about the FAFSA.

Speakers

Katelyn Long

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 333

High School

8:30am EST

Honors Coursework Work Session for High School CTE Teachers FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 334

Speakers

Brian Lewis

CTE Director, Caldwell County Schools

Leslie Farris

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 334

High School

Audience High School

8:30am EST

Daily Routines to Jump-Start Math Class: Engage Students, Improve Number Sense, and Practice Reasoning 6-8 LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 373

In this session, discover practical strategies to energize your students and foster a positive math culture. Explore how quick, focused routines can improve number sense, enhance reasoning skills, and get students excited about mathematics. Walk away with tools and ideas to transform your math class.

Speakers

Sara Starnes

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 373

Middle School

8:30am EST

Implementing PowerUp Lexia Lessons LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 357

This session prepares educators to plan and deliver targeted teacher-led instruction using myLexia data. Educators will be reintroduced to PowerUp’s structure and design, focusing on Lexia’s unique and adaptive two-step instructional branching. Participants in this session will gain hands-on experience using the educator platform, myLexia, and the PowerUp Resources Hub to access and explore Lexia Lessons.

Speakers

Anna Crooke

Middle School Director, Caldwell County Schools

Brittany Raub

Lexia Learning

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 357

Middle School

8:30am EST

STEM is Everywhere LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Room 380

In this interactive workshop participants will discover how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) shapes the world around them. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, participants will explore how STEM concepts are used in everything from the design of everyday objects to the technology behind video games, the science of nature, and the engineering feats that keep our world connected. This workshop will ignite curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and inspire you to see STEM as an exciting and accessible part of your daily lives. Join us and uncover how STEM is everywhere!

Speakers

Megan Lovins

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Room 380

Middle School

8:30am EST

Reading Apprenticeship - Invitation Only LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:20am EST

Media Center

This session is for current Reading Apprenticeship participants. This group will participate in the next phase of this program which will include an online coaching session.

Speakers

Laurie Erby

Stephanie Harris

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:20am EST
Media Center

High School

8:30am EST

Student Support Services Meeting LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 213

Speakers

Dr. Ryan Cooper

Student Services Director, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 213

All Levels

8:30am EST

Safety Care Crisis Prevention Training - Invitation Only

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 2:50pm EST

Room 343

Safety-Care provides the tools you need for safe crisis prevention and management when working with individuals who might exhibit behavioral changes

Speakers

Rachel Pearson

Elizabeth Norris

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 2:50pm EST
Room 343

9:30am EST

Principal Leadership: Fireside Chat LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 352

Speakers

Dr. Don Phipps

Superintendent, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 352

Administration Only

9:30am EST

AI Tools for Smarter Meetings and Creative Teaching LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 376

Discover how schools and districts are using NotebookLM to inform decision-making in PLCs and school improvement meetings and how teachers leverage it to create audio resources (aka podcasts) with the click of a button for students. NotebookLM is a powerful personalized AI that enhances planning and streamlines processes at all levels. Participants will create Notebooks and explore real-world success stories from schools implementing NotebookLM this year.

Speakers

Stacy Lovdahl

Western DTL Consultant, NCDPI/Digital Teaching and Learning

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 376

All Levels

9:30am EST

App State's Mathematics and Science Education Center: A Resource in your Own Backyard LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 374

Speakers

Dr. Leslie Bradbury

Appalachian State University

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 374

All Levels

9:30am EST

Arts Integration LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 375

The arts offer a step beyond project-based learning because they represent "projects" that engage learners on physical and emotional levels. Also, they offer opportunities to not only apply knowledge, but also to apply it imaginatively. In applying knowledge imaginatively, learners have a chance to play with ideas, to question them, and to transform them—to see them differently.

Speakers

Karla Starnes

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 375

All Levels

9:30am EST

Decode, Design, Deliver - Making Sense With AI LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 378

AI literacy belongs in every classroom. "Decode, Design, Deliver - Making AI Literacy Real" equips educators and students with the tools to understand AI’s effective and ethical uses, its limitations, and its broader implications. Gain confidence in teaching AI literacy through collaborative, transformative experiences and walk away with ready-to-use resources to inspire learning and innovation.

Sponsors

Brian Whitson

Consultant, North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction (DPI)

Brian Whitson is a Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant with the Office of Digital Teaching & Learning at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). He proudly covers the Piedmont-Triad Region where he supports public schools units with the implementation and integration... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 378

All Levels

9:30am EST

E.N.G.A.G.E. Your Class! Everybody Needs Games and Great Experiences in Class! FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 356

We all have seen this quote, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”- Benjamin Franklin. During this session, participants will experience from the student lens ELA and Math review games. Participants will be provided the research that supports the use of games as learning experiences and engage in professional discourse about implementation and barriers. Participants will leave with a bank of templates for other games.

Speakers

Amber Spargo

Academic Facilitator, Gaston County Schools

Kim Lynch

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 356

All Levels

9:30am EST

Edpuzzle: Tips + Trips FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 381

Best practices for using Edpuzzle in the classroom to support student success. This presentation will provide tips to support novice users, as well as information on new and upcoming features to help making learning accessible and impactful for a wide variety or learners.

Speakers

Danielle Bradley

School Partnerships, Southeast Region, EdPuzzle

Danielle Bradley is from Pittsburgh, PA but has lived in Raleigh, NC for 10+ years. She holds a bachelors in Elementary and Special Education. Before joining Edpuzzle, Danielle was a Middle School Special Education Teacher focusing primarily on ELA and Math.

X'andria Sutton

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 381

All Levels

9:30am EST

Partnerships That Matter: CCS & CCC&TI Dual Enrollment LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 341

Explain the partnership and cooperation between Caldwell County Schools and CCC&TI. Explain dual enrollment and how it works (eligibility). Explain how college transfer works: UGETC and CAA classes. Q&A on general questions about the college. I plan to finish up with a little trivia and will have some give aways for winners.

Speakers

Jeff Link

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 341

All Levels

9:30am EST

Read Aloud and Dictation Tools LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 354

We will explore tools for read aloud for students with reading challenges. We will look at dictation tools. We will look at how to access multiple tools and who they are appropriate for.

Speakers

Vikki Hutto

Caldwell County Schools

Mary Younce

Caldwell County Schools

Jennifer Simms

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 354

All Levels

9:30am EST

Road to Retirement FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 370

Speakers

Kristin Bryan

Danielle Hood

Benefits Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 370

All Levels

9:30am EST

STEM Makerspaces LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 380

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help educators integrate STEM activities in the classroom. Explore a variety of STEM products that foster critical thinking, creativity, and literacy skills through engaging projects. Learn how to use tools and resources that promote problem-solving, reading comprehension, and collaboration in the context of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Leave with practical strategies and ideas to inspire students and enhance their learning in your STEM makerspace.

Speakers

Leslie Barger

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 380

All Levels

9:30am EST

Tennis in PE! LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Gym

Tennis can be played anywhere. Whether you have gym space, a blacktop or anything else, learn different ways to incorporate tennis into your racquet sports unit.

Interactive session in which audience will be asked to participate.

Speakers

Robert Hogewood

NC Junior Tennis

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Gym

All Levels

Audience PE

9:30am EST

The Ins and Outs of Securly Classroom

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 357

Discover best practices, key features, and helpful integrations. Ask questions, relay feature requests, explore the user interface, obtain access to additional training material, and more!

Speakers

Marissa Angel

Strategic Customer Success Manager, Securly

Marissa has been with Securly since 2018, serving countless districts within many regions as she earned her way up from an entry-level position to the role she currently holds. This well-rounded background across a wide range of business functions has given her multifaceted knowledge... Read More →

Josh Edwards

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 357

All Levels

9:30am EST

Traditional to Transformative: Realizing the promise of NC Portrait of a Graduate in the Age of Intelligence LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 377

This session explores the journey from conventional educational practices to innovative, future-ready approaches aligned with the NC Portrait of a Graduate. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will examine four critical pedagogical shifts essential for fostering student success in an AI-driven world.

Speakers

Vera Cubero

COnsultant, NCDPI

Vera is the Emerging Technologies Consultant for the NC Department of Public Instruction. She has a wide range of experience in K12 education at the school, district, and state levels and a passion for responsible AI implementation and promoting AI Literacy for all students and... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 377

All Levels

9:30am EST

Understanding the Power of the 3C's: Conflict, Courageous Conversations and Collaboration LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 350

In any workplace, conflict is inevitable—but how we navigate it can make all the difference. Productive teams don’t avoid conflict; they embrace it with courage and use it as a catalyst for growth. That’s where courageous conversations come in—creating space for open, honest dialogue that fosters understanding and drives meaningful change. And at the heart of it all is collaboration—the ability to work together effectively, even in the face of differing perspectives. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to manage conflict constructively, engage in courageous conversations with confidence, and build a culture of collaboration that strengthens teams and drives success. Let’s dive in!

Speakers

Dr. Jennifer Hefner

Kenston Griffin

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 350

All Levels

9:30am EST

Unlocking Potential: The Role of Caldwell County Economic Development LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 353

Speakers

Ashley Bolick

Economic Development Director, Caldwell County Economic Development

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 353

All Levels

9:30am EST

Webmaster Work Session for Smart Sites LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 332

This session is designed as a time for you to update your school webpage, set up your staff directory, and ask any questions you may have.

Speakers

Randy Seldomridge

Curriculum Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 332

All Levels

9:30am EST

Art In The Chemistry Classroom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 371

In this session attendees will learn about the benefits of using art and creative products as a means to increase student engagement, enhance critical thinking skills, and improve writing skills. By incorporating fine arts into the chemistry content, students engage both the analytical and creative parts of their brains thereby increasing retention, recall, and comprhension of the abstract concepts of chemistry. In this session, I'll be presenting on five art products to be use in concert with whatever pedagocical approach the teacher is already using in their chemistry content. The products align with content standards in density, properties of matter, polarity, reactions, and photons. If time allows, teachers will get to try out one of the art projects with a make-and-take activity.

Speakers

Lauren Smith

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 371

High School

9:30am EST

Cobras LAUNCH: Ensuring Student Success LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 379

Speakers

Brandy Dunlap

Dean, CEWD, CCC&TI

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 379

High School

9:30am EST

FAFSA 101 - Who, What, When, Where, and Why LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 333

Speakers

Katelyn Long

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 333

High School

9:30am EST

Free ACT Prep Resources for Teachers and Students LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 351

ACT offers free test prep resources for teachers and students. Learn where to find teacher resources and how to use them to support classroom instruction. You will also get a bank of resources to share with students for their own prep.

Speakers

Lydia Griffin

Senior Account Executive, ACT, Inc.

College and Career Readiness Assessments and Resources

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 351

High School

9:30am EST

Honors Coursework Work Session for High School CTE Teachers FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 334

Speakers

Leslie Farris

Brian Lewis

CTE Director, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 334

High School

Audience High School

9:30am EST

Bullying Prevention LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 358

A review of bullying prevention resources to use in the classroom and in the school at-large.

Speakers

Claricea Mitchell

Transition Specialist, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 358

Middle School

9:30am EST

Creating a Formative Assessment Strategy with Study Island LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 355

Participants will understand how to utilize Study Island tools and data for formative assessment.
Participants will identify and assign content for individual and whole group instruction, practice, and assessment.
Participants will access and interpret data to make decisions regarding next instructional steps.

Speakers

Dee BiaLowas

Customer Success Manager, Edmentum

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 355

Middle School

9:30am EST

Elevating Math Instruction: Integrating the Standards for Mathematical Practice and Rigor for Deeper Understanding LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 373

This presentation will dive deeper into the standards for mathematical practice and explore the three aspects of mathematical rigor. Participants will examine what effective teaching and active student engagement look like when incorporating these practices and rigor into daily instruction. Join us to strengthen your approach to building rigorous, meaningful mathematical experiences for all learners.

Speakers

Angela Steele

Student Success Specialist, Granite Falls Middle School & William Lenoir Middle School

Jessica Epley

IPG Coach, Gateway

Sara Starnes

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 373

Middle School

9:30am EST

Grades 6-8 Science Textbook Adoption LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 372

We will review the evlaution rubric and textbook options for science grades 6-8.

Speakers

Dottie Hayes

K-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 372

Middle School

9:30am EST

Using GIFs & Translations to Build Background Knowledge for Middle School LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Room 340

Are you struggling to explain vocabulary words or concepts to your newly arrived Multilingual Learners (MLs)? Come to this session and learn how to add translations and GIFs to your presentations. Not only will this help build your MLs background knowledge and help them connect concepts to their home language, but, the pictures will have the added benefit of increasing your other students’ knowledge as well.

Speakers

Lynette Shelby

ESL teacher, Caldwell County Schools

Allison Brown

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 340

Middle School

10:30am EST

The Unseen Pillars of Effective Leadership LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 10:50am EST

Room 350

Effective leadership extends far beyond the contents of a manual or handbook. This session delves into the critical role of emotional intelligence in navigating complex situations. Participants will explore strategies for fostering courageous conversations and develop an understanding of the unwritten rules that contribute to successful leadership at both the district and school level.

Speakers

Dr. Jennifer Hefner

Kenston Griffin

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 10:50am EST
Room 350

Administration Only

10:30am EST

ACEs and PACEs: Trauma & Resilience Level One LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 358

Do you know how to spot trauma responses in your students? Do you know how to help your students and yourself become more resilient? During this session, we'll explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs).

Speakers

Claricea Mitchell

Transition Specialist, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 358

All Levels

10:30am EST

AI Can Do That? Notebook LM and Eleven Labs FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 376

Come learn about NotebookLM, a Google AI site, that can help you create resources including amazingly realistic podcasts that are 100% AI generated. We will also talk briefly about Eleven Labs, a site that allows you to record content in hundreds of different AI-generated voices.

Speakers

Leslie Johnson

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 376

All Levels

10:30am EST

Beyond the Textbook: Exploring the Holocaust with NC Resources FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 352

This session will delve into the Gizella Abramson Holocaust Education Act, a landmark law mandating Holocaust education in North Carolina schools. We will explore the valuable teaching resources and lesson plans provided by the NC Council on the Holocaust. Participants will have the opportunity to examine these resources, engage in discussions, and ask questions to effectively implement Holocaust education in their classrooms.

Speakers

Amy Clark

Patricia Hartley

AIG Specialist

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 352

All Levels

10:30am EST

Canvas for Beginners FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 377

Are you new to Canvas? Would you like to streamline your grading? Are you looking for help getting started? Come to this session with your questions and I will be available to support you where you are.

Speakers

Kayle Icenhour

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 377

All Levels

10:30am EST

Communicate with Impact: Digial Professionalism and ParentSquare Strategies LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 332

Step up your digital communication game with ParentSquare! This session focuses on the essential skills of digital professionalism, specifically tailored for educators using ParentSquare as a communication tool. Learn best practices for engaging with parents, maintaining professionalism in all digital interactions, and effectively managing communication to build stronger school-home connections. Discover how to navigate common challenges and leverage ParentSquare’s features to communicate with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. Whether you're new to ParentSquare or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools to succeed.

Speakers

Randy Seldomridge

Curriculum Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 332

All Levels

10:30am EST

Creating Reading Routines LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 356

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, a routine is a regular procedure or habitual performance. We teach and model procedures and expectations as part of our classroom culture, but what if we also taught students HOW to approach a new piece of text in content areas other than reading with a reading routine. This session will model and guide participants through a set of engagement strategies that establish reading routines for vocabulary, comprehension and text analysis. *This session is planned for teachers who are not ELA teachers.

Speakers

Kim Lynch

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 356

All Levels

10:30am EST

Decode, Design, Deliver - Making Sense With AI LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 378

Sponsors

Brian Whitson

Consultant, North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction (DPI)

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 378

All Levels

10:30am EST

Edpuzzle: Tips + Trips LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 381

Speakers

Danielle Bradley

School Partnerships, Southeast Region, EdPuzzle

X'andria Sutton

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 381

All Levels

10:30am EST

Elevate & Accelerate: Smarter Test Prep for NC EOGs & EOCs with IXL LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 342

Get ready to transform your test prep! Whether you're new to IXL or already using it in your classroom, this session will equip you with three powerful strategies to accelerate student growth and boost NC EOG and EOC success. Discover how IXL’s standards-aligned skill plans and real-time analytics can personalize learning, close gaps, and drive results. Plus, explore IXL’s newest and most powerful features released this year to make differentiation and progress monitoring easier than ever. If you’re not currently using IXL, It's no problem! You’ll receive a free 90-day trial to experience its full potential. Walk away with actionable insights and resources to elevate learning for every student!

Speakers

Casey Ball

IXL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 342

All Levels

10:30am EST

From Passive to Active: Boosting Student Engagement with Digital Tools FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 379

Engaging students in today’s digital landscape requires more than just flashy apps or technology—it calls for intentional design and purposeful tools. In this session, participants will dive into the critical difference between passive and active student engagement and discover strategies to move learners from merely consuming content to actively creating, collaborating, and connecting. Leave with practical insights and tools to transform your classroom into a vibrant digital learning hub where students are motivated to engage meaningfully and authentically.

Speakers

Jordan Caldwell

DTL Consultant, NCDPI

Jordan has worked in public education for 15 years; previously serving as a district level Instructional Technology Specialist, an elementary Digital Learning Facilitator, and high school social studies teacher. Jordan currently serves as the Northwest Digital Teaching and Learning... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 379

All Levels

10:30am EST

Misconception about Multilingual/Multicultural Students LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 340

To facilitate and enhance the teaching abilities of K-12 teachers with the adequate knowledge and strategic skills to efficiently serve multilingual/multicultural learners with an emphasis on dismantling misconceptions and fostering inclusive learning experiences within mainstream classrooms.

Speakers

William Romero

ESL Teacher (K-12), Caldwell County Schools

Denisse Robinson

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 340

All Levels

10:30am EST

Partnerships That Matter: CCS & CCC&TI Dual Enrollment LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 341

Speakers

Jeff Link

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 341

All Levels

10:30am EST

Road to Retirement FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 370

Speakers

Kristin Bryan

Danielle Hood

Benefits Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 370

All Levels

10:30am EST

Sheet Smarts: Tips and Tricks for Google Sheets FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 374

Unlock your "Sheet Smarts" with tips and tricks to streamline data management and automate tasks in Google Sheets. Learn basic tips that will save you time and make data tracking a breeze.

Speakers

Redeana Smith

K-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 374

All Levels

10:30am EST

STEM Makerspaces LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 380

Speakers

Leslie Barger

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 380

All Levels

10:30am EST

Triangulum - Vaping, Mental Health & Substance Misuse LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 353

Vaping/Nicotine - Potency - Effects on the developing brain - Resulting mental health issues Subsequent substance misuse followed by Solutions - Prevention and Cessation Resources

Speakers

Lani Callison

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 353

All Levels

10:30am EST

9-12 PE Teacher Collaboration Session LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 355

This is a collaborative session for 9-12 PE teachers. Participants will share effective teaching strategies, solutions to common challenges, and explore ways to enhance student engagement and wellness.

Speakers

Mark Kirkpatrick

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 355

High School

10:30am EST

Grades 9-12 Science Textbook Adoption LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 372

We will review the evaluation rubric and textbook options for science grades 9-12.

Speakers

Dottie Hayes

K-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 372

High School

10:30am EST

High School Art Teachers PLC LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 375

High School Art Teacher PLC - Sharing lessons and classroom successes for art classes in high school.

Speakers

Mary Cardwell

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 375

High School

10:30am EST

Honors Coursework Work Session for High School CTE Teachers LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 334

Speakers

Leslie Farris

Brian Lewis

CTE Director, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 334

High School

Audience High School

10:30am EST

Honors Level Coursework LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 354

This session is a work opportunity with the chance to ask questions if needed about honors coursework.

Speakers

Traci Waters

Director of Diverse Student Populations AIG, Caldwell County Schools

Director of Academically Gifted program, Title III Director

Misty Key

AIG TEACHER, CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS

Danielle Yount

AIG SPECIALIST, CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 354

High School

10:30am EST

Insights from Your PreACT Data LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 351

This session will introduce the PreACT Item Response Summary Report. Go hands-on beyond the number of items correct/incorrect to determine why students answered the way they did. These insights help first-line remediation in the classroom.

Speakers

Lydia Griffin

Senior Account Executive, ACT, Inc.

College and Career Readiness Assessments and Resources

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 351

High School

10:30am EST

Keeping High School Students Engaged in a Post-COVID World FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 371

In this session, educators will learn about "The Not So Itty Bitty Book of Protocols" that identifies and explains strategies for teaching along the Common Instructional Framework. These strategies will help keep students engaged in the material while retaining more of what they are learning. These strategies will help educators ensure students are actively interacting with what they are learning while also interacting with their peers.

Speakers

Denise Allen

Beginning Teacher Mentor, Caldwell County Schools

Mandi Burnison

Honors English II Teacher, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 371

High School

10:30am EST

Conquering Small Groups in the Middle School Math Classroom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 373

How do we answer the critical PLC question: How will we respond when some students do not learn? Data driven, teacher-led small groups in middle school math can seem overwhelming. In this session we will look at using data to form groups. We will explore specific activities as well as structures for students participating and not participating in small group that day.

Speakers

Amber Spargo

Academic Facilitator, Gaston County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 373

Middle School

10:30am EST

Exploring new technology and devices in Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics for Middle School CTE Teachers LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 333

This session is required for Middle School CTE teachers.

Speakers

Laura Brinkley

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 333

Middle School

Audience Middle School

10:30am EST

PowerUp: Independent Practice Using Lexia Skill Builders

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 357

This session introduces participants to instructional strategies and resources intended to enhance their implementation of Lexia Skill Builders for personalized and targeted independent practice. This session is intended for educators and sites that have already implemented Lexia’s instructional resources and are ready to learn and implement additional progress monitoring and planning strategies to increase student engagement with Lexia Skill Builders.

Speakers

Anna Crooke

Middle School Director, Caldwell County Schools

Brittany Raub

Lexia Learning

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 357

Middle School

11:30am EST

Lunch (On Your Own) LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm EST

LUNCH

1:00pm EST

Infinite Campus Q and A for Administrators

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 350

Join us for tips and tricks to learn more about Infinite Campus from an administrator's viewpoint.

Speakers

Leigh Anne Frye

Director of Assessment, Accountability and Research, Caldwell County Schools

Tamara Dillard

SIS COORDINATOR, Caldwell County Schools

I have worked in education for 21 years. I have worked on SIMS, NCWISE, and the implementation of PowerSchool. I have recently taken over the position in Caldwell County as the coordinator. I have 4 grandbabies who are my favorite people to be with 100% of the time along with my... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 350

Administration Only

1:00pm EST

AI Can Do That? SchoolAI and TeacherServer FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 376

Come learn about SchoolAi, an Ai platform specifically designed for your students to interact with Ai in a safe and secure environment. Teachers can also use it to help with anything they do in their position....help writing lesson plans, IEP's, Quizzes, Rubrics, Syllabus, Grading....anything! We will also talk briefly about TeacherServer, a site made to support teachers of any content area with AMAZING resources!

Speakers

Leslie Johnson

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 376

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Blending for Success: Leveraging the Internet to Increase Student Engagement LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 381

In this interactive session, participants will explore the power of blended learning to increase student engagement. Topics will include the 3 dimensions of engagement, blended learning strategies, and blended learning success stories. Participants will have an opportunity to begin designing a blended learning activity to use with students immediately! At the conclusion of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and innovative ideas for blended learning implementation.

Speakers

Tericia Eller

Regional Virtual Instruction Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction, Office of Virtual Instruction Services

Tericia Eller is a highly experienced educator with 26 years of teaching and leadership experience in the education industry. She has worked as an English teacher for middle school, high school, and college students, and has also served in various capacities including Instructional... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 381

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Canvas for Advanced Users LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 377

Are you ready to go farther with your Canvas courses? Interested in learning about Mastery Paths? Come to this session to learn how to level up Canvas to better serve your needs and those of your students.

Speakers

Kayle Icenhour

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 377

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Elevate & Accelerate: Smarter Test Prep for NC EOGs & EOCs with IXL LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 342

Speakers

Casey Ball

IXL

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 342

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Empowering Students: The TRIO Talent Search Advantage LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 374

Help your students unlock their future with TRIO/ETS, a free program that helps middle and high school students in Caldwell County prepare for college and beyond! From SAT/ACT prep to tutoring, college visits, and application fee coverage, we offer everything you need to succeed. Plus, enjoy a supportive community with cultural trips, social events, free school supplies, and workshops on scholarships and financial aid—all at no cost to participants. Join us to discover how TRIO can open doors to your students dreams!

Speakers

Emily Garrison

Director of Student Support Services & Talent Search, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

Kristin Ring

Sarah Cuthbert

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 374

All Levels

1:00pm EST

From Passive to Active: Boosting Student Engagement with Digital Tools FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 379

Speakers

Jordan Caldwell

DTL Consultant, NCDPI

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 379

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Leave and Benefits FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 370

This presentation will outline the eligibility criteria and procedures for requesting a leave of absence, as well as provide an overview of benefits available to full-time Caldwell County School employees.

Speakers

Danielle Hood

Benefits Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Cora Baker

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 370

All Levels

1:00pm EST

McKinney-Vento 101: Understanding the Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 351

Find out ways to identify students experiencing homelessness, including legislation regarding enrollment, school of origin, transportation, and parent rights. Also, find out ways to support students who are unaccompanied youth and living without parents. Lastly, learn how your school social worker helps to mitigate student barriers at your school to improve student attendance.

Speakers

Carol Sturgis

Coordinator of Student Outreach, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 351

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Motivating the Unmotivated FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 333

How do we motivate the unmotivated? Let's share our best strategies in helping motivate the unmotivated student. Building strong relationships, providing a safe environment, and offering student choice activities are just a few of the keys we will be discussing in this presentation.

Speakers

Brent Tomberlin

Angie Woods

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 333

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Triangulum - Vaping, Mental Health & Substance Misuse LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 353

Vaping/Nicotine - Potency - Effects on the developing brain - Resulting mental health issues Subsequent substance misuse followed by Solutions - Prevention and Cessation Resources

Speakers

Lani Callison

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 353

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Understanding the Alternative Placement Process LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 358

We will review the process of referring students to Gateway, our alternative school and/or our county day treatment program. Behavioral data collection systems will also be discussed.

Speakers

Claricea Mitchell

Transition Specialist, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 358

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Understanding the Needs of Students with Autism FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 380

This session is designed for any educator who wants to gain an understanding of students with autism. We will review common characteristics, strengths and needs of these students and learn strategies and resources to target their academic, social, language, and sensory needs. Many strategies that benefit students with autism spectrum disorder can benefit any student.

Speakers

Tracey Holton

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 380

All Levels

1:00pm EST

Adulting 101: Real-Life Economics & Personal Finance Through Project-Based Learning LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 378

This interactive presentation introduces a project-based approach to teaching Economics & Personal Finance concepts collective addressed as, “Adulting 101.” Students will use real-world data to explore essential life skills, including job searching, calculating taxes, budgeting, and determining the cost of living. Through hands-on activities, they will research job markets, compare salaries across industries, and calculate mandatory payroll deductions. They will create personalized budgets that account for rent, utilities, transportation, and other expenses, while analyzing how lifestyle choices impact financial stability. This approach equips students with practical tools to navigate adult life confidently and make informed financial decisions.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Johnston

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 378

High School

1:00pm EST

CFNC ProTools and the FAFSA Tracker LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 352

CFNC Associate Outreach Director, Skip Watts will be on hand to discuss College For North Carolina (CFNC), CFNC ProTools, and tools associated with FAFSA completion.

Speakers

Jill Pippen

High School Director, Caldwell County Schools

Skip Watts

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 352

High School

1:00pm EST

High School Art Scaffolding FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 375

Make a county wide scaffolding plan for high school visual art classes using the new standards from NCDPI.

Speakers

Mary Cardwell

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 375

High School

1:00pm EST

Maximizing Desmos Capabilities LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 373

This session is intended to allow attendees the opportunity to explore some of the lesser used/known features of the Desmos Graphing Calculator. Math 1 - Math 4 topics will be covered, including function notation, shape investigation, trigonometric functions, and data analysis. Attendees will actively engage in problem solving scenarios and will explore a variety of classroom-ready Desmos Activities. Our goal is to show how this technology can be used to make learning more meaningful in the classroom.

Speakers

Shawna Greeno-Bridges

Student, Appalachian State University

Doug Taylor

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 373

High School

1:00pm EST

Strong Student Leader (SSL) Program LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 332

The Catawba Valley Leadership Foundation's Strong Student Leader (SSL) Program equips high schoolers with essential leadership skills, focusing on identity, relationships, and purpose. By empowering students to embrace their potential, the program aims to cultivate a legacy of strong leaders who will address community challenges like struggling families and workforce shortages. This impactful initiative invests in the future of Caldwell County by fostering a community where young leaders drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.

Speakers

Bruce Schronce

Victoria Schronce

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 332

High School

1:00pm EST

Understanding the Honors Level Course Development & Evaluation Tool - Part 1 LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 354

We will introduce the Honors Level Course Development & Evaluation Tool. We will use this to help guide the building and completion of your Honors Course Evidence Submission. We will clarify definitions, share strategies and provide some classroom examples for you to potentially use with your advanced level students.

Speakers

Angela Johnson

Beginning Teacher Mentor, Caldwell County Schools

Misty Key

AIG TEACHER, CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS

Danielle Yount

AIG SPECIALIST, CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 354

High School

1:00pm EST

Using GIFs & Translations to Build Background Knowledge for High School LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 340

Speakers

Lynette Shelby

ESL teacher, Caldwell County Schools

Allison Brown

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 340

High School

1:00pm EST

6-8 PE Teacher Share Session LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 355

This is a collaborative session for 6-8 PE teachers. Participants will share effective teaching strategies, solutions to common challenges, and explore ways to enhance student engagement and wellness.

Speakers

Jon Gragg

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 355

Middle School

1:00pm EST

EVERFI: Free Online Lesson Plans for Middle School Teachers LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 356

Join this session to explore EVERFI's free digital lesson plans and activities aligned to state standards and evidence-based pedagogy for middle school educators. The low-prep lessons are student-directed, with built-in assessments, making them easy to drop into plans for the whole class or assign to students for individualized learning. With over 200 lessons, there’s something for everyone – health, CTE, personal finance, business, science, math, and more. To get the most out of this session, please bring a device.

Speakers

Rika Nishimura

Education Success Specialist, EVERFI

EVERFI's FREE online activities cover critical life skills students need to be successful - college and career readiness, mental wellness, financial literacy, interpersonal skills, etc.

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 356

Middle School

1:00pm EST

Inside Out: Mastering Lesson Planning with Wit & Wisdom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 334

In this session, our Teacher Leaders will guide you through the process of lesson internalization—breaking down and truly understanding each component of a Wit & Wisdom lesson. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for effective lesson planning and have dedicated time to apply what you've learned by planning your own lesson, ensuring your students get the most out of every lesson.

Speakers

Tim Holland

Golden Moore

Brooke Matthews

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 334

Middle School

1:00pm EST

Middle School Science Testing Updates LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 372

We will discuss Check-In information from NCSTA. We will also look at EOG updates for the 8th Grade Science test. If time allows, we will also discuss ways to implement SEP's into your lessons.

Speakers

Greg Woodle

8th Grade SC/SS, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 372

Middle School

1:00pm EST

Youth Mental Health First Aid Overview for Middle School Teachers LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST

Room 371

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a training program designed to teach adults how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health or substance use issues in young people. It provides practical skills for offering initial support, including how to listen non-judgmentally, offer reassurance, and guide youth to appropriate professional help. The course overview covers a variety of mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and bullying, helping adults become effective, compassionate allies for youth in crisis.

Speakers

Miranda Denning

High School Counselor, Caldwell County Schools

Jessica Bryan

School Counselor, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 371

Middle School

1:00pm EST

CTE Updates and Budget Planning/Work Session LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Media Center

Speakers

Brian Lewis

CTE Director, Caldwell County Schools

Leslie Farris

Laura Brinkley

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Media Center

All Levels

1:00pm EST

W5 Mental Health Training for CASA Staff LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST

CASA

Speakers

Elisabeth Winkler

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST
CASA

High School

1:00pm EST

State Nursing Consultant Review and Updates

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Education Center Staff Development Room

State Nursing Consultant Review and Updates. For Middle and High School nurses only.

Speakers

Pam Barber

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Education Center Staff Development Room

Nurses Only

2:00pm EST

Blending for Success: Leveraging the Internet to Increase Student Engagement

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 381

Speakers

Tericia Eller

Regional Virtual Instruction Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction, Office of Virtual Instruction Services

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 381

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Budgeting 101 LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 355

Participants will discuss information on establishing financial goals and planning for financial success. Topics include financial goals, spending plans, and saving strategies; including but not limited to retirement savings.

Speakers

Justin Oxford

NCSECU

Megan Woodie

NCSECU

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 355

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Cracking the Code: Strategies to Support Adolescent Literacy FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 353

Adolescent literacy is critical for success, yet many older readers struggle with accessing and comprehending complex texts. This session will define adolescent literacy, highlight the role fluency practices play in accelerating learning, and introduce resources to support struggling readers. Equip yourself with practical strategies to promote literacy growth and engage stakeholders in fostering student success.

Speakers

Redeana Smith

K-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 353

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Dealing with Difficult Parents FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 352

This professional development session, "Dealing with Difficult Parents," equips educators with essential skills to navigate challenging interactions with parents. Participants will learn about different types of parents and the importance of effective communication in building trust. The session will also provide practical strategies for de-escalating tense situations, enabling teachers to foster positive relationships and create a supportive environment for their students. Join us to enhance your confidence and effectiveness in engaging with families!

Speakers

Jill Pippen

High School Director, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 352

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Empowering Students with AI: Writing SMART Goals for Financial, Career, and Life Success LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 378

This presentation explores innovative strategies for teaching students to leverage AI tools to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Participants will learn how to guide students in using AI to define actionable steps toward short-term financial goals, long-term career aspirations, and overarching life-term objectives. Attendees will see examples of AI-driven brainstorming, refinement of goal statements, and progress tracking, enabling students to build personalized, achievable roadmaps for success. Students then take their SMART Goals and create visual representations using cartoon-making software. This session highlights the power of integrating technology and goal-setting frameworks to prepare students for purposeful decision-making and lifelong achievement.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Johnston

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 378

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Empowering Students: The TRIO Talent Search Advantage LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 374

Speakers

Sarah Cuthbert

Emily Garrison

Director of Student Support Services & Talent Search, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

Kristin Ring

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 374

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Enrichment with AI LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 379

Use artificial intelligence to help create enrichment activities for websites and online simulations. Participants will engage with Google's Gemini AI, Sphero EDU, Minecraft EDU, Cubelets (Block Coding), and Oculus VR.

Speakers

Chad Davis

Science and Social Studies Teacher, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 379

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Infinite Campus Q & A LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 350

Now that we have one semester under our belts using Infinite Campus, what questions might you have? We continue to learn as we go and would like to share some updates and provide a time for questions/dialogue for our high school teachers/staff. See you there!

Speakers

Leigh Anne Frye

Director of Assessment, Accountability and Research, Caldwell County Schools

Tamara Dillard

SIS COORDINATOR, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 350

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Interpreter Support for the Content Teacher- Communicating with ML families LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 340

We will be sharing information about our role as interpreters for the Caldwell County School System. Learn why it is important to communicate with families in the language they choose and gather some insight into our ELs and their families.

Speakers

Shelly Arias

Anna Felix

Cesar Gesundheit

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 340

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Leave and Benefits LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 370

Speakers

Cora Baker

Caldwell County Schools

Danielle Hood

Benefits Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 370

All Levels

2:00pm EST

MPA Prep: Tips, Tricks, and Tools LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 333

We will be collaborate on ideas to prepare our bands for MPA this spring. The session will include tools that we have used in the past and are currently using during rehearsals as we prepare our bands to perform at MPA.

Speakers

Leah Massey

Jason Childers

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 333

All Levels

2:00pm EST

NCSSM Summer programs and extended PD opportunities LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 334

Join us to learn more about summer opportunities for students, staff and instructors at the NC School of Science and Mathematics! We are currently enrolling students for Summer Accelerator and hiring summer staff! We offer Early Accelerator (day program) for rising 5-6th graders and a residential program for 7-12th graders.

Speakers

Josh Blackburn

Assistant Director for Summer and Extended Programs, NCSSM

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 334

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Neptune Navigate for Teachers LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 357

Come learn from a certified navigator from Neptune Navigate about how to best use the site with students.

Speakers

Randy Seldomridge

Curriculum Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Caldwell County Schools

AnnTerese Brandt

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 357

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Stay in the Zone! Your Resilient Zone FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 371

Learn how your body and brain respond to stress and gain tools that
will help you be resilient in your classroom even when faced with ongoing struggles.

Speakers

Denise Allen

Beginning Teacher Mentor, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 371

All Levels

2:00pm EST

The Standard for Behavior LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 358

Unpacking the Caldwell County Standard Treatment Protocol for Behavior

Speakers

Claricea Mitchell

Transition Specialist, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 358

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Understanding EC Programs and Platforms ECats, IEPs, and Service Delivery Logs LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 380

This session will include Tools, Tips, and Tricks for the effective operation of ECATS as well as the use of service logs for data collection in order to develop appropriate IEP goals, objectives, service delivery times, accommodations/modifications, etc.

Speakers

Toby James

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 380

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Youth Mental Health First Aid Overview LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 377

We will take a look at the mental health challenges and diagnosis teen experience and face. What are the warning signs? Who is out there to help? What can you do to help? We will discuss all!

Speakers

Jennifer Crowe

School Social Worker, Caldwell County Schools

Mike Smith

Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 377

All Levels

2:00pm EST

Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track Program LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 341

The Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track is an innovative program for high school students that encourages leadership development, resume building and college preparedness. The Leadership Track is a self-paced point system that allows motivated students to compete for various leadership awards including all-expense paid leadership camp experiences, workshops and possible college scholarships.

Speakers

Anna Crooke

Middle School Director, Caldwell County Schools

Amy Philyaw

STEM Director/ Grant Coordinator, Caldwell County Schools

Tasha Rountree

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 341

High School

2:00pm EST

EVERFI: Free Online Lesson Plans for High School Teachers LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 356

Join this session to explore EVERFI's free digital lesson plans and activities aligned to state standards and evidence-based pedagogy for high school educators. The low-prep lessons are student-directed, with built-in assessments, making them easy to drop into plans for the whole class or assign to students for individualized learning. With over 200 lessons, there’s something for everyone – health, CTE, personal finance, business, and more. To get the most out of this session, please bring a device.

Speakers

Rika Nishimura

Education Success Specialist, EVERFI

EVERFI's FREE online activities cover critical life skills students need to be successful - college and career readiness, mental wellness, financial literacy, interpersonal skills, etc.

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 356

High School

2:00pm EST

How to Make Project-Based Learning (PBL) Come Alive in Your Classrom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 351

This presentation is geared toward high school teachers and learning the golden standards of what PBL truly looks like and how to get it started in your classroom or refine its practice. We will look at the why behind using this methodology, review rubrics and templates, and explore possibilities where you can use it in your classroom.

Speakers

Cindel Chavers

Caldwell Early College High School, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 351

High School

2:00pm EST

Modeling for the High School Science Classroom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 372

Modeling uses introductions to phenomena through demonstrations, labs, or other activities to stimulate student ownership of learning in a science classroom. It involves students collecting empirical evidence before the teacher introduces any concepts about a learning objective. The teacher is there to provide an opportunity for students to observe science in action, and lead the student to an understanding of the science behind their observations without direct instruction. Chemistry (Physical Science) will be the topic of the demonstrations for this session, but the process can be applied to any science phenomenon.

Speakers

Robbie Carraghan

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 372

High School

2:00pm EST

Support for Teaching the Statistics Standards in NC Math 3 and NC Math 4 LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 373

We will be breaking down the statistics standards in both Math 3 and Math 4 curriculums, as well as including tips for teaching these topics to students. This session is for high school math teachers who are teaching or are interested in teaching Math 3 or Math 4. The goal of this session is to increase one's knowledge of statistics and help teachers develop confidence with statistics standards.

Speakers

Meredith Watson

Jonathan Haas

Math Teacher, South Caldwell HS

High school math and computer science teacher. I also sponsor Beta Club and Quiz Bowl.

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 373

High School

2:00pm EST

Understanding the Honors Level Course Development & Evaluation Tool - Part 2, Work Session LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 354

Work Session - We will introduce the Honors Level Course Development & Evaluation Tool. We will use this to help guide the building and completion of your Honors Course Evidence Submission. We will clarify definitions, share strategies and provide some classroom examples for you to potentially use with your advanced level students.

Speakers

Misty Key

AIG TEACHER, CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS

Danielle Yount

AIG SPECIALIST, CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS

Angela Johnson

Beginning Teacher Mentor, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 354

High School

2:00pm EST

Caldwell SWCD Contest Theme - Wetlands are Wonderful LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 332

Information and discussion about the Caldwell SWCD Contest for this year - Wetlands are Wonderful.

Speakers

Jessica Wilson

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 332

Middle School

2:00pm EST

Increasing Student Engagement in Math Using Desmos Classroom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 376

Are you looking for innovative ways to enhance your math instruction and make learning more interactive and engaging? Join us for an exciting professional development opportunity designed to help you integrate Desmos Classroom Activities into your lessons, transforming the way students experience mathematics!
Why Attend?
Interactive & Hands-On Learning: Explore how Desmos Classroom Activities foster student participation and deepen understanding through dynamic, real-time problem-solving.
Engagement Strategies: Discover proven techniques to use Desmos tools to create a more collaborative, student-centered learning environment.
Customizable to Your Needs: Learn how to adapt Desmos activities for various math topics and student levels, from basic algebra to advanced calculus.
Real-Time Feedback: Learn how Desmos provides instant insights into student thinking, allowing for quick adjustments and targeted support.
Collaborative Experience: Connect with other math educators to share ideas, strategies, and experiences using Desmos.

Speakers

Laura Beck

AIG Specialist, Caldwell County Schools

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 376

Middle School

2:00pm EST

Visual Art Share Session LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST

Room 375

Middle School Visual Arts Teachers will meet to discuss upcoming community art shows and share art lessons that align with the NC Standard Course of Study.

Speakers

Kelly Woodie

Friday February 14, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 375

Middle School