Join us for an interactive workshop focused on five practical strategies that help decrease problem behavior and increase student engagement across PK–12 classrooms. Participants will actively explore and practice tools such as positive greetings at the door, behavioral momentum, instructional choice, precorrection, and precision requests. Leave with ready-to-use techniques and implementation ideas you can apply immediately to create more positive, productive learning environments.
13 years serving Olathe Public Schools-5 years in the classroom, administrator, an instructional coach and currently serves as a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Coach.
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 309
This is an introduction to the Digital StoreFront, where staff may order printed materials for their classrooms. The intended audience is varied; this session is geared towards newer educators, those unfamiliar or uncertain with the ordering process, or those simply wanting to learn about the DSF. This workshop will include live interaction with the DSF ordering processes. Attendees wanting assistance in ordering printed materials are encouraged to bring their district provided device and any print files with which they want to order for real-time assistance. Oracle codes are needed for final checkout processes. If Oracle codes are not known at the time of workshop, that is OK; attendees may save their orders in the DSF shopping cart for checkout at a later time.
Join us as we discuss practical strategies for educators and parents to foster an environment that encourages healthy risk-taking and resilience-building. Together, we’ll uncover the lessons learned through discomfort and the importance of embracing challenges as essential components of personal and academic growth. Discover how to guide gifted children beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to thrive in the face of adversity and emerge stronger, more confident, and better prepared for future challenges.
I am the gifted teacher at Indian Trail Middle School, Heritage and Westview. I've also taught at Washington and Santa Fe Trail. My passion is supporting gifted learners and their teachers. I've presented at state conferences in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and North Carolina. ... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 608
Change in the workplace is inevitable, but even positive changes can induce feelings of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. Humans are wired to resist change and feel comfort with the status quo, even when change is needed. This course will explore strategies to manage uncertainty and cope with the stress that inevitably accompanies periods of change. It will offer insight into human behavior and practical tips to boost resilience and thrive amidst workplace change.
Creative Movement as a Tool for Discovery, Research, and Equity is a seminar focused on the usage of creative movement activities as a vehicle for student engagement and understanding. Creative movement tools are not about gamifying lessons. Instead, they’re about taking concepts, distilling them into their essential parts/questions, and providing opportunities for students to translate those parts through the visceral body thereby solidifying their learning. In this seminar, participants will learn the educational benefits of creative movement activities and some examples they can use in their classrooms in a variety of ways. Participants will want to come prepared to move.
A.J. Hopes-Pflumm received his BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography from WSU and his MA in Secondary Education from USM. He has been an Olathe Public Schools employee since 2017 primarily in post-secondary SPED and ESY elementary SPED focusing on adaptive movement activities and... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 816
This session will define music therapy in the school setting. We will outline the difference between music therapy, music education, and the therapeutic use of music. Participants will learn ways to bring music into the educational environment to support all students. Additional time will be spent on how music strategies may be used to support neurodivergent learners in the areas of communication, functional skills, academics, social-emotional skills, and motor skills. Session attendees will participate in live music demonstrations and leave with resources for future use. Materials: Presenters will need access to a projector to display the presentation. All other materials will be provided by the presenters.
Lorissa McGuire is a board-certified music therapist and has been working in the Olathe Public Schools since 2023. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in music therapy from the University of Kansas. Lorissa has worked as a music therapist in the public school setting... Read More →
Sarah Sanford is a board-certified music therapist and has been working in the Olathe Public Schools since 2021. She earned her music therapy degree with an emphasis in voice from the University of Kansas and has been working in education since 2011. Prior to joining Olathe, Sarah... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 312
This session provides a foundational overview of IEPs and related support systems. Participants will explore the legal and practical framework of Child Find, evaluation, and eligibility, including key considerations such as exclusionary factors. The session also breaks down essential IEP components, services, accommodations, and modifications, helping staff understand how to design and implement supports that ensure students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Andrew serves Olathe Public Schools as a Special Services Coordinator. He previously served as a school psychologist. Andrew's main profesional focuses center around Special Education process and compliance, intervention, and data.
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 607
In today’s diverse classrooms, push-in support offers a powerful opportunity to ensure all students can access and engage with grade-level content. This session is designed for those who want to move beyond simply sharing a classroom to intentionally designing instruction that meets the needs of every learner. Participants will explore practical, high-impact scaffolding strategies that support all learners without lowering the rigor of the content. Participants will learn how to increase student interaction, build academic language, make content accessible and create more inclusive learning experiences. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a deeper understanding of purposeful scaffolding, so all students can actively participate and succeed.
ELL Instructional Coach, EC-12, Olathe Public Schools
For the past 24 years, I've been able to support both students and educators in meaningful ways. Currently as an instructional coach, I partner with teachers to strengthen their practice and build confidence when it comes to supporting language learners. I am passionate about creating... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 813
Updated for 25/26, this award-winning film probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games, and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world. In this session, you will view the film and engage in facilitated, solution-focused discussions.
Stress Management and YOU takes a look at personal stress levels via pre-measure. Participants will then have an opportunity to explore different forms of stress management that can be implemented within and before/after the school day. Participants will leave with strategies to help with acute and chronic stress and ideas for self-care.
Please bring something to write with, an open mind, and yourself!
Hi! I am a School Psychologist here in Olathe. Heading into my 10th year! I am a mom of three, have a school therapy dog, Molly, who comes with me, and am on the board for Officially Chopped Cares-a local nonprofit. I love thrifting and antiquing and taking naps. Paint by... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 809
This session focuses on how educators can effectively teach and sustain contextually appropriate replacement behaviors that increase student engagement and reduce disruptions. Grounded in evidence-based practices, this session provides a clear rationale for identifying appropriate replacement behaviors, and offers practical methods for delivering reinforcement that promote long-term behavior change. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately implement to address problem behavior and support positive outcomes in their classrooms.
Post Doctoral Researcher, Juniper Gardens Children's Project - University of Kansas
Dr. Lindsey Mirielli is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project (JGCP) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mirielli is an early career scholar with an interest in supporting secondary students with behavioral concerns in the general education setting. Her research... Read More →
Words have power—and they can hurt. This high-impact session dives into how language shapes your classroom climate and why addressing harmful words is essential to building a safe, inclusive learning environment. You’ll uncover why students use inappropriate language, what’s really driving those behaviors, and gain practical, classroom-ready strategies to address and stop them in the moment. Plus, learn how to confidently speak up as an educator and model the respectful culture you want to see. You’ll walk away with:
Insight into student behavior and language use
Strategies to respond to harmful language effectively
Tools to create a safe, respectful classroom environment
Confidence to address issues and advocate for belonging
Join us and transform your classroom into a space where every student belongs, feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.
Director of Culture & Belonging, Olathe Public Schools
Kathleen Smith, the Director of Culture & Belonging for Olathe Public Schools, is a champion for all who uplifts and unifies students, staff and community. She centers her work on inclusion and belonging. She meets unique needs by providing equitable opportunities in order to develop... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 318
Accessibility means designing communication so your message can be clearly understood and acted on by everyone who receives it. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for improving accessibility in Microsoft 365 through an immersive email simulation and hands-on revision activity that demonstrates how small design choices affect clarity. Participants will leave with a ready-to-use accessibility checklist, revised examples, and step-by-step guides they can immediately apply to improve everyday workplace communication.
I have a Master's in Education Technology and Learning Design, and I'm an expert in adult learning. I have a passion for accessibility, technology, and creating meaningful learning experiences! This is my first year in my role as the Digital Workplace Trainer.
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 515
This session explores the use of art-based strategies as effective mental health interventions to support student engagement, emotional expression, and self-awareness. Participants will learn how creative, low-pressure art activities can help students communicate experiences that may be difficult to put into words, particularly those related to anxiety and trauma. The presentation will include practical, ready-to-use interventions that can be implemented in individual or small group settings, along with guidance on processing student work in a safe and supportive way.
Designed for school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other mental health providers, this session emphasizes a strengths-based approach to supporting student well-being through creative expression. Participants will leave with concrete tools and ideas to integrate art-based techniques into their existing practice.
Mental Health Professional, Olathe School District
Katy Dorrell, LMSW, is a Mental Health Professional with the Olathe School District and has nine years of experience in education. She primarily works with elementary-aged students, and has experience serving students across all grade levels. Katy is passionate about helping students... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 315
This session focuses on how to build digital assessments that can provide immediate feedback to students and valuable data to you. Whether you are looking to create a quick "exit ticket" or a comprehensive end-of-unit exam, we will walk through the process of building, managing, and moderating quizzes within your course. Key Topics 📋 Question Types: Explore a variety of formats—from simple multiple-choice to more interactive options like matching and fill-in-the-blank. Question Banks: Discover how to organize and store your questions so you can easily reuse them across different assessments or school years. Quiz Settings: Learn how to manage time limits, shuffle answers, and set up multiple attempts to fit your instructional goals. Moderation & Accommodations: Learn how to grant extra time or attempts for specific students to ensure every learner's needs are met. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
This session will provide an overview of findings from the 2025 Kansas Teacher Retention Survey, conducted during the second quarter of the school year. With a strong response rate from Olathe educators, the data offers a highly representative view of the elementary teacher experience across USD 233. Participants will receive a brief foundation of the research approach, followed by a summary of key district-level findings related to teacher experience, engagement, and factors influencing retention. The session will then transition into a facilitated focus group, where elementary educators will have the opportunity to reflect on the data, share perspectives, and provide context that helps deepen understanding of the results. The goal of this session is to pair quantitative findings with educator voice to better understand what is shaping the elementary teaching experience in USD 233.
In this session, we’ll dig into Wit & Wisdom lessons to uncover the rigorous questions already built into the curriculum and explore how they can spark meaningful student conversations. We’ll share simple engagement strategies that create more opportunities for students to think deeply, respond to one another, and participate in discussion. With intentional planning, we can shift from teacher talk to student talk and build classrooms full of curious, active, and engaged learners.
How can the study of morphemes (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) dramatically improve student spelling, vocabulary acquisition, and reading comprehension? By understanding the "why" behind English spelling, students gain the tools to decode and define over 60% of the multisyllabic words they encounter in academic texts. During this session we will study the power of morphology, explore how to move beyond the weekly spelling list, and engage in practical classroom routines to strengthen students understanding of words.
What does it mean to be musically literate? Join us to explore how it connects to traditional literacy, get practical strategies to teach and support literacy in your classroom, recognize how students show their skills, and learn to advocate for music as essential learning.
Martha Gabel serves as the Fine Arts Coordinator for Olathe Public Schools, overseeing more than 200 educators in Music, Theatre, Visual Art, and Debate/Public Speaking. A leader in arts education for more than 30 years, she focuses on curriculum development, standards alignment... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 609
This session will provide an overview of findings from the 2025 Kansas Teacher Retention Survey, conducted during the second quarter of the school year. With a strong response rate from Olathe educators, the data offers a highly representative view of the secondary teacher experience across USD 233. Participants will receive a brief foundation of the research approach, followed by a summary of key district-level findings related to teacher experience, engagement, and factors influencing retention. The session will then transition into a facilitated focus group, where secondary educators will have the opportunity to reflect on the data, share perspectives, and provide context that helps deepen understanding of the results. The goal of this session is to pair quantitative findings with educator voice to better understand what is shaping the secondary teaching experience in USD 233.
This session is specific to i-Ready Math and intended for Olathe Middle School Math Teachers, Resource Teachers, Administrators, Coaches - Grades 6-8
Description: After a full year of implementation, it’s time to take a closer look. In this session, we’ll revisit an upcoming i-Ready Classroom Mathematics units with a deeper lens- clarifying learning goals, unpacking the math, and making sense of the instructional progression. Building on your first-year experience, we’ll refine planning decisions to better support student understanding and long-term growth.Outcomes:
Revisit and refine unit-level math goals based on Year 1 insights
Analyze the progression of concepts, models, and strategies more deeply
Adjust pacing to better support student thinking and assessment
Use curriculum resources more intentionally and efficiently
If you’d like to continue the work and reflection from this session, consider joining an i-Ready workshop session or exploring the self-paced continuation option.
This session focuses on how to build digital assessments that can provide immediate feedback to students and valuable data to you. Whether you are looking to create a quick "exit ticket" or a comprehensive end-of-unit exam, we will walk through the process of building, managing, and moderating quizzes within your course. Key Topics 📋 Question Types: Explore a variety of formats—from simple multiple-choice to more interactive options like matching and fill-in-the-blank. Question Banks: Discover how to organize and store your questions so you can easily reuse them across different assessments or school years. Quiz Settings: Learn how to manage time limits, shuffle answers, and set up multiple attempts to fit your instructional goals. Moderation & Accommodations: Learn how to grant extra time or attempts for specific students to ensure every learner's needs are met. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Ashley joined Instructure with 14 years of deep-rooted experience in education. Having served as an Elementary Teacher, Math Coach, and PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator, she specializes in managing complex, district-wide initiatives—including leading the Instructure Learning Platform... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 514
Starting with the graduating Class of 2028, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has officially shifted the graduation landscape. The state is moving away from simply counting seat-time credits and moving toward proving that students have Postsecondary Assets and real-world skills. The new framework is often referred to as the 21-Credit Foundation (Olathe requires 24 total credits) This session will concentrate on Postsecondary Assets, what qualifies, how they are recorded, who is responsible for tracking, how a student and parent can check, etc....
Director of Innovation and Career Pathways, Olathe Public Schools
I am a passionate educator in my 38th year of building learning environments that inspire. Currently serving as the Director of Innovation and Career Pathways for Olathe Public Schools, I get the privilege of overseeing our district's incredible Two- and Four-Year Academies.My leadership... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 319
This refresher session is a repeat of our 12/19 professional learning over Introducing: Canvas. This session is designed to give you a solid foundation before you dive into more specialized topics. Whether you are seeing the platform for the first time or simply want a comprehensive review of the essentials, this session provides the space to get comfortable with the interface and ensure your digital classroom is ready for students. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
This refresher session is a repeat of our 12/19 professional learning over Introducing: Canvas. This session is designed to give you a solid foundation before you dive into more specialized topics. Whether you are seeing the platform for the first time or simply want a comprehensive review of the essentials, this session provides the space to get comfortable with the interface and ensure your digital classroom is ready for students. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Director of Technology Advancement & Training, Olathe Public Schools
Jen Kennedy brings over 15 years of experience leveraging instructional technology in the classroom. With a focus on empowering students and staff through the innovative integration of technology, she strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where all learners... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 516
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 6-18. Pre-registration is required for this course. To register, visit: forms.office.com/r/YsE2a7fY1e Participants must complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course PRIOR to the in-person training on May 28.
The staff of the Compass Program will engage in the theoretical foundations of Safe Crisis Management (SCM). This training establishes a shared framework for Compass staff exploring how student behavior is a form of communication and examine the factors that contribute to escalation while supporting students’ social-emotional and behavioral growth.
LETRS is a research-based professional learning course for educators focused on the Science of Reading. It empowers teachers with in-depth knowledge of literacy instruction. LETRS is one option for obtaining the licensure requirement of the Seal of Literacy. This is the culminating session for Volume 1 for LETRS Cohorts 5a, 5b, and 5c.
LETRS is a research-based professional learning course for educators focused on the Science of Reading. It empowers teachers with in-depth knowledge of literacy instruction. LETRS is one option for obtaining the licensure requirement of the Seal of Literacy. This is the culminating session for Volume 1 for LETRS Cohorts 5a, 5b, and 5c.
LETRS is a research-based professional learning course for educators focused on the Science of Reading. It empowers teachers with in-depth knowledge of literacy instruction. LETRS is one option for obtaining the licensure requirement of the Seal of Literacy. This is the culminating session for Volume 1 for LETRS Cohorts 5a, 5b, and 5c.
This is an introduction to the Digital StoreFront, where staff may order printed materials for their classrooms. The intended audience is varied; this session is geared towards newer educators, those unfamiliar or uncertain with the ordering process, or those simply wanting to learn about the DSF. This workshop will include live interaction with the DSF ordering processes. Attendees wanting assistance in ordering printed materials are encouraged to bring their district provided device and any print files with which they want to order for real-time assistance. Oracle codes are needed for final checkout processes. If Oracle codes are not known at the time of workshop, that is OK; attendees may save their orders in the DSF shopping cart for checkout at a later time.
In this inspiring session, Justin shares his journey from adversity to the classroom, revealing how a detour from education helped him rediscover the difference between a career and a calling. Through powerful storytelling, he reminds educators of their lasting ripple effect and challenges them to move from “Is this it?” to “This IS it.”
Educator and Educational Speaker, Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Justin Speaks
I'm Justin - a K-12 educator who also travels the country with one goal in mind: to inspire and empower teachers to take them from "Is this it?" --> "This IS it."
Join us as we discuss practical strategies for educators and parents to foster an environment that encourages healthy risk-taking and resilience-building. Together, we’ll uncover the lessons learned through discomfort and the importance of embracing challenges as essential components of personal and academic growth. Discover how to guide gifted children beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to thrive in the face of adversity and emerge stronger, more confident, and better prepared for future challenges.
I am the gifted teacher at Indian Trail Middle School, Heritage and Westview. I've also taught at Washington and Santa Fe Trail. My passion is supporting gifted learners and their teachers. I've presented at state conferences in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and North Carolina. ... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 608
Whether at work or play, with friends or intimate partners, communication plays a critical role. Effective communication and enhance relationships, deepen connections, and build trust. In contrast, poor communication skills may contribute to conflict, disconnection, and mistrust. This session will explore different communication styles and identify the best style to use in most situations. It will teach how to approach difficult conversations at work with professionalism to achieve the optimal outcome. Participants will walk away with specific tools for engaging assertively with others in any setting.
In this interactive session, we will explore traits of effective teaching through the lens of Marvel’s Fantastic Four superhero team. Participants will compare “powers” of these fictional heroes with key educational elements, including all FOUR conference strands: Curiosity, Commitment, Connection, and Clarity. Activities include analysis of multimedia examples (video clips, images), small group reflection and discussion, interactive online surveys and games (e.g. Poll Everywhere, Kahoot!), and more! Practical applications and additional resources provided!
Professor and Science Education Program Chair, Wichita State University
Daniel J. Bergman, Ph.D., is the author of “Teaching Is for Superheroes!” (Jossey-Bass/Wiley) and writes for www.teachlikeasuperhero.blog. Dr. Bergman is a Professor at Wichita State University where he’s been Program Chair of Science Education since 2007. Like Superman, he considers the Sunflower State his adoptive home. Unlike Superman, Dr. Bergman cannot leap tall buildings in a single bound. Dr. Bergman previo... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 519
Your negotiated agreement isn’t just a document—it’s your professional foundation as a certified bargaining unit member. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how the agreement shapes your day-to-day working conditions: from assignments, transfers, evaluations and representation. We'll walk through real-world scenarios to show how knowing your rights helps you advocate for yourself and your colleagues. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned educator, you'll leave empowered with tools to navigate your contract and strengthen your voice at work.
A veteran educator of 25 years, Angie has taught English Language Arts, Creative Writing, and AVID in a classroom, from a cart, and online. She currently serves as our Olathe NEA President but has served on the Board of Directors for Kansas NEA and NEA.
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 610
This two-part class begins with a brief introduction to Banzai, a financial literacy program that teaches real-world finance and practical life skills. Mainstreet Credit Union pays for this program, so it's free for you to use in your classroom.
Then, we will move on to our Mastering Money class. This class is all about demystifying credit scores so you can learn what a credit score is and how to make it work for you in a supportive and fun environment. We offer a free Financial Checkup. This checkup includes a soft inquiry that won't impact your score but identifies savings opportunities. Whether you have good credit, no credit, or need repairs, we're here to help. Join us to learn how to optimize your credit score and save!
Stress Management and YOU takes a look at personal stress levels via pre-measure. Participants will then have an opportunity to explore different forms of stress management that can be implemented within and before/after the school day. Participants will leave with strategies to help with acute and chronic stress and ideas for self-care.
Please bring something to write with, an open mind, and yourself!
Hi! I am a School Psychologist here in Olathe. Heading into my 10th year! I am a mom of three, have a school therapy dog, Molly, who comes with me, and am on the board for Officially Chopped Cares-a local nonprofit. I love thrifting and antiquing and taking naps. Paint by... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 809
Presentation takes a close look at the book "Smart by Scattered" by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. Boost Any Child’s Ability to: Get Organized Resist Impulse Stay Focused Use Time Wisely Plan Ahead Follow Through on Tasks Learn from Mistakes Stay in Control of Emotions Solve Problems Independently Be Resourceful
Participants will be able to: Identify executive functioning skills Learn why they are more challenging in secondary school settings Identify 10 ways to improve students executive functioning skills Apply the Behavior Principles to weaken the impact of executive functioning weaknesses (the ABCs) and increase their skills Identify supports for specific executive functioning skills Learn how to design programs to teach executive function skills Use provided examples of support for a variety of possible executive functioning weaknesses affecting students in school Be able to modify and create their own support using strategies taught
Autism Program Facilitator, Olathe School District
I am the autism program facilitator. I support all of the district autism programs, as well as the specialist. I have been in the district in the autism department for 23 years. I enjoy learning and sharing knowledge on supporting students with autism in their least restrictive... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 317
Accessibility means designing communication so your message can be clearly understood and acted on by everyone who receives it. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for improving accessibility in Microsoft 365 through an immersive email simulation and hands-on revision activity that demonstrates how small design choices affect clarity. Participants will leave with a ready-to-use accessibility checklist, revised examples, and step-by-step guides they can immediately apply to improve everyday workplace communication.
I have a Master's in Education Technology and Learning Design, and I'm an expert in adult learning. I have a passion for accessibility, technology, and creating meaningful learning experiences! This is my first year in my role as the Digital Workplace Trainer.
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 515
This session explores the use of art-based strategies as effective mental health interventions to support student engagement, emotional expression, and self-awareness. Participants will learn how creative, low-pressure art activities can help students communicate experiences that may be difficult to put into words, particularly those related to anxiety and trauma. The presentation will include practical, ready-to-use interventions that can be implemented in individual or small group settings, along with guidance on processing student work in a safe and supportive way.
Designed for school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other mental health providers, this session emphasizes a strengths-based approach to supporting student well-being through creative expression. Participants will leave with concrete tools and ideas to integrate art-based techniques into their existing practice.
Mental Health Professional, Olathe School District
Katy Dorrell, LMSW, is a Mental Health Professional with the Olathe School District and has nine years of experience in education. She primarily works with elementary-aged students, and has experience serving students across all grade levels. Katy is passionate about helping students... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 315
This session is designed to help you master the Canvas Gradebook and SpeedGrader—two powerful tools that work together to streamline your grading workflow and provide meaningful, timely feedback to your students. Whether you are looking to automate your grading process or enhance the quality of your student feedback, this session will show you how to spend less time on paperwork and more time on instruction. 📋 Key Topics Gradebook Fundamentals: Learn how to set up grading schemes, weighted groups, and "Missing" or "Late" policies to automate your workflow. SpeedGrader Mastery: Discover how to view, grade, and annotate student submissions all in one place without downloading a single file. Rubrics for Success: Build and attach rubrics to assignments to ensure consistent grading and clear expectations for students. Effective Feedback: Explore various ways to provide feedback, including inline comments, text summaries, and even video/audio clips. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
This session will provide an overview of findings from the 2025 Kansas Teacher Retention Survey, conducted during the second quarter of the school year. With a strong response rate from Olathe educators, the data offers a highly representative view of the elementary teacher experience across USD 233. Participants will receive a brief foundation of the research approach, followed by a summary of key district-level findings related to teacher experience, engagement, and factors influencing retention. The session will then transition into a facilitated focus group, where elementary educators will have the opportunity to reflect on the data, share perspectives, and provide context that helps deepen understanding of the results. The goal of this session is to pair quantitative findings with educator voice to better understand what is shaping the elementary teaching experience in USD 233.
Fluency in mathematics is more than just speed or memorization. According to the book "Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics", fluency is the ability to use efficient, flexible, and accurate strategies to solve problems. In this session we will dive into key components of fluency, what fluency is NOT, how fluency develops, and why fluency matters. We will also explore the Eureka strategies and discuss which strategies to prioritize. Please bring a district device (Surface Pro or iPad) to use during this session.
I have been with OSD for 33 of 37 years teaching. I have taught second and third grade at Indian Creek Elementary and have enjoyed being a Title math interventionist now for 22 years. I enjoy getting to work with K-5th grades and love watching them grow in math and feel good about... Read More →
I have worked in Olathe School District for 9 years. I have taught 4th and 5th grade. I currently am the math interventionist at Indian Creek Elementary. I love working with K-5 grades grow in their math journey!
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 814
As classroom teachers, we understand the challenges that come with preparing, planning, and teaching Wit & Wisdom. We will look at backwards planning, identifying the important parts of the lesson, and some fun ideas we have incorporated to increase student engagement. This collaborative session will include time to share ideas with teachers as we all dive into year 3.
Join your colleagues for a collaborative, hands-on planning session dedicated to the successful implementation of the new IMPACT Social Studies curriculum and the new scope & sequence. This time is designed for you to move toward thinking about pacing and planning your daily instruction.
I attended Olathe schools from 1st grade until I graduated from Olathe North. I have been an educator since 1997. Currently, I am the K-12 Social Studies Coordinator.
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 806
Join your colleagues for a collaborative, hands-on planning session dedicated to the successful implementation of the new IMPACT Social Studies curriculum and the new scope & sequence. This time is designed for you to move toward thinking about pacing and planning your daily instruction.
I attended Olathe schools from 1st grade until I graduated from Olathe North. I have been an educator since 1997. Currently, I am the K-12 Social Studies Coordinator.
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 808
Join your colleagues for a collaborative, hands-on planning session dedicated to the successful implementation of the new IMPACT Social Studies curriculum and the new scope & sequence. This time is designed for you to move toward thinking about pacing and planning your daily instruction.
I attended Olathe schools from 1st grade until I graduated from Olathe North. I have been an educator since 1997. Currently, I am the K-12 Social Studies Coordinator.
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 803
This session will provide an overview of findings from the 2025 Kansas Teacher Retention Survey, conducted during the second quarter of the school year. With a strong response rate from Olathe educators, the data offers a highly representative view of the secondary teacher experience across USD 233. Participants will receive a brief foundation of the research approach, followed by a summary of key district-level findings related to teacher experience, engagement, and factors influencing retention. The session will then transition into a facilitated focus group, where secondary educators will have the opportunity to reflect on the data, share perspectives, and provide context that helps deepen understanding of the results. The goal of this session is to pair quantitative findings with educator voice to better understand what is shaping the secondary teaching experience in USD 233.
This session is specific to i-Ready Math and intended for Olathe Middle School Math Teachers, Resource Teachers, Administrators, Coaches - Grades 6-8
Description: Too much help? Students disengage. Too little? Students shut down. So where’s the sweet spot? In this session, we’ll explore how to strike the right balance to keep students thinking, grappling, and growing. Through hands-on work with i-Ready Classroom Mathematics tasks, we’ll unpack what productive struggle really means- and how to make it a consistent part of your classroom culture.Outcomes:
Reflect on beliefs about struggle and student learning
Recognize the difference between productive and unproductive struggle
Explore strategies to support students without removing the thinking
Strengthen classroom norms that position struggle as part of success
If you’d like to continue the work and reflection from this session, consider joining an i-Ready workshop session or exploring the self-paced continuation option.
Learning how to design, plan, and implement a Client-Centered Project (CCP) that meets the requirements of a Post-Secondary Asset (PSA) as part of the class of 2028 and Beyond graduation requirements . You will leave with a clear understanding of what defines a CCP, how it aligns to district instructional priorities, and concrete next steps for creating their own project.
This session is designed to help you master the Canvas Gradebook and SpeedGrader—two powerful tools that work together to streamline your grading workflow and provide meaningful, timely feedback to your students. Whether you are looking to automate your grading process or enhance the quality of your student feedback, this session will show you how to spend less time on paperwork and more time on instruction. 📋 Key Topics Gradebook Fundamentals: Learn how to set up grading schemes, weighted groups, and "Missing" or "Late" policies to automate your workflow. SpeedGrader Mastery: Discover how to view, grade, and annotate student submissions all in one place without downloading a single file. Rubrics for Success: Build and attach rubrics to assignments to ensure consistent grading and clear expectations for students. Effective Feedback: Explore various ways to provide feedback, including inline comments, text summaries, and even video/audio clips. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Ashley joined Instructure with 14 years of deep-rooted experience in education. Having served as an Elementary Teacher, Math Coach, and PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator, she specializes in managing complex, district-wide initiatives—including leading the Instructure Learning Platform... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 514
This session challenges the common assumption that secondary students already possess the social skills needed for success. This session introduces a practical, evidence-informed framework for planning, delivering and supporting social skill instruction in middle and high school settings. The framework includes four steps, which can be applied across a variety of settings (e.g., general education, special education), with a whole class, small group, or individual students. Participants will learn how to identify socially significant skills that complement their academic activities. To support implementation, an example instructional plan and implementation checklist will be provided. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies and tools to move from reacting to behavior to proactively teaching the skills students need to succeed.
Post Doctoral Researcher, Juniper Gardens Children's Project - University of Kansas
Dr. Lindsey Mirielli is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project (JGCP) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mirielli is an early career scholar with an interest in supporting secondary students with behavioral concerns in the general education setting. Her research... Read More →
This session will define the purpose and legal requirements of the Prior Written Notice (PWN) in special education. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the essential components needed to ensure compliance. We will explore common challenges and mistakes, along with strategies for writing clear notices that accurately reflect team decisions. Attendees will leave with practical tools in developing compliant and meaningful Prior Written Notices.
Why the details matter. Ever wonder what happens with your paperwork after an IEP meeting? This session provides special education staff with insight and answers about the purpose and importance of SpEd paperwork, Synergy workflows, reporting requirements, and specialized processes. Participants will learn best practices directly from area experts, engage in a live Q&A session, and receive personalized support through targeted breakout groups. Submit your questions for the Q&A portion of the session here.
The drug landscape is ever-changing and varies in potential for harm and likelihood of widespread addiction. This presentation will cover the history of the recent drug epidemics, how we got to where we are today, and how these trends affect our students. We will discuss what drugs to be aware of that are attracting young people, what solutions exist in providing help, and why the behavior change can be challenging.
Substance Use Education Specialist, Olathe School District
Erika Holliday has spent the last decade working in public health and harm reduction. Their strengths are in improving systems of treatment, recovery, and community connection for people that use drugs. Erika is currently the Substance Use Education Specialist for the Olathe School... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 520
Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace you —it’s here to support you. In this session, you’ll explore practical, approachable ways to use AI as a creative partner in the school setting. Learn simple strategies for brainstorming with AI and using it as a sounding board to refine ideas. You'll find ways to jumpstart finished products, such as lessons, presentations, handouts, and even multi‑day unit plans that save time and boost instructional quality and innovation.
We’ll also highlight fun, low‑pressure ways to use AI for playful prompts and imaginative interactions that increase engagement. This session is not just for classroom teachers, but for anyone in the school who knows a little about AI and wants to use it more confidently and effectively.
Bring your computer—there will be hands‑on time to explore the district’s AI Toolkit and experiment with tools yourself.
This is an introduction to the Digital StoreFront, where staff may order printed materials for their classrooms. The intended audience is varied; this session is geared towards newer educators, those unfamiliar or uncertain with the ordering process, or those simply wanting to learn about the DSF. This workshop will include live interaction with the DSF ordering processes. Attendees wanting assistance in ordering printed materials are encouraged to bring their district provided device and any print files with which they want to order for real-time assistance. Oracle codes are needed for final checkout processes. If Oracle codes are not known at the time of workshop, that is OK; attendees may save their orders in the DSF shopping cart for checkout at a later time.
In this session, we will explore how to create, upload, and manage video content directly within Canvas, making your digital classroom more dynamic and engaging. Key Topics 📋 Capturing Content: Learn how to use the built-in screen recorder and webcam capture to create quick tutorials or mini-lessons. Interactive Elements: Discover how to embed "In-Video Comments" and "Video Quizzes" to check for understanding while students watch. Studio Collections: Organize your media library so you can easily find and reuse videos across different courses and semesters. Engagement Analytics: See exactly who is watching your videos, how long they are watching, and which parts they are re-watching. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing. This W.I.N. session is a dedicated workshop designed to give you the time and space to apply what you’ve learned directly to your own Canvas course shells. Whether you are just starting to build your homepage, organizing your first three weeks of modules, or fine-tuning your gradebook settings, this is your time to work productively with expert support just a hand-raise away. How This Session Works 📋 Independent Implementation: Use this worktime to create content inside your Canvas course; practice new skills you've learned in other Camp Canvas sessions or work on setting up your Canvas courses for fall. On-Demand Support: Trainers will be circulating the room to troubleshoot technical issues, brainstorm organization strategies, or provide how-to refreshers. Peer Collaboration: Use this time to sync up with other OPS teachers to discuss implementation ideas or coordinate with your grade/department-level team members to ensure consistency across your courses. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is the key focus of this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Unlike the Understanding the Action Plan Process session, this is a Work Session, not a formal presentation. Participants will receive hands-on support entering the Knowledge, Application, and Impact points they have earned throughout the year. The process can feel challenging, but during this session you will be able to ask questions, submit each step for approval, and receive real-time coaching to help you move forward successfully. Whether you completed a district course such as The Culture Setter, Moral Courage, or LETRS, or developed your own Action Plan and just need guidance entering everything into Frontline for point approval—this session is designed for you. *Bring any student data connected to your Action Plan SMART Goal that you may have if you are going to be submitting an IMPACT request.
Do you ever wonder why what you see on the screen doesn’t match what you get in print? Or, tired of the print shop calling you to fix something? Learn how to make your documents ready for print. We will discuss proper formatting for booklets, flashcards, bookmarks, etc. Learn printing terms like bleeds, cut marks, and resolution. Bring your project ideas and your district provided device and receive support directly from the district Graphic Communications Department on how to prepare your documents for the best print outcome.
Do you have an amazing idea to support learning for students, but need funding to make it come to life? In this session you will learn how the Olathe Public Schools Foundation can connect you with financial resources for classroom needs. Learn how to craft proposals for OPSF Classroom Grants or grants from the Women’s Giving Circle. We will also explore how DonorsChoose can help crowdsource additional funding. Olathe Public Schools Foundation is here to support students and teachers. Whatever you’re dreaming, bring your “big ideas” and receive support to help you get started with the grant writing process.
In this session, participants will collaboratively explore The Opportunity Myth research from TNTP. Through facilitated activities and discussion, participants will examine key findings on access to grade-level assignments, strong instruction, deep engagement, and high expectations. Learners will build a deeper understanding of how opportunity gaps impact student outcomes.
In this interactive session, we will explore traits of effective teaching through the lens of Marvel’s Fantastic Four superhero team. Participants will compare “powers” of these fictional heroes with key educational elements, including all FOUR conference strands: Curiosity, Commitment, Connection, and Clarity. Activities include analysis of multimedia examples (video clips, images), small group reflection and discussion, interactive online surveys and games (e.g. Poll Everywhere, Kahoot!), and more! Practical applications and additional resources provided!
Professor and Science Education Program Chair, Wichita State University
Daniel J. Bergman, Ph.D., is the author of “Teaching Is for Superheroes!” (Jossey-Bass/Wiley) and writes for www.teachlikeasuperhero.blog. Dr. Bergman is a Professor at Wichita State University where he’s been Program Chair of Science Education since 2007. Like Superman, he considers the Sunflower State his adoptive home. Unlike Superman, Dr. Bergman cannot leap tall buildings in a single bound. Dr. Bergman previo... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 519
This two-part class begins with a brief introduction to Banzai, a financial literacy program that teaches real-world finance and practical life skills. Mainstreet Credit Union pays for this program, so it's free for you to use in your classroom.
Then, we will move on to our Mastering Money class. This class is all about demystifying credit scores so you can learn what a credit score is and how to make it work for you in a supportive and fun environment. We offer a free Financial Checkup. This checkup includes a soft inquiry that won't impact your score but identifies savings opportunities. Whether you have good credit, no credit, or need repairs, we're here to help. Join us to learn how to optimize your credit score and save!
Change within a school district impacts the entire community. As the Olathe Public Schools looks ahead, understanding current needs and funding challenges will be critical. This session will share up‑to‑date information regarding the influences that are impacting the long-term planning efforts of the district. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of why these conversations are happening and how OPS is planning thoughtfully for the future.
This is a collaboratively developed session between foster parent and foster child as a deeply personal exploration of how the foster care system and trauma shape student behavior. This session bridges the gap between behavioral concerns and lived experience, offering participants a rare 'behind-the-scenes' look at the challenges and triumphs of foster youth. Attendees will walk away with a toolkit of empathetic, classroom-ready strategies designed to build resilience and foster meaningful connections with their most vulnerable students.
Bre McGranahan, a 2024 Kansas Master Teacher, is an elementary behavior coach with ten years of experience in both general and special education. Her expertise is shaped by a decade in the classroom and a personal commitment to foster care advocacy. By blending professional behavioral... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 310
This session focuses on how educators can effectively teach and sustain contextually appropriate replacement behaviors that increase student engagement and reduce disruptions. Grounded in evidence-based practices, this session provides a clear rationale for identifying appropriate replacement behaviors, and offers practical methods for delivering reinforcement that promote long-term behavior change. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately implement to address problem behavior and support positive outcomes in their classrooms.
Post Doctoral Researcher, Juniper Gardens Children's Project - University of Kansas
Dr. Lindsey Mirielli is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project (JGCP) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mirielli is an early career scholar with an interest in supporting secondary students with behavioral concerns in the general education setting. Her research... Read More →
Great leadership requires navigating daily tensions—strong yet humble, visionary yet grounded, decisive yet adaptable. This session explores The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership by Tim Elmore, guiding learners through the essential tensions that effective leaders learn to balance rather than resolve. Through discussion and practical applications, the session invites participants to reflect on how seemingly opposing qualities—such as leading with authority while fostering collaboration, or maintaining high expectations while supporting staff and student well‑being—show up in schools and classrooms. Participants will examine how embracing these paradoxes can elevate their influence, decision‑making, and authenticity. Designed for teacher leaders and administrators at any stage, this session empowers learners to lead with clarity and confidence in an ever‑changing educational environment.
This course is designed to enhance interpersonal skills and foster a positive work environment. Participants will explore the impact of empathy on communication, team collaboration, and overall workplace well-being. Participants can expect to develop a deeper understanding of empathetic practices to create a more supportive and resilient workplace culture.
Meeting the individual needs of every student takes a village, especially when behavior and mental health struggles are extreme. This session will evaluate two case studies with practical tips for partnering with team members and collaborating with parents. We will also focus on how to navigate obstacles including resistant staff members or parents. We will address the 4 R’s of collaboration: Relationships, Resources, Responsibilities, and Results.
Juliana has been a Behavior Coach for Olathe Schools for six years. Prior to that, she has been a general education teacher, resource teacher, and SER teacher. She recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She actively collaborates with teams to problem-solve and... Read More →
Deb has been an elementary counselor for 12 years (8 in Olathe Schools) as well as a general education teacher. Deb is passionate about working collaboratively with all stakeholders to best meet the emotional and behavioral needs of all students. She could not do her job without... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 315
What does the Science of Reading say about teaching high-frequency words? How does that fit with 95 Core Phonics? In this session we will explore the why, how, and when of teaching high-frequency words with beginning readers.
This session is specific to i-Ready Math and intended for Olathe Middle School Math Teachers, Resource Teachers, Administrators, Coaches - Grades 6-8
Description: After a full year of implementation, it’s time to take a closer look. In this session, we’ll revisit an upcoming i-Ready Classroom Mathematics units with a deeper lens- clarifying learning goals, unpacking the math, and making sense of the instructional progression. Building on your first-year experience, we’ll refine planning decisions to better support student understanding and long-term growth.Outcomes:
Revisit and refine unit-level math goals based on Year 1 insights
Analyze the progression of concepts, models, and strategies more deeply
Adjust pacing to better support student thinking and assessment
Use curriculum resources more intentionally and efficiently
If you’d like to continue the work and reflection from this session, consider joining an i-Ready workshop session or exploring the self-paced continuation option.
Curious about teaching a new middle school elective? This session provides an overview of pre-built courses, units, and lessons for required semester electives and leadership classes, helping teachers understand the structure and confidently implement engaging, ready-to-use materials with their students.
In Canvas, Modules and Pages serve as the structural backbone of your digital classroom. This session focuses on how to organize your content so that students can navigate your course intuitively and access materials without confusion. 📋 Key Topics
Module Organization: Learn how to use Modules to categorize and sequence your content logically.
Effective Page Design: Master the Rich Content Editor (RCE) to create central hubs for lessons, combining text, images, and video in one place.
💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Ashley joined Instructure with 14 years of deep-rooted experience in education. Having served as an Elementary Teacher, Math Coach, and PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator, she specializes in managing complex, district-wide initiatives—including leading the Instructure Learning Platform... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 514
In this session, teachers will explore how to transform reading from a passive task into an active learning experience across all disciplines. Participants will learn practical ways to scaffold text so students can access complex content, build academic vocabulary, and understand how text structure supports meaning in subjects such as science, social studies, and electives.
By the end of the session, teachers will leave with ready-to-use reading scaffolds that promote comprehension, increase student engagement, and support students in applying what they read to demonstrate deeper learning in their content area.
Educators will be given the opportunity to review some of the major changes to Edgenuity that have happened this year, provide feedback to the district Edgenuity team, and share best practices related to the platform.
Whether it's providing specialized instruction or ensuring that students access core content, a special educator's To Do list can feel never ending. In this session, deepen your expertise in explicit instruction in the special education setting, and engage in discussion around intentional accommodations that make general education curriculum accessible and achievable for all learners. Bring just yourself and a writing utensil, and leave with ideas to begin next year!
I'm a Special Services instructional coach in the Olathe West feeder pattern. Prior to that I was a math MTSS support specialist and school psychologist.
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 605
This session will define the purpose and legal requirements of the Prior Written Notice (PWN) in special education. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the essential components needed to ensure compliance. We will explore common challenges and mistakes, along with strategies for writing clear notices that accurately reflect team decisions. Attendees will leave with practical tools in developing compliant and meaningful Prior Written Notices.
This is an introduction to the Digital StoreFront, where staff may order printed materials for their classrooms. The intended audience is varied; this session is geared towards newer educators, those unfamiliar or uncertain with the ordering process, or those simply wanting to learn about the DSF. This workshop will include live interaction with the DSF ordering processes. Attendees wanting assistance in ordering printed materials are encouraged to bring their district provided device and any print files with which they want to order for real-time assistance. Oracle codes are needed for final checkout processes. If Oracle codes are not known at the time of workshop, that is OK; attendees may save their orders in the DSF shopping cart for checkout at a later time.
This session introduces you to IgniteAI, a suite of powerful tools embedded directly within Canvas to help you manage your workload and enhance student communication. Key Topics 📋 Rubric Generation: Stop building from scratch. Learn how to use AI to instantly generate customized Canvas rubrics that align with your specific assignment goals. Discussion Insights & Summaries: Use AI to quickly evaluate student discussion replies and generate summaries of discussion threads. Translation Tools: Enable the ability for students to instantly translate text in Announcements and Discussions to bridge communication gaps and ensure every student stays informed and engaged. Quiz Question Generator (Preview): Get an exclusive first look at the AI-powered Quiz Question Generator before its official rollout this fall. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Ashley joined Instructure with 14 years of deep-rooted experience in education. Having served as an Elementary Teacher, Math Coach, and PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator, she specializes in managing complex, district-wide initiatives—including leading the Instructure Learning Platform... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 514
Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing. This W.I.N. session is a dedicated workshop designed to give you the time and space to apply what you’ve learned directly to your own Canvas course shells. Whether you are just starting to build your homepage, organizing your first three weeks of modules, or fine-tuning your gradebook settings, this is your time to work productively with expert support just a hand-raise away. How This Session Works 📋 Independent Implementation: Use this worktime to create content inside your Canvas course; practice new skills you've learned in other Camp Canvas sessions or work on setting up your Canvas courses for fall. On-Demand Support: Trainers will be circulating the room to troubleshoot technical issues, brainstorm organization strategies, or provide how-to refreshers. Peer Collaboration: Use this time to sync up with other OPS teachers to discuss implementation ideas or coordinate with your grade/department-level team members to ensure consistency across your courses. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is the key focus of this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
Unlike the Understanding the Action Plan Process session, this is a Work Session, not a formal presentation. Participants will receive hands-on support entering the Knowledge, Application, and Impact points they have earned throughout the year. The process can feel challenging, but during this session you will be able to ask questions, submit each step for approval, and receive real-time coaching to help you move forward successfully. Whether you completed a district course such as The Culture Setter, Moral Courage, or LETRS, or developed your own Action Plan and just need guidance entering everything into Frontline for point approval—this session is designed for you. *Bring any student data connected to your Action Plan SMART Goal that you may have if you are going to be submitting an IMPACT request.
Do you ever wonder why what you see on the screen doesn’t match what you get in print? Or, tired of the print shop calling you to fix something? Learn how to make your documents ready for print. We will discuss proper formatting for booklets, flashcards, bookmarks, etc. Learn printing terms like bleeds, cut marks, and resolution. Bring your project ideas and your district provided device and receive support directly from the district Graphic Communications Department on how to prepare your documents for the best print outcome.
Do you have instructional aides or paraprofessionals in your classroom? Do you intentionally set up your activities and classroom environment to make the most of their assistance in the classroom? Do they have the tools and strategies to help spark interest and keep students engaged throughout the lesson? Come learn and share some strategies on how to utilize classroom aides and paraprofessionals to keep students engaged and maximize their learning in the classroom.
Join us to learn the latest on Olathe Public Schools’ Artificial Intelligence strategy, from empowering learning with AI to protecting data privacy and academic rigor in a digital environment. This session outlines our three-year journey from a reactive stance to a proactive framework that balances teacher innovation with strict safety guardrails, followed by interactive workshops with three AI tools approved for student and teacher use: Curipod, MagicSchool, and SchoolAI.
Director of Technology Advancement & Training, Olathe Public Schools
Jen Kennedy brings over 15 years of experience leveraging instructional technology in the classroom. With a focus on empowering students and staff through the innovative integration of technology, she strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where all learners... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 516
In this session, participants will collaboratively explore The Opportunity Myth research from TNTP. Through facilitated activities and discussion, participants will examine key findings on access to grade-level assignments, strong instruction, deep engagement, and high expectations. Learners will build a deeper understanding of how opportunity gaps impact student outcomes.
Stop just playing games and start designing experiences! This session moves beyond standard review games like Jeopardy to explore true gamification—applying game mechanics as an immersive layer over your existing curriculum. In this session, you will learn to:
Distinguish between Game-Based Learning and Gamification.
Build Your World: Define your game's Theme and Setting to create a narrative that hooks students.
Master the Mechanics: Implement XP (Experience Points), Items that unlock privileges, and Badges to showcase student achievements.
Design Missions: Create Boss Battles for collaborative review and optional Side Quests
Social Studies Lead Teacher, Indian Trail Middle School, Olathe
Jordan Billings is a veteran teacher with college, high school and middle school teaching experience. For the past 13 years Jordan has been teaching 7th-grade history at Indian Trail Middle School, 8 years with a full gamified theme and setting.
Social Studies Teacher, Chisholm Trail Middle School
Ryan Stephans is a 21 year teaching veteran who has run a standards-based gamified class for the last 8 years. Ryan has taught 8th grade social studies in Olathe for 8 years, first at Summit Trail Middle School, and now at Chisholm Trail Middle School. His classroom philosophy centers... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 313
Working with children can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging emotionally. This course equips professionals with strategies to effectively manage their emotions while engaging with children in various settings. Participants will explore the emotional challenges of working with children, learn techniques to regulate stress and maintain composure, and develop the necessary skills to foster positive interactions as we focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and utilize tools to create a supportive and constructive environment for both the professional and the child.
It’s no secret that being an educator in 2026 is a challenge. When our working conditions are strained, our students' learning conditions suffer. This session is for any educator—not just building reps or ARs—who want to use their professional voice and move from frustration to collaborative problem-solving.
We will explore how to use the power of our collective voice. This isn't about creating conflict; it’s about tapping into our own educator power using the Negotiated Agreement as a shared roadmap to build a climate of trust and mutual respect with administration.
In this session, we will: Identify the Power of Voice: Learn how education workers can join together and use their strength to impact the workplace, improving learning conditions for students. Navigate the Policies: Use the Negotiated Agreement & Board Policies to advocate for the working conditions educators deserve so they can meet their students' needs. Practice Solutions-Based Dialogue: Practice scenarios for professional communication regarding building-level challenges and opportunities. Initiate Collaboration: Explore methods to set a tone of mutual respect with administration to create a positive learning environment for all students.
A veteran educator of 25 years, Angie has taught English Language Arts, Creative Writing, and AVID in a classroom, from a cart, and online. She currently serves as our Olathe NEA President but has served on the Board of Directors for Kansas NEA and NEA.
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 610
Updated for 25/26, this award-winning film probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games, and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world. In this session, you will view the film and engage in facilitated, solution-focused discussions.
In Canvas, Modules and Pages serve as the structural backbone of your digital classroom. This session focuses on how to organize your content so that students can navigate your course intuitively and access materials without confusion. 📋 Key Topics
Module Organization: Learn how to use Modules to categorize and sequence your content logically.
Effective Page Design: Master the Rich Content Editor (RCE) to create central hubs for lessons, combining text, images, and video in one place.
💻 Hands-on workshop time is embedded into this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
As millennial parents increasingly shape the K–12 education landscape, schools must reconsider how they approach family engagement. This workshop presents findings from a qualitative study exploring millennial parents’ perceptions of parental involvement in elementary education in the JOCO area. Participants will review key themes from the research, including parents’ expectations for transparent communication, consistent access to information, and meaningful opportunities to collaborate with schools. The session will also highlight the most common concerns parents raise and examine how leadership practices influence school-family relationships. Participants will then explore how PBIS can serve as a framework for creating more inclusive and responsive family engagement practices. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will identify strategies to strengthen partnerships with families and build school cultures grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Juliana has been a Behavior Coach for Olathe Schools for six years. Prior to that, she has been a general education teacher, resource teacher, and SER teacher. She recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She actively collaborates with teams to problem-solve and... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 315
In this interactive session, we will unpack how Geodes are intentionally organized to align with phonics progression and content knowledge. Participants will explore practical strategies for using Geodes in small group, differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of readers. Walk away with a clearer understanding of how to plan intentionally, maximize student engagement, and create meaningful reading experiences that build both decoding skills and comprehension.
I have been in Olathe for more than 10 years. Most of that time was as a 2nd grade teacher at Briarwood Elementary. Currently, I am an elementary instructional coach for Clearwater Creek and Prairie Center.
I have spent all of my career in Olathe teaching 2nd grade and being an instructional coach. I love supporting teachers, new educators and the school improvement plan at the building level.
I have been in Olathe for the last 7 years teaching 2nd and 5th grade, as well as serving as an instructional coach for the last two years. Prior to that I taught 4th grade in SMSD.
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 317
This session is specific to i-Ready Math and intended for Olathe Middle School Math Teachers, Resource Teachers, Administrators, Coaches - Grades 6-8
Description: Too much help? Students disengage. Too little? Students shut down. So where’s the sweet spot? In this session, we’ll explore how to strike the right balance to keep students thinking, grappling, and growing. Through hands-on work with i-Ready Classroom Mathematics tasks, we’ll unpack what productive struggle really means- and how to make it a consistent part of your classroom culture.Outcomes:
Reflect on beliefs about struggle and student learning
Recognize the difference between productive and unproductive struggle
Explore strategies to support students without removing the thinking
Strengthen classroom norms that position struggle as part of success
If you’d like to continue the work and reflection from this session, consider joining an i-Ready workshop session or exploring the self-paced continuation option.
How do we move students from exploration to real opportunities after graduation? This session breaks down what a Career Pathway really is and how our district organizes Programs, Two-Year Academies, and Four-Year Academies to create clear, student-centered routes to college and careers. Learn how we structure coursework, align industry partnerships, and support students every step of the way. The session also includes a guided tour of the Olathe Public Schools Innovation Campus (OPSIC), where attendees will see pathways in action and explore authentic learning spaces that support hands-on, industry-connected experiences.
Barbra Gonzales earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising from Baker University and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Kansas State University. She taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Olathe North High school for 21 years. While at Olathe... Read More →
Director of Innovation and Career Pathways, Olathe Public Schools
I am a passionate educator in my 38th year of building learning environments that inspire. Currently serving as the Director of Innovation and Career Pathways for Olathe Public Schools, I get the privilege of overseeing our district's incredible Two- and Four-Year Academies.My leadership... Read More →
This session challenges the common assumption that secondary students already possess the social skills needed for success. This session introduces a practical, evidence-informed framework for planning, delivering and supporting social skill instruction in middle and high school settings. The framework includes four steps, which can be applied across a variety of settings (e.g., general education, special education), with a whole class, small group, or individual students. Participants will learn how to identify socially significant skills that complement their academic activities. To support implementation, an example instructional plan and implementation checklist will be provided. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies and tools to move from reacting to behavior to proactively teaching the skills students need to succeed.
Post Doctoral Researcher, Juniper Gardens Children's Project - University of Kansas
Dr. Lindsey Mirielli is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project (JGCP) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mirielli is an early career scholar with an interest in supporting secondary students with behavioral concerns in the general education setting. Her research... Read More →
In this session, teachers will explore how to transform reading from a passive task into an active learning experience across all disciplines. Participants will learn practical ways to scaffold text so students can access complex content, build academic vocabulary, and understand how text structure supports meaning in subjects such as science, social studies, and electives.
By the end of the session, teachers will leave with ready-to-use reading scaffolds that promote comprehension, increase student engagement, and support students in applying what they read to demonstrate deeper learning in their content area.
Educators will be given the opportunity to review some of the major changes to Edgenuity that have happened this year, provide feedback to the district Edgenuity team, and share best practices related to the platform.
Whether it's providing specialized instruction or ensuring that students access core content, a special educator's To Do list can feel never ending. In this session, deepen your expertise in explicit instruction in the special education setting, and engage in discussion around intentional accommodations that make general education curriculum accessible and achievable for all learners. Bring just yourself and a writing utensil, and leave with ideas to begin next year!
I'm a Special Services instructional coach in the Olathe West feeder pattern. Prior to that I was a math MTSS support specialist and school psychologist.
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 605
CPS focuses on teaching global skills such as flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, problem solving, and emotion regulation that help students respond adaptively to problems. CPS helps make interventions proactive rather than reactive and focus on the root of the unsolved problem instead of reacting to the behavior concerns. CPS promotes a problem-solving partnership that engages kids in solving problems that affect their lives and produces effective, durable solutions that enhances skills.
You will learn what Dr. Ross Greene describes as a paradigm shift in how we approach student behavior, and you will have an opportunity to apply some of the tools and strategies from Dr. Ross Greene, including the ASUP (Assessment of Skills and Unsolved Problems). Come with a student in mind with whom you might like to try the CPS approach!
