Olathe Summer Conference 2025

Olathe Summer Conference 2025

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

10:00am CDT

Creating Calm Corners: Building Safe Spaces for Emotional Regulation in the Classroom LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

In today's classrooms, supporting students' social and emotional needs is more important than ever. This session will explore how to create and effectively use calm corners-dedicated spaces in the classroom designed to help students practice self-regulation and manage big emotions. Participants will take a glimpse into this school-wide initiative at Manchester Park Elementary to learn the purpose behind calm corners, how to introduce and normalize their use, and ways to tailor them to meet the diverse needs of young learners. Walk away with practical tips, examples, and resources to create a calming, supportive environment that empowers students to take ownership of their emotional well-being.

Speakers

Nicole Barlow

Assistant Principal, Manchester Park Elementary

Nicole is a dedicated educator with 15 years of experience in elementary education, serving as both a classroom teacher and assistant principal. With a strong commitment to student growth, teacher support, and inclusive school communities, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge in instructional... Read More →

Danielle Langley

Counselor, Manchester Park Elementary

With 5 years in the field of elementary school counseling, Danielle is committed to fostering a positive and nurturing school climate to help young learners thrive. She currently serves as one of the counselors at Manchester Park Elementary, where she provides a safe and supportive... Read More →

Leslie McKinley

PBIS Coach, Olathe School District

A dedicated educator with 25 years of experience, she has served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and school counselor. Currently a PBIS Coach, she supports schools in cultivating positive, inclusive learning environments. Passionate about student success, she specializes... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1316

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Enhancing Engagement and Efficiency: Using Technology to Transform Independent Time in the Classroom LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

In this session, we will explore innovative ways to integrate technology into the classroom to boost student engagement and simplify the teacher’s role during independent learning time. We’ll dive into practical tools and strategies that allow students to work independently while staying focused, motivated, and connected to the lesson. You’ll learn how to implement digital platforms that promote personalized learning, streamline feedback, and create interactive activities that keep students on task.
By the end of this session, you'll have a toolkit of tech resources that not only help your students thrive independently but also ease the demands on teachers during those critical moments of individual work. Whether you’re looking for ways to monitor progress, provide meaningful assessments, or maintain student engagement, this session will provide actionable tips that make your life easier while empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Speakers

Natasha Roseberry

3rd Grade, Washington Elementary

Hello! I have had the privilege of being a teacher in the Olathe School District for the past 10 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of teaching 3rd grade, and it's been incredibly rewarding to help my students grow and succeed. In addition to my role as a teacher, I also... Read More →

Jenica Stock

5th Grade, Washington Elementary

Hello! I have been a dedicated teacher in the Olathe School District for the past 10 years, specializing in teaching 5th grade. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping students grow academically and personally, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. In addition... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1201

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Let's DO Social Studies! LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Join this intriguing session to explore what it truly means to be actively engaged in social studies. Participants will be immersed in doing social studies and creating an inquiry-based classroom of young historians in which students investigate questions and search for evidence. Educators can expect to walk away with ready-to-implement activities, strategies and ideas that underscore high quality instruction in social studies.

Speakers

Julie Fishburn

K-12 Social Studies Coordinator, Olathe Public Schools

K-12 Social Studies CoordinatorDistrict AIM and AVID Support2024 Liberty Bell Award Recipient, Johnson County Bar AssociationEdCamp Johnson County Founding Team Member and PresenterBachelors Degree: History EducationGraduate Degrees: Special Education, and Curriculum & Instruction Field... Read More →

Rachel Swearengin

5th Grade Teacher, Olathe Public Schools

5th Grade Teacher Regency Place ElementaryAuthor of Making Time for Social Studies: A Four Step Processfor Unit Planning in the Elementary ClassroomField Educator for KSDE (HGSS-History, Government, Social Studies)Adjunct Professor for ESU (Social Studies Methods)2023 Kansas History... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1321

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Linking Mastery Connect to Your Synergy Gradebook LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Are you entering data into both Mastery Connect and Synergy separately? Did you know Mastery Connect can "talk" to your Synergy gradebook? Work smarter, not harder by learning how to take scores from Mastery Connect and syncing them with Synergy!

Speakers

Kailyn Blount

Coach, IRC

Instructional Coach

Becca Buzard

2nd grade teacher, BW

2nd Grade teacher at BW

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1318

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Understanding Wit & Wisdom's Design: Complex Texts and the Content Stages LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

In this session, participants will
increase their knowledge of the connection between complex texts, text sets, and literacy development;
deepen their understanding of how Wit & Wisdom text sets build students' knowledge; and
examine how Wit & Wisdom's Content Stages support comprehension and knowledge building.

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Unlocking the Power of Literacy with 95 Percent Group LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Are you new to the district or a veteran wanting time to investigate and explore into the new tools and resources available on the new 95% platform? Bring your device to this session and dig into tips and materials to support efficiency with lesson instruction and the effective use of instructional materials. 95% Group Materials provide engaging, evidence-based instruction that unlocks the power of literacy for every child.

Speakers

April Schoenberg

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1306

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Enhancing Engagement and Efficiency: Using Technology to Transform Independent Time in the Classroom LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

In this session, we will explore innovative ways to integrate technology into the classroom to boost student engagement and simplify the teacher’s role during independent learning time. We’ll dive into practical tools and strategies that allow students to work independently while staying focused, motivated, and connected to the lesson. You’ll learn how to implement digital platforms that promote personalized learning, streamline feedback, and create interactive activities that keep students on task.
By the end of this session, you'll have a toolkit of tech resources that not only help your students thrive independently but also ease the demands on teachers during those critical moments of individual work. Whether you’re looking for ways to monitor progress, provide meaningful assessments, or maintain student engagement, this session will provide actionable tips that make your life easier while empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Speakers

Natasha Roseberry

3rd Grade, Washington Elementary

Hello! I have had the privilege of being a teacher in the Olathe School District for the past 10 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of teaching 3rd grade, and it's been incredibly rewarding to help my students grow and succeed. In addition to my role as a teacher, I also... Read More →

Jenica Stock

5th Grade, Washington Elementary

Hello! I have been a dedicated teacher in the Olathe School District for the past 10 years, specializing in teaching 5th grade. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping students grow academically and personally, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. In addition... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1201

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Getting Math Games in Students' Hands LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

This session you will learn how to effectively add hands on math games to your classroom. You will take away a list of math games students can play in your classroom with peers.

Speakers

Crystal Bader

3rd grade teacher, Millbrooke Elementary

I am a 3rd grade teacher and have taught in Olathe for 7 years. I have gotten the chance to teach Kindergarten through 3rd grade. I have a 2 year old daughter and a 4 year old son who gets to start kindergarten this August in Olathe. I love attending summer conference and leading... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1310

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Library Collaboration: Together Is Where We Make Magic LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Library

Strong relationships between librarians and teachers can create a positive school culture that values learning and collaboration. This session will focus on the effectiveness of collaboration between elementary classroom teachers and library media specialists. Lesson ideas, testimonials from classroom teachers, and strategies for true collaboration on a fixed schedule will be included.

Speakers

Robin Schrack

Library Media Specialist, Woodland Elementary

I am the library media specialist at Woodland Elementary. I am in my 29th year in education. I was a high school librarian for 21 years and an elementary classrooom teacher prior to that. I have also been an adjunct professor for the library science department at University of Nebraska... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Library

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Understanding Wit & Wisdom's Design: Writing to Learn- Part 1 LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

In this session, participants will
learn about the backward design process teacher–writers used to construct the writing instruction in Wit & Wisdom,
understand the reciprocal connection between knowledge and writing,

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Unlocking Comprehension Through Conversation: The Role of Socratic Seminars LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

We will explore the transformative power of Socratic Seminars as a tool for enhancing reading comprehension in all content areas. Participants will discover how fostering meaningful, student-led conversations can deepen understanding of texts, promote critical thinking, and strengthen communication skills. Through discussion-based strategies, educators will learn how to create an environment where every voice matters and how dialogue can lead to richer, more thoughtful interpretations of text. Whether you're new to Socratic Seminars or looking for fresh ideas, this session will provide practical insights to bring the power of conversation into your classroom.

Speakers

Marcy Good

Elementary Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Marcy Good is an Elementary Instructional Coach with a passion for supporting new educators and fostering collaboration between teachers and administrators. With a deep commitment to enhancing the learning experience, Marcy thrives on working side-by-side with teachers to learn and... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1317

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Diving into Teacher Clarity, Learning Intentions, and Success Criteria LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

As BLT co-chairs we have been diving deeper into teacher clarity all school year. We have applied learning intentions and success criteria into our own classrooms and helped other teachers in our building do the same. Now, we are wanting to share our knowledge and ideas with others. This session will go over how we have used learning intentions and success criteria in multiple subjects and how we have communicated these with students.

Speakers

Caitlin McGraw

3rd Grade Teacher, Mahaffie Elementary

3rd grade teachers at Mahaffie Elementary and BLT co-chairs. We have done a lot of work with teacher clarity, learning intentions, and success criteria both in our PLC and in our building with other PLCs and administration.

Mallory Vickers

3rd Grade Teachers, Mahaffie Elementary

3rd grade teachers at Mahaffie Elementary and BLT co-chairs. We have done a lot of work with teacher clarity, learning intentions, and success criteria both in our PLC and in our building with other PLCs and administration.

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1223

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Empowering Newcomers: Revitalizing Your Teaching for New Students LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Welcoming new students from diverse backgrounds into your classroom is a rewarding but often complex endeavor. This interactive session will equip educators with practical strategies and resources to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all newcomers can thrive.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify key challenges faced by newcomer students in their transition.
Implement effective communication strategies with newcomer students and their families.
Apply practical techniques to support language acquisition in the classroom.
Develop strategies to foster a welcoming and supportive classroom environment for all students.

Join us to revitalize your teaching and empower your newcomer students to achieve their full potential!

Speakers

Christi Clayton

ELL Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

I love working alongside educators to create positive learning environments for all students, and am passionate about making instruction accessible for English Language Learners.

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1319

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Library Collaboration: Together Is Where We Make Magic LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Library

Strong relationships between librarians and teachers can create a positive school culture that values learning and collaboration. This session will focus on the effectiveness of collaboration between elementary classroom teachers and library media specialists. Lesson ideas, testimonials from classroom teachers, and strategies for true collaboration on a fixed schedule will be included.

Speakers

Robin Schrack

Library Media Specialist, Woodland Elementary

I am the library media specialist at Woodland Elementary. I am in my 29th year in education. I was a high school librarian for 21 years and an elementary classrooom teacher prior to that. I have also been an adjunct professor for the library science department at University of Nebraska... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Library

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Play to Learn: Building Executive Function Skills Through Games LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Unlock the power of play! In this engaging 90-minute session, educators will discover how to strengthen students' executive function skills—like working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-regulation—through hands-on, interactive games. We'll focus on learning by playing, experiencing each game firsthand while exploring its impact on student growth. Walk away with ready-to-use resources and strategies to bring the joy of learning into your classroom—no screens required!

Speakers

Betsy Prestridge

3rd Grade Teacher at Sunnyside, Olathe School District

see bio already submitted

Amy Hercules

Elementary principal at Sunnyside, Olathe School District

see bio previously submitted

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Choir Room

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Understanding Wit & Wisdom's Design: Learning to Write- Part 2 LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

In this session, participants will
learn about Wit & Wisdom's writing models and Craft Stages and how they scaffold writing instruction for all students

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Unlocking Comprehension Through Conversation: The Role of Socratic Seminars LIMITED

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

We will explore the transformative power of Socratic Seminars as a tool for enhancing reading comprehension in all content areas. Participants will discover how fostering meaningful, student-led conversations can deepen understanding of texts, promote critical thinking, and strengthen communication skills. Through discussion-based strategies, educators will learn how to create an environment where every voice matters and how dialogue can lead to richer, more thoughtful interpretations of text. Whether you're new to Socratic Seminars or looking for fresh ideas, this session will provide practical insights to bring the power of conversation into your classroom.

Speakers

Marcy Good

Elementary Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Marcy Good is an Elementary Instructional Coach with a passion for supporting new educators and fostering collaboration between teachers and administrators. With a deep commitment to enhancing the learning experience, Marcy thrives on working side-by-side with teachers to learn and... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1317

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Bridging the Gap: Creating Systems to Support Teachers in Implementing Evidence-Based Practices for Student Success LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

Ever wonder how evidence-based practices can lead to direct student benefit? Hear from district coaches, teachers, and students on how strong systems of support foster a nurturing environment for evidence-based practices and lead to improved student outcomes. Practitioners will explore how to adapt proven strategies to their own educational contexts, paving the way for enhanced student success.
3 outcomes – Participants will:

Identify opportunities to foster relationships amongst colleagues leading to improved systems of support.
Understand how providing preventative support to teachers with evidence-based practices leads to direct student benefit.
Be familiar with free resources to implement and scale an evidence-based practice proven to increase student engagement

Speakers

Leslie McKinley

PBIS Coach, Olathe School District

A dedicated educator with 25 years of experience, she has served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and school counselor. Currently a PBIS Coach, she supports schools in cultivating positive, inclusive learning environments. Passionate about student success, she specializes... Read More →

Dr. Will McDowell

PBIS Coach, Olathe Public Schools

PBIS Coach, Longtime Educator, Believer in Culture and Belonging

Rhianna Penner

1st Grade Teacher, Olathe Public Schools

This is Rhianna's 10th year as an educator, spending 9 of them in 1st grade. Rhianna currently teaches at Tomahawk. Her favorite part of teaching 1st graders is the special relationships she gets to build with them and watching them grow emotionally, academically, and socially throughout... Read More →

Jacky Williams

Research Project Coordinator, University of Kansas-Juniper Gardens Children's Project

Jacky Williams is a Research Project Coordinator at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project (JGCP) and serves as a National Trainer and Coordinator of CW-FIT. Jacky joined the JGCP team in January of 2020. Prior to joining our team at JGCP, Jacky taught 2nd, 6th, 7th and Elementary Special... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Room 1316

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Maximizing MTSS Math Minutes for ALL Learners (Part 1) LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

Are you looking for ways to meet the needs of all students during Math MTSS? In this session, you'll explore practical ideas and flexible structures to help you make every one of those 30 minutes count. Discover how to meet diverse learning needs while keeping math fun, focused, and engaging for every student. (Stay tuned for Part 2 in the afternoon—come ready to explore and create exciting, student-friendly math activities!)

Speakers

Courtney Hallenbeck

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Heather Lowe

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Megan Milbury

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Room 1317

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Our Journey to Strong Tier 1 Focused PLCs LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

Library

Are you wanting to strengthen your collegial and academic conversations around Tier 1 instruction in your PLCs? Come hear about our 2 year journey to stronger PLCs focused around the standards, learning intentions and success criteria, high quality instruction, common formative assessments, and how we address and meet all student needs based on our CFA data. Learn about our successes while engaging deeply in the 4 PLC questions, but more importantly the challenges we have faced and how we work to overcome them. Hear from the principal, instructional coach and some of our PLC leads about the process we took to transform our PLCs into rich academic conversations that are positively impacting our student data! This session would be great for a principal, instructional coach, and teacher leaders to attend together if possible, but not necessary to take away valuable learning around this important work we engage in.

Speakers

Christy Farr

Instructional Coach, Rolling Ridge

I am the instructional coach at RR.

Danielle Haldeman

principal, Rolling Ridge

I am the principal at RR.

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Library

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Play to Learn: Math Fact Fluency LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

Make math fact fluency fun! In this interactive 90-minute session, educators will explore engaging, hands-on games that build fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Through learning by playing, we’ll experience each game firsthand and discuss strategies to support all learners. Leave with ready-to-use resources and fresh ideas to make math facts stick. --limited prep required!

Speakers

Amy Hercules

Elementary principal at Sunnyside, Olathe School District

see bio previously submitted

Betsy Prestridge

3rd Grade Teacher at Sunnyside, Olathe School District

see bio already submitted

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Room 1201

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Understanding Wit & Wisdom's Design: Writing to Learn- Part 1 LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

In this session, participants will
learn about the backward design process teacher–writers used to construct the writing instruction in Wit & Wisdom,
understand the reciprocal connection between knowledge and writing,

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Upgrading Your Elementary Technology Toolkit: Latest and Greatest District Technology Updates LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

Explore new and updated district technology tools available to you and your students. In this session we will take a look at the new and updated technology tools available to you this year:

Windows 11
NEW iPads
Seesaw
Student Technology Website

Speakers

Spencer Mees

Classroom Technology Trainer, Olathe Public Schools

Spencer is the district Classroom Technology Trainer. She previously worked as a 4th grade teacher at Northview Elementary. She now works with all K-12 teachers in the district to utilize and implement instructional technologies.

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Room 1208

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Empowering Newcomers: Revitalizing Your Teaching for New Students LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Welcoming new students from diverse backgrounds into your classroom is a rewarding but often complex endeavor. This interactive session will equip educators with practical strategies and resources to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all newcomers can thrive.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify key challenges faced by newcomer students in their transition.
Implement effective communication strategies with newcomer students and their families.
Apply practical techniques to support language acquisition in the classroom.
Develop strategies to foster a welcoming and supportive classroom environment for all students.

Join us to revitalize your teaching and empower your newcomer students to achieve their full potential!

Speakers

Christi Clayton

ELL Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

I love working alongside educators to create positive learning environments for all students, and am passionate about making instruction accessible for English Language Learners.

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1319

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Maximizing MTSS Math Minutes for ALL Learners (Part 1) LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Are you looking for ways to meet the needs of all students during Math MTSS? In this session, you'll explore practical ideas and flexible structures to help you make every one of those 30 minutes count. Discover how to meet diverse learning needs while keeping math fun, focused, and engaging for every student. (Stay tuned for Part 2 in the afternoon—come ready to explore and create exciting, student-friendly math activities!)

Speakers

Courtney Hallenbeck

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Heather Lowe

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Megan Milbury

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1317

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Start Your Day the PBIS Way LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Start your school day with intention and impact. This interactive session will introduce three evidence-based strategies designed to build a positive, inclusive classroom climate from the moment students walk through the door. Presenters Abby Patel and Leslie McKinley will model each practice—Positive Greetings at the Door, Responsive Classroom Morning Meetings, and CW-FIT—while sharing the latest research, essential components, and practical tips for implementation. Participants will engage in hands-on planning and leave with actionable steps to strengthen student relationships, increase engagement, and support behavior proactively.

Speakers

Leslie McKinley

PBIS Coach, Olathe School District

A dedicated educator with 25 years of experience, she has served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and school counselor. Currently a PBIS Coach, she supports schools in cultivating positive, inclusive learning environments. Passionate about student success, she specializes... Read More →

Abby Patel

PBIS Coach, Olathe School District

Abby Patel is currently a PBIS coach for the Olathe School District. She supports buildings in developing and implementing their PBIS framework at the early childhood through high school levels. She has over 13 years of experience in PBIS and special education and is also a certified... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1316

Audience Elementary

10:00am CDT

Understanding Wit & Wisdom's Design: Learning to Write- Part 2 LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

In this session, participants will
learn about Wit & Wisdom's writing models and Craft Stages and how they scaffold writing instruction for all students

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Getting Started with Geodes LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

This session introduces educators to the research behind Geodes as well as to the accessible, knowledge-building approach of this early literacy program. Explore implementation resources and learn a flexible framework for instruction.

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Grace, Not Passivity: Addressing Anxiety, ADHD, and Trauma in the Classroom FILLING

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Teachers often work with students with a wide variety of mental health needs in the classroom. This sometimes leaves people feeling frustrated by the response, unsure of how to respond, or hopeless that it is not working. In this session, we will discuss how teachers can balance having grace for a student's needs and holding them accountable. We will explore different interventions that can help build classroom community and accountability while meeting all students where they are at.

Speakers

Kathryn Dorrell

Mental Health Professional, Olathe School District

I am a Mental Health Professional with the Olathe School District, serving pre-K to 5th grade.

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1205

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

How to Make Writing in Wit & Wisdom Fun and Tie in Key Components from Writers' Workshop LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

In this session you will learn how to bring some key elements from Writers Workshop into the writing you do in Wit & Wisdom. You will take away ideas and strageties to incorporate in your own class to give students a little more choice in how they complete the writing in the Wit & Wisdom lessons.

Speakers

Crystal Bader

3rd grade teacher, Millbrooke Elementary

I am a 3rd grade teacher and have taught in Olathe for 7 years. I have gotten the chance to teach Kindergarten through 3rd grade. I have a 2 year old daughter and a 4 year old son who gets to start kindergarten this August in Olathe. I love attending summer conference and leading... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1310

Audience Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Scaffolding Complex Text in Wit and Wisdom LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Engaging students in rich, complex texts is at the heart of Wit & Wisdom's approach to literacy, but navigating these rigorous materials requires intentional scaffolding. In this session, educators will explore practical strategies to support all learners—without watering down the content. Participants will learn how to anticipate student needs, design pre-reading and during-reading supports, and leverage key components of Wit & Wisdom Multilingual Learner Resource.

Speakers

Maggie Richardson

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Lauren Wohlford

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 1315

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Getting Started with Geodes LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

This session introduces educators to the research behind Geodes as well as to the accessible, knowledge-building approach of this early literacy program. Explore implementation resources and learn a flexible framework for instruction.

Speakers

Corby Naylor

Success Coach, Great Minds

Corby Naylor is a Success Coach with Great Minds. Previously, she taught all grades K through 5 and was an instructional coach, middle school assistant principal and a site principal of a K-8. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her three children and husband who flies F-16s at Luke Air... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1307

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Grace, Not Passivity: Addressing Anxiety, ADHD, and Trauma in the Classroom LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Teachers often work with students with a wide variety of mental health needs in the classroom. This sometimes leaves people feeling frustrated by the response, unsure of how to respond, or hopeless that it is not working. In this session, we will discuss how teachers can balance having grace for a student's needs and holding them accountable. We will explore different interventions that can help build classroom community and accountability while meeting all students where they are at.

Speakers

Kathryn Dorrell

Mental Health Professional, Olathe School District

I am a Mental Health Professional with the Olathe School District, serving pre-K to 5th grade.

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1205

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

How to Make Writing in Wit & Wisdom Fun and Tie in Key Components from Writers' Workshop LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

In this session you will learn how to bring some key elements from Writers Workshop into the writing you do in Wit & Wisdom. You will take away ideas and strageties to incorporate in your own class to give students a little more choice in how they complete the writing in the Wit & Wisdom lessons.

Speakers

Crystal Bader

3rd grade teacher, Millbrooke Elementary

I am a 3rd grade teacher and have taught in Olathe for 7 years. I have gotten the chance to teach Kindergarten through 3rd grade. I have a 2 year old daughter and a 4 year old son who gets to start kindergarten this August in Olathe. I love attending summer conference and leading... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1310

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Our Journey to Strong Tier 1 Focused PLCs LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Library

Are you wanting to strengthen your collegial and academic conversations around Tier 1 instruction in your PLCs? Come hear about our 2 year journey to stronger PLCs focused around the standards, learning intentions and success criteria, high quality instruction, common formative assessments, and how we address and meet all student needs based on our CFA data. Learn about our successes while engaging deeply in the 4 PLC questions, but more importantly the challenges we have faced and how we work to overcome them. Hear from the principal, instructional coach and some of our PLC leads about the process we took to transform our PLCs into rich academic conversations that are positively impacting our student data! This session would be great for a principal, instructional coach, and teacher leaders to attend together if possible, but not necessary to take away valuable learning around this important work we engage in.

Speakers

Christy Farr

Instructional Coach, Rolling Ridge

I am the instructional coach at RR.

Danielle Haldeman

principal, Rolling Ridge

I am the principal at RR.

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Library

Audience Elementary

2:30pm CDT

Scaffolding Complex Text in Wit and Wisdom LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Engaging students in rich, complex texts is at the heart of Wit & Wisdom's approach to literacy, but navigating these rigorous materials requires intentional scaffolding. In this session, educators will explore practical strategies to support all learners—without watering down the content. Participants will learn how to anticipate student needs, design pre-reading and during-reading supports, and leverage key components of Wit & Wisdom Multilingual Learner Resource.

Speakers

Maggie Richardson

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Lauren Wohlford

Instructional Coach, Olathe Public Schools

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1315

Audience Elementary

Olathe Summer Conference 2025

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