Olathe Summer Conference 2025: Full Schedule

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

10:00am CDT

The New Drug Talk and Narcan Training LIMITED

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

This session will focus on understanding impacts of the fentanyl crisis on our students, their families, and our society. Heidi will lead an interactive session, which will allow participants to delve into what a teen student experiences when faced with the choices and possible consequences of substance use. Sarah will train participants on the use of the opioid rescue medication Naloxone (Narcan) and it's importance of being prepared both at home, and in our school district.

Speakers

Heidi Tomassi and Sarah Gilliland, DNP

Fentanyl & Substance Abuse Education Specialist, Director of Health Services, OPS

Heidi is the Fentanyl and Substance Abuse Education Specialist for OPS. She educates students, their families, and staff about the dangers of fentanyl and other substances commonly abused. She talks to students in a transparent and approachable manner to make the topics easier for... Read More →

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

All

Audience All

12:30pm CDT

Scaffolding for Student Success: Supporting Learning Step-by-Step LIMITED

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

Choir Room

Educators will explore the concept of scaffolding- a powerful instructional strategy that helps students bridge the gap between what they know and what they are learning. Participants will learn how to break complex tasks into manageable steps, provide appropriate support, and gradually release responsibility as students gain confidence and independence.

Speakers

Kelly Tines

Director of Curriculum and Instructional Support, Olathe Public Schools

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

All

Audience All

2:30pm CDT

Play to Learn: Building Executive Function Skills Through Games LIMITED

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

Choir Room

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

Elementary

Audience Elementary

8:00am CDT

Structured Work Systems in the Classroom LIMITED

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

Choir Room

In this training, participants will learn what a work system is, its components, and how to set up a systematic and organized system for presenting work to students in the general education and special education classrooms.

Speakers

Ashley Linz

Autism Specialist, De Soto School District

Ashley Linz, an Autism Specialist in the De Soto School District, brings 16 years of experience in Special Education. Her diverse background includes roles as a paraprofessional, center-based autism classroom teacher, autism specialist, blogger for The Autism Helper, and swim lesson... Read More →

Kaitlen North

Instructional Specialist for Special Services, USD232

I am proud to be a product of the DeSoto School District and feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the past 13 years serving the students in this community. For 11 years, I worked as a special education teacher at the middle school level, supporting students in both resource room... Read More →

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

Special Education