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

From Data To Graphs-Using Behavioral Data to Make Data Driven Decisions LIMITED

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

Workshop Style:
Participants are encouraged to bring their own data to this hands-on session, where they will learn how to transform raw data into meaningful graphs and use it to support data-based decision making. Open, collaborative discussion is welcomed throughout the workshop to foster shared learning and real-time problem solving.

Speakers

Melinda Bricker

Behavior Coach, Olathe School District

Hi, I’m Melinda Bricker, a behavior coach based in Olathe, Kansas. I’ve been working in special education for over 14 years, and I’m passionate about supporting students, families, and educators in creating positive, inclusive learning environments. Before my time in special... Read More →

Rebecca Carlson

Behavior Coach, Olathe School District

I am a behavior coach supporting elementary schools with a passion for fostering positive learning environments. My background includes years of experience as a special education teacher, working closely with students with autism spectrum disorder, as well as serving as a special... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1311

All

Audience All

2:30pm CDT

Building a Strong PLC with PBIS Integration LIMITED

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

Room 1311

Dr. Will McDowell has been able to work directly with over 50 schools at all levels in their PBIS integration. One of the most effective PLC teams with whom he has gotten to work is the 4th-grade team at Black Bob Elementary School. In this interactive presentation, we draw upon the science of PBIS and how the team of Janee Boswell, Melissa Thorsell, Kevin Nicholls, and Kelsey Huston so effectively integrates the practices of a multi-tiered system of support for not only their students’ behavior, but their own. You will leave with actionable ideas to help your own team function with greater alignment, trust, and clarity.

Speakers

Dr. Will McDowell

PBIS Coach, Olathe Public Schools

PBIS Coach, Longtime Educator, Believer in Culture and Belonging

Janee Boswell

4th Grade Teacher, Black Bob Elementary

About Janee BoswellJanee Boswell is a veteran teacher at Black Bob Elementary with 20 years of experience at the school and 21 years in education. She holds two master’s degrees—one in Reading and the other in Educational Leadership—and serves as her building’s BLT chair... Read More →

Kelsey Huston

4th Grade Teacher, Black Bob Elementary

About Kelsey Huston (Not attending in person)Kelsey Huston is a nurturing and dedicated educator who has been teaching at Black Bob Elementary for the past five years and has 14 years of experience in education overall. Known for her calm presence and ability to find the good in... Read More →

Kevin Nicholls

4th Grade Teacher, Black Bob Elementary

About Kevin NichollsKevin Nicholls is a fourth-grade teacher at Black Bob Elementary and a dedicated member of the 4th-grade PLC team. With a unique professional background as a former Executive Chef, Kevin brings creativity, structure, and real-world connections into his classroom... Read More →

Melissa Thorsell

4th Grade Teacher, Black Bob Elementary

About Melissa ThorsellMelissa Thorsell brings energy, empathy, and bilingual brilliance to the 4th-grade team at Black Bob Elementary. As a Spanish Immersion teacher and the daughter of immigrant parents, Melissa is a fierce advocate for inclusivity and equity in education. She holds... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1311

All

Audience All

10:00am CDT

Disproportionality – What is it? How did we get here? How can we use PBIS integration and Culture Setting to be a part of the solution? LIMITED

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

Room 1311

Following a positively reviewed presentation from Summer Conferences 2023 and 2024, Dr. Will McDowell and Kathleen Smith, Director of Culture and Belonging will co-present again this year as we explore additional reasons for historical disproportionate distribution of resources, punishment, and opportunity. The presenters will share historical facts that led to the outcomes within our school systems while also collectively sharing and creating solutions with the audience participation. The wise part is within us and we will find ways to allow for opportunity for all students.

Speakers

Dr. Will McDowell

PBIS Coach, Olathe Public Schools

PBIS Coach, Longtime Educator, Believer in Culture and Belonging

Kathleen Smith

Director of Culture and Belonging, Olathe Public Schools

Director of Culture and Belonging, Former teacher at Olathe Northwest

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Room 1311

All

Audience All

2:30pm CDT

Adolesence: A Drama, A Reality, and an Open Discussion of Experiences in Olathe, Kansas. LIMITED

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

Room 1311

This British Television psychological crime drama series created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham has elicited strong responses throughout the world. During this interactive presentation we will explore the themes in the four episodes through the lens of professionals, parents, adolescent students, and the you, the participant. We are all currently living or supporting people in this stage here in Olathe, KS. In the four stages of our presentation, we will explore the response of officials when something happens, the effect in school in the aftermath, the inner-thoughts young people need to process, and exploration as parents and community members in our response to so many factors. Our goal will be to acknowledge the challenges, but leave empowered with even stronger collective support for our adolescents.

Speakers