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Thursday, July 24
 

7:00am EDT

Breakfast - open to Registrants and Corporate Partners
Thursday July 24, 2025 7:00am - 7:55am EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 7:00am - 7:55am EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

7:00am EDT

Registration Table Open
Thursday July 24, 2025 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

8:00am EDT

MSAA Annual Business Meeting - Open to ALL Conference Registrants
Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00am - 8:55am EDT
Business Meetings materials will be posted here soon
Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00am - 8:55am EDT
Regency Ballroom

8:00am EDT

Coffee Bar Sponsored by Renaissance
Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

9:00am EDT

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Adolph Brown - Teaching & Learning Excellence Consultation
Thursday July 24, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Dr. Adolph Brown aka "The World's Greatest Edu-tainer" (the name given to him by friend Doug E. Fresh - "The World's Greatest Entertainer,") is an internationally renowned credentialed master teacher, character education leader, servant leadership consultant, educational & clinical psychologist, author, researcher, entrepreneur, and an influential thinker/practitioner in the fields of education, human behavior, and neuroscience. He was once the youngest tenured full professor in our nation even after his extremely humble beginnings and being the first in his family of 5 to graduate from high school.  Head Start gave Dr. Brown his aptitude for learning and he continues to grow and learn to this very day. Dr. Brown is a graduate of the College of William & Mary with degrees in Psychology, Anthropology, and a minor in Education. He completed his graduate studies in clinical psychology at the College of William and Mary extension of the Virginia Consortium for Professional Psychology (Child & Family and Education tracks). He completed his residency at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. He writes and teaches from a unique perspective of an experienced passionate & award-winning educator & research scientist, an innovative & effective business leader, and an engaging consultant. Dr. Brown has devoted his life’s mission to positive human development. Adolph loves to receive invitations to present any number of his vast array of master classes. He is not your typical “motivational speaker” or self-proclaimed “guru.” He educates, informs, challenges, and delights with some amusement and a little "show and tell.” Adolph customizes each masterclass or workshop for the audience with lots of audience participation, profound challenges, multiple takeaways, and BIG FUN!  Catch Dr. Brown and Ali Wentworth on their new television show “The Parent Test” on ABC primetime.  https://www.docspeaks.com

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Regency Ballroom

10:05am EDT

Visit with Corporate Partners
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:05am - 10:45am EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:05am - 10:45am EDT
Lobby Level

10:50am EDT

Are you an excellent school administrator? You can be by being on top of your game!
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
We all want to excel as administrators but there are only a few who are willing to make the necessary adjustments to create a community that establishes collaboration and camaraderie. If you are up to considering some changes that will enhance your staff meetings, recognize excellence in teaching, and hold productive but difficult conversations then this is the workshop for you! A few changes could mean a world of difference. By building a community of learners and leaders both staff and students excel.
Presenters
JK

Judith Kelly

Retired Principal (Framingham)
PD

Paul Daigle

Retired Principal/ Superintendent - Mendon Upton Regional, retired administrator
We all want to excel as administrators but there are only a few who are willing to make the necessary adjustments to create a community that establishes collaboration and camaraderie. If you are up to considering some changes that will enhance your staff meetings, recognize excellence... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Manomet

10:50am EDT

Innovating Education: Harnessing AI Tools for Enhanced School Leadership
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
In this session, I will showcase how AI tools like ChatGPT, Napkin AI, and Canva can enhance school leadership, streamline communication, and improve decision-making processes. By sharing practical examples from Henry C. Sanborn School, participants will learn how these tools can support administrative tasks, professional development, and school culture initiatives. Attendees will also engage in a hands-on activity to explore how AI tools can be applied in their own schools. Whether it's drafting communication, creating data visualizations, or designing engaging presentations, these tools offer efficient ways to meet the challenges of modern educational leadership. The session will also address challenges such as balancing AI with human judgment and ensuring data privacy, providing a holistic view of how AI can serve as a valuable asset in education.
Presenters
CF

Carolyn Fawcett

Principal, Henry C. Sanborn School, Andover Public Schools
In this session, I will showcase how AI tools like ChatGPT, Napkin AI, and Canva can enhance school leadership, streamline communication, and improve decision-making processes. By sharing practical examples from Henry C. Sanborn School, participants will learn how these tools can... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Standish

10:50am EDT

Using Yondr Pouches to Control Cell Phone Usage
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Northbridge High School is currently in its second year of implementing the Yondr Pouch program, designed to create a phone-free learning environment. Throughout this process, we have encountered and navigated a range of challenges unique to our school community.

In this session, we will provide an in-depth review of our implementation journey, including the obstacles we faced, the solutions we developed, and key takeaways for other schools considering a similar initiative. We will share improvement data and insights from regular staff surveys to illustrate the impact on classroom dynamics, student engagement, and overall school culture.

Attendees will gain practical strategies for addressing common concerns, streamlining implementation, and maximizing the benefits of a phone-free environment. The session will conclude with an open Q&A to address specific questions from participants.
Presenters
avatar for Scott Connery

Scott Connery

Dr. Scott Connery, Principal Northbridge High School, Northbridge High School
Northbridge High School is currently in its second year of implementing the Yondr Pouch program, designed to create a phone-free learning environment. Throughout this process, we have encountered and navigated a range of challenges unique to our school community. In this session... Read More →
ET

Eric Tracey

Assistant Principal, Northbridge High School
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Wampanoag

10:50am EDT

What's Your Important Work?
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Sharon McMahon said in a podcast with Adam Grant, "You can't stop somebody who enjoys their important work in the world." In a session filled with much needed music and joy, we will challenge ourselves together to identify our own important work in the world. Regardless of our titles, we will have the opportunity to identify what it is we are currently doing in the positions we hold, what lives in our hearts that we would like to do, and the non-negotiables we are committed to taking with us wherever our careers take us. We will have time to tweak our own job descriptions, brainstorm ways in which we can share them, as well as consider ways in which we can ask others to do the same, even our students. As we share and learn from each other, we will dive into creating next steps in whatever journeys we are on so that we can lead in ways that empower us to do our important work in the world and enjoy it.
Presenters
avatar for Nili Bartley

Nili Bartley

Personalized Learning Coach, Natick Public Schools
Sharon McMahon said in a podcast with Adam Grant, "You can't stop somebody who enjoys their important work in the world." In a session filled with much needed music and joy, we will challenge ourselves together to identify our own important work in the world. Regardless of our titles... Read More →
BM

Brenda Maurao

Assistant Principal, Holliston Public Schools
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Regency A

10:50am EDT

A Playlist for Principals Utilizing Grunge Leadership: 10 Alternative Ideas for Educational Leaders
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Step into the world of 90s alternative rock and discover how the raw energy, emotion, and rebellion of the grunge era can inspire innovative school leadership. This session, designed for educational leaders, pairs ten iconic songs with ten transformative leadership lessons. Each track serves as a metaphor for navigating the complexities of school administration, from fostering resilience and student engagement to embracing change and breaking free from outdated practices. Attendees will explore how the rebellious spirit of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and other legendary bands aligns with key leadership principles. Let Marty Geoghegan rock out with you in your best flannel to leave feeling energized and ready to tackle the ever-evolving educational landscape. Whether you're a longtime fan of alternative rock or just looking for fresh leadership insights, this session promises a unique and impactful experience. Come as you are, and let's rock the future of education together!
Presenters
avatar for Martin Geoghegan

Martin Geoghegan

Principal, Henri A. Yelle Elementary School/Norton Public Schools
Step into the world of 90s alternative rock and discover how the raw energy, emotion, and rebellion of the grunge era can inspire innovative school leadership. This session, designed for educational leaders, pairs ten iconic songs with ten transformative leadership lessons. Each track... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Regency C

10:50am EDT

Apple Intelligence for Education: A New Era of Innovation
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Learn how a new era of innovation in education is here, transforming what leaders, educators, and students can do with Apple products - and what Apple products can do for them. This session is designed to help school leaders and educators navigate how Apple Intelligence fits into their school and learning environments privately and securely. Explore how Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates into system experiences and apps used every day, and how new tools such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Transcripts use personal context to deliver intelligence that's useful and relevant, enhancing productivity and creativity.
Presenters
LS

Larry Shaps

K12 Account Executive, Apple Inc.
DD

Dan DelVecchio

K12 Systems Engineer, Apple Inc.
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Carver

10:50am EDT

Guiding a Reading Revolution in High School Classrooms
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Nearly 70% of high school students can't independently read and understand high school-level text. As they observe their students struggle with the assigned reading, teachers feel helpless. They tell their administrators, "I am not a reading teacher!" This presentation will discuss an approach in which administrators guide teachers in the building of a classroom community that enables all students--whether they are three years ahead or 5 years behind--become passionate and skilled readers of advanced text.

Recent research reveals an approach to literacy that can be implemented in all classrooms. Participants in this presentation and simulation will experience actual high school classrooms in which students of all levels enjoy performing readings of complex text, debating interpretations, and writing powerful essays. We will discuss a protocol for classroom observations that fosters a dynamic give-and-take between administrator and teacher as this approach takes root.

Presenters
AU

Arthur Unobskey

CEO Riveting Results, former principal (12 years) and superintendent, Riveting Results, Inc.
Nearly 70% of high school students can't independently read and understand high school-level text. As they observe their students struggle with the assigned reading, teachers feel helpless. They tell their administrators, "I am not a reading teacher!" This presentation will discuss... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Halifax

10:50am EDT

Literacy in the Vocational Setting - Embedding Strategies that Advance All Students.
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT

An overview of literacy strategies that can be used in any classroom to help close gaps and better prepare students for success in all classes.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Mastroianni-Darche

Michele Mastroianni-Darche

Reading Specialist/Reading Teacher, Southeastern Regional
An overview of literacy strategies that can be used in any classroom to help close gaps and better prepare students for success in all classes.
AL

Alexandra Lawrence

Reading Specialist/Reading Teacher, Southeastern Regional
ED

Emily Driscoll

CCC-SLP/Reading Teacher, Southeastern Regional
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Plympton

10:50am EDT

Responding in Real Time to Equity Issues in Our Schools
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Systematic discrimination and oppression impacts our interactions and decisions. We acknowledge that due to inequality, we all have not lived the same experience or have access to the same opportunities such as education and employment, which influences our daily lives. As we are working towards being anti racist institutions, it is important to be cognizant of our identity and how it impacts our daily interactions. This session will allow participants to consider strategies for how they might address authentic school-based equity scenarios using the "Reflection Tool for Equity in Education."
Presenters
AP

Ashley Pierre

Executive Director of Human Resources, Cambridge Public Schools
SL

Scott Lipman

Principal, McDevitt Middle School, Waltham, MA
Systematic discrimination and oppression impacts our interactions and decisions. We acknowledge that due to inequality, we all have not lived the same experience or have access to the same opportunities such as education and employment, which influences our daily lives. As we are... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 10:50am - 11:40am EDT
Regency B

11:15am EDT

Lunch - Corporate Partners
Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 11:45am EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 11:15am - 11:45am EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

11:45am EDT

Lunch - Registrants
Thursday July 24, 2025 11:45am - 12:40pm EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 11:45am - 12:40pm EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

12:45pm EDT

Visit with Corporate Partners
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:45pm - 1:25pm EDT
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:45pm - 1:25pm EDT
Lobby Level

1:30pm EDT

Building Bridges Across Difference & Navigating Crucial Conversations
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
It's undeniable that headlines about major world events and political division affect all of our every-day lives. And it's inevitable that these tensions show up in our communities and schools. This reality has many school leaders seeking tools and support to help them navigate crucial conversations with teachers, students, and other stakeholders. This conversation will share insights from Facing History & Ourselves' expertise in helping school leaders and educators adopt approaches that emphasize ways to build bridges across difference and practice the skills of civil dialogue, fact-based learning, inquiry, and self-reflection in classrooms, schools, and beyond.
Presenters
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Carver

1:30pm EDT

Case Studies in School Leadersip
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
As school leaders, we have all had experiences that lead us to say, "well, that's one for the book!" In this session, we will have an opportunity to reflect on situations and case studies that test our responsiveness, resilience, and patience - while also giving some time to laugh at the things that we all deal with but maybe don't get a chance to talk about. Using a framework of "the genius is the room," participants will analyze some real-life experiences of school leaders and come up with some different ideas to put in the toolbox, even if they are never or infrequently used.
Presenters
avatar for Michael Rubin

Michael Rubin

Principal, Uxbridge High School, Uxbridge High School
As school leaders, we have all had experiences that lead us to say, "well, that's one for the book!" In this session, we will have an opportunity to reflect on situations and case studies that test our responsiveness, resilience, and patience - while also giving some time to laugh... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Regency B

1:30pm EDT

Social Security Fairness Act 2025 Workshop
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Let's review the financial benefits to MA educators as a result of the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) pursuant to the Social Security Fairness Act 2025. This is the same workshop offered during MSAA's 2025 Winter Conference - Presented by Karen Vernamonti Agent - Horace Mann Middleboro
Presenters
KV

Karen Vernamonti

Exclusive Agent, Horace Mann
Let's review the financial benefits to MA educators as a result of the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) pursuant to the Social Security Fairness Act 2025. This is the same workshop offered during MSAA's 2025 Winter Conference... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Regency C

1:30pm EDT

The Loneliness Epidemic and Secondary Education
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Description:
According to the World Health Organization (2023), 5-15% of adolescents experience loneliness. As reported in Ed Week (2023), this is something that experts warn may be connected to an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. What is more, once these adolescents become young adults, the loneliness rate jumps further. In fact, in 2024, Harvard's Making Caring Common reported that 24% of adults ages 18-29 reported serious feelings of loneliness. This number is staggering if we are to consider public schools as a community hub and as places vital to the strength, connectivity, and economic development of a location (Jacobson, 2016).

It is for these reasons that loneliness is a concept that should be at the forefront of school and district discussions, as addressing this concern can help improve academic, social, and community outcomes, all the while, helping students become more invested in their communities, connect
Presenters
KW

Katie Warren

Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs, Diman Regional
avatar for Elvio Ferreira

Elvio Ferreira

Director of CTE, Brockton Public Schools
Description:According to the World Health Organization (2023), 5-15% of adolescents experience loneliness. As reported in Ed Week (2023), this is something that experts warn may be connected to an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Standish

1:30pm EDT

Improving Student Engagement
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Educator evaluation standard II A notes that teachers should "engage all students as active participants; build on students' strengths, interests, cultural backgrounds, and prior knowledge; and facilitate purposeful student-to-student academic discourse..." How can educational leaders support teachers in this endeavor? What simple but powerful strategies can coaches or observers offer that can be implemented immediately to help teachers talk less and make students do more of the cognitive work? This engaging and fast-paced session will provide tools that can nudge teachers in the right direction.
Presenters
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Halifax

1:30pm EDT

Creating the Conditions for Effective Curriculum Implementation
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are most effective when implemented skillfully within a supportive environment, but setting up that environment and understanding which materials will best serve a particular classroom or school context can be a challenge. As a state leader in equitable, strategic HQIM initiatives, the Rennie Center is eager to support schools with selecting curricular materials that fit the diversity of learning needs within their community. In this presentation, Rennie staff will describe the steps that school leaders can use to prepare for curriculum implementation, such as setting a shared, data-informed instructional vision. They will also discuss how school leaders can avoid "analysis paralysis" as they investigate new curricula and select materials appropriate for their environment. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to prepare for and launch a curriculum selection process, maximizing the benefits of HQIM for students and staff.
Presenters
GW

Grace Wang

Senior Manager of Academic Performance, Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are most effective when implemented skillfully within a supportive environment, but setting up that environment and understanding which materials will best serve a particular classroom or school context can be a challenge. As a state leader... Read More →
CD

Chad d'Entremont

Executive Director, Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Manomet

1:30pm EDT

Middle School Sets the Stage For Success...and Saving The World
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Far too often we see academic growth in 11th grade, but because students are starting so many years below grade level graduates have permanent math and reading deficits.

Learn how some very special programs has harnessed the power of middle school with immediate impact. Model, personalize and adopt the three tenets (Academic Prep, College Aspiration and College Entry) of academic success, plug skill gaps, scaffold supplemental instruction and increase engagement so your program has measurable impact for six consecutive years.

Students who are above grade level before they start 11th grade can save the world.
Presenters
avatar for David Waldherr

David Waldherr

Founder, Cambridge Grant Award Program, Cambridge Grant Award Program
Far too often we see academic growth in 11th grade, but because students are starting so many years below grade level graduates have permanent math and reading deficits. Learn how some very special programs has harnessed the power of middle school with immediate impact. Model, personalize... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Plympton

1:30pm EDT

So, You Want to Be an Assistant Superintendent?
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Are you considering the leap into district leadership? Wondering what it really takes to thrive as an Assistant Superintendent? Join us for an interactive and candid workshop designed for aspiring Assistant Superintendents, facilitated by experienced members of the M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Working Group (A.S.W.G.).

This dynamic session will provide:

✅ Insider insights into the expectations, challenges, and rewards of the Assistant Superintendent role
✅ Essential resources to help you successfully navigate your first year
✅ A sneak peek at the upcoming Aspiring Assistant Superintendent Seminar launching in the 2025-2026 school year
✅ A guided panel discussion where seasoned leaders will share their experiences and answer your burning questions

Whether you're actively preparing for the next step in your career or just exploring the possibilities, this session will equip you with practical knowledge, valuable connections, and the confidence to move forward.
Presenters
EM

Ellen Martin

Assistant Superintendent of Schools / Assistant Superintendent Working Group Member, Marshfield Public Schools
Are you considering the leap into district leadership? Wondering what it really takes to thrive as an Assistant Superintendent? Join us for an interactive and candid workshop designed for aspiring Assistant Superintendents, facilitated by experienced members of the M.A.S.S. Assistant... Read More →
CG

Catherine Goguen

Chief Academic Officer / Assistant Superintendent Working Group Facilitator, Gardner Public Schools
EW

Elizabeth Wilcox

Assistant Superintendent of Schools / Assistant Superintendent Working Group Member, Duxbury Public Schools
CF

Christine Francis

Educational Leadership Consultant / Assistant Superintendent Working Group Member, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Wampanoag

1:30pm EDT

Renaissance Leadership: Creating Brave and Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA Youth & Adults in Schools
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
In today's educational landscape, school leaders and educators must be prepared to foster inclusive, affirming environments for all students. This session, "Renaissance Leadership: Creating Brave and Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA Youth & Adults in Schools," provides school leaders with practical strategies to ensure that LGBTQIA students-particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds-feel valued, seen, and supported.

Designed with an emphasis on building leadership capacity in predominantly conservative or uncertain environments, this session will equip participants with the tools to navigate resistance, develop inclusive policies, and foster belonging among all students. The workshop is inspired by Beyoncé's Renaissance album, using themes of boldness, resilience, and authenticity to empower educators to lead with confidence and compassion.
Presenters
CA

Craig Aarons-Martin

CEO, CCM Education Group
In today's educational landscape, school leaders and educators must be prepared to foster inclusive, affirming environments for all students. This session, "Renaissance Leadership: Creating Brave and Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA Youth & Adults in Schools," provides school leaders... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Regency A

1:30pm EDT

Ice Cream Available from Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream - Sponsored by Hill for Literacy
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Enjoy a sub zero ice cream for you and your family
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Lobby Level

2:30pm EDT

Administrative Mentoring
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
New administrators must be given a mentor within two weeks of hire. DESE recommends that this mentor has completed a DESE endorsed training, however, no such program exists in Massachusetts. Additionally, mentoring, in general, is often left to local control. Administrators mentoring experience differs from one school to the next and often from one mentor to the next. While this allows for professional decision making, it leaves room for much error, and often leaves proteges without an equitable onboarding experience.
Presenters
avatar for Elvio Ferreira

Elvio Ferreira

Director of CTE, Brockton Public Schools
Description:According to the World Health Organization (2023), 5-15% of adolescents experience loneliness. As reported in Ed Week (2023), this is something that experts warn may be connected to an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal... Read More →
KW

Katie Warren

Principal of Academic Affairs, Diman Regional
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Regency B

2:30pm EDT

Building, Cultivating, & Maintaining A Positive School Culture
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
This presentation caters to the new and veteran building leader, and has a particular focus on a humanistic approach to building and maintaining a positive school culture. From meeting new staff members to planning staff events to modeling professional reflective practices - and everything in between - this presentation offers a variety of strategies and practices to ensure a positive, sustainable school culture. While the content of the presentation is most applicable for middle and high school leadership, the majority of the conversation is relatable to educational leaders at all levels. The crux of the strategies discussed are based off of my ten years of administrative experience as a high school assistant principal, high school principal, and middle school principal (which followed my 12 years as a history teacher at the middle and high school levels). I take a very practical, rational approach to building leadership and continue to prioritize a positive culture in my building
Presenters
TM

Timothy McMahon

Principal, Marshall Simonds Middle School/Burlington Public Schools
This presentation caters to the new and veteran building leader, and has a particular focus on a humanistic approach to building and maintaining a positive school culture. From meeting new staff members to planning staff events to modeling professional reflective practices - and everything... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Wampanoag

2:30pm EDT

Happier, Healthier, and Focused on Learning: Our Journey to a Phone-Free School
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Our district has gone cell-phone free, with remarkably positive results. While getting to this point was a heavy lift, the hard work has paid off in an improved school culture for every student. (Pioneer Valley is one of the districts featured in the MA Attorney General's Toolkit for School Leaders around cell phones and social media.)

Participants will learn about our district's experience in three key areas: how we collaborated with School Committee to craft the phone-free policy, how we communicated with our community before and during the change, and how we have implemented the policy carefully and consistently with students.

We will share a well-curated set of resources that will be helpful to any district working towards a healthy, phone-free environment for students.
Presenters
PK

Patricia Kinsella

Superintendent, Pioneer Valley Regional School District
Our district has gone cell-phone free, with remarkably positive results. While getting to this point was a heavy lift, the hard work has paid off in an improved school culture for every student. (Pioneer Valley is one of the districts featured in the MA Attorney General's Toolkit... Read More →
AS

Anne Scanlan-Emigh

Principal, Pioneer Valley Regional School
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Standish

2:30pm EDT

Help your counselors work smarter, not harder: How school leaders can get the most out of their professional school counselors.
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
School counselors play a critical role in student success, but they are often stretched thin with competing demands. How can school leaders create an environment that allows counselors to maximize their impact without burning out? In this interactive breakout session, we'll explore strategies for optimizing your counseling team's time, streamlining responsibilities, and aligning their work with schoolwide goals. Learn how to remove unnecessary burdens, leverage proven practices, and foster a collaborative culture that supports both student achievement and counselor well-being. Walk away with actionable insights to help your counselors work smarter-not harder-so they can focus on what they do best: supporting students.
Presenters
JM

Jennifer McGuire

College & Career Information Coordinator, New Bedford Public Schools
School counselors play a critical role in student success, but they are often stretched thin with competing demands. How can school leaders create an environment that allows counselors to maximize their impact without burning out? In this interactive breakout session, we'll explore... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Regency C

2:30pm EDT

Increase Instructional Time; Decrease Teacher & Student Frustration
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
When students are in the principal's office, they are missing out on instructional time. Teachers and students are frustrated with the ongoing minor conflicts and disruptive behavior. This session will provide the tips and strategies teachers need to remain calm and respond right when challenged. All educators and students benefit from a healthy, caring, positive, productive, and respectful environment and these are the approaches for how to create it.

When teachers use these techniques consistently and effectively, you will see improvement for both discipline and academic performance of students, improvement in both classroom and school climate, and a reduction of both teacher stress and student failure.

Join Pamela to understand the specific strategies that will empower students with the readiness and confidence to learn and teachers with the time and energy to teach!
Presenters
PP

Pamela Penna

Retired Administrator, The Park School (retired)
When students are in the principal's office, they are missing out on instructional time. Teachers and students are frustrated with the ongoing minor conflicts and disruptive behavior. This session will provide the tips and strategies teachers need to remain calm and respond right... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Manomet

2:30pm EDT

How Did You Get That: Improving Open Response Answers in Math Grades 2-10
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Data the MCAS suggests that some students know more than they show in their open response answers. For other students, open response questions can reveal a lack of deep understanding - an inability to go further up Bloom's taxonomy of thinking or show their thinking. This engaging and fast-paced workshop focuses on helping teachers to help students develop comprehensive and thorough answers to open response questions in mathematics. Participants will learn techniques to get every student involved in thinking and taking responsibility for math learning. There will be a special emphasis on techniques from the amazing book, Building a Thinking Classroom. Also, ideas to help teachers to design and score quick assessments, help teachers review and preview material that help with pacing and ideas to build both number and vocabulary fluency.
Presenters
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Carver

2:30pm EDT

Building Resilient Schools: Mental Health Literacy in Tier 1 Supports
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
How can schools integrate proactive, Tier 1 Mental Health Literacy (MHL) into their schools as part of a Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) while aligning with evolving health education standards? During this interactive session, Mental Health Collaborative (MHC), a national nonprofit based in MA, will explore why MHL is critical to include in MTSS and include the four key components of MHL: reducing stigma, understanding mental illnesses, promoting positive mental health, and enhancing help-seeking efficacy. Participants will walk away with actionable steps and evidence-based tools to bring this education to educators, middle and high school students, athletic coaches, and caregivers. This session is designed for school administrators seeking to build sustainable, school-wide mental health initiatives that support students, staff, and families.

Presenters
AR

Abbie Rosenberg

Founder/Executive Director/ Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Collaborative
How can schools integrate proactive, Tier 1 Mental Health Literacy (MHL) into their schools as part of a Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) while aligning with evolving health education standards? During this interactive session, Mental Health Collaborative (MHC), a national... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Halifax

2:30pm EDT

From Loss to Learning: Understanding the Impact of Grief on Students
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Grief significantly shapes the emotional and developmental journey of young people, often creating barriers to their learning and overall well-being. The way adults, particularly educators, respond to a student's experience of loss can either foster resilience or deepen their challenges. "From Loss to Learning" equips school leaders with essential insights to better understand the importance of being grief-informed in supporting student success. Participants will explore the prevalence of loss among youth, the varied ways grief manifests in school settings, and the profound impact it has on students' academic performance, behavior, and emotional health. This session empowers educators to create compassionate, supportive environments where students who are grieving can thrive.
Presenters
TR

Therese Ross

Executive Director, Rick's Place - Grief Support
Grief significantly shapes the emotional and developmental journey of young people, often creating barriers to their learning and overall well-being. The way adults, particularly educators, respond to a student's experience of loss can either foster resilience or deepen their challenges... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Plympton

2:30pm EDT

Student Study Teams w/in MTSS - The How to the Why
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Student Study Teams (SST) are collaborative groups within the MTSS framework that address students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. This session will explain how the SSTs work within West Springfield Middle School, from early development to full implementation, with tangible takeaways for those ready to create a SST at their building.
Presenters
avatar for Nicole Manning

Nicole Manning

Assistant Principal, West Springfield Middle School
Student Study Teams (SST) are collaborative groups within the MTSS framework that address students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. This session will explain how the SSTs work within West Springfield Middle School, from early development to full implementation, with... Read More →
PL

Pete Lantaigne

Assistant Principal, West Springfield Middle School
Thursday July 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Regency A

4:00pm EDT

Happy Hour Reception - Sponsored by HMH & Hotel 1620 - Music provided by New England Best DJ
Thursday July 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Be sure to capture the moment in the Photo Booth!
Thursday July 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Atlantic (Second Floor - Main/Lobby Level)

6:00pm EDT

 
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