2025 Summer Symposium: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

10:15am CDT

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Stress and intense emotions like anxiety, anger, and shame weigh on students and staff alike. Plus, many students seem to be lacking the frustration tolerance needed for academic success. While there are no quick fixes for life’s complex challenges, this hands-on workshop will provide an SEL toolbox refill…with a few takeaways for the child inside us all.

Speakers

Jessica Sinarski

Founder, BraveBrains

Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH is an author, educator, and the founder of BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world, translating neuroscience into action steps for kids and adults alike. Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Ziock Ballroom B

Breakout #1

12:15pm CDT

My Cruising Altitude

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT

Ziock Ballroom B

In order to Celebrate Resillence, we must understand that success is born of challenges. Every day we wake and with pure will, push against the constant weight of gravity to rise above. We defy odds with persistence and meet the turbulent ascent of our being with an expectation of grace and contentment. Wherever that journey may take us, we strive to find the best of ourselves and maintain a life in balance…our cruising altitude.

Speakers

Heidy LaFleur

Founder, CEO, Heidy with a Why, Inc.

Heidy LaFleur is a vibrant and common sense leader with an explosive passion for helping people understand trauma, the life-changing impact of true leadership & the critical importance of social emotional learning. She is a forever teacher, former school principal and most importantly... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ziock Ballroom B

Breakout #2

global Y

1:30pm CDT

Start Strong to Stay Strong!

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Ziock Ballroom B

"Start Strong to Stay Strong!" is a session designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies necessary to establish a conducive learning environment right from the beginning of each school day. The program emphasizes the implementation of rituals and routines aimed at fostering a sense of safety, belonging, community, and self-efficacy among students. By incorporating elements such as personalized greetings, purposeful partnering, community building activities, dedicated family time, and goal setting exercises, educators will learn how to create a nurturing atmosphere that sets the stage for successful learning experiences.

Participants will explore the significance of each component of the "Strong Start" framework and discover practical techniques for seamlessly integrating them into their daily routines. By prioritizing relationship-building and social-emotional development, educators will not only enhance student engagement but also cultivate a classroom culture where every individual feels valued and supported.

Moreover, "Strong Start" recognizes the crucial role of a positive classroom climate in optimizing tier one instruction. By laying the groundwork for a cohesive learning community, educators can facilitate more effective teaching and learning experiences, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes for all students.

Join us in "Start Strong to Stay Strong!" and embark on a journey towards creating a classroom environment where students thrive, relationships flourish, and learning happens from the very first bell.

Speakers

Elizabeth Hand

Instructional Coach, Rockford Public School District #205

Hand is currently the instructional coach at McIntosh Elementary School in Rockford Public Schools. This is her 3rd year at McIntosh and her 8th year as a coach. Prior to coaching, she taught middle school English/Language Arts for 23 years.

Erin Salberg

Principal, Rockford Public School District #205

Salberg is currently the principal at McIntosh Elementary School in Rockford Public Schools. This is her 4th year at McIntosh. Prior to that she was principal of Nashold Early Childhood Center for 5 years. She was an elementary school teacher before becoming a principal.

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Ziock Ballroom B

Breakout #3

global Y