FREE Summer Conference on August 22 OR August 23 

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

THE NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS (THE NEWTON PARTNERSHIP)

WITH SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION*

More and more, educators and others working in Masschusetts schools, preschools, and other programs note that many students are not coming to school able to make the most of what is being offered to them educationally. Be it stress, depression or other mental health concerns, bullying or a difficult family situation, there is a lot going on under the surface for many of our students.

We are pleased to be offering two separate 1-day conferences for staff in Massachusetts public school districts in August.  Both conference days will cover some of the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns facing students.  Teachers, administators, nurses and others working with students ages K to 18 are welcome to attend.  Topics are listed below.

We are excited about what the conferences have in store to address our collective understanding of the challenges facing kids of all ages and hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to kick off your school year with some great professional development.  5 Professional Development hours will be awarded for each conference day.

Please note that there are two conference dates available: Wednesday, August 22 AND/OR Thursday, August 23 Participants may choose one OR BOTH of the two days.

Schedule At-a-Glance for both Conference Days

Wednesday, August 22

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.      Registration

9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Keynote :  Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Times  with Rob Evans, EdD 

10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Break and Transition to Morning Sessions

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Morning Breakout Sessions

• Adolescent Depression: Symptoms, Tools, and Prevention (Nadjia Reilly, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology)
• Promoting Positive Body Image in the School Setting (Lindsay Brady, Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association)
• Adoption in the Classroom:  Creating an Inclusive Environment for Complex Families (Debra Shrier, Jewish Family and Children's Services)
• Transforming School Discipline Practices: The Collaborative Problem Solving Approach (Craig Murphy, Newton Public Schools)

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.      Lunch (bring your own or buy locally)

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.      Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention for Middle and High School (Meghan McCoy, Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center)
• Discussing What Matters Most to Parents – Their Children (Craig Murphy, Newton Public Schools)
• Straight From the Heart: Using Children’s Literature to Enhance Social and Emotional Learning (Peg Sawyer, Open Circle, Wellesley College)
• Achievement Motivation for Students of Color  (Katani Sumner, Newton Public Schools)

3:00 p.m. Evaluations, PD Certificate pick up and departure

Thursday, August 23

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.     Registration

9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.      Welcome and Introductions

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.    Keynote:  Bullying:  Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Someone Blue  with Elizabeth Englander, PhD

10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.  Break and Transition to Morning Sessions

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.   Morning Breakout Sessions 

• Monkeys, Beavers, Dolphins, & Owls:  Using Temperament in Your Program or Classroom(Deborah Weinstock-Savoy, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology)
• Straight From the Heart: Using Children’s Literature to Enhance Social and Emotional Learning (Peg Sawyer, Open Circle, Wellesley College)
• Out of Harm’s Way:  Assessing Suicide Risk in Middle and High School Students (Jim McCauley, Riverside Trauma Center)

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.     Lunch (bring your own or buy locally)

1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.      Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• Skills for Supporting GLBTQ Youth (Health Imperatives)
• Understanding and Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Classroom and Beyond (Scott McLeod, Aspire (formerly YouthCare at MGH))
• Adoption in the Classroom:  Creating and Inclusive Environment for Complex Families (Debra Shrier, Jewish Family and Children's Services)

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.     Evaluations, PD Certificate pickup and departure

*This conference is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Register For August 22nd

Register For August 23rd