Reading Public Schools
and
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
present
Blueprint for Educational Excellence
National Institute
April 16-17, 2009
Reading Public Schools
Institute Sponsor
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Preparing Reading’s Youth To Be Productive, Informed,
Independent Citizens In A Global Society
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. 82 Oakland Road John F. Doherty
Superintendent Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Assistant Superintendent
Telephone 781-944-5800
Fax 781-942-9149 Mary C. DeLai
Director Human Resources & Finance
April 16, 2009
Dear Colleague,
I am thrilled to welcome you to our school district and to the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Institute. We
are excited that the Reading Public Schools is partnering with the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence to present
an institute that will assist us as we all move forward in providing our students with a top-notch 21st century
education.
This institute includes a keynote address by Will Richardson, internationally recognized technology integration
practitioner and author of the book Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts. There will be a variety of workshops and
“how-to” sessions sharing best practices in the areas of technology, literacy, curriculum, instructional practices,
wellness, and social emotional needs.
The Reading Public Schools has dedicated significant effort over the past several years on our journey toward
excellence. As superintendent, I am so proud of the leadership that our administrative team and our faculty
have displayed in moving our district forward. Their dedication and hard work have made a difference for our
students. We know that we are not alone on this journey and we seek to join you in your journey toward
excellence in education.
This institute allows us to build and expand partnerships and share innovative teaching strategies as well as
grow a network of educators that share our passion and vision to prepare students for their futures in a 21st
century global society. I am confident that you will leave the conference with new ideas that you can bring
back to your schools and new colleagues with which to share your journey.
Sincerely,
Pat Schettini
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools
The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.
A non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to educational success.
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to Reading, Massachusetts, and to the Blueprint for Educational Excellence
Board of Directors National Institute! This is a rare opportunity during our country’s economic downturn
to share educational excellence with the most outstanding educators in the Northeast
Bart Teal and other areas of the United States and to create a plan designed to provide
President/CEO/Founder
exemplary opportunities for all children and all schools.
Blue Ribbon Schools
Chapin, SC
bart@blueribbonschools.com My love for children has been a driving force in my life, and I understand the
importance of providing all children with the opportunity to succeed. All students do
Gary L. Burgess, Ed. D. not always have the same opportunities and it is our mission to share our collective
Chief Operating Officer knowledge with other educators for the benefit of improving the education of our
Blue Ribbon Schools children. At this institute you will be reminded constantly about your commitment to
Pendleton, SC children as you are introduced to many of the best practices that enable all children to
gburgess@blueribbonschools.com
succeed. You also will be inspired throughout this institute by students and teachers
Jim F. Chadwell
from our host district, Reading Public Schools. Let them be a constant reminder of
Deputy Superintendent why we do what we do!
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Grapevine, TX People across our land continue to give me hope that, together, we can find ways to
jchadwell@blueribbonschools.com improve the quality of life for all people, regardless of where they live, through the
power of a quality education. I believe that we will not be measured by the amount of
Joann T. O’Connell financial wealth we accumulate, but by the wealth of friends and colleagues who are
Principal dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people through access to a quality
Paladin Capital Group
education. We can all be rich by sharing the precious knowledge that we have
Washington, DC
joann@blueribbonschools.com accumulated to provide exemplary opportunities for all children.
Mary Woods Together, let us join ranks and rededicate ourselves to improving education for all
Education Consultant/ children so that they can become powerful instruments in improving the quality of
National Distinguished Principal life in our country. This institute brings together many of the best educators from the
Greer, SC Northeast and other areas of the United States. Together, let us pledge ourselves to
mary@blueribbonschools.com
excellence in education so that all children will be able to bring about positive
changes in our great country and throughout the entire globe. The stakes are too high
for us not to succeed!
Thank you for all you do for children! We trust that you will be inspired to be the
best that you can be – and carry that inspiration back to your students to enrich their
lives.
Best regards,
Bart Teal, President/CEO
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
136 Lakeside Road • Chapin, SC 29036 • www.blueribbonschools.com • info@blueribbonschools.com
Institute Agenda
At-A-Glance
Please note that all events will be held at Reading Memorial High School unless otherwise noted.
Day 1 April 16, 2009
7:00 a.m. Registration
7:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Opening Session
9:15 a.m. School Site Visits
Alice M. Barrows Elementary School
Joshua Eaton Elementary School
Walter S. Parker Middle School
Reading Memorial High School
11:45 a.m. Buses Return to Reading Memorial High School
12:00 p.m. Lunch Provided
1:00-4:00 p.m. Concurrent Workshops
Workshop 1: SMART Content Creation
Workshop 2: Blue Ribbon Administrator Roundtable
Workshop 3: Cyber Safety in Schools
Workshop 4: SMART Board™ and SMART Notebook
Software - Training Level I: Beginners
Workshop 5: SMART Board™ and SMART Notebook
Software - Training Level II: Intermediate
Workshop 6: Teaching Diverse Students
Workshop 7: 21st Century Technology Skills
Workshop 8: K-6 Guided Reading
Workshop 9: Middle to High School Transition
Day 2 April 17, 2009
7:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. General Session
10:00-10:15 a.m. Break
10:15-11:15 a.m. Staff Sharing Session 1 (“A ” Series)
11:15-11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2 (“B ” Series)
12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch Provided
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3 (“C ” Series)
2:30-3:00 p.m. Closing Session
Check out our Institute Wiki at
http://blueprintinstitute.wikispaces.com/
for handouts, presentations, and other information
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Standards
Institute Schedule
Day 1 April 16, 2009
Please note that all events will be held at Reading Memorial High School unless otherwise noted.
7:00 a.m. Registration: Main Entrance
7:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast: Cafeteria
Breakfast sponsored by O’Connor Studios.
8:00 a.m. Opening Session: Fine and Performing Arts Center
Your Master and Mistress of Ceremonies for this Institute will be Nate
Fisher and Caitlin Beckman, Reading Memorial High School seniors.
Performance
Reading Public Schools District Elementary Chorus
Welcome
Gary L. Burgess, Sr., Ed.D.
COO, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Keynote Speaker
“Children and Change”
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent
Reading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
9:15 a.m. School Site Visits
Select one of these fine Reading Public Schools to visit. Buses
will depart at approximately 9:15 a.m. Bus loading will be at
the main entrance of Reading Memorial High School. Lunch will
be served back at Reading Memorial High School.
Elementary Schools
Alice M. Barrows Elementary School
Welcome to the A.M. Barrows Elementary School, home of the Shining Stars! With its
dedicated faculty and staff, Barrows prides itself on meeting the needs of its 400 K-5
students through differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and hands-on
problem solving in an extraordinary inclusion model. To maintain an
effective learning environment in the ever-changing world of education,
Barrows' teachers actively participate in and lead professional
development opportunities across the curriculum and employ a variety of teaching
practices that include block-schedule reading, flexible grouping, and specialty
teaching. Curriculum and technology meld in a cutting-edge display of 21st Century
Skills - where Everyday Mathematics, Fundations Phonics, and guided reading
meet SMARTBoards, FlipCams, classroom Wikis and Blogs. Learning extends beyond
the curriculum with Open Circle practices, Lifelong Guidelines and Lifeskills, a
recycling initiative, and a monthly community outreach program. Our
inspiring service-oriented Student Council grants children in grades three, four and
five the opportunity to become leaders within the school. Collaboration with an active
Parent Teacher Organization and the extended Reading community yields
exceptional enrichment opportunities for the students, including an outstanding
A.P.P.L.E. extracurricular program, elementary chorus, and Read Across America
celebration. With the highest expectations for all learners, this national Blue Ribbon
Lighthouse School proudly serves as a lifelong learning environment for students and
staff as well as for aspiring educators from leading New England colleges and
universities.
Joshua Eaton Elementary School
Joshua Eaton Elementary School brings to life an enthusiasm for teaching and learning
second to none. With 450 students in grades K-5 and a faculty and staff of over 60
members, this school prides itself in continuously identifying new ways to meet the
needs of all students. Teachers have embraced technology and are truly integrating it
within all areas of the curriculum through the use of SMARTBoards, computers on
wheels, wikis, blogs, and research projects. There is an emphasis on professional
development, collaboration, and life long learning. With a philosophy of continuous
improvement through the Blue Ribbon standards, new initiatives have been designed
to strengthen the sense of school-wide community such as the student recognition and
school wide core values program and extracurricular activities that include Lego
Robotics, Student Council, chorus, and Math Olympiad. Teachers participate in data
analysis meetings and have developed a unique flexible reading instructional model
and a block schedule which have proven to be quite successful. Students of all ages
are engaged in hands-on learning which connects them to the world beyond their
classrooms with an emphasis on 21st century skills. There is a strong curriculum in
place that includes the “Fundations” program, guided reading, and Everyday
Mathematics. There are many opportunities for enrichment through a wide variety of
PTO sponsored programs and field trips and projects that support community
outreach such as the Senior Tea, annual Veterans Day program, and food drives.
Joshua Eaton School is proud of the level of educational excellence it has attained and
continues to light the way for others as a national Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
where students come first.
Middle School
Walter S. Parker Middle School
Walter S. Parker Middle School is a New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS)
Spotlight School and a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, serving 590 students in
grades 6-8, located in Reading, Massachusetts. Students are members of grade level
teams where they are taught Math, Science, English Language Arts and Social Studies
in a six-day rotating schedule. In addition, to the core subjects listed above students
participate in the fine and performing arts, wellness classes and enrichment electives.
The community strives to maintain a school culture that balances a rigorous and
engaging learning community with a child-centered environment that honors the
individual talents and struggles of every child. In the middle school years, students
face some of the most dramatic physical, social and emotional growth of their lives.
Thus, it is the responsibility of this school, in partnership with parents, to teach critical
skills and provide the adult guidance that will help students grow to lead confident,
responsible and productive lives.
The school and district leadership recognizes that the 1989 Turning Points Report and
the more recent Turning Points 2000 principles and practices are the guide for
improving education at the middle level. Parker Middle School has worked
collaboratively with a Turning Points Coach and is now branching out working with
the National School Reform Faculty using Professional Learning Groups (CFGs) to
examine student work, research best practices in education and solve dilemmas
using protocols.
High School
Reading Memorial High School
After the successful completion of a three-year building project, Reading Memorial
High School is in only the second full year of enjoying the benefits of that
reconstruction. Located 15 miles north of Boston, with an enrollment of 1,250 students
from grades 9-12 and a faculty of over 100 professionals, the campus has been
reinvigorated with excitement, involvement, and initiative. Even before the building
was completed, professional development had begun in earnest for implementing
new technology and re-structured curriculum content and goals. Thus, we came in
ready to integrate class lessons with SMARTBoard expertise and a re-alignment of
many of our freshman offerings to recognize new trends in math and science
achievement.
Over the last decade the school has developed a reputation for balancing an array of
challenging academics with a strong athletic program, an award-winning music
program, a prolific drama organization, and a range of other extracurricular choices.
This reputation is a focal point that the students are challenged to build upon each
year—and they do. The process of school improvement is on-going at RMHS. The
following goals have been identified as areas of focus in the RMHS School
Improvement Plan:
• Provide all students with the skills needed for success in post-secondary
education and careers in the 21st century.
• Ensure a rigorous curriculum for all students and increase the personalization
for all students.
• Create a school environment in which students and faculty have the power to
make permanent, positive, cultural change at RMHS defined by the school-
wide Project Challenge.
Changes which are currently being assessed are a restructured use of professional
development time with regular delayed openings of school, a Pilot Advisory Program
for freshmen, a new class schedule. The implementation of Senior Projects is close
behind. This past year, The Reading Cooperative Bank opened a RMHS branch which
integrates our curriculum with actual banking experience. This has fostered many
opportunities for student employment at other branches of the bank.
The new RMHS has provided the opportunity to showcase old traditions and new
events, including Future Freshman Nights, an enlarged Spring Awards Breakfast, and
National Honor Society ceremony, our Spring Art Festival, and Night in New Orleans.
The RMHS community now takes pride in hosting both league and state academic and
athletic events. Now we take much pride in hosting the Blue Ribbon Schools of
National Institute for Educational Excellence for you!
11:45 a.m. Buses Return to Reading Memorial High School
11:30-4:00 p.m. SMART Classroom of the 21st Century Open House
Location: Room 223
The SMART Technologies Classroom of the 21st Century that will be set-up is designed
to show educators the possibilities with the integrated technologies provided by
SMART Technologies that are in use in classrooms around the world. These
technologies include the Integrated SMART Board 600iGen3 system which includes a
front-projection SMART Board and built-in overhead projector, the SMART Document
Camera which runs in and is controlled through the SMART Notebook software and
the Senteo Interactive Response System which allows for formative and summative
assessment and also runs in the SMART Notebook software.
12:00 p.m. Lunch: Reading Memorial High School Cafeteria
Performance: Reading Memorial High School Cafeteria
Middle School District Select Chorus
1:00-4:00 p.m. Concurrent Workshops:
There will be a break during these sessions with food and drink stations on each floor.
Workshop 1: SMART Content Creation
Location: Room 319
Shayla Rexrode
Education Consultant
SMART Technologies, Inc.
As the 21st century classroom evolves, so do the products and software offerings from
SMART Technologies. In this session participants will learn about the advanced
features in Notebook v.10, learn how to use the software and the Lesson Activity
Toolkit to create highly engaging lessons, and discover some of the new educator
resources available on-line.
Participants are asked to bring a laptop with the latest Notebook 10 software and
the Lesson Activity Toolkit. Time will be set aside for modeling and actual
lesson creation. If you do not have a laptop, one will be provided for you for the
workshop.
Workshop 2: Blue Ribbon Administrator Roundtable
All administrators are encouraged to attend this workshop
Location: Superintendent’s Conference Room (First Floor)
Bart Teal, CEO/President, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Dr. Steve O’Brien, Director of Assessments, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Karen Callan, Principal, Alice Barrows Elementary School
Patty de Garavilla, Principal, Joshua Eaton Elementary School
Craig Martin, Principal, Coolidge Middle School
Laura Morgan, Principal, Meadowview School, Grayslake, Illinois
All administrators are encouraged to attend this workshop to hear how principals
from Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools have used the school improvement process to
change the culture of their schools and create a sustainable blueprint for school
improvement. Hear about how the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Assessment tool
in conjunction with the 9 Blue Ribbon Standards creates the framework for school
improvement. There will be plenty of opportunity for conversation, questions, and
sharing of best practices.
Workshop 3: Cyber Safety in Schools
Location: Room 235
Onyen Yong
Middlesex District Attorney’s Office
The internet offers almost limitless opportunities to gain knowledge and make contact
with others. When used appropriately, it is a powerful and positive tool. However,
school staff and parents need to be aware of the risks inherent in this technology.
Participants will learn about online issues impacting youth, such as predators, cyber
bullying and virtual worlds. The differences and similarities of online safety issues
compared to offline safety issues will be highlighted. Effective prevention and
intervention strategies for teachers and administrators will be outlined and discussed.
Workshop 4: SMART Board™ and SMART Notebook Software
Training Level I: Beginners
Location: Room 344 (Front Library Computer Lab) and Room 232
April Goran, Technology Specialist, Reading Memorial High School
Meg Powers, Instructional Technology Specialist, Parker Middle School
Marcia Grant, Instructional Technology Specialist, Coolidge Middle School
Katie Cole, Special Education Teacher, Killam Elementary School
This hands-on workshop focuses on the beginner skills needed to enhance your
curriculum and engage all students using the SMART Interactive White Board.
Investigate the role that SMART Notebook software can play in your lessons. This
session (Level 1) covers the SMART Board™ Interactive White Board fundamentals,
including Ink Aware applications (MS Office) in Notebook 10, SMART Notebook 10
software basics, and additional SMART resources.
Workshop 5: SMART Board™ and SMART Notebook Software
Training Level II: Intermediate
Location: Room 345 (Back Library Computer Lab)
Stephanie Horhota, Elementary Teacher, Wood End Elementary School
Amy Dyment, Mathematics Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
This Intermediate hands-on workshop takes your curriculum to the next level by
creating and designing interactive lessons using SMART Notebook tools and software.
This session (Level II) is ideal for anyone who is comfortable using a SMART Board™
and has an understanding of the basic skills listed in the level 1 session. This session
covers manipulating objects, creating interactive lesson activities, lesson design, and
additional SMART resources.
Workshop 6: Teaching Diverse Students
Location: Room 411
Gary L. Burgess, Sr., Ed.D.
COO, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Any educator who teaches African-American students and/or students in
poverty should attend this session. The session will focus on social theoretical
concepts that will help explain the needs of these students and suggest teaching
strategies that will benefit all children. Participating teams or individuals should
bring a list of strategies currently being used in their schools in working with this
population. Teams will leave with an action plan for implementation or will leave with
plans to continue the work they are currently doing in their schools. This session is
designed for all schools dealing with diverse student populations. Come with an
open mind and those sensitive-difficult to ask questions. The facilitator will set the
atmosphere so that such questions can be asked in a caring-supportive environment.
Workshop 7: 21st Century Technology Skills
Location: Distance Learning Lab (4th Floor)
Mary Christine Dion, Spanish Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Danja Mahoney, Latin Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Sharon Burke, Librarian, Reading Memorial High School
Norah Connolly, Librarian, Parker Middle School
Steve Olivo, English Teacher, Parker Middle School
This workshop is presented by Reading Public School educators and gives a practical
introduction to “shovel-ready” Web 2.0 technology and 21st century applications.
Learn how to expand your professional network and personalize your own learning
through Google Reader, Twitter, Delicious and blogging. Learn about easy-to-use
applications to enhance classroom projects through wikis, cell phones, Google
Documents, UStream, and video conferencing.
Workshop 8: K-6 Guided Reading:
Location: Room 321
Debra Kwiatek, Literacy Instructional Specialist, Reading Public Schools
We hear much about guided reading these days. What does it look like? How does it support
student learning? How is it managed? Come join us for an overview of guided reading K-6 that
will include videos of teacher conducted small instructional groups. There will be opportunities to
discuss best practices related to the management, assessments and activities that support this
important aspect of reading instruction.
Workshop 9: Middle to High School Transition
Location: Fine and Performing Arts Center
Dr. Mike Hall, Author, Educational Consultant, CTO, Glenn Co. Schools
Dr. Hall is one of America’s leaders in high school transition and teaching students 21st
century skills. This session is a must for any school or district that needs help
transitioning students from middle to high school. Listen to best practice
implementations in schools across the country.
Day 2 April 17, 2009
7:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast: Cafeteria
Breakfast sponsored by Lifetouch Studios, Inc.
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SMART Classroom of the 21st Century Open
Location: Room 223
The SMART Technologies Classroom of the 21st Century that will be set-up is designed
to show educators the possibilities with the integrated technologies provided by
SMART Technologies that are in use in classrooms around the world. These
technologies include the Integrated SMART Board 600iGen3 system which includes a
front-projection SMART Board and built-in overhead projector, the SMART Document
Camera which runs in and is controlled through the SMART Notebook software and
the Senteo Interactive Response System which allows for formative and summative
assessment and also runs in the SMART Notebook software.
8:00 a.m. General Session: Fine and Performing Arts Center
Your Master and Mistress of Ceremonies for this Institute will be Nate
Fisher and Caitlin Beckman, Seniors at Reading Memorial High School.
Performance
Middle School District Jazz Band
Institute Welcome
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., Superintendent of Schools
Reading Public Schools
Blue Ribbon Welcome
Bart Teal, President/CEO
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
Keynote Presentation
Will Richardson
National Technology Consultant and Educator
A Web of Connections: Why the Read/Write Web Changes Everything
The Web has brought a world of information to our fingertips and, in
the process, has transformed much of the way we work and live. But
now that we have the ability to contribute our own ideas and
experiences to the sum of human knowledge that we are building
online, the impact of the Web is even more powerful. This shift in how
we use the Web is already challenging political, business and media
leaders to rethink the ways in which they operate. But what about
education? Our model of schooling hasn’t changed significantly in over
100 years, and it continues to be resistant to change in any meaningful
ways. Yet in this new world of global connections, of powerful personal
learning opportunities online, of shifting notions of information and
knowledge, we must begin to re-envision the basic foundations of
teaching and learning. If we don’t, if we sit back and watch the world
change without us, we risk our relevance and our ability to prepare our
students for the world in which they will live and work.
10:00-10:15 a.m. Break
10:15-11:15 a.m. Staff Sharing Session 1: Various Classrooms
11:15-11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2: Various Classrooms
12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch/Music Entertainment: Cafeteria
Seating available in Cafeteria, Field House Lobby and Bridge
Music Entertainment provided by High School Choral Students
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3: Various Classrooms
2:30-3:00 p.m. Closing Session: Fine and Performing Arts Center
Closing Comments
Raffle Prizes (Must be present to win)
Prizes Offered Include:
• Free Registration to National Blue Ribbon Conference at Walt Disney World
Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida in December, 2009 (Courtesy of Blue Ribbon
Schools of Excellence, Inc.)
• 77” Front Projection SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard (SB680 Model) with
portable floor stand (Courtesy of SMART Technologies)
• Senteo Interactive Response System (32 pack) (Courtesy of SMART Technologies)
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 1
A1-Family and Relationship Violence A5-The Word’s Out
Location: Room 236 Location: Room 235
Shawn M. MacMaster, Deputy Chief of Community Outreach: Debra Kwiatek, English Language Arts Instructional
Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Specialist K-6, Reading Public Schools
Living with violence at home or in a personal relationship Learn everything you ever wanted to know about our complex
interferes with a student’s ability to learn, as well as causes English language in just one hour! Our English language is
serious behavioral and social problems. Long term, it forever changing and is a richly complex communication tool.
increases the risk of either becoming a victim or perpetrator. It is a living language encompassing all kinds of quirks and
This in-service will help participants understand where multiple meanings. Enjoy a brief history (or not so brief) on
domestic and dating violence comes from, how it happens, our English language and catch a glimmer of the challenges
what the crimes are, and the necessity of safety plans. District our students face as they decipher and gain mastery of our
Attorney Gerry Leone’s initiatives to prevent and combat mother language.
domestic violence will also be discussed. Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support A6-Developing Logical Thinking
A2-Impacting Your Music Program with SMARTMusic! Location: Room 224
Location: Room 315 Dr. Christine Redford, Educational Consultant, Reading
Joseph Mulligan and Andrew Norton Music Teachers Public Schools
Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools Do you want your students to be able to explain the patterns
Come and see how we have transformed our music program that they see to think and to reason more clearly? Developing
using SMARTMusic. In this session you will learn what Logical Thinking is a Grade 2-8 workshop for teachers to help
SMARTMusic is and how easy it is to get your entire students to explore and discover their own geometric and
instrumental program hooked on practicing. SMARTMusic algebraic reasoning in an enjoyable meaningful way.
will revolutionize your instrumental program. Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support, Technology Standards and Curriculum
Integration, Challenging Standards and Curriculum A7-Metacognition: Explicit Strategies to Help Students
A3-Redefining Diversity: Focus on Students to Increase Monitor Their Understanding While Reading
Success Location: Room 222
Location: Room 234 Rebecca Flynn, Reading Specialist; Stacy Kress, Primary
Jesenia Castro, METCO Director, Reading Public Schools and Learning Center Teacher: Joshua Eaton Elementary School
Kristina Kyles, President/CEO Clear Path Explicit comprehension strategy instruction helps students
This workshop focuses on Anti-Racist Teaching and the become purposeful, active readers who are in control of their
Critical Components of Caring. Workshop participants will own understanding. This workshop is geared to Grades 1-2
explore how diversity improves school culture when nurtured and will include an overview of metacognition, activities to
effectively. Participants will be empowered with the use in the classroom, and video clips of demonstration lessons.
necessary tools to reach and teach diverse groups of students Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Professional
and working to eradicate the academic achievement/ resource Community, Challenging Standards and Curriculum
gap. This workshop will be interactive using discussions,
film, strategies and scenarios which will aid in the A8-I’m Audited, NOW WHAT?
development of teaching our future global citizens. Location: Room 229
Standard(s): School Organization and Culture Karen Feeney, Grade 1 Teacher, Joshua Eaton Elementary
School
A4-Team Meetings Short and Sweet
Location: Room 237 Do you have a fear of being audited by the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)? Are you
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services, Reading Public getting ready to recertify and want to know what will happen
Schools if you are audited? This presentation will help answer these
This workshop will address the challenge of conducting a questions. As a teacher that was recently audited by the DESE
Team Meeting within a reasonable time frame while ensuring I have the inside scoop on what happens during an audit.
required components and necessary discussion take place. Standard(s): Professional Community, Leadership
Attendees will hear concrete tips for framing agendas geared
toward ensuring efficient and effective use of time.
Standard(s): School, Family, and Community Partnership
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 1
A9-Creating the 21st Century Classroom A13-Using Computer Games for Differentiated Instruction
Location: Fine and Performing Arts Center Location: Room 334
Dr. Mike Hall, Author and Educational Consultant, CTO Alfred Thompson, Academic Relations Manager: Microsoft
Glynn County Schools, Georgia Corporation
This session will look at best practice implementations across During this session Alfred Thompson will demonstrate how
the country. Participants will be able to clearly define the 21st computer software tools can enable differentiated instruction.
Century classroom and put together a plan for creating it. Building on student abilities with multi-media and interactive
Multiple funding strategies will be discussed. applications, computer games can both engage and educate
Standard(s): Technology Integration students. Using tools like Kodu, Alice and Scratch, teachers
can engage students in sequencing, story development and
A10-Barebones Basics: Incorporating the Framing Your critical thinking throughout the curriculum.
Thoughts Writing Program Into Your Elementary
Classroom Standard(s): Technology Integration, Active Teaching and
Location: Room 322 Learning
Marian Nihan, Barbara Sheehan, Isabella Jordan, Gr. 2 A14-Creating Live Web TV for the Classroom for Global
Teachers: Wood End Elementary School Audiences
Location: 319
Framing Your Thoughts teaches fundamental skills of writing.
In this workshop you will learn how the program works to Will Richardson, National Technology Consultant and
give direct instruction in grammar, sentence writing, and Educator
paragraph development. See how the program is implemented In the last few years, streaming pre-produced video content to
in the classroom at Wood End School; complementing the the classroom has become easier and easier. But now, the next
John Collins Writing Program. Participants will receive big step is on the horizon: the creation of live streamed Web
Framing Your Thoughts activities and materials to use in their television from your classroom, from your home, or even on
own classroom. location. New Web tools like those at UStream.tv and
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning Mogulus.com put the power of live streaming in your hands
with very little need for equipment or extra computer
A11-Special Education Extreme Makeover knowledge. In this session, participants will get a look at the
Location: Room 324 latest in live streaming technologies, will learn about the
Cathy Giles, Principal; Lucille Kaloyanides, Kathy technical requirements and pedagogical considerations of
MacMillan, and Melissa Hotchkiss Speech & Language using it in the classroom, and discuss strategies for involving
Teachers: J. W. Killam Elementary School global audiences in the process. We’ll also look at some best
practice examples to get our thinking started.
Does your special education process need a makeover? At the
J.W. Killam School, we decided to give our Team an Extreme Standard(s): Technology Integration
Makeover for the 2008-2009 school year. One major change A15-Bringing Hands-On Energy Conservation into the
was for special education teachers to have more instructional Curriculum and Classroom through a Comprehensive
time with students. Changes in staffing resulted in four Approach Toward Performance Contracting
special education teachers working in the K-5 Learning Location: Room 325
Centers. Another major change is our approach to pre-
referral, data collection, and regular ed. accommodations. Scott Finlinson, Ph. D., Manager of Organizational Efficiency
Come listen to our success stories and ideas for continued and Liz Ortiz, Organizational Efficiency Specialist:
improvement. NORESCO
Standard(s): Leadership & Educational Vitality, School Energy Performance Contracting identifies energy-saving
Organization and Culture, Student Focus and Support, Active opportunities to be paid for through utility savings.
Teaching and Learning, Professional Community, and NORESCO offers a comprehensive approach through a
Indicators of Success custom-tailored, social-cognitive behavior-based program to
maximize energy costs and GHG reductions, and to help
A12-NAMASTE! (Yoga) promote existing and newly developed efforts to be green.
Location: Drama Room Topics covered include documented energy savings through
Elise “Tee” O’Brien, Health/ Physical Education Teacher: J. behavior change, creating a culture of sustainability, active
Warren Killam Elementary School teaching and technology integration using building
improvements as a learning laboratory, and leadership vitality
Bring movement, nature, fun, relaxation and respect into your through environmental stewardship.
PreK-2 Classroom with Yoga. Comfortable clothing
suggested! Standard(s): School Organization and Culture, Active
Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration, and
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Professional Leadership and Educational Vitality
Community
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 1
A16-Trying On Technology – A Year of Adventure! A19-Upgrade Your 20th Century Skills
Location: Room 226 Location: Room 303
Connie Quackenbush, Earth Science Teacher: Walter S. Jim Chetwynd and Jennifer Baskin, Gr. 9-12 English
Parker Middle School Teachers: Reading Memorial High School
See what a year of trying new technology looks like. Look at Are you ready to teach technology? The Department of
four project ideas: 1. where students were asked to use Elementary and Secondary Education technology standards
technology that they already knew or had to explore; 2. a must soon be integrated into classroom curricula, and many
global project where students gave advice to President Obama teachers erroneously believe the students know more than they
and four students won awards; 3. a Planet project using wiki; do about computers and technology. This seminar will present
4. voice feedback. Walk through the inevitable ups and elements of the tech standards that teachers can feel confident
downs. Walk away with enthusiasm to try new things on your using and teaching, and will present some ways to teach and
own! assess these skills in classroom projects. You’ll finally know
Standard(s): School, Family, and Community Partherships, if the Internet really can eat their homework.
Active Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration, Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging
Leadership and Educational Vitality, Student Focus and Standards and Curriculum, Professional Community,
Support, Professional Community, and Challenging Standards Indicators of Success, and Technology Integration
and Curriculum A20-VoiceThread: Weaving Visual and Auditory
A17-Engagement with SMARTBoard Games Presentation Skills with Technology
Location: Room 318 Location: Room 231 (Language Lab)
Jennifer Webster, Grade 8 Math Teacher: Walter S. Parker Mary Christine Dion, Spanish Teacher: Reading Memorial
Middle School High School
Come explore the world of engagement through Come learn about VoiceThread, a web-based program
SMARTBoard Games. Learn how to create games you can allowing for creativity and technology integration for
use again and again such as Mastermind, Concentration, presentations on any topic imaginable. It is easy to integrate
Jeopardy and more. We’ll spice up your old games with bells VoiceThread into your current teaching practices for use with
and whistles that are easy to add and entice your students to any subject area and any grade level. You will see examples
participate. Please bring your ideas as well. of how students are using VoiceThread to showcase their work
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Student Focus and comment on other students’ presentations. You will be
and Support, and Technology Integration given the tools necessary to implement this fast-growing tool
and will have the opportunity to create your own VoiceThread
A18-Threat Assessment for Schools during the workshop.
Location: Room 239 (Chorus Room)
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, and Technology
Dr. Larry Berkowitz, Director: Riverside Community Care Integration
Trauma Center
A21-Piano Anyone?
While disturbingly “spectacular” in scope, fortunately, mass Location: Music Lab
violence at secondary and post secondary schools remains a
relatively rare occurrence. Nonetheless, school systems are Kristin Killian, Chorus Teacher: Reading Memorial High
increasingly working to understand what is known about School
individuals who commit acts of mass violence in schools. A Always wish you had played the piano but never took lessons?
review of the literature on school violence, particularly drawn Ever heard yourself say “I wish my parents hadn’t let me
from the findings of the US Secret Service study on the topic quit”? This is the workshop for you! No prior experience
will be presented, as well as warning signs faculty and staff needed, and only those who want to learn need attend.
should attend when referring students for further evaluation. Participants will learn to play piano in a group setting and
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support each participant will have access to his/her own keyboard.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to
play a simple song. Guaranteed fun and success for all who
attend! Because of the size of the lab there is a limit of 10
participants for this workshop.
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging
Standards and Curriculum, and Technology Integration
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 1
A22-Integration of Technology into Project Based A26-Not-So Wicked Wikis
Learning Location: Room 317
Location: Room 232 (Graphics Lab) Stephanie Horhota, Bill Lewis, JoEllen McGinnity; Gr. 5
Jennifer Thomas, Gr. 10/11 Science Teacher; and Sharon Teachers: Wood End, Joshua Eaton, J. Warren Killam
Burke, Library Media Specialist: Reading Memorial High Elementary Schools
School For Teachers Grades 3 and up – this presentation will
This workshop will teach how to use video broadcasting and eliminate your wariness of wikis. Using a Jr. Great Book
give examples of how this technology can be used to enhance selection as an example, presenters will guide you step-by-step
Project Based Learning in the classroom. through the background, set-up and implementation of wikis
Standard(s): Technology Integration for student responses.
A23-Motivation: Batteries Not Included Standard(s): Technology Integration
Location: Room 332 A27-Blueprint for Excellence Improvement Process
Karen Irmer, Andrea Merkowitz, & Stephanie Lecesse, Location: Library
Special Education Teachers: Reading Memorial High School Dr. Steve O’Brien: Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Based on a presentation from Rick Lavoie, at Fitchburg State The Blueprint for Excellence is a comprehensive school
College on March 9, 2009 and his book The Motivation assessment designed to assist all schools at all levels. The
Breakthrough, we will discuss the “6 Secrets to Turning on the process assesses the quality of school programs and assists in
Tuned Out Kid”. A short presentation including clips from developing a school-wide action plan to ensure measurable
Rick’s educational videos will be followed by a roundtable student achievement and school improvement. This positive,
discussion sharing a variety of ways to motivate students with collaborative school reform process encompasses the entire
different learning needs. learning community and leads to improvement. Inspired by
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support criteria from the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon
Schools Program and based on a comprehensive review of key
A24-Reaching All Learners: Free Tech Tools for Student elements found in high performing schools, the Blueprint for
Success Excellence covers nine major categories of critical
Location: Room 345 (Back Library Computer Lab) performance elements found in excellent schools: Student
Karen Janowski, School Committee Member: Reading Public Focus and Support; School Organization and Culture;
Schools Challenging Standards and Curriculum; Active Teaching and
Learning; Technology Integration; Professional Community;
Providing students with their own tools for success is essential Leadership and Educational Vitality; School, family, and
for all who work with struggling learners. Fortunately, a Community Partnerships; Indicators of Success. This session
wealth of free, emerging technologies resources exist which will explain the process in detail.
remove obstacles to learning, promote independence and
provide alternative ways for students to demonstrate what they Standard(s): School Organization and Culture, Leadership and
know. Participants will learn about a variety of tools that Educational Vitality
promote engagement and learning for their students. Come A28-Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation in Athletics
and be inspired to immediately implement tools for school Location: Room 336
success!
Jeff Perrotti, Consultant for Healthcare of Southeastern MA
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Student Focus
and Support, and Technology Integration This training is for coaches, athletic directors, and physical
education staff. Participants will examine the role athletics
A25-SMART Bridgit Conferencing Software: Connecting can play in creating a safer learning environment for all
With Teachers and Classrooms Around the World students, including those who are GLBT and those who don’t
Location: Superintendent’s Conference Room (1st Floor) conform to gender norms. We’ll look at how addressing these
Shayla Rexrode, Educational Consultant: SMART issues in sports benefits athletes and non-athletes.
Technologies Standard(s): Student Focus and Support
In this session, teachers will learn about SMART
Technologies conferencing software. Bridgit conferencing
software provides a quick, easy and effective way to share
voice, video and data over the Internet. By utilizing Bridgit
effectively, teachers can start to connect with classrooms
around the world to allow students to share and collaborate in
a 21st Century environment.
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, and Technology
Integration
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2
B1-Using Computer Games for Differentiated Instruction B4-Motivating the Reluctant Learner
Location: Room 334 Location: Room 237
Alfred Thompson, Academic Relations Manager: Microsoft Marie Pink, Assistant Principal; Jaimee Feinberg, Special
Corporation Education Teacher, Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School
During this session Alfred Thompson will demonstrate how Do you despair over your first period class who never wakes
computer software tools can enable differentiated instruction. up, your class after lunch who never quiets down, or maybe
Building on student abilities with multi-media and interactive one particular student who has absolutely no parental support?
applications, computer games can both engage and educate Join me to briefly explore classroom implications of current
students. Using tools like Kodu, Alice and Scratch, teachers brain research. The majority of this workshop, however, will
can engage students in sequencing, story development and be sharing practical brain-based strategies and approaches that
critical thinking throughout the curriculum. help get students involved, motivated, and retaining more.
Standard(s): Technology Integration, Active Teaching and Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning
Learning B5-Google Gadgets for Novices
B2-Family Literacy/ Math Game Evening Location: Room 315
Location: Room 234 Liz Geraghty, Ursula Abad, and Andrea Bruno, Gr. 6
Sarah Lentz, Kindergarten Teacher and Carina Becker, Gr. 1 Teachers: Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School
Teacher: Alice M. Barrows Elementary School Join Web 2.0 and learn how to consolidate, organize, and
Learn how to organize and execute a family event designed to personalize your professional technology worksite. A Gmail
promote and support the math or literacy skills taught in your account is helpful, but not necessary.
district. This hour long game night is fun for the entire family Standard(s): Professional Community and Technology
while reinforcing the skills taught in school. Participants in Integration
this workshop will learn how to organize the event, as well as
play several of the games we introduced. Remember: family B6-The Key Three Routine
support is critical to a child’s success in school and why not Location: Room 235
make it fun! Debra Kwiatek, English Language Arts Instructional
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Student Focus Specialist K-8, Reading Public Schools
and Support, and School, Family, and Community Come see an overview of Joan Sedita’s comprehension
Partnerships strategy instruction. Learn the basics about a research based
B3-Coolidge Idol: The Collaboration of Emerging approach to comprehension instruction using classroom
Technologies with Integrated Arts Using Wikis materials. See for yourself how this no-frills approach to
Location: Room 230 specific comprehension strategies using some valuable
techniques really is good common sense.
Cheryl Wing, Music Teacher; Marcia Grant, Technology
Specialist; Chris Steinhauser, Library Media Specialist: Arthur Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning
W. Coolidge Middle School B7-How Do I Get Them to Know Their Math Facts?
Eighth grade students at the Coolidge Middle School Location: Room 224
participated in collaboration between emerging technologies Dr. Christine Redford, Educational Consultant, Reading
and integrated arts. Come learn how the “Coolidge Idol” Public Schools
music composers created a top 20 hit, the web design students
promoted the artist’s web site, and computer technology Do you ever struggle with helping students to recall their math
students created CD covers using graphic design. facts quickly? Come to this workshop for Grades 1-6 and
discover researched strategies to help students to have
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging automaticity and to hold on to their math facts.
Standards and Curriculum, and Technology Integration
Standard(s): Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active
Teaching and Learning
Need Internet Access?
If you brought your own laptop...
Wireless Internet access is provided throughout the entire conference.
If you did not bring your own laptop....
Visit Our Library Media Center on the 3rd Floor during Lunch and Breaks
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2
B8-Using Technology as a Tool to Involve Learners B11-READ THIS! Newly Published and Recent Award-
Location: Room 222 Winning Books for Middle Level Readers
Mary Johnston, Library Media Specialist: Joshua Eaton Location: Room 229
Elementary School Norah Connolly, Library Media Specialist; Sue Kalmakis, Gr.
This presentation will show several ways students and 6 E/LA Teacher: Walter S. Parker Middle School
teachers can use technology to enhance student involvement in This workshop will expose participants to a variety of new
their learning. Movie Maker, Flip Video Cameras, Power novels and non-fiction titles published for students in middle
Point, VoiceThread, and QuestGarden will be highlighted to school. The presenters will share their favorite novels and
show how using these tools helps students participate more in non-fiction publications of the year and highlight books that
processing, synthesizing and applying knowledge. Students have won official and non-official accolades in literature
often stay on the periphery of their learning instead of entering circles around the world. Although the books will primarily
into it. Technology is one tool that can help students take a be for the middle level, several of the titles could also be used
further step into participating in their learning. in the upper elementary or lower high school setting.
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology Standard(s): Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active
Integration Teaching and Learning
B9-What Do They Use in the Principal’s Office? B12-Teaching Social Skills to Young Children With
Location: Room 324 PDD/Autism
Karen Callan, Catherine Giles, Patricia de Garavilla, Richard Location: Room 322
Davidson, Elementary School Principals: Reading Public Joyce Camenker, Katherine Whelan; SPED Teachers: RISE
Schools Preschool
This workshop, aimed at administrators or those thinking In this workshop we will present an overview of some of the
about administration, will introduce the various technology techniques used in teaching social skills to children on the
tools and applications that 21st Century administrators are PDD/Autism Spectrum. Strategies discussed will include
using daily. Participants will be introduced to Outlook, training successful peer models, and the use of visuals, play
Edline, Student Data tools, and other currently used tools. schemas, social scripts, social stories and video modeling.
Additionally, participants will see how Blogging, and Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Professional
Wikispaces have enhanced the job of the principal. Community, Challenging Standards and Curriculum
Participants will leave the workshop realizing the necessity of
using technology as part of a 21st Century school office. B13-Depression and Suicide
Location: Chorus Room 239
Standard(s): Leadership and Educational Vitality, Technology
Integration, Professional Community Dr. Larry Berkowitz, Director: Riverside Community Care
Trauma Center
B10-Connective Writing Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among
Location: Room 319 adolescents and young adults. This presentation will identify
Will Richardson, National Technology Consultant and warning signs and symptoms of depression and suicidality,
Educator and will identify a variety of elements that may combine as a
“perfect storm” that can lead to a suicidal crisis. The
The ability to easily publish to the Internet has opened up all discussion will include the significant role played by
sorts of new possibilities for teachers to help students enhance educators, school counselors and other school staff in suicide
their writing skills and become more effective communicators. prevention.
In the age of the Read/Write Web, every reader can truly be a
writer as well. Weblogs and wikis provide wide and diverse Standard(s): Student Focus and Support
audiences from around the world for feedback and response.
But they also require a more “connective writing” approach,
one that can synthesize many disparate ideas from different
sources, all connected together through hypertext. This is a
think out of the box workshop intended to help you start
exploring new ways to make your own writing and your
classroom writing more meaningful and more effective.
Standard(s): Technology Integration
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2
B14-“Tweet Me! Find Me on Twitter!” “She’s Following B17-Move Your Students Faces! Using GradeQuick
Me on Twitter” Seating Charts for Seating and Grouping Collaborative
Location: Room 318 Teams for Project Based Arrangements
Danja Mahoney, Latin Teacher: Reading Memorial High Location: Room 345 (Back Library Computer Lab)
School April Goran, Technology Specialist: Reading Memorial High
Do you want to know what Twitter is, what it looks like, and School
why people are so excited about it? Come find out how to use This hour long hands on session will start with a discussion on
Twitter to build a Professional Learning Network. Learn the positive ways to create collaborative student groups while
simple steps to make this a valuable resource for yourself and you work on project based lessons and units. After the
your colleagues. Make connections right away and find discussion, we will work with your existing GradeQuick files
colleagues from around the world to support you and your to create and manipulate your class seating charts using the
teaching. You will leave using Twitter with tips to make this a student pictures. You will also practice saving different
valuable professional resource. seating charts for your students while working on different
Standard(s): Technology Integration and Professional projects.
Community Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology
B15-Online Teens for Credit! Integration
Location: Room 232 (Graphics Lab) B18-“What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?”
Heather A. Conner, Business Teacher: Reading Memorial Location: Room 225
High School Jane Darveau, Director Guidance; Jo-Ann Gregorowicz, Jenn
Overview of Virtual High School (VHS) and its’ course MacDonough, Sarah Peterson and Steve Kennedy, Guidance
offerings – Experience a “Day in the Life” of a student – Counselors: Reading Memorial High School
Experience a “Day in the Life” of a teacher – Demonstration Back by popular demand, the Guidance Department once
of technology integration at its best – Professional again invites staff to consider “what do I want to be when I
Development opportunities available through VHS – grow up?” by taking the California Occupational Preference
Examples of student centered teaching and learning – Why Survey (COPS)! Sophomores are given the COPS as part of
you should want your children to be a part of VHS – Proof their Developmental Guidance curriculum. Come see how it
that communication through technology can be dynamic. works and perhaps discover something new in the process!
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support, Challenging Standard(s): Student Focus and Support
Standards and Curriculum Active Teaching and Learning,
Professional Community, and Technology Integration B19-Enhancing Visual Literacy – A Cross-Disciplinary
Perspective
B16-Move Over Regis Philbin and Alex Trebek!!! Location: Room 314
Location: Room 303
Alex Ballantyne, Science Teacher: Reading Memorial High
Mary Anne Lynn, Science Teacher: Reading Memorial High School
School
Visual literacy is not typically taught explicitly across the
In this interactive workshop, teachers will be introduced to wide variety of curriculum areas that we teach in our school
websites that provide templates for Jeopardy, Who Wants to system. Visual learning is often implicit, except within the art
be a Millionaire, and other television game shows. These curriculum. In consequence, we, as teachers often do not
games are for use on SMARTBoards and sample lessons will understand the underlying visual and cognitive processes,
be demonstrated. Teachers are encouraged to bring course which can significantly influence student learning. The
materials and memory keys as time and assistance will be presentation will examine concepts of the visual system and
provided for the development of individual lessons. The the brain, historical context of visual information tools,
number of participants will be limited to the number of connections across the curriculum, analytic reasoning about
computers available. visual information and so-called visual intelligence. The
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology presentation is intended to provide a starting point for changes
Integration in teacher perspectives of visual learning and understanding,
with the hope that it will generate a dialogue about teaching
our students both valuable and critical visual skills. Specific
examples of visual learning will be given in science,
mathematics, and engineering curricula.
Standard(s): Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active
Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration, Professional
Community
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2
B20-Effective Technology Strategies for Students on the B23-iBelieve in iPods (in the Classroom)
Autism Spectrum Location: Room 226
Location: Room 325 C. Ellen Commito, Gr. 5 Teacher; Kathy Favazza, Gr. 7 Math
Karen Janowski, School Committee Member: Reading Public Teacher: Wood End Elementary School and Walter S. Parker
Schools Middle School
Traditional methods of instruction for students with Autism Come see how iPods can enhance and help differentiate
Spectrum Disorders frequently include 1:1 interventions, instruction in the classroom setting. Join a brief presentation
discrete trials, and significantly modified curriculums. A on how students are utilizing the technology, followed by
paradigm shift is occurring in educating students with ASD in hands on use of the iPods to allow participants to see the
our public schools. Workshop participants will learn potential of iPods for themselves. Lastly, we will discuss all
innovative technology based on methods and strategies that of our ideas and thoughts about integrating this motivating
revolutionize instruction with this population and that support piece of technology, students love, into classrooms.
generalization beyond the classroom. Standard(s): Technology Integration
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support, Active Teaching and B24-“ILP: What We Stand For” Making the Inclusive
Learning, Technology Integration Classroom Accessible to Students With Cognitive Deficits
B21-Senteo 2.0 – Come Learn About the Latest and Location: Room 328
Greatest Student Response System Software from SMART Janelle Boutin and Emily LaMontagne, Special Education
Technologies Teachers 1-5: Wood End Elementary School
Location: Superintendent’s Conference Room (1st Floor)
The Integrated Learning Program helps meet the needs of
Shayla Rexrode, Educational Consultant: SMART students with uneven cognitive profiles. ILP teachers will
Technologies provide tips on making general education classrooms inclusive
In this session we will explore the new features available in and accessible through modifications, accommodations, and
Senteo 2.0. Some of the features we will learn about include: team cooperation. Roles of the classroom teacher, special
Senteo Teacher, weighted marking, convenient monitoring education teacher, and special education paraprofessionals will
options, tagging questions, integrating results into the new be clarified and discussed.
Gradebook, advanced reporting options, and so much more! Standard(s): Student Focus and Support, School Organization
This session is suitable for existing Senteo customers or those and Culture, Challenging Standards and Curriculum
interested in learning about SMART’s interactive response
system. B25-Come Join Our Circle
Location: Room 332
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology
Integration Lindsey Perkins, Maureen Habeeb, Courtney George; Gr. 3
Teachers: Wood End Elementary School
B22-Promoting Positive Parent Partnerships
Location: Room 323 As a classroom teacher you wish that social skills just
naturally developed in children, but in the reality of the
Amy Burgoyne, 4th Grade Teacher; Karen Douglas, 2nd Grade everyday classroom we are finding that more and more
Teacher: J. Warren Killam Elementary School students are entering school with the need for direct
Join this discussion group to explore the building of effective instruction and practice in the area of social competency. We
parent/teacher relationships. Topics include laying the found that the Open Circle Program combined with All School
foundation, communicating, avoiding and handling tricky Meetings have provided a common language and approach to
situations, and swapping ideas of effective ways to promote meeting these essential social skills. We will share materials,
positive parent partnerships. Please bring your thoughts to ideas, and conversation about this successful research based
share and a paper copy of any handouts or notices you have program.
used successfully. We will scan pages and make them Standard(s): School Organization and Culture, Active
available to you via our district share folder. This session may Teaching and Learning, School, Family, and Community
be especially helpful to newer teachers. Partnerships
Standard(s): School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 2
B26-Podcastic!
Location: Room 317
Nancy Bentley, Gr. 4 Teacher; Kerry Mullen, Special
Education K-2; Stephanie Horhota, Gr. 5 Teacher: Wood End Come see the SMART Technologies
and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools
Instead of displaying your students’ work on a bulletin board “Classroom of the 21st Century” in
imagine having your students present their work to people all
over the globe. Podcasting will enable your students to share
what they’re learning with the outside world. As teachers we Room 223 throughout the entire
know that when students write for a real purpose and have to
present to an authentic audience, they are more motivated. institute
Podcasting also gives them an opportunity to practice 21st
Century skills such as collaboration, creation, communicating The SMART Technologies Classroom of
and synthesis of ideas. During this class, we will show you
the 21st Century is designed to show
how to make your own podcasts using free software called
Audacity. We will give you time to practice your newly educators the possibilities with the
learned skills. integrated technologies provided by
SMART Technologies that are in use in
Standard(s): Technology Integration, Active Teaching and
Learning classrooms around the world. These
technologies include the Integrated
B27-Blueprint for Excellence Improvement Process SMART Board 600iGen3 system which
Location: Library includes a front-projection SMART
Board and built-in overhead projector,
Dr. Steve O’Brien: Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. the SMART Document Camera which
The Blueprint for Excellence is a comprehensive school runs in and is controlled through the
assessment designed to assist all schools at all levels. The SMART Notebook software and the
process assesses the quality of school programs and assists in Senteo Interactive Response System
developing a school-wide action plan to ensure measurable
student achievement and school improvement. This positive,
which allows for formative and
collaborative school reform process encompasses the entire summative assessment and also runs in
learning community and leads to improvement. Inspired by the SMART Notebook software.
criteria from the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon
Schools Program and based on a comprehensive review of key Conference Sponsor
elements found in high performing schools, the Blueprint for
Excellence covers nine major categories of critical
performance elements found in excellent schools: Student
Focus and Support; School Organization and Culture;
Challenging Standards and Curriculum; Active Teaching and
Learning; Technology Integration; Professional Community;
Leadership and Educational Vitality; School, family, and
Community Partnerships; Indicators of Success. This session
will explain the process in detail.
Standard(s): School Organization and Culture, Leadership and
Educational Vitality
B28-Strategies for the Inclusion of GLBT Youth and Allies
Location: Room 336
Kim Westheimer: Consultant, Healthcare of Southeastern MA
In this workshop we will create a dialog on the issues faced by
GLBT youth. We will use real-life scenarios to explore ways
to create safe and welcoming spaces in our classrooms and in
all of interactions with students. We will identify strategies
that can be incorporated into our teaching and communication
with students. Resources that can assist GLBT youth, allies,
and their families will be provided.
Standard(s): School, Family, and Community Partnerships,
School Organization and Culture
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3
C1-Photo Story: It’s a Snap! C4-Showcasing Students Using Microsoft® Publisher –
®
Location: Room 344 (Front Library Computer Lab) It’s All About Them
John Laracy, Gr. 4 Teacher; Melissa Fleishman, Gr. 5 Location: Room 317
Teacher: Alice M. Barrows and Birch Meadow Elementary Andrea Miller, Gr. 7 E/LA Teacher: Arthur W. Coolidge
Schools Middle School
Microsoft Photo Story 3 is a free, simple, creative way for Learn how to conduct a Microsoft® Publisher project with
students to share what they have learned about a topic. your students which showcases their individual personalities
Students can easily combine photos, text, narration and music while strengthening writing and graphic design skills.
to create an impressive high quality product. In this workshop Presentation includes instruction and materials for a fun,
you will learn how to use Photo Story, make your own short innovative project which allows students to create their own
presentation, and learn many uses for this program in your
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology
classroom. This course is recommended for teachers in
Integration
Grades 3-8, but all are welcome.
C5-Expanding the Boundaries of Teaching and Learning:
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology
Join Cohort 2
Integration
Location: Room 237
C2-Pre-Packaged Reading Fun, Whole-School Incentive
Marie Pink, Assistant Principal; Jeremy Sprague, Spanish
Programs to Share
Teacher: Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School
Location: Room 324
Are you ready to step into the digital world and learn the skills
Tullie Warshauer, Library Media Specialist: Birch Meadow
you need to prepare your students for life in the 21st Century?
Elementary School
Do you want to promote student engagement and connect your
How do you create a fresh and different multiple-week reading classroom to the real world? Join us as we present a “fly
challenge every year in your elementary school that will get over” of the phenomenal professional development available
students wanting to read? Five whole-school reading to Reading staff interested in integrating Web 2.0 into the
incentive programs will be shared that have been designed and curriculum.
successfully implemented in conjunction with the National
Active Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration
Education Association’s READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY.
The presentation will convince you, with the ideas that are C6-Making (or Giving!) the Grade in the Performing Arts
shared, that a school community can have a lot of fun Location: Room 235
motivating students to read. Jenny DiMuzio, Aaron Clark, Gr. 6-8 Choral Directors: Arthur
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support, School Organization W. Coolidge and Walter S. Parker Middle Schools
and Culture, School Family and community Partnerships Grading students fairly and accurately is often a challenge in
C3-Podcasting with Audacity any subject, but particularly so for performing ensembles,
Location: Room 231 (Language Lab) where groups are often large and time is limited to assess the
students individually; and social influences (think peer
Marcia Grant, Technology Specialist: Arthur W. Coolidge
pressure!) play a big role. Do we grade on attendance,
Middle School
classroom effort, practice time at home, behavior,
Investigate how to use podcasts as a way for students to give performance? Participants are invited to share their current
oral presentations, narrate stories or field trips, produce grading procedures on rubrics and to brainstorm best grading
student radio broadcasts or come up with your own unique practices.
ideas. This Audacity workshop will help you to get up and
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging
running with the free open source audio editing program
Standards and Curriculum
Audacity. Audacity is a multi-track audio editing program
you can use on your windows computer to create podcasts.
Workshop participants will create an audio file using
Audacity, make minor edits to file, and if time allows upload
their podcast to Gcast.
Standard(s): Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active
Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3
C7-“Adventure Activities” C10-Ouch! My Head Just Hit the Table. It’s Time to Put
Location: Field House Some Energy Back in This Class!
Tom Zaya, Paul Mahoney; K-12 Wellness Teachers, Reading Location: Room 239 (Chorus Room)
Public Schools and Charlie Williams; WingSpeed Adventures Michele Callan, Liz Kasprzyk, and Christopher Heath; Gr. 4
This workshop will focus on challenge course use and ways Teachers: Joshua Eaton Elementary School
that teachers can use adventure activities for cooperative In this interactive workshop (yes you need to be willing to
learning, team building and group activities. Come prepared participate, and at times look silly in front of your peers)
to join in, learn and even have some fun. “Adventure strategies will be shared, and are certainly welcomed. Here
Activities” are not just activities but a way of engaging we will explore strategies around ice breakers, energy
students in group activities and problem solving. Our group changers, and team building activities. This session is a time
will spend time discussing ways to tie adventure education to dust off some old techniques or perhaps embrace a new way
into other subject areas in order to facilitate student to incorporate them into your already packed day. This is
understanding and learning. Focus will be on low and high geared primarily towards Gr. 3-6, but all are welcome. This
elements. workshop will be limited to the first 30 lucky individuals to
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging get their feet through the door. So make sure to run in the
Standards and Curriculum halls to get here.
C8-Study for a Math Test? Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning,
Location: Room 224 C11-Flexible Reading Groups – Something for Every
Dr. Christine Redford, Educational Consultant: Reading Child!
Public Schools Location: Room 322
Do you have math students who don’t study? What’s going Patty de Garavilla, Principal; Karen Feeney, Jane Merrill, Gr.
on? Are they just lazy? Come find out ways to help your 1 Teachers: Joshua Eaton Elementary School
students learn and be successful. A few lessons at the Come hear how teachers are best meeting the needs of all
beginning of the school year can make a huge difference. students within this flexible grouping model for reading
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Challenging instruction. Teachers are able to differentiate instruction and
Standards and Curriculum group students through data analysis so that students change
classes and work with any one of the grade level or reading
C9-Facebook in your Classroom support teachers. This model has promoted more effective
Location: Room 222 teaching and matched students at their level of need whether
Jamie Quinn, Cathy Carmody; Gr. 2 Teachers: Joshua Eaton it’s for more challenging guided reading or RTI (Response to
Elementary School Intervention). Scheduling options and samples of activities
and materials will be shared.
Facebook is the fastest growing social internet network
catering to all age groups so why not share all the wonderful Standard(s): Challenging Standards & Curriculum, Active
things you are doing in your classroom. This is a beginner Teaching and Learning
workshop designed to show you how to “confidently” set up a C12-Strategies for the Inclusion of GLBT Youth and Allies
classroom or personal profile. We will address all the features Location: Room 336
of Facebook including downloading photographs, student
work, video clips, poking and blogging. Kim Westheimer: Consultant, Healthcare of Southeastern MA
Standard(s): School, Family, and Community Partnerships, In this workshop we will create a dialog on the issues faced by
Technology Integration GLBT youth. We will use real-life scenarios to explore ways
to create safe and welcoming spaces in our classrooms and in
all of interactions with students. We will identify strategies
that can be incorporated into our teaching and communication
with students. Resources that can assist GLBT youth, allies,
Check out our Institute Wiki at and their families will be provided.
Standard(s): School, Family, and Community Partnerships,
http://blueprintinstitute.wikispaces.com/ School Organization and Culture
for handouts, presentations, and
other information
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3
C13-Start SMART C17-What’s Up With Guided Reading at the Middle
Location: Room 303 School Level?
Lauren Nawrocki, Gr. 2 Teacher: J. Warren Killam Location: Room 229
Elementary School Kathleen Daly, Jill Piantedosi, Susan Kalmakis, Brienne
Are you a new SMARTBoard user or a hopeful future user? Black, and Tammy Jones; E/LA and Reading Teachers:
Then this workshop is for you! Through an interactive hands- Walter S. Parker Middle School
on session you will learn about how to use the SMARTBoard This roundtable discussion will focus on guided reading as one
with Notebook 10 software. You will acquire an increased component of a balanced literacy program. We will discuss
knowledge and comfort level for you to begin your SMART our efforts in putting together several guided reading models.
travels. If you have a flash drive, you may want to bring it. Focus questions for discussion will include, but are not limited
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology to: How do you structure a differentiated teaching model,
Integration where grouping includes fluency instruction, word study
instruction, and comprehension instruction? What model(s)
C14-UnConference Session with Will Richardson have been successful so far? How is small group instruction
Location: Room 319 managed at this level? What are the components of a
Will Richardson, National Technology Consultant and successful guided reading program? What are the strengths
Educator and weakness of the models?
Join Will Richardson in a session that is based upon audience Standard(s): Student Focus and Support, School Organization
participation and questions in a more unplanned and relaxed, and Culture, Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active
interactive atmosphere. It’s a chance to ask the questions that Teaching and Learning
are most important in the area of technology integration and C18-eLibrary Bookcarts and Quizzes: Inquiry Based
for Will to show what’s most relevant. These sessions can be Learning Made Easy
loosely defined by general topics or wide open. Location: Room 345 (Back Library Computer Lab)
Standard(s): Technology Integration Jeff Cutler, Sr. Account Developer and Trainer: ProQuest
C15-“Paper, Pencil, Chalk – BLOG!” The Benefits of a Have you been looking for an easy and effective way to
Classroom Blog promote information literacy, inquiry-based learning activities,
Location: 332 and increase student use of library resources? With the new
David Williams, Gr. 6 Science: Walter S. Parker Middle BookCart tool from BigChalk eLibrary, educators can
School incorporate links to relevant publications, articles, photos,
maps, multimedia files, and websites from online sources or
This presentation will explore the benefits of a classroom personal favorite weblinks. BookCarts and QuizCarts can be
blog. From bringing the classroom into the home to providing easily shared by teachers in the same school or any school in
curriculum extensions and enrichment for your students, the district. BigChalk eLibrary is available to all students and
participants will be exposed to some of the many ways a teachers via the online sources from Reading Public Library
classroom blog can be used. Examples of good, educational and many other public libraries. Suitable for middle and high
teacher blogs will be shared as well as several student blogs. school level.
The presentation will also demonstrate how to get started in
setting up a new blog and posting to it. Standard(s): Challenging Standards and Curriculum
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Technology C19-Image Conscious: Using Google Image
Integration Location: Drama Room
C16-Smart Planning with your SMARTBoard William Endslow, Department Chair; Fine, Performing and
Location: Room 232 Practical Arts; Janet Dee, Business Teacher: Reading
Memorial High School
Brian Cormier, Gr. 8 Math: Walter S. Parker Middle School
Enhancing documents and communications using Google
This will be an interactive workshop aimed at helping the Image Search will be the focus of this workshop but we will
teacher create and catalog daily lessons using the also go beyond searching. Practical uses of keeping photo
SMARTBoard Notebook software. Teachers will create files, editing Edline, re-sizing images and copyright
lesson and activity templates, reusable visuals and icons which information will all be shared and demonstrated. This
will save time in planning and executing lessons. Teachers workshop is geared toward any teacher who wants to better
will also gain and share expertise in creating professional- understand the functions of image searches and image use in
looking slides which help maximize student engagement. the 21st Century classroom.
Standard(s): Technology Integration Standard(s): Technology Integration
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3
C20-Simplify Your Life… With Google Docs C23-Diabetes in the Classroom: Let’s Educate the
Location: Room 318 Educator
Laurie Smith, 9-12 Spanish Teacher; Joanne Alvarez, Foreign Location: Room 230
Language Department Chair: Reading Memorial High School Lynn Dunn, Director of Nursing/ Reading Memorial High
This workshop is for any teacher who would like to learn how School; Mary Giuliana, RISE Preschool Nurse; Cindy
to use Google docs to simplify group work in the classroom Ventura, Nurse: Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School
and to improve communication and collaboration among This workshop will provide an overview of diabetes
teachers. The workshop will be hands-on and teachers will management in the school setting. It will include the
have the opportunity to create something that can be used in following information: a brief explanation of the physiology
the classroom on Monday. Examples will be foreign of Juvenile Diabetes, a discussion of some of the many
language-based but the concepts are universal. challenges children and teens face living with this disease, and
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning and Technology suggestions on how to promote a healthy, productive learning
Integration environment for students with diabetes and an update on the
legal rights of students as they apply to school.
C21-This Reading Life: Project-Based Learning in the
Secondary English Classroom Standard(s): Student Focus and Support
Location: Room 315 C24-SMART Ideas: Concept Mapping Software From
Mike McSweeney, English Department Chair: Reading SMART Technologies!
Memorial High School Location: Superintendent’s Conference Room (1st Floor)
As part of a unit on journalism, seniors in one English class Shayla Rexrode, Educational Consultant: SMART
were assigned to produce “audio features” on various aspects Technologies
of life in their hometown. After researching and interviewing, In this session, teachers will learn about the advantages of
they wrote, recorded, and edited podcasts that provide a record using SMART Ideas with their SMARTBoard Interactive
of life in Reading, Massachusetts. The presenter will share his Whiteboard. This concept-mapping software makes complex
thoughts on the project’s rewards and shortcomings, and will ideas easier for students to understand and classroom work a
solicit input to improve the project. Attendees will listen to lot more fun. Teachers will see how to engage students with
several of the finished products. multiple views, encourage creative thinking, and enhance
Standard(s): Challenging Standards and Curriculum, instruction by using multilevel maps and multimedia. This is
Technology Integration a great workshop for teachers who use concept maps to teach
and develop projects.
C22-Teaching at the HS Level: Best Instructional Practices
for AP Courses. What Do You Do Now; What Would You Standard(s): Technology Integration
Like To Do in The Future? C25-Using Data From Informal Reading Tests to Drive
Location: Room 225 Instruction, K-1 Teachers
Joanne Fitzpatrick, 9-12 Math Teacher: Reading Memorial Location: Room 325
High School Elena Raffa, Sally Mucica, Leshia Duffy; Grade 1 Teachers
AP Teachers have substantial responsibility and an unrelenting Terry Pailes, Reading Specialist Gr. K-4: Wood End
pace of instruction. Would you like to be at a workshop where Elementary School
AP teachers of various disciplines from different high schools This workshop will help participants see how teachers and
come together to discuss some of their best practices? Would specialists can collaborate to form Flexible Groupings, and to
you like to be part of an ongoing email list where you could establish RTI groups (Response to Intervention). Participants
contact fellow AP teachers after the workshop ends? This will learn how to use data from the DIBELS and DRA
workshop will: provide a forum for collaboration; create a assessments, as well as classroom observations, to inform
community of contacts; address the culture of AP classes at instruction. They will also learn how weekly data meetings
different high schools; review current College Board are used to ensure students are receiving reading instruction to
guidance; and most importantly, discuss instructional best best suit their instructional skill level.
practices – what works and what doesn’t. We are open to any Standard(s): Student Focus and Support
additions to these topics as well. Feel free to email
jfitzpatrick@reading.k12.ma.us with topics you would like
added to the agenda. Planning on attending? Please try to
bring a copy of your syllabus.
Standard(s): Active Teaching and Learning, Professional
Community, Leadership and Educational Vitality, Technology
Integration
Reading Public Schools Staff Sharing Conference
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Staff Sharing Session 3
C26-Ideas and Partnering on the Use of Federal Stimulus
Money
Location: Room 321
Pat Schettini, Superintendent: Reading Public Schools
This roundtable discussion will look at the funding
possibilities and options under the federal stimulus law, the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The
participants will brainstorm ideas for this funding consistent
with law and investigate possible partnership and network
opportunities to leverage funding under the ARRA.
Standard(s): Professional Community, Leadership and
Educational Vitality, School Family and Community
C27-Prescription and Street Drugs
Location: Room 328
Dan Cappetta, Assistant District Attorney: Middlesex District
Attorney’s Office
This training highlights the prevalence of substance use, the
dangerous connection between substance use and violence, Need Internet Access?
and the applicability of criminal law and school policy. While
street drugs are readily available in many communities, a
If you brought your own laptop...
majority of teen drug users easily obtain prescription
medications from both stores and their family medicine
cabinet. Included in this presentation are topics such as Wireless Internet access is provided throughout
inhalants, steroids, and cough medicines. Prosecution of drug the entire conference.
offenses by Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s office
will also be discussed.
If you did not bring your own laptop....
Standard(s): Student Focus and Support
C28-Using Computer Games for Differentiated Instruction Visit Our Library Media Center on the 3rd Floor
Location: Room 334
Alfred Thompson, Academic Relations Manager: Microsoft during Lunch and Breaks
During this session Alfred Thompson will demonstrate how
computer software tools can enable differentiated instruction.
Building on student abilities with multi-media and interactive
applications, computer games can both engage and educate
students. Using tools like Kodu, Alice and Scratch, teachers
can engage students in sequencing, story development and
critical thinking throughout the curriculum.
Standard(s): Technology Integration, Active Teaching and
Learning
We would like to thank the following people for their efforts in making this conference a success...
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., Superintendent of Schools
Mary Ellen Begonis, Administrative Assistant for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
David Bunten, Music Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
D.J. Cacciapuoti, Assistant Director of Facilities
Karen Callan, Principal, Barrows Elementary School
Kathy Daly, Visual Arts Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Richard Davidson, Principal, Wood End Elementary School
Diane Davis, Visual Arts Teacher, Parker Middle School
Donna Dawson, Visual Arts Teacher, Killam and Joshua Eaton Elementary Schools
Jenny DiMuzio, Music Teacher, Coolidge Middle School
Mary Christine Dion, Spanish Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Patty de Garavilla, Principal, Joshua Eaton Elementary School
Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances
Sarah Doane, Visual Arts Teacher, Coolidge Middle School
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services
Geri Donahue, District Food Service Secretary
Michael Donahue, District Technician
William Endslow, Fine Arts Department Chair, Reading Memorial High School
Linda Engelson, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Joseph Finigan-Principal, Reading Memorial High School
Susan Gilbert, Visual Art Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Cathy Giles, Principal, Killam Elementary School
Marcia Grant, Technology Integration Specialist, Coolidge Middle School
Kara Gleason, Project Director, Teaching of American History Grant
April Goran-Technology Integration Specialist, Reading Memorial High School
Gary Hart-Assistant Principal, Reading Memorial High School
William Hill, Courier, Reading Public Schools
Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities
Beth Hurley-Visual Arts Teacher, Barrows and Joshua Eaton Elementary Schools
Kristin Killian-Music Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Bonnie Lane, District Technician
Veronique Latimer, Visual Arts Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Doug Lyons, Principal, Walter S. Parker Middle School
Craig Martin, Principal, Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School
Alicia McKenney, Music Teacher, Joshua Eaton and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools
Kristin Morello, Director of Food Services
Al Mosier, Music Teacher, Wood End and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools
Joe Mulligan, Music Teacher, RMHS and Coolidge
Christina Papanikolaou, Visual Arts Teacher, Birch Meadow and Wood End Elementary Schools
Meg Powers, Technology Integration Specialist, Parker Middle School
Michael Radvany, Visual Arts Teacher, Reading Memorial High School
Elena Raucci, Music Teacher, Killam and Barrows Elementary School
Amy Ropple, Visual Arts Teacher, Parker Middle School
Reading Public Schools Cafeteria Staff
Reading Public Schools Custodial and Maintenance Staff
Reading Memorial High School Student Ambassadors and Musicians
Karen Sawyer, District Technician
Eric Sprung, Principal, Birch Meadow Elementary School
Phil Vaccaro, Athletic Director, Reading Memorial High School
Robert Ventura, District Technician
Matt Wilson, District Network Manager
Please support the following organizations who helped make this conference a success.
Stoneham Ford, Inc.
North Suburban Bus Company
SMART Technologies
Lifetouch Studios
O’Connor Studios
New England Ice Cream-Blue Bunny Ice Cream Products
American Patriot Sales- Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies
Fushion Sales-Barber Chicken, Pretzel Thins and Superbakery Muffins
NutriKids
Karen McDonald, Thurston Foods
Benchmark
Learning Tree
Elite Fitness
Reading Vending
Barnes and Noble
Bingo Books
North Suburban
Transportation Company, Inc.
Providing you with all of your Transportation needs!
100 Ashburton Avenue
(781) 933-8474 Woburn, MA. 01801 FAX# (781) 933-5112
To Superintendent’s
Conference Room and
Friday’s SMART
Workshops (Go down
Stairs to first floor)
Reading Memorial High School
4th Floor
Reading Public Schools
Blueprint for Educational Excellence National Institute April 17th Workshop Sessions
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
Session A: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
A1 236 Shawn Middlesex DA Family and School, Family, and Community
MacMaster Office Relationship Violence Partnerships
A2 315 Joe Mulligan Coolidge Middle Impacting Your Student Focus and Support
and Andrew School and Music Program with Challenging Standards and
Norton Parker Middle SMART Music Curriculum
School Technology Integration
A3 234 Jesenia Castro, Reading Public Redefining Diversity: School Organization and Culture
Kristina Kyles Schools Focus on Students to
Increase Success
A4 237 Colleen Dolan. Reading Public Team Meetings Short School Organization and Culture
Pupil Services Schools and Sweet Family and Community Partnerships
Director
A5 235 Deb Kwiatek Reading Public The Word is Out Challenging Standards and
Schools Curriculum
A6 224 Dr. Christine Reading Public Develop Logical Challenging Standards and
Redford Schools Thinking Curriculum
Consultant Active Teaching and Learning
A7 222 Rebecca Flynn Joshua Eaton Metacognition: Challenging Standards and
and Stacy Elementary Explicit Strategies to Curriculum
Kress School Help Students
Monitor Their
Understanding While
Reading
A8 229 Karen Feeney Joshua Eaton I’m Audited; NOW Professional Community, Leadership
Elementary WHAT
School
A9 Fine and Dr. Mike Hall Georgia Creating the 21st Technology Integration
Performing Century Classroom
Arts Center
A10 322 Marian Nihan, Wood End Barebones Basics: Active Teaching and Learning
Barbara Elementary Incorporating the
Sheehan, School Framing Your
Isabella Jordan Thoughts Writing
Program into Your
Elementary
Classroom
A11 324 Cathy Giles, Killam Special Education Leadership and Educational Vitality
Lucille Elementary Team Extreme School Organization and Culture
Kaloyanides, School Makeover Student Focus and Support
Kathy Active Teaching and Learning
MacMillan, Professional Community
Melissa Indicators of Success
Hotchkiss
A12 Drama Elise “Tee” Killam NAMASTE! Active Teaching and Learning
O’Brien Elementary (Yoga) Professional Community
School
A13 334 Alfred Microsoft Using Computer Technology Integration
Thompson Corporation Games for Active Teaching and Learning
Academic Differentiated
Relations Instruction
Manager
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
A14 319 Will Consultant, New Creating Live Web Technology Integration
Richardson Jersey TV for the Classroom
for Global Audiences
A15 325 Scott Finlinson, NORESCO Bring Hands-On School Organization and Culture
Ph.D. Energy Conservation Active Teaching and Learning
and Liz Ortiz into the Curriculum Technology Integration
and the Classroom Leadership and Educational Vitality
through a
Comprehensive
Approach Toward
Performance
Contracting
A16 226 Connie Parker Middle Trying on Student Focus and Support
Quackenbush School Technology – A Year Professional Community
of Adventure Leadership and Educational Vitality
Challenging Standards and
Curriculum
School Family and Community
Partnerships
Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
A17 318 Jennifer Parker Middle Engagement with Student Focus and Support
Webster School SMARTBoard Games Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
A18 239 Larry Riverside Threat Assessments
(Chorus) Berkowitz Community Care for Schools
A19 303 Jim Chetwynd, Reading Upgrade your 20th Challenging Standards and
Jenn Baskin Memorial High Century Skills Curriculum
School Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
Professional Community
Indicators of Success
A20 231 Mary Christine Reading Voice Thread: Active Teaching and Learning
(Language Dion Memorial High Weaving Visual and Technology Integration
Lab) School Auditory Presentation
Skills with
Technology
A21 Music Lab Kristin Killian Reading Piano Anyone? Challenging Standards and
Memorial High Curriculum
School Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
A22 232 Jennifer Reading Integration of Technology Integration
(Graphics Thomas/ Memorial High Technology into
Lab) Sharon Burke School Project Based
Learning
A23 332 Karen Irmer, Reading Motivation: Batteries Student Focus and Support
Andie Memorial High Not Included
Merkowitz, & School
Stephanie
Lecesse
A24 345 Karen Janowski Reading Public Reaching All Active Teaching and Learning
(Back School Learners: Free Tech Student focus and Support
Computer Committee Tools for Student Technology Integration
Lab) Member Success
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
A25 Super. Conf. Shayla Rexrode SMART SMART Bridgit Technology Integration
Room Technologies Conferencing
(1st Floor) Software: Connecting
With Teachers and
Classrooms Around
the World
A26 317 Stephanie Wood End Not-So Wicked Wikis Technology Integration
Horhota, Bill Elementary
Lewis, & School, Joshua
Jo-Ellen Eaton
McGinnity Elementary
School, Killam
Elementary
School
A27 Library Dr. Steve Blue Ribbon Blueprint for Indicators of Success
O’Brien Schools of Excellence
Excellence, Inc. Improvement Process
A28 336 Jeff Perrotti Consultant for Sex, Gender, and School Organization and Culture
Healthcare of Sexual Orientation in School, Family, and Community
Southeastern Athletics Partnerships
Mass.
Session B: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
B1 334 Alfred Microsoft Using Computer Technology Integration
Thompson Corporation Games for Active Teaching and Learning
Academic Differentiated
Relations Instruction
Manager
B2 234 Sarah Lentz, Barrows Family Literacy/ Active Teaching and Learning
Carina Becker Elementary Math game Evening School, Family, and Community
School Partnerships
Student Focus and Support
B3 230 Cheryl Wing, Coolidge Middle Coolidge Middle Challenging Standards and
Marcia Grant, School School Idol: the Curriculum
Chris Collaboration of Active Teaching and Learning
Steinhauser Emerging Technology Integration
Technologies with
Integrated Arts Using
Wikis
B4 237 Marie Pink Coolidge Middle Motivating the Active Teaching and Learning
Jaimee School Reluctant Learner
Feinberg
B5 315 Liz Geraghty, Coolidge Middle Google Gadgets for Technology Integration
Ursula Abad, School Novices
Andrea Bruno
B6 235 Deb Kwiatek Reading Public Key Three Routine Active Teaching and Learning
Schools
B7 224 Dr. Christine Reading Public How Do I Get Them Challenging Standards and
Redford Schools to Know Their Math Curriculum
Consultant Facts? Gr. 1-6 Active Teaching and Learning
B8 222 Mary Johnston Joshua Eaton Using Technology as Active Teaching and Learning
Elementary a Tool to Involve Technology Integration
School Learners
B9 324 Karen Callan, Elementary What Do They Use in Leadership and Educational Vitality
Cathy Giles, Principals the Principal’s Technology Integration, Professional
Patty Office? Community
de Garavilla,
Richard
Davidson
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
B10 319 Will Consultant, New Connective Writing Technology Integration
Richardson Jersey
B11 229 Norah Parker Middle READ THIS! Newly Challenging Standards and
Connolly, School Published and Recent Curriculum
Susan Award-Winning Active Teaching and Learning
Kalmakis Books for Middle
Level Readers
B12 322 Joyce RISE Preschool Teaching Social Active Teaching and Learning
Camenker & Skills to Young Professional Community
Katherine Children with PDD/ Challenging Standards and
Whelan Autism Curriculum
B13 239 (Chorus) Larry Riverside Depression and
Berkowitz Community Care Suicide
B14 318 Danja Mahoney Reading “Tweet me” “Find Technology Integration
Memorial High me on Twitter!” Professional Community
School “She’s Following me
on Twitter”
B15 232 Heather A. Reading Online Teens for Student Focus and Support
(Graphics Conner Memorial High Credit! Challenging Standards and
Lab) School Curriculum
Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
Professional Community
B16 303 Mary Anne Reading Move Over Regis Active Teaching and Learning
Lynn Memorial High Philbin and Alex
School Trebek!!!
B17 345 April Goran Reading Move Your Students Active Teaching and Learning
(Back Library Memorial High Faces! Using Grade Technology Integration
Computer School Quick Seating Charts
Lab) for Seating and
Grouping
Collaborative Teams
for Project Based
Lessons
B18 225 Jane Darveau, Reading “What Do You Want Professional Community
Jo-Ann Memorial High to be When You
Gregorowicz, School Grow Up?”
Jenn
Mac Donough,
Sarah Peterson,
Steve Kennedy
B19 314 Alex Reading Enhancing Visual Challenging Standards and
Ballantyne Memorial High Literacy – A Cross- Curriculum
School Disciplinary Active Teaching and Learning
Perspective Technology Integration
Professional Community
B20 325 Karen Janowski Reading Public Effective Technology Active Teaching and Learning
School Strategies for Student focus and Support
Committee Students on the Technology Integration
Member Autism Spectrum
B21 Central Shayla Rexrode SMART Senteo 2.0 – The Technology Integration
Office Technologies Latest and Greatest Active Teaching and Learning
Conference from SMART
Room Technology
(1st Floor)
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
B22 323 Amy Killam Promoting Positive School, Family and Community
Burgoyne, Elementary Parent Partnerships Partnerships
Karen Douglas School
B23 226 C. Ellen Wood End iBelieve in iPods (in Technology Integration
Commito, Elementary the classroom)
Kathy Favazza School
B24 328 Janelle Boutin, Wood End ILP: What We Stand Student Focus and Support
Emily Elementary For: Making the School Organization and Culture
LaMontagne School Inclusive Classroom Challenging Standards and
Accessible to Curriculum
Students With
Cognitive Deficits
B25 332 Lindsey Wood End Come Join Our Circle School Organization and Culture
Perkins, Elementary Active Teaching and Learning
Maureen School School, Family, and Community
Habeeb, Partnerships
Courtney
George
B26 317 Nancy Bentley, Wood End Podcastic! Active Teaching and Learning
Kerry Mullen Elementary Technology Integration
School and
Birch Meadow
Elementary
School
B27 Library Dr. Steve Blue Ribbon Blueprint for Indicators of Success
O’Brien Schools of Excellence
Excellence, Inc. Improvement Process
B28 336 Kim Consultant for Strategies for the School Organization and Culture
Westheimer Healthcare of Inclusion of GLBT School, Family, and Community
Southeastern Youth and Allies Partnerships
Mass.
Session C: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
C1 344 John Laracy, Barrows Photo Story: It’s a Active Teaching and Learning
(Front Library Melissa Elementary Snap Technology Integration
Computer Fleishman School
Lab) Birch Meadow
Elementary
School
C2 324 Tullie Birch Meadow Pre-Packaged Student Focus and Support
Warshauer Elementary Reading Fun, Whole- School Organization and Culture
School School Incentive School Family and Community
Programs to Share Partnerships
C3 231 Marcia Grant Coolidge Middle Podcasting with Challenging Standards and
(Language School Audacity Curriculum
Lab) Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
C4 317 Andrea Miller Coolidge Middle Showcasing Students Active Teaching and Learning
School Using Microsoft Technology Integration
Publisher – It’s All
About Them!
C5 237 Marie Pink and Coolidge Middle Expanding the Active Teaching and Learning
Jeremy Sprague School Boundaries of Technology Integration
Teaching and
Learning: Join
Cohort 2
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
C6 235 Jenny Coolidge Middle Making (or Giving!) Challenging Standards and
DiMuzio, School and the Grade in the Curriculum
Aaron Clark Parker Middle Performing Arts Active Teaching and Learning
School
C7 Field House Tom Zaya, Paul Reading Public “Adventure Active Teaching and Learning
Mahoney, Schools & Activities” Challenging Standards and
Reading Public WingSpeed Curriculum
Schools Adventures
Wellness Staff,
Charlie
Williams from
WingSpeed
Adventures
C8 224 Dr. Christine Reading Public Study for a Math Challenging Standards and
Redford Schools Test? Curriculum
Consultant Active Teaching and Learning
C9 222 Jamie Quinn Joshua Eaton Facebook and Your School Family and Community
and Cathy Elementary Classroom Partnership
Carmody School Technology Integration
C10 239 Michelle Joshua Eaton Ouch! My Head Just Active Teaching and Learning
Chorus Room Callan, Liz Elementary Hit the Table. It’s
Kasprzyk, and School Time to Put Some
Christopher Energy Back Into
Heath This Class
C11 322 Patty Joshua Eaton Flexible Reading Challenging Standards and
de Garavilla, Elementary Groups – Something Curriculum
Karen Feeney, School for Every Child! Active Teaching and Learning
and Jane
Merrill
C12 336 Kim Consultant for Strategies for the School Organization and Culture
Westheimer Healthcare of Inclusion of GLBT School, Family, and Community
Southeastern Youth and Allies Partnerships
Mass.
C13 303 Lauren Killam Start SMART Technology Integration
Nawrocki Elementary Active Teaching and Learning
School
C14 319 Will New Jersey UnConference Technology Integration
Richardson Sessions
C15 332 David Williams Parker Middle “Paper, Pencil, Chalk, Technology Integration
School - Blog!” The Active Teaching and Learning
Benefits of a
Classroom Blog
C16 232 Brian Cormier Parker Middle Smart Planning with Technology Integration
School your SMARTBoard
C17 229 Kathleen Daly, Parker Middle What’s Up With Student Focus and Support
Jill Piantedosi, School Guided Reading at School Organization and Culture
Susan the Middle School Challenging Standards and
Kalmakis, Level? Curriculum
Brienne Black, Active Teaching and Learning
& Tammy
Jones
C18 345 Sharon Burke Proquest/ Inquiry Based Challenging Standards and
Back Library BigChalk Learning Made Easy Curriculum
Computer Lab eLibrary
Webinar
Session Room Name of School or Title Blue Ribbon Standard
Presenter(s) Organization
C19 Drama Bill Endslow Reading Image Conscious: Technology Integration
Memorial High Using Google Image
School
C20 318 Laurie Smith, Reading Simplify Your Technology Integration
Joanne Alvarez Memorial High Life…with Google Active Teaching and Learning
School Docs
C21 315 Michael Reading This Reading Life: Challenging Standards and
McSweeney Memorial High Project-Based Learning Curriculum
School in the Secondary Technology Integration
English Classroom
C22 225 Joanne R. Reading Teaching at the HS Active Teaching and Learning
Fitzpatrick Memorial High Level: Best Practices Professional Community
School for AP Courses. Leadership and Educational Vitality
What Do You Do Technology Integration
Now, What Would
You Like To Do in
the Future
C23 230 Lynn Dunn, Reading Diabetes in the Student Focus and Support
Director of Memorial High Classroom; Lets
Nurses School/ RISE/ Educate the Educator
Mary Giuliana, Coolidge Middle
RISE Nurse School
Cindy Ventura,
Coolidge
Middle School
Nurse
C24 Super. Conf. Shayla Rexrode SMART SMART Ideas: Technology Integration
Room Technologies Concept Mapping
(1st Floor) Software from
SMART
Technologies!
C25 325 Elena Raffa, Wood End Using Data From Student Focus and Support
Sally Mucica, Elementary Informal Reading
Leshia Duffy, School Tests to Drive
Terry Pailes Instruction
C26 321 Pat Schettini Reading Public Ideas and Partnering
Schools on the Use of Federal
Stimulus Money
C27 328 Dan Cappetta Middlesex DA Drugs Student Focus and Support
Office
C28 334 Alfred Microsoft Using Computer Technology Integration
Thompson Corporation Games for Active Teaching and Learning
Academic Differentiated
Relations Instruction
Manager
Biographies of Keynote Presenters
Will Richardson
Technology Consultant
Will Richardson is known internationally for his work with educators and students to understand and implement
instructional technologies and, more specifically, the tools of the Read/Write Web into their schools, classrooms and
communities. A former public school educator for 22 years, Will’s own Weblog (Weblogg-ed.com) is a leading
resource for the creation and implementation of Web 2.0 technologies on the K-12 level, and his is a leading voice for
re-envisioning learning and teaching in the context of the fundamental changes these new technologies are bringing
to all aspects of life.
His critically acclaimed, best-selling book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (2nd
Edition, July 2008, Corwin Press) has sold over 50,000 copies and is already being used by tens of thousands of
teachers to reinvent their practice, and his keynotes, presentations and workshops to audiences in China, Australia,
Europe and throughout North America communicate a fresh and inspiring vision of what schools can and must
become. Through the Powerful Learning Practice Network which he co-founded with Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, he
works with schools and teachers around the world to re-envision their learning cultures and communities
He is also a national advisory board member for the George Lucas Education Foundation, a columnist for District
Administration Magazine, and has published dozens of articles in various professional and mass market journals and
magazines.
Will lives along the Delaware River in beautiful Western New Jersey with his wife Wendy and his children Tess and
Tucker, all of whom are bloggers.
Bart Teal
President/CEO, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Bart founded Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc., (an educational nonprofit organization) in 2003. He currently
serves as President, CEO, and Board Chair. He lives in Chapin, South Carolina, and is happily married to Alice Teal,
his wife of 42 years. They have two children of whom they are extremely proud. Both are Ivy League graduates -
Joann O’Connell, Wharton; and Bart Teal, Jr., Columbia. Three grandchildren bring much joy to their lives. He is
extremely dedicated to family ideals, philosophies, and principles.
Bart frequently speaks to international audiences about creating schools of excellence for children around the world
and promoting world peace. He was recently honored by The Experimental High School attached to Beijing Normal
University with the Confucius Award (China’s top award for educators) for his work with schools and students on
world peace. Bart has 42 years of combined experience as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and
educational consultant. He has used innovative educational practices in his methodologies since the early 1970's
including thematic units, critical thinking skills, integrated curriculum, and the involvement of parents in their
children’s education. As coach of a high school basketball team, he led players to win two state championships and
five conference championships. His devotion to children and education are evident through his many continued
successes. Bart and Alice’s most recent project for children is their world peace initiative that was inaugurated at the
Blue Ribbon Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and will receive special emphasis at Disney World in
December of 2009.
Through his involvement with the former National Blue Ribbon Schools program, Bart has developed an innovative
school improvement plan using the application and scoring guidelines as a blueprint and focusing on the student,
with the prime objective being success for all students. This time sensitive school improvement process involves the
entire learning community - students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff and community members. The
Blueprint for Excellence assessment provides schools with a tool for improvement as well as recognition as a Blue
Ribbon Lighthouse School. Schools across the nation are becoming national models by using the Blueprint for
Excellence and creating an appropriate atmosphere for everyone working together (teamwork including schools,
parents, community and business leaders). This is accomplished through the orchestrated sharing of information,
visiting each other's model practices, studying and implementing best practices, and attendance and presentation at
the annual Blue Ribbon Schools Blueprint for Excellence Conference. According to Craig Martin, Principal of
Coolidge Middle School in Reading, Massachusetts, “Bart Teal is a true visionary in the field of education. His passion
for helping all schools to better serve their students comes directly from his deep love and commitment to children.
His energy and leadership have inspired our school, and the Blue Ribbon conferences have provided us with the path
to the school we've become today. Bart Teal and the Blue Ribbon organization have helped us examine all the
integral elements of a successful school, and they have also provided us the inspiration and ideas to implement so
many initiatives that have made a real difference in the lives of our students and families.” Bart's dedication and
resiliency have proven instrumental in leading schools to the honor of Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, with the
numbers awarded increasing each year.
Bart has a growing ambition to recognize successful educational efforts and schools through this national school
improvement movement. Bart sees this as a viable option through identifying Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools,
establishing model programs, benefiting from current networks and access to information, using the wealth of ideas
and practices from exemplary schools, and establishing specialty initiatives to address specific educational needs
and expectations. These educational practices have been shared through the annual Blue Ribbon Blueprint for
Excellence Conference and will be expanded through the addition of national institutes that will showcase excellence
in education for local areas across America. Thus, all students are provided with increased opportunities for success.
Kathy Howard, former South Carolina Administrator of the Year, states: “Bart Teal is an invaluable resource to all
schools aspiring to become recognized. His insight and expertise are unmatched and his willingness to share is
admirable. The recognition he would bring to schools would be unparalleled in a day of growing negativity toward
education, a shining light where students would be the real winners.” After all, aren't the children what we are all
about?
Contact Information
Bart Teal
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
136 Lakeside Road
Chapin, South Carolina 29036
Send email to bartrteal@aol.com
John Doherty
Assistant Superintendent, Reading Public Schools
John Doherty is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Technology for
the Reading Public Schools, in Reading, Massachusetts. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological
Sciences and his Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. He
will receive his Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University in May. Mr. Doherty began his
teaching career in 1983 at the Austin Preparatory School in Reading, Massachusetts, and he began with the Reading
Public Schools as a Science teacher in 1987. After serving as Department Chair, he became the Interim Assistant
Principal of Coolidge Middle School in 1994, and he was named Principal of Coolidge Middle School in 1995.
While principal of Coolidge Middle School in 2003, the school received the “Spotlight School Award” from the New
England League of Middle Schools (NELMS); and in 2004, NELMS presented Mr. Doherty with its “Administrator of the
Year” award. Also in 2004, Coolidge Middle School was a recipient of the national Intel/Scholastic “21st Century
School of Distinction” award. Mr. Doherty has been a featured presenter and keynote speaker at both regional and
national conferences, and in 2005, he was appointed as a member of the “Governor’s Special Commission” to
investigate and study middle level education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Recently, he received the
Forest E. Connor Award by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) as one of six of the nation’s
outstanding graduate students in educational administration.
John lives in Tewksbury, Massachusetts with his wife, Laurie, also an educator, and their two daughters, Erin, 13, and
Shealagh, 11, who are both avid dancers and participants in the prestigious Five Star Theatre Camp in Reading,
Massachusetts.
Dr. Gary Burgess
Chief Operating Officer, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
Gary L. Burgess, Sr., is a native of Inman, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Wofford College, Converse College and
received his doctoral degree from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. Dr. Burgess has worked in inner-
city, suburban and rural school districts in South Carolina. He is passionate about meeting the needs of students who
have been historically underserved and undereducated. Dr. Burgess has an impressive action-oriented history
regarding school reform and school improvement. In 1988 he coauthored an article published by the National
Association of Secondary School Principals titled: “College Start: A Smooth Transition for Minority Students.” Dr.
Burgess’ dissertation, Navigating the Mainstream: The Perceptions of Working Class African-American Males of Barriers
to Academic Success in Their Local School Cultures’, speaks to the issue of challenges facing black male students as a
group. He recently signed a contract (September 2008) with Publish America for his book: Distorted: Restoring the
Intellectual Image of Students of American Slave Descent. Currently the book is in the editing phase of the publishing
process. Dr. Burgess walks the talk.
Dr. Burgess is the immediate past superintendent of Anderson County School District Four located in historic
Pendleton, South Carolina. He has worked as an adjunct professor with Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, and
the Citadel in Charleston, SC. Dr. Burgess has been recognized by numerous local, state, regional and national
organizations as an educator- he was honored as the secondary Principal of the Year for the State of South Carolina in
1996 and was named a Milken National Educator in 1999-2000. Former Governor Jim Hodges appointed Dr. Burgess
to South Carolina's Juvenile Parole Board and to the John De La Howe Board of Trustees. He served as a national site
visitor for the United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Program, in addition to serving as a site visitor for
South Carolina’s Exemplary Writing Program and the Palmetto’s Finest Program. Dr. Burgess is Chairman of the
South Carolina Agricultural Education Committee.
Dr. Burgess was recognized by Visions magazine as one of the top 25 African-American influencers in South Carolina
in 1999. He is a former consulting editor with the Clearing House: A journal of educational research, controversy, and
practices as well as on the editorial board for Education Issues. Dr. Burgess is a contributor in Curriculum, Religion
and Public Education: Conversations for an Enlarging Public Square published by Teachers College Press. Dr.
Burgess served (1996-1999) on the Public Religion Project sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trust held in the School
of Divinity at the University of Chicago. He is highlighted in the HOPE (Harnessing Optimism and Potential through
Education) Foundation video series entitled “Failure is not an Option”. Dr. Burgess served on the board of the
Wofford College National Alumni Association. He was recognized by Wofford as the Outstanding Young Alumnus of
the Year in 1997, the first African-American to receive this distinction. Dr. Burgess was one of five citizens of
Anderson County in 2006 to receive the coveted “Pointing the Way Award” given by the Anderson Independent-Mail
newspaper.
Dr. Burgess speaks on the local, state, regional, national and international circuit. He addressed an
interdenominational faith youth group on the Lewis Islands in Stornoway, Scotland, in May 2000. In September 2000,
he was one of two principals nationally to address the National Blue Ribbon Schools Ceremony held in Washington,
D. C., sponsored by the United States Department of Education. Dr. Burgess was the only principal in the nation
selected to address the October 2001 National Blue Ribbon Conference held in the nation’s capital (this speech was
broadcast on the worldwide web). First Lady Laura Bush also addressed this conference. Dr. Burgess presented for
the National Educational Policy Fellowship in Miami, Fl., in November 2001. He worked with Clemson University on a
Program Assessment and Review Team to evaluate the Elmira City School District middle schools in New York during
April 2002. Dr. Burgess addressed the Nation al School Reform Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 2002.
He presented December 2002 and 2003 at the National Education Reform Conference in Orlando, Florida, at Disney
World. In July 2003 Dr. Burgess completed a Superintendent’s Leadership Seminar at Columbia University in New
York City. Dr. Burgess has completed numerous seminars and conducted various workshops and school
improvement forums. He was the 2008 Baccalaureate speaker for the graduates of Benedict College. Dr. Burgess
serves on the board of Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc., and serves as the corporation's Chief Operating
Officer.
Dr. Burgess is married to the former Quintella Marie Howard of Chicago, Illinois. They have three children, Lee,
Alexandra, and Nathan.
Contact Information
Dr. Gary Burgess
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
202 Sweetheart Nook
Pendleton, South Carolina 29670
Send email to drb.burgessgroup@bellsouth.net
Dr. Mike Hall
CTO/Director of Secondary Operations for the Glynn County School District in Brunswick, Georgia
Dr. Mike Hall is one of America’s most sought-after speakers on the subjects of Technology Education integration and
Freshman Transition initiatives. As the former Deputy Superintendent of Information Technology for the Georgia
Department of Education, Dr. Hall was responsible for reconfiguring the IT division to accommodate all reporting,
department infrastructure, and statewide instructional technology issues. Dr. Hall was also responsible for creating
the Georgia Virtual School as part of Governor Perdue’s and Superintendent Kathy Cox’s educational initiatives to
offer AP classes in all Georgia high schools during the 05-06 school year. Dr. Hall represented the DOE on numerous
state and national committees including the Statewide Wireless Project committee, Governor’s task force on
Multimedia, and he served as a principal technology advisor for the instructional technology and programming in the
Tiger Woods Learning Center.
Dr. Hall has been a technology visionary featured speaker twice at the National Intel Visionary Conference and has
presented more than 350 sessions at local, state, and national conferences across the country. His efforts have given
him the opportunity to work with schools in numerous states on the transformation of technology across the
curriculum as well as the Freshman Transition initiatives. He is currently involved in both state and national projects
involving wireless deployments, 1:1 computing, and creating 21st century learning environments. Dr. Hall was
recognized in 2005 as one of the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers for innovative technology projects in the US by
Government Technology Magazine.
Dr. Michael Hall has spent 29 years in the education field and holds Masters and Specialist Degrees in Education
Administration and Supervision, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Before joining the Department of
Education he was principal of Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA. Houston County High School was
recognized as the most advanced school in the nation for technology integration across the curriculum in 2004. The
school was also named an Intel Model School (one of only three in the nation). Dr. Hall was recognized by the Blue
Ribbon Schools Foundation as one of the top 10 high school principals in the nation in 2003.
Because of his success and research work in the area of middle to high school transition, Dr. Hall currently serves as
an educational consultant implementing transition programs across the US. He is currently working on active
transition projects in six states and has had the opportunity through his past and current work to visit hundreds of
high schools across the US and experience innovative transitional change that helps to make students successful.
Dr. Hall is the co-author of High School 101, an innovative project-based curriculum designed to prepare students to
succeed in the classroom as well as the workplace. This progressive ‘real world” approach to student transitional
skill development has been recognized as a model initiative that teaches students critical 21st Century skills and
closely mirrors the skills defined for success by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Working with partner and co-
author, Chad Foster, High School 101 addresses skills from both an educator and a successful entrepreneur’s
perspective.
Dr. Hall has been featured in several publications including Government Technology, District Administrator,
Scholastic Administrator, and EdTech Magazine. He also hosted a television show, Tech Talk, at Georgia Public
Broadcasting.
Dr. Hall is recognized as a leader in establishing corporate partnerships and creating innovative relationships that
promote collaboration in school improvement efforts. In addition, Dr. Hall is also the CTO/Director of Secondary
Operations for the Glynn County School District in Brunswick, Georgia.
Dr. Stephen O’Brien
Director of Assessments, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
Until his recent retirement, Stephen O'Brien was Director of Recognition Programs in the Office of Communications
and Outreach, U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. Recognition Programs included the Blue Ribbon
Schools Program, the Presidential Scholars Program, and the President’s Education Awards Program.
Previously, Dr. O’Brien was the Director of the Knowledge Applications Division (KAD) in the Office of Educational
Research and Improvement (OERI) that directed and coordinated activities focused on inquiry, knowledge
development, and systematic documentation of nationwide reform assistance and dissemination efforts.
A former teacher and private school superintendent, he has been an educator for forty years and was with the
Department for 16 years. He holds a doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech at Blacksburg, a
master’s in educational administration from Virginia Commonwealth University at Richmond, and a master’s in the
teaching of English from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.
Contact Information
Dr. Stephen O'Brien
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.
5952 Piney Grove Way
Gainesville, Virginia 20155-6680
Send email to: js.obrien@yahoo.com
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excellence in education. Thank you for
your dedication and commitment.
Keep up the great work!
O’Connor Studios
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Tewksbury, MA 01876
Phone: 978-640-6250
www.oconnorstudio.com
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