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Home » Staff Resources » Voyage ’24
We are excited to present… Voyage ’24, a full day of learning on Tuesday, November 5, 2024! The Voyage will take place at Middle School East.
There will be time for breakout sessions, as well as collaboration time. The day’s schedule includes collaboration time (by department/grade level) and three (3) breakout sessions (labeled A, B, C).
*All sessions take place at Middle School East unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
8:00 – 8:15am Arrival
8:15 – 9:40am Collaboration – Room Assignments
9:45 – 11:00am Session A
11:05am – 12:35pm LUNCH
12:40 – 1:55pm Session B
2:00 – 3:15pm Session C
3:15 – 3:30pm Closing/Reflection Survey
Wednesday, October 30 @ 8:00am ~ Website listing of Voyage offerings
Thursday, October 31 @ 12:00pm ~ Frontline/My Learning Plan (MLP) will be open for workshop registrations
Monday, November 4 @ 12:00 pm ~ Deadline to register for workshops in Frontline/MLP
Tuesday, November 5 ~ Voyage ’24!
After identifying sessions of interest to you, make note of the title and ID (i.e. Immaculate Snacking, A113). Use Frontline/My Learning Plan to search and register for your desired sessions and secure your spot.
Sessions may be limited due to physical space and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
| Session | SessionID | Location | Title | Description | Presenter | Audience | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 101 | 134 | Developing Strong Literacy Foundations in Emerging Readers with Level K Geodes | This session explores how Level K Geodes® help emerging readers build a strong literacy foundation. Educators will discover how structured practice with the three types of Level K books supports the development of oral language, verbal reasoning, literacy knowledge, and letter-sound correspondence. This session is for Kindergarten Teachers or any staff using Kindergarten Geodes during instruction. | Chris Squeri | K teachers | |
| A, B, C | 102 | 113 | AI Tools for Teachers Sandbox Session | Have you heard all the buzz around all the AI tools that have popped up but have not had the time to check them out? Whether you are ready to dive into the deep end with AI or are just starting to test the waters, this session is for you! The best way to understand it is to see what it can do. Come with a group or on your own to explore how AI can potentially benefit you and your students. Tools such as MagicSchool AI, Khanmigo for Educators, Diffit, Google Notebook LM, Chat GPT, and Microsoft Copilot will be highlighted, but you are free to explore others that you have heard about as well. The session will introduce some tools and provide a space for you to ask questions as you navigate and learn more about the resources out there. Our focus for this session will be on teacher use of AI. Ideas for tasks to try will be provided or you can come up with your own ideas for ways to make the most of the tools! | Kristi Lainhart | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B/C Combined | 103 | PVHS | Anatomage Training | This training will only be for interested teachers of the biology department at the high school. It requires two hours with the Anatomage table and a Zoom call with the company representative. | Anatomage Representative | High school staff (9-12) | |
| A or C | 104 | 142 | Belonging: A fundamental human need | Educators will demonstrate an increased understanding of the research surrounding belonging by engaging in small group discussions and reflective activities. Educators will identify and select at least two strategies from a provided menu of classroom practices aimed at cultivating a sense of belonging, and explain how they plan to implement them in their own teaching context. | Keya Champagne-Lee | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A or C | 105 | 240 | Communication Best Practices and functions | The goal is for Participating faculty to come out with a framework that serves as their draft communication plans for their classrooms incorporating best practices | Ryan Marsh | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5) | |
| B or C | 106 | 132 | Desmos....How to 'Edit with Love' | For the past 10 years, math teachers have been creating amazing Desmos activities and sharing them for other math teachers to 'Edit with love'. During this session everyone will find an activity they could use in an upcoming lesson. We will work together to edit and/or add to the original activity. | Meghan Long | Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B or C | 107 | 214 | Differentiated Teaching Explained | Efficiency is everything:) If you were to dedicate your limited time and energy to one HIT strategy why not make it one of the most effective HIT strategies. According to Hattie's zone of desired effects, differentiated instruction is one of the strategies that has the most significant impact on student learning and achievement. Come learn and understand more about the basics of differentiated instruction and how to start incorporating this strategy into your classroom starting tomorrow. | Ryan Creeden | Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B or C | 108 | 228 | Diversifying Classroom Instruction and Our Cooking | Attendees will review important information regarding competencies that support the learning of the diverse array of students in the PVSD. They will do so through cooking activities that expose them to a diversity of foods representative of different cultures. | Marianne Anastad, Arthur Mitchell, Barb Russell | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B/C Combined | 109 | Auditorium | Elevate Your Support: Professional Development on Death, Loss, and Grief | Are you prepared to support students through life’s toughest challenges?Join us for a transformative professional development (PD) session to empower school staff with the knowledge and skills to navigate sensitive topics like death, loss, and grief.What You’ll Gain:● Enhanced Understanding & Knowledge: Learn about the impact of death and grief onstudents of different ages and de-bunk some myths and beliefs.● Practical Strategies: Equip yourself with tools to provide compassionate and effectivesupport.● Collaborative Learning: In a supportive environment, share experiences and insightswith fellow educators and a panel of local experts. | Patti Colucci | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A or B | 110 | 232 | Engaging Multi-sensory Small Group Instruction | Join us for an exciting professional development session designed to transform your ELA small group instruction into a dynamic and effective learning experience! This session will immerse participants in the world of structured literacy methods, utilizing DIBELS data and engaging multi-sensory activities. Our mission is to equip you with innovative and practical tools that will transform small group instruction into an engaging and effective learning journey for your students. Don't miss this fun and engaging learning opportunity! | Leslie Nassoiy | Primary staff (K-2) | |
| C | 111 | 134 | Geodes in Action: Collaborative Strategies for Effective Implementation | Join us for an interactive session focused on the successful implementation of Geodes®, where we’ll explore how developing readers enhance their knowledge and skills through practice with Geodes in Levels K, 1 and 2. Participants will collaborate with peers to share insights and strategies, discussing practical methods for grouping and supporting students in accuracy, fluency, and comprehension while exploring available resources and planning for upcoming lessons. We will also cover how to prepare instruction using a single Geodes text to address a variety of reading needs. | Chris Squeri | Primary staff (K-2) | |
| A or C | 112 | 114 | I-Ready Pilot Implementation Insight: Collaborative Strategies for Success | Join us for an engaging session designed to support the successful implementation of the I-Ready program. This training will provide dedicated time to review program goals and routines, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations. Participants will collaborate with peers to share insights and strategies, explore available resources, and collectively plan for upcoming lessons. We will also examine the program progressions for grades K-5, helping to align our instruction with student needs. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation for effective I-Ready integration in our classrooms, fostering student success and engagement. | Kathryn Markloff | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5) | |
| A | 113 | Library | Immaculate Snacking | Build a collegial relationship by utilizing snacks from around the world and the Immaculate grid to drive conversations and deeper understand of our cross curricular colleagues. | DJ Manderachi, Zach Allen, Tim Connolly | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B | 114 | 134 | Language Structures: A Key to Unlocking Comprehension | In this session, we will focus on the Language Structures strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, emphasizing the importance of semantics and syntax in reading comprehension. Participants will learn how word choice influences meaning and how understanding grammatical rules can enhance their reading skills. Through engaging activities and discussions, teachers will gain practical strategies for teaching semantics and syntax to support their students' reading comprehension. | Chris Squeri, Jill McGovern | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8) | |
| B or C | 115 | 140 | Measuring Achievement and Growth with Star | Get proficient in analyzing student achievement and growth using Star data. Session Goal: Interpret growth and achievement data simultaneously to make instructional decisions.· Lesson A: Achievement vs. Growth in StarUse Student Growth Percentile (SGP) to categorize student growth as low, typical, or high.· Lesson B: Star Growth ReportsLocate and navigate growth and achievement data in Star.· Lesson C: Analyze Your Star Achievement and Growth DataAnalyze Star Assessments growth and proficiency data, and their implications for instruction. | Seamus Clune | Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A | 116 | 203 | Membean student engagement and motivation | Meet virtually with Membean staff to learn strategies for students engagement and motivation with the Membean program. Login to the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85078027435 | Membean | High school staff (9-12) | |
| B or C | 117 | 202 | Multiple effective strategies in World Language Classes | This session pertains to PD that is relative to World Language classes. It invites educators to collaborate and participate in discussions and presentations around multiple effective strategies in World Language Classes such as Comprehensive Input and other practices. | Nabila Ighemat | Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B or C | 118 | Library | ParentSquare for Classroom Teachers/Team & Club Leaders | Learn the ins and outs of using ParentSquare for classroom, club, and team communications! | Tara Parr | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| C | 119 | 247 | Reenergizing Research - 10th grade ELA Discussion | This session is for 10th grade ELA teachers only. In an effort to streamline the important concepts of research (and avoid overlap and redundancy), Natalie Hrynko has asked us to collaborate as a librarian/English 10 team to discuss and plan common research lessons for our 10th grade students moving forward. All 9th grade students have been introduced to the same core lessons, so we can build on that to make a stronger logical research continuum. We'll use standards, curriculum, best practices, and the research product to plan for 10th graders. | Karen Gehman | High school staff (9-12) | |
| A or B | 120 | 133 | Tailoring Lessons for All: Removing Learning Barriers in Lesson Plans | In this hands-on workshop, teachers will learn to proactively identify and remove barriers in their lesson planning, ensuring that every student can access and engage with the content. Participants will explore practical strategies for tailoring lessons to meet diverse learning needs, using principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and other inclusive approaches. Come prepared with an upcoming lesson that you can spend time identifying, analyzing and preparing for those barriers! | Sandie Shady | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A | 121 | 135 | Think Tank: Crowdsource Solutions For Challenging Situations (Secondary) | Think Tank Sessions are designed to foster collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Each participant takes turns presenting a challenge, question, or area where they seek feedback. The group then engages in focused discussion, offering insights, suggestions, and potential solutions. The presenter will capture the feedback for later reflection. These sessions move swiftly in a “lightning round” format, ensuring each participant receives constructive input to help them overcome obstacles or gain new perspectives. After everyone has shared, time will be provided for individual reflection and the development of a concrete action plan to address the challenges discussed. | Krista Venza | Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B | 122 | 138 | Think Tank: Crowdsource Solutions For Challenging Situations: (Elementary) | Think Tank Sessions are designed to foster collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Each participant takes turns presenting a challenge, question, or area where they seek feedback. The group then engages in focused discussion, offering insights, suggestions, and potential solutions. The presenter will capture the feedback for later reflection. These sessions move swiftly in a “lightning round” format, ensuring each participant receives constructive input to help them overcome obstacles or gain new perspectives. After everyone has shared, time will be provided for individual reflection and the development of a concrete action plan to address the challenges discussed. | Krista Venza | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5) | |
| A | 123 | 207 | Transforming Notetaking: Sketch Notes, Notes Frames, Flipped Classrooms, OH MY! | We will discuss some new ways that students can take notes during lectures to increase engagement and retention. Additionally, we can briefly discuss the benefits of a flipped classroom. | Amy Brecht | Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A or B | 124 | 211 | Unleashing Curiosity: Phenomena-Based Learning Aligned with STEELS Standards | Explores how to engage students in inquiry-driven learning using real-world phenomena. Participants will discover strategies to design lessons that integrate Phenomena throught the science, technology, engineering, environmental literacy, and sustainability (STEELS) standards, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills | Kevin Handerhan | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B or C | 125 | 217 | Unlocking the Reading Rope: A Deep Dive into Verbal Reasoning | This session will explore the crucial role of verbal reasoning in reading comprehension. Participants will discover practical and easy strategies, drawn from the Science of Reading, to strengthen this key strand of Scarborough's Reading Rope. Learn how to weave these techniques into your everyday teaching to help your students infer meaning, integrate ideas, and tackle complex texts with confidence. | Leyla Nedin | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A or B | 126 | Band Room | Utilizing Mindfulness to create compassion in the classroom | Understanding how the power of Mindfulness can help us be more compassionate educators and better connect with our students. | Kevin McCafferty | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| A | 127 | 140 | Working with Essential Star Data | Learn the basics of the data available in Star and lay the foundation for using Star data in the classroom. Session Goal: Begin interpreting Star data.Lesson A: Data Available in StarExplain the multiple reports and data views available in Star.Lesson B: Interpret Essential Star ScoresInterpret commonly used Star scores. Lesson C: Explore Essential Star ReportsLocate and navigate commonly used Star reports. Lesson D: Analyze Your Essential Star DataAnalyze Star Assessments screening data and its implications for instruction. | Seamus Clune, Sara Youngbar | Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B | 128 | 246 | Instructional Paraprofessional Think Tank | Think Tank Sessions are designed to foster collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. We'll discuss ways to support Tier 1 instruction in the classroom (ex. providing specific feedback, supporting behavior expectations, data collection) and crowd-source solutions to common challenges. | Natalie Hrynko | K-12 Instructional Paraprofessionals | |
| C | 129 | 241 | Transforming I&E Periods with Targeted Vocabulary and Writing Strategies for Social Studies and Science Teachers | Unlock the full potential of your Intervention and Enrichment (I&E) periods with strategies focused on explicit vocabulary instruction and sentence-level writing exercises. This interactive workshop is designed to equip Social Studies and Science teachers with practical tools to deepen students' comprehension and engagement with content.You will learn how to:Incorporate targeted vocabulary instruction that goes beyond definitions, helping students understand context, nuances, and application.Design sentence-level writing activities that prompt students to think critically and make connections within the content.Use sentence frames, sentence expansion, and summarizing techniques to guide students toward more sophisticated writing and comprehension.By the end of this session, you'll leave with ready-to-implement strategies that will transform your I&E time into a powerful extension of your core curriculum, supporting improved student outcomes in literacy, comprehension, and content retention. | Natalie Hrynko | 6-8 science and social studies teachers | |
| A | 130 | 201 | GoodBye Overwhelm | While we know teaching is driven by our passions, and produces rewards that cannot be found in other professions, it can also be stressful, challenging to manage, and truly overwhelming. It can feel like it's impossible to get everything done in order to do it well. However, there are some tried and true strategies and techniques that can allow you to maximize your time, prioritize effectively, build healthy habits to improve your efficiency, and empower you to maintain a sense of balance between work and home. Join me in a session designed to review the research around habit building, reflect on our own practice, learn tips & strategies to maintain balance, and have some fun along the way! | Jaimie O'Sullivan | Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | |
| B | 131 | 250 | Unchartered Voyage: Universal Design for Learning to Create Equitable Environments | Join your colleagues on an Unchartered Voyage during a modified "Un-Conference" Session! While we set the topic and set up some parameters, the engagement and overall expereince are the responsibility of the participants. The premise is that there is a collective wisdom in the room that can be tapped into in order to bring about some great learning outcomes. During these sessions, participants will follow a protocol to engage in a collaborative conversation based on the topic listed. As a group you will navigate together listening, learning, and growing as a team. The format of the session includes: an ice breaker discussion, a short reading, a protocol for discussion and collaboration, and a personal reflection. | No facilitator, group directed | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | LINK |
| A, C | 132 | 210 | Unchartered Voyage: Brain Based Science to Improve Instruction and School Climate | Join your colleagues on an Unchartered Voyage during a modified "Un-Conference" Session! While we set the topic and set up some parameters, the engagement and overall expereince are the responsibility of the participants. The premise is that there is a collective wisdom in the room that can be tapped into in order to bring about some great learning outcomes. During these sessions, participants will follow a protocol to engage in a collaborative conversation based on the topic listed. As a group you will navigate together listening, learning, and growing as a team. The format of the session includes: an ice breaker discussion, a short reading, a protocol for discussion and collaboration, and a personal reflection. | No facilitator, group directed | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | LINK |
| B | 133 | 249 | Unchartered Voyage: Making Culturally Responsive Teaching Work | Join your colleagues on an Unchartered Voyage during a modified "Un-Conference" Session! While we set the topic and set up some parameters, the engagement and overall expereince are the responsibility of the participants. The premise is that there is a collective wisdom in the room that can be tapped into in order to bring about some great learning outcomes. During these sessions, participants will follow a protocol to engage in a collaborative conversation based on the topic listed. As a group you will navigate together listening, learning, and growing as a team. The format of the session includes: an ice breaker discussion, a short reading, a protocol for discussion and collaboration, and a personal reflection. | No facilitator, group directed | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | LINK |
| C | 134 | 249 | Unchartered Voyage: Inclusion Reboot | Join your colleagues on an Unchartered Voyage during a modified "Un-Conference" Session! While we set the topic and set up some parameters, the engagement and overall expereince are the responsibility of the participants. The premise is that there is a collective wisdom in the room that can be tapped into in order to bring about some great learning outcomes. During these sessions, participants will follow a protocol to engage in a collaborative conversation based on the topic listed. As a group you will navigate together listening, learning, and growing as a team. The format of the session includes: an ice breaker discussion, a short reading, a protocol for discussion and collaboration, and a personal reflection. | No facilitator, group directed | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | LINK |
| A | 135 | 249 | Unchartered Voyage: Using Explicit Instruction | Join your colleagues on an Unchartered Voyage during a modified "Un-Conference" Session! While we set the topic and set up some parameters, the engagement and overall expereince are the responsibility of the participants. The premise is that there is a collective wisdom in the room that can be tapped into in order to bring about some great learning outcomes. During these sessions, participants will follow a protocol to engage in a collaborative conversation based on the topic listed. As a group you will navigate together listening, learning, and growing as a team. The format of the session includes: an ice breaker discussion, a short reading, a protocol for discussion and collaboration, and a personal reflection. | No facilitator, group directed | Primary staff (K-2), Elementary staff (3-5), Middle school staff (6-8), High school staff (9-12) | LINK |
