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A Few Notes For the Day:

* WEA Individual Consultation Appointments: WEA will be hosting individual consultation appointments throughout the day. Please see the sign-up link within the first session, "WEA Member Benefits - Individual Consultation Sign-Up Links". If you sign up for an appointment, please do not select a break-out session during that time. Space is limited in all sessions so we need to be able to account for every seat.

* 5-10 Minute Chair Massages will be taking place from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in Room 234 courtesy of Tina W. There is no sign-up, just walk-up appointments.

* Parking: There is limited street parking around Central High School. Shuttles will be available from the former K-Mart parking lot to Central.

* Lunch: There will not be lunch offered this year through WWEC.  Please feel free to signup to attend the La Crosse Soup session from 11:20-12:50 in the New Commons. Attending this session has a suggested donation of $5. Like a La Crosse SOUP event, $5 will get you a soup lunch and a vote for your favorite pitch. Each middle school will be giving a pitch on a way to better their school or their community.  All donations will directly help fund the winning pitch!
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Friday, February 14
 

8:00am CST

WEA Members Benefits - Individual Consultation Sign-Up Links
****Reminder - when you sign up for an appointment slot, please do not sign up for a break-out session during that time as well.

Attention WWEC Attendees!
Wondering where to start? Are you on the right track?
Individual financial consultations with WEA Member Benefits can help answer both of those questions!
Member Benefits Consultants from WEA Member Benefits will be onsite to meet with staff. It’s a convenient way to meet with someone face-to-face to get some general help or guidance.

WHAT: FREE Financial Consultation
WHEN:  February 14
 
WHERE:  1st Floor Office (register by clicking the link below)

They can answer your specific questions on a wide range of financial topics such as:

· Reasons to start a 403(b) or IRA savings account and how to enroll
· Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) basics
· Retirement Savings strategies; Pre-tax vs. Roth, 403(b) vs. IRA
· Investment/Account Fees
· Tips for purchasing home and auto insurance

Photo ID is required to access and discuss Member Benefits account information during the consultation. For WRS Calculations please schedule an appointment with our Financial Planner.
 
Spouses/partners welcome.

Sign up here for your consultation on February 14

Sign up here for your consultation on February 14

Sign up here for your consultation on February 14th (added) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094da8a628a2ff2-wwec2

Sign up here for your consultation on February 14th (also added)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094da8a628a2ff2-wwec3

Can’t make it to a consultation but still want your questions answered? Sign up for a 30-minute phone consultation with a Retirement and Investment Consultant. Check out www.weabenefits.com/consults to find a convenient time and day for you.

Consultations will also be available post-conference at the region 4/ CRUE Office:

Sign up here for your consultation on February 25

Sign up here for your consultation on February 26

Sign up here for your consultation on February 27
Speakers
PM

Paul M Rushmann

Worksite Benefit Consultant, WEA Member Benefits

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:00am CST

8:00am CST

Financial Moves to Make Before You’re 30
Limited Capacity filling up
Eighty percent of life’s most defining moments happen before you’re 35. Seventy percent of wage growth happens in the first 10 years of a career. How will you make the most of your young career years? In this session we talk about:
  • How to manage money like you mean it.
  • Reducing debt and building credit.
  • Securing your lifestyle.
  • Why you need an emergency fund.
  • Why saving for your future should start today.
Speakers
PM

Paul M Rushmann

Worksite Benefit Consultant, WEA Member Benefits
KB

Kelly Behnke

WEA Benefits

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Old Commons
  Give Back to Staff, Theoretical

8:00am CST

Fifty Years After Stonewall: Safe and Beyond
Limited Capacity seats available
Queer students and their supporters have worked toward safe schools for decades. It is time to move beyond safe and work for meaningful LGBTQ educational inclusivity. Incorporating gay issues into the classroom benefits not only LGBTQ students but also straight students who live in a world in which they will be required to interact with gay individuals. This session will offer ideas for creating a gay-supportive classroom and bringing hidden history to curriculum.

Take Away:
In addition to ideas shared, reference will be shared via a QR-coded bibliography.
Speakers
BH

Byron Holz

Teacher Assistant, Logan High School

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 229
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:00am CST

Project Based Learning to Even the Playing Fields
Limited Capacity full
Some classrooms are still using outdated resources/textbooks that don't facilitate organic learning to complement students' interests, abilities, and cultures.  Project-Based Learning methods are able to incorporate 21st Century skills and the Four C’s of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, while allowing students to work in ways that fit their background, learning styles, and interests.  This session will share how to create an environment of motivation and personal growth through PBLs.  

Take Away:
Attendees will leave with a start to finish the framework of Project-Based Learning, graphic organizers, techniques, free technologies, and rubrics to successfully implement PBLs.
Speakers
JL

Josh Lichty

Asst Professor, School of Education, Viterbo University-Presenter-Trial Run of Sign Up

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 228
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:00am CST

Responding to Hate in the Community: Thoughts on a Visual Campaign in La Crosse
Limited Capacity filling up
In this session organizers of the Hate Has No Home Here - La Crosse campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/hate-has-no-place-in-la-crosse) will share our experience in responding to recent acts of hate, bigotry, and racism in our community. A unique aspect of this campaign is its collaborative nature between the university, local organizations, and neighborhood associations. We will discuss the background to the campaign, a few challenges and opportunities we have encountered, and offer our thoughts on the future direction of the campaign.  

Take Away:
Information on the HHNHH Lax campaign.
Speakers
JH

Josh Hertel

Organizer, Hate Has No Home Here Lax

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 211
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:00am CST

Tell Me The Truth
Limited Capacity full
The truth is... Black students are not being taught the same way as White students are. The truth is... Black students are not being raised the same way as White students are. The truth is... Black students do not feel comfortable in learning environments where they feel 'less than' whole. Why is that? Well, during this presentation you will learn how to make your Black students feel more welcome in your schools and classrooms. You will learn how to create an environment were Blacks students can thrive and be successful.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn more about the mindset of Black students attending predominately white schools. They will also gain knowledge on how to make their schools more equitable. I will try my best to give them strategies that may help them, help their Black students become more successful in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Quartell Roberson

Quartell Roberson

Teacher, LaCrossroads/Central High School/B.L.A.C.K

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 263
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

8:00am CST

BadgerLink in Your Classroom
Limited Capacity seats available
With over 50 resources of licensed content available to use for inquiry and research, BadgerLink can be overwhelming. In this presentation, learn how to find what you’re looking for and get tips and tricks for using BadgerLink resources in the classroom. Bring your laptop or tablet to follow along!  

Take Away:
BadgerLink is a service provided by the Department of Public Instruction and its resources are paid for with state and federal funding. There are no additional fees to use BadgerLink in your classroom, to link to BadgerLink resources in your learning management system or school/district/library's webpages, or for your students to access these resources from a home internet connection.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Champoux

Jen Champoux

BadgerLink Technical Support & Training Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jen is on the Library Services Team at DPI, where she works primarily on BadgerLink, providing technical support and training. She also writes BadgerLink's Bulletin posts and mails out promotional posters and bookmarks. Reach out to her for all things BadgerLink!

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
LMC
  Technology, Practical

8:00am CST

Is Your Google Drive a Mess?
Limited Capacity filling up
Learn tip and tricks to help you use the built in tools to organize a search for files within Google Drive.

Take Away:
Time to spend cleaning up and organizing Google Drive.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Clausen

Samuel Clausen

Teacher, Central High School

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 340
  Technology, Practical

8:00am CST

In It Together: Fostering a Trauma-Responsive, Social Justice Classroom through Empathy
Limited Capacity filling up
Part of fostering a trauma-responsive, social justice space is to not do it alone.  Your students are ready to do the work with you. What they crave, is to better understand the emotions swirling around and within them.  This is where conversations that develop empathy are critical. In this session, we will explore how to use the resources on TeachingBooks to facilitate those conversations and expand them to support your classrooms and libraries.

Take Away:
TeachingBooks is provided to all Wisconsin residents free of charge via Badgerlink. This allows all Wisconsin readers to have equitable access to literary resources for the books they’re reading. Because this site is virtual, participants are encouraged to bring their own devices with browsing capability to the presentation.
Speakers
avatar for Alyssa Yokota-Byron

Alyssa Yokota-Byron

Implementation and Training Specialist, TeachingBooks
Alyssa's background is in youth development, restorative justice, SEL, and program development. She is thrilled to work with educators and literacy professionals to support their vision — to listen and work together to find creative ways to infuse a joy of reading into each unique... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 205
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:00am CST

Painting with Chocolate & K-12 Art Integration
Limited Capacity full
For this session the audience will become familiar with strategies to promote global concepts in art integration within a classroom setting. Painting with chocolate will be examined as a global material from which to springboard ideas for project-based learning, tactile exploring, object-making, and an introduction to social justice.  

Take Away:
A UWL School of Education interdisciplinary lesson repository is in production with the assistance of the Forrest E. Mars Corporation through a grant. A selection of lessons from the repository will be available for audience members if they would like a hard copy or to be emailed digital copies.  
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Lenarz

Lisa Lenarz

Assistant Professor, Department of Art, University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Art Education

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 304
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:00am CST

Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom
Limited Capacity full
Yoga and mindfulness in the classroom, how to keep students engaged, focused, and able to look inward. Strategies to use for feelings, prepping for a test, or simply controlling their bodies.  I have my 200-hour yoga certification and as a SPED teacher I utilize strategies of yoga in my classroom. I will teach strategies to calm the body and mind, transition activities, whole classroom activities, both for movement and for mindfulness. Participants should bring a notebook and pen.

Take Away:
Participants will learn different social-emotional strategies to calm their bodies, and their minds getting them ready to learn. These social emotional strategies align with yoga and mindfulness and can be connected to the social emotional learning goals from DPI. I can teach strategies to take with you and provide simple hand outs to incorporate the very next day!
Speakers
KP

Kasey Pomeroy

Teacher, Summit Environmental School

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 8:40am CST
Room 330
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:00am CST

Balanced Snacks for Optimal Energy in the Workplace
Limited Capacity full
Participants will be given protein packed snack ideas for boosting energy during the work day. All recipes will be demonstrated and participants will then make their own to sample. Participants will leave with the recipe cards and instructions as well as their own snack. Come ready to work with new people, and try nutritious and delicious snacks.  

Take Away:
Participants will leave with new snack recipes and grocery lists for easy shopping and instructions for preparing. These snacks are quick, easy and nutritious making it easy for the busy teacher to snack on the go.
Speakers
KH

Katelyn Hoffman

Family Consumer Science Teacher, Logan Middle School
BR

Brianna Ring

School District of La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 105
  Give Back to Staff, Practical

8:00am CST

American Indian Studies in Wisconsin
Limited Capacity seats available
The training will assist participants in exploring and identifying ways to deepen their understanding of American Indian Studies of Wisconsin (often referred as Wisconsin Act 31) content through text and digital resources. Learn about ideas for implementing American Indian Studies content into practice while Identifying and exploring selected resources and materials to integrate into teaching and learning or curriculum. Information about Wisconsin American Indian nations’ histories, treaties, sovereignty and cultures will also be discussed.

Take Away:
As a result of participating in this training, participants will:
• understand and implement Wisconsin Act 31, which is a state law requiring all public school districts and pre-service teacher programs to provide instruction on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty on the American Indian nations and tribal communities in the state of Wisconsin.
• provide participants with the knowledge and information they need to integrate the requirements of American Indian Studies into lesson plans, material selections, pedagogical practices, and district curriculum.
• have an opportunity to share best practices, information, model programs, and resources with administrators and teachers.
• Increase knowledge about American Indian Studies in Wisconsin.
Speakers
avatar for David O'Connor

David O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
David O'Connor is originally from and is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the Education Consultant for the American Indian Studies Program at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In David’s... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 226
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:00am CST

Students of Color Speak Out
Limited Capacity filling up
The purpose of this panel is for university students to share their experiences of matriculating through K-12 schooling as students of color, including their challenges and triumphs. Specifically, the goal of this session is for students to provide educators with practical advice for how to support students of color in their classrooms based on their experiences and wisdom.

Take Away:
Students will provide participants with concrete ways they can support students of color based on their own experiences.
Speakers
CB

Celina Becerra

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
MH

Mirm Hurula

Student, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
NS

Nick Shankey

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
AW

Amber West

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
CY

Charlie Yang

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 210
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:00am CST

Amp up your classroom with Flocabulary and BrainPop
Limited Capacity filling up
Take some time out of your day to learn about two databases currently being offered to students and staff of the School District of La Crosse; Flocabulary and BrainPop.  Flocabulary brings joy to every classroom by engaging students through hip-hop. It promotes learning through videos, music-making and more.  BrainPop is more than cartoon videos, it is a launchpad of curiosity featuring games, quizzes and movie making.  Bring your own device to our workshop.

Take Away:
Attendees will learn about two databases currently being offered to students and staff of the School District of La Crosse; Flocabulary and BrainPop. We will cover logging into the databases, highlighting the variety of features and if applicable creating classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Library and HPL Teacher, School District of La Crosse
While working at Walt Disney World in Florida I decided to continue my education, and in August 2003 earned my Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. After completing my degree, I joined the staff at the Lake Wales Public Library as... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 232
  Technology, Practical

8:00am CST

One step at a time - ClearTouch Interactive Display Panels
Limited Capacity full
Calling all Elementary teachers with ClearTouch Interactive Panels in your classroom.  Join us for a session of introduction, troubleshooting, ideas for the classroom and resources specific to the new ClearTouch Interactive Display Panels. Please come to the session with questions and a willingness to take your teaching to the next level.  If we don’t have your answers we will find someone who does.  

Take Away:
Attendees will dive into learning about the interactive display panels that were placed in many elementary classrooms this past year. We will discuss the how to’s, provide resources and troubleshoot teacher issues regarding the ClearTouch Interactive Display Panels.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Altreuter

Lisa Altreuter

Library/HPL teacher, Emerson Elementary
avatar for Daniel Levendoski

Daniel Levendoski

Solutions Architect, School District of La Crosse
My office is in Technology Services, but I work with people; not things.

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 115
  Technology, Practical

8:00am CST

Foundation 1: Building a Resilient and Trauma-Informed Community
Limited Capacity seats available
La Crosse County and the surrounding region are committed to building a foundation of knowledge on how Adverse Childhood Experiences impact the lifelong health and well being of its community members.

The child may not remember. But the body remembers. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), toxic stress and trauma can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on brains and bodies, putting people at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, mental health challenges and early death. The documentary “Resilience” chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to build a community response to trauma and strengthen resilience. This session will include viewing of the film "Resilience" as well as discussion surrounding resilience and how our local communities are coming together to address trauma.

Take Away:
Foundation 1 introduces attendees to the community framework developed locally that is being used to guide conversations and practices. We will discuss how we are building a foundation of general knowledge about resilience and trauma-informed care, and how there is a commitment to take this knowledge and work to disrupt the cycle, strengthen resilience and restore lives. Attendees will also be given information about how they can become active participants in this movement, and work within their organizations to be champions of this work professionally, but also in their personal lives.
Speakers
AP

Alicia Place

Community Services Coordinator, School District of La Crosse
avatar for Catherine Kolkmeier

Catherine Kolkmeier

Executive Director, La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium
Catherine is the Executive Director of the La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium, a partnership of two major medical centers, three schools of higher education, a school district, and a county health department in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  The Consortium is dedicated to fostering... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 114
  Trauma-Informed, Theoretical

8:00am CST

Introduction to Love and Logic Classroom Management Techniques
Limited Capacity seats available
This is a fun introductory program full of stories and laughs, designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately. We'll explore what it means to discipline, our role as teacher and how to have more fun and less stress handling our classrooms. Topics include neutralizing arguments, delayed consequences and establishing empathy. Great techniques are introduced to address issues associated with trauma-exposed students.

Take Away:
Participants can expect to be introduced to a few of the basics skills incorporated in the longer and more detailed program "9 Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom.
Speakers
SG

Steven Glandt

CRUE/WEAC Region 4 Executive Director, CRUE/WEAC Region 4
KO

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 273
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:00am CST

Resilient Leadership
Limited Capacity filling up
Resilience is often described as a personal quality that predisposes individuals to bounce back in the face of loss. Resilient leaders, however, do more than bounce back—they bounce forward. With speed and elegance, resilient leaders take action that responds to new and ever-changing realities, even as they maintain the essential operations of the organizations they lead (Reeves & Allison, 2009, 2010). Not only do resilient leaders quickly get their mojo back, but because they understand that the status quo is unsustainable, they also use it to move mountains. Join us for an interactive session whereas we will explore both the risk factors that prevent resilience as well as the actions of leaders who are resilient. This session is appropriate for all levels Pre-K-12 and Administrators.

Take Away:
Handouts will be provided.
Speakers
avatar for Ann Yehle

Ann Yehle

Integrated Supports & UWL Ed Leadership Program Facilitator, School district of lacrosse
avatar for Bill Gillespie

Bill Gillespie

UWL Program Director of Educational Leadership, University of Wisconsin La Crosse - Presenter at Conference

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 309
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:00am CST

S.M.A.R.T. Movement Anchors Learning!
Limited Capacity seats available
S.M.A.R.T is a program that helps children’s brains and bodies get ready to learn. The program consists of fun activities for developing motor skills, balance and coordination, eye-hand coordination and much more. Once these skills are in place, children have the necessary tools to be able to attend and learn. This session will provide fun, hands-on, brain-stimulating activities with time for a Make and Take. Come learn how your children can be S.M.A.R.T. children!

Take Away:
Participants will use materials created in a brain stimulating way with all learners. Neurological and physiological principles of development will be discussed which is applicable to all no matter their culture or developmental needs. We will discuss ways in which to adapt movements and activities to fit the needs of all learners. This session will provide fun, hands-on, brain stimulating activities with time for a Make and Take. Participants are able to sign up for the monthly newsletter that includes a free download.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle M Powell

Michelle M Powell

Academic Interventionist, Southern Bluffs Elementary
KH

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 9:30am CST
Room 267
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:00am CST

Raising Kids for Success in a Multicultural Democracy
In 2020, just half of all infants born in the US will be white. Though many of us are raising white kids in predominantly affluent white communities, they will live their adult lives in a highly connected, very racially and culturally diverse globalized society. This talk examines questions like: How are our schools preparing kids for a diverse and inclusive society? How can we as parents and grandparents help suburban children understand, relate well to, and collaborate with people whose lived experiences, perspectives, and styles differ from their own?
Speakers
avatar for Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson

Nurturing Diversity Partners
Reggie Jackson has been a much sought-after speaker, researcher, and writer for over a decade –regionally and nationally. His work helps institutions and individuals understand how our country’s racial hierarchy developed historically, its impact on our lives today, and how we... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 10:20am CST
Auditorium
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

8:00am CST

Understanding and teaching mental and emotional health in any classroom
Limited Capacity seats available
Mental and emotional health is an important part of understanding ourselves and our students. Being able to recognize mental health, teach healthy behaviors, coping skills, and co-regulation is a trauma-informed teaching strategy that helps classroom management.  

Take Away:
1. Be able to use self-assessment protocols to implement teaching mental and emotional health (mental health) and social and emotional learning (SEL) in any classroom.
2. Identify and navigate three resources to help inform lesson planning and classroom management on mental and emotional health (mental health) and social and emotional learning (SEL) in any classroom.
Speakers
TC

Tracy Caravella

Project AWARE, School District of La Crosse
BT

Bethany Thier

Grant Director, Better Together - Great Rivers United Way

Friday February 14, 2020 8:00am - 11:10am CST
Room 301
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:50am CST

Preparing for Retirement Within 5-10 Years
Limited Capacity filling up
This comprehensive session is recommended for employees within 5-10 years of retirement and covers the different retirement planning solutions available and the implications of the decisions employees make as they approach retirement. The session covers:
  • The sources of retirement income available to public school employees including the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), Social Security, and personal savings.
  • The various annuity options available from the Wisconsin Retirement System.
  • Retirement timeline (including eligibility dates and requirements for WRS withdrawals, health insurance, etc.
  • Personal savings withdrawal issues and tax implications.
  • Common roadblocks to successful retirement planning.
  • A pre-retirement checklist of important things to consider.
  • Tools and solutions to help employees reach their retirement goals
Speakers
KB

Kelly Behnke

WEA Benefits
PM

Paul M Rushmann

Worksite Benefit Consultant, WEA Member Benefits

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Old Commons
  Give Back to Staff, Theoretical

8:50am CST

Fifty Years After Stonewall: Safe and Beyond
Limited Capacity seats available
Queer students and their supporters have worked toward safe schools for decades. It is time to move beyond safe and work for meaningful LGBTQ educational inclusivity. Incorporating gay issues into the classroom benefits not only LGBTQ students but also straight students who live in a world in which they will be required to interact with gay individuals. This session will offer ideas for creating a gay-supportive classroom and bringing hidden history to curriculum.

Take Away:
In addition to ideas shared, reference will be shared via a QR-coded bibliography.
Speakers
BH

Byron Holz

Teacher Assistant, Logan High School

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Room 229
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:50am CST

Project Based Learning to Even the Playing Fields
Limited Capacity filling up
Some classrooms are still using outdated resources/textbooks that don't facilitate organic learning to complement students' interests, abilities, and cultures.  Project-Based Learning methods are able to incorporate 21st Century skills and the Four C’s of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, while allowing students to work in ways that fit their background, learning styles, and interests.  This session will share how to create an environment of motivation and personal growth through PBLs.  

Take Away:
Attendees will leave with a start to finish the framework of Project-Based Learning, graphic organizers, techniques, free technologies, and rubrics to successfully implement PBLs.
Speakers
JL

Josh Lichty

Asst Professor, School of Education, Viterbo University-Presenter-Trial Run of Sign Up

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Room 228
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:50am CST

Responding to Hate in the Community: Thoughts on a Visual Campaign in La Crosse
Limited Capacity filling up
In this session organizers of the Hate Has No Home Here - La Crosse campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/hate-has-no-place-in-la-crosse) will share our experience in responding to recent acts of hate, bigotry, and racism in our community. A unique aspect of this campaign is its collaborative nature between the university, local organizations, and neighborhood associations. We will discuss the background to the campaign, a few challenges and opportunities we have encountered, and offer our thoughts on the future direction of the campaign.  

Take Away:
Information on the HHNHH Lax campaign.
Speakers
JH

Josh Hertel

Organizer, Hate Has No Home Here Lax

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Room 211
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

8:50am CST

Tell Me The Truth
Limited Capacity full
The truth is... Black students are not being taught the same way as White students are. The truth is... Black students are not being raised the same way as White students are. The truth is... Black students do not feel comfortable in learning environments where they feel 'less than' whole. Why is that? Well, during this presentation you will learn how to make your Black students feel more welcome in your schools and classrooms. You will learn how to create an environment were Blacks students can thrive and be successful.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn more about the mindset of Black students attending predominately white schools. They will also gain knowledge on how to make their schools more equitable. I will try my best to give them strategies that may help them, help their Black students become more successful in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Quartell Roberson

Quartell Roberson

Teacher, LaCrossroads/Central High School/B.L.A.C.K

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Room 263
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

8:50am CST

BadgerLink in Your Classroom
Limited Capacity filling up
With over 50 resources of licensed content available to use for inquiry and research, BadgerLink can be overwhelming. In this presentation, learn how to find what you’re looking for and get tips and tricks for using BadgerLink resources in the classroom. Bring your laptop or tablet to follow along!  

Take Away:
BadgerLink is a service provided by the Department of Public Instruction and its resources are paid for with state and federal funding. There are no additional fees to use BadgerLink in your classroom, to link to BadgerLink resources in your learning management system or school/district/library's webpages, or for your students to access these resources from a home internet connection.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Champoux

Jen Champoux

BadgerLink Technical Support & Training Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jen is on the Library Services Team at DPI, where she works primarily on BadgerLink, providing technical support and training. She also writes BadgerLink's Bulletin posts and mails out promotional posters and bookmarks. Reach out to her for all things BadgerLink!

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
LMC
  Technology, Practical

8:50am CST

Providing Student Feedback with Forms and AutoCrat
Limited Capacity seats available
The session is for ADVANCED users who would like to learn how to use Google Forms and the AutoCrat Add-on in Google Sheets.  Participants will learn how to gather data using Forms and then use the data to produce customized Docs that can be automatically shared electronically with the students. Ideas for how this tool can be used with students will also be shared. Participants should bring their district-provided device.  

Take Away:
Participants will be guided through the process of setting up the AutoCrat Add-on and will discuss ideas for how this can be used to increase feedback to students. Participants should already be familiar with spreadsheets and Add-ons within GSuite Products.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Clausen

Samuel Clausen

Teacher, Central High School

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Room 340
  Technology, Practical

8:50am CST

In It Together: Fostering a Trauma-Responsive, Social Justice Classroom through Empathy
Limited Capacity filling up
Part of fostering a trauma-responsive, social justice space is to not do it alone.  Your students are ready to do the work with you. What they crave, is to better understand the emotions swirling around and within them.  This is where conversations that develop empathy are critical. In this session, we will explore how to use the resources on TeachingBooks to facilitate those conversations and expand them to support your classrooms and libraries.

Take Away:
TeachingBooks is provided to all Wisconsin residents free of charge via Badgerlink. This allows all Wisconsin readers to have equitable access to literary resources for the books they’re reading. Because this site is virtual, participants are encouraged to bring their own devices with browsing capability to the presentation.
Speakers
avatar for Alyssa Yokota-Byron

Alyssa Yokota-Byron

Implementation and Training Specialist, TeachingBooks
Alyssa's background is in youth development, restorative justice, SEL, and program development. She is thrilled to work with educators and literacy professionals to support their vision — to listen and work together to find creative ways to infuse a joy of reading into each unique... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 9:30am CST
Room 205
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:50am CST

Accentuate the Positive! Improving Student Performance Through the Use of Positive Feedback
Limited Capacity filling up
Feedback is one of the most effective and powerful tools in the teacher toolbox for supporting academic and behavioral success.  By becoming fluent in the use of behavior-specific feedback and focusing on success, teachers can increase the likelihood of success for all students, while reducing challenging behavior in the classroom.

Take Away:
Participants will learn to differentiate between four types of feedback and describe the function of each while learning the recommended guidelines for implementing effective feedback in the classroom. Participants will receive a handout with tips for providing feedback to students and practice developing and delivering feedback statements during the session.
Speakers
avatar for Deanna Maynard

Deanna Maynard

Assistant Professor, UW La Crosse - Department of Educational Studies

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 10:20am CST
Room 304
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

8:50am CST

Challenging Behaviors That Challenge Us, Using Circle of Security in Schools
Limited Capacity filling up
CIRCLE OF SECURITY is a relationship approach that can help understand those who present with challenging and confusing behaviors. This is to be used with the approaches your school practices. Circle will bring strength and confidence to the skills that staff already have. Circle can be taught to students, teachers and other school staff.  

Take Away:
YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO DECODE STUDENT BEHAVIORS, TAKE AWAY PRACTICAL TOOLS TO USE IMMEDIATELY WITH STUDENTS AND A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE TO STRENGTHEN SCHOOL STAFF TEAMS. Circle pairs with zones of regulation in elementary schools and leadership/team building skills for middle and high school.
Speakers
NM

Nicole Milliren

CLINICAL THERAPIST, INFINITY TRAINING & CONSULTING

Friday February 14, 2020 8:50am - 10:20am CST
Room 330
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

9:40am CST

Self-Care + Intentional Living
Limited Capacity full
As educators, we are consistently giving to others, a lot of times at the expense of our own wellbeing. In this workshop, we will take a holistic view of who we are, what we consume and practical application for practices that enhance our self-awareness and wellbeing - including yoga, meditation, breathing and reflection. NOW is the time for self-care and self-healing so we can show up as the most resilient, intentional versions of ourselves and give from a place of clarity and fullness vs. depletion, stress and our own traumas. Please come with comfortable clothing and an open mind.

Take Away:
Thru this experience, attendees will leave feeling calmer, clearer and with a greater understanding for the practical application of yogic practices that enhance our self-awareness and wellbeing - including movement, meditation, breathing and reflection.
Speakers
KS

Kat Soper

Owner/Teacher, PALM + PINE Yoga Studio & School

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 331
  Give Back to Staff, Practical

9:40am CST

Critical Reading for Critical Times: Building a Better Classroom Library
Limited Capacity seats available
Given the highly charged social and political climate that today’s students are navigating on a daily basis, it is imperative that secondary teachers find creative ways to put students in touch with texts that portray that climate in its full complexity. This presentation will highlight five research-based strategies for creating a culture of reading in high school classrooms and then offer attendees a themed list of book suggestions for building a social justice-oriented classroom library.  

Take Away:
Attendees will take away two key resources from this presentation: (1) a handout with five research-based strategies for promoting reading in today’s high school classrooms (complete with links to further online content related to each strategy); and (2) a thematic index of recently published texts—both fiction and non-fiction—that deal with many of the major issues facing young adults in 21st century America.
Speakers
TJ

Tom Jesse

Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
MG

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 229
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

9:40am CST

Enduring Families Project- Theater project bringing to life the stories of African Americans that lived in La Crosse from its beginnings in the mid-19th century, until 1937
Limited Capacity filling up
We will present four stories of four African Americans who lived in La Crosse from 1857 - 1937. You will learn about their lives in La Crosse, their employment while living here, and why this information is important to share with students.

Take Away:
Attendees will be given suggested hand-outs with suggested classroom activities, additional biographies to share with students. This segment of local La Crosse history will allow students to see themselves in the stories
Speakers
DC

Denise Christy

Producer- Enduring Families Project- Retired H.S.English Teacher, Milwaukee HS of the Arts- Milwaukee Public Schools
RM

Rebecca Mormann-Krieger

Historian for Enduring Families Project, Enduring Families Project sponsored by the La Crosse County Historical Society

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 263
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

9:40am CST

iPad Basics for Dummies....and no, YOU ARE NOT!
Limited Capacity full
Have you been handed an iPad but feel like you are not using it well and need a slower pace to go over basics?  If so, this session is for you!  The session will be driven by your needs so come with questions.  But, if no one talks.... we will work on how to use the Safari Reader, accessibility features to help students of special needs, how to use the spotlight feature, organizing apps, Mackin Via for ebooks and audio books, and more.  Make sure to bring your iPad and know your Apple ID and password in case you want to install apps.

Take Away:
Resources will be shared via the Google Slide presentation
Speakers
LW

Linda Watson

Library/HPL teacher, Lincoln Middle School

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 232
  Technology, Practical

9:40am CST

Podcasting for beginners! Two ways to create a podcast
Limited Capacity full
Interested in creating podcasts for or with your students, or for any audience?  Using Anchor.fm makes it easy to produce a basic podcast and can be done with any device.  Garageband is another tool that can be used with Macs or iPads.  In this session, learn how to use these free resources to start reaching a broader audience!  Bring your laptop or iPad and headphones (with a mic if possible).  

Take Away:
Satisfaction of learning something new to include in your classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Kristi Moulton

Kristi Moulton

Librarian, Logan High School
Librarian at Logan High School in La Crosse, WI. Professional interests include reading engagement, building a diverse and engaging library collection, & information and media literacy. I love reading, travel, listening to podcasts, & music and theater, and meeting authors.

The Art of Listening Podcasts and Podcasting in the Classroom pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
LMC
  Technology, Practical

9:40am CST

Teaching a STEaM enrichment in a skinny
Limited Capacity seats available
Attendees will learn about Logan Middle's one quarter long 30 minute STEaM enrichment classes where students learn the basics of computer programming, video production, forensic science, teamwork, 3d printing and more.

Take Away:
Attendees will learn about the basic setup of the STEaM enrichment class as well as some of the free apps used like: swift playgrounds, greenscreen, stop motion, iMovie. Will also learn how this class came about at Logan Middle and the vision for continuing and expanding it. Also will learn about some items like Keva Planks (have a cost) that students have enjoyed the most since starting this class last year.
Speakers
avatar for Derek Olson

Derek Olson

8th Grade Math/Science, School District of La Crosse

WWEC STEaM Presentation (1) pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 340
  Technology, Practical

9:40am CST

"Literacy Across The Disciplines and Coulee Region: Early-Career Teachers On High Impact Literacy Routines and Practices In Their Content Areas"
Limited Capacity seats available
In this presentation, early-career teachers (1-5 years) take a retrospective look back at how their practices and routines related to literacy in their content area have evolved since an initial field experience course at UW-La Crosse. After reflecting back on their early experiences related to fine-tuning literacy routines in their classrooms, presenters also will share out details related to at least one high-impact literacy routine [reading/writing/thinking/speaking/and or listening] from their current practice that is making a difference in student learning.

Take Away:
Participants will walk away with high-impact literacy routines to try out in their future teaching.
Speakers
GC

Garrett Carlson

School District of La Crosse
EM

Emily Mootz

English Teacher, School District of La Crosse
avatar for Jim Carlson

Jim Carlson

Associate Professor, UW-La Crosse
I am a former high school English teacher, and I am currently an associate professor of social and multicultural educational foundations at UW-La Crosse. On TikTok (@wildbobcodywyoming), I hackysack/footbag to a range of music genres, and I do acoustic covers of my favorite songs... Read More →
BG

Brianna Gilboy

Onalaska School District

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 205
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

9:40am CST

Elementary Beginner's Guide to Social Emotional Learning and Tools for Difficult Behaviors Within the Classroom.
Limited Capacity full
Participants will gain knowledge of resources that are available to start teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) within their classroom as well as some background on the social and emotional development of students.  There will also be a section on tips and tricks for handling difficult behaviors within the classroom.  Participants would not have to bring anything to the session.  This session would be for new teachers or people just starting to teach SEL.

Take Away:
Participants will gain a list of SEL resources available (free and non-free) to take back with them as well as knowledge and ideas of ways to handle difficult behaviors.
Speakers
KM

Kelly Masche

Special Education Teacher, La Crosse School District

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 267
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

9:40am CST

Multilingual Strategies
Limited Capacity seats available
In this discussion, an EL teacher and two EL bilingual TAs will share applicable strategies on how to support students with various multilingual levels and or backgrounds, including but not limited to how to help support EL Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE).

Take Away:
Attendees will be able to better understand the various needs of multilingual (multicultural) students and take with them some strategies for implementation. There will be information shared and time for Q & A. There is no additional fee to attend this session.
Speakers
avatar for Mai Lee Lor

Mai Lee Lor

ELL Teacher, School District of La Crosse
CV

Cher Vang

ELL Teacher Assistant, School District of La Crosse
ER

Edgar Rodriguez

School District of La Crosse
Interpreter English/ Spanish and TA.

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 114
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

9:40am CST

Physical Restraint and Seclusion in the School Environment
Limited Capacity full
Attorney Chad Wade will discuss the legal requirements surrounding Wisconsin's Physical Restraint and Seclusion law.  Attorney Wade will also address common misconceptions about Physical Restraint and Seclusion and provide practical advice educators can utilize in their classrooms.  

Take Away:
Attorney Wade will provide a detailed outline covering Physical Restraint and Seclusion.
Speakers
CW

Chad Wade

Attorney, Strang Patteson Renning Lewis & Lacy SC

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 10:20am CST
Room 309
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

9:40am CST

Creating Your Vision Board
Limited Capacity full
Imagine living a life you consider ideal and balanced. Sink into the desirable details of your job, your relationships and the hobbies you pursue. Revel in the fulfillment of your experience. What are you doing to make this exciting life happen? How is your future self different from you today? Paint a picture of all that you notice – colors, people, actions, places, feelings etc.  A practice for making visioning more real is creating vision boards, which are representations of our goals and dreams. At their core, these boards are a collage of images, words, and phrases that capture your dreams. The intent of this collage is to make you feel truly giddy, inspiring you into focused action.  These visions can be in the form of colors, feelings, words, or sensations.

This is a hands-on creative art making experience, to focus on your personal vision and help take your visions into action! Come and enjoy creating your own vision board to inspire, express and represent your teaching style, goals and aspirations. You may want to bring inspirational quotes, words or images to use in a collage. Some words and quotes will be available to use. A variety of collage papers, magazines, writing tools, glue, scissors and canvas will be provided to each participant.

Take Away:
Participants will take away a personal vision board collage. The intent of this collage is to make you feel truly giddy and excited, inspiring you to put these aspirations into action. “The arts are a critical component of healthcare. Expressive art is a tool to explore, develop and practice creativity as a means to wellness.” ~ Wellarts Association
Speakers
CB

Carissa Brudos

Art Teacher, Summit Environmental School

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 111
  Give Back to Staff, Practical

9:40am CST

Get on Track to Financial Security
Limited Capacity filling up
This seminar is designed to teach employees of all ages the basics of investing and retirement planning. In this session we provide information about how to achieve long-term financial goals. You will also:
Learn what retirement income sources are available to you. 
Learn the importance of reducing product fees and tips about how to make your money work harder for you.    
Learn about the advantages of different savings options (Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, TSA, or 403(b), and deferred compensation. 
Learn the importance of Time as a powerful tool in building wealth Retirement Goal Setting.

Bring an open mind and a desire to understand how WRS and Social Security establishes a strong financial foundation for retirement along with practical techniques that will enable you to have the best financial retirement possible based on your individual circumstances. This Presentation will have actionable strategies for everyone, from beginning career, through mid-career to those thinking about retirement.
Speakers
PM

Paul M Rushmann

Worksite Benefit Consultant, WEA Member Benefits
KB

Kelly Behnke

WEA Benefits

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Old Commons
  Give Back to Staff, Theoretical

9:40am CST

#HMoobYouthRise - How you can support HMoob youth in school.
Limited Capacity seats available
It is important that when we talk about how to support HMoob youth in schools, that they are the center of the discussion and the ones leading it. Most often times, when we ask for answers, it is from adults who are removed from the school setting. Learn from a panel of HMoob youth from the La Crosse County area about how they want to be taught in school and how you can be an ally to marginalized students.  

Take Away:
Attendees should expect to take away an analysis on how HMoob youth want to be taught and their lived experiences while attending school.
Speakers
VV

Vandali Vang

Community Empowerment Coordinator, Cia Siab, Inc.

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 211
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

9:40am CST

American Indian Studies in Wisconsin
Limited Capacity seats available
The training will assist participants in exploring and identifying ways to deepen their understanding of American Indian Studies of Wisconsin (often referred as Wisconsin Act 31) content through text and digital resources. Learn about ideas for implementing American Indian Studies content into practice while Identifying and exploring selected resources and materials to integrate into teaching and learning or curriculum. Information about Wisconsin American Indian nations’ histories, treaties, sovereignty and cultures will also be discussed.

Take Away:
As a result of participating in this training, participants will:
• understand and implement Wisconsin Act 31, which is a state law requiring all public school districts and pre-service teacher programs to provide instruction on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty on the American Indian nations and tribal communities in the state of Wisconsin.
• provide participants with the knowledge and information they need to integrate the requirements of American Indian Studies into lesson plans, material selections, pedagogical practices, and district curriculum.
• have an opportunity to share best practices, information, model programs, and resources with administrators and teachers.
• Increase knowledge about American Indian Studies in Wisconsin.
Speakers
avatar for David O'Connor

David O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
David O'Connor is originally from and is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the Education Consultant for the American Indian Studies Program at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In David’s... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 226
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

9:40am CST

Having Hard Conversations about Hate and Bias
Limited Capacity seats available
This is a session based around 2 Teaching Tolerance Resources. Attendees will receive a crash course and practice time in having conversations about hate and bias with coworkers and with students in the classroom. Participants should plan to bring an iPad or computer as there will be access to some different websites and resources at the end of the presentation.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn concrete strategies for having conversations about hate and bias with coworkers and students. I will also be providing links (and hopefully hard copies) of Teaching Tolerance materials and other websites that are helpful in the fight against hate and bias.
Speakers
avatar for Jesse Martinez

Jesse Martinez

7th Grade science, social studies and Spanish Immersion, School District of La Crosse

WWEC Having Hard Conversations 4 pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 228
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

9:40am CST

Students of Color Speak Out
Limited Capacity filling up
The purpose of this panel is for university students to share their experiences of matriculating through K-12 schooling as students of color, including their challenges and triumphs. Specifically, the goal of this session is for students to provide educators with practical advice for how to support students of color in their classrooms based on their experiences and wisdom.

Take Away:
Students will provide participants with concrete ways they can support students of color based on their own experiences.
Speakers
CY

Charlie Yang

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
MH

Mirm Hurula

Student, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
AW

Amber West

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
NS

Nick Shankey

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
CB

Celina Becerra

Student, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 210
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

9:40am CST

Introduction to Love and Logic Classroom Management Techniques
Limited Capacity filling up
This is a fun introductory program full of stories and laughs, designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately. We'll explore what it means to discipline, our role as teacher and how to have more fun and less stress handling our classrooms. Topics include neutralizing arguments, delayed consequences and establishing empathy. Great techniques are introduced to address issues associated with trauma-exposed students.

Take Away:
Participants can expect to be introduced to a few of the basics skills incorporated in the longer and more detailed program "9 Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom.
Speakers
SG

Steven Glandt

CRUE/WEAC Region 4 Executive Director, CRUE/WEAC Region 4
KO

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 273
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

9:40am CST

Mindfulness for Self-Care
Limited Capacity full
Educators typically lead busy lives and manage a number of tasks, schedules, and people. At times, we face difficult situations and are prone to painful emotions and distress. Mindfulness, along with quality self-care, can provide mental, emotional, and physical benefits. This session will introduce the concepts of mindfulness and self-care and explore how they work together. Participants will learn several exercises and experience guided meditations designed to enhance emotional wellbeing.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn about the concepts of mindfulness and self-care and come away with several exercises and guided meditations they can use to enhance their emotional well-being and coping skills.
Speakers
GL

Greg Lovell

Behavioral Interventionist, Holmen Middle School - Holmen School District

Friday February 14, 2020 9:40am - 11:10am CST
Room 115
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

10:30am CST

Self-Care + Intentional Living
Limited Capacity full
As educators, we are consistently giving to others, a lot of times at the expense of our own wellbeing. In this workshop, we will take a holistic view of who we are, what we consume and practical application for practices that enhance our self-awareness and wellbeing - including yoga, meditation, breathing and reflection. NOW is the time for self-care and self-healing so we can show up as the most resilient, intentional versions of ourselves and give from a place of clarity and fullness vs. depletion, stress and our own traumas. Please come with comfortable clothing and an open mind.

Take Away:
Thru this experience, attendees will leave feeling calmer, clearer and with a greater understanding for the practical application of yogic practices that enhance our self-awareness and wellbeing - including movement, meditation, breathing and reflection.
Speakers
KS

Kat Soper

Owner/Teacher, PALM + PINE Yoga Studio & School

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 331
  Give Back to Staff, Practical

10:30am CST

Critical Reading for Critical Times: Building a Better Classroom Library
Limited Capacity seats available
Given the highly charged social and political climate that today’s students are navigating on a daily basis, it is imperative that secondary teachers find creative ways to put students in touch with texts that portray that climate in its full complexity. This presentation will highlight five research-based strategies for creating a culture of reading in high school classrooms and then offer attendees a themed list of book suggestions for building a social justice-oriented classroom library.  

Take Away:
Attendees will take away two key resources from this presentation: (1) a handout with five research-based strategies for promoting reading in today’s high school classrooms (complete with links to further online content related to each strategy); and (2) a thematic index of recently published texts—both fiction and non-fiction—that deal with many of the major issues facing young adults in 21st century America.
Speakers
MG
TJ

Tom Jesse

Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 229
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

10:30am CST

Enduring Families Project- Theatre project bringing to life the stories of African Americans that lived in La Crosse from its beginnings in the mid-19th century, until 1937
Limited Capacity filling up
We will present four stories of four African Americans who lived in La Crosse from 1857 - 1937. You will learn about their lives in La Crosse, their employment while living here, and why this information is important to share with students.

Take Away:
Attendees will be given suggested hand-outs with suggested classroom activities, additional biographies to share with students. This segment of local La Crosse history will allow students to see themselves in the stories.
Speakers
RM

Rebecca Mormann-Krieger

Historian for Enduring Families Project, Enduring Families Project sponsored by the La Crosse County Historical Society
DC

Denise Christy

Producer- Enduring Families Project- Retired H.S.English Teacher, Milwaukee HS of the Arts- Milwaukee Public Schools

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 263
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

10:30am CST

iPad Basics for Dummies....and no, YOU ARE NOT!
Limited Capacity full
Have you been handed an iPad but feel like you are not using it well and need a slower pace to go over basics?  If so, this session is for you!  The session will be driven by your needs so come with questions.  But, if no one talks.... we will work on how to use the Safari Reader, accessibility features to help students of special needs, how to use the spotlight feature, organizing apps, Mackin Via for ebooks and audio books, and more.  Make sure to bring your iPad and know your Apple ID and password in case you want to install apps.

Take Away:
Resources will be shared via the Google Slide presentation
Speakers
LW

Linda Watson

Library/HPL teacher, Lincoln Middle School

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 232
  Technology, Practical

10:30am CST

Is your Google Drive a mess?
Limited Capacity full
Time to spend cleaning up and organizing Google Drive.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Clausen

Samuel Clausen

Teacher, Central High School

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 340
  Technology, Practical

10:30am CST

The Art of Listening: Podcasts & Podcasting
Limited Capacity full
Podcasting is expanding to include new subjects and audiences, including your students & you! From "Noodle Loaf"  & "Peace Out" to "Six Minutes" & "Cabinet of Curiosities," you can build critical thinkers, encourage listening, and support your curriculum & standards through free podcast resources. Suggestions for all levels.  Bring your laptop/ iPad and headphones.  Lots of time to listen!

Take Away:
List of suggested podcasts to start, and support of a professional librarian!
Speakers
avatar for Kristi Moulton

Kristi Moulton

Librarian, Logan High School
Librarian at Logan High School in La Crosse, WI. Professional interests include reading engagement, building a diverse and engaging library collection, & information and media literacy. I love reading, travel, listening to podcasts, & music and theater, and meeting authors.

The Art of Listening Podcasts and Podcasting in the Classroom (1) pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
LMC
  Technology, Theoretical

10:30am CST

Building Relationships to Discipline with Dignity
Limited Capacity filling up
We will examine some case studies that will be similar to incidents that have occurred in our high schools and discuss how we think those situations should be handled.  There will be an emphasis on the importance of building relationships with all of our students before problems occur, suggestions on how to restore those relationships after there has been a negative interaction, and the importance of not escalating a volatile situation.

Take Away:
Hopefully, attendees will leave this presentation with strategies they can bring to their school and their classroom to help build relationships with students, and to diffuse volatile situations.
Speakers
JA

Jeff Axness

Associate Principal, Central High School

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 330
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

10:30am CST

Healthier Youth & Families Through Responsive, Collaborative Care
Limited Capacity full
Shift your mindset, shift your outcomes. Since its launch in 2016, the Integrated Supports Program (ISP) has gained valuable insight into working with students and families with complex needs. By adapting and adjusting our approach with those we serve, we've noticed significant changes in student (and family) outcomes. In this session, we will share out the ISP beliefs, rituals, and routines we adhere to for making positive impacts and changes in the lives of our students.  

Take Away:
Takeaways of this session include innovative ways in approaching student and family relationships and addressing complex behaviors. In whatever capacity attendees work with youth, this session will offer different ideas, perspectives, and strategies in working for this population.
Speakers
avatar for Ash Dockry

Ash Dockry

Teacher (Integrated Supports), School District of La Crosse
avatar for Ann Yehle

Ann Yehle

Integrated Supports & UWL Ed Leadership Program Facilitator, School district of lacrosse

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 304
  Trauma-Informed, Theoretical

10:30am CST

Keeping students with challenging behaviors in the classroom
Limited Capacity full
This panel, which is comprised of UW-L Special Education teacher candidates and the instructor, will discuss ways to support students with challenging behaviors in the general education classroom. Teacher candidates will share different strategies that they used with students with challenging behaviors in their field placements. Particularly, they will share how Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan helped their students decrease inappropriate behaviors and improve appropriate behaviors, which resulted in a more active engagement in the general education classroom.  

Take Away:
Participants will learn different strategies that will benefit students with challenging behaviors and will keep them in the general education classroom.
Speakers
EB

Emilie Buechel

Student, UW-La Crosse
MK

Maddie Koepp

Student, UW-La Crosse
LS

Lexie Stark

Student, UW-La Crosse
AB

Autumn Brauer

Student, UW-La Crosse
KH

Kyra Handrick

Student, UW-La Crosse
LK

Lema Kabashi

Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 267
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

10:30am CST

Mandated Reporting 101
Limited Capacity seats available
We will review the mandated reporting law for school employees in Wisconsin, the process for making those reports in the School District of La Crosse and the ways in which La Crosse County responds to those reports.

Take Away:
Attendees will learn about their duty as a mandated reporter in their role as a school employee. They will also find out about the county's response process to these reports. Attendees will be given information about how to talk with students who report maltreatment, what questions are helpful and how to generate important details from conversations with the student to make a more detailed report.

This information is applicable to all employees.
Speakers
AP

Alicia Place

Community Services Coordinator, School District of La Crosse
MJ

Michelle Johnston

CPS Supervisor, La Crosse County Child Protection Unit

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 114
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

10:30am CST

Physical Restraint and Seclusion in the School Environment
Limited Capacity seats available
Attorney Chad Wade will discuss the legal requirements surrounding Wisconsin's Physical Restraint and Seclusion law.  Attorney Wade will also address common misconceptions about Physical Restraint and Seclusion and provide practical advice educators can utilize in their classrooms.  

Take Away:
Attorney Wade will provide a detailed outline covering Physical Restraint and Seclusion.
Speakers
CW

Chad Wade

Attorney, Strang Patteson Renning Lewis & Lacy SC

Friday February 14, 2020 10:30am - 11:10am CST
Room 309
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

11:20am CST

Keynote 1: A Flower That Grew From Concrete
Speakers
KT

Friday February 14, 2020 11:20am - 12:00pm CST
Auditorium

11:20am CST

La Crosse Middle School SOUP Presentation & Lunch
Each of our 3 middle schools will be holding a La Crosse SOUP event. The 3 winners were going to compete in a district wide event at WWEC to increase funds towards their project.

Take Away:
Attendees will see a La Crosse SOUP event in action and be able to support students' vision in carrying out a project to better their school or community.
Speakers
KA

Keachen Abing

Teacher, 7 Rivers community High school
NM

Nick Marcou

Communications Coordinator, School District of La Crosse
MK

Matt Kitzerow

Longfellow Principal, Longfellow MS

Friday February 14, 2020 11:20am - 12:50pm CST
New Commons
  Give Back to Staff, Theoretical

12:10pm CST

Keynote 2: A Flower That Grew From Concrete
Speakers
KT

Friday February 14, 2020 12:10pm - 12:50pm CST
Auditorium

1:00pm CST

Financial Moves to Make Before You’re 30
Limited Capacity seats available
Eighty percent of life’s most defining moments happen before you’re 35. Seventy percent of wage growth happens in the first 10 years of a career. How will you make the most of your young career years? In this session we talk about:
  • How to manage money like you mean it.
  • Reducing debt and building credit.
  • Securing your lifestyle.
  • Why you need an emergency fund.
  • Why saving for your future should start today.
Speakers
KB

Kelly Behnke

WEA Benefits
PM

Paul M Rushmann

Worksite Benefit Consultant, WEA Member Benefits

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
Old Commons
  Give Back to Staff, Theoretical

1:00pm CST

Using primary sources -- Enduring Families Project
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will model for attendees on how to use primary source documents to create a lesson plan.  The primary source documents are associated with the research for the Enduring Families Project; Early African American History in the La Crosse Area.  These lessons can help all students, especially students of color, to see themselves as an integral part of the history of La Crosse and Wisconsin.

Take Away:
Attendees will receive lesson plans prepared by the La Crosse Public Schools Curriculum Writing Committee and the Enduring Families Project team. These materials will be focused on grades 2, 4 6, and high school U. S. History.
Speakers
DC

Denise Christy

Producer- Enduring Families Project- Retired H.S.English Teacher, Milwaukee HS of the Arts- Milwaukee Public Schools
avatar for Julie Welch

Julie Welch

Teacher, LaCrosse
After 25 years at North Woods, I am moving to Lincoln Middle School to teach 6th grade social studies. I'm excited to be a veteran teacher taking on a new challenge.
RM

Rebecca Mormann-Krieger

Historian for Enduring Families Project, Enduring Families Project sponsored by the La Crosse County Historical Society

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
Room 263
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

1:00pm CST

White Teachers, Hmong Students - Promoting Social Justice in the Classroom Through Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Limited Capacity filling up
This session will explore three La Crosse district teachers' opportunities to study the Hmong people in Thailand and how they translated their experiences into the classroom through the framework of culturally relevant pedagogy. Topics will include the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad grant, the Secret War in Laos, Hmong experiences in Thailand and transition to Wisconsin, current social issues and activism opportunities, as well as resources for teachers at the middle and high school level.

Take Away:
Participants will learn a culturally relevant pedagogy model and how it is applied to Hmong culture and history. Teachers will gain resources about Hmong culture and history.
Speakers
AB

Amy Bantle

School District of LaCrosse
MB

Megan Burke

7th Grade ELA, School District of La Crosse
JW

Joshua Wilke

Teacher, La Crosse Polytechnic School

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
Room 229
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

1:00pm CST

Podcasting for beginners! Two ways to create a podcast
Limited Capacity filling up
Interested in creating podcasts for or with your students, or for any audience?  Using Anchor.fm makes it easy to produce a basic podcast and can be done with any device.  Garageband is another tool that can be used with Macs or iPads.  In this session, learn how to use these free resources to start reaching a broader audience!  Bring your laptop or iPad and headphones (with a mic if possible).  

Take Away:
Satisfaction of learning something new to include in your classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Kristi Moulton

Kristi Moulton

Librarian, Logan High School
Librarian at Logan High School in La Crosse, WI. Professional interests include reading engagement, building a diverse and engaging library collection, & information and media literacy. I love reading, travel, listening to podcasts, & music and theater, and meeting authors.

The Art of Listening Podcasts and Podcasting in the Classroom pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
LMC
  Technology, Practical

1:00pm CST

Culturally Responsive and Trauma Informed Discipline Practices
Limited Capacity filling up
Present several strategies to support students through tough behaviors, how to help them get calm, safe, process the situations and take accountability.

Take Away:
Adding several strategies to their toolboxes for responding to student behavior in a culturally responsive and trauma-informed way that helps the student take responsibility and be their best selves.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Burns

Ben Burns

Principal, School District of La Crosse
Benjamin Burns began his career as a school psychologist before transitioning to principal. His professional degrees include a PhD in Educational Leadership from UW-Madison. His professional interests center on educational equity and culturally responsive and trauma informed practices... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
Room 309
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:00pm CST

Healthier Youth & Families Through Responsive, Collaborative Care
Limited Capacity filling up
Shift your mindset, shift your outcomes. Since its launch in 2016, the Integrated Supports Program (ISP) has gained valuable insight into working with students and families with complex needs. By adapting and adjusting our approach with those we serve, we've noticed significant changes in student (and family) outcomes. In this session, we will share out the ISP beliefs, rituals, and routines we adhere to for making positive impacts and changes in the lives of our students.  

Take Away:
Takeaways of this session include innovative ways in approaching student and family relationships and addressing complex behaviors. In whatever capacity attendees work with youth, this session will offer different ideas, perspectives, and strategies in working for this population.
Speakers
avatar for Ash Dockry

Ash Dockry

Teacher (Integrated Supports), School District of La Crosse
avatar for Ann Yehle

Ann Yehle

Integrated Supports & UWL Ed Leadership Program Facilitator, School district of lacrosse

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
Room 304
  Trauma-Informed, Theoretical

1:00pm CST

The Truth About Nutrition
Limited Capacity full
In this seminar, you will learn about our current health crisis and how we can turn it around with our nutritional choices. In this short time, you will learn everything you need to know about nutrition. Put all of your confusion aside surrounding the nutrition world after this seminar.  

Take Away:
This presentation will leave you feeling like nutrition is very simple and becoming healthier is absolutely achievable. Not only will this information help attendees directly but attendees will also be able to easily explain this to others and help their students, spouses, friends, and family members become optimally healthy.
Speakers
JT

Jordan Tredinnick

Fitness Trainer/Nutrition Coach, Eupraxia-Fitness and Nutrition Center

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:40pm CST
Room 330
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:00pm CST

Balanced Snacks for Optimal Energy in the Workplace
Limited Capacity full
Participants will be given protein packed snack ideas for boosting energy during the work day. All recipes will be demonstrated and participants will then make their own to sample. Participants will leave with the recipe cards and instructions as well as their own snack. Come ready to work with new people, and try nutritious and delicious snacks.  

Take Away:
Participants will leave with new snack recipes and grocery lists for easy shopping and instructions for preparing. These snacks are quick, easy and nutritious making it easy for the busy teacher to snack on the go.
Speakers
KH

Katelyn Hoffman

Family Consumer Science Teacher, Logan Middle School
BR

Brianna Ring

School District of La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 105
  Give Back to Staff, Practical

1:00pm CST

Creating Your Vision Board
Limited Capacity full
Imagine living a life you consider ideal and balanced. Sink into the desirable details of your job, your relationships and the hobbies you pursue. Revel in the fulfillment of your experience. What are you doing to make this exciting life happen? How is your future self different from you today? Paint a picture of all that you notice – colors, people, actions, places, feelings etc.  A practice for making visioning more real is creating vision boards, which are representations of our goals and dreams. At their core, these boards are a collage of images, words, and phrases that capture your dreams. The intent of this collage is to make you feel truly giddy, inspiring you into focused action.  These visions can be in the form of colors, feelings, words, or sensations.

This is a hands-on creative art making experience, to focus on your personal vision and help take your visions into action! Come and enjoy creating your own vision board to inspire, express and represent your teaching style, goals and aspirations. You may want to bring inspirational quotes, words or images to use in a collage. Some words and quotes will be available to use. A variety of collage papers, magazines, writing tools, glue, scissors and canvas will be provided to each participant.

Take Away:
Participants will take away a personal vision board collage. The intent of this collage is to make you feel truly giddy and excited, inspiring you to put these aspirations into action. “The arts are a critical component of healthcare. Expressive art is a tool to explore, develop and practice creativity as a means to wellness.” ~ Wellarts Association
Speakers
CB

Carissa Brudos

Art Teacher, Summit Environmental School

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 111
  Give Back to Staff, Practical

1:00pm CST

American Indian Studies in Wisconsin
Limited Capacity seats available
The training will assist participants in exploring and identifying ways to deepen their understanding of American Indian Studies of Wisconsin (often referred as Wisconsin Act 31) content through text and digital resources. Learn about ideas for implementing American Indian Studies content into practice while Identifying and exploring selected resources and materials to integrate into teaching and learning or curriculum. Information about Wisconsin American Indian nations’ histories, treaties, sovereignty and cultures will also be discussed.

Take Away:
As a result of participating in this training, participants will:
• understand and implement Wisconsin Act 31, which is a state law requiring all public school districts and pre-service teacher programs to provide instruction on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty on the American Indian nations and tribal communities in the state of Wisconsin.
• provide participants with the knowledge and information they need to integrate the requirements of American Indian Studies into lesson plans, material selections, pedagogical practices, and district curriculum.
• have an opportunity to share best practices, information, model programs, and resources with administrators and teachers.
• Increase knowledge about American Indian Studies in Wisconsin.
Speakers
avatar for David O'Connor

David O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
David O'Connor is originally from and is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the Education Consultant for the American Indian Studies Program at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In David’s... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 226
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

1:00pm CST

Awakened Justice: The Intersection of Mindfulness & Racial Justice
Limited Capacity filling up
In this blended training in mindfulness and racial justice, we will be discussing mindful awareness practices, introducing/reviewing related functions of the brain and the intersection of emotional and political literacies. Together we will explore social identities and the structures that uphold a white-centered culture in education. We will enable you to leave with practices to continue your journey in awakened justice.

Take Away:
Process-oriented definition of mindfulness as a way of heightening awareness Practices to strengthen functions in the brain that support attention-training to breath, the body, and compassion How awakening/healing and justice intersect to support restorative relationships with students Activities, best practices, and strategies you can apply daily for yourself and with students.
Speakers
avatar for Antonio Hoye

Antonio Hoye

Student, Family and Community Liaison, Middleton Cross Plains School District
BD

Betsy Delzer

Coordinator of Mindful Education, Middleton Cross Plains Area School District

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 211
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

1:00pm CST

Having Hard Conversations about Hate and Bias
Limited Capacity seats available
This is a session based around 2 Teaching Tolerance Resources. Attendees will receive a crash course and practice time in having conversations about hate and bias with coworkers and with students in the classroom. Participants should plan to bring an iPad or computer as there will be access to some different websites and resources at the end of the presentation.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn concrete strategies for having conversations about hate and bias with coworkers and students. I will also be providing links (and hopefully hard copies) of Teaching Tolerance materials and other websites that are helpful in the fight against hate and bias.
Speakers
avatar for Jesse Martinez

Jesse Martinez

7th Grade science, social studies and Spanish Immersion, School District of La Crosse

WWEC Having Hard Conversations 4 pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 228
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

1:00pm CST

How did you do that? Editing with iMovie
Limited Capacity filling up
Would you like to take your classroom videos to the next level? This session is for INTERMEDIATE users who would like to enhance their classroom videos using iMovie. Participants will learn how to edit video, add transitions and audio tracks. You will also learn how and why to use timing and picture in pictures effects. Educators can use these skills for themselves or when assisting students on their projects. The district provided laptop with iMovie required.

Take Away:
iMovie is a program included on School District of La Crosse student and staff laptops. There is no additional fee required for La Crosse teachers with laptops. The participants will be shown how to use the programs already on their device.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Clausen

Samuel Clausen

Teacher, Central High School

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 340
  Technology, Practical

1:00pm CST

One step at a time - ClearTouch Interactive Display Panels
Limited Capacity seats available
Calling all Elementary teachers with ClearTouch Interactive Panels in your classroom.  Join us for a session of introduction, troubleshooting, ideas for the classroom and resources specific to the new ClearTouch Interactive Display Panels. Please come to the session with questions and a willingness to take your teaching to the next level.  If we don’t have your answers we will find someone who does.  

Take Away:
Attendees will dive into learning about the interactive display panels that were placed in many elementary classrooms this past year. We will discuss the how to’s, provide resources and troubleshoot teacher issues regarding the ClearTouch Interactive Display Panels.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Levendoski

Daniel Levendoski

Solutions Architect, School District of La Crosse
My office is in Technology Services, but I work with people; not things.
avatar for Lisa Altreuter

Lisa Altreuter

Library/HPL teacher, Emerson Elementary

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 115
  Technology, Practical

1:00pm CST

Read, Watch and Learn with TumbleBook Library and PebbleGO
Limited Capacity filling up
Are you an Elementary Teacher and want to take learning to the next level for your students?  We will discuss two great resources currently being offered through library websites; TumbleBook and PebbleGO.  TumbleBook has over 1100 titles for grades K-6, including animated talking picture books, read-along chapter books, videos and nonfiction books. PebbleGO is a curriculum-connected research tool for younger students. Five subject areas help students explore in a simple, safe and fun database.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn about two databases currently being offered to students and staff of the School District of La Crosse; TumbleBook Library and PebbleGO. We will cover logging into the databases, highlighting the variety of features and if applicable creating classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Library and HPL Teacher, School District of La Crosse
While working at Walt Disney World in Florida I decided to continue my education, and in August 2003 earned my Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. After completing my degree, I joined the staff at the Lake Wales Public Library as... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 232
  Technology, Practical

1:00pm CST

Mindfulness for Self-Care
Limited Capacity filling up
Educators typically lead busy lives and manage a number of tasks, schedules, and people. At times, we face difficult situations and are prone to painful emotions and distress. Mindfulness, along with quality self-care, can provide mental, emotional, and physical benefits. This session will introduce the concepts of mindfulness and self-care and explore how they work together. Participants will learn several exercises and experience guided meditations designed to enhance emotional wellbeing.  

Take Away:
Attendees will learn about the concepts of mindfulness and self-care and come away with several exercises and guided meditations they can use to enhance their emotional well-being and coping skills.
Speakers
GL

Greg Lovell

Behavioral Interventionist, Holmen Middle School - Holmen School District

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 301
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:00pm CST

S.M.A.R.T. Movement Anchors Learning!
Limited Capacity seats available
S.M.A.R.T is a program that helps children’s brains and bodies get ready to learn. The program consists of fun activities for developing motor skills, balance and coordination, eye-hand coordination and much more. Once these skills are in place, children have the necessary tools to be able to attend and learn. This session will provide fun, hands-on, brain-stimulating activities with time for a Make and Take. Come learn how your children can be S.M.A.R.T. children!

Take Away:
Participants will use materials created in a brain stimulating way with all learners. Neurological and physiological principles of development will be discussed which is applicable to all no matter their culture or developmental needs. We will discuss ways in which to adapt movements and activities to fit the needs of all learners. This session will provide fun, hands-on, brain stimulating activities with time for a Make and Take. Participants are able to sign up for the monthly newsletter that includes a free download.
Speakers
KH
avatar for Michelle M Powell

Michelle M Powell

Academic Interventionist, Southern Bluffs Elementary

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 267
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:00pm CST

Teaching and Secondary Trauma
Limited Capacity filling up
During this session we will be addressing the 7 essential ingredients to keep in mind while teaching especially to students coming from trauma.  We will also address how secondary trauma affects the mental health of teachers.  

Take Away:
This presentation will help one to understand what a child in trauma may need from you in the classroom and ideas of what changes you might need in your classroom in order to better serve them.
Speakers
avatar for Jocelyn Buxton

Jocelyn Buxton

Spence Elementary
SE

Summer Elston

Classroom teacher, School District of La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 114
  Trauma-Informed, Theoretical

1:00pm CST

We Have Heart: Every Student, Every Day - Building a Positive School Culture
Limited Capacity filling up
At Spence, 100% of surveyed staff feel their school reflects a true sense of community. When staff is collectively committed to the best interest of every child, every day, students and adults learn and grow, socially, emotionally, and academically. Spence staff has infused social emotional learning strategies into the very fabric of their school culture. At Spence we have found that it’s not about our separate initiatives, but how we have woven them together that has created the heart of our school.  

Take Away:
Participants will walk away with multiple tips and strategies for building their school culture, with a focus on building relationships, social and emotional learning, and empowering staff.
Speakers
KJ

Katie Jeseritz

Counselor, School District of La Crosse
ML

Michelle L. Powell

Preschool Teacher, Spence Elementary

Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 273
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:50pm CST

Preparing for Retirement Within 5-10 Years
Limited Capacity filling up
This comprehensive session is recommended for employees within 5-10 years of retirement and covers the different retirement planning solutions available and the implications of the decisions employees make as they approach retirement. The session covers:
  • The sources of retirement income available to public school employees including the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), Social Security, and personal savings.
  • The various annuity options available from the Wisconsin Retirement System.
  • Retirement timeline (including eligibility dates and requirements for WRS withdrawals, health insurance, etc.
  • Personal savings withdrawal issues and tax implications.
  • Common roadblocks to successful retirement planning.
  • A pre-retirement checklist of important things to consider.
  • Tools and solutions to help employees reach their retirement goals
Speakers
PM

Paul M Rushmann

Worksite Benefit Consultant, WEA Member Benefits
KB

Kelly Behnke

WEA Benefits

Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
Old Commons
  Give Back to Staff, Theoretical

1:50pm CST

Coming Full Circle: A look at Identity
Limited Capacity filling up
"It doesn't affect me or my students." A phrase that is often said when speaking about implicit biases and prejudices. It does affect your and it does affect your students. The most crucial part of this is owning your biases and checking them when you are called out. It is a part of everyday life, and what you do with it will impact your students the most.

Take Away:
Participants will take away different strategies to look at themselves and their colleagues. They will receive different resources to look at how their identities have developed and continue to develop. For this presentation, it will be an extension of what the student panel will be discussing, I will provide different online resources of how to make a classroom more diverse and feel more comfortable for students with marginalized identities.
Speakers
MH

Mirm Hurula

Student, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse

Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 263
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Practical

1:50pm CST

White Teachers, Hmong Students - Promoting Social Justice in the Classroom Through Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will explore three La Crosse district teachers' opportunities to study the Hmong people in Thailand and how they translated their experiences into the classroom through the framework of culturally relevant pedagogy. Topics will include the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad grant, the Secret War in Laos, Hmong experiences in Thailand and transition to Wisconsin, current social issues and activism opportunities, as well as resources for teachers at the middle and high school level.

Take Away:
Participants will learn a culturally relevant pedagogy model and how it is applied to Hmong culture and history. Teachers will gain resources about Hmong culture and history.
Speakers
MB

Megan Burke

7th Grade ELA, School District of La Crosse
AB

Amy Bantle

School District of LaCrosse
JW

Joshua Wilke

Teacher, La Crosse Polytechnic School

Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 229
  Social Justice/Racial Justice, Theoretical

1:50pm CST

The Art of Listening: Podcasts & Podcasting
Limited Capacity full
Podcasting is expanding to include new subjects and audiences, including your students & you! From "Noodle Loaf"  & "Peace Out" to "Six Minutes" & "Cabinet of Curiosities," you can build critical thinkers, encourage listening, and support your curriculum & standards through free podcast resources. Suggestions for all levels.  Bring your laptop/ iPad and headphones.  Lots of time to listen!

Take Away:
List of suggested podcasts to start, and support of a professional librarian!
Speakers
avatar for Kristi Moulton

Kristi Moulton

Librarian, Logan High School
Librarian at Logan High School in La Crosse, WI. Professional interests include reading engagement, building a diverse and engaging library collection, & information and media literacy. I love reading, travel, listening to podcasts, & music and theater, and meeting authors.

The Art of Listening Podcasts and Podcasting in the Classroom pdf
Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
LMC
  Technology, Theoretical

1:50pm CST

Culturally Responsive and Trauma Informed Strategies for Partnering with Parents and Colleagues
Limited Capacity full
Understanding what it means to be culturally responsive and trauma-informed and practical strategies to partner with parents and colleagues to hold students accountable to being their best.

Take Away:
Practical strategies to partner with parents and colleagues to hold students accountable to being their best.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Burns

Ben Burns

Principal, School District of La Crosse
Benjamin Burns began his career as a school psychologist before transitioning to principal. His professional degrees include a PhD in Educational Leadership from UW-Madison. His professional interests center on educational equity and culturally responsive and trauma informed practices... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 309
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:50pm CST

School Avoidance. Strategies for parents/school officials in dealing with students that avoid coming to school.
Limited Capacity full
Parents struggle with students that are "sick" and can't come to school.  This is a quick guide to share with parents and schools to deal with those students and how to break the cycle of school avoidance.  

Take Away:
Some quick and easy steps that schools and parents can use to work with school avoiders. I do have a limited amount of pamphlets that can be shared with attendees.
Speakers
MA

Mark Ambrose

Dean of Students, La Crosse Central High School

Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 304
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

1:50pm CST

Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom
Limited Capacity full
Yoga and mindfulness in the classroom, how to keep students engaged, focused, and able to look inward. Strategies to use for feelings, prepping for a test, or simply controlling their bodies.  I have my 200-hour yoga certification and as a SPED teacher I utilize strategies of yoga in my classroom. I will teach strategies to calm the body and mind, transition activities, whole classroom activities, both for movement and for mindfulness. Participants should bring a notebook and pen.

Take Away:
Participants will learn different social-emotional strategies to calm their bodies, and their minds getting them ready to learn. These social emotional strategies align with yoga and mindfulness and can be connected to the social emotional learning goals from DPI. I can teach strategies to take with you and provide simple hand outs to incorporate the very next day!
Speakers
KP

Kasey Pomeroy

Teacher, Summit Environmental School

Friday February 14, 2020 1:50pm - 2:30pm CST
Room 330
  Trauma-Informed, Practical

2:40pm CST

BGC/Hogan Staff
All BGC/Hogan staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Auditorium

2:40pm CST

Central High School Staff
All Central High School staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Room 232

2:40pm CST

Emerson Staff
All Emerson staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Hackett West

2:40pm CST

Hamilton/SOTA I Staff
All Hamilton/SOTA I staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
North Balcony

2:40pm CST

Hintgen Staff
All Hintgen staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Hackett Middle

2:40pm CST

LDI/7 Rivers Staff
All LDI/7 Rivers staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Room 273

2:40pm CST

Lincoln/SOTA II/CMAP Staff
All Lincoln Middle, SOTA II, and Coulee Montessori Adolescent Program staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Room 267

2:40pm CST

Logan High School Staff
All Logan High School staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
LMC

2:40pm CST

Logan Middle Staff
All Logan Middle School Staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Old Commons

2:40pm CST

Longfellow Staff
All Longfellow Middle School staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
New Commons

2:40pm CST

Northside/CM Staff
All Northside/Coulee Montessori staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Room 218

2:40pm CST

Southern Bluffs Staff
All Southern Bluffs staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Room 269

2:40pm CST

Spence Staff
All Spence staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
South Balcony

2:40pm CST

State Road Staff
All State Road staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Hackett East

2:40pm CST

Summit Staff
All Summit staff should plan to attend this session to debrief and share from the sessions they attended.
Friday February 14, 2020 2:40pm - 3:20pm CST
Room 204/212
 
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Friday, February 14
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Hackett East
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Room 204/212
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South Balcony
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