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Type: Climate and Culture clear filter
Wednesday, July 22
 

11:00am EDT

Creating Respectful School Climates: Bullying Prevention, Policy, and Tech Tools that Work
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
How do we move from reactive discipline to proactive culture-building in our schools?
In this powerful and thought-provoking session, internationally recognized speaker Robert Hackenson Jr. explores how schools can prevent bullying, build stronger connections, and create climates where students feel safe, seen, and supported. Using a unique blend of storytelling, research, and real-world solutions, Robert breaks down what’s really driving student conflict – and what we can do about it.
Educators will:
  • Unpack the rising challenge of students lacking key soft skills like effective communication, inclusivity, and conflict resolution.
  • Discover how smartphone use and unclear policies can unintentionally erode school culture
  • Learn practical, immediately usable strategies to foster respect, improve behavior, and promote unity


Robert also introduces an innovative tech solution: a customizable digital wellness hub designed to connect students, staff, and parents with essential school and local resources and supports – all in one accessible platform.
This is more than a presentation – it’s a call to action for schools ready to shift from reacting to incidents to intentionally creating cultures where everyone can thrive.

Presenters
RH

Robert Hackenson

Professional "Edutaining" Speaker, Dynamic Incfluence
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency B

11:00am EDT

Relentless Leadership – Disrupting the Educational Norms
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Hamish Brewer is an award-winning leader and school turnaround expert who has turned around multiple schools, both at the elementary and secondary levels, working with some of the most at-risk students in America. Hamish will share his secrets to his success in this session by taking a deep dive into his practices, programs and strategies for leadership success. Let’s laser focus in on key areas for growth in your leadership journey, practices and processes that align to successful school and student outcomes. You will walk away with practical solutions and ideas to key education challenges around organizational improvement, closing the achievement gap, stakeholder engagement and culture and that will help you like Hamish has done to create an award-winning organization. Own your leadership and own your legacy!
Presenters
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency A

1:40pm EDT

Kilroy Was Here: The Moral Work of School Leadership
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Using the historic “Kilroy Was Here” symbol as a metaphor for influence and legacy, this session invites principals to examine the quiet but powerful marks they leave on staff, students, and communities. In a time of political tension, staffing challenges, and shifting expectations, principals must decide what kind of presence they will embody.  This session blends storytelling, leadership reflection, and practical insight to help participants: Clarify their leadership approach, Recommit to values-driven decision making, Strengthen school culture through intentional influence. Participants will leave energized, reflective, and reminded that even unseen work shapes lasting impact.
Presenters
avatar for Stephen Wiltshire

Stephen Wiltshire

Principal, Millbury Street Elementary School
Great leaders aren't born-they are built through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth. In this engaging professional development session, I'll share the key advice, strategies, and lessons I received from mentors that helped shape my journey to becoming a Nationally Distinguished... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency A

1:40pm EDT

School Mental Health: Leveraging your counseling staff for better student outcomes
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Student mental health should be a priority for every school leader. School counselors are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of all students, but are they given the tools and time to do so? Find out how school counselors use data and evidence-based best practices to close achievement and opportunity gaps and deliver comprehensive programs that ensure success for all students. Learn ways school counselors help to improve student mental health, school climate and reduce or eliminate bullying and discipline incidents. How do school counselors deal with crises and what is their role in preventing and responding to incidents such as school shootings, deaths in the community or natural disasters?  This session will explore these various roles and how school counselors can ensure our best response and preparation for such events.  Participants will leave the session with specific ideas and activities as well as a concrete action plan to support and advantage all students.
Presenters
BB

Bob Bardwell

Executive Director, Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Standish

2:40pm EDT

Leading a Culture of Literacy
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
It is a truth universally acknowledged that "kids don't read anymore."  Phones, social media, and video games have a monopoly on freetime. We see the impact of this in students' gaps in background knowledge, poor understanding of sentence structure and syntax, lacking stamina when given academic reading, and a shortage of empathy for experiences beyond the students own.  

Fostering a love of reading cannot fall solely on the ELA teacher.  It's going to take more than a 20 year old Caldecott winning novel to tear our cherubs away from Tik Tok.

So, what is a school leader to do?  

The Crazy Reading Ladies have a few ideas.  We'll explore the pros and cons of graphic novels, the importance of accessibility, and representation in classroom libraries.  We'll share whole school ideas that will get kids excited about books.  We'll share community level partnerships that get adults involved.  These plug and play ideas will have an immediate impact on the literacy culture of your school.  
Presenters
MG

Mary Giuffre

Principal, Howard Elementary
EO

Erin O'Leary

Reading Specialist, Franklin Middle School
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Plympton

2:40pm EDT

Regulate to Educate: What School Leaders Need to Know About Student Dysregulation
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Student dysregulation has become one of the most significant barriers to teaching and learning in schools today. Across grade levels, educators report increased classroom disruption, student anxiety, and behavioral escalation that impacts both instructional time and school climate. Yet many schools focus primarily on student behavior strategies without addressing a critical factor: the role of adult regulation and leadership practices in creating predictable and supportive learning environments.This session helps school leaders understand the neuroscience and system dynamics behind dysregulation and provides practical leadership strategies that support staff responding to challenging behavior.Participants will explore how adult stress responses influence school climate, why behavior systems break down under pressure, and what leaders can do to create alignment across classrooms. Administrators will leave with concrete strategies they can implement immediately to support their staff.

Presenters
avatar for Kerri Russo

Kerri Russo

Educational Consultant, Regulate to Educate (formerly TACC Consulting)
Kerri Russo is an educational consultant, former school psychologist, and founder of Regulate to Educate. With more than 20 years of experience supporting students, educators, and school communities, she specializes in helping schools create emotionally safe, connected learning environments... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Standish

2:40pm EDT

Rethinking Privacy, Safety, and Student Autonomy
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
A lot has changed FERPA was written in 1974. Directory information is no longer confined to paper. Text and photos are can be scraped, consolidated, and searched from the web. Students' social lives are intertwined with their online presence. Yet many of our school privacy practices are grounded in assumptions from a half-century ago that no longer hold true. In this session, we will engage in collaborative activities and discussions to interrogate the assumptions behind our current practices, identify unmet needs, and brainstorm guiding principles that center students' well-being and autonomy in privacy practices grounded in the modern landscape.
Presenters
avatar for Zak Kolar

Zak Kolar

Digital Learning Teacher, Waltham Public Schools
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Halifax
 
Thursday, July 23
 

11:00am EDT

From Climate to Culture: Leading Schools Where Students and Staff Not Just Survive, but Thrive
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
This presentation is geared towards school leaders who are relatively new to their buildings, or leaders who seek actionable strategies to implement positive change in their building.

School culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s shaped by what leaders notice, nurture, and prioritize. This presentation supports elementary administrators in learning how to assess school culture as a new leader, pinpoint what’s working and what needs attention, and put intentional structures in place that strengthen morale and improve student learning. Through a focus on trust, relationships, and everyday leadership moves, participants will walk away with actionable ideas for building collegial school communities where staff trust one another and feel confident in their leadership.

This session will also focus on the undeniable connection between shared efficacy, strong relationships, and student achievement. When all staff are invested, our practices improve, and our students benefit directly.
Presenters
LZ

Lenore Zavalick

Principal, George H. Englesby Elementary School
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Halifax

11:00am EDT

Leading With Magic: Leadership Lessons From Disney, Pixar, and the Stories That Shape Our Schools
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
From Steamboat Willie to The Lion King to the emotional brilliance of Pixar films, Disney stories have always taught us what it means to lead with heart, courage, and purpose. This session invites school leaders to explore how the magic of Disney and Pixar can translate into meaningful, everyday leadership practices that build joyful, connected school communities. Principal Marty Geoghegan using clips, powerful images, quotes, and music, will have participants examining leadership lessons drawn from classic and modern Disney films and connect them to practical actions such as celebrating students through Good News calls home, reinforcing positive behavior systems, teaching and connecting with students during RTI/learning blocks, highlighting classroom learning through social media, and creating simple traditions that strengthen school culture.
Presenters
avatar for Martin Geoghegan

Martin Geoghegan

Principal, Henri A. Yelle Elementary School
Martin Geoghegan is the proud principal of the Henri A. Yelle Elementary School in Norton, Massachusetts. He is entering his eighth year there. Prior to the Yelle, Marty was a middle school principal for 11 years, a high school assistant principal and English teacher. He is the current... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency B

11:00am EDT

Mission Impossible: Getting hundreds of elementary students to the same place at the same time
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to defeat the ultimate nemesis of elementary education: The Warm Bed on a Rainy Tuesday. Join two elementary principals as they declassify the files on their successful operation to combat chronic absenteeism. In this 45-minute briefing, we will detail how we infiltrated the hearts and minds of reluctant students (and their caregivers) to boost attendance rates and keep the DESE accountability agents happy.

Expect a fast-paced debrief on:
The Gadgets: Creative incentives that actually work (and cost less than a spy plane).
The Intel: Using data without needing a degree in cryptography.
The Negotiation: Communication strategies that turn "I’m tired" into "I’m here."

This message will not self-destruct, but our chronic absenteeism rates did (improve)—and yours can too. Come for the laughs, stay for the strategies that actually get kids through the door.
Presenters
JD

Jake Dore

Principal, South Elementary School (Stoughton)
RC

Robert Cancellieri

Principal, Joseph R. Dawe, Jr. Elementary School
This presentation will examine the family engagement strategies employed by two different elementary schools within the same school district. Key topics will include effective communication protocols, home-school partnerships that foster student learning, and the development of welcoming... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Wampanoag

1:40pm EDT

School Culture and Climate
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
A positive school culture and climate are essential for student success, staff retention, and overall school effectiveness. Elementary principals play a critical role in shaping environments where both adults and children feel valued, supported, and empowered. This interactive workshop will provide school leaders with practical strategies, reflective tools, and collaborative opportunities to strengthen relationships, promote well-being, and build systems that foster a thriving school community.

Participants will explore research-based practices alongside real-world examples to identify actionable steps they can implement immediately in their schools.

Reflect on leadership practices that influence staff morale and student belonging

Implement strategies that support staff wellness, collaboration, and professional growth

Apply approaches to strengthen student engagement, safety, and connectedness
Presenters
avatar for Nicole Radulski

Nicole Radulski

Principal, Franklin Elementary School
CQ

Caitlyn Queenin

Assistant Principal of Student Services, Franklin Elementary School
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carver

1:40pm EDT

Take a Chance on Our Students: Learning from the Lessons They Teach Us
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
When we wholeheartedly believe that what our students teach us can shape how we lead, our school communities grow stronger. Over the last decade, I’ve been fortunate to take the lessons my last crew of fourth graders taught me and put them into action, impacting classrooms, schools, and districts.  In this session, we’ll reflect on how students of all ages can shape our leadership journeys. Along the way, I will share several leadership lessons my students taught me, paired with strategies for putting those lessons into action. Together, we will share our stories and leave empowered to try at least one idea inspired by the young individuals who show up at our doors every morning.  Filled with joy, music, and humanity, this session will remind us why we keep coming back to school, and why continuing to take a chance on our students matters more than ever in a world that keeps changing.
Presenters
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Standish

2:40pm EDT

A Place Where Everyone Belongs - Creating a School Crew Community - PART II
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
You can attend even if you missed my presentation last summer!  All are welcome!

As a Crew, my entire staff have been meeting weekly to connect and create a caring and inclusive work environment by sharing values and consistent routines. I will share my ideas and experiences that you will be able to bring to your students, classroom, and/or schools Learning
Targets Learning
Target #1: I can use team building, group problem-solving, or other collaborative activities to foster a strong sense of community Learning
Target #2: I can use Crew routines that build a culture and community in my classroom Learning
Target #3: I can create Crew activities reinforcing the Habits of Character and/or academic mindset Learning
Target #4: I can give students an opportunity to practice empathy, integrity, respect, and compassion as part of Crew activities
Presenters
avatar for Anne Cromwell-Gapp

Anne Cromwell-Gapp

Principal
As a Crew, my entire staff have been meeting weekly to connect and create a caring and inclusive work environment by sharing values and consistent routines. I will

share my ideas and experiences that you will be able to bring to your students, classroom, and/or schools


Learning Tar... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Carver

2:40pm EDT

Beyond Graduation: How Bourne High School Prepares Students for What Comes Next
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
College, career, or military - students need more than credits to succeed. Learn how Bourne High School created a structured School-to-Career progression that intentionally develops workplace skills, self-advocacy, and career readiness from Grade 8 through senior internships. Walk away with practical ideas to build a future-ready culture in your own school.
Presenters
LM

Lisa Maguire

Principal, Bourne High School
AS

Ann-Marie Strode

School-to-Career/Internship Coordinator, Bourne High School
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Halifax

2:40pm EDT

Embracing and elevating your school's climate and culture, wherever you currently reside!
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Climate and culture within a building is as effusive as the weather and far more complex to nurture, and with the current roller coaster of educational changes, it often is difficult to keep morale strong and the school community moving forward. This workshop will provide practical, immediate, and long-term strategies and opportunities, regardless of whether your school is thriving, growing or looking to re-establish its culture, for participants to:
*   Reflect on current climate and culture practices.
*   How to Identify areas for improvement.
*   Implement actionable steps to foster a positive and supportive environment.
*   Build joy within the school community.
*   Learn how to navigate change without hurting morale

The presenter is an award receiving Principal , in two states, who has also served as an AP and Superintendent k-12 in rural, suburban, urban large and small schools and will be available long after the workshop to support your questions and your needs.
Presenters
AS

Alan Strauss

Principal and Consultant, Danvers High School
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Wampanoag

2:40pm EDT

Groovy Leadership: Lessons Learned From The DJ Table!
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Being a leader can be gnarly! Sit back, take a chill pill, and kick it old school with former DJ and current public school superintendent Sean Buchanan as he shares his Top 10 Big Hit Education Lessons from the DJ table!
Presenters
SB

Sean Buchanan

Superintendent, Geary Public Schools
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency B

2:40pm EDT

Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
While uncomfortable conversations are never easy, they are often necessary. Although this is an important part of being a leader, it is often a task that is neglected or overlooked. Great leaders know that the problem doesn’t go away just because it is ignored, yet when asked, almost all leaders admit that they are ill-prepared to lead uncomfortable conversations.

This workshop will explain why these conversations are so uncomfortable and how you can manage them in a caring and compassionate way, while at the same time addressing the issue. Don’t dance around the elephant in the room, let's get it out of the room for good.
Presenters
avatar for Paul Zinni

Paul Zinni

School Administrator - Retired, Retired
Paul Zinni has been an Educator and School Leader for more than 37 years serving as a Special Education Teacher, Title 1 Director, Early Childhood Coordinator, Principal, Director of Pupil Services, Assistant Superintendent and for over ten years, as a Massachusetts Public Schools... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Standish

2:40pm EDT

Reimagining Discipline: Shifting School Culture to Strengthen Relationships
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Discipline can be leveraged as an opportunity for learning, but it will only be effective when the learning environment contributes to the needs the misbehavior sought to fulfill. Otherwise, discipline feels persecutionary to students and can contribute to repeated misbehavior. Moreover, discipline teaches students to choose socially and morally responsible behavior because it’s the right thing to do.
Participants will learn how to implement transformational discipline practices that build student accountability, responsibility, positive decision-making, and the social, behavioral, and well-being competencies needed for success in school, relationships, and life. This session explores how leaders can create safe, respectful learning environments schoolwide to support student well-being. Administrators will leave with proactive and reactive disciplinary toolkits that serve all students and include tiered interventions.
Presenters
MB

Michelle Benson

Chief Professional Learning Officer, Center for Responsive Schools
BK

Bill Knittle

Consulting Teacher, Center for Responsive Schools
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Plympton

2:40pm EDT

You have achievement data but what are you missing? Using "street data" to clarify and support achievement data
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Data is important, data with stories is powerful. We spent three months listening to students, parents, alumni, staff,  and community members to better understand what our community needs and wants. We will explore how this listening campaign has informed a redesign process to better meet the needs of our students.
Presenters
CL

Chris LaBreck

Principal, Claremont Academy
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency A
 
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