NJSBA's Virtual
Workshop 2021

Keynote Address - Maura Baker

 

The 2021 Virtual Workshop student keynote speaker Maura Baker epitomizes the character, empathy, and leadership that educators seek to impart to their learners. Baker, a 16-year-old junior from West Orange High School in Essex County, will headline the annual conference at 9 a.m. on October 26, 2021, Oct. 26, and help kick off the three-day event.

As a teen who lives with dyslexia, Baker has used that lifelong diagnosis as a launchpad to enlighten others about the neurologically-based condition. Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects 20% of the population, and 80- 90% of those with learning issues, according to The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. Students with dyslexia often demonstrate difficulties with reading, spelling, and decoding and recognizing words. Baker focuses on abilities, rather than disabilities. She founded a blog, website and Twitter account called Smart Kid — Mad Myths, where she provides students with information about the importance of time management, communicating their needs, staying academically sharp during the summer, understanding personal learning differences, and seeking classroom accommodations that might help. Her goal is to improve all student experiences in New Jersey, both academically and emotionally. 

Knowing Your Ethical Obligations and Avoiding Complaints

 

School board ethics complaints cost districts time and money. These disruptions often result in attorney fees, can create public relations issues and affect an entire school board and superintendent. In this seminar, learn how to avoid ethics complaints and resolve disagreements without incurring needless expenses. New Jersey Schools Insurance Group wants to help school board members focus on keeping public tax dollars where they belong -- in the classroom!

Presented by NJ Schools Insurance Group

What's in Your Students Backpacks? Information, Privilege and Equity

 

The recognition of disparities in our students' level of access to both information, resources and information-rich experiences is a social justice issue and a call to action. Presenters will address how educators could build awareness, address information inequities and develop strategies to close gaps in schools.

Learn. Grow. Repeat.

 

By September 2022, school districts must infuse climate change content across nearly every discipline and in every grade, K-12. This workshop will provide district leaders with insight about how that goal can be accomplished, why it matters and how their efforts will help children learn and grow.

 

 1 QPA- Office Administrative/ General Duties 

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children: State-mandated Language Development Reporting

 

Explore the guidance regarding the assessment, collection and reporting of data regarding language development for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and ages three to five, as required by newly-approved legislation. Additionally, the parent resource guide developed in response to this new legislation will be reviewed.

Leading and Learning with Digital Schools Star Recognition

 

A panel of school leaders who have achieved the state's Sustainable Jersey Digital Schools Star Recognition will share their practices and resources that helped them meet the challenges of learning and teaching in a digital world. The New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey School Boards Association and Sustainable Jersey formed a partnership to create this innovative program, endorsed by New Jersey Leadership for Educational Excellence.

STEAM Tank 365 and Inspiration to Innovation - Perfect Together

 

The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) are teaming up to bring school districts an exciting new program called STEAM Tank 365. This collaboration is geared to represent a community of learners and offer year-round opportunities for districts through professional development and student-centered design challenges. The program is intended to inspire crowdsourced student solutions to real-world issues that may affect their school districts, larger communities, the state, the nation or the world. Join us to learn more about STEAM Tank 365 -- derived from the NJSBA and U.S. Army's successful partnership program, STEAM Tank Challenge, and the NJDOE's inspiration to innovation i2i bi-monthly challenges. It will include design challenge exercises concerning equity, computer science, COVID-19, climate change and other pressing issues that New Jersey students can tackle. Learn how your school can become part of this dynamic community, earn digital badges, teach students career readiness skills, and help further establish the Garden State as a sustainable, healthy, equitable and safe place to live, work and play.

Unconscious Bias: What We Think We Don't Think, We Do Think

 

Due to the way our brains process information, we all have inherent/unconscious biases. If we are not aware of our unconscious biases, they have negative impacts on students and staff and others. Unconscious bias inhibits academic, curricular, co-curricular, social and post-HS opportunities. Those biases affect the courses students take and the way codes of conduct are implemented. In this session we will learn that implicit bias is much more than religion,, ethnicity, race or gender. We will learn how to identify our unconscious biases and how to ensure they do not have a negative impact on the students or the adults who work with them.

Purposeful Wellness

 

This training shows individuals and organizations how to plan for wellness to improve coping and impact climate and culture. Learn tips and techniques for incorporating wellness in all aspects of life through this fun and interactive class.

Best Practices in Boardsmanship

 

The board of education’s role is to ensure that a public school district is well run. In practical terms, how does a board member know the appropriate information to ask in order to make an informed decision? A superintendent and two board members share examples of best practices that they have experienced while serving their districts.

Everything ESSER: An Overview of the Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Program

 

Join us for an overview of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program. Over the last year, more than $4 billion in national emergency funds have flowed to New Jersey schools. We will review the required application process, the allowable uses of funds and the federal reporting requirements. This presentation will provide an overview of funds available under the American Rescue Plan's ESSER program, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and for homeless youth.

Fostering Mental Wellness through a Racial Equity Lens

 

Participants are invited to explore trauma-informed schools through an anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR) lens. Together, we will explore how historical, systemic, multi-generational trauma impacts educational racism and creates barriers to mental health. Participants will leave with resources to become an agent of change toward creating equity for all.

Robust School Library Programs Lead to College Success

 

Library-oriented research data shows that first-year college students often lack the basic knowledge of how a library functions, the ability to articulate their information needs and how to perform academic level research. While academic librarians can instruct and assist with research projects, major gaps still exist. Effective, robust and well-funded high school library programs, including certified media specialists, are essential to ensure that high school students are prepared for college. One high school and two college librarians will share related research and explain how students can be prepped for college-level research.

Sustainable Jersey for Schools Updates

 

Hear about statewide trends, new actions, grant opportunities and the 2022 Student Climate Challenge from the staff at Sustainable Jersey for Schools. The contest is designed to highlight the role that New Jersey youth could play in addressing the climate crisis.

Accelerate Learning While Meeting the Needs of All Students

 

Explore a research-based approach to instruction with proven results! Let’s meet students where they are and accelerate learning, while meeting New Jersey’s rigorous content standards across all subject areas.

Presented by Achieve3000

Facilities Management: Projects from Start to Finish

 

Join us for a video that will take viewers through a prospective public school facilities project including referendum strategies and state Energy Savings Improvement Program projects.

Presented by Colliers Engineering & Design

Explore How New Jersey Education Practices and Classrooms Are Evolving

 

DMR Architects’ current roster of both new construction and renovation projects examine incorporating flexibility and collaboration in today’s classrooms.

Presented by DMR Architects

Expand Healthy Hydration for Your School Community

Discover ways that school districts can deliver healthy hydration to their students through a variety of settings.

 

Presented by Elkay

Schoolwide Financial Literacy and Voluntary Benefit Program

 

Financially educate and support your entire community including teachers, staff, and parents with MassMutual's nationally recognized Future Smart program. We also will explain MassMutual's unique worksite solutions program, offering all salaried employees in each district the opportunity to purchase payroll deducted permanent life insurance with no medical exam or underwriting. This program is at no cost to the district.

 

Presented by Lee, Nolan & Koroghlian, LLC, a Mass Mutual Firm

An Overview of a School Safety Climate Team

This session will discuss the inception, implementation and role(s) a School Safety Climate Team has in the school district.

 

Presented by Cooper Levenson, P.A.

Para Todos Los NiÃs - Mendez v. Westminster: 75th Anniversary Of A Seminal Latinx Civil Rights Case On School Desegregation

 

Mendez V. Westminister: 75th Anniversary of A Seminial Latinx Civil Rights Case on School Desegregation: Join Sandra Robbie, writer and producer of this award-winning documentary, and Jose Perez, Esq., deputy general counsel for Latino Justice PRLDEF (formerly known as the Puerto Rican Legal Defense & Education Fund), for a panel discussion after viewing the film.

Cost-free Education and Career Resources for Remote, Onsite, and Blended Instruction

 

Mitigate COVID-19 learning gaps and engage students with cost-free quality education and career resources. The U.S. Army provides several virtual and traditional tools including March2Success, an online study program to help students prepare for standardized tests; academic and sports apps; Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) career exploration tools; STEAM Tank and additional Army-sponsored STEM competitions. Students also can develop further life and classroom skills through the Army's physical fitness, resiliency and leadership programs in support of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Partner with your U.S. Army and provide students with an innovative and engaging school experience!

Presented by U.S. Army Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion

Understand the Impact of Your Leadership Voice

 

Your voice as a leader can have an impact and an influence on your school board, your district and in your community. Elevate communication style awareness and how it may be misperceived. Leave with a plan of how to better engage and connect with the communication needs of others.

Arts Integration in Action: Hopatcong, N.J. & TeachRock

 

School officials and educators from Hopatcong Borough Schools will share their experiences in launching TeachRock partner district program in the midst of the pandemic! TeachRock is the brainchild of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steven Van Zandt and his nonprofit organization, the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation. It offers districts curriculum that includes lesson plans in most subjects, tailored to different grade levels, and all viewed through the lens of music. Its goal is to get kids more interested in school and to help combat learning loss suffered during the pandemic.

Get on the Electric Bus! Funding Electric School Fleets

 

This session will cover strategies for school districts interested in transitioning their bus fleets or third-party companies to operating electric school buses. Electric school buses provide cleaner, quieter transportation and are less costly to operate and maintain. They can help to reduce a district's carbon footprint, while clearing the air for students and commuinities. We will provide information regarding current incentives and procurement options for adding electric school vehicles. Belleville's Public Schools will share its experience adding electric school buses and other electric vehicles to its fleet.

 

 1 QPA- Green Purchasing

Beyond Alyssa's Law: Investing Wisely in School Safety

 

Alyssa’s Law, adopted in 2019, requires every public elementary and secondary school in New Jersey have at least one silent security system signal directly linked to local law enforcement for life-threatening or emergency situations. The law is a good first step, but its basic requirements are inadequate for school safety. Our session is a must for any school that wants to learn the most effective way to improve safety and communications within their district as it pertains to lockdowns and physical security. We will explore the challenges a school faces when dealing with a threat like an active shooter and why the basic requirement for Alyssa’s Law does not go far enough to ensure the safety of your students and staff.

 1 QPA- Ethics

Presented by Eastern Datacomm

Ensuring Compliance and Security for K-12: Addressing Concerns Facing Our Schools

 

Schools now are required to be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), to filter web traffic, provide protection from cyber threats and inappropriate content. They need to do so while maintaining the appropriate visibility and controls necessary to meet CIPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) compliance standards. How can your district ensure consistent, safe and secure data and user experiences for students, teachers and administrators when they are on campus, working from a remote location, or at home? The challenges for schools will only get more complicated with time, especially as remote, distance learning becomes the norm. With 1-to-1 device initiatives, virtual classrooms, expanding bring-your-own-device policies and technology, we cannot envision yet how the trend will shift toward treating every device as if it’s not trusted. Yet, students have to work as if they’re in a classroom environment and do it securely and effectively. Schools will need a way to quickly and securely scale their systems to provide access to necessary student and staff applications without escalating costs.

Presented by Computer Design and Integration LLC

Person-Centered Approaches for Students with Disabilities

 

School use of person-centered thinking, which involves treating those with disabilities with respect and dignity and working with them to build the future they want, has had a hugely positive impact on the lives of students, their families and school staff. This session will provide an introduction to these practices and discuss ongoing training opportunities and available resources.

Guided Math: A Pathway to Personalized Learning

 

This program will introduce the Guided Math, which gives teachers the capacity to personalize student learning experiences through this interactive teaching model. Guided Math promotes self awareness, self evaluation and collaborative learning.

Building a Safer Network for Students

 

Learn how the Lumberton School District is using GoGuardian Beacon software to focus on student health and wellness, while using the district's network. This preventative software can help keep your students safer, too.

Sustainability Champions

 

Schools that had the highest certification points in elementary, middle and high school categories in the 2021 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Certification share tips for success

 

 1 QPA- Procurement Procedures 

Shifting Gears: Leveraging K-12 Funding for Creative Technology Solutions

 

A new round of K12 funding opportunities are available for FY22 including grants covering everything from STEM to teacher professional development – all of which are technology-friendly and could be used to address your district’s needs. Over the past few years the Esports industry has grown exponentially, and has become a worldwide sport that creates an area for healthy competition and digital citizenship. Join SHI as we discuss funding opportunities, steps you can take now to get ready to apply for Grants, Esports, and other creative innovative solutions for K12 schools.

Presented by SHI

Healthy Staff Room, Healthy Classroom

 

We began our comprehensive staff Health and Wellness Initiative after feeling the effects of prolonged contract negotiations, combined with increasing expectations for boosting student outcomes. After a year under our belt, the pandemic hit! Never has it been more important to support and to reinvigorate our educators. Our initiative began as the seed to create SEL for staff. It grew and exceeded our imagination! We will share our story and hope to inspire other school districts to make staff wellness a priority, too.

The Climb is Our Story

 

The Climb Is Our Story provides college and career readiness skills to students nationwide. The program started in 2019 and is funded by the Knapp Fellowship and the Taco Bell Foundation to research how schools in America can improve their college and career readiness programs with near-peer mentoring, when a more experienced student acts as an instructor and shares their knowledge with other students.

Wind Down

This year, NJSBA will debut a new feature, “Workshop Wind Down.” Inspired by its popular County Café chats, these evening sessions will give members more flexibility and convenience for participation and training through smaller meet-and-greet opportunities.

County Discussion 7:00pm- 7:50pm  Finding the Positive 

NJSBA Staff Break-out Room 7:55- 8:55pm

• Calming the Crowd                                                                         
• Having the Right Person as President                                      
• Legal/ Labor Relations/Policy Round table                            
• NJSBA At Your Service                                                                   
• Strategic Plan                                                                                    
• Superintendent Search                                                                
• Unconscious Bias Continued Discussion (Tuesday Only   
• Critical Race Theory Continued Discussion (Wednesday Only)
• Equity Council Update (Thursday Only)

Keynote Address - Alisha De Lorenzo

 

This year’s annual New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop keynote speaker is no stranger to the education world and is an expert in cultivating productive and healthy school climates and cultures. She is Alisha De Lorenzo, a former educator for nearly 20 years and a licensed professional counselor. The North Haldeon, Passaic County native also has served as a trusted advisor to numerous school districts, the NJSBA, the New Jersey Department of Education and other education-related organizations.

Cultivating Your Competitive Advantage

 

Cultivate a mindset that influences your probability of success. Learn how to avoid emotional and mental distractions and stay focused on the why. Influence others to your way of thinking and gain cooperation at every level.

Presented by Investors Bank

Getting Ahead of Crises: Communication Strategies That Work

In today’s world of increased access to social media and on-demand news, notice of a school district emergency can be publicly shared in a matter of minutes. This session will provide proven strategies to stay ahead of the communications curve. Participants will learn how to diffuse contentious situations, confront angry stakeholders and the importance of crafting key messages in the midst of a crisis.

Aligning and Integrating School-Based Mental Health Supports and Services

 

Sound mental health is vital to student learning progress and success. This presentation will provide fundamental examples of how using a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can help the mental health needs of all students. An update/overview will be given of the state's Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Resource Guide along with how Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and other initiatives can be woven together to form a strong integrated framework.

Leading in Times of Stress

 

Understand how you show up as a leader under stress and its impact of your behavior in your interactions, leadership style and performance. Leave with tips for how to better self manage your stress/reactive behavior and stay productive.

K-12 Student Success Using Google Cloud

 

From real-time insights and personalized assistants, to collaboration tools and more, learn how Google Cloud's Student Success Services offers K-12 districts powerful ways to improve school workflow and student learning outcomes at scale. Gain teaching and learning insights through smart analytics, improve distance learning with collaboration tools, and manage risk and security by using the latest digital tools.

 

 1 QPA Information Technology

Presented by Google Cloud

Creative Approaches to Saving Energy in Schools

 

From student-oriented energy saving programs to comprehensive facility improvements, New Jersey school leaders are implementing innovative sustainable energy practices in their schools. This panel will feature impressive and inspiring efforts by school administrators, facility managers and teachers to integrate sustainable energy into curriculum, daily district operations and beyond, resulting in tangible impacts for their students and greater communities.

 

 1QPA- Green Purchasing

What is Critical Race Theory? How Does it Relate to the Pre-K-12 Curriculum?

 

Critical race theory is not taught in New Jersey’s Pre-K-12 public schools. Critical race theory is an academic exercise first developed in American law schools to analyze the evolution of laws adopted in our nation and their impact. In this seminar, participants will learn about the three components of critical race theory and will be introduced to Culturally Responsive Teaching, which helps all students, regardless of their background, feel accepted and understood, which is necessary for effective learning.

An Ethics Update and Potential Minefields for Board Members

 

Hear about recent ethics decisions involving school board members and learn about the best ways to avoid difficult ethics issues. This presentation will include an interactive discussion and reference other challenging matters that board members face. A question and answer session will follow.

  1 QPA- Ethics

 

Presented by Scarinci Hollenbeck LLC

Digital Management Controls: Keep School Documents and Records Secure

 

This session will help school officials navigate and manage their current records management storage systems, both on-site and off-site, and their exising policy and procedures for them. Learn about the New Jersey Department of Treasury records management rules and regulations, what is driving the transition to electronic documents and how to start.

Presented by Atlantic Tomorrows Office

Pursuing Inclusive Excellence: A Candid Conversation around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Rutgers presents an introductory conversation around pursuing Inclusive Excellence. Employee based Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committees, Equity Audits, and DEI Strategic Plans all play critical roles in advancing inclusive excellence. In this session we discuss moving the needle forward of representation and transforming education through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Presented by Rutgers University Division of Continuing Studies

Equity Among New Jersey Local Education Agencies

 

The journey to equity is a process. Join the New Jersey Department of Education's Division of Field Services for a panel discussion regarding the multiple facets of equity work occurring throughout state. Local Education Agencies (LEAs), led by the county offices of education, have held conversations concerning equity, partnerships with county organizations, equity committees, student presentations, LEA self-examinations and discussions with school leaders resulting in using district data used to further explore disparities identified by the statistics.

Gender Identity and Pronouns: The Biggest Little Words

 

This workshop will explain gender development from a scientific and psychological perspective. We will cover gender literacy and gender vocabulary including: cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, gender expression, gender identity and more. Finally, we will cover best practices for supporting transgender and nonbinary students in educational settings.

 

 1 QPA- Office Administrative/ General Duties

The ESC Evolution Continues to Save Districts Money

 

Your local Morris County ESC center can assist your school district in recovering from the unprecedented challenges that defined 2021-2022. The commission can help solve transportation issues, purchase supplies and equipment, locate therapists, purchase shared services and develop safe special education programs. Come hear what the ESC can do for you!

Educational Wellness for the "New Normal"

 

This program will explore student and teacher stress during the ever-changing COVID-19 situation. From anxiety about returning to school and control, this program will look into the interactions, the coping techniques and the interpersonal strategies to help districts cope with the continously-evolving pandemic world.

The Pandemic Impact on School Facility Projects

Have you tried to advance school facility projects lately? If so, you know it’s not as easy as it was just two years ago. Join us to understand how the process has been impacted by the pandemic and what school districts, along with their architect and engineering teams, can do to keep the process moving forward.

Presented by SSP Architects

Google for Education: What's New for 2021-2022

Join us to learn about the latest updates from Google for Education! We'll specifically discuss Google Workspace for Education and explain how to get the most out of your technology education products this school year.

Presented by Google for Education

Keep Your Schools Safe with Emergency Notification Systems

School safety is a top priority for every community. Students deserve a safe environment to live, learn and grow. Imagine being able to enact an alert system that will lockdown your school with the touch of a button in case of an intruder, allow notification of 911 calls being made, and send notifications to various devices around the school. That's exactly what Millennium Communications Group delivers. Learn how we can help keep your education community safe.

Presented by Millennium Communications Group, Inc.

PCG's EDPlan: A Better Choice for New Jersey

As you look for ways to meet your special education needs and address the academic, social, emotional and mental health impacts of COVID-19 on all students, we invite you to connect with our team and discover why Public Consulting Group (PCG), a leading public sector management consulting and operations improvement firm, offers better systems and service at a better price.

Presented by Public Consulting Group

No Shot? No School

Join us for an in-depth discussion concerning the legal aspects of the vaccination issue in schools.

Presented by Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP

U.S. Marine Corps Programs

Hear from the Marines New Jersey Recruiting Station team discuss various programs that benefit influencers, educators and students.

Presented by U.S. Marine Corps

Legislative Update

A moderated panel discussion, co-hosted by the NJSBA and the Garden State Coalition of Schools, regarding educational issues with representatives of the New Jersey Legislature. We look forward to once again hosting several distinguished legislators at what has consistently been one of Workshop’s most highly-attended sessions.

Confirmed panelists include:

• Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, Senate Education Committee, Chair
• Senator Steven V. Oroho, Republican Budget Officer
• Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt, Assembly Education Committee, Chair

Strategies for Capital Project Planning

Join us for the latest in our always popular capital project planning session! We will cover the ins and outs of capital project planning, strategies for success, pitfalls to avoid and ever-changing priorities during these challenging times. New discussion topics will include the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' return to school guidance, the New Jersey Department of Education's updates for long-range facilities plans and other related matters. We will discuss the need to stay on track and not to lose sight of the big picture! Ample time will be available for questions and discussion in the chat session.

 1 CEFM

Presented by FVHD Architects-Planners

K-12 Cyber-Security Risk Assessment Now Required

School district business administrators and superintendents need to understand that their current information technology support mechanism (whether in-house or from an outside company) cannot identify, capture and assimilate the required data, comprising a cybersecurity risk assessment. New Jersey school districts must separate technology operations from cybersecurity governance, as per changing federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and general audit guidelines. In this session, we will review the needed internal controls, policies and procedures and we will discuss how Managed Security ensures real-time surveillance and ongoing compliance alignment.

Presented by Ocellus Tech

Establishing a Multi-Tiered Framework for Delivering Student Services

 

This presentation will offer a high-level overview of the fundamentals for operating a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), which enourages educators to collaborate with families in an established problem-solving process to improve student academic performance and behavior. We also will cover the essential components of the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) model and how that framework lends itself to schools with a structure for meeting the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment, and social and emotional needs of all students.

Healthier Air for Healthier Students

 

Many schools have made Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) improvements in response to COVID-19. However, there are other benefits to the health of students, faculty and staff. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines IAQ as the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Join us as we discuss the factors affecting IAQ and illustrate the considerations and best practices for improving air quality in schools through various case studies.

 1 QPA- Office Administrative/ General Duties

Presented by Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc.

Teachers' Academy

Bloomfield encourages teachers to lead courses on topics of value for colleagues.

Climate Change Is Here, So Is Climate Change Education

New Jersey has mandated formal instruction regarding climate change in grades K-12. Leaders in the field will share strategies to help schools and teachers meet the requirement and discuss resources that could help.

Population Health Management

 

Now more than ever, it is essential that school districts provide comprehensive solutions to manage the mental health and emotional well-being of their employees and their families. Brown & Brown will present insight and best practices to be part of a successful wellness initiative that utilizes industry-leading technology, while maximizing existing resources.

Presented by Brown and Brown Insurance

ACEs in the Classroom: Are We Prepared?

Students who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and come to school are considered survivors. They bring their survival skills to school with them each day. At times, these skills that they have developed may clash with our teaching methods. The language of survival that they have learned to speak can be misunderstood. Take this opportunity to learn how ACEs could impact student learning and how to provide survivors equitable learning access.

Designing Curriculum to Engage Students & Meet QSAC Expectations

Wondering how to develop curriculum using the 2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards that engage students and meet Quality Single Accountability Continuum expectations? Learn how interdisciplinary connections, student choice and real-world application of content knowledge and skills can be leveraged to facilitate student-centered, inquiry-based instruction.

Listening Circles: Processing the Trauma of COVID-19

Everyone has had their lives turned upside down by COVID-19. Participants will utilize the indigenous practice of listening circles to honor the power of storytelling and to develop empathy. Learn how listening circles can help us unpack, process and begin healing in our classrooms and our community after traumatic events.

School Librarians Guard against Failure: Increase Student Achievement

Post-pandemic school planning focuses on redesigning and rebuilding school programs. Numerous studies indicate that the daily presence of a certified school librarian is a best practice and a great influence on student achievement. Library programs embedded in teaching and learning ensure equity in updated resources and access to digital learning applications.

America's Schoolyards are Packed with Potential!

Everyone deserves to have easy access to places where they can learn, grow, connect and thrive. Community Schoolyards^TM are acting as these places. A Community Schoolyard^TM brings educational, community, health, environmental and equity benefits to the school and neighborhood. We will go deeper with educators as they provide insight on the positive impacts they have seen from their school’s Community Schoolyard^TM. And we will reveal how schools are uniquely positioned to help advance park equity.

Wind Down

This year, NJSBA will debut a new feature, “Workshop Wind Down.” Inspired by its popular County Café chats, these evening sessions will give members more flexibility and convenience for participation and training through smaller meet-and-greet opportunities.

County Discussion 7:00pm- 7:50pm  Lessons Learned 

NJSBA Staff Break-out Room 7:55- 8:55pm

• Calming the Crowd                                                                         
• Having the Right Person as President                                      
• Legal/ Labor Relations/Policy Round table                            
• NJSBA At Your Service                                                                   
• Strategic Plan                                                                                    
• Superintendent Search                                                                
• Unconscious Bias Continued Discussion (Tuesday Only   
• Critical Race Theory Continued Discussion (Wednesday Only)
• Equity Council Update (Thursday Only)

Keynote Address - Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan took the helm as the New Jersey Department of Education Acting Commissioner in October 2020, after being nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy.

She began her 25-year career in education as a substitute teacher in Essex County, and taught in East Orange Public Schools before she launched the Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark. She has led schools, districts, a county education department, and even has served as a college board of trustee.

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan wants to strengthen teaching, leading, and learning to increase educational equity for New Jersey's 1.4 million public school students. She is scheduled to deliver her keynote address on the final day of Workshop at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.

You're a New Business Administrator: What You Need to Know

 

School district business administrators wear many hats, including the oversight of facility maintenance and upgrades. Differentiating what constitutes maintenance from capital projects is critical. This session will review the difference between the two, the statutory requirements for governing facilities, and the history of the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of School Facilities division. Learn about obtaining the necessary local building permits and state approvals for district projects. Hear from a seasoned business administrator and those with experience in navigating the process and paperwork involved in these matters.

 1 QPA Office Administrative/ General Duties

Presented by Parette Somjen Architects LLC

Five Ways to Teach with Empathy

 

Studies have shown a correlation between empathy and learning capacity. Students learn better when they feel emotionally safe, so it is vital that teachers show and model empathy. Empathy is more important than ever as schools continue to place a stronger focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Five Task Forces and 21 Takeaways

 

NJSBA forms a taskforce to address topics of urgency to its membership. The carefully researched recommendations offer information, guidance and resources to school officials. Join us to discuss 21 takeaways from just five of the Association's latest taskforce reports covering.

Supporting the Whole Child: School Climate & Social Emotional Learning

 

Building positive school climates and integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) is crucial to supporting the whole child. This presentation will share strategies for how school districts can develop environments that promote strong relationships and nurture the potential in all students. Time will be spent discussing the use of school climate related data, including school climate surveys. Attendees will also be provided with an overview of a new, no cost school climate survey & online platform developed by the NJDOE and Rutgers University.

Governance Committee: Invest in Your Boards Future

A school board must fulfill its primary role of governance. With changing membership on boards, turnover in administrative positions, and unprecedented situations such as the pandemic, the line between governance and day-to-day operations may become blurred. Join us for this informative discussion to learn how to enhance board member engagement through the implementation of a governance committee.

Using Data Analysis and Art to Achieve Equity

Effective data analysis can provide district leaders with clarity regarding how and when students encounter impediments while working to achieve their full potential. This presentation will outline how districts can analyze student performance and provide strategies for improving outcomes through a fusion of literacy and the arts.

Incorporating Zero Trust to Effectively Minimize Cybercrime

Corporations, state services, infrastructure, and public institutions have unique requirements that expose them to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The US Government has determined that the answer to this is adoption of a Zero Trust Architecture. VMware Sr. Cybersecurity strategist Karen Worstell explores the latest intel from the Global Incident Response and Threat Reports in the context of Zero Trust principles and offers 5 key strategies to adopt now to ensure continuity for critical business and public services.

Presented by Carahsoft

The Road Back: Resilience through Loss and Adversity

Students facing loss and adversity during the pandemic pose an unprecedented challenge for the whole school community because it impacts their behavior, learning, relationships and overall well-being. We will explore the foundations of grief and adversity, and share strategies for responding with empathy and compassion, while balancing educator needs and roles.

A Board Member's Personal Responsibility

Why do local Boards of Education exist? How can board members focus on student achievement and support the district’s organizational health? Through the principles of positive psychology, positive leadership and stoic philosophy, gain a stronger understanding of the importance of your role as a board member.

A School Board's Role as a Policy Maker: Policy Review, Development and Oversight

Effective policy makers understand the boundaries between school board oversight and the day-to-day operations of a school or district. Information and resources presented will cover: 1. Identifying and establishing the policy priorities 2. Developing policy 3. Policy oversight 4. Ongoing manual maintenance. This session will include a PowerPoint presentation, case studies and group discussion. 

 

  1 QPA- Office Administration/ General Duties 

Future-Ready Librarians Can Help Save Your District Money and Solve Instruction Issues

Learn ways that future-ready librarians can help solve the problems that keep you up at night. Need help with curriculum, running student programs, technology and more? Librarians can help. Discover ways to boast your library program and how to save your district money, thanks to your librarian!

 

  1 QPA- Procurement Procedures

Digital Schools: Data Safety and Security Policy

 

Hear from New Jersey Digital Schools district experts about how establishing and maintaining data safety and security policies helps to mount effective strategies that counteract the increasing threat of cyberattacks. Created in June 2020, The New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey School Boards Association and Sustainable Jersey formed a partnership to create this innovative program, endorsed by New Jersey Leadership for Educational Excellence.

 

  1 QPA- Information Technology

Accelerate Learning While Meeting the Needs of All Students

Explore a research-based approach to instruction with proven results! Let’s meet students where they are and accelerate learning, while meeting New Jersey’s rigorous content standards across all subject areas.

Presented by Achieve3000

Facilities Management: Projects from Start to Finish

Join us for a video that will take viewers through a prospective public school facilities project including referendum strategies and state Energy Savings Improvement Program projects.

Presented by Colliers Engineering & Design

Explore How New Jersey Education Practices and Classrooms are Evolving

 

DMR Architects’ current roster of both new construction and renovation projects examine incorporating flexibility and collaboration in today’s classrooms.

Presented by DMR Architects

Expand Healthy Hydration for Your School Community

Discover ways that school districts can deliver healthy hydration to their students through a variety of settings.

Presented by Elkay

Schoolwide Financial Literacy and Voluntary Benefit Program

Financially educate and support your entire community including teachers, staff, and parents with MassMutual's nationally recognized Future Smart program. We also will explain MassMutual's unique worksite solutions program, offering all salaried employees in each district the opportunity to purchase payroll deducted permanent life insurance with no medical exam or underwriting. This program is available at no cost to districts.

Presented by Lee, Nolan & Koroghlian, LLC, a Mass Mutual Firm

An Overview of a School Safety Climate Team

This session will discuss the inception, implementation and role(s) a School Safety Climate Team has in the school district.

 

Presented by Cooper Levenson, P.A.

The Pandemic Impact on School Facility Projects

Have you tried to advance school facility projects lately? If so, you know it’s not as easy as it was just two years ago. Join us to understand how the process has been impacted by the pandemic and what school districts, along with their architect and engineering teams, can do to keep the process moving forward.

Presented by SSP Architects

Google for Education: What's New for 2021-2022

Join us to learn about the latest updates from Google for Education! We'll specifically discuss Google Workspace for Education and explain how to get the most out of your technology education products this school year.

Presented by Google for Education

Keep Your Schools Safe with Emergency Notification Systems

School safety is a top priority for every community. Students deserve a safe environment to live, learn and grow. Imagine being able to enact an alert system that will lockdown your school with the touch of a button in case of an intruder, allow notification of 911 calls being made, and send notifications to various devices around the school. That's exactly what Millennium Communications Group delivers. Learn how we can help keep your education community safe.

Presented by Millennium Communications Group, Inc.

PCGs EDPlan: A Better Choice for New Jersey

As you look for ways to meet your special education needs and address the academic, social, emotional and mental health impacts of COVID-19 on all students, we invite you to connect with our team and discover why Public Consulting Group (PCG), a leading public sector management consulting and operations improvement firm, offers better systems and service at a better price.

Presented by Public Consulting Group

No Shot? No School

Join us for an in-depth discussion concerning the legal aspects of the vaccination issue in schools.

Presented by Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP

U.S. Marine Corps Programs

Hear from the Marines New Jersey Recruiting Station team discuss various programs that benefit influencers, educators and students.

Presented by U.S. Marine Corps

Creating An In-District Orientation Program

What do you wish you knew when you started out in your role? This discussion is sure to be lively! Join us for an interactive and engaging discussion about creating a district orientation program so that your newest members can hit the ground running as they strive to become effective members of your board/administrative team. Samples/suggestions included to customize your program.

Equipping and Developing Leaders

Developing others is the highest calling in leadership and it also is demanding work. It takes more attention and commitment than either nurturing or equipping. The development process draws out a potential leader’s best qualities, helps to shape their character and assists them in discovering their potential.

Making the Leap from Board Member to Board President

Do you think you can do a better job as board president? Do you think the superintendent should have an opinion about the role of the board president? Using humor, honesty and a healthy dose of respect, please join us to hear both sides of the thought process!

Leveraging New Jersey Department of Education's Learning Acceleration Guide

During this session, participants will be introduced to the New Jersey Department of Education's Learning Acceleration Guide. They will have the opportunity to explore evidenced-based practices and learn about strategies that school districts throughout the state are implementing to boost student learning and outcomes.

Cross-Curricular Centering of the LGBTQIA+ Experience

Recent state mandates to include the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ individuals have some concerned. Hear from three experts in the fields of sexuality, mental health and curriculum about WHAT we need to teach, WHY we need to teach it and HOW we teach in a developmentally appropriate way. LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning and/or queer, intersex, and asexual or ally.

Panel: Rachel Lotus Julie Melki Katherine Moyé Shey McGee

Human Trafficking Online Safety

Human trafficking 101 covers a range of topics pertaining to human trafficking identification and prevention. New Jersey is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking due to its population, proximity to major cities and its transportation infrastructure. Human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime, second only to drug trafficking and equal in scope to arms and gun trafficking.

Electrifying the School Bus Fleet

Electrification of New Jersey’s diesel-powered school bus fleet is a win-win. With no tailgate emissions, electric school buses are healthier for students and their communities, and reduce green house gases that cause climate change. Learn about financing options and how to successfully transition to green transportation.

 

 1 QPA- Green Purchasing

Social-Emotional Equity in the Classroom

When a child has an academic problem, we do everything we can to help. When a child has a behavioral issue, we are more inclined to label. How can we break this cycle?

The Impact of Shared and Servant Leadership

Drawing on personal school board member experience, the presenter will guide a discussion about the processes of shared and servant leadership and how each can impact a board and its relationship with its community.

What Do We Say Now? Communicating Clearly and Consistently during an Ever-Changing School Year

It has never been more important to maintain clear and consistent communication with all of your school district stakeholders. With ever-changing health and safety guidance, and COVID-19 cases going up and down in your community, it is essential that school communications be the heart of your school district operations. This presentation will assist districts in creating key messages, provide tips to keep everyone on the same message, advice on how to embrace your critics, and pointers for getting the message out effectively across various platforms.

Planning for English Language Learner Success

School districts are required to submit a three-year plan to the state outlining their English Language Learner programs and services. The now-electronic plan template has been further updated to assist districts with a systematic, data-driven approach to planning for academic and linguistic ELL student success. Learn about the new plan components and how data is used to inform policies and practices.

Using Microsoft OneNote to Support Student Learning

This program highlights the ways that Randolph High School mathematics teachers are using Microsoft OneNote digital notebooks to support student learning. Presenters will share their personal experience working with Microsoft applications and aim to generate ideas to support student growth using these and other emerging technology tools.

Communicating Effectively During Adversity

The past months in education have been challenging, and boards have had to communicate a variety of difficult messages to their public. Those challenges may also have created windows of opportunity moving forward to better engage your stakeholders. Join us as we discuss recognizing and embracing communication opportunities and putting them into practice during adverse times.

Wind Down

This year, NJSBA will debut a new feature, “Workshop Wind Down.” Inspired by its popular County Café chats, these evening sessions will give members more flexibility and convenience for participation and training through smaller meet-and-greet opportunities.

County Discussion 7:00pm- 7:50pm  Dealing with the Staffing Shortage

NJSBA Staff Break-out Room 7:55- 8:55pm

• Calming the Crowd                                                                         
• Having the Right Person as President                                      
• Legal/ Labor Relations/Policy Round table                            
• NJSBA At Your Service                                                                   
• Strategic Plan                                                                                    
• Superintendent Search                                                                
• Unconscious Bias Continued Discussion (Tuesday Only   
• Critical Race Theory Continued Discussion (Wednesday Only)
• Equity Council Update (Thursday Only)