Superintendent's Conference Day
What happens at a Superintendent’s Conference Day?
Teachers learn, connect and recenter.
Superintendent Selenick kicked off the gathering of all district educators on February 16 with shout-outs to some of the wonderful things he’d seen around Katonah-Lewisboro Schools that week—including student-led assemblies at multiple grade levels.
He also introduced Mike Sammartano, KLSD Staff Developer for Instructional Technology, who delivered a keynote that got everyone talking for the remainder of the day. Sammartano presented the facts about students’ immersion in technology, and explored the unexpected connection between educators’ efforts in understanding and using modern technology tools and building relationships with students that result in positive learning outcomes.
Keynote with Mike Sammartano
Therapy Dogs in the Classroom
Social and Emotional Learning and much more
Teachers could choose to explore the topic further with Sammartano in a break-out session about engaging students in personalized learning with SchoolAI. Other morning choice sessions ranged from Non-Academic Circles as a Means to Academic Achievement, led by John Jay High School teacher Jim Panzer; and Play as a Pathway for Identity and SEL, led by Staff Developer Alison Porcelli and Meadow Pond Elementary teacher Jackie Kovatch; to Therapy Dogs in the Classroom, led by middle school art teacher Kendra Collins and the school's therapy dog Rhodie.
While most sessions were led by District teachers and staff developers, several professionals from other organizations also offered workshops, including Dr. Robert Dillon, an expert on designing spaces that foster belonging; Cheney Munson, a thought leader on nurturing young environmental leaders; and the Hudson Valley Regional Bi-Lingual Education Resource Network.
The theme of the day was Belonging and Relevance through Social and Emotional Learning
The afternoon was reserved for building, grade and department collaboration, with time folded in for getting to know colleagues and revitalization.
"It was fantastic to have a full day dedicated to professional development," said Dr. Drake. "Our educators are not only committed to ongoing learning, but many also volunteered to lead sessions, allowing us to learn from one another."
