SMSD Secondary IFair 2025

We will explore a variety of affinity groups that staff and students alike can participate in with the purpose of creating and increasing connectedness and belonging._x000D_To introduce the various affinity group offerings and address concerns of the participants in how they BELONG and CONTRIBUTE to the positive culture and climate of SMSD.

Getting kids to read for school is one battle, so getting them to read by choice may feel like a lost cause. But we CAN revive this dying pastime and we CAN impact kids' lives by helping them unlock the joy and personal fulfillment of reading what they love. In this session, we will discuss ways to build a culture of reading not only in your classroom but across your entire school. Have big ideas for fostering this love and want to SHARE with others who might want to join you? Then this is the session for you!! You don't have to be an English teacher to have an influence on the reading culture in your school and community, so this session is open to any secondary educator. _x000D_1. Understand the value and purpose of choice and independent reading in schools. 2. Explore ways schools can foster a strong community of readers. 3. Share and develop ideas for school and district-wide activities to bolster reading culture.

This session is designed to equip educators with actionable strategies and tools to implement CharacterStrong's Tier 1 curriculum into their classrooms and school communities. Participants will explore the principles of social-emotional learning (SEL), character development, and relationship-building, gaining insights into how these elements foster a positive and inclusive school culture. We will also discuss the upcoming implementation of CharacterStrong Tier 2._x000D_Understand the CharacterStrong curriculum and how it aligns with educational goals. Learn techniques to effectively implement Tier 1 SEL instruction. Learn about the upcoming implementation of Tier 2.

Learn how one teacher is integrating teaching music history with a rewards system in the classroom to promote learning, positive classroom behaviors, and to increase the number of positive interactions with students. Teachers will discuss how they reward students for positive behaviors in the classroom and will learn how to make their own stickers using Canva and google docs. 

Caroline Ewing (Video Production Teacher at Shawnee Mission South) and Jillian Hodges (SMSD Social Media Specialist) will teach you strategies to communicate your classroom wins and success and help you tell your story. You will come away with new skills such as creating instagram reels, using new apps like CapCut, SCRL and Captions and learn innovative strategies for 21st century communication.

This session is intended for administrators at the secondary level to have time to collaborate over topics that will ensure students have a smooth transition from middle to high school.  Participants are encouraged to share their current practices, while also being open to hearing others ideas. Conversations will remain focused around SMSD Strategic Plan and our 24-25 WIGs.

Topics included but not limited to-
Tier 1: building instructional strategies, social-emotional needs and support practices, SIT processes, celebrations for success, testing.
Tier 2: interventions for reading and mathematics.
Tier 3: 504 Plans, discipline processes.

Getting kids to read for school is one battle, so getting them to read by choice may feel like a lost cause. But we CAN revive this dying pastime and we CAN impact kids' lives by helping them unlock the joy and personal fulfillment of reading what they love. In this session, we will discuss ways to build a culture of reading not only in your classroom but across your entire school. Have big ideas for fostering this love and want to SHARE with others who might want to join you? Then this is the session for you!! You don't have to be an English teacher to have an influence on the reading culture in your school and community, so this session is open to any secondary educator. _x000D_1. Understand the value and purpose of choice and independent reading in schools. 2. Explore ways schools can foster a strong community of readers. 3. Share and develop ideas for school and district-wide activities to bolster reading culture.

Why modify? Who, what, where, when, and how of ELL modifications. Answer questions on how to modify when content is so heavily reliant on technology. Bridging the gap between teaching through and with technology and meeting the needs of non-English speaking students by using pen and paper. What does it mean to modify without relying mostly on translating? How can I teach students who don't understand what is being said and may have zero background knowledge?
If you have ILPs feel free to bring them so we can discuss best practices on how to follow them. I will also have some generic ones on hand.

This session is designed to equip educators with actionable strategies and tools to implement CharacterStrong's Tier 1 curriculum into their classrooms and school communities. Participants will explore the principles of social-emotional learning (SEL), character development, and relationship-building, gaining insights into how these elements foster a positive and inclusive school culture. We will also discuss the upcoming implementation of CharacterStrong Tier 2._x000D_Understand the CharacterStrong curriculum and how it aligns with educational goals. Learn techniques to effectively implement Tier 1 SEL instruction. Learn about the upcoming implementation of Tier 2.

Experience school through the eyes of a student in "Voices of Belonging: A 7th-12th Grade Student-Led Exploration of School Experiences." Middle and high school students will share their unique insights into learning, belonging, mental health, and technology, while leading interactive activities and discussions.  Participants will gain a deeper understanding of middle and high school students' perspectives through direct student-led discussions and activities. Educators will collaborate with students to explore actionable strategies for improving school culture and instruction, fostering an environment that supports student well-being and engagement.