Administrators' Days

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 (All day) to Friday, July 29, 2016 (All day)

July 27-29, 2016
Younes Conference Center & Holiday Inn - Kearney, NE
Preregistration is now closed.  Please visit onsite registration Wednesday or Thursday if you would like to attend.

Are you interested in adding a meal or social event to your original registration? Click here!

Tuesday, July 26
7:00 pm = First National Capital Market Hospitality Suite Opens

Wednesday, July 27
7:30 am - 4:00 pm = Registration Opens
8:30 am - 4:00 pm = NDE Program
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm = Exhibitors' Reception
7:30 pm = Hospitality Suites Open

Thursday, July 28
7:00 am - 8:00 am = Registration Opens
8:00 am - 8:30 am = Welcome and Presentation of Awards
8:30 am - 9:30 am = Keynote Speaker: Ashley Rhodes-Courter
                                      Ashley Rhodes-Courter is the quintessential American success story. Born in 1985 to a single teen mother, by the age of 3 she was in Florida's foster care system where she spent almost ten years being shuttled between 14 homes - some quite abusive - before being adopted from a Children's Home at the age of twelve. Despite her ordeal, she excelled in school because she believed that, "my education was the one thing nobody could take from me." She has since gone on to earn a Masters' Degree, become an international bestseller, and found the non-profit organization, The Foundation for Sustainable Families.

10:00 am - 10:45 am = Select-a-Session I
11:15 am - 12:00 pm = Select-a-Session II
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm = Lunch
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm = Ice Cream Social
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm = Presentation of Awards
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm = Keynote Speaker: Chris Emdin
                                     Dr. Christopher Emdin is an Associate Professor at Columbia University where he also serves as Director of Science Education at the Center for Health Equity and Urban Science Education. He is a social critic, public intellectual and science advocate whose commentary has appeared in dozens of influential periodicals including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. He is also an advisor to numerous international organizations, school districts, and schools within the public and private sector and an award winning author and New York Times bestseller.

3:15 pm - 4:00 pm = Select-a-Session III
4:00 pm = NCSA Administrators' Reception
4:30 pm = Administrators in Action: Did you know walking helps prevent many issues from dementia to osteoporosis, not to mention that it's an easy way to improve your mood? Get moving after a day indoors and donate to Make-A-Wish Nebraska all at the same time by signing up for Administrators in Action. Blue Cross Blue Shield will sponsor $25 for every person that walks Betty's Trail, from Younes to Yanney and back with all proceeds going to fund wishes. All walkers receive a t-shirt, so sign up and get walking!

6:30 pm = Platte Valley Social: Platte Valley Brewery is a brewery focused on creating beers for all tastes. Hop on the 6:00 bus at the Holiday Inn and ride downtown to enjoy beer tasting and pizza. Remember the fun when you get home with your Platte Valley Pint Glass. Pre-registration is required, max capacity of 85 participants.

6:30 pm = Big Apple Fun Center Family Fun Night: You've had fun all day, so why not share some fun with the family?! The Big Apple is the perfect place for everyone to have a good time. Head over at 6:30 to bowl, play miniature golf, billiards, go-karts, and laser tag. You also receive a ticket for a large single topping pizza and drink pitcher for the family. Your kids will still be talking about the fun they had when they head back to school! Pre-registration is required.

8:00 pm = NCSA Trivia Night: Do you race home after work to catch Jeopardy? Do you pull out Trivial Pursuit every time company is over? Well then, we have the perfect activity for you! You don't need to be a trivia buff to join in and have fun during the NCSA Trivia Night. With a bar in the room and our very own Mark Johnson and Sam Stecher hosting, you're sure to have a great time, even if your table doesn't win the grand prize. The game will kickoff at 8:30, so don't be late!

8:00 pm = Hospitality Suites Open

Friday, July 29
8:15 am - 9:15 am = New Member Breakfast
8:15 am - 9:15 am = Breakfast Buffet
9:30 am - 11:00 am = Keynote Speaker: Mark Scharenbroich
                                        Are your people fully connected to the mission, each other, and your community? Strong connections are vital in our lives, yet in today's "virtual world" it is often difficult to make meaningful connections. Emmy award winner, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and entertainer, Mark Scharenbroich developed the Nice Bike metaphor to drive home the power of connecting in a more genuine way. More than a passing compliment, Nice Bike is a powerful, memorable metaphor that acts as a catalyst to help build stronger connections and more effective teams. The Nice Bike principle helps individuals to become more engaged and passionate about serving others.

Thursday Select-A-Sessions

Select-a-Session I: 10:00-10:45

"Impossible" Excellence – Stateroom A&B
Craig Kautz, Jason Cafferty, Dr. Chad Dumas, Amy Kelly, Montessa Munoz, Mike Nanfito, and Lawrence Tunks - Hastings Public Schools
Over the last decade, five of the eight schools making up the Hastings Public Schools have earned national recognition, two of the schools from two different national organizations.  All five have earned this recognition by not letting their challenging demographics stop them from producing academic excellence.  The first school to earn such recognition was Lincoln Elementary.  Lincoln was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2008.  In the spring of 2014, Alcott Elementary joined Lincoln Elementary by being named a "National Model PLC School at Work" by All Things PLC.  Since then, the Middle School, Lincoln Elementary, Morton Elementary, and Hawthorne Elementary have also been named "National Model PLC" Schools.  In addition, the Middle School was named a "Met Life/NASSP Breakthrough School" in the fall of 2014.  The Middle School remains the only Nebraska school to earn this award and has since been twice named an "NASSP/CSSR Showcase School."

Let’s Get Political, Political: The increased role of administrators in state and federal legislative issues – Stateroom C
Bobby Truhe and Steve Williams - KSB School Law
TBDFrom charter schools to transgender, school administrators are involved in political issues more and more, sometimes by choice and sometimes by necessity. Pressure to participate can come from boards, community members, and peers, not to mention your sincere convictions about what's best for public education.  Bobby and Steve will review the Nebraska laws regarding public employee participation in legislative issues at the local, state, and national levels, with a focus on the hot button issues of today.  They will cover use of social media and other district property for these activities, which you can also use to discuss with your staff in this election year.  Let's get political!

Aurora High School Opportunity Exchange Program – Stateroom D
Dr. Damon McDonald and Doug Kittle, Aurora Public Schools
Barb Ernst - Aurora Area Chamber and Development
The Aurora Area Chamber and Development Corporation and Aurora Public Schools joined forces to provide internship programs for high school students in Hamilton County.
Handouts: Letter to BusinessesOpportunity Exchange Brochure, Student Manual, Business Expectations, Student Eval, Student Expectations, Mid-term Progress Report, Company Profile

Getting Your Year as a New Special Education Director Started Off Right – Stateroom E
Laura Barrett - Educational Service Unit 13
Dr. Jenny Piening - Norris School Dist 160
Allison Jonas - Gothenburg Public Schools
This session will give new special education directors in their first or second year tips to starting off the year right.  Survival tips will be given as well as pointers that will be helpful in your new position.  One of our presenters will also talk about her experiences of being assigned this role as an elementary principal and not having a background in special education background.  This session will also discuss the NASES New Member program that provides support to those new to this field.

Flipped Professional Development – Stateroom F
Chad Ackerson - Grand Island Public Schools
Using screencasting, Google Classroom, and other technology to get the most out of your staff meetings and PLC's.

Q&A for the Commissioner – Loper North
Commissioner Matt Blomstedt - Nebraska Department of Education
Join Dr. Matt Blomstedt as he hosts a question-and-answer session on current educational topics.

Networking with New Principals – Ruby 6
Dr. Dan Ernst and NWNP Teams - Nebraska Council of School Administrators
This session is for first-time new or new-to-Nebraska principals or assistant principals.  The session will highlight the NCSA Networking with New Principals Program and provide you with the opportunity to discuss concerns as new principals.  This session will be led by the Networking Leadership Team that have years of successful experience in Nebraska schools.  Please join us, as this session is extremely important to get your year and career as a Nebraska Administrator off to a great start.

Tackling Summer Learning Loss – Ruby 7
Pam Lowndes and Lisa Wood - Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Students lose ground during summer, particularly low-income students. They lose an average of more than 2 months in reading achievement over the summer. PLCS has implemented, and continuously refines, one solution to the summer learning loss. We are able to provide a reading intervention and at the same time offer staff development for teachers and support staff.

All Student Tier One Intervention Time Built in to the School Day – Diamond 1
Tom McGuire, David Clausen, and Erica Somsky - South Sioux City Community Schools
Level 3 of a High Reliability School calls for students to have the opportunity to learn the critical content of the curriculum.  The South Sioux City Nebraska Middle School has created an intervention period that meets the needs of students and staff members by providing time for both remediation and enrichment. As a result, we are seeing increased levels of achievement and positive responses from staff and students.  Staff members named the intervention period WIN, which stands for “What I Need.” Attend this session to learn about the process the South Sioux City Middle School staff used to create this WIN-WIN!

Educator Health Alliance Update – Diamond 2
Gregory Long - Educators Health Alliance
Kent Treford-Thompson – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Kent Treford-Thompson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and Greg Long, Educator Health Alliance will discuss the latest updates of the Affordable Care Act, the Value of the EHA, Numbers behind the EHA Rate, and an EHA Board update.

25+ Communication Strategies to Implement Tomorrow – Diamond 6
Kala Morrissey – Omaha Public Schools
Annette Eyman - Papillion-La Vista School District
The presenters will share over 25 communication strategies they are currently using from their toolbox. The presenters will use fun and interactive methods to share each of the strategies. As we share our story, we will walk each participant through a similar process, so they can brainstorm strategies that will work for them. Participants will leave the session with concrete examples of how to implement the same strategies in their district. Throughout the presentation, we will use humor, real life examples and the personal experiences of the presenters to add life and a sense of entertainment to the presentation.   Throughout the presentation, we will engage participants in the discussion.    Participant will:  • Gain sample documents they can take back and use in their District for communication planning.   • Increase their knowledge of different communication strategies including web, social media, and traditional PR practices.   • Obtain a communication plan.  • Gain a better understanding of the time commitment of each strategy and how to fit it in on an already full place.   • Leave the session with concrete examples of communication strategies to implement in their District.

Reid's Story – Diamond 7
Dr. Mark & Joni Adler - Ralston Public Schools
Mark & Joni will take participants on the two-month journey they endured during the time their son Reid shared with them that he had suicidal thoughts through the tragedy of Reid taking his own life on January 7th.  Mark and Joni will share what they didn’t know Reid was dealing with and advice for parents and educators on talking with children and spreading hope and kindness with everyone you meet.

School Technology--From Drones to 3D Printers--What's Next?? – Crystal 1
Jim Gessford - Perry Law Firm
There are new and exciting technology developments occurring in many schools; is your district ready???   In this session, Jim Gessford will explore some of these new developments and technologies along with legal concerns related thereto.

Select-a-Session II: 11:15-12:00

Snapchat, Pinterest, and Instagram... Oh My. Employment, Due Process, and Just Cause in a Social Media World– Stateroom A&B
Dr. Eric Weber – Lincoln Public Schools
Greg Perry - Perry Law Firm
Due process and just cause are critical elements to understand and establish in any workplace investigation or employee disciplinary situation. Real-time lightning-fast social media and covert communication apps complicate and enhance cases and investigations. This session will take a broad look at due process and just cause as it relates to school employees and the complexities that emerge when social media is involved.

School as Hub for Birth through Grade 3:  Starting Early to Close Achievement Gaps – Stateroom C
Dr. Christine Maxwell - Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Kristy Feden - PLSD Early Childhood Center
Duane Krusemark - Elementary Principal  DC West Community Schools
Metro Omaha districts and the Buffett Early Childhood Institute are partnering to end achievement gaps by starting early.  As part of the Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan with funding from the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, schools serve as hubs for high quality early childhood education and family engagement from birth through third grade.  This session highlights the research-based framework for the school as hub for birth through grade 3 approach.  Panelists explore the shifts in programming and practices that have occurred and the new leadership roles that have emerged after the first year of re-envisioning schools as early childhood hubs. 

Panhandle Perspectives on Instructional Model Implementation – Stateroom D
Julie Downing – Educational Service Unit 13
Dr. Caroline Winchester - Chadron Public School
This session will outline the work of Chadron and Crawford NE as they implement the Danielson Framework for Teaching.  The content will include partnerships with ESU13, scheduling PD, training for administrators, developing a common language around instruction and lessons learned.  The lead presenter will be supported by a panel of administrators who will share their successes and advice for districts who might be considering adopting an instructional model.

NASES Washington Update – Stateroom E
NASES Legislative Team
Discussion regarding the recently re-authorized ESSA and its impact for students with disabilities, legislative update, and possible re-authorization of IDEA.

Blended Strategies: Increasing Student Engagement, Opportunities and Success! – Stateroom F
Beth Kabes, Linda Dickeson, and Craig HicksEducational Service Unit Coordinating Council
How can a district address personalized learning with the implementation of a blended learning plan? See how blended learning strategies strengthen tenets of AQuESTT, specifically Positive Partnerships, Educational Opportunities and Access and College and Career Readiness. These strategies will be explained in greater detail that will result in opportunities for personalization of student learning.

A Legal Update on Bullying and Cyberbulling – Loper North
Karen Haase - KSB School Law
Schools are a primary place for bullying to occur.  It is imperative that school administrators redouble their efforts to promote good digital citizenship in students and respond promptly and appropriately to reports of bullying or harassment.  However, school officials cannot leap into action without considering their legal limitations.  Karen Haase will provide a legal update on the boundaries that limit school administrators in this important area.  She will review the situations in which schools must act, will examine the actions that administrators cannot take action and will provide practical advise for how to proceed in situations which are ambiguous.

Gallery Walk: UNL School Improvement Initiatives
Dr. Kent Mann – University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Participants in this session will have the opportunity to review a variety of school improvement initiatives developed by graduate students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  During the gallery walk, participants may review program designs and interact with aspiring school leaders who have completed EDAD 948 Instructional Leadership.  Please come and review these innovative school improvement initiatives and meet some of the next generation of school leaders.   Please join us for a discussion about ways to impact student achievement and create student success in schools in Nebraska schools.

Pupil Transportation Q & A– Ruby 7
Janice Eret - Department of Education, Matt Coatney - DMV, Kathy Amen and Rachel Leigh -  Nebraska Safety Center
The goal of this session is to clearly explain what is expected of schools and their pupil transportation drivers concerning the requirements of licensing. Administrators will have an opportunity to ask questions of the DMV, Nebraska Safety Center, and Department of Education concerning the process of obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License and a bus permit.

Middle School Round Table – Diamond 1
Brent Cudly - Fremont Public Schools
NAMLE Board of Directors
The Nebraska Association of Middle Level Educators will provide an opportunity to discuss issues specific to the middle level.  Topics may include teaming, advisory, flexible scheduling, empowerment of students in their learning, comprehensive guidance programs, and other middle level topics.  The round table format will allow participants to help shape the discussion and help learn from other middle level leaders from across the state.

Pulling Rank - The Movement Away From Class Rank – Diamond 2
John Schwartz and Shureen Seery - Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Class rank and traditional recognitions of academic excellence at graduation associated with class rank such as Valedictorian and Salutatorian have become staples in many Nebraska schools.  This session will help to explain why so many schools nationally and a growing number in the state are moving away from this tradition.  Research from the post-secondary level along with alternatives to class rank will be discussed.  Perspective will also be shared regarding how a move away from class rank is a foundational change towards achieving a personalized learning environment (AQuESTT Tenet).  

Update from the Nebraska Attorney General – Diamond 6
The Hon. Doug Peterson, Nebraska Attorney General
Attorney General Doug Peterson will discuss issues and cases from his office that impact Nebraska schools.  From marijuana to human trafficking, the attorney general will open dialogue on what can be done to better serve and protect your students and schools.

How to better utilize your School Based Mental Health Practitioners to improve School Climate, Academic Outcomes and Graduation Rates – Diamond 7
Molly Kuhl, Meghan Smith, and  Jamie Mapp - Lincoln Public Schools
We will explore how to systematically utilize your school based mental health practitioners and redefine what it means to serve mental health in the schools. We will review ways to universally screen students that are At-Risk and how to intervene and measure progress. These outcomes will impact School Climate, Academic Outcomes and eventually increase Graduation Rates.

School Law Jeopardy! – Crystal 1
Justin Knight, Josh Schauer – Perry Law Firm
Based on the popular game show, attorneys from the Perry Law Firm will entertain in this interactive session to remind and inform you of common topics that administrators face in a typical (and sometimes not so typical) school year.

Select-a-Session III: 3:15-4:00

Head, Heart, Heat – Stateroom A&B
Dr. Jim Tenopir and Ron Higdon - Nebraska School Activities Association
Head, Heart and Heat is a sport medicine initiative dealing with the education of our member schools about concussions, sudden cardiac arrest and external heat illness, as well as current issues with the NSAA and its member schools.

Building Better Leaders in the Classroom – Stateroom C
Jeff Spilker, Jeff Johnson, and Trent Steele - Papillion La Vista Community Schools
We will discuss how we have been intentional about building our teachers into better leaders in the classroom. 

Stakeholder Support in Passing a Bond Issue – Stateroom D
Chip Kay - Shelby-Rising City Schools
Dr. Troy Loeffelholz - Columbus Public Schools
Learn about the the process of passing a successful bond issue from a facility study all the way through construction and how seeking community and stakeholders permission can assist in your success.

Taking Back Control of Behaviors When "Doing What You've Always Done" Never Really Worked Anyway – Stateroom E
Travis Lightle – Gretna Public Schools
Janie Peterson - Behaven Kids
It is easy to slowly lose your way in a sea of different strategies when dealing with intense, social-emotional behaviors.  This session will describe events that led to the successful implementation of a behavioral support system for individual students, whole classrooms, and an entire school.  The effects were immediate, long lasting and, in some cases, phased out because they were no longer needed.

Spanish Ambassador Program: An Innovative Approach to Elementary Spanish Enrichment – Stateroom F
Nick Ziegler - Educational Service Unit 5
Kurk Wiedel - Thayer Central Community Schools
Across Nebraska the number of Spanish enrichment programs in elementary schools has decreased in recent years. In this session we will present an innovative solution. The Spanish Ambassador Program recruits and trains high school Spanish students to deliver lessons in elementary classrooms - with support from our high school Spanish teacher and elementary staff. The results are impressive. Not only are students learning the Spanish content, the program has also shown to produce positive extra-curricular impacts on both the high school student mentors and the elementary students. In this session we will share details and resources for you to explore recreating the Spanish Ambassador Program in your school.

Today's Greatest Special Education Hits (and Misses): Due Process Hearing and Resolution Case Review – Loper North
Karen Haase – KSB  School Law
Karen Haase will give you a Casey Kasem-style countdown (for you millennials out there, he was Ryan Seacrest before Ryan Seacrest was Ryan Seacrest) covering the most recent and interesting due process hearing opinions and resolution cases.  She will also share real-life stories of what can go right and what can go wrong when you are in the crucible of a due process hearing.  Sometimes, the best way to keep yourself out of a school attorney's presentation is by studying the lessons learned from others in the midst of these disputes.  This presentation will be fast-paced and informative for both special education and general ed administrators, so bring your listening shoes and sense of humor.

The Intersection of Tax Policy and Education Funding in Nebraska– Ruby 6
Tiffany Seibert Joekel - OpenSky Policy Institute
The presentation will discuss the relationship between our state's system of K-12 school funding, the state budget, and state and local taxes. OpenSky will cover recent efforts at the Nebraska Legislature to reform the tax code and the impact of such policy changes on school districts, as well as discuss potential proposals for the 2017 session.

From Setting Instructional Goals to Celebrating Success: Centennial Public School's Story about Improving Instruction. – Ruby 7
Toby Boss, Jill Johnson, and Lenny VerMaas– ESU6
Colin Bargen and Marni Parrack - Centennial Public School
Centennial Public School administrators will showcase how they utilize teacher goal setting and reflective practice to improve instruction.  Learn how teachers set goals, make improvement plans, collect data and celebrate success.  The session will also include sample teacher presentations from the school wide celebration. 

Assistant Principals Roundtable – Diamond 1
Cameron Soester - Milford Public Schools
Charlie Hutzler – Norris School Dist 160
PJ Smith - Northwest Public Schools
This roundtable discussion is open to new and experienced Assistant Principals. We will discuss current issues and trends related to the assistant principalship, in addition to sharing resources available to help you throughout the school year. Join us to add to the conversation and expand your Professional Learning Network. The agenda will be sent via Google Form, but will likely include items such as instructional leadership, student discipline, time management, and other related topics. We look forward to seeing you there!   

Transition Programs for the Not Ready to Graduate – Diamond 2
Mary Ells – Lincoln Public Schools
Brian Foley, Vocational Opportunities in Community Experiences
Presenters will share information to prepare families and schools for the transition years for students with developmental disabilities aged 18-21.   The LPS Transition Program supports over 100 students, at 10 sites throughout the city of Lincoln, including one Project Search site.   Information on-site development, transition program planning forms, and community based supports to help transition students from high school to a post high school transition program will be provided.  Time for Q & A will be given to assist participants to tailor a program for their area.

Nebraska Loves Public Schools | Poverty: Not a Choice Workshop – Diamond 6
Sally Nellson/Barrett – Nebraska Loves Public Schools
Patsy Koch Johns, Lifelong Educator
In this session, learn how you can empower students to affect social justice in your school. Using performance and film for social change, discover a different way to talk about poverty in your school and see how you can encourage action from students.

Impacting School Improvement Through Social and Emotional Learning – Diamond 7 (Presentation) (Handout)
Ashley Hergott, Missy Schere, and Michelle Rezek - School District 145 Waverly
Building students social and emotional skills has a positive impact on student behaviors and academic achievement which therefore translates into success later in life.   In this session participants will learn about assessment, curriculum and interventions that are having a positive impact on student achievement.

Transgender Student Update – Crystal 1
Rex Schultze – Perry Law Firm
“Transgender” is a relatively new word in our vernacular, particularly as it relates to students attending Nebraska public schools.  Surprisingly, over the past few years, issues related to transgender students have arisen throughout the state.  The issues thus far have been related to participation in music, drama and speech, but likely soon will involve athletics.  As public schools, we must (and do) educate children as we find them, or as many schools state as their purpose, “Every Student, Every Day.”  This session will discuss the most current case law regarding transgender students, and provide discussion of approaches for school administrators in addressing the myriad of issues presented for the individual student and their classmates.


Hotels:
The Holiday Inn: (308) 237-5971, $104.95/night
The Fairfield Inn: (308) 236-4200, $104.95/night
The LaQuinta Inn: (308) 237-4400, $104.95/night
The Hampton Inn: (308) 234-3400, $104.95/night
These sell out fast but often rooms open up closer to the event date.

Exhibitors and Sponsors: UPDATE: Exhibit booths are now sold out. There are a few sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please click here to access the forms. All booths and sponsorship opportunities are handled on a first come, first served basis. 

Any cancellation request must be received no later than Wednesday, July 20, 2016

*A 48 hour (2 business day) cancellation policy is in place for all events. To avoid being charged the full registration fee, please submit any requests to cancel your registration before the cancellation deadline listed above. Please contact Michelle, michelle@ncsa.orgwith all cancellation requests and inquiries. Please note: your registration fee will be refunded or waived ONLY if an event is cancelled due to inclement weather. Otherwise, the 48 hour (2 business day) cancellation policy remains in effect for all events.

 

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