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CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

CCS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY NOV. 2ND 2026

The Expectations We Build

PL DAY Agenda

8:15 am - 9:20 am

Session A 9:30 am - 10:25 am

Session B 10:45 am - 11:50 am

Session C 11:50 am - 1:20 pm

Lunch on Your Own 1:20 pm -2:20 pm

Session D 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Session E

WELCOME! We are so glad you're here! We're so grateful to all of our speakers and presenters, community partners, and incredible staff for making this day possible. Please follow the directions below for planning your sessions! We have five sessions: A, B, C, D, and E. Sometimes these are double sessions. To plan your day follow the steps below. 1.Find all required sessions for your position. Review all sessions A-E including the double blocks to find your required sessions. You'll need to register for these sessions first. Add these sessions to your planner on the next page. 2.After adding required sessions, search the catalog during open sessions to find sessions you'd like to attend. Add these to your planner. 3. All staff must complete the HR modules. You may choose to complete them whenever you have an open session in your schedule. 4.Lunch is own your own.

SESSION PLANNER! Session A 8:15-9:20 am

Session B 9:30-10:25 am

Session C 10:45-11:50 am

Lunch on Your Own 11:50 am-1: 20 pm

Session D 1:20- 2:20pm

Session E 2:30-3:30 pm

COURSE REGISTRATION Registration You must register for all sessions in PD Express. You can access registration instructions here. Before registering for a session in PDExpress, please make sure to read all details, notes, and information associated with the course/session. Special instructions may be provided in the NOTES sections. Once you register for a session, you will receive a registration confirmation email. You will also receive a training reminder email 24 hours before your training begins. If you find that you cannot attend a session, please withdraw from that session to free up space for others to attend. Once the courses are completed and presenters have verified attendance, points will be awarded in PDExpress.

REQUIRED SESSIONS AT-A-GLANCE

SESSION A REQUIRED SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27317 School Improvement Carolyn Swift

PL27350 Communicating with Impact and Empathy Muggsie Marini

Federally identified schools for targeted support and improvement

TBA

Required for Building Administrators

Required for SPED IAs

PL27332 Opportunities to Respond Haylee Watson- TTAC Get every student thinking, talking, and participating! This interactive session will share practical strategies to boost participation, strengthen vocabulary and comprehension, and move beyond the usual turn-and-talk. We’ll also explore simple ways to design instruction and classroom routines that keep students engaged and learning optimized. Required for 5th Grade ELA

SESSION A REQUIRED SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27351 LMA - Building a Positive School Culture Jason Bennett

PL27350 Communicating with Impact and Empathy Muggsie Marini

In this session, LMA staff will explore ways to increase school culture with both students and the community. The ultimate hope is to ensure that a culture is created so that students will attend school more regularly.

TBA

Required for LMA Staff

PL27352 Collaboration and Co-Teaching: Greenbrier Lauren Diggs Collaboration is a high leverage practice that is essential within a co-taught classroom. Begin and extend your co-teaching relationship through intentional activities. Required for Greenbrier Gen Ed and SPED

PL27359 Review of Existing Data Kelly Hughes A review of existing data is used to support special education referral and reevaluation processes. A review shows that we have variable practices across schools and evaluators. We must refine our practices so that decision-making can be consistent. Required for SPED Teachers

Required for SPED IAs

PL27364 Jackson Via - Developing Student Executive Functioning Skills Rachel Rasnake K-2 teachers at Jackson Via will dive into high leverage practices for teaching and reinforcing executive functioning skills as part of a pilot program. Required for Jackson Via K-2 Teachers

PL27372 Math Leadership: Student-Centered Coaching with HQIM Melissa Mitchem Bridge curriculum implementation with student impact. In this specialized session, math specialists will explore how to combine Curriculum-Based Professional Learning (CBPL) with Student-Centered Coaching frameworks. Required for Math Specialists

SESSION A REQUIRED SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27376 Sociocultural's for Special Education Evaluations Kathleen Watt The SESC's and Social Workers will engage in professional learning around topic of sociocultural evaluations; when and why they are needed and how to bring their expertise to the special education table. Required for SESC and Social Workers

PL27353 Collaboration and Co-Teaching: CHS Rachel Rasnake Collaboration is a high leverage practice that is essential within a cotaught classroom. Begin and extend your co-teaching relationship through intentional activities. Required for CHS Co-Teaching Teams (ELA)

PL27392 5th Grade Agenda Dr. Anna Isley and Carmella Johnson TBA Required for 5th Grade Teachers

PL27334 From Page to Pedagogy: Mastering Text-First Lesson Design TBA Transitioning 2nd and 3rd graders from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" requires intentional, textcentered instruction. In this PL session, we'll demystify the Text-First approach by breaking down the planning cycle and aligning appropriate scaffolds. Please bring an upcoming anchor text from your literacy curriculum to work with during the hands-on portion. Required for 4th Grade Teachers

SESSION A CHOICE SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27305

PL27306

Making Student Talk Productive Jessa Lucia, Ryan Drago and Deborah Johnson

Ready, Set, Talk (Part 2): Diving Deeper with Differentiated Discussion Strategies for Diverse Learners Ashley Riley and Caitlin Natale

Transform your classroom into an active space where students truly talk, listen, and learn from one another. In this quick session, you’ll gain simple, practical strategies to help your students share ideas and connect more deeply with lesson content. Recommended any K-12 Teacher

e c i o V e n O

Unlock the power of meaningful student voice in your classroom! Ready, Set, Talk (Part 2) equips educators with a deep dive into the actionable differentiation strategies of Socratic Seminar and Inside/Outside Circles as a means to transform class discussions into rigorous, high-level learning conversations accessible to all students. Learn how to meet diverse learning needs, boost engagement, and ensure every learner actively contributes to deep, critical conversations with this PL experience. Recommended for K- 12 Staff PL27320 Afro-Flow Yoga Katherine Jenkins Djom Reenergize your mind and body in this highenergy session blending mindful yoga, dynamic African dance, and rhythmic breathwork. Guided by uplifting beats, you’ll release tension through expressive movement and build strength before grounding down into a restorative cool-down. Open to all levels—no prior dance or yoga experience required! For more information on Afro-Flow yoga, please visit: www.afroflowyoga.com. Recommended for All CCS Staff

SESSION A CHOICE SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27379

Math HQIM Team Lab: Collaborative Prep & Internalization PLC Teams This self-directed session gives PLC teams protected time to get ahead and unpack upcoming units in our new math HQIM. Bring your physical manuals or digital access to internalize learning outcomes, deep-dive upcoming routines and math models, and anticipate student responses. Use this extended block with your team to align pacing, queue up print orders, and build shared digital resources so you walk into your next unit prepped and ahead of schedule. What to Bring: Laptops for digital access and pacing guides. Teacher manuals (optional). Recommended for K-8 Math PL27356 Effective Classroom Systems Patrick Farrell Effective classroom practices are the strategies essential to effective instruction and include: arranging the physical environment, active supervision, classroom expectations, routines and procedures aligned with school-wide expectations, opportunities to respond, formative assessment, scaffolding, reinforcing appropriate behavior, responding to inappropriate behavior and creating community through feedback. Recommended for any Teacher

PL27384 Acuwellness Zarina Burge Acuwellness is an acupuncture protocol that involves the gentle placement of up to five small, sterilized disposable needles into specific sites on each ear. The participants sit quietly in a group setting for 30-45 minutes allowing the treatment to take effect. Possible benefits: increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation; relief from stress and emotional trauma; reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine; minimized withdrawal symptoms; and a discovery of inner quiet and strength. Recommended for all CCS Staff

SESSION A CHOICE SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27341 Amplify CKLA Amplify- Megan

PL24217 HMH Into Reading and Into Literature Alli Savage, HMH

Amplify CKLA puts the Science of Reading into action through explicit, systematic foundational skills instruction and intentional knowledge building. This engaging session will highlight practical lesson routines, rich content, and flexible print and digital resources teachers can use right away to help students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers.

Explore how HMH Into Reading, Into Literature, and Writable provide a cohesive high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) solution aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). This session highlights evidence-based instructional practices, meaningful literacy experiences, and integrated supports that help all students achieve grade-level success.

Recommended for anyone that teachers and supports K-5 English

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-8 English

PL27343 HMH: Into Reading (K-5) Zach James, Savaas

PL27344 Savvas: MyPerspectives 6-8 Zach James, Savaas

Come learn more about Savvas "myView Literacy-2025 Copyright"! Grounded in the Science of Reading, "myView Literacy" is the only K-5 Literacy Program that's a 100% Match to Virginia!

Come learn more about Savvas "myPerspectivesVirginia Edition-2026 Copyright" for grades 6-12. As adopted by many districts such as Loudoun Co., Spotsylvania Co., Frederick Co., and Augusta Co.

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-5 Reading

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English

SESSION A CHOICE SESSIONS 8:15-9:20 AM PL27340 Amplify ELA Megan C, Amplify Amplify ELA brings key Science of Reading principles into middle school classrooms through knowledge-building, complex texts, integrated reading and writing, and explicit language instruction. Teachers will see how engaging units, full-length novels, and embedded supports can help students think critically, communicate confidently, and access grade-level learning. Recommended for Anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English PL27333 LETRS Vol 1 Kickoff Marguerite Matics and Lindsay Kamide This session is for staff that are currently completing the LETRS training modules. Our LETRS facilitators will provide you with the materials and resources to complete your training this school year. Participants should leave this session with an understanding of the pacing and requirements. Recommended for New Hires Enrolled in LETRS

PL27300 New Teacher Mentors and Mentees Stephanie Coleman Audience: New Mentor Teachers New Mentor Teachers who have not yet completed the Mentoring Virginia online training modules may use this designated time to complete the modules. These self-paced modules provide key state-aligned strategies for instructional coaching, effective feedback, and supporting your new teacher throughout the year. Audience: New Mentor Teachers & Mentees New Mentor Teacher and Mentee pairs can use this extended block of time to collaborate. This time can be used to complete their monthly Collaborative Assessment Log, reflect on classroom practice, and establish targeted support goals for the month ahead. Staff may work from a school location of their choice. Recommended for Teacher Mentors and Mentees

SESSION A/B REQUIRED SESSIONS 8:15-10:35 AM PL27382 SBG 6-12 Science Chris Chamberlin This session will focus on backward mapping and pacing out future science and social studies units. Collaborate with your grade-level colleagues to design impactful and engaging lessons for your students. Bring your current unit plans, end of unit assessments, and any other additional helpful resources. Together, we will streamline your planning process and enrich your upcoming units! Required for: 6-12 Science

PL27396 Prepping for STAMP: Speaking Dr. Alicen Brown In this session, we will continue our conversations on how to best support our students as they prepare for the Seal of Biliteracy STAMP test after level 4. We will focus on supporting students' as they developing their speaking skills in their target language.

Required for: 6-12 World Language Teachers

SESSION A/B/C REQUIRED SESSIONS 8:15-11:50 AM PL27323

PL27324

Hosting Excellence: VHSL Theatre Competition Logistics & Event Management Denise Folley and David Becker

Maintaining Division-Wide Instrument Inventory Aaron Eichorst

Designed for secondary theatre educators, this targeted professional learning session prepares middle and high school directors to plan, host, and execute the VHSL regional theatre competitions. Participants will establish comprehensive operational guidelines, covering site logistics, adjudicator hospitality, timekeeping protocols, and stage management procedures. By developing standardized hosting toolkits and troubleshooting frameworks, directors will build division capacity to deliver seamless, professional event hosting that showcases Charlottesville City Schools as an exemplary host for regional arts competitions.

Building on the initial inventory review, this follow-up session guides band and orchestra directors through the hands-on execution of Charlottesville City Schools’ unified instrument inventory. Participants will address identified data gaps to ensure long-term data integrity. By continuing this consolidated framework, directors will ensure seamless instrument transfers, equitable student access, and operational readiness.

Required for 6-12 Theatre Teachers

Required for 6-12 Band and Orchestra

SESSION A/B/C/D/E REQUIRED SESSIONS 8:15AM-3:30PM PL27301 Preschool: Handwriting Without Tears Dr. Korab Complete the overview course for Handwriting Without Tears conducted by the Learning Without Tears staff. Required for all teachers and instructional assistants. Required for all PreK Teachers and Prek IAs

PL27366 School Nurse Workshop Sarah Polchow School nurses will receive professional learning aligned with the role of the school nurse including a focus on student mental health and emergency cardiac response. Nurses will also collaborate to build internal capacity and consistency. Required for All School Nurses

STUDENT CENTERED

SESSION B REQUIRED SESSIONS 9:30-10:35 AM PL27326 Engaging Families with the Charlottesville Symphony: ParentSquare Communication & Ticket Access Teri Stipe Designed for K–6 General Music educators, this hands-on professional learning session equips teachers to maximize family engagement with the Charlottesville Symphony's Preludes program. Participants will learn how to set up scheduled ParentSquare messages and build custom sign-up forms to streamline family communication. During dedicated work time, teachers will draft and schedule outreach content that guides families through accessing free and discounted symphony tickets. Participants will leave with fully scheduled ParentSquare campaigns ready to connect their school communities with upcoming live orchestral performances. Required for K-6 General Music Teachers

PL27338 SBG in Motion: Recalibrate & Refine Gr 6-8 English Stacy Reedal Since school has started, you have been putting in the work to implement Standards Based Grading in your classrooms and PLCs. To support your momentum and align our systems, we will meet to troubleshoot, recalibrate, and ensure our gradebooks reflect student progress. Required for Grade 6-8 ELA

PL27330 Elementary Librarian Curriculum Resources (PK-5th) Katie Plunkett Elementary Library Media Specialists (PK-5th) will meet during this time to organize and continue planning curriculum and reading events for the fall semester. Our learning targets for this session are to review our curriculum and share lessons and resources, collaboratively plan for upcoming units, and curate resources focused on digital literacy. Please bring your charged CCS issued device to be an active participant in our time together. Required for PreK-5 Media Specialists PL27339 Rigorous Reading Part 2 Kaylin Bryce We will build on the foundation built in Part 1 of Rigorous reading by using MAP Data to analyze student performance and create flexible reading groups to reach every learner. We will tailor explicit, rigorous reading strategies to each student and reading group so all readers can thrive and you can deliver high-impact small group support. Required for 9-12 English Teachers

SESSION B REQUIRED SESSIONS 9:30-10:35 AM PL27371 Unlocking Word Problems with SchemaBased Instruction Melissa Mitchem Join us for an interactive session where we’ll unpack high-impact, research-backed SBI strategies. You’ll leave with visual frameworks, graphic organizers, and practical classroom routines that empower 5th graders to recognize core problem structures and tackle complex word problems with confidence. Required for 5th Grade Math open to others

PL27347 The Assistant’s Toolkit: Creating K-1 Literacy Work Systems Amy Sykes Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on building and using high-impact literacy tools in Kindergarten and 1st Grade. You will create personalized work system tools and practice using them to support young readers during foundational literacy instruction. Walk out the door with brand-new resources ready for immediate classroom use! Required for K and 1 IAs PL27312 Unpacking Mathspace Data for Secondary Growth Bethany Nouveau and Kenny Yowell We’ll dig into your secondary Mathspace dashboard to make sense of the data you’ve collected so far. Learn how to transform raw student insights into targeted instructional adjustments that support, challenge, and keep students building mathematical confidence.

PL27380 4 Grade Science Jessa Lucia and Linda Humphries th

In this sharing session, we will look at our previous unit tests and student work. We'll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the departmentalization model as we look towards next year. Required for 4th Grade Science PL27383 Student Accountability & Performance Teresa Amasia The team will discuss student work, looking particularly at exemplars that will help guide the creation of rubrics for each project. Please bring examples of student work! Required for iStem PL27387 NotebookLM and HPE Jessica Brantley Participants will explore Gemini and NotebookLM and how it can be used in the HPE setting. They will have time to create items to use with their students during the session. Required for Prek-12 HPE PL27391 CTE Vertical Aligment Work Session Required for Agriculture, Engineering, Health and Medical Science Teachers (CMS, CHS, CATEC)

SESSION B REQUIRED SESSIONS 9:30-10:35 AM PL27334 From Page to Pedagogy: Mastering Text-First Lesson Design TBA Transitioning 2nd and 3rd graders from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" requires intentional, textcentered instruction. In this PL session, we'll demystify the Text-First approach by breaking down the planning cycle and aligning appropriate scaffolds. Please bring an upcoming anchor text from your literacy curriculum to work with during the hands-on portion. Required for 2nd and 3rd Grade Teachers

SESSION B CHOICE SESSIONS 9:30-10:35 AM PL27341 Amplify CKLA Amplify- Megan

PL24217 HMH Into Reading and Into Literature Alli Savage, HMH

Recommended for anyone that teachers and supports K-5 English

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-8 English

PL27343 HMH: Into Reading (K-5) Zach James, Savaas

PL27344 Savvas: MyPerspectives 6-8 Zach James, Savaas

Come learn more about Savvas "myView Literacy-2025 Copyright"! Grounded in the Science of Reading, "myView Literacy" is the only K-5 Literacy Program that's a 100% Match to Virginia!

Come learn more about Savvas "myPerspectivesVirginia Edition-2026 Copyright" for grades 6-12. As adopted by many districts such as Loudoun Co., Spotsylvania Co., Frederick Co., and Augusta Co.

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-5 Reading

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English

SESSION B CHOICE SESSIONS 9:30-10:35 AM PL27340 Amplify ELA Megan C, Amplify Amplify ELA brings key Science of Reading principles into middle school classrooms through knowledge-building, complex texts, integrated reading and writing, and explicit language instruction. Teachers will see how engaging units, full-length novels, and embedded supports can help students think critically, communicate confidently, and access grade-level learning. Recommended for Anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English

PL27363 Fabrication Station Materials will be provided to make standard and custom visuals to promote student independence. Recommended for SPED IAs

SESSION B/C REQUIRED SESSIONS 9:30-11:50 AM PL27318

PL27309 Constructing Math Discourse: Bridges Work Places and Number Corner Math Specialists and Melissa Mitchem

WIDA 2020 ELD Standards Development Jeannie Pfautz

Time to unroll the blueprints for your upcoming unit! In this hands-on session, we’ll dig deep into Bridges content to internalize key mathematical trajectories and maximize meaningful math talk in Work Places. We’ll also unpack November Number Corner routines, examining how strategic teacher questioning drives rich student discourse.

In this session participants will review a lesson plan or activity for WIDA 2020 English Language Standards paying specific attention to Key Language Uses in the lesson plan. This session will give EL teachers time to reflect on their lessons and make thoughtful shifts to enhance language instruction. The second half the session will focus on specific ELD instructional needs across elementary, middle, and high school.

Required for K/! Teachers Required for K-12 EL Teachers

PL27325 Benchmarks and Vocabulary Progressions in High School Choir Will Cooke In this session, the high school choir teacher will take a deep dive into the district’s division benchmarks for choral music. By reviewing the benchmarks for the respective levels (e.g., Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Artist), identify key musical and pedagogical vocabulary within each standard, and create a list of terms. Required for High School Choir Director

PL27345 Next Steps in ALIGN Dr. Stephanie Tatel Take your ALIGN planning process to the next level. In this practical work session, you will apply text-first shared reading strategies directly to an upcoming unit of study. Work alongside your team to craft lessons that engage students in authentic text analysis while building in effective scaffolds that support all learners. Required for Grade 5 ELA

SESSION B/C REQUIRED SESSIONS 9:20-11:30 AM PL27355

PL27365

HLP 6 and HLP 12: Data Analysis and Instructional Adjustments Kelly Hughes and Lauren Diggs

Substantial Risk Orders Jodie Murphy

Effective educators use all data available to create instructional goals and plans. After instructional goals are developed, educators evaluate and make ongoing adjustments to students’ instructional programs. Once instruction and other supports are designed and implemented, successful educators have the skill to manage and engage in ongoing data collection using curriculum-based measures, informal classroom assessments, observations of student academic performance and behavior, self-assessment of classroom instruction, and discussions with key invested partners (i.e., students, families, other professionals).

Virginia's Substantial Risk Orders temporarily prohibit individuals who pose a risk of personal injury to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms and concealed handgun permits. Changes to Virginia law allows licensed clinicians, immediate family or household members, intimate partners, school administrators, and representatives of school threat assessment teams to petition. CCS staff require additional training to understand their role. Required for School administrators, counselors, social emotional support counselors, school psychologists, social workers

Required for SPED and Related Services

PL27374 SBG Assessments and Grading Updates Dr. Alicen Brown In this session, 6-12 teachers will review updates to the SBG pilot process. Teachers will also debrief the overall status of the pilot through participation in a SBG Parking Lot. Required for 6-12 Social Studies Teachers

SESSION C REQUIRED SESSIONS 10:45-11:50 AM PL27307 Local Plan in Action: From Plan to Practice Ashley Riley GRTs will take time to explore the Local Plan for the Gifted and collaboratively plan next steps in implementing program goals for the year. Required for K-8 GRTs

PL27313 Laying the Blueprints: Collaborative Unit Planning in Mathspace Bethany Nouveau and Ben Nussbaum

PL27311 Constructing Conversation: Driving Student Discourse with STEMscopes Math Specialists and Melissa Mitchem In this hands-on session, we’ll expand your STEMscopes toolbelt with high-leverage instructional resources designed to ignite student-led math talk. Discover how to leverage built-in STEMscopes tools to scaffold rich discourse, empowering students to articulate, defend, and build upon their mathematical thinking. Required for 4th and 5th Grade Math

In this interactive session, we will dig into Mathspace’s planning tools to construct cohesive, standards-aligned unit plans. Required for Secondary Math Teachers

PL27336 SBG in Motion: Recalibrate & Refine Gr 9-12 English Kaylin Bryce and Audrey Scott

PL27327 Exploring Dari & Pashto Heritage with Multilingual Partners Aaron Eichorst Designed for elementary visual art and music educators, this session explores the meaningful distinction between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation in the classroom. In partnership with CCS multilingual staff and family liaisons, participants will examine Dari and Pashto artistic and musical traditions, discover Afghan creators, and learn strategies for introducing these rich art forms authentically. Teachers will leave with actionable guidelines for engaging both immigrant students and their peers in respectful, culturally responsive art and music. Required for K-12 Art and 6-12 General Music

Since school has started, you have been putting in the work to implement Standards Based Grading in your classrooms and PLCs. To support your momentum and align our systems, we will meet to troubleshoot, recalibrate, and ensure our gradebooks reflect student progress. Required for 9-12 English Teachers PL27353 Collaboration and Co-Teaching: CHS Rachel Rasnake Collaboration is a high leverage practice that is essential within a co-taught classroom. Begin and extend your co-teaching relationship through intentional activities. Required for CHS Co-Teaching Teams (Science)

SESSION C REQUIRED SESSIONS 10:30-11:30 AM PL27348 The Assistant’s Toolkit: Supporting Structured Literacy in K–1 Kristen Wray and Adele La Fontaine Step into an active supporting role during your classroom’s Structured Literacy block. In this session, K–1 Instructional Assistants will learn practical strategies to assist young learners with phonemic awareness, phonics routines, and decodable text practice. Leave with clear techniques and confidence to lead smallgroup routines and provide targeted student support. Required for K-1 IAs

High ions t a t c e Exp

PL27381 SBG 5th Grade Science Chris Chamberlin We will continue our work developing assessments that are aligned to standards in pursuit of our SBG goals. From there we will ensure our instructional materials are rigorous enough to match our summative evaluations. Required for 5th Grade Science PL27385 Illuminate in HPE Carolyn Swift Participants will learn how to navigate Illuminate and add data points for already created assessments Required for PreK-12 HPE PL27335 Building Comprehension Through Repeated Reading and Text-Dependent Questioning Julie Young VLP How can we support students in engaging with complex, grade-level texts while developing deeper understanding and independence as readers? In this session, teachers will explore how purposeful repeated reading and textdependent questioning strengthen core literacy instruction in grades 2-3. Participants will consider how to embed these practices into existing lessons while prioritizing meaningful time in the text and ensuring students do the cognitive work of reading, analyzing, and making meaning. Required for Grades 2 and 3

SESSION C CHOICE SESSIONS 10:45-11:50AM PL27388 Flynn Safety Course Chris Chamberlin

PL24217 HMH Into Reading and Into Literature Alli Savage, HMH

For 6-12 Science teachers who haven't yet submitted their course requirements for the science safety Canvas course OR those who have already completed it. This is designed to give you time back because the course time exceeded that of the palooza session. Meet in the designated location and get stuff done! Recommended for 6-12 Science

PL27343 HMH: Into Reading (K-5) Zach James, Savaas

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-8 English

Come learn more about Savvas "myView Literacy-2025 Copyright"! Grounded in the Science of Reading, "myView Literacy" is the only K-5 Literacy Program that's a 100% Match to Virginia!

PL27344 Savvas: MyPerspectives 6-8 Zach James, Savaas

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-5 Reading

PL27363 Fabrication Station

Materials will be provided to make standard and custom visuals to promote student independence. Recommended for SPED IAs

Come learn more about Savvas "myPerspectivesVirginia Edition-2026 Copyright" for grades 6-12. As adopted by many districts such as Loudoun Co., Spotsylvania Co., Frederick Co., and Augusta Co. Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English

SESSION D REQUIRED SESSIONS 1:20-2:20 PM PL27386 Pacing, Assessments and Instructional Workshop in HPE Traci Martin

PL27335 Building Comprehension Through Repeated Reading and Text-Dependent Questioning Julie Young VLP

Participants will work in ther PLCs to identify commons assessments, align pacing as needed and continue to create instructional items started in the NotebookLM session. K-5 may also use this time to work on the pacing/scaffoling for the 5th grade group. Required for PreK-12 HPE

How can we support students in engaging with complex, grade-level texts while developing deeper understanding and independence as readers? In this session, teachers will explore how purposeful repeated reading and textdependent questioning strengthen core literacy instruction in grades 2-3. Participants will consider how to embed these practices into existing lessons while prioritizing meaningful time in the text and ensuring students do the cognitive work of reading, analyzing, and making meaning. Required for 6-8 ELA

PL27308 Enrichment in Core Instruction Ashley Riley Elementary GRTs will work to refine and align GRT anchor learning experiences to core curriculum pacing in ELA and math instruction.Teachers should plan to bring planning materials for the upcoming unit of instruction. Required for K-5 GRTs

The Expectations we Build

SESSION D REQUIRED SESSIONS 1:20-2:20 PM PL27314 Customizing the Build: Using Data to Engineer Tier II Support Ben Nussbaum and Kenny Yowell In this session, we’ll turn student data into targeted, high-impact Tier II interventions. Whether you already carve out time for differentiated assignments or are looking to establish a sustainable routine in your middle school math block, you’ll walk away with plans to meet every learner right where they are. Required for 6-8 Math

PL27337 SBG in Motion: Put It Into Practice, Gr 9-12 English Kaylin Bryce and Audrey Scott Now that we’ve recalibrated our vision, it’s time to execute. Use this practical work time to update your gradebooks, fine-tune your rubrics, and align with your PLC team. Leave with polished, progress-focused gradebooks ready to go for your students. Required for 9-12 ELA

PL27389 CTE Program Advisory Meetings Various Required for 6-12 CTE

PL27315 Advancing the Build: Deepening Secondary Math Workshop Elizabeth Tison Ready to take your secondary Math Workshop to the next level? Building on our foundational work from last year, this session focuses on refining workshop structures to maximize student agency and targeted learning. We’ll dive into strategies for facilitating high-leverage small-group instruction, designing collaborative learning stations tailored for high school content, and optimizing our block scheduling. Required for 9-12 Math

PL27349 Unlocking Word Origins: Exploration & Implementation for 5th Grade Stacy Reedal and Tracy Weaver Put your new copy of Word Origins into action! In this session, 5th grade ELA teachers will explore the resource to discover how root words, prefixes, and suffixes can expand vocabulary and boost reading comprehension. We will collaborate to identify practical classroom applications, map out instruction, and target the specific student groups who will benefit most from morphology study Required for Grade 5 ELA

SESSION D REQUIRED SESSIONS 1:20-2:20 PM PL27357 Purposeful support services Heather Grunden and Gabby Wycoff Special education instructional assistants provide specially designed support services to increase student access to the curriculum and their peers. Purposeful design of these support services is essential for students to meet their learning goals. Required for SPED IAs

PL27362 SPIRE Check In Lauren Diggs Engage with other special education teachers utilizing SPIRE as a structured literacy intervention. Review and consider how data collection and implementation can drive student learning forwards. Required for SPED Teachers, K-12 Teachers using SPIRE

PL27370 Standards-Based Grading for 5th Grade Math Melissa Mitchem Join your 5th-grade math colleagues for a hands-on calibration session focused on Standards-Based Grading (SBG). Together, we will analyze student work samples, align on rubric criteria, and norm our scoring practices to ensure consistent, equitable assessment across all classrooms. Required for 5th Grade Math

PL27375 Virginia Studies: Using Data to Support Students II Dr. Alicen Brown In this session, Virginia Studies teachers will discuss best practices in using data to support students using the 26-27 SY data collected thus far. We will investigate trends across units and generate action plans based on those trends. Teachers will leave the session with strategies to immediately use with all of their students. Required for 4th Grade Social Studies Teachers

SESSION D CHOICE SESSIONS 1:20-2:20 PM PL27319 SIOP Hands On Workshop Jeannie Pfautz In this session participants will choose a SIOP component (lesson preparation, building background, comprehensible input, strategies, interaction, practice and application, lesson delivery, review and assessment) and work either individually or as a school/grade level team to incorporate that component into their lesson or unit plan. The majority of the time will be work time with a short intro and a closing discussion where participants have a chance to share their work. EL teachers will facilitate the workshop and support participants. Recommended for K-12 Teachers

PL27321 Reconnect & Reflect: Tier 1 Circle Practice Check-In Bianca Johnson and Muggsie Marini Designed specifically for educators and staff who have completed Tier 1 RJE training, this 60-minute Community Building Circle offers a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your practice. Rooted in the core values of Restorative Justice in Education, this session provides an opportunity to share successes, navigate implementation challenges, and experience the supportive power of circle practice firsthand as a participant. Come ground yourself alongside colleagues, exchange practical insights, and draw fresh inspiration to sustain restorative culture across your school community. Recommended for Staff who have completed Tier 1 Restorative Justice Education (RJE) Training

PL27303 How to manage learners with different levels of readiness Jimmy Green This session will focus on using data to create groups of learners in your classroom. We will design instrucional units to ensure that teacher time is spent where it is needed most, with Tier 2 & 3 students. We will also ensure that learners who need less support can work independently or in groups. (Originally offered on August 16 at Palooza) Recommended for 6-12 Science

SESSION D CHOICE SESSIONS 1:20-2:20 PM PL27341 Amplify CKLA Amplify- Megan Amplify CKLA puts the Science of Reading into action through explicit, systematic foundational skills instruction and intentional knowledge building. This engaging session will highlight practical lesson routines, rich content, and flexible print and digital resources teachers can use right away to help students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers. Recommended for anyone that teachers and supports K-5 English

PL27340 Amplify ELA Megan C, Amplify Amplify ELA brings key Science of Reading principles into middle school classrooms through knowledge-building, complex texts, integrated reading and writing, and explicit language instruction. Teachers will see how engaging units, full-length novels, and embedded supports can help students think critically, communicate confidently, and access grade-level learning. Recommended for Anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English

SESSION D CHOICE SESSIONS 1:20-2:20PM PL24217 HMH Into Reading and Into Literature Alli Savage, HMH

PL27343 HMH: Into Reading (K-5) Zach James, Savaas

Come learn more about Savvas "myView Literacy2025 Copyright"! Grounded in the Science of Reading, "myView Literacy" is the only K-5 Literacy Program that's a 100% Match to Virginia! Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-5 Reading

Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports K-8 English

PL27344 Savvas: MyPerspectives 6-8 Zach James, Savaas Come learn more about Savvas "myPerspectivesVirginia Edition-2026 Copyright" for grades 6-12. As adopted by many districts such as Loudoun Co., Spotsylvania Co., Frederick Co., and Augusta Co. Recommended for anyone that teaches and supports 6-8 English

SESSION D/E REQUIRED SESSIONS 1:20-3:30 PM PL27310 Constructing Math Discourse: Bridges Work Places and Number Corner Math Specialists and Melissa Mitchem Constructing Math Discourse: Bridges Work Places and Number Corner Required for 2nd and 3rd Grade Teachers

PL27329 K–5 General Music Showcase Aaron Eichorst In this collaborative, peer-led professional learning session, K–5 General Music teachers will gather to share and explore highengagement instructional practices from across the division. Each participant will bring a favorite lesson that has sparked student creativity, fostered innovation, or connected deeply with their school community. Through brief presentations and structured dialogue, teachers will exchange actionable ideas, explore fresh pedagogical approaches, and expand their shared bank of classroom-tested music resources. Required for K-5 General Music Teachers

PL27328 Navigating Appreciation vs. Appropriation: Indigenous Australian Art in the Classroom Aaron Eichorst In this double PL session, visual arts educators will address the complexities of bringing rich global traditions into the classroom with confidence and respect. Partnering with curators and educators from the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, participants will explore the distinction between cultural appreciation and appropriation, specifically through the lens of Indigenous and Aboriginal Australian art. Teachers will gain practical frameworks for respectful cultural engagement, address common missteps, and learn how to leverage Kluge-Ruhe's world-class local collection and digital resources to enrich K–12 art curricula. Required for K-12 Art Teachers

SESSION D/E REQUIRED SESSIONS 1:20-3:30 PM PL27331 Revisiting Secondary Piano Benchmarks: Rigor, Progression, and Meaningful Credit Will Cooke and Beth Bohannon Designed for secondary piano educators, this session revisits the 7th–12th grade piano offerings following updates to high school grading policy and course instruction. Participants will examine the distinction between middle school Introduction to Piano and the high school Class Piano sequence, shifting away from self-paced models toward structured, repeatable course benchmarks for High School Years I–IV. Teachers will collaboratively define "I can..." statements across technique, music theory, sight-reading, rhythm, and repertoire to ensure high school fine arts credits reflect consistent rigor and meaningful student achievement. Required for Piano and Keyboarding Teachers

PL27358 Portrait of a Graduate - Students with Disabilities Kelly Hughes and Tracy Miller Goode School counselors are essential in the development of effective transition plans. Collaborate to develop a thorough understanding of academic and career planning for students with disabilities. Required for CHS Counselors and SPED Teachers

PL27367 Discipline Based Professional Learning Lydia Cornejo OTs and PTs will engage in discipline based professional learning that enrichs the experience of students receiving related services. Required for OTs, PTs, COTA PL27390 Go Tech Engineering ngineering teachers will receive the next installment of GoTec training on the CNC machine. This training will take place at Journey Middle School from 12:30 - 3:20. Required for Engineering Teachers

SESSION D/E REQUIRED SESSIONS 1:20-3:30 PM PL27368 Purposeful Assessment Practices Stephen Ferrera School psychologists will collaborate to audit and improve assessment practices with a specific focus on areas of disproportionate identification. Required for School Psychologists

PL27369 Evaluation Alignment Jessica Gleason Speech Language Pathologists will work together to review and refine evaluation and identification practices. Required for Speech Language Pathologists

PL27377 Data Driven Decision Making Jodie Murphy Using school based mental wellness data, teams will work together to establish what data is known and what data is still needed. Data will be will analyzed and patterns will be looked for in order to create intervention groups. Required for Elementary and Middle School Counselors

PL27378 Light Up the Learning Brain Jodie Murphy and Leigh Mazzone Together, the SMHP's will discuss the KEYS to reducing disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Specifically, as behavior challenges continue to be a primary challenge that gets in the way of learning, we will work on ways we can support Tier 1 in providing both teachers and students what they need to be better equipped in their classrooms. Required for SESCs and Social Workers

SESSION DE CHOICE SESSIONS 1:20-3:30PM PL 27398 Teaching the Tribal Nations of Virginia and Beyond: Indigenous History, Culture, and Literature Dr. Cristina Griffin, Stacey LeClair The session also includes a curator-led tour at UVA Special Collections of Taming Waters, Transforming Worlds: Law, Land, & Belonging in 17th-Century England & Virginia, a new exhibition that explores English and Indigenous material culture and how the transformation of land and water reshaped jurisdiction, sovereignty, and belonging. Educators can also sign up during this session for community patron access to UVA Libraries. Recommended for 6-12 Social Studies

SESSION E REQUIRED SESSIONS 2:30-3:30 PM PL27316

PL27346

Alternative Pathways & Student Engagement Latoya Brown

Little Readers, Big Thinking: Text-First Planning for K-1 Stacy Reedal

This professional learning session provides participants with an opportunity to learn from LMA, WALK, and Knight School staff who attended the Alternative Education Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, in October. Presenters will share key takeaways, strategies, and resources from conference sessions that are relevant to our school division. The session will highlight alternative education best practices and identify approaches that can strengthen student engagement, support student success, and enhance our alternative education programs.

Build strong comprehension from the very start by grounding early literacy instruction in rich, complex text. In this session, K-1 educators will explore text-first planning strategies designed to foster deep thinking and meaningful conversation in young readers. Learn how to guide early learners to interact with text intentionally, boosting critical thinking and setting a strong foundation for their literacy journey. Required for K-1 Teachers

Required for Staff who support students in the alternative setting PL27373 Looking Ahead with 5th Grade Social Studies: Indigenous Geography Dr. Alicen Brown In this session, 5th grade content teachers will deep dive into the learning targets and pedagogical moves embedded in their Indigenous Geography Unit and reflect on the instructional practices used thus far this year. Required for 5th Grade Social Studies

PL27354 Collaboration and Co-Teaching: CMS Lauren Diggs, Tracy Roberts and Shannon Wilson

Collaboration is a high leverage practice that is essential within a co-taught classroom. Begin and extend your co-teaching relationship through intentional activities. Required for CMS SPED, ELA, MATH, ESL

One Voice

SESSION E CHOICE SESSIONS 2:20-3:30 PM PL27319 SIOP Hands On Workshop Jeannie Pfautz and Catherine Gray In this session participants will choose a SIOP component (lesson preparation, building background, comprehensible input, strategies, interaction, practice and application, lesson delivery, review and assessment) and work either individually or as a school/grade level team to incorporate that component into their lesson or unit plan. The majority of the time will be work time with a short intro and a closing discussion where participants have a chance to share their work. EL teachers will facilitate the workshop and support participants. Recommended for K-12 Teachers

PL27302 Low Prep Differentiation Strategies for the K5 Classroom Sam Kayser and Hannah Budd In this session, you will learn four low-prep, easyto-implement differentiation strategies for K–5 classrooms. We will look at specific classroom examples and discuss how to adapt them for your grade level to keep students actively and thoughtfully engaged. Recommended for K-5 Teachers

PL27304 Every Voice, Every Mind: Total Participation Techniques for Active Learning Kevin Paquette and April Douglas

PL27322 Gather Around: Experiencing the Power of Circle Practice Bianca Johnson and Katherine Jenkins Djom

How can we ensure that every student is thinking, participating, and learning throughout a lesson-not just a few volunteers? In this interactive professional learning session, educators will explore a variety of Total Participation Techniques (TPTs) that promote active engagement, equitable participation, and deeper learning. Participants will learn how to intentionally share the cognitive load with students. Participants will leave with ready-touse strategies. Recommended for all teachers

Curious about Restorative Justice in Education or looking for simple ways to foster deeper connections with colleagues? Step into a warm, welcoming 60-minute Community Building Circle designed for anyone interested in experiencing the power of restorative dialogue. This experiential session introduces the fundamental elements of circle practice of values, storytelling, and deep listening in a relaxed, zero-pressure setting. Together, we will build relationships, celebrate shared values, and explore how circle spaces nurture safety, empathy, and belonging across our entire school ecosystem. Recommended for All Staff

SESSION E CHOICE SESSIONS 2:30-3:30 PM PL27360 Removing Reading Barriers in the Math Classroom Liz Anderson and Christine Esposito

PL27361 Partners in Purpose: Building Trusting Academic Relationships with Students Leilani Brazil and Shannon Glover

Students who struggle in reading (fluency and comprehension) will often struggle in the math classroom with note-taking, word problems, etc. Understanding students’ reading data allows teachers to provide appropriate scaffolds so that we can remove reading barriers for every student to access math. Recommended for Grades 3-8 Math Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Coaches

"How can I get her to come for a retake?" "What do I do if he won't start the work?"

PL27333 LETRS Vol 1 Kickoff Marguerite Matics and Lindsay Kamide This session is for staff that are currently completing the LETRS training modules. Our LETRS facilitators will provide you with the materials and resources to complete your training this school year. Participants should leave this session with an understanding of the pacing and requirements. Recommended for New Hires enrolled in LETRS

If you find yourself asking these questions, this is a useful session for you! Come work with us on how to build a rapport and alliance with students in order to create meaningful learning partnerships. You will leave the session with ideas about how to help cultivate confidence and self-efficacy in your students. Recommended for 6-12 Teachers

PL27332 Opportunities to Respond Haylee Watson TTAC

Get every student thinking, talking, and participating! This interactive session will share practical strategies to boost participation, strengthen vocabulary and comprehension, and move beyond the usual turn-and-talk. We’ll also explore simple ways to design instruction and classroom routines that keep students engaged and learning optimized. Recommended for All Staff

SESSION E CHOICE SESSIONS 2:30-3:30 PM PL27363 Fabrication Station Materials will be provided to make standard and custom visuals to promote student independence. Recommended for SPED IAs

PL27300 New Teacher Mentors & Mentees Stephanie Coleman 1) Audience: New Mentor Teachers New Mentor Teachers who have not yet completed the Mentoring Virginia online training modules may use this designated time to complete the modules. These self-paced modules provide key state-aligned strategies for instructional coaching, effective feedback, and supporting your new teacher throughout the year. 2) Audience: New Mentor Teachers & Mentees New Mentor Teacher and Mentee pairs can use this extended block of time to collaborate. This time can be used to complete their monthly Collaborative Assessment Log, reflect on classroom practice, and establish targeted support goals for the month ahead. Recommended for Teacher Mentors and Mentees

PL27342 HMH Into Reading and Into Literature Alli Savage, HMH Explore how HMH Into Reading, Into Literature, and Writable provide a cohesive high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) solution aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). This session highlights evidence-based instructional practices, meaningful literacy experiences, and integrated supports that help all students achieve grade-level success. Recommended for anyone that teaches or supports K-8 English

PL27343 HMH: Into Reading (K-5) Zach James Come learn more about Savvas "myView Literacy2025 Copyright"! Grounded in the Science of Reading, "myView Literacy" is the only K-5 Literacy Program that's a 100% Match to Virginia! Recommended for anyone that supports K-5 Reading

SESSION E CHOICE SESSIONS 2:30-3:30 PM

PL27344 Savvas: MyPerspectives 6-8 Zach James

PL27356 Effective Classroom Systems Patrick Farrell

Come learn more about Savvas "myPerspectivesVirginia Edition-2026 Copyright" for grades 6-12. As adopted by many districts such as Loudoun Co., Spotsylvania Co., Frederick Co., and Augusta Co.

Effective classroom practices are the strategies essential to effective instruction and include: arranging the physical environment, active supervision, classroom expectations, routines and procedures aligned with schoolwide expectations, opportunities to respond, formative assessment, scaffolding, reinforcing appropriate behavior, responding to inappropriate behavior and creating community through feedback.

Recommended for anyone that teachers and supports 6-8 English

Recommended for Any Teacher