LUNCH SHUTTLES
SHUTTLE 1
Northwest corner of Coit and Campbell
Raising Cane’s
Manny’s Tex-Mex
Sushi Rock
Rockfish
TeaLatte
Chili’s
SHUTTLE 4
Southwest corner of Coit and Campbell
QDOBA Mexican Eats
TLC Vegan Cafe
INO Japanese Bistro
Little Greek
Jersey Mike’s
Bambu Thai
Starbucks
Pei Wei
Whataburger
SHUTTLE 2
Northeast corner of Coit and Campbell
Mi Cocina
La Madeleine
The String Bean
Hawaiian Bros
UnbelievaBOWL
Subway
Dickey’s
Salata
Desi Delight
Old Damascus
Naan Pizza
Akaya Sushi
Masala Wok
Cappuccino Italian
SHUTTLE 3
Southwest corner of Coit and Campbell
Cindi’s NY Deli
The Catch
Angel Chicken
Campisi’s
SHUTTLE 6
Northwest corner of Campbell and 75
SPIN! Pizza
Smoothie King
Jubi Matcha
Snappy Salads
Torchy’s Tacos
Asian Mint
Snuffer’s
Freebirds
Churro on Top
Mumtaz Indian
First Watch
La La Land
Kind Cafe
SHUTTLE 5
Hillcrest Village (Hillcrest and Arapaho)
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Sushi Box
Starwood Cafe
Don Pepe’s Rancho
Maya’s Modern
Mediterranean
Cane Rosso
Haystack Burgers
Starbucks
Starship Bagel
Ka Thai North Dallas
Haute Sweets
Cava
Dimassi’s
McDonalds
Chick-fil-A
Velvet Taco
Taco Cabana
The Great Outdoors
Cafe Brazil
Taqueria &Tamaleria
Nuevo Leon
Dear RISD Leaders,
Welcome to this year’s Together We Grow Conference!
I am excited to be here with each of you, learning and growing, for the next two days. As you know, I am all about growth. I truly believe with my whole heart, that as we continue to improve our skills, we can pour into our students and exponentially impact their outcomes.
I know your work is not easy. Together We Grow is all about supporting YOU. I hope you will collaborate with colleagues that will inspire you to try something new on August 13. You will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and reignite your passion for doing what you love most – teaching.
As we prepare to welcome back our more than 36,000 students on August 13, I want to emphasize the importance of working together toward our North Star Goal of ensuring that every student, teacher and leader meets or exceeds their academic growth goals. It is a guiding principle that drives our efforts and shapes our strategies to support every individual toward achieving their full potential.
The Learner Growth Experience Framework is the heart of how we approach learning design. Designing learning experiences for our students that ignites their wonder to collaborate, create, and reflect on their own learning is the power of the Learner Growth Experience. Our central team is ready to support, as you plan and design lessons in your Professional Learning Communities using the Learner Growth Experience Framework as your anchor.
I encourage you to take full advantage of the sessions in this catalog that include an array of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities. Engage with your peers, share your insights, and be receptive to new perspectives. It is your moment to DREAM BIG RISD family! What are your greatest dreams for this year for yourself? For your students? For your school community? With every dream, you set goals to move that dream into reality. Your learning in Together, We Grow is the next step in achieving your greatest dreams. I can’t wait to see what is ahead for you and our school district.
I love you, RISD. You are the game changer for your students. Thank you for being a part of the greatest district, in the greatest profession that exists. Let’s leave today better than we arrived and be ready to impact every student, every day!
Have a great year, RISD! I know it’s going to ROCK!
Tabitha Branum, RISD Superintendent
OUR NORTH STAR GOAL
Every student, teacher, and leader will meet or exceed their academic growth goals.
RISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Poteet President
McGowan Vice President
Rentería Secretary
Eric Eager Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Rachel
Debbie
Regina Harris Board Member
Vanessa Pacheco
Megan Timme
THE LEARNER GROWTH EXPERIENCE FRAMEWORK
2025-2026 TEACHER
T-TESS GOAL
STATEMENTS
Find your professional goal in the list of statements below:
IGNITE:
Activate/build background knowledge (T-TESS 1.1 , 1.3, 2.3; TPESS 5.2)
• What are my student’s strengths or needs related to today’s learning objective?
• What do learners know or want to know?
• Does this learning experience provide space for student curiosity?
WONDER & DISCOVER:
Plan intentionally for opportunities to provide exploration of the topic. (T-TESS 1.4, 2.3, 2.4; TPESS 4.2)
COLLABORATE:
Use data (e.g., MAP, TELPAS, STAAR, formative, summative assessments) to purposefully create collaborative groups. (T-TESS 1.2, 2.4, 3.3; TPESS 5.4)
APPLY & CREATE:
Design experiences that are real-world and allow students to communicate learning at deep levels. (T-TESS 1.4, 2.1, 2.2; TPESS 4.2)
REFLECT: Responding to reflections (instructional implications) (T-TESS 1.2, 2.4, 2.5; TPESS 1.3, 5.5)
• Reteach
• Adjust lesson design/ delivery
• Small group
• Spiral
SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
Need a brain break?
Building Entrance
SCHEDULE AND PLANNER
Wednesday, July 23
8:30-9:30 a.m. ......................................... Keynote in the Auditorium
9:40–10:40 a.m. ..... SESSION 1 MY CHOICE:
10:50–11:50 a.m. ..... SESSION 2 MY CHOICE:
July 23
11:50 a.m.–1:20 p.m. .........................................Lunch On Your Own 1:20–2:20 p.m..
SESSION 3 MY CHOICE:
2:30–3:30 p.m. ...... SESSION 4 MY CHOICE:
Thursday, July 24
8:30-9:30 a.m. ......................................... Keynote in the Auditorium
9:40–10:40 a.m. ..... SESSION 1 MY CHOICE:
10:50–11:50 a.m. ..... SESSION 2 MY CHOICE:
2:30–3:30 p.m. ...... SESSION 4 MY CHOICE:
Align The Work - Using AVID to Support Your Campus Priorities | Josh Eason and Carissa Schwarzlose
Simplifying Focus | Ryan Woods
Vocabulary Instruction for Emerging Bilingual Students | Romina Varillas
Unlocking Each Students Potential for Full Biliteracy: Tips, Tools, and Strategies | Valerie Frasier and Lanette Massey-Stinnett
Language Unlocked: The Journey of Learning and Acquisition | Rowena Alibuyog
Sing, Play, and Read! – Integrating Picture Books into the Elementary Music Classroom | Alicia McCormick
Music and Movement: Encouraging Kinesthetic Learning in the Classroom | Emily Hopkins
the Print-Verse: Creating in Multiple Dimensions | Alex Donaghy and John Zancana
Drug Trends: The More You Know | Lauren DeBose and Zachary Matthews
The 5 Core Propositions and Best Practices of National Board Certified Teachers | Bobbie Lynn Weir and Alexandra Enderica
Mastering Focus (Elementary) | Ryan Woods
Reading and Language Instruction As One | Romina Varillas
Bienvenidos to Bilingual: A Deep Dive Into RISD Dual Language 101 | Lanette Massey-Stinnett and Julieta Espinosa Gonzalez
Talk the Talk, Track the Language | Rowena Alibuyog
The Write Vibe: Empowering Young Authors Through Community & Collaboration | Jacqueline Coker
More Than Make-Believe: Using Puppets to Teach, Engage, and Connect | Ashley Bouras
Expanding Your Students’ Tonal Horizons | John Gulick
Defined Learning in Action: Where Standards Meet the Real World | Bettye Wiley and Rochelle Robinson
Behaviors & Responses | Sierra Heyward
Shout It Out! Building Confidence One Compliment at a Time | Ashleigh Edney and Sarah Jaber
Elevate Student Thinking - Depth & Complexity in the Elementary Classroom | Sara Mooney
Mastering the Mechanics: Boosting Spelling Skills in the Classroom for K-2 | Christie Kerbow D201 Fluency Instruction in the Upper Elementary Classroom 3-5 | Lisa Steward
Empowering Mathematical Thinkers: Fostering Endurance, Identity, and Productive Struggle | Michal Grissom and Audrey Leppke
and YOU | Morgen Crowder
Studies Weekly 102 | Studies Weekly Representative
“Stronger Together: General and Special Education Collaboration for Meaningful Data Collection | Amanda Melton and Tori Behrman
Unsung Hero - SpEd Para Supports | Elena Widdes and Kristin Burr
101 | Edgenuity Presenter
Get to Know Aware: Data Analysis for Intermediate Users + Q&A Session | Armando Sierra - Eduphoria Representative
Implementing Boundaries in an Education Setting | Maggie Karnowski
Building Connections and Community, One Circle at a Time | Suzanne Tsatsoulas
Increasing My T-TESS: Dimensions 2.1 and 2.3 (Elementary) | Mercy Nazario Cruz and Carlos Ortiz
SESSION 3: 1:20 -
Using AVID’s Fundamentals of Instruction to Reach Emerging Bilingual Students | Richard Pardo
Mastering Focus (Secondary) | Ryan Woods
Passport to ESL: #154 Certification Prep for Future Language Leaders | Veronica Escalante
Writing Beyond Words: Building Strong Literacy Foundations for Emerging Bilinguals | Julieta Espinosa Gonzalez
Biliteracy para todos: Developing Biliteracy Across Content | Alexandra Enderica
Correct One: Think It, Say It, Learn It: Building Thinking Classrooms for Students Success | Rebecca Parada
Echoes of the Earth: Exploring Music Through Native American Traditions | Cristina Vega Deleon
See. Think. Feel. Create: The Art of Comprehension in the Art Room | Myron Stennett
PBL Unpacked: Bringing Learning to Life | Rochelle Robinson and Joshua Sisk
Elevate Student Thinking - Depth & Complexity in the Secondary Classroom | Sara Mooney
Word Power: Effective Vocabulary Instruction (K-3) |
the Basics: Advancing Procedural Understanding Through Thinking Tasks in the
Framework | Michal Grissom and Audrey Leppke
Your Tray with Restorative Practices | Suzanne Tsatsoulas
My T-TESS: Dimensions 2.4 and 2.5 (all) | Rebecca Herrera and Jennifer Kim
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 |
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 | SESSION 1
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 | SESSION 2
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 | SESSION 3
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 | SESSION 4
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Align The Work - Using AVID to Support Your Campus Priorities | Josh Eason and Carissa Schwarzlose
Simplifying Focus | Ryan Woods
Vocabulary Instruction for Emerging Bilingual Students | Romina Varillas
Unlocking Each Students Potential for Full Biliteracy: Tips, Tools, and Strategies | Valerie Frasier and Lanette Massey-Stinnett
Language Unlocked: The Journey of Learning and Acquisition | Rowena Alibuyog
Strategies for Teaching Proficiency Over Grammar | Emmanuel Radiguet
Sing, Play, and Read! : Integrating Picture Books into the Elementary Music Classroom | Alicia McCormick
Music and Movement: Encouraging Kinesthetic Learning in the Classroom | Emily Hopkins
Into the Print-Verse: Creating in Multiple Dimensions | Alex Donaghy and John Zancana
Reid Investigative Techniques | Jason Tharp and Tony Parker
our Classrooms | Sara Hall and Kristin Haney
The Magic of Fluency for K-2: Reading with Flow and Fun! | Christie Kerbow
Maximizing Small Groups: Efficient Planning and Literacy Instruction (K-2) | Lisa Steward
The Teacher Bundle Breakdown: Your Go-To Guide for Navigating SPED Supports | Tori Behrman
Mind the Gap: Quick Fixes for Classroom Misconceptions | Dinnah Dent and Kristin Burr
New in Canva for Education | Canva Representative
Current Drug Trends: The More You Know | Lauren DeBose and Zachary Matthews
The 5 Core Propositions and Best Practices of National Board Certified Teachers | Bobbie Lynn Weir and Alexandra Enderica
What does Differentiation and Monitor and Adjust Look Like in a Specials Class? | Jane Midkiff and Ashley Shockley
Mastering Focus (Elementary) | Ryan Woods
Reading and Language Instruction As One | Romina Varillas
Bienvenidos to Bilingual: A Deep Dive Into RISD Dual Language 101 | Lanette Massey-Stinnett and Julieta Espinosa Gonzalez
Talk the Talk, Track the Language | Rowena Alibuyog
The Write Vibe: Empowering Young Authors Through Community & Collaboration | Jacqueline Coker
More Than Make-Believe: Using Puppets to Teach, Engage, and Connect | Ashley Bouras
Expanding Your Students' Tonal Horizons | John Gulick
Defined Learning in Action: Where Standards Meet the Real World | Bettye Wiley and Rochelle Robinson
Categorizing Behaviors & Responses | Sierra Heyward
Creating Meaningful Agendas | De'Quan Browne-Schmidt
Elevate Student Thinking - Depth & Complexity in the Elementary Classroom | Sara Mooney
Mastering the Mechanics: Boosting Spelling Skills in the Classroom for K-2 | Christie Kerbow
Fluency Instruction in the Upper Elementary Classroom 3-5 | Lisa Steward
SAVVAS
Empowering Mathematical Thinkers: Fostering Endurance, Identity, and Productive Struggle | Michal Grissom and Audrey Leppke
Stronger Together: General and Special Education Collaboration for Meaningful Data Collection | Amanda Melton and Tori Behrman
Unsung Hero - SpEd Para Supports | Elena Widdes and Kristin Burr
Implementing Boundaries in an Education Setting | Maggie Karnowski
Building Connections and Community, One Circle at a Time | Suzanne Tsatsoulas
Increasing My T-TESS: Dimensions 2.1 and 2.3 | Mercy Nazario Cruz and Carlos Ortiz
Leveraging AI with Students | Taylor Roberson and Ashely Bryan
Using AVID's Fundamentals of Instruction to Reach Emerging Bilingual Students | Richard Pardo
Mastering Focus (Secondary) | Ryan Woods
Passport to ESL: #154 Certification Prep for Future Language Leaders | Veronica Escalante
Writing Beyond Words: Building Strong Literacy Foundations for Emerging Bilinguals | Julieta Espinosa Gonzalez
Biliteracy para todos: Developing Biliteracy Across Content | Alexandra Enderica
Correct one: Think It, Say It, Learn It: Building Thinking Classrooms for Students Success | Rebecca Parada
Echoes of the Earth: Exploring Music Through Native American Traditions | Cristina Vega Deleon
See. Think. Feel. Create: The Art of Comprehension in the Art Room | Myron Stennett
PBL Unpacked: Bringing Learning to Life | Rochelle Robinson and Joshua Sisk
Managing Mental Health & Energy in the Classroom | Tiffany E. Frezza, M.Ed
Elevate Student Thinking - Depth & Complexity in the Secondary Classroom | Sara Mooney B223
Building Word Power: Effective Vocabulary Instruction (K-3) | Heather Alvarado
Unlocking STAAR: strategies for building background knowledge in Reading | Esteban Gonnet
Data Meetings-SIMPLIFIED! | Jill Harlan
Beyond the Basics: Advancing Procedural Understanding Through Thinking Tasks in the BTC Framework | Michal Grissom and Audrey Leppke
Cheat Student Boredom with Cheat Sheets | Sue Sweeney
Working with Dallas College Systems and Networking | Dual Credit Instructor
Special Education Disability 101 | Brynn Klibert and Mary Duston
Planning Bright Futures: Early Transition Tools for All Learners | Kara Hayman and Kristin Burr D208
MAP for Goal Setting | NWEA MAP Representative
| Canva Representative
Fill Your Tray with Restorative Practices | Suzanne Tsatsoulas
Increasing My T-TESS: Dimensions 2.4 and 2.5 | Rebecca Herrera and Jennifer Kim
Student Voice with Seesaw | Ashely Gideon and Kadie Trammell
Spanish Literacy Interventions K-2nd Grade | Cynthia Urteaga and Teresita Alvarez
Tamara Garcia and Jose Moreno
Cracking the Code: Decoding and Encoding Multisyllabic Words for Growing Readers (2-5) | Heather Alvarado
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
THURSDAY, JULY 25 |
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THURSDAY, JULY 25 | SESSION 1
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THURSDAY, JULY 25 | SESSION 2
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THURSDAY, JULY 25 | SESSION 3
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#DreamBigRISD
Every Child. Every Teacher. Every Leader. Every Day.