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Connection, Purpose, Progress- MCS-BSU Innovation Summit
Type: Session 2 clear filter
Friday, September 18
 

10:45am EDT

All About AAC- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Do you teach students who need support with their language, listening, and communication? During this presentation, speakers can expect to hear about a variety of communication modes, types, and tools. They will get an opportunity to explore Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), brainstorm classroom uses, and prep visual cards for daily use.
Speakers
MR

Margret Rice

Applied Skills Teacher, Grissom Elementary School
5th year Applied Skills Teacher
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
236

10:45am EDT

Applying the Science of Reading Through the Brain's Backdoor!- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Applying the Science of Reading through the Brain’s Backdoor, presents Katie Garner’s approach to accelerating phonics mastery by connecting systematic phonics instruction to brain science, memory, and students’ existing knowledge through the use of her "Secret Stories" tool.  She emphasizes using stories, novelty, social-emotional connections, music, movement, and “secrets” to make abstract letter-sound patterns meaningful and memorable. The teaching approach advocates revealing the phonics code early and continuously rather than delaying instruction based on grade-level expectations, while using writing as a “window” into students’ reading development. The system also promotes active decoding over memorizing sight words and encourages teachers to “teach the reader, not the reading” by helping students apply phonics strategies to increasingly complex text. These strategies can support beginning readers, English learners, intervention students, and older struggling readers.
Speakers
avatar for Aryn Sweeney Enos

Aryn Sweeney Enos

West View Elementary Teacher, Grade 4, Muncie Community Schools
Aryn Sweeney Enos is an experienced elementary educator with a strong background in the Science of Reading, writing instruction, and data-driven teaching. She is a licensed Indiana elementary teacher with additional certification in English Language Arts for grades 5–12 and extensive... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
422

10:45am EDT

Beyond the Page: Integrating Art, Music, and Creativity into the Elementary Curriculum of CKLA- Repeated Session
FILLING
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Beyond the Page: Integrating Art, Music, and Creativity into the Elementary Curriculum of CKLA
How can we transform literacy instruction into experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and deeper understanding? This session explores the power of arts integration within the elementary classroom using Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) as a foundation for interdisciplinary learning. Participants will discover practical strategies for incorporating visual art, music, movement, and creative expression to strengthen literacy skills, support diverse learners, and foster student engagement. Grounded in the work of Sir Kenneth Robinson, Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, and Edith Kramer’s research on artistic expression, this session highlights creativity as an essential component of learning. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and opportunities to explore classroom-ready ideas. Time will be provided for reflection, sharing, and Q&A.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Agnew

Kelly Agnew

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools

Kelly Agnew is a dedicated educator with 22 years of teaching experience and a passion for lifelong learning. Currently serving as a Master Teacher at West View Elementary, Kelly is committed to inspiring students and supporting innovative teaching practices. A recipient of the Armstrong... Read More →
avatar for Allison Draper

Allison Draper

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools
About MeAllison Draper (M.A. in Education, Gifted and Talented Education) has been an elementary educator with 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught at West View Elementary School for the past five years in the Dual Language Program. She also had the opportunity to teach in Africa in Eg... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
206

10:45am EDT

Building Student Independence Through Classroom Systems- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Do you want to create a classroom where students take greater ownership of their learning and work more independently? Join us to explore practical classroom systems that can be implemented right away to build student independence, increase engagement, and establish consistent routines. This interactive, hands-on session will provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, reflect on your current practices, and begin developing systems you can take back to your classroom and use the very next day. Participants will also have time to share ideas, learn from one another, and leave with ready-to-use resources and actionable strategies.
Speakers
avatar for Devon Barbosa

Devon Barbosa

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools
Devon Barbosa is a 21-year teaching veteran with extensive experience in the elementary classroom. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and creating a positive, engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and excited... Read More →
LB

Leah Britten

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools
Leah Britten is a 23-year teaching veteran with experience across all grade levels, including special education and intervention. Her greatest joy is helping teachers develop the skills and confidence they need to support student success.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
230

10:45am EDT

Communicating for Digital Accessibility- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
As a public agency, Muncie Community Schools is now required to meet new federal guidelines for digital accessibility. What does that mean? It means writing and posting in clear, simple language that is easy to understand. Information must be organized with meaningful headings, short paragraphs, and lists when appropriate. We must provide descriptive text for images, captions for videos, and transcripts for audio content. Any links need to have meaningful text instead of phrases like "click here." All content needs to be readable by screen readers and understood by people with a wide range of abilities, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor disabilities. The goal is to make information accessible, usable, and understandable for everyone. Andy and Cynthia will share insights on how to do this when messaging to families or the general public.
Speakers
avatar for Klotz, Andrew

Klotz, Andrew

Chief Communications Officer, Muncie Community Schools
Andy is in his 6th year as the Chief Communications Officer at Muncie Community Schools. He is the district's "Chief Storyteller" and oversees all districtwide communications, including information shared on websites, social media, ParentSquare and more. 
avatar for Cynthia Miller

Cynthia Miller

Executive Assistant to the Director of Public Education/CEO, Muncie Community Schools
As the Executive Assistant to the Director of Public Education/CEO, Cynthia handles a variety of duties in the MCS Administration Building. She is also instrumental in handling the back end of the district website and a key liaison between the district office and all schools.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
236

10:45am EDT

Data Enablement Resources for Student and Community Success- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Teachers, Community Partners, and Families are surrounded by data systems, but how do those systems serve and enable better student and community outcomes? How do current Data Tools and Resources serve the public good? 


Answering these questions practically is possible by reviewing specific systems and reporting products, which we provide. Answering these questions in a collaborative and reflective space is best accomplished through a discussion of such systems, their underlying purpose, and a theory of action. 


In this session, the MCS Educational Data & Outcomes team will provide an overview of data resources and tools provided to MCS educators, building teams, and partners. These tools aim to provide students with timely and informed services, connect resource networks, and align partner understanding across the Cradle to Career Muncie network. The session will include a presentation as well as a discussion of emergent data needs within our schools. 
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
203

10:45am EDT

Disability and Special Education from the Parent Perspective.- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Have you, as a teacher, ever wondered why a parent you've shared resources with hasn't done anything with them? Do you want a better understanding of what parents are thinking and experiencing when they walk in to a case conference? This session is to help educators and admins understand things  pertaining to disability and special education from the perspective of a parent. As well as the monetary, physical, time, and emotional aspects of raising a child with a disability. The session will allow time for questions and answers.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Mann

Andrea Mann

K-4 Applied Skills Teacher: Longfellow Elementary, Muncie Community Schools
I have been engaged in disability advocacy work for most of my life, from volunteering in middle and high school in special education classrooms, to providing respite care for families through college, through being part of grass roots advocacy work. I co-authored a book on disability... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
238

10:45am EDT

Dr. Julia Garcia Session- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Connection is at the core of every healthy community, yet students and staff are feeling more disconnected than ever before. The Connection Challenge is an interactive program designed to strengthen community bonds. Through inspiring stories, evidence-based strategies, and practical activities, participants will learn how to overcome barriers, enhance communication, and build meaningful relationships that positively transform culture.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Auditorium

10:45am EDT

FAPE Compass - Using AI to guide your special education/504 decisions.- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This Session is for all administrators and special educators that have current logins to FAPE Compass, our new closed AI platform for special education guidance. You will be given examples of how to use the platform to answer day to day questions and to ensure IEP/504 compliance.
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Smithson

Jenny Smithson

Director of Special Education, Muncie Community Schools
Jenny Smithson is an educator and advocate for public education with licenses in elementary education, special education, English/Language Arts, and Director of Exceptional Needs. She currently serves at Director of Special Education for Muncie Community Schools.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
244

10:45am EDT

FLAME Foundations: Igniting Math Success Before the Lesson Begins- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
As educators, we are always looking for ways to increase the engagement of our students in their learning without having to always rely on paper/pencil activities.  In this session, FLAME:  Foundations Igniting Math Success Before the Lesson Begins, educators will explore how the FLAME Warm-Up Framework transforms daily math instruction through systematic, explicit, and engaging routines that build stronger number sense, mathematical confidence, and critical thinking skills.  This presentation will allow educators to focus on whole-group spiral review activities while increasing student engagement and overall math achievement.  If you want a fun and exciting way to get your students engaged before teaching the math content, then this session is for you.  FLAME is the UFLI for math!


Speakers
avatar for Heidi Keever

Heidi Keever

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools
My name is Heidi Keever and I am a kindergarten teacher at Grissom Elementary.  I am beginning my 30th year and my 26th in Kindergarten.  I am all about implementing new ideas that gets all of my students engaged in their learning.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
226

10:45am EDT

Fluent Readers, Confident Learners- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Reading fluency is a critical bridge between word recognition and reading comprehension. In this session, participants will explore the essential components of fluency. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement resources and actionable practices that foster fluent reading and improve overall literacy outcomes across the elementary grades.
Speakers
NG

Natalie Gariety

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools
Session over building fluent readers in your classroom. 
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
246

10:45am EDT

ILPs 101: How to Read and (Realistically) Implement Accommodations for ELs- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Want some practice in interpreting and applying ILPs to better serve our English Learner students? We'll examine two ILPs at different proficiency levels and practice applying them across content areas in small groups with time for Q&A at the end. (High School/Middle School Focus)
Speakers
avatar for Camille Engle

Camille Engle

Teacher - English Learners, Muncie Community Schools
ENL teacher at Muncie Central High School and Northside Middle School.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
421

10:45am EDT

Lead Yourself: Leadership Habits That Create Lasting Impact
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Lead Yourself: Leadership Habits That Create Lasting Impact
Sometimes the hardest person to lead is yourself. Great leadership is not simply about position, talent, or knowing the right strategies that are built through intentional habits practiced consistently over time. In Lead Yourself, participants will explore seven practical leadership habits designed to strengthen personal effectiveness, relationships, decision-making, resilience, and impact. Participants will examine strategies for winning the morning, pre-deciding priorities, doing what is painfully right, practicing “You-First” leadership, self-reflection, fueling their passion, and showing back up when leadership gets difficult. Through personal reflection, practical examples, participant discussion, and opportunities to apply each concept to their own leadership context, attendees will identify habits that can immediately strengthen their leadership. The session will include audience interaction, reflection opportunities, practical application, and time for questions and discussion.
Speakers
avatar for Benjamin Williams

Benjamin Williams

Northside Middle School Principal, Muncie Community Schools
Benjamin Williams is an experienced K12 educator, serving as a math teacher, football coach, assistant principal, and principal, also completing an EdS degree at Ball State in the spring of 2026. With his service at MCS, Ben is extremely passionate about leadership studies, effective... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
304

10:45am EDT

Opening Up Your Math Tasks: Differentiation Supports- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this hands-on session, participants will learn about different ways to adapt existing K-5 math tasks to support diverse learners to engage with the content. This session will help participants see ways to frame tasks and open-ended questions that allow students who need extra support and students who need a challenge to engage in the same lesson, making it easier for teachers to lead whole-class math lessons. The session will allow for small group discussion on different open-ended tasks and how they promote opportunities for differentiation, hands-on experience with parallel tasks, and time for Q&A for connecting such differentiation practices into the participants' classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Jenna Menke

Jenna Menke

Assistant Professor, Ball State University
Jenna Menke is an assistant professor of mathematics education. Their focus is on improving teacher preparation programs and PD for K-12 mathematics teachers.
avatar for LeAnn Neel-Romine

LeAnn Neel-Romine

Associate Lecturer, Ball State University
LeAnn Neel-Romine is an associate lecturer of mathematics education, with over 20 years' experience working with mathematics educators and students in K-12 classrooms.
avatar for Sam Prough

Sam Prough

assistant professor, Ball State University
Sam Prough is an assistant professor of mathematics education. Their focus is on elementary education.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
252

10:45am EDT

Partners in Leading, Partners in Learning, Partners in Research: Exploring Research-Practice Partnerships in MCS- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This workshop will explore how strong, long-standing university–school partnerships can evolve into more formalized Research–Practice Partnerships (RPPs) through the collaborative development of a shared research agenda. Grounded in the principle of “nothing about us without us,” the session will examine what it means for school and district partners to play a meaningful role not only in individual projects, but in shaping the overall direction, priorities, and structures of partnership work. Participants will consider how the RPP model compliments existing collaborations between MCS and Ball State, how current practices and relationships support this work, and what new routines—such as shared agenda-setting, regular data conversations, and coordinated decision-making—might strengthen collective impact. The workshop will also address practical questions of scope and sustainability, including starting small, identifying high-priority areas of focus, clarifying roles and expectations, and building infrastructure over time. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of RPPs and concrete next steps for partnership development.
Speakers
avatar for Paula Arce-Trigatti

Paula Arce-Trigatti

Director, National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships
Paula is the inaugural global director of NNERPP, a professional learning organization for education RPPs, launched in 2016 at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. In this role, she organizes and coordinates a number of learning opportunities for members across... Read More →
avatar for Kim Wright

Kim Wright

Associate Director, National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships
Kim is the associate director of NNERPP, a professional learning organization for education-focused research-practice partnerships. In this role, she coordinates and creates professional learning opportunities for members of the NNERPP and the RPP field-at-large. Prior to joining... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
258

10:45am EDT

Read It. Write It. Solve It. STEM It.- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Do you want to bring STEM into your classroom but aren't sure where to fit it in? If so, this session is for you! Learn how to naturally integrate STEM into the reading, writing, and math lessons you're already teaching, without adding more to your plate. Participants will explore simple, hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration while still meeting grade-level standards. Throughout the session, you'll see classroom examples, participate in a few interactive STEM activities, collaborate with other educators to brainstorm ideas, and have time to ask questions. You'll leave with ready-to-use lesson ideas, planning tips, and resources that you can implement in your classroom right away.
Speakers
avatar for Chelsie Bilby

Chelsie Bilby

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools
Hi! I'm Chelsie Bilby. I have been teaching for eight years and currently teach fifth grade at East Washington Academy. I graduated from Southside High School in 2009, so it's been a full-circle experience teaching in the community that helped shape me. Outside of the classroom, I'm... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
440

10:45am EDT

State Testing Information- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
I would like to present a session outlining requirements and expectations for state testing along with a question and answer opportunity. 
Speakers
avatar for Craig Standish

Craig Standish

Program Supervisor, Muncie Community Schools
Corporate Test Coordinator for Muncie Community Shools
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
420

10:45am EDT

Supporting Multilingual Learners: The Next Steps
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Building on our previous professional learning, this interactive session moves beyond individual strategies to explore how teachers can intentionally design grade-level instruction that supports multilingual learners without lowering expectations. Participants will examine the language demands embedded in everyday classroom tasks and learn how to distinguish between content gaps and language barriers. Through authentic classroom examples, teachers will practice aligning content and language objectives, selecting scaffolds based on student proficiency and task demands, and differentiating language support while maintaining rigorous learning goals. The session will also focus on moving students from supported speaking and writing toward greater independence by intentionally fading scaffolds over time. Teachers will apply the process to an upcoming lesson, assignment, or constructed-response task and leave with a practical plan for implementation. The goal is not simply to add more strategies, but to develop a thoughtful, sustainable approach to helping multilingual learners access, engage with, and independently demonstrate grade-level learning.
Speakers
avatar for Vesna Dimitrieska

Vesna Dimitrieska

Director, Global Education Initiatives, Indiana University
I have been working with and supporting educators in dual language programs across Indiana as well as world language teachers. I have both organized and facilitated numerous professional development sessions geared to the needs identified by teachers and school administrators.
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
471

10:45am EDT

The ABCs of Behavior: Choosing Responses That Actually Work- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this interactive session, participants will explore the ABCs of behavior—Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence—and learn how understanding what happens before and after a behavior can guide more effective responses. We’ll focus on recognizing antecedents and consequences in everyday classroom situations and examining how our responses can unintentionally strengthen the very behaviors we are trying to reduce. Participants will also learn why common strategies, such as time-out, lectures, or reward systems, may be effective for one student but ineffective—or even counterproductive—for another. Through realistic school-based scenarios, participants will practice identifying antecedents and consequences, then apply that information to select rewards and corrective consequences that align with the behavior and its purpose. 
Speakers
avatar for Anastacia Harrold

Anastacia Harrold

Behavior Coach, Muncie Community Schools
Anastacia is entering her fifth year with Muncie Community Schools. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with nine years of experience supporting children with behavioral challenges across a variety of diagnoses... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Library-437

10:45am EDT

The Participation Power Hour- Repeated Session
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Experience engagement instead of just hearing about it. Through interactive ELA/math activities, collaboration, and movement, teachers will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use ideas that spark participation, deepen learning, and bring energy to the classroom. (K-5 based session, although some middle school teachers could find some of the activities beneficial.) 
Speakers
avatar for Tori Hernandez

Tori Hernandez

Assistant Principal, Muncie Community Schools
Hello! My name is Tori Hernandez, and I am the assistant principal at East Washington Academy. I am a former 4th grade teacher, lifelong learner, and EXTREMELY passionate about engaging students. I have been in education for 10 years, married to my best friend, and just welcomed our... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
224

10:45am EDT

Trauma and the Brain - Scratching the Surface- Consecutive Session (PreK)
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This continuous session will cover several topics that build on one another to equip teaching professionals with a trauma-informed framework, practical skills and tools to use with children with this framework in mind, and self-care practices that help prevent burnout and vicarious trauma and promote healthy lifestyles so teachers can keep teaching.  The first part will cover Trauma-Informed Care, trauma and Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs).  The second part will review the hand model of the brain and practical application of skills to use with children focused on feelings, movement, breathing techniques which allow for children to make decisions.  Finally, participants will learn about components of self-care and identify professional and personal supports that help prevent adversity and also heal from experiences of burnout and vicarious trauma.   
Speakers
avatar for Erin Bousman

Erin Bousman

Admin Assistant, Muncie Community Schools
Same as speaker one (like past summits where preschool will meet for all 3 sessions)
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
248

10:45am EDT

Understanding Grief
LIMITED
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available

The point of this session is to better understand the impact loss has on children, and to better equip you on becoming more comfortable with the uncomfortable topic of grief. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is something we all will have to deal with, but people are sometimes nervous to start the conversation, or do not feel like they know what to say. We will explore how to have hard conversations, discuss our own attitudes about death, and navigate how to best be there for your students.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Johnson

Jessica Johnson

Teacher - Guidance Counselor, Muncie Community Schools
Jessica Johnson is the School Counselor at Grissom Elementary School. This is 15th year in the profession, and she has worked at the High School, Middle School, and Elementary levels. She is a MCS Alumni, having graduated from Southside High School in 2002, and loves sharing  strategies... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:40am EDT
232
 
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