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CAS Annual Conference 2025
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Thursday, March 27
 

10:15am PDT

Bridging the Gap: Streamlining Systems to Welcome and Onboard Multilingual Learners LIMITED
Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B
This workshop will equip school administrators with the tools and strategies needed to create effective, efficient systems for welcoming and onboarding multilingual learners into their school district. Participants will explore best practices for establishing seamless enrollment processes, building culturally responsive support systems, and fostering an inclusive school environment. Through practical examples and collaborative discussions, administrators will gain the knowledge to implement clear, scalable procedures that ensure multilingual learners feel valued, supported, and ready to succeed from day one. Join me to learn how to create a welcoming and equitable experience that empowers both students and families in the transition to your school district.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Talmadge

Matt Talmadge

Principal, Westbrook Middle School
Matt Talmadge is the principal of Westbrook Middle School and is the PreK-12 MLL Student Services and Family Outreach Coordinator for the district. Westbrook Middle School, a recent school of distinction, has recently been named the top middle school in Middlesex County by Niche.com... Read More →
Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B

10:15am PDT

Building Community in School: The Impact of Technology in a Phone-Based World LIMITED
Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B
This session equips school leaders with the tools to guide their teachers in creating equitable environments that foster independence and success for all learners. Participants will explore actionable methods to support educators in implementing culturally responsive teaching practices that empower students to take ownership of their learning. Through collaborative discussions, practical examples, and planning opportunities, school leaders will leave with a clear action plan to elevate equity and independence in their schools. By the end of the session, participants will be able to develop a professional learning plan for their staff that includes at least two strategies to promote equitable practices and build student independence in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Joann Freiberg

Joann Freiberg

Consultant, School Climate Consultants
Jo Ann Freiberg recently retired as an Educational Consultant with the Connecticut State Department of Education working in the Turnaround Office. She managed the wide arena of Bullying, Improving School Climate, Restorative Practices, Childhood Trauma, Cultural Competence and Character... Read More →
avatar for Patricia A. Ciccone

Patricia A. Ciccone

Consultant, School Climate Consultants
Pat Ciccone has held positions across the educational spectrum, pre-K through 12 and at the college level and now works as a private Education Consultant with School Climate Consultants, LLC. Holding multiple superintendencies and directorships, Pat’s “North Star” has been improving... Read More →
Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B

10:15am PDT

Value and Retain Excellence Through Stay Interviews LIMITED
Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B
Participants will understand the positive impact conducting "Stay Interviews" have in improving organizational health. When thoughtfully implemented and sustained, "Stay Interviews" have to the ability to affirm and sustain a sense of belonging and engagement.

Through observation of a live and interactive simulation, participants will develop and initial understanding of the skills necessary to effectively conduct "Stay Interviews".
This is experience is designed to creatively capture the active listening skills and nuanced decision making necessary to execute this practice.

Participants will learn the fundamentals and be provided with resources to support their efforts back in respective schools / districts.


 
Speakers
avatar for Luke Forshaw

Luke Forshaw

Director of Professional Development Services CES, CES
Luke Forshaw is proud to lead the Cooperative Educational Services Professional Development team. Prior to this role, Luke has been a classroom teacher and educational leader with experience in both building and district service. He continues to teach graduate course work in curriculum... Read More →
CL

Chris LaBelle

Associate Executive Director, CES
Christopher La Belle joined CES in 2005. He has nearly 25 years of educational experience, including nine years as an urban elementary school principal in Connecticut. La Belle was the 2009 Magnet Schools of America Northeast Regional Principal of the Year. He is a veteran of the... Read More →
LS

Lynda Swift

HR Generalist, CES
Lynda Swift is the HR generalist for CES. A passionate and skilled professional, she serves the unique and varied needs of a dynamic RESC.
Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B

12:20pm PDT

Empowering Student and Teacher Leadership Through Project-Based Learning LIMITED
Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
B
Discover how project-based learning (PBL) fosters collaborative and shared leadership among students and educators. By granting genuine agency and engaging both students and teachers in real-world initiatives—such as leading podcasts and planning school-wide and community-based events—PBL nurtures pride, purpose, and confidence. In this session, you will hear about how our school has implemented these strategies to empower students and teachers as leaders, develop effective collaboration, and create a culture of shared ownership in learning. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how PBL can cultivate leadership, teamwork, and a culture of shared ownership, and will leave with ideas for how to integrate these approaches into their own practice to drive innovation and engagement within their school communities.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kristy Zaleta

Dr. Kristy Zaleta

Principal, Rogers Park Middle School
Dr. Kristy Zaleta is in her 21st year with Danbury Public Schools and 7th as Principal of Rogers Park Middle School. A second-career educator, she began as an 8th-grade science teacher before becoming Associate Principal of Instruction for Danbury’s middle schools. Honored as the... Read More →
Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
B

12:20pm PDT

PDSA in Action: Transforming Professional Learning Systems LIMITED
Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
B
This session introduces an innovative building-based professional learning model that prioritizes teacher choice, voice, and creativity. Designed to align with principles of high-quality instruction, this system empowers educators to explore topics of personal interest, implement classroom innovations using the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle, and share their insights through peer-led sessions. By fostering collaboration and professional advice networks, this approach creates a dynamic environment for continuous growth and impactful instructional practices.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Garan Mullin

Dr. Garan Mullin

Principal, E.C. Adams Middle School
Currently the Principal at E.C. Adams Middle School in Guilford, Garan has worked as a school administrator in CT for over a decade at the building and district level. She served as the middle school coordinator of Special Education for the Fairfield Public Schools and as Assistant... Read More →
Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
B

1:55pm PDT

Empowered to Elevate: Practical Strategies to Lift Leaders and School Communities FILLING
Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
B

In today’s evolving educational landscape, effective leadership is key to fostering a positive culture and climate. "Empower to Elevate" is designed for school and district leaders looking to clarify their leadership purpose and strengthen their skills. Through interactive activities, participants will reflect on their core "why" and connect personal values to leadership practices, enabling them to inspire meaningful change.

The session will explore strategies for building trust, promoting collaboration, and creating inclusive environments that support growth and innovation. Leaders will leave with actionable insights and practical tools to elevate their school communities.

Attendees will receive resources for reflective practice, activities for team collaboration, and strategies to address educational fatigue. These tools can be tailored to meet the unique needs of individual schools and districts. Participants will gain practical strategies ready for immediate implementation with leadership teams or faculty to create lasting, positive impacts.  
Speakers
DJ

Dr. Jennifer P Byars

Superintendent, Region 5 District
Dr. Jenn Byars, Superintendent of Amity Regional School District since 2018, is a seasoned educational leader with expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and school administration. Previously, as Assistant Superintendent of Ledyard Public Schools (2014–2018... Read More →
avatar for Jill LaPlante

Jill LaPlante

Director of Counseling, Region 5 District
Jill LaPlante is an educational leader currently serving as the Director of Counseling Services for Amity Regional School District #5 in Connecticut. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher, school counselor, and district administrator, Jill’s compassionate leadership builds... Read More →
MK

Monica Kreuzer

High School Associate Principal, Region 5 District
Monica Kreuzer is an educational leader currently serving as Associate Principal at Amity Regional High School. With a master’s in educational leadership and strong background in science education she has experience in curriculum development, teacher evaluation and school improvement... Read More →
Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
B
 
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