Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Carlissia Dudley | carlissia_dudley@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach; Olga Todman | olga_todman@dpsnc.net | Math Coach
Location: Hillside High School Room 204
Description: Start the year strong! Learn easy, high-impact strategies to create a positive, respectful classroom where students feel safe, motivated, and ready to learn—right from day one. Walk away with tools you can use immediately to set the tone for a successful school year!
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culture and Climate, Social Emotional Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Jordan Halliday | jordan_halliday@dpsnc.net | Beginning Teacher of the Year; Alec Virgil | alec_virgil@dpsnc.net | Teacher of the Year; Dr. Theresa McGowan | theresa_mcgowan@dpsnc.net | Principal of the Year; Dr. Quincey Farmer | quincey_farmer@dpsnc.net | Assistant Principal of the Year; Jerome Hallan | jermone_hallan@dpsnc.net | School Social Worker of the Year; Terez Qualls | terez_qualls@dpsnc.net | Instructional Assistant of the Year; Crystal Laws | crystal_laws@dpsnc.net | School Counselor of the Year
Location: Hillside High School Room 115
Description: All the premiere educators in Durham Public Schools come together to share insights and inspirations on the importance of Building a Positive School Culture. There will be a mix of "Ted" Talks, panel discussions, and activities to help participants create an action plan for building positive community in their own schools or departments.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culture and Climate
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Directors, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Superintendents, Assistant Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech Language Pathologists, Teachers

Presenters: Kristi Orange | korange@panoramaed.com | Panorama Dashboard
Location: Hillside High School Room 207
Description: Ready to power up your PLCs with Panorama? Join us at Summer Splash for a dynamic, hands-on session where you'll explore how to assess and strengthen your school’s instructional supports using real-time data. Designed for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and MTSS teams, this three-hour interactive workshop will guide participants through the full cycle of data-informed decision-making using Panorama Student Success. Through immersive case studies, real-time platform exploration, and collaborative planning, you’ll learn how to: Analyze school- and student-level data to evaluate the effectiveness of core instruction and targeted supports Build and apply Smart Groups to monitor progress toward academic and equity goals Explore and apply evidence-based strategies from the Panorama Playbook aligned to your students' needs Walk away with tools, confidence, and a clear roadmap to lead your PLCs with purpose—turning insights into impact for every learner.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Destiny Chevis | destiny_chevis@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Hillside High School Room 201
Description: Focus: Building Relationships & Classroom Culture Objective: Teachers will explore strategies to build authentic relationships with students that lead to a stronger classroom community and improved behavior.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culture and Climate, Beginning Teacher Support
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Amy Miller | amy_miller@dpsnc.net | Director; Felicia Sledge | felicia_sledge@dpsnc.net | Specialist; Sonya West | sonya_west@dpsnc.net | Specialist
Location: Hillside High School Room 114
Description: This session is designed for school teams to learn proactive systems to encourage positive student behavior. Please send a team of at least 3 people from your school.This team should include an administrator and may also include MTSS-F, RPC, Counselor and other staff. Learners will:Make connections between universal behavior practices and your school’s MTSS framework; Understand best practices with regard to universal behavior management practices; Examine your school’s current universal behavior management practices and plan for any improvement.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Health and Safety, MTSS
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Coaches, Directors, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Superintendents, Assistant Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Teachers

Presenters: Ebony Ross | ebony_ross@dpsnc.net | McKinney-Vento Coordinator; Deja Flythe | deja_flythe@dpsnc.net | McKinney-Vento Social Worker; Martina Dunford | martina_dunford@dpsnc.net | McKinney-Vento Youth Case Manager; Dr. Melissa Watson | melissa_watson@dpsnc.net | Director of Student Alternatives & Supports
Location: Riverside High School Room 208
Description: This session equips school social workers with updated tools and processes to more effectively identify and support students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act. Participants will learn how to recognize early indicators of housing instability, apply updated identification procedures, and navigate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure timely access to academic and wraparound services. Emphasis will be placed on refining referral pathways and engaging families with empathy and confidentiality.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): School Counselors, School Social Work, Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Directors, Coordinators, Directors, Social Workers, Assistant Principals, Principals, Psychologists, School Counselors

Presenters: Dr. Gradesa Lockhart | gradesa_lockhart@dpsnc.net | Director STOP Violence Grant
Location: Hillside High School Room 102
Description: Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health/addiction challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders including AD/HD, and eating disorders. By the end of Part I of the course, participants will be able to: Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider. Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth. Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development. Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations. Participants will be expected to complete the coursework in order to receive their official 3 year-credential from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Health and Safety, Student Wellness and Advocacy
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Raelysha Butler James | raelysha_butlerjames@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Hillside High School Room 106
Description: This session introduces some high-impact teaching strategies (HITS), which are the research-based best instructional practices that should be incorporated in our classrooms.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Gloria Sanchez | gloria_sanchez@dpsnc.net | SEL & Mental Health Coordinator
Location: Hillside High School Room 110
Description: Trauma-informed school training will teach staff the knowledge, skills, and mindset to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly those who may have experienced trauma. This involves understanding the impact of trauma on learning and behavior, recognizing trauma symptoms, and implementing evidence-based practices to promote healing and resilience.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Communication Skills, Social Emotional, Culturally Responsive Practices
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Coaches, Instructional Assistants, Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Teachers

Presenters: Kristi Orange | korange@panoramaed.com | Panorama Dashboard
Location: Hillside High School Room 207
Description: Ready to power up your PLCs with Panorama? Join us at Summer Splash for a dynamic, hands-on session where you'll explore how to assess and strengthen your school’s instructional supports using real-time data. Designed for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and MTSS teams, this three-hour interactive workshop will guide participants through the full cycle of data-informed decision-making using Panorama Student Success. Through immersive case studies, real-time platform exploration, and collaborative planning, you’ll learn how to: Analyze school- and student-level data to evaluate the effectiveness of core instruction and targeted supports Build and apply Smart Groups to monitor progress toward academic and equity goals Explore and apply evidence-based strategies from the Panorama Playbook aligned to your students' needs Walk away with tools, confidence, and a clear roadmap to lead your PLCs with purpose—turning insights into impact for every learner.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Amy Miller | amy_miller@dpsnc.net | Director; Felicia Sledge | felicia_sledge@dpsnc.net | Specialist; Sonya West | sonya_west@dpsnc.net | Specialist
Location: Hillside High School Room 114
Description: This session will guide school teams through the use of a Restorative Practices Framework to systematically build community and relationships within a building. Community building circles, impromptu conversations and affective language will be taught for use with students, families and staff.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Health and Safety, MTSS
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Coaches, Directors, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Superintendents, Assistant Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Teachers