Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Chakela Boney | [email protected] | Testing Coordinator; Shaniqua D Hood | [email protected] | Back Up Testing Coordinator
Location: R. N. Harris Elementary School
Description: This session will review End‑of‑Grade (EOG) testing expectations, including procedures, timelines, roles, and testing protocols for all staff.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessment for Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Portia Lee | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Emory Wyckoff | [email protected] | Principal; Catherine Hensley | [email protected] | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Bethesda Elementary School
Description: This session will guide staff through a reflective review of current SEL implementation data and recent behavior trends. Through analysis of real incidents and scenarios, we will identify patterns, celebrate strengths, and determine areas for growth. Staff will collaborate to develop practical, action steps to strengthen SEL practices and improve student outcomes for the remainder of the school year.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Safety, Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Vanessa Alford | [email protected] | Principal; Alycia Crews | [email protected] | Instructional Coach; Bianca Hunt | [email protected] | Instructional Coach; Irma Suffern | [email protected] | Principal Intern
Location: C.C. Spaulding Elementary Media Center
Description: Get ready to reflect, plan ahead and build momentum for our "best year yet"! In this session, teams will create actionable plans to strengthen areas that affect our culture, climate and lead to continuous improvement.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Team Building, Building Learning System Capacity
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Kendell Dorsey | [email protected] | Principal; Christy Hall | [email protected] | Assistant Principal
Location: W.G. Pearson Elementary School Media Center
Description: Staff will complete EVAAS roster verification and then participate in some collaborative wellness activities,
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Operations, Social Emotional, Team Building
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Crystal Medlin | [email protected] | Principal
Location:
Description: Staff will engage in required compliance and data verification tasks. Teachers will complete all assigned SafeSchools training modules, ensuring up-to-date understanding of district policies, student safety procedures, and legal requirements. Additionally, teachers will complete EVAAS roster verification to ensure accurate student-teacher data, directly impacting growth data and reporting.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Operations, Safety
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: James Carr | [email protected] | Dance Instructor
Location: Lakeview School Cafetorium
Description: Wellness Wednesday: Line Dancing is a fun, energizing professional development session designed to promote staff wellness through movement, music, and community. Participants will learn beginner-friendly line dances in a supportive, low-pressure environment while exploring how physical activity can reduce stress, boost morale, and build connections among colleagues.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Team Building
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Keaundra J Robinson | [email protected] | Equity Leadership and Strategy Coord.; Dr. Iwinosa Idahor | [email protected] | Office of Equity Affairs
Location: City of Medicine Academy CyBrary
Description: Reflect on our personal and professional identities. Explore Multiple perspectives to create a more inclusive school environment for students, families, and employees that fosters a sense of belonging at CMA. Engage in honest conversations to cultivate an equitable school culture and climate.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Equity
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Lucretia Smith | [email protected] | CIMC/CDC; Lamont Dixon | [email protected] | Principal; Syreeta Mason-Foster | [email protected] | Assistant Principal
Location: Durham School of Technology DST Learning Lab
Description: This professional learning experience equips all DST Owls—teachers, staff, and leaders—with the tools, clarity, and systems needed to ensure a successful testing season, a consistent and supportive learning environment, and strong community partnerships for all scholars. Through targeted sessions aligned with DPS Strategic Priorities, staff will strengthen assessment readiness, improve classroom culture, and expand support for military-connected students. Together, we will lead with wisdom, strengthen our practice, and prepare our scholars to soar.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Exceptional Children, MTSS, Team Building, Beginning Teachers, Professional Learning System and Processes
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Susan Stewart Taylor | [email protected] | Principal
Location: Jordan High School Main Office Conference Room
Description: Classified support staff (receptionists, bookkeeper, data manager, and records specialists) will review roles and responsibilities.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Customer Service, Team Building, Communication Skills
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Receptionists, School Treasurers, Bookkeepers, Data Managers

Presenters: Sara Huckbody | [email protected] | Assistant Principal of Instruction
Location: Jordan High School Room 105
Description: Under the guidance of the assistant principal of instruction, the Leadership Team will review scheduling process in Infinite Campus.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Infinite Campus
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Leads