2026 VBCPS Summer Leadership Conference

8:00am EDT

Light Breakfast Refreshments and Networking

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

All Attendees

8:30am EDT

General Session for All

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am EDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am EDT

All Attendees

9:30am EDT

Beyond the Survey: Using Student Voice to Drive Responsive Supports

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

How can student voice strengthen the way schools respond to student needs? In this session, school leaders will learn to use the data related to the new Future-Ready Profile to maximize Tier 1 instruction and strengthen supports for students’ readiness to learn. Participants will use data protocols to analyze spring survey results, identify trends and areas of need, and begin translating insights into responsive action. Leaders from Great Neck Middle School will also share how their team used student survey data to shape instructional and belonging practices this year.

Speakers

Kate Miller

School Counselor, Great Neck MS

Michelle Jackson

School Improvement Specialist, Great Neck MS

Paige Scherr

Principal MS, Great Neck MS

Robert Veigel

Research Specialist, Department of Planning, Innovation and Accountability

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 1-Challenge and Support Each Student to Excel and Be Future Ready
Strand Lift Up

9:30am EDT

Building Access for All: What School Leaders Need to Know About the ADA Title II Accessibility Requirements

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

The ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule will impact far more than division websites. School and teacher leaders play a critical role in ensuring that newsletters, presentations, classroom materials, videos, family communications, and shared documents are accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. This session will provide practical guidance on school-level implications of the new requirements, common accessibility barriers to avoid, and simple strategies staff can implement immediately. Participants will also learn about the division’s implementation plan, training opportunities, and support resources. This work supports the 2026–2027 Strategic Action Agenda by strengthening equitable access to communication, learning, and family engagement.

Speakers

Anna Cleveland

Department of Legal Services, Department of Legal Services

Madeline Curott

Public Relations Coordinator II, Department of Communications and Community Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students, Goal 5-Advance Organizational Excellence
Strand Build Up

9:30am EDT

Clarity to Connection: High-Impact Family Engagement Strategies

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

This session will explore the definition of Family Engagement and FACE’s High Impact Strategies, and how they align with Compass to 2030 Goal 4. These strategies support the 2026-2027 Strategic Action Agenda to strengthen family partnerships in schools. Finally, attendees will reflect on their current practices and develop action steps to integrate these strategies into daily school routines. Walk away with a practical, ready-to-use Family Engagement Toolkit—packed with strategies to boost communication, strengthen relationships, and foster shared decision-making across your school community.

Speakers

Joyce Hawkins

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Admon Alexander

Director of Family and Community Engagement, Department of Communications and Community Engagement

Jacqueline Crawley Coleman

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Team Up

9:30am EDT

Cultivating Belonging through the CARE Continuum

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Every student, staff member, and family deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected. In this interactive session, participants will explore the CARE Continuum, the VBCPS belonging framework built on Connection, Achievement, Responsiveness, and Engagement, to intentionally foster belonging across your school community. Participants will identify key practices within each CARE pillar that strengthen relationships and reduce barriers to learning, and design at least one actionable strategy to implement within their classroom or building. Attendees will also examine how responsive systems support equitable outcomes for all learners. Walk away with tools you can use right away.

Speakers

Ty Harris

Director of Opportunity and Achievement, Office of Opportunity and Achievement

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 2-Enhance Student Well-Being Resilience and Responsibility, Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Build Up

9:30am EDT

New Teacher, Different Needs: A Tiered Approach to Support

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

A provisionally licensed teacher, a traditionally prepared first-year teacher, and a veteran new to VBCPS each walk into your building, and each one needs something different. In this session, leaders will use scenario-based case studies and a tiered support framework to map what responsive, proactive support looks like at Tier 1, 2, and 3. Through collaborative table work and cross-level peer learning, participants will leave knowing what to do next when a teacher needs more than what's currently in place, because every new educator deserves to feel known and supported from day one.

Speakers

Angela Parsons

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Karol Bledsoe

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff, Goal 5-Advance Organizational Excellence
Strand Build Up

9:30am EDT

Team Up Beyond the Bell: Childcare, Enrichment, and Community Partnerships That Work

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Do you know what childcare, enrichment, and career programs are available to your students, staff, and families right now? This session brings together VBCPS, Parks & Recreation, and the YMCA to show you the full picture. From before- and after-school care at your elementary schools to teen employment programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, and financial assistance options, you will learn what is already operating in your buildings and community and how to connect families to it. Leave with a resource guide, partner contacts, and the confidence to be the bridge between your school community and the support they need.

Speakers

Amy Church

Director of Employment Services, Department of Human Resources

James Avila

Coordinator of Recruitment and Retention, Department of Human Resources

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students, Goal 5-Advance Organizational Excellence
Strand Team Up

9:30am EDT

The AI-Empowered Leader: Building Capacity and Efficiency Across Your Team

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Ready to move beyond the AI hype and into high-impact practice? This interactive breakout session explores how leaders can empower staff to use AI as a collaborative partner for professional growth. We’ll share practical strategies for using AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance PLC collaboration, and provide personalized teacher support. Participants will engage with hands-on tools and leave with a "Quick-Start" framework to lead AI implementation at their own locations. Join us to discover how prioritizing staff capacity with AI creates a stronger, more connected school community where everyone thrives.

Speakers

Chad Huff

Instructional Technology Specialist, Corporate Landing ES

Erik Peterman

Instructional Specialist, Corporate Landing ES

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff, Goal 5-Advance Organizational Excellence
Strand Build Up

9:30am EDT

Tools that Talk Back: Smarter Multilingual Family Communication

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Lost in Translation? Not Anymore. This interactive, next level workshop supports staff in overcoming language barriers that impact family communication and engagement. Participants will explore practical, reliable language access tools and strategies, including advanced features in PowerPoint, Canva, and other commonly used platforms. The session focuses on addressing common barriers such as inconsistent translation, unclear messaging, and limited accessibility. Leave with hands-on strategies, recommended tools, and ready to use resources to improve communication, build understanding, and better support families and students. Please bring your laptop and be ready to access PowerPoint (desktop version, as the session will include hands-on activities to explore different AI tools and resources.

Speakers

Domenica Nichols

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Jason Tomik

IT Specialist, Princess Anne HS

Tina Garfield

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Team Up

10:45am EDT

Applying the Science of Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Join us to explore how key principles from the Science of Learning can strengthen Tier 1 instruction, advance instructional clarity, and support a culture of learning across collaborative teams. We will examine current research on how students learn, remember, and transfer knowledge, while sharing a practical framework for evaluating instructional practices. Through collaborative discussion and application, participants will identify ways to integrate science of learning principles into PLC conversations, feedback cycles, and instructional decision-making to support more intentional, high-impact learning experiences for all students.

Speakers

Angelyn Berry

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Chad Gangwer

Coordinator of Elementary Social Studies, Department of Teaching and Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 1-Challenge and Support Each Student to Excel and Be Future Ready
Strand Build Up

10:45am EDT

Different by Design: Understanding the Power of Your Productivity Style

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Why do some team dynamics flow effortlessly while others experience constant friction? Often, the answer isn't commitment or competence - it's cognitive style. In this interactive session, you'll identify your productivity style, examine how it shapes the way you lead and collaborate, and explore what happens when different styles collide on a team. Through structured reflection and small-group discussion, you'll leave with one concrete, personalized change you can implement immediately. Whether you're a prioritizer, a planner, an arranger, or a visualizer, this session will change how you see yourself and your colleagues, and strengthen the collaborative culture we're building together.

Speakers

Angela Parsons

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Shelley Erbland

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Rise Up

10:45am EDT

Leading with Care: Driving Engagement and Awareness with Care Solace

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Join Care Solace for a session tailored specifically for VBCPS administrators. Moving past technical workflows, this session focuses on your strategic leadership role. Leaders will leave equipped to champion Care Solace and seamlessly guide families to counselors for a warm handoff.
During this session you will:

Learn how to identify families struggling with mental health, substance use, and social service challenges.
Discover the critical care gaps Care Solace fills
Gain key talking points to confidently describe these services to families
Be provided with a quick, behind-the-scenes demo of how school counselors utilize the system

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 2-Enhance Student Well-Being Resilience and Responsibility
Strand Build Up

10:45am EDT

More Than a Walkthrough: Building Purposeful Peer-to-Peer Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Peer-to-peer learning is a priority within the Strategic Action Agenda, but meaningful collaboration does not happen simply by placing educators in classrooms together. This session explores how school leaders can design purposeful learning walks, peer observations, and collaborative learning structures that build professional practice without relying heavily on substitutes or release time. Participants will examine practical models, scaffolds, and reflection structures that help teachers, especially newer educators, make sense of what they observe and translate it into instructional growth. Through structured discussion and collaborative idea-sharing, attendees will contribute their own experiences, challenges, and perspectives as the group collectively explores practical approaches for building sustainable, job-embedded professional learning within the realities and constraints of today’s schools.

Speakers

Rebecca Tilhou

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Tatjana Roth

Elementary Science Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Kelli Bradshaw

Secondary Science Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Lift Up

10:45am EDT

Partnerships With Purpose: A Playbook for School Leaders

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Strong community partnerships are intentional and align with the VBCPS strategic framework. This session provides school leaders with a practical, tiered framework for partner engagement supporting student achievement, wellbeing, real-world learning, and career exploration. Co-presented by the Partnerships and VBEF Coordinators, participants will explore the Partnership Continuum. Leaders will identify immediate, simple, strategic, and transformational commitments, leaving with clarity on available opportunities and a personalized action plan for fostering reciprocal partnerships.

Speakers

Bridget Mariano

Virginia Beach Education Foundation Coordinator, FACE Office

Jennifer McGowan

Partnership Coordinator, FACE Office

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 2-Enhance Student Well-Being Resilience and Responsibility, Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Team Up

10:45am EDT

Small Moments, Big Impact: Leading with Empathy to Build Staff Belonging

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

There is much talk in leadership about “building relationships” and creating “positive school climate” for our students and staff. But how do we actually DO that - authentically and consistently? In this interactive session, administrators will reflect on their own dimensions of diversity and consider how these shape their perspectives and interactions with others. We’ll move beyond sympathy to examine how interrupting the “Ladder of Inference” fosters authentic, human-centered leadership. Participants will analyze real-world staff scenarios and practice identifying internal triggers that test empathy. You will leave with actionable “handles” to maintain consistent kindness and regulated actions, ensuring your team feels seen, and valued.

Speakers

Adrienne Bracy

Admin Assistant - HS, First Colonial HS

Meredith Hobson

Coordinator of Opportunity and Achievement, Office of Opportunity and Achievement

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Build Up

10:45am EDT

The Calm After the Storm: Managing Threatening Situations

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

This session is designed to support members of school-based threat assessment teams with developing case management plans following a school threat. Participants will learn how to apply the STEP framework from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice to implement an integrated and holistic approach to case management. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in scenario-based activities.

Speakers

Robert Wnukowski

Parent and Stakeholder Services Coordinator, Department of School Leadership

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 2-Enhance Student Well-Being Resilience and Responsibility, Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Lift Up

10:45am EDT

Turn Up the Volume: Leveraging Student Voice to Elevate Instructional Clarity and Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

What if your students could show you exactly how to improve instruction, and you had a clear system to act on it? In this dynamic session, participants will dive into real student survey data, uncover actionable trends, and translate insights into consistent, high-impact classroom practices. Grounded in AVID-aligned strategies such as focused note-taking and structured processing, attendees will explore practical ways to increase clarity, engagement, and access for every learner. Participants will leave with tools, protocols, and a clear system to shift and elevate instruction and transform the trajectory of student outcomes.

Speakers

Veronica Ruiz

AVID Teacher, Salem HS

Dana Cho

Assistant Principal HS, Salem HS

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 1-Challenge and Support Each Student to Excel and Be Future Ready
Strand Lift Up

11:45am EDT

Lunch

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

All Attendees

1:00pm EDT

App Central: Building Stronger Family Engagement through Clearer Communication Strategies

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 calls us to partner with families to support students, but what can effective leaders do to help parents navigate the multitude of online platforms they're expected to use to stay engaged with their student's learning (ParentVUE, Canvas, Seesaw, ParentSquare, and list goes on and on...)? In this session, we’ll explore how leaders can leverage App Central to design and implement more coherent, schoolwide communication systems that reduce fragmentation and improve family access and engagement. Leaders will build capacity to decide and adapt communication materials best suited for their school community’s needs and foster stronger school-family partnerships and student success.

Speakers

Chanae Joyner

Social Media Manager, Department of Communications and Community Engagement

Tina Garfield

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

David Schleck

Public Relations Coordinator, Department of Communications & Community Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Team Up

1:00pm EDT

Belonging by Design: A.R.E. You Ready? Leadership Moves that Strengthen Staff Culture

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Strong school culture is built through relationships, connection, and trust. Using the A.R.E. (Accessible, Responsive, Engaged) visible thinking tool, this interactive session explores how leadership behaviors shape staff belonging and strengthen relational culture over time. Through rotating roundtable discussions, participants will use the tool to surface new ideas, as well as tensions and organizational realities that can unintentionally erode connection and belonging in schools. Leaders will reflect on practical ways to strengthen accessibility, responsiveness, and authentic engagement while learning from colleagues across the division and leave actionable ideas for building more connected, relational, and human-centered staff culture.

Speakers

Kelly Zimba

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Melinda Pezzella

Assistant Principal ES, Windsor Woods ES

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Build Up

1:00pm EDT

Belonging Is the New Leadership Superpower

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Think of someone on your staff who doesn't yet feel connected — to their colleagues, to the work, to the mission. Now ask: what is your leadership role in that? Belonging isn't a feel-good add-on — it's a strategic lever with an effect size of 0.48 on learning, stronger than most professional development. In this 60-minute session, administrators will explore Signature Practice #1, Classroom and School Climate, from the Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Veteran leaders will share how they are building a belonging culture in their schools and all participants will leave ready to implement a specific action that moves the needle on our SAA priority: every staff member feels known, supported, and connected to the mission.

Speakers

Paulette France

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Dr. Catrina Manigo

Principal ES, College Park ES

Dr. Katie Catania

Principal ES, Parkway ES

Dr. Shana Remian

Principal MS, Virginia Beach MS

Dr. Whitney Szoke

Principal MS, Larkspur MS

Dr. Leslie Ittner

Principal HS, Ocean Lakes HS

Ebony Cherry

Assistant Principal HS, Bayside HS

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Build Up

1:00pm EDT

Effective PLCs: Designing the Conditions for Collaborative Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

What does meaningful collaborative learning look like when teams are focused on improving student achievement? In this session, participants will use the Effective PLCs Tool to examine the difference between compliance-oriented meetings and collaborative practices grounded in inquiry, evidence, and collective responsibility for student learning. Through analysis, discussion, and application, leaders will strengthen their ability to recognize high-quality collaborative practice and identify the leadership actions that support productive team learning. Participants will leave with clearer look-fors for effective PLCs and practical strategies for strengthening instructional clarity, improving Tier 1 practices, and advancing student outcomes.

Speakers

Angelyn Berry

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Abigail Dougherty

PreK-12 Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Jennifer McGregor

Secondary Science Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Build Up

1:00pm EDT

The Power of Praise: Cultivating Culture and Belonging through Purposeful Peer Partnerships using the Praise Walk Framework

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

The Power of Praise transforms the traditional "walkthrough" into a joyful search for instructional bright spots and a culture of celebration. In this session, attendees will learn to facilitate cross-curricular "Praise Walks" that dissolve departmental barriers and build lasting professional alliances. Discover how witnessing great practices in a colleague’s room—regardless of content area—fosters a deep sense of belonging and collective pride. Informed by participant feedback and equipped with a turnkey toolkit, you’ll gain a non-evaluative framework to truly value your staff and cultivate a vibrant, collaborative school culture.

Speakers

Kelly Lepkowski

Gifted Teacher, Salem HS

Dr. Corey Bács

Assistant Principal HS, Salem HS

Sharon Byrd

APA Academy Coordinator, Salem HS

My leadership is grounded in the belief that creativity is not an enrichment — it is essential. I strive to build learning environments where artistic excellence, student voice, and meaningful reflection work together to shape both strong performers and thoughtful human beings... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 3-Value and Invest in Staff
Strand Build Up

1:00pm EDT

Understanding & Utilizing VBCPS Mental Health Resources

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Mental health plays a vital role in student success. VBCPS offers a range of resources and supports to promote student well-being, early intervention, and crisis support. This session will help build staff awareness and confidence in identifying needs, making appropriate referrals, and connecting students and families to the right supports. Participants will engage in small group discussion and analyze scenarios that reflect common situations faced in schools.

Speakers

Martha Crawford

Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Towana Hunter

Instructional Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Annie Chowns

School Counseling Services Coordinator, Office of Student Support Services

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 2-Enhance Student Well-Being Resilience and Responsibility, Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Lift Up

1:00pm EDT

Unlocking Goal 4 Through Family Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

This interactive session equips school leaders with practical strategies to strengthen family and community engagement as a driver of Compass to 2030 Goal 4: Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students. Participants will explore the FACE Guide to Family Engagement, engage in a collaborative “Escape the Barriers” problem solving activity, and analyze real world challenges around communication, trust, equity, and access. Leaders will leave with a customized, ready to implement Family Engagement Action Plan aligned to their school’s needs and the 2026-27 Strategic Action Agenda.

Speakers

Contessa Magee

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Jacqueline Crawley Coleman

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Compass to 2030 Goal Goal 4-Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students
Strand Team Up

2:00pm EDT

Team Reflection

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

All Attendees

3:00pm EDT

Closing Session

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

All Attendees