Presenter+Bios+and+Presentation+Materials

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 * Session 1 Session 2 Session 3**


 * Session 101: How to Make a Drama Program Work for Your School** by Kathleen O'Rawe Clabby (St. Mary Magdelene, Apex)
 * Summary:** Bringing a Drama Program into your school - curriculum, elective, or club.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, Admin
 * Drama Program Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Kathleen O'Rawe Clabby** has worked for the Diocese since 2008, teaching Drama, Dance and PE at St. Michael School in Cary and now at St. Mary Magdalene in Apex. She’s written curriculum for Drama 5th – 8th gr, Creative Drama Pre k – 1st and Dance for 6th gr. as well as implemented extracurricular activities such as The International Thespian Society, Drama Clubs, Acting Company, Liturgical Dance Company and Lunch and the Arts. She is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Charter Oaks State College and completed the NY Stage and Film Apprentice Program at Vassar College and NC School of the Arts Dance program. Kathleen started her career as a professional dancer/actress, was a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, has been teaching for twenty years and enjoys when she can Direct and Choreograph shows. Since being in NC she’s been a teacher at NC Theater Conservatory, an Artist in Residence in Wake County schools and continues to teach at Raleigh School of Ballet.


 * Session 102: Percussion Class: A Music Class for the 21st Century** by Hal Sargent (Cardinal Gibbons High School, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** Percussion Class - Tips including how to get started, hands on techniques, and how to find instruments on a restricted budget.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Percussion Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Hal Sargent** is the Director of Percussion and runs the Summer Percussion Camps at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mr. Sargent has a started the percussion program at Cardinal Gibbons in 2005. The program has grown to where there is an average of 58 students involved annually. The program's Percussion I class is an introductory course educating students about music using percussion. The course introduces them to the instruments and how to play them. Later classes offers them opportunities to perform more advance literature and learn more about music theory. Before coming to Cardinal Gibbons Mr. Sargent taught a studio of over 45 private students, taught general music at Heartwood Montessori, and Sandra Day Lerner Jewish Day School. He has also conducted percussion clinics at middle schools and high schools throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Mr. Sargent has put together percussion ensembles at Heartwood Montessori and the Sandra Day Learner school. The Heartwood ensemble performed at the Percussive Arts Society's North Carolina State Day of Percussion. Mr. Sargent has a Bachelor of Arts in Music with Business Electives from UNC-Pembroke, and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Past teachers of Mr. Sargent include Mark Ford of the University of North Texas, Chris Moore of Georgia Tech, Jon Metzger of Elon University, Dr. Cort McClaren UNC-Greensboro retired, and Dr. Eugene Burkett Currently at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society and sits on the Education Committee. He is also a member National Association of Music Education. One of Mr. Sargent's most satisfying moments was when a former student who was partially deaf told him that he was marching with the Appalachian State Marching Band. Mr. Sargent's free time is spent with his wife Kathy and his kids Cameron and Madison in Wendell North Carolina.


 * Session 103: Campus Youth Ministry is for EVERYONE!** by Joyce Blum and Bonnie Agnew (St. Mary Magdelene, Apex)
 * Summary: **How to start and guide a student run youth ministry group within a Catholic school based upon the USCCB guidelines of Renewing the Vision: Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Campus Youth Ministry Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**


 * Joyce Blum ** is the Director of Religious Education and Campus Ministry at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School, Apex, North Carolina. She is a Master Catechist who has worked at St. Mary Magdalene since 2000 when the school first opened. Mrs. Blum holds a //Master of Pastoral Studies Degree with a concentration in Youth Ministry// from Loyola University. She teaches 7th and 8th grade religion and has designed, implemented, and integrated a campus youth ministry program into St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School. In 2011, Mrs. Blum was honored with the St. Mary Magdalene’s Teacher of the Year Award. She is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and //Lay Ecclesial Ministers' Association (LEMA).// Aside from her expertise in religious education, Mrs. Blum is also a North Carolina Certified Science Teacher where she taught Middle School Science for over fifteen years. Her ministerial interests drive her to help serve the needs of the community by participating with her students in various outreach programs and service projects. When Mrs. Blum is not with her students teaching or running service projects, you can find her reading a book, watching a hockey game, or having fun with her husband and family.


 * Session 104: Making Your School a Stewardship School** by Lorraine Malphurs and Anne Knapke (St. Pius X, Greensboro)
 * Summary:** Highlight ways to make your wonderful Catholic School a Stewardship school.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Stewardship School Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Anne Knapke** is the Principal of St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro, NC. St. Pius X Catholic School is comprised of 465 kindergarten through 8th grade students and is part of St. Pius X Parish consisting of over 1,530 families. Anne is dedicated to Catholic education and instilling the philosophy within her school community that //stewardship is a way of life// through education and example. She is a member of the Youth Stewards in Action Committee, consisting of church and school representatives, and a member of the St. Pius X Church Stewardship Committee. In both of her stewardship committee roles she has worked to enhance stewardship formation and strengthen parish relations. Over the past five years, Anne has regularly attended Regional and Annual International Catholic Stewardship Conferences throughout the United States. In 2010, she was honored to join Reverend Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, Pastor of St. Pius X Church, and fellow parishioners at the Annual International Stewardship Conference in Dallas, TX to accept the prestigious Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy Award for St. Pius X Parish’s outstanding work in Christian stewardship formation. Anne has her Masters of Educational Leadership from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently earning her Doctorate of Educational Leadership at High Point University. Anne and her husband are active members of St. Pius X Church, and her two daughters attend St. Pius X Catholic School.


 * Lorraine Malphurs** is a Second Grade Teacher at St. Pius X School. As a founding member of the Youth Stewards in Action Committee, she works along with school and parish members to provide stewardship opportunities for the School and Parish Faith Formation children at St. Pius X. Lorraine is a member of the Parish Stewardship Committee which facilitates opportunities to enhance all levels of stewardship in the parish. This role has included attending Regional Catholic Stewardship Conferences. Lorraine is the Faculty representative on the School Spirituality Committee and is a Guardian of the VolareWomen group at St. Pius X Church. She served as an Advisory Council Member for the HealthServe Community Health Clinic in Greensboro. Her Professional Awards include being named twice by the NCCTM as an Outstanding Elementary Mathematics Teacher, being included in two publications of //Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers//, being a recipient of the Servant’s Servant Award and receiving the Diocese of Charlotte’s Outstanding Teacher Award as well as the NCEA Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award. Lorraine has spoken at NCCTM Conferences and Charlotte Diocesan Conferences. This year marks her 40th year as a teacher at St. Pius X School.


 * Session 105: Excellent Websites for Teaching and Learning with the Common Core** by Heather Siekkinen (Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** Introducing educators to several wonderful free or inexpensive websites and online tools that support the Common Core and AASL Standards for the 21st century learner.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Websites for Common Core Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Heather Siekkinen** has been teaching 15 years and was a university press scholarly book editor, S.A.T. instructor for The Princeton Review, book seller, and high school and middle school teacher prior to becoming a school library media specialist. Mrs. Siekkinen has presented several workshops training teachers, administrators, and school library media specialists in the use of technology and has worked in six libraries. She holds a Master's degree in Library Science at the #1 nationally ranked School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a member of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), American Library Association (ALA), and the North Carolina School Library Media Specialists Association (NCSLMA). Her professional interests include meaningful use of technology in the K - 8 curriculum, the leadership role of the school library media specialist in education reform, working on the school library website, library collection development, collaborative teaching, inquiry-based learning, literacy development, and helping teachers and students be the best they can be. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, football, opera, art, classic movies, cooking, and spending time with her beloved husband, friends, and family. One of her favorite things in the world is finding the perfect book, music, tech, or Internet resource for someone.


 * Session 106: iAdventure: From Seed to Core** by Patty Fischer, Deb Lee, Patti Dickson and Ellen Deem (St. Matthew, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** Ready to start your adventure with iPads in the classroom? Let us share some valuable tips and tricks with you! In this session you will receive information about acquisition and management of the devices, student and teacher uses for the content integration, and examples for project based learning.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E,
 * iAdventure Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**

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 * Patty Fischer** is the Computer Teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School located in Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University, and has an endorsement to teach Academically Gifted students. She is a SMART Board Ô Certified Trainer for SMART Notebook Software 10 for Windows.=====


 * Deb Lee** - is the Media Specialist at St. Matthew Catholic School in Charlotte. She has degrees in Business, History and her Masters in Library and Information Systems. In addition, she has a certification in computer business and is a certified SMART Board Ô trainer.


 * Ellen Deem**- is a First Grade Teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School located in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has a Bachelors in English and a Masters in Student Personnel and has completed a post baccalaureate teacher training program.


 * Patti Dickson** - is a Second grade teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin, and a Masters of Technology in Education from Leslie University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.


 * Session 107: Stepping Away from the Teacher's Manual** by Kathy Sullivan (St. Thomas More, Chapel Hill)
 * Summary:** An overview of increasing enrollment of students with disabilities in the Diocese of Raleigh, followed by instructional techniques that help those students and all students in our classroom; data-gathering techniques to use in self-assessment of current practices.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M
 * Stepping Away Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Kathy Sullivan** received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (K-6) from UNC-W and her Master of Education (K-12) from NC State University. She is currently in the final steps to licensure in School Administration at UNC-Chapel Hill. Having taught 4th and 5th grade in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for five years, she is now in her seventh year at Saint Thomas More Catholic School in Chapel Hill. Kathy has a passion for differentiating instruction and responding to the learning styles and interests of all learners.


 * Session 108: Writing an Effective Letter of Recommendation** by Jennifer Murlless and Cathy Grady (Charlotte Catholic HS, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** Teachers will be given effective strategies for brainstorming and writing effective letters of recommendation for college admission
 * Suggested Audience:** H, Admin
 * Effective Recommendation Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Jen Murlless**__**:**__ Jen Murlless received her Bachelor of Science in Education & Psychology from Bucknell University and her Master's of Science in Education/Counseling from Bucknell. Jen has been a School Counselor in Arizona and at Charlotte Catholic High School from 1995 - 1998 and recently returned to us this past spring.


 * Cathy Grady**__**:**__ Cathy received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pace University and her Master's of Education in Counseling from Seton Hall University. She has been a School Counselor at Charlotte Catholic High School since 1999.


 * Session 109: Race to Nowhere Discussion** by Peggy Palasick (St. Mark Catholic, Huntersville)
 * Summary:** An opportunity to discuss the film "Race to Nowhere" - being shown on Friday, 7am (see schedule for details)
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H, Admin
 * Race to Nowhere Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Peggy Palasick** received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from University of South Florida and her Masters of Education in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. Peggy has been a School Counselor at OLA and is now at St Mark Catholic School for 6 years. She has been facilitating parenting workshops for the past two years through a grant funded by the MACS Grant Foundation as well as teaching Study Skills and Guidance classes. She also works with students in individual and small group counseling sessions throughout the year.


 * Session 110: Encouraging Innovation: "Working" the Scientific Process using STEP** by Barbara Gamblin (Cardinal Gibbons HS, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** STEP (Sustainable Transportation Education Project) is sponsored by NC State Solar Center, the National Science Fund, and the US Navy. It allows junior and senior high students to explore solar and electric energy. Students are issued a solar panel and a car kit. They design a solar charging station and an efficient battery run remotely controlled car for competition. This project encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration and is an excellent addition to the college application.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * Encouraging Innovation Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio**:
 * Barbara Gamblin** begins her thirteenth year at Cardinal Gibbons High School in the 2102-2013 school year. Prior to Gibbons, Mrs. Gamblin has taught at Jackson Preparatory School in Jackson, Mississippi,The Linsly School in Wheeling, West Virginia, and Immaculata High School for Girls in Washington, DC. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a BA in Biology and holds a Masters degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Mississippi Medical School Graduate Program. She has taught Biology and Honors Biology, Cellular Biology, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and Zoology. She currently teaches Ecology, Environmental Issues, and Earth Science at Cardinal Gibbons.

Two goals are central to Mrs. Gamblin's teaching philosophy. The first is to incorporate environmental stewardship into the curriculum. The second is to encourage and develop creative and innovative students who are able to think critically, problem solve, and collaborate with each other - all essential skills as they are sent out into the world to face the global challenges we all will face in the 21st century. STEP (Sustainable Transportation Education Program) accomplishes both goals. It is a program designed for both middle and high school students and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Progress Energy, NC State, and the United States Navy. The program encourages middle and high school students to explore electric and solar energy options. STEP offers a challenge appropriate for middle school and expands into a program appropriate for high school. It is an excellent way to allow students to spend extended time researching a topic and makes a perfect long term group project-which is guaranteed to engage students.

This is **Dale Foushee**'s twenty-first year serving as librarian at Cardinal Gibbons High School, but it is her thirty-ninth year in education, with seven years as a full-time high school classroom teacher in public schools, and eleven years as a public school librarian. She received both her bachelors and her masters degrees from Louisiana State University.
 * Session 111: The Comprehensive Research Paper Process** by Prudence Scott and Dale Foushee (Cardinal Gibbons HS, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** A six-step research paper process is taught and utilized in three courses with each class building upon the lessons of the past class. Students are walked through in order to successfully write their own thesis, outline, note cards, works cited and final paper. The instructor uses a computer, LCD, sympodium, and Elmo to teach the process.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * Comprehensive Research Paper Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**


 * Prudence Scott** graduated from Elon University and is in her eighth year at Cardinal Gibbons High School. She has worked as an English teacher, librarian and lacrosse coach.


 * Session 112: Digital Project Based Learning: Effectively Integrating Technology in the Classroom** by Kim Seder and Diane McGrady (The Cathedral School, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** In this workshop participants will learn how to enhance core curriculum instruction through the use of technology projects in grades PreK-8. Practical, ready to use ideas will be presented to maximize student learning through technology integration. Projects include a variety of web-based and software based resources.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M, Admin
 * Digital Project Based Learning Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Diane McGrady** is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Cathedral School. **Kim Seder** is the Director of Technology. They were key presenters at the Diocese of Raleigh Fall Professional Development Day in October 2011. The presentation was focused on the changes to the new Diocesan curriculum towards technology integration and the path Cathedral School has taken to completely integrate technology into the core curriculum. Cathedral has been a model school for technology integration and has hosted many visits by other Diocesan schools looking to learn more about the program which includes a 1:1 laptop initiative. In this workshop participants will learn how to enhance core curriculum instruction through the use of technology projects in grades PreK-8. Practical, ready to use ideas will be presented to maximize student learning through technology integration. Projects include a variety of web-based and software based resources.

Foldable Booklets Presentation Materials
 * Session 113: Subject Review Foldable Booklets for Hands-on Visual Learners** by Maggie Moore (St. Patrick, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** An innovative and useful way to help your students learn and review science. The booklet incorporates 1) communication test-to-self, 2) sequencing, 3) observing, 4) measuring, 5) infer, predict, and draw conclusions, 6) compare and contrast, 7) sort and classify, 8) making a model. This can be changed a variety of ways to meet the needs of any lesson.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Maggie Moore** has taught 4th grade at St. Patrick Catholic School for 5 years. She received her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Lynchburg College in 2007 and her Masters of Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2011 where she wrote her thesis on Test Anxiety in Elementary Students. She strives to reach each student as an individual.

Writing Across the Curriculum Presentation Materials She teaches sixth grade Social Studies,seventh grade Social Studies,Literature and Writing, eighth grade Social Studies, Literature, Writing,and Religion.
 * Session 114: Writing Across the Curriculum in Middle School** by Erin Read (Our Lady of Mercy, Winston-Salem)
 * Summary:** 7th grade persuasive writing test; 8th grade Literature - Character Analysis Essay and Social Studies Thesis statement paper based on a theme or person from the curriculum.
 * Suggested Audience:** M
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Erin Read** has been teaching at Our Lady of Mercy School for eighth years.


 * Session 115:** ** Incorporating Local History in the Classroom ** by Tim Miller (Immaculata Catholic School, Durham)
 * Summary:** Local history can be just as exciting as other histories. By incorporating local political, economic, and social themes, many curriculum objectives can be reached. This session will focus on identifying strategies on how to achieve this.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M
 * Incorporating Local History in the Classroom Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Tim Miller** has been teaching middle school Social Studies at Immaculata Catholic School in Durham for over twelve years. Certified in 6-12 Social Studies, he holds a B.A. in History and Secondary Education and is working toward a Master’s in Global Education and New Media through Appalachian State. He also has previous experience teaching in Japan and in NC public schools.

**Summary:** Live RenWeb Demonstration – See Why 2,500 Schools Use the Industry Leader!
 * Session 116: RenWeb School Management Software** by Lesa Doerstling

And that number is growing fast, as RenWeb School Management Software added 700 new schools in the past 2 years alone. RenWeb has revolutionized school management with its industry-leading Power, Integration, Ease of Use, and Affordability. Come see how RenWeb’s functionality continues to expand with each new release, including its newest online application and online enrollment services, integrated web site solution, and iPhone apps. Let us demonstrate for you why so many other schools have made the switch to RenWeb and the possibilities RenWeb offers your school. (Vendor Workshop)
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * RenWeb - Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

A veteran educator of 27 years, Nora Moulton has taught at East Lake High School, Tarpon Springs, FL, and Countryside High School, Clearwater, FL; and currently teaches at Harrison High School, Kennesaw, GA. A 2009-10 HHS Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Moulton works as English department chair and represents Sadlier-Oxford at this conference. After two years of study at the University of Tennessee, she completed her bachelor’s in Mass Communication/English Education at the University of South Florida. She teaches SAT Prep and British Literature.
 * Session 117: Common Core Language Arts - Sadlier** by Nora Moulton (Sadlier)
 * Summary:** Regalement and Rigor: How to unpack, understand and use the CCS in your classroom -- tomorrow! With a focus on reading, writing and vocabulary for English teachers, this session will offer practical ideas for implementation (and dare I say, having fun?) with the standards.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Sadlier Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 118: Using AIMSweb for Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring** by Barbara Fuller and Gail Rodin (Pearson)
 * Summary:** Learn how the web-based AIMSweb assessment, data management, and reporting system can help you quickly and easily identify at-risk students and monitor the effectiveness of instruction and interventions. Join us for a live look at this powerful, yet afforadable and easy-to-use system, and see how it can help improve learning outcomes at your school!
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, Admin
 * Pearson Learning Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Dr. Gail Rodin** is a clinical neuropsychologist who lives and works outside Raleigh, NC. She majored in psychology as an undergraduate at Yale University and completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at New York University. In 1994 she opened the Center for Attention, Learning, and Memory in Raleigh, through which she offered clinical assessment services and training for fellow professionals. From 2000 to 2002, she served on the NC Department of Public Instruction Study Team for SLD Eligibility, which produced recommendations leading to the design of NC’s RtI model. Since November 2002, Dr. Rodin has worked as an Assessment Consultant for Pearson. Her clinical interests include developmental learning disorders (ADHD, learning disabilities, high-functioning autism/Asperger syndrome); psychopharmacology; and the integration of scientific findings into public policy.


 * Session 119: Helping Students Hold Onto Information in the "Instant" Age** by Suzanne Albertson (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** This presentation will briefly discuss the trends working against the student's ability to recall information. We will focus primarily on techniques that can be used to try to improve long-term memory of information. To improve information retention and recall would improve the student's ability to extend ideas to new subject matter, global issues, and critical thinking exercises.
 * Suggested Audience:** H
 * Instant Age Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Suzanne Albertson** has been a science instructor of various disciplines for 17 years. She has taught community college labs for microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. She then became a regular lecturer for the Science Star program in Gaston County. For the past 12 years, she has been a science instructor at Charlotte Catholic High School. She has taught all 4 grade levels and the 3 major course levels through her term at Charlotte Catholic. Suzanne earned her BS in biology from Belmont Abbey College and is liscensed to instruct all high school sciences.

Keeping with our tradition, heritage, and experience, we continue to move forward with a changing world and all of its challenges.
 * Session 120: RCL Benziger - Catholic Religous Resources** by Pixie Smith
 * Summary:** RCL Benziger has been involved in religious education since 1792, when Joseph Benziger first began selling devotional books in the small village of Einsiedeln, Switzerland. Much has changed in 220 years, but one constant that has remained is the tradition RCL Benziger has maintained by providing the best in Catholic religious education.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * RCL Benziger Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 121: ALEKS Math / NC Literacy Resources, Inc.**by Rebecca Lewis, ALEKS, Werner Kist, Bishop McGuinness High School, Blair Greiter, ALEKS

ALEKS - Creating Personalized Learning for Mathematics for Grades 3-12.
 * Summary:**

ALEKS is a web-based, Common Core integrated Math program that creates an individualized learning path in Math for each student. ALEKS uses artificial intelligence to determine precisely what a student knows and then introduces only the concepts a student is ready to learn. ALEKS builds upon what students know to attain mastery of standards. Used extensively in 1:1 laptop programs, as a core program or supplemental to a textbook, ALEKS courses range from 3rd Grade Math to AP Chemistry, Math Prep for AP Physics and AP Calculus. ALEKS is currently in use at several Catholic Schools in NC. A full year of ALEKS costs $42.50 per student and a student can access all courses.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * NC Literacy Resources Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

CDW is a leading provider of technology products and services for business, government and education.
 * Session 122: "Epson’s Interactive Projector Series – An Innovation in Projecting"** by Isaac Price (CDW-G)
 * Summary:** Interactive whiteboarding has become integral in the 21st Century Classroom. Learn about new ways to affordably provide this technology to your students in a way that is less disruptive to the teacher and the learning environment.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * CDW-G Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

Using Alice, students can build an interactive story or game for a project in any discipline from problem solving in math and science, to telling a story in language arts, history, and foreign language, or being creative in music and art. Teachers can download Alice (version 2.3) before coming at [|www.alice.org] and follow along with a short demo to try it. Our curriculum materials are available for free at [|www.cs.duke.edu/csed/alice/aliceInSchools] Alice Presentation Materials Prof. Rodger is a leader in integrating computing into K-12 using Alice. With the Adventures in Alice Programming project, she has run over fifteen Alice workshops or Symposiums ranging from two-days to three weeks. She has developed free Alice curriculum materials for K-12 teachers that include over 60 tutorial topics on programming and animation at [|www.cs.duke.edu/csed/alice/aliceInSchools]
 * Session 123: Integrating 3D Animation with Alice into All Disciplines** by Dr. Susan H. Roger (Duke University)
 * Summary:** The Adventures in Alice Programming project is working with K-12 teachers to integrate computing in the form of 3D animations and games into a variety of disciplines using the Alice virtual worlds programming environment.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M, H, Admin
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Dr. Susan H. Rodger** is a Professor of the Practice in the Computer Science Department at Duke University. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University and her B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from NCSU. She works in the areas of visualization and interaction and computer science education. She received the ACM Distinguished Educator award in 2006 and was a finalist in the NEEDS Premier Award for Excellence in Engineering Education Courseware.

=Session 2= Session 1 Session 2 Session 3


 * Session 201:** **__Get Nspired with TI-Nspire CX!!!__** by Jamila Gadsden (Texas Instruments)
 * Summary**: Want to find out how your students can now use TI technology every day to learn math and science???? Join me for an exciting experience with Nspired Learning, TI’s newest math and science learning solution that gives your students a one-to-one learning experience in in the math and science classroom. Nspired Learning enables interactive, inquiry-based learning that lets students explore and learn at their own pace in the classroom, lab and field, every day.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * TI Nspire Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

My goal is to understand what is important to every one of my clients and to provide them with a roadmap to financial freedom. I have been providing one-on-one retirement planning for the employees’ of the Diocese of Charlotte over the past 16 years with CitiStreet and currently MetLife. During this time I have earned designations for Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Chartered Long-Term Care Counselor (CLTC). In addition, I have qualified for and am a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for the top financial advisors in the industry. And belong to NAIFA- National Association of Financial Advisors.
 * Session 202: Retirement Planning** by Kenneth Altman, Financial Advisor (MetLife)
 * Summary:**
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Retirement Planning Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Kenneth Altman:**

I have been married to Annette for 17 years and we have two boys, Mark & Matthew, who attend Cabarrus County Schools. In our free time, we enjoy sports and viewing movies.

The //Hands on Banking®// program, and its Spanish-language counterpart, //El futuro en tus manos®//, cover all the basics of sound money management in an easy-to-understand, entertaining format that teachers can easily integrate into their lesson plans. Developed as a free community service by Wells Fargo, //Hands on Banking// contains no product promotion or commercial content. Customized instruction for four age groups, from 4th grade through adult
 * Session 203: Hands on Banking** by Amy Brown, VP. Senior Relationship Manager Wells Fargo at Work (Wells Fargo)
 * Summary:**
 * Topics include budgeting, bank accounts and services, saving and investing, responsible use of credit, buying a car, how to afford higher education, finding a job and career, and more
 * Curriculum aligned with education standards including:
 * Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (2000)
 * Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics (1996)
 * JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, National Standards in Personal Finance (2008)
 * Includes comprehensive Instructor Guides, worksheets, teaching tips, assessments, calculators, glossary of financial terms, and more
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M, H
 * Wells-Fargo Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

in the classroom.
 * Session 204: Why We Need Math in Science and How to Teach It** by Karen Belciglio and Catherine Bischoff (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:**Will discuss the necessity of applied Math in Chemistry and Physics and offer teaching models along with other resources to use
 * Suggested Audience:** H
 * Why We Need Math in Science Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Karen Belciglio** has been teaching biology, physics, chemistry, and environmental science for over 13 years. The last six years she has taught three levels of chemistry at Charlotte Catholic High School, and Central Piedmont Community College. She holds an undergraduate degree from University of Central Arkansas in education, and a Masters degree in Life and Chemical Sciences from the University of Maryland. A member of the American Chemical Society and the National Science Teachers Association, she has presented twice at NSTA regional conferences on the importance of nuclear chemistry and physics at the high school level. Her passions are helping students learn the complex and sometimes frightening concepts presented in science, making soap, and writing children’s books.


 * Catherine Bischoff** is a 1998 alumni of Charlotte Catholic High School and has been teaching at there for the last ten years. She holds an undergraduate degree from Queens College in Charlotte in mathematics and a Masters degree from University of North Carolina, Charlotte in high school math education. She has taught all levels of math as well as SAT preparation, and incorporates an inquiry-based classroom philosophy. She has been awarded a Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools grant for inspired learning applications on the Inspire Navigator system. She also has attended several STEM conferences nationwide to enhance the integration of applied math and math careers into CCHS classrooms.

As an educator, **Judy LaPietra** has nine years experience as a middle school history teacher both in New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been awarded several grants in the areas of curricula development and implementation. Judy is also an adjunct lecturer at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she teaches several Holocaust related courses. As an active member of the Global, International and Area Studies department at the University, her experience includes the organization of academic lecture programs and working cooperatively with local organizations in the promotion of Holocaust education. Her most recent course offering includes a travel component where students study at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. Judy is a Master Teacher for The University of Southern California's Shoah Foundation Institute. Her affiliation with the Anti-Defamation League as a regional educator of the Echoes and Reflections multimedia Holocaust curriculum includes the testimonies of the Shoah Foundation Institute’s Visual History Archive. In these roles, Judy's responsibilities include the regional implementation of Holocaust curriculum as well as the execution of educator training workshops in the Southeast. Judy also serves as a member of the Bearing Witness Regional Planning Committee for the Bearing Witness Summer Institute in Washington D.C. She has participated in numerous educational programs at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem as well as The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She is proud to call herself one of “Vladka’s Teachers,” having travelled to Poland with the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teachers’ Program in 2009. Judy counts her work on prisoner shoe restoration at Auschwitz as among the most significant Holocaust related work she has done.
 * Session 205: IWitness: One Voice at a Time** by Judy LaPietra (St. Mark Catholic, Huntersville)
 * Summary:** Designed for secondary school educators and students, IWitness provides a searchable collection of more than 1,000 video testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses from the USC Shoah Foundation Institute's archives. IWitness enables student to engage on an individual level with the testimonies and to discover connections to their own lives while building the literacies needed in the 21st century, including information, media and digital literacies.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * IWitness Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio**:


 * Session 206: 21st Century Research** by Terri Taylor and Jo Cabana (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** How do students today keep track of their research and avoid plagiarism? Utilizing NoodleTools and Big 6 Research Model, we will demonstrate a 21st Century technique of student research that can be shared with classmates and the classroom teacher. Bring your own computer to play along with us. Noodletools is offering a free 3 week trial.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * 21st Century Research Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Terri Taylor** is a Teacher-Librarian at Charlotte Catholic High School. She has been at CCHS since 2005 and received her MLIS from UNC-G. Since arriving at Charlotte Catholic, Terri has been responsible for many important improvements in the library and has implemented a high level of doing research for all grade levels. At the beginning of each school year, she conducts workshops for all grade levels, so students know what is available to them in the Charlotte Catholic library.
 * Jo Cabana** teaches 9th grade (Regular and Advanced) and 10th grade (Regular and Honors) English at Charlotte Catholic High School. She has been teaching English at Charlotte Catholic since 2003. Prior to that, she taught English at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and at Cardinal Gibbons High School, both in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. She has a BA in English and an MS in Secondary Education and has been teaching English for 26 years.

you to spend quality time with each student you teach.
 * Session 207: Developing a Blocked-Time Schedule for Centers in K-2 Classrooms** by Wendy Merritt (St. Patrick, Fayetteville)
 * Summary:** Having a hard time with accountability using exploratory centers? Consider creating daily centers where all student complete all centers each day! Come see how reading, Math, Science and other subject matter can be combined into a self-paced blocked-time allowing
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E
 * Blocked-Time Schedule Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio**:
 * Wendy Merritt** has been teaching at St. Patrick Catholic School since the fall of 2000. She has taught first grade for four years and kindergarten for the past eight. She has both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Elementary Education and has completed Post Graduate Certificate work in Reading Education to become a certified Reading Specialist.


 * Session 208: Faculty and Administrative Perspectives on a New Observation, Self-Reflection, and Growth Process at Charlotte Catholic High School** by Brendan Keane (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** This presentation will discuss an action research project undertaken by the presenter at CCHS in the 2011-2012 school year. The project included the creation and implementation of a new observation and growth process, new instruments and the evaluation of teacher and administrative perceptions of the process.
 * Suggested Audience:** Admin
 * New Observation Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Brendan Keane** has been a teacher of History at Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, NC since the fall of 2004, prior to which he taught Social Studies at East Mecklenburg high school from 2001-2004. He is scheduled to receive his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame in July of 2012 after completing the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program under the direction of Rev. Ronald Nuzzi. This presentation is based on his work within that program and as a researcher at CCHS in 2011-2012 which involved the development and study of a new observation process at the school. In addition to teaching, Brendan has been the chairperson of the Curriculum Committee and National Honor Society Faculty Council as well as the Head Rugby Coach at Charlotte Catholic.


 * Session 209: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Digital Textbooks** by Tracy Shaw and Patrick Preudhomme (Bishop McGuinness HS, Kernersville)
 * Summary:** We will share our experiences and knowledge in moving your school into the digital world. We will answer the questions: Why digital textbooks? What are the pros and the cons? How do you transition your school in a methodical way? Do your students need individual laptops or tablets to use digital textbooks.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H, Admin
 * Digital Textbooks Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Tracy Shaw** has been the Assistant Principal and Director of Studies at Bishop McGuinness since August of 2010. Prior to this Tracy taught at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro for 14 years. She has a B.A. in English and M.Ed in Higher Education Adminisration from UNC-Greensboro and in the Spring of 2013 will complete a Post Masters Ceritificate program focusing on the Principalship.

Bishop McGuinness has been trying to move away from the use of hardbound textbooks and have found the transition challenging and enlightening.


 * Session 210: Using Technology to Help Our Students Communicate** by Natalie Korda and Jennifer Laquerre (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** We will provide the participants with activities and programs/websites to help their students better communicate with others. There are a variety of websites to teach and practice grammar, vocabulary and culture. There are also excellent tools to create videos, write blogs and speak with people around the world.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H
 * Using Technology Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Natalie Korda** has been a Spanish teacher at Charlotte Catholic for the past five years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Secondary Education from Millersville University, and a Master’s in Education from Gratz College. She has taught at the middle and high school levels in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut and now calls North Carolina home. In addition to her 14 years of teaching experience, she has worked in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide professional development training for educators, designed curriculum for a number of public and private schools, and trained teaching artists for work in schools throughout North and South Carolina. Over the years, Natalie has developed a variety of project-based learning opportunities for her students, allowing them the ability to utilize a variety of technology-rich applications while learning the Spanish language.


 * Session 211: Charting New Waters: Virtualing Learning in the Diocese of Raleigh** by Amanda Cadran, Amy Reitz and Kathy Loeschorn (St. Mary Magdalene, Apex)
 * Summary:** This presentation will explore the potential avenues for introducing distance education and blended learning in the Diocese of Raleigh. As technology advances, the opportunity to give students unique and individualized learning plans with proven success rates also grows. The focus will be on the pedagogy and best practices of online and blended learning and its application for students at all levels of K-12 education.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Virtual Learning Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Amanda Cadran** holds a BA in journalism and English from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. She also earned her MA in political science there as a Presidential Scholar. Currently, Amanda is about to begin her eighth school year as a grades 5-8 technology facilitator in the Raleigh Diocese. Previously, Amanda taught middle grades language arts and religion, as well as K-8 technology courses. In addition to working with students at St. Mary Magdalene in Apex, Amanda also develops and teaches online courses through Duke TIP, an international program for gifted elementary, middle, and secondary students. She will begin a doctoral program in 2012 at NC State in Instructional Technology, with a research focus on standards for online and blended learning in the K-12 classroom. Amanda was awarded "Teacher of the Year" at St. Mary Magdalene in 2012, and in 2008, she contributed a middle school curriculum to the former National Public Radio program, "This I Believe." Prior to teaching, Amanda worked in New York City as an assistant to Dr. Henry Kissinger. She also worked in advertising, public relations, and print journalism.
 * Amy Reitz** has been teaching for sixteen years, twelve with the Diocese of Raleigh at St. Mary Magdalene in Apex. After receiving her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, Mrs. Reitz moved to the Raleigh area and began teaching third grade with Wake County Public Schools, where she was trained as a Technology Connections Teacher and integrated technology within her classroom daily. While at STMM, Mrs. Reitz has instructed students at various grade levels, including second and third grade as a classroom teacher, and fifth and sixth grade for Language Arts. In 2003, Mrs. Reitz helped to initiate a school-wide technology instructional program, working with classroom teachers and students in grades Kindergarten through 8th as a technology teacher to teach technology skills integrated with the students' subject matter. After returning to a self-contained classroom, Mrs. Reitz continued to integrate technology into her daily instruction, most recently utilizing interactive technology to instruct her students with a Smart Board, and engaging students through use of PBLs - Project Based Learning activities. This fall, Mrs. Reitz will return to the technology classroom, working with teachers to best integrate and understand the changes to the recent Information and Technology curriculum, while continuing the progress made with the school's move towards more Project Based Instruction. Mrs. Reitz has shared her knowledge working with technology in the classroom and with students as a speaker in 2006 (North Carolina Diocesan Conference, "Integrating Technology Into the Classroom") and 2007 (National Catholic Education Association Conference, "Dangers of Online Cyberbullying"). Mrs. Reitz was honored as a finalist for the 2009 Monsignor Gerald Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching for the Diocese of Raleigh. Mrs. Reitz continues to count her blessings from God, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and three children, Madelyn, Calvin, and Lily.
 * Kathy Loeschorn** has been working in the with technology for the past 20 years. She received her Bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University and then worked in the healthcare system first in finance then moved into the IT department. She was responsible for implementing a brand new system wide physician practice system into multiple doctor's offices. The implementation included training of office staff as well has the support staff for the system. Before moving to North Carolina in 1999 she was a project manager for a two hospital system working on the Y2K updates for all their systems. After taking a few years off to be home with her son, Zachary, she came to St. Mary Magdalene School as a Teacher Assistant in Kindergarten and then moved into a support role for technology and has been the Technology Manager for over three years. She is responsible for working with the staff to choose the RenWeb student management system and was in charge of the implementation. Currently she is heading up a project to install thin clients at St. Mary Magdalene School which has included an update of the entire network structure and hardware. When possible she assists in the technology classroom as support and sometimes as the teacher. This fall she will continue to assist faculty in fully utilizing technology in the classroom through integration with the Smart Boards, mobile lab, Elmos, and best practices. St. Mary Magdalene is working hard towards PBLs - Project Based Learning and Mrs. Loeschorn is working with the technology teachers as well as the remaining faculty to understand and have support for the ever changing curriculum needs.

Cheryl Stevens, Stacey Kababik, and Stefanie Horgan are teaching partners in the fifth grade at The Franciscan School in Raleigh. They have been working together for four years. Cheryl is in her thirteenth year of teaching. She holds a BS in Environmental Health for Indiana University in Pennsylvania and her teaching certificate from Meredith College. Stacey is in her twenty-third year of teaching. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Saint Michael's College in Vermont and a Master's degree in Math Education from Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts. Stefanie is in her eighth year of teaching. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and certification in Middle Grades Education from Barton College in Wilson, NC and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Cheryl was a 2012 finalist for the Monsignor Gerald Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Diocese of Raleigh.
 * Session 212: Ways of Implementing and Teaching Principles of Catholic Social Teaching** by Stefanie Horgan, Stacey Kababik and Cheryl Stevens (The Franciscan School, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** The 5th Grade teachers at The Franciscan School, team together to help you learn about the 7 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching and creative ways of implementing them in your classroom.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Catholic Social Teaching Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**

The Catholic Social Teaching program at The Franciscan School was established in 2006 and has been growing and flourishing ever since. Each grade level at The Franciscan School works hard to integrate the seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles; Care for Creation, Rights and Responsibilities, Dignity of Work, Human Dignity, Solidarity, Family and Community, and Option for the Poor, into daily education. This session will provide ideas on how to bring the program to your school as well as the sharing of designed learning experiences.

Philadelphia, Maryland, New Jersey and for 28 years in the Diocese of Charlotte. She holds a BS degree from Chestnut Hill college and a Masters degree from Georgian Court University.
 * Session 213: The Liturgical Cycle, The Vestments and the Vessels** by Sister Geri Rogers SSJ, Sandy McMonagle (Our Lady of Mercy, Winston-Salem)
 * Summary:** This session is on the Liturgical cycle, the vestments and the vessels.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * The Liturgical Cycle Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Sister Geri Rogers SSJ** is the principal of Our Lady of Mercy school.She has been in Education for 45 years serving in
 * Sandra McMonagle** is a retired principal from Our Lady of Mercy School (for 22 years), and was a classroom teacher for 23 years.

**Mr. Sandy Needham, M.Ed, i**s entering his 10th year as a Guidance Counselor at Charlotte Catholic High School. He has undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Psychology with a Graduate degree in Counseling. His school counseling experiences include working in elementary, middle school and high school settings. Prior to his school counseling work Sandy work in Social Services for eight years. Sandy’s career also included a work background in Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Human Services and Youth Crisis Counseling. He has five years Youth Ministry Experience in a catholic parish (St Ann’s). He also has 13 years experience in athletic coaching and scouting in a Catholic school and parish. Sandy is a parent of 4 adult children who recently welcomed his first grandchild. **Karen Grauman** has worked as a counselor in Catholic schools in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and at Charlotte Catholic HS since 1996, Over these years she has been the designated NCAA high school representative.
 * Session 214: Inter-Collegiate Athletics** by Sandy Needham and Karen Grauman (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** An overview of NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA athletic programs will be presented, with a focus on how coaches, teachers and counselors can assist the prospective collegiate student athlete.
 * Suggested Audience:** H
 * Inter-Collegiate Athletics Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**


 * Session 215: Tools for Engaging Students in the Music Curriculum** by Ben Tomczak (Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh)
 * Summary**: Bouncing balls, neckties, balloons and apps, Oh My! Come ready to learn and share tools and techniques for engaging K-8 students in the music classroom. Use familiar (or unfamiliar!) tools in non-traditional ways to meet the new music curriculum with your students.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M
 * Tools for Music Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Ben Tomczak** is in his ninth year of teaching for the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh. He teaches K-8 general music and chorus at Our Lady of Lourdes School and directs the Cathedral Knights’ Band at Cathedral School in Raleigh. He has also directed a choir of adults with developmental disabilities for the Arc of Wake County, brought children’s opera to schools through Durham’s CAPS program, and has taught string and band instruments privately. He has led parish youth choir, and he directed the children’s choir for the 2012 celebration of the Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Raleigh. His students regularly lead the school community in cantor, choral, and instrumental ministries at weekly liturgies. Mr. Tomczak studied undergraduate music at Hampshire College and focused upon teaching music throughout the completion of his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies at Loyola University New Orleans. He maintains membership in the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) and the National Association for Music Education.

Art Teacher Meet-up Presentation Materials
 * Session 216: Art Teacher Meet-up** by Beth Robinson (Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** K-12 Art teachers are invited to gather together to share ideas and discuss the latest advances in teaching Art.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Beth Robinson** has taught art at HTCMS for the past 9 years. Previously she taught art for 9 years at St. Patrick's Catholic Elementary School. She worked as a draftsperson for Amororlite and Mixon Architect after having graduated from Appalachian State University with a BSB in Art Education.

**Dr. Kelly Ann Wilson** received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Research with a specialty in finance from the University of South Carolina. Additionally, she earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts In Economics from Russell Sage College. Over the years, Kelly taught science, social studies, religion and English at Holy Trinity Middle School. She currently teaches in the Learning Support department specializing in the math and ENL. Outside of the middle school environment, Dr. Wilson has taught over thirty courses in Educational Psychology, Financial Planning and Professional and General Education studies. She resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband Doug, an investment banker, and their two dogs, Reuben and Gizmo.
 * Session 217: Conversations with Parents** by Dr. Kelly Wilson (Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** Transition challenging parent-teacher-administrator conflicts into positive learning opportunities for your academic communities. Conversations with Parents presents practical, easy to implement suggestions for setting up classrooms, grade-books and teaching philosophies to anticipate, minimize and resolve conflicts. We will also consider communication tools and conflict resolution strategies as time permits.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Conversations with Parents Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 218: Saints Alive in the Classroom** by Dianne Young (Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rocky Mount)
 * Summary:** Saints lead us to Jesus through the stories of their lives. We as teachers can share the stories of their lives using photographs, books, posters, the internet and projects. We should help our students celebrate the lives of these ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives. They can hold up these saints as models, heroes, and heroines. Saints are part of our lives as our patron saints, and saints who have chosen us.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M
 * Saints Alive Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Dianne R. Young** has served for seventeen years as the full time Director of Faith Development at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and School in Rocky Mount, NC. Dianne began her 45 years of ministry as a catechist after her high school graduation. In 1994 she received her Master Catechist and Lay Ministry Certification from the Diocese of Raleigh. In 2011 she was awarded the Mary Dowling Master Catechist Award. She also serves as the Tar River Deanery Coordinator.


 * Session 219: Developing a PLN: Personal Learning Network** by Susan Getter (Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh)
 * Summary**: Using social media, educators can develop a personal (professional) learning network that can help them find resources to assist in the integration of technology into their curricula.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Developing a PLN Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio**:
 * Susan Getter** has taught at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Raleigh for 17 years. She began as a homeroom teacher in 1993, teaching language arts and social studies. Two and a half years later, her interest in computers led her to becoming the computer teacher, and has been involved with technology ever since. As the current Technology Coordinator, Susan strives to keep up with the most current technologies in order to help both students and teachers at Our Lady of Lourdes with the implementation of the new Information and Technology curriculum. She has served on the technology curriculum comittee for the Diocese of Raleigh both in 2004 and 2011.

Stephanie is currently a national mathematics consultant for Sadlier. She has twelve years in the classroom, many of which were instructing hearing-impaired students in mathematics and pre-algebra. She has presented at regional and national meetings of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, but has a passion for her service to Catholic education, of which she is a product. She received her B.S. from Louisiana State University and did graduate work in mathematics both there and at Fontbonne College in St. Louis, Missouri. Stephanie's infectious enthusiasm and sense of humor draw audiences into her informative, hands-on workshops. Her motivational style is both dynamic and engaging. Teachers of all levels enjoy her lively presentations.
 * Session 220: Common Core - Not a Bore: K-8 Mathematics -** **Sadlier** by Stephanie Garland (Sadlier)
 * Summary:** Come and learn the how, when, and why of the Common Core standards in the mathematics curriculum. See the effect these standards will have on both you, and more importantly, your students’ learning in the math classroom. And, what you can do to ease your transition into Common Core.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, Admin
 * Sadlier Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 221:** **The Benefits of Teaching Evolution in a Catholic School: How to Use Evolution to Expand Students’ Knowledge of Catholic Teachings and Encourage Them to Find Reliable Resources to Answer Their Questions, Scientific or Religious** by Karen Clark, Immaculata Catholic, Durham
 * Summary:** Science seems to be under attack recently. What are our students to do when they are told that their faith doesn't mix with science? They need to understand that there IS NO controversy between faith and science. Come learn to use evolution as a way to teach our students to be better Catholics who have a deep knowledge of their faith teachings, and better scientists who know how to recognize gaps in their knowledge and can find reliable sources for answers.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M, H
 * Benefits of Teaching Evolution Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Karen Clark** has a BS from the University of South Carolina and an MS from Boston University where she studied at Woods Hole. After getting married and moving to North Carolina she began teaching middle school science at Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, and has been there for 9 years. This is her second time presenting at the Diocesan conference. She has also presented at an NSTA national conference and published curricula through the NSTA and the Foundation for Biomedical Research. This particular topic is one of her favorites to teach.


 * Session 222: Lego Education** by Kristie Brown
 * Summary:** Educational hardware, software and professional development services including Lego Mindstorms Robotics.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Lego Education Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

Ralph Moore is a professional development specialist with SAS® Curriculum Pathways®. He works with schools and organizations around the country and has presented at conferences for organizations such as the National Council for the Social Studies and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. A former army officer and social studies teacher, he spent 10 years on the SAS® Curriculum Pathways® humanities team creating new digital curriculum products.
 * Session 223: SAS - Curriculum Pathways -** by Ralph Moore
 * Summary:** SAS® Curriculum Pathways® provides interactive, standards-based resources for grades 6-12 in English language arts, science, social studies, mathematics, and Spanish. The resources, which now include an complete online Algebra 1 course aligned to the Common Core State Standards, are free to students and educators in traditional, virtual, and home schools.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M, H, Admin
 * SAS Curriculum Pathways Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

=Session 3= Session 1 Session 2 Session 3


 * Session 301: Common Core and Middle School Math** by Anne Schade and Jannine Leblanc (Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** Common Core and middle school math.
 * Suggested Audience:** M
 * Common Core and MS Math Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Anne Schade** has been a math teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes school in Raleigh since 2006. Prior to that she taught high-school math at St. Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, MS. The presentation is based on common core standards and implitation in a middle school math class.
 * Jannine LeBlanc** has been a math teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes school in Raleigh since 2008. Prior to that she had been teaching Technology classes at Saint Raphaels and Our Lady of Lourdes in Raleigh.


 * Session 302: Implementing the Common Core State Standards in the High School Math Classroom** by Libby Lerner (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** This session will provide several activities to engage and inspire your high school math students. All activities will be tied to the common Core State Standards.
 * Suggested Audience:** H
 * Common Core Math in High School Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:** Libby Lerner has taught all levels of high school math at Charlotte Catholic High School for 14 years.

Tracy Shaw has been the Assistant Principal and Director of Studies at Bishop McGuinness since August of 2010. Prior to this Tracy taught at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro for 14 years. She has a B.A. in English and M.Ed in Higher Education Adminisration from UNC-Greensboro and in the Spring of 2013 will complete a Post Masters Ceritificate program focusing on the Principalship.
 * Session 303: Turning Summer Reading from Punitive to Positive** by Tracy Shaw, Jeremy Isaac and Lyndall Cantrell (Bishop McGuinness Catholic HS)
 * Summary**: How to change your current Summer Reading programs from an isolated English/Literature requirement to a unified cross-curricular experience creating a sense of community amongst ALL faculty and students. This new approach to summer reading will have an impact on your school community beyond just the actual experience itself.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * Summer Reading Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**

Jeremy Isaac is the Chair of the English Department at Bishop McGuinness, where he has taught since 2007. Prior to coming to Bishop, Jeremy served as a lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He as a B.A. in both English and Psychology from Union University, and a M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the UNC-Greensboro.

The school's summer reading had become burdensome to the students, so Bishop McGuinness decided to make drastic changes to the program which has had an amazing results and a postive impact on the entire school community.


 * Session 304: Even Science Fairs Can Be Fun** by Karen Kingrea (St. Thomas More, Chapel Hill)
 * Summary:** Expore an alternative to the traditional science fair through the use of STEM based projects. In addition, ideas will be shared highlighting ways to coordinate and host school-wide science events including Science Fairs, Family Science Nights, and Celebrate Science days. Participants will receive handouts to assist both teacher and student.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Science Fairs Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Karen Kingrea** has 28 year of teaching experience in three states, from Texas to North Carolina. Her experience is almost equally divided between public and Catholic education, with 18 years spent teaching in elementary schools in Texas and Arkansas, and 10 years in middle schools in Texas and at St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Middle Grades Science (6-9) certification. Through her years of teaching, she has taught classrooms of grades 3 - 8 and has worked with grades K-8 in lab settings. Ms.Kingrea has also served as a science workshop facilitator in both Texas and North Carolina. In addition, she enjoys teaching Summer Science camps for elementary students. A 2-week NASA institute that Ms. Kingrea attended in 2009, revitalized her teaching by introducing her to methods of incorporating engineering in her classroom. The Design Challenge has become an integral part of her lessons, from daily activites and extensive projects, to Science Fair.


 * Session 305: Learning Differences: Dys-what?** by Susan Tanahey (St. Pius X, Greensboro)
 * Summary:** Mrs. Tanahey will demystify Learning Differences terminology for you. Such terminology as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia will be discussed.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M
 * Learning Differences Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Susan Tanahey** is the Learning Support Coordinator for St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro, NC. She has worked at St. Pius X since 2001. Susan has her Masters Degree in the field of Special Education with the emphasis on Mild to Moderate Cross Categorical Impairments for grades K-12. She specializes in the field of Learning Differences. Previous to working at St. Pius X, Mrs. Tanahey worked at The Piedmont School in High Point, NC. It was there that she was trained with methods of The Hill School, of Durham, NC in the effective multisensory approaches to teach children with specific learning differences. Her background includes also working at Gateway Education Center in Greensboro, NC in the early 1990's.


 * Session 306: Making Connections** by Renee Birch (St. Mark Catholic, Huntersville)and Kim Antolini (Christ the King High School, Morresville)
 * Summary:** This presentation will demonstrate the importance of making real connections with your students. We will show the benefits through video/PowerPoint presentations. Specific activities that help make the connections will be given.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * Making Connections Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Kim Antolini**- Kim has been teaching in the MACS system since 2000. (2000-2004 8th grade math at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, 2004-2012 8th grade math, 8th grade religion, and 6th grade math at Saint Mark Catholic School) Kim currently is teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 at Christ the King Catholic High School and coordinating the Healthy Living Seminar series.

**Renee Birch** has been a middle school counselor at St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville, North Carolina for the past four years. Prior to that she worked at Mount Pleasant Middle School in Cabarrus County and Dore Academy is Charlotte, NC. Renee earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from St. Joseph's College in 1992 and her Masters Degree in Counseling from Pace University in 1994. She currently works with 7th and 8th graders through Healthful Living class, individual counseling, small group counseling, and No More Limitations. No More Limitations is an educational program for students with any disability. The focus is on teaching the student about his/her disability and self-advocacy. It is sponsored by the MACS Education Foundation.

After 15 years in the classroom, **Donna Moss** became the first lay principal of Cathedral School, Raleigh in 1999. During the past 13 years, Donna has led a revitalization process which has included: earning AdvancED accreditation; successful integration of technology including a 1:1 laptop program; development of a strategic marketing and admissions campaign; successful transition to cost-based/need-based budget; and the establishment of the "Principal as CEO" leadership team model. Her school earned the National No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon in 2007 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009. A mentor principal and national speaker, Donna is a native New Yorker who has happily adjusted to life in the south with her husband and son.
 * Session 307: No Guts No Glory - 21st Century Leadership** by Donna Moss (The Cathedral School)
 * Summary:** Entrepreneurial leadership is desperately needed in Catholic Schools today. Participants will discover the biblical context for leadership as well as practical applications. Emphasis is placed on both educational and business responsibilities. New models for leadership (such as "Principal as CEO") will be explored.
 * Suggested Audience:** Admin
 * 21st Century Leadership Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 308: Incorporating Technology Based Learning in the Classroom** by Shawn Panther and Dana Zimmer (Charlotte Catholic HS)
 * Summary:** This presentation will focus on ways to incorporate technology based learning in the classroom. We will NOT be focusing on training for specific technology products. Instead we will focus on ways to best use available technology resources in the classroom environment. Emphasis will be placed on implementing technology to increase student engagement and critical thinking skills across all disciplines. This will include ways to use technology resources in three specific learning methods: 1) lectures, 2) individual work, and 3) group work.
 * Suggested Audience:** M, H
 * Incorporating Technology Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Shawn Panther** received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and received his Masters of Arts in Teaching from UNC Charlotte in 2009. He has been teaching Social Studies (United States history, AP Economics, and Politics) at Charlotte Catholic for the past 7 years and piloted the 1:1 program that is now being implemented. Shawn is heavily involved in Student Council and is an integral part of the technology infusion.


 * Dana Zimmer** is a graduate of the Charlotte Catholic High School class of 2003. She later received her BA in History and Political Science from Duquesne University in 2006 and Completed her Masters of Arts in Teaching from UNC Charlotte in 2009. She has been teaching Social Studies (United States history and Politics) at Charlotte Catholic for the past 6 years and piloted the 1:1 program that is now being implemented at CCHS. She has a passion for using technology in the classroom and enjoys educating her peers in best practices.


 * Session 309: Digital Citizenship: Let Your Light Shine Online!** by Anna Bragg (Immaculate Heart of Mary, High Point)
 * Summary:** In an increasingly digital world, how can we prepare students to be responsible digital citizens? This presentation suggests Digital Citizenship skills, techniques, and resources to empower administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Time is allotted for networking and questions.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, Admin
 * Digital Citizenship Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Anna Bragg** is the Technology Director and Faculty Coach at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in High Point, NC. She also teaches technology classes for the 5th - 8th grade students at IHM. Mrs. Bragg is adjunct faculty at Indiana University, teaching both Undergraduate and Graduate Educational Technology courses for educators. As an experienced "online educator", she has also presented at the 2011 Diocese of Charlotte Technology Fair, Indiana University's Alumni Education Fair, the 2009-2010 Indiana Computer Educator's conference, and the 2010 Hoosier Education Computing Convention. An avid grant-writer, she was awarded a Samsung Teacher grant in 2011. She believes all students can learn to conduct themselves with grace and dignity in the digital world.

Science and Digital Video Teacher at Cardinal Gibbons HS. She has been teaching for 22 years, her prior experience was public schools in New York. She is currently part of Discovery DEN Network and is a Discovery Star. A member of NASA explorer schools and Honeywell Educators Space Academy.Diane has attended conventions such as NCTIES, gaining experience with various technological tools. Her experiences with various technology will be the foundation of her presentation. Physics Teacher at Cardinal Gibbons HS. Angie has been teaching for 24 years in Jesuit, Catholic, and public schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. She is currently using modeling and flipped classroom methods with her honors and college prep physics students.
 * Session 310: Classroom Tools: Web 2.0** by Diane Ripollone and Angie Melcher (Cardinal Gibbons HS, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** This presentation will include websites that offer Teacher Resources to help enhance the learning environment in the classroom. Examples include Discovery Education, Xtranormal, Prezi and others.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Classroom Tools Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Diane Ripollone:**
 * Angie Melcher:**


 * Session 311: Developing Executive Function in Middle School and High School Students** by Molly Sequeira (Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** This presentation offers an overview of what Executive Function is and why students struggle with these skills and what the teacher should be doing to assist them. This workshop will be geared to teachers who work with students from 5th through 10th grades but the suggestions can be adapted to other grade levels as well.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M, H, Admin
 * Executive Function Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Molly Sequeira:** Do your students claim that they did the homework but they don’t know where it is? Do students’ backpacks scare you? Are there too many zeros or incompletes in your grade book for homework? Are you involved in too many conferences where the main topic is home work is not being turned in? Then this may be the session for you. A few years ago, Molly Sequeira, the LST at HTCMS, decided that there had to be an answer to the above questions and she began her quest. While she may not have the definitive answer as the research is still out, she does have some definite suggestions and resources that may help you and your students.

Molly began teaching when the ditto machine was still high tech and if you wanted a border, calendar symbols or letters for your bulletin board you had to trace and cut them out yourself. Her undergraduate degree is from Santa Clara University; and her Master Degrees are in Learning Disabilities and Reading from George Washington University. She has been teaching for 33 years; twenty of them in Catholic schools, eleven in overseas schools and 2 in the public school system.


 * Session 312: Mission Possible: Serving Others** by Jeannie Horton (St. Mary School, Goldsboro)
 * Summary:** Christ's mission demands we serve. Are there enough hours in a busy academic day to include service? How do we instill a love of service in even our youngest students? It is possible to answer Christ's call while combining curriculum, stewardship and fun!
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M
 * Mission Possible Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Jeannie Horton** has served as a Catechist for over 40 years, sharing her faith with others from preschool through adulthood. Jeannie has held the positions of Director of Faith Formation, Adult Faith Formation coordinator and Liturgical Coordinator for the Catholic Communities of RAF Lakenheath, England and Landstuhl Army Medical Center, Germany. For the the past 15 years Jeannie has and is coordinator of the Religious Education program for St. Mary School with service and outreach being her emphasis. Jeannie is a Master Catechist in the Diocese of Raleigh, a member of the National Federation of Youth Ministry, the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Association. She holds a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in spirituality from Loyola University, New Orleans. In her spare time Jeannie love to craft and play with her grandchildren. She is even getting pretty good at Super Mario!


 * Session 313: Making it Real! Engaging Students in the Community** by Javier Cid (The Franciscan School, Raleigh)
 * Summary:** Vamonos! Get your students out of the classroom comfort zone and into the real world through interdisciplinary and community based field trips. The presenter will discuss goals, logistics and experiences of foreign language field trips. How to find appropriate sites, and organize it to make sure everything runs smoothly will be discussed.
 * Suggested Audience:** E, M
 * Making it Real Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Javier Cid** has been teaching Spanish to middle school students at the Franciscan School since 2003. He earned his Masters in Education from Western Kentucky University in 2002. He is working on a masters in Spanish Linguistics at North Carolina State University.


 * Session 314: Morning Broadcast** by Jon Klish (Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, Charlotte)
 * Summary:** Using a school's closed circuit TV equipment, attendees will learn how to produce their own morning announcements. Taped and live broadcast will be discussed along with tools to use for announcements.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Morning Broadcast Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Jon Klish** is in his 7th year of teaching at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. He was a former MACS student graduating from CCHS in 1999. He attended Wingate University where he majored in Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism graduating in 2003. While at Holy Trinity he developed a closed-circuit TV productions class. The first few years were taped school news magazines, and most recently have changed format to a live, 3-camera set up morning announcements class. In 2011, Klish graduated from Ashford University with a Masters of Arts degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology. He is also a lacrosse goalie coach for the women’s lacrosse team at Queens University.


 * Session 315: Eat, Play, Laugh - FUNdamentals of Physical Education and Athletics** by Megan Getz (St. Peter Catholic School)
 * Summary:** We will be covering some basics of P.E. classes, working with small budgets, having fun with noodles and other types of equipment. We will also look at some issues in Athletics in the Middle School area.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * FUNdamental Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**
 * Megan Getz** is in her 10th year of teaching Physical Education at St. Peter's Catholic School. She attended East Carolina University where she received her B.S. as well as her MaEd in Exercise & Sport Science. Megan has presented at several of the past Diocese conferences as well as the national AAHPERD conference.


 * Session 316: Learn NC** by Leslie Richardson (UNC) facilitated by Susan Goethals
 * Summary:** K-12 Teaching and Learning from the UNC School of Education **-** Come hear about all Learn NC has to offer!
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Learn NC Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**

I received my B.S. degree, with a major in Chemistry, from Fairfield University and my Doctor of Law Degree from Fordham University. I have been admitted to practice in New York and North Carolina. Bishop Begley appointed me as Diocesan Attorney in November of 1981 and I have worked continuously in that position since that date.
 * Session 317: Legal Issues for Schools** by Richard Lucey, Diocesan Attorney (Diocese of Charlotte)
 * Summary:** Presentation will deal with legal issues encountered in the schools including, but not limited to, reporting requirements re: abuse, response to subpoenas, supervision issues, record keeping, bullying, maintaining professionalism, immunizations and the like.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * School Law Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 318: Performance Arts and Music Teachers Meet-up** by Dottie Tippett, Ryan Tinker and Marcus Riter
 * Summary:** Performance Arts and Music Teachers are invited to gather together to share ideas and discuss the latest in Performing Arts and Music education.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H
 * Performance Art and Music Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bios:**
 * Ryan W. Tinker** currently serves as a Director of Bands at Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, NC. Prior to his appointment at CCHS, Mr. Tinker served as the Assistant Director of Bands at York Comprehensive High School in York, SC. He received a Masters of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of South Florida where he served as a graduate assistant for the USF Bands. At USF, Mr. Tinker studied conducting with Dr. John C. Carmichael and Dr. William Wiedrich – and trombone performance with Mr. Tom Brantley. In addition to his teaching responsibilities with the USF Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and Herd of Thunder, Mr. Tinker was an active participant in the USF Trombone Studio - playing in the USF Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble and the Trombone Octet.

Mr. Tinker received his Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Music Education and Trombone Performance from the University of South Carolina. While at USC, he studied trombone with Dr. Brad Edwards and conducting with Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Dr. Andrew Gowan, Dr. David O'Shields, and Mr. James Copenhaver. Mr. Tinker received the Robert Van Doren Award (2008) and the Cantey Award of Excellence (2007), the two highest and most prestigious awards given by the USC School of Music to an undergraduate with outstanding musical, academic, and leadership skills.

Mr. Tinker was a member of the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 2005–2008, playing euphonium and serving as horn sergeant and section leader for the corps. He is also a member of the International Trombone Association, NAFME, Pi Kappa Lambda, CBDNA, NBA, SCMEA, SCBDA, NCMEA, and is a South Carolina Teaching Fellow. He received an honorary membership into Kappa Kappa Psi, in recognition for his outstanding contributions and dedication to the bands at the University of South Florida. Mr. Tinker lives in Rock Hill, SC with his wife Katie, a math teacher at Northwestern High School. Mr. Tinker also serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC.

Mr. Riter currently serves as the Theatre Director for Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, NC. Prior to joining the elite and passionate faculty at Charlotte Catholic, Mr. Riter taught with Gaston County Schools for 5 years. He built up programs at two schools where the interest in Theatre had previously faded. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Appalachian State University where he minored in English. He studied under Robbie Benson and was offered an internship in N.Y. He holds a teaching license in both Theatre and English. When not tirelessly working with students, he works as an actor and artist in Charlotte, NC. He has worked as an actor, director, stage manager, set designer and builder, costume designer and constructionist, as well as a Mime. Mr. Riter lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Amy, and their boys, Boris and Kevin.


 * Session 319: World Language Teacher Meet-up** by Alejandra Ahrensdof (St. Mark Catholic School, Huntersville) and Jennifer Cabrera (Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School)
 * Summary:** World Language Teachers are invited to gather to share ideas and discuss the the latest in World Language education.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H
 * World Language Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio(s):**
 * Alejandra Ahrensdorf** has been teaching Spanish K-5 for the past eight years at St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville. For the past three years, she has been teaching an introductory class to French for 7th and 8th graders there as well. She has her BA in Spanish and French and her Graduate Certificate in Teaching Spanish and French, K-12, from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Alejandra has also lived and studied in her native Bolivia, and in Germany, Switzerland, and France.


 * Jennifer Cabrera** was born in the Dominican Republic, she has been teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Spanish for 6 years at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. She attended Wingate University, there she double majored in Sociology and in Spanish. She later attended North Carolina State University where she received an M.A. in Latin American Literature. She is currently pursuing a teaching certificate and a Masters in Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking and painting.

Jill Fallon is currently Director of Curriculum at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Dallas, Texas. The school has an enrollment of nearly 900 students in grades K-8 on two campuses and is the largest Catholic elementary school in Texas. In addition, St. Thomas was just named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Jill is an awarding winning teacher with more than 25 years of classroom experience at all grade levels. She holds a master's degree in education of the gifted and talented. With the goal of improving vertical alignment, developing continuity from grade level to grade level, and enhancing thinking skills she implemented Thinking Maps… a Visual Language for Learning at St. Thomas. She was invited to share her school’s success using Thinking Maps with the superintendent and 32 diocesan principals. The interest in the program after the presentation was so positive that it was adopted by the diocese, and to date all teachers have been trained and are implementing them in their classrooms.
 * Session 320: Thinking Maps: A “Common Language” for the Common Core** by Jill Fallon and Donna Coon (Thinking Maps)
 * Summary:** Thinking Maps give teachers an understanding of how to visually represent, or “Map,” the critical thinking embedded in the Common Core State Standards. We will show you how the Maps provide students with both the scaffolds and structures to support a deeper level of understanding, which will empower them to become college and career ready.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Thinking Maps Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 321:** **Digital Fluency in the Age of Common Core** by Cam Thackston, M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction Specialist- K12 Technology Solutions

of the Common Core State Standards through the use of technology? This session will explore new methodologies that build digital fluency for student success. CSI’s Connected Classroom Solution can help you “Build Your Own Success” and support you in the process.
 * Summary**: Digital Literacy vs. Digital Fluency? Are your students prepared to meet the challenges
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Computer Software Innovations Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio:**


 * Session 322: Archipelago Learning** by Kris Case and LaTonya Williams
 * Summary:** Archipelago Learning's suite of high impact, low cost, web-based solutions deliver effective and engaging targeted instruction to 14 million students in over 38,000 schools in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. We make rigorous learning fun, accessible, and affordable through a comprehensive suite of fully digital supplemental education products.
 * Suggested Audience:** P, E, M, H, Admin
 * Archipelago Learning Presentation Materials**
 * Presenter Bio**: