iNNovate 2025 NNPS: Full Schedule

10:15am EDT

Supporting Diverse Learners: Strategies for Every Classroom

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Join us for a dynamic session focused on practical strategies to support diverse learners and create an inclusive, engaging classroom for all. Participants will learn how to differentiate instruction, build on students’ strengths, and foster a sense of belonging. You’ll leave with adaptable tools and resources to meet a wide range of learning needs. Please bring a notebook, a pen, and a lesson plan or activity you’d like to adapt for diverse learners.

Speakers

Aurora Bautista

Special Education Teacher k-5, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
A109

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education

Host Organization Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors
Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Synergy Assessments, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors

10:15am EDT

From Strategies to Success: Empowering Teachers through SST 1 Frameworks

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

A107

Join us for an engaging session on supporting student success in SST 1! Participants will explore practical strategies for identifying student needs, documenting concerns, and implementing effective Tier 1 interventions. You'll leave with tools to enhance collaboration and streamline the SST process. Bring a laptop or device to access digital resources and sample templates during the session. Come ready to share, learn, and take actionable steps to support every student’s path to success!

Speakers

LaSonja Campbell

School Based Student Success Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Ariel Walton

School Based Student Success Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Yalonda Long

School Based Student Success Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Kellie Thomas

School Based Student Success Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
A107

Preschool Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Math | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Math | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Math

Instructional Planning Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Synergy Assessments, Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Managing Challenging Behaviors

10:15am EDT

Innovative Literacy Through Sensory Integration

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

B227

Join us for an engaging session on how to enhance literacy skills through sensory integration techniques! Participants will explore innovative strategies that incorporate tactile, auditory, and visual elements to create a dynamic learning environment. Discover practical activities and resources that promote literacy development while catering to diverse learners' needs. Let's transform literacy education together!

Speakers

Theresa Soitkunowski

Special Education Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Delicia Poellnitz

Special Education Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B227

Preschool Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Synergy Assessments, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Managing Challenging Behaviors

12:45pm EDT

Synergy for Teachers - working smarter not harder

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

A205

Work smarter not harder, using synergy to easily pull reports, record grades and make comments. Sending progress reports with notes to parents. Pulling reports and analyze data. How can I use synergy as a teacher to make data reports and communicate with parents and students easier.

Speakers

Laura Nelson-Rogers

Lead Science Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
A205

12:45pm EDT

Lumio and SMART Solution

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

B125

Discover how Lumio software and SMART Technologies hardware can transform your classroom into an interactive, collaborative learning space. In this session, you'll explore hands-on strategies for using SMART displays and Lumio to engage students, personalize instruction, and simplify lesson delivery. Learn how to create dynamic activities, integrate with your favorite tools, and leverage real-time feedback to boost student outcomes. Whether you're new to SMART or looking to level up your use, this session will equip you with practical tips to bring learning to life.

Speakers

Ellen Walker

Area Manager, SMART Technologies

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B125

Preschool Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Synergy Assessments, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Managing Challenging Behaviors

2:00pm EDT

From Data to Action: Using Synergy Assessment to Drive Instruction and Empower Students

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

B226

In today’s data-driven classrooms, simply assessing student learning isn't enough — we must take meaningful action! This session will show educators how to harness Synergy Assessment's powerful analytics tools to identify student misunderstandings and design targeted assessment questions through Synergy that address their specific needs. When students actively analyze results and contribute to identifying next steps, they gain a greater sense of ownership and confidence in their learning journey. Bring your laptop and get ready to transform your assessments to drive impactful, student-centered instruction!

Speakers

Lisa Coon

Data Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
B226

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies | High School Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Synergy Assessments, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

2:00pm EDT

Transform Science and STEM Learning with Merge EDU

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

B131

Discover the future of education with Merge EDU, a hands-on digital learning platform that helps students learn science and STEM effectively using digital teaching aids and simulations they can touch, hold and interact with.
In this session, you will get an overview of the Merge EDU platform, and see how it bridges the gap between abstract concepts and tangible experiences for your students. You'll gain insights into how Merge EDU engages students with hands-on activities, empowering them to touch, hold, and interact with virtual objects, which fosters a deeper understanding of complex topics. Every attendee will receive a free Merge Cube!

Speakers

Isabella Gipson

VP of Sales, Merge EDU

Isabella Gipson is the Director of Channel Sales at Merge. She has been with the company for over 7 years, and played a pivotal role in onboarding the first 100 Merge EDU customers. In her role, she collaborates with resellers (including Bluum), personally visits schools to showcase... Read More →

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
B131

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Synergy Assessments
Learning Environment Digital Citizenship and Online Safety