Welcome!
Program
- 10:00 am Doors Open
- Registration
- Continental Breakfast
- Childcare (McNaugher Lounge)
- 10:45am – Welcome Introductions
- Welcome CircleOverview of the Day/What to expectDSC Big Welcome
- 11:35 am First Round of Workshops (40-45mins)
- 12:25 pm 2nd Round of Workshops (40-45mins)
- 1:15pm Lunch Plenary and PerformanceWhat we learned
- Special Performance: Vocalist- Jacquea Mae
- Keynote Speaker: Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director Alliance for Quality Education, NYC
- 2:00pm Closing Circle
1st Workshops
11:35am
IEPs & 504 Plans- Special Education
Main Room
Hetal Dhagat & Christine Porter Staff Attorneys, Education Law Center Main Room
This interactive workshop on special education will tackle common worries and clear up any confusion in this important field. You’ll gain a deep understanding of key ideas like the “least restrictive environment” and learn the right steps to take if you think your child needs special education services.
Special Education Services/Resources for Student Transition
A- Class Room
Crystal Evans, Transition Coordinator, Pittsburgh Public schools/IU2 & Ashley Mcfall Transition Coordinator Pittsburgh Public Schools
This presentation will cover Secondary Transition, including laws and regulations, how transition is addressed in the IEP, and a brief overview of transition services and programs within Pittsburgh Public Schools
Immigration in Our Schools: How to Protect Our Children from I.C.E.
B - Class Room
Matt Jordan, Casa San Jose & Martin Urbach, The Circle Keepers & The Dignity In Schools Campaign
This Know Your Rights workshop is designed for K–12 students and their families, focusing on how to stay safe from ICE activity in and around schools. Participants will learn what ICE can and cannot do on school property, how to recognize valid warrants, and the rights of students in key situations like enrollment and language learning. Using a hands-on, Theater of the Oppressed approach, the workshop includes role plays and scenarios to help families build real-world skills and confidence. It also offers guidance on how to safely and ethically document encounters—empowering communities to protect one another
Restorative Justice Practice/Focus on Healing, Not Push Out
C- Class Room
Dr Erika Edwards- Singletary, Cross Functional Professional Learning Specialists, Montgomery County Public Schools
“The Five Skills of Restorative Practice: Building Stronger Connections” In this presentation, we’ll explore the five core skills that form the foundation of restorative practice. We’ll move beyond just understanding the “what” and dive into the “how” by focusing on empathy, listening, communicating, problem-solving, and accountability. Discover how these practical, everyday skills can help you navigate conflict, build stronger relationships, and create a more connected community, whether at home, at work, or in your neighborhood.
2nd Workshops
12:25am
IEPs & 504 Plans- Special Education
Main Room
Hetal Dhagat & Christine Porter Staff Attorneys, Education Law Center Main Room
This interactive workshop on special education will tackle common worries and clear up any confusion in this important field. You’ll gain a deep understanding of key ideas like the “least restrictive environment” and learn the right steps to take if you think your child needs special education services.
The Impacts of School Closures Present
A- Class Room
Former school board member, Pamela Harbin
Immigration in Our Schools: How to Protect Our Children from I.C.E.
B - Class Room
Matt Jordan, Casa San Jose & Martin Urbach, The Circle Keepers & The Dignity In Schools Campaign
This Know Your Rights workshop is designed for K–12 students and their families, focusing on how to stay safe from ICE activity in and around schools. Participants will learn what ICE can and cannot do on school property, how to recognize valid warrants, and the rights of students in key situations like enrollment and language learning. Using a hands-on, Theater of the Oppressed approach, the workshop includes role plays and scenarios to help families build real-world skills and confidence. It also offers guidance on how to safely and ethically document encounters—empowering communities to protect one another
Restorative Justice Practice/Focus on Healing, Not Push Out
C- Class Room
Dr Erika Edwards- Singletary, Cross Functional Professional Learning Specialists, Montgomery County Public Schools
“The Five Skills of Restorative Practice: Building Stronger Connections” In this presentation, we’ll explore the five core skills that form the foundation of restorative practice. We’ll move beyond just understanding the “what” and dive into the “how” by focusing on empathy, listening, communicating, problem-solving, and accountability. Discover how these practical, everyday skills can help you navigate conflict, build stronger relationships, and create a more connected community, whether at home, at work, or in your neighborhood.
Public Schools Are for Everyone
