#LearnGrowThrive Summer Academy 2025: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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7:45am EDT

Invitation to Learning: Networking, Breakfast, and Registration

Thursday July 10, 2025 7:45am - 8:15am EDT

PFHS Room

Thursday July 10, 2025 7:45am - 8:15am EDT
PFHS Room

Pinned Session

8:30am EDT

From Understanding to Action: Learn Grow Thrive with Title IX

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

PFHS Room

Empower yourself with the knowledge to create a fair and supportive educational setting in your role with Cumberland County Schools. This session will help all participants learn how to recognize and respond to discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual harassment under Title IX. Gain clarity on identification and reporting procedures while growing your capacity to cultivate a learning/working environment where each student and employee thrives by implementing evidence-based practices.

Speakers

Kailey Hill

Title IX Officer, Cumberland County Schools

Kailey Hill is the Title IX Officer for Cumberland County Schools. She assists school administrators, complainants, and respondents with the grievance process for formal and informal complaints of discrimination on the basis of sex. She also serves as the distict's investigator for... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, GROW

8:30am EDT

Leading with AI: Empowering Educators through Generative Innovation and Continuous Growth LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

PFHS Room

In this interactive session, we will explore the transformative potential of generative AI in the classroom and beyond. Aligned with the GROW pathway’s focus on leadership development and continuous improvement, this session will demystify generative AI tools like ChatGPT and show how they can be leveraged to streamline tasks, personalize instruction, and foster creativity.

Participants will reflect on the ethical use of AI in education, collaborate on real-world applications, and gain practical strategies to lead AI integration efforts in their schools or departments. Whether you're just getting started or already experimenting with AI tools, this session will support your growth as a forward-thinking educator and instructional leader.

Speakers

Kenneth Josef

Network Specialist, Cumberland County Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

8:30am EDT

Mindful Mastery: Transformative Practices for Empowering Educators and Students LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

PFHS Room

Mindful Integrated Management (MIM) is a comprehensive professional development program designed for educators, social workers, counselors, and administrators. This evidence-based program integrates mindfulness practices with behavior management strategies and restorative approaches to create positive, academically rigorous learning environments. The program emphasizes practical application across different grade levels while incorporating tiered support systems to meet individual student needs.

Participants will:
-> Develop proficiency in implementing restorative practices
-> Integrate tier-based behavior management strategies
-> Learn grade-specific mindfulness techniques.
-> Create sustainable projected plans.
-> Build capacity for ongoing professional growth.

Speakers

Jemn Hershberger

IABS, Cumberland County Schools

Jannell Powlen

Jamesha Brown

Ja'Kena Caldwell

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

8:30am EDT

The Art of Ooops: Cultivating Rigor Through Error Analysis LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

PFHS Room

This engaging session will equip you with methods to deepen learning by analyzing the concepts and processes underlying student mistakes. Participants will leave with a practical toolkit readily applicable in various classroom settings. We will examine strategies to leverage error analysis as a natural pathway to incorporate critical thinking into your teaching. Learn how embracing "oops" moments can cultivate a classroom culture that encourages students to think more critically about the content and their problem-solving strategies.

Speakers

Laura Martyak

AIG Program Specialist, Cumberland County Schools

Laura Martyak is currently the Elementary Program Specialist with AIG (Academically/Intellectually Gifted) in the Cumberland County School System in North Carolina. She has been working in education since 2002 and has been teaching elementary education in North Carolina since 2006... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

8:30am EDT

The Thrive Sanctuary: Your Space for Well-being & Recharge LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

PFHS Room

The Thrive Sanctuary: Your Open Space for Well-being & Recharge
Step into The Thrive Sanctuary, a dedicated space designed for you to unwind, recenter, and reconnect with your inner calm. This unique 90-minute block offers a flexible, float-in-and-out format, allowing you to engage in self-care activities at your own pace. Choose from three distinct opportunities to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Calm Oasis Retreat
Escape the hustle and bustle in our Calm Oasis Retreat. This serene environment is designed to soothe your senses with tranquil sounds, calming visuals, and comfortable seating. Engage in mindful activities such as therapeutic coloring or journaling prompts that encourage reflection and self-awareness. It's the perfect spot to simply breathe and recharge.

Earthing & Planting Seeds
Reconnect with the natural world and ground yourself through our Earthing & Planting Seeds experience. Discover the therapeutic power of connecting with the earth as you engage in light, hands-on activities like potting small plants or arranging natural elements. This practice can be incredibly energizing, helping to reduce stress and foster a sense of peace and stability.

Wearing Intentions
Tap into mindfulness and creative expression with Wearing Intentions. This unique opportunity invites you to engage in the meditative art of bracelet making. As you select beads and string them together, you'll set personal intentions, allowing this creative process to become a powerful form of focus and self-reflection. Crafting with your hands naturally shifts your stress, enhancing cognitive well-being and leaving you with a tangible reminder of your aspirations.

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
PFHS Room

Wellness Block, THRIVE

8:30am EDT

AI for Literacy: Empowering Grades 6-12 LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

Unleash the power of the Science of Reading in your secondary classroom through an innovative fusion of research-based literacy strategies and cutting-edge AI tools.

In this 3-hour workshop, you'll transform your content teaching by mastering Scarborough's Reading Rope for teens, creating ready-to-use lesson plans and activities, and building a toolkit of AI-enhanced strategies that make complex texts accessible and engaging for every student in your classroom. (participants will need a charged computer and access to these AI platforms: Gemini, Chat GPT, Google Notebook LM and Magic School).

Speakers

Kendra Cameron-Jarvis

Senior Literacy Specialist, North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Kendra Cameron Jarvis is the Senior Literacy Specialist at NCCAT. With a career in education that began in 2004, Kendra has served in various roles including middle and high school ELA educator, Secondary Literacy Coach, and Instructional Technologist with Buncombe County Schools... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

3 Hour Transformative Workshop, LEARN

8:30am EDT

Promoting Student Achievement through Common Instructional Knowledge, Language and Tools LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

This session will introduce participants to a finite and manageable set of actionable, measurable, and replicable practices that have consistently transformed student achievement across urban, suburban, and rural schools and districts throughout the United States—before, during, and after the pandemic. During this workshop, educators will engage with key instructional strategies designed to enhance both teaching and student outcomes. The four foci of the professional development workshop are as follows:

• Focus #1: Composing and Leveraging Performance-Based Objectives
• Focus #2: Curriculum-Driven Opportunities to Teach and Assess General and Content-Specific Academic Language
• Focus #3: Gradual Release of Responsibility, the 5Es, and the Planning Table
• Focus #4: Defining Expectations for Writing

Participants will leave informed, energized, and equipped with a concrete blueprint forintegrating literacy practices into instruction in all grades and content areas characterized by support and accountability.

Speakers

Dr. Donyall Dickey

Founder and CEO, Epiphany Education

Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and the administration of schools. Unparalleled levels of student achievement and school improvement distinguish Dr. Dickey’s 20+ year career as an educational leader... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

3 Hour Transformative Workshop, GROW

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

8:30am EDT

Say It so They Hear It: Mastering Communication for Connection and Clarity LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration, leadership, and learning environments.

This interactive session will equip participants with the tools and strategies to improve verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills, enabling more productive conversations and stronger relationships in any professional or educational setting.

• Identify the core components of effective communication.
• Practice active listening strategies to enhance understanding.
• Recognize and manage non-verbal communication cues.
• Apply clear and assertive speaking techniques in diverse situations. Reflect on their communication style and identify growth areas.

Speakers

Dr. Kathy Kennedy

Founder and President, KLK Educational Services, Inc.

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

3 Hour Transformative Workshop, GROW

10:15am EDT

Bridges, Not Walls: An Overview of Restorative Practices LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

We are less likely to harm those with whom we have built connections...Realize the power of proactive community building to decrease incidents of inappropriate behavior through simple strategies, personal reflection, and active engagement. "Bridges, Not Walls" will provide participants with an overview of key concepts in Restorative Practices from a certified trainer. Implementation strategies will be modeled and discussed. This session will provide an overview for participants who have not yet received Restorative Practices training and also serves as a refresher for those who have previously experienced the two-day training.

Speakers

Ann Marie Palmer

Title 1 & Behavior Support Coordinator, Cumberland County Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

10:15am EDT

Creating Community in the Adolescent Classroom LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

This session is designed to help teachers of middle and high school students build healthy relationships between students in order to increase productive collaboration and engender a sense of belonging.

Speakers

Nicole Rivers

Multi-Classroom Leader

Nicole Rivers has been an educator in Cumberland County Schools since fall 2004. She earned her degree in Secondary English Education at Fayetteville State University, which led to rich educational experiences in urban, rural, alternative and virtual settings. Her years of professional... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

10:15am EDT

Plug In & Teach: Mastering Our Digital Classroom Tools LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

Ready to level up your digital teaching game? In this hands-on session, you'll get a guided tour of our county-approved Learning Management Systems (LMS), explore their key features, and learn practical tips to streamline instruction, communication, and student engagement. Whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will plug you into the tools that power today's classrooms — so you can teach smarter, not harder.

Speakers

Dr. Lisa Johnson

Digital Learning Facilitator, CCS Academic and Instructional Services

Life is better at the beach!

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

10:15am EDT

Survive and Strive LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

Discuss overcoming educators' challenges to overcome survival mode and thrive in a demanding environment.

Speakers

Talicia L. Smith

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, TRHIVE

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

10:15am EDT

The Empowered School Leader: Building Bridges, Systems & Self LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

Being a school leader today means wearing a dozen hats before 10 AM—and doing it all with grace, resilience, and clarity. The Empowered School Leader is a dynamic, interactive session that invites school administrators to lead with both strategy and heart.

We’ll explore what it means to build bridges—between families, students, staff, and community—and how to create systems that actually support the work (instead of overwhelming it). We'll learn how to document with purpose, coach with compassion, and provide support that makes sense.

But most importantly, we’ll focus on you: your leadership identity, personal values and strengths, wellness practices, and growth mindset. Here's the truth: you can’t lead others effectively if you're running on empty. Because the most powerful tool in any school? A leader who is grounded, energized, and connected to their purpose.

Speakers

Kimberly Tamsett

Assistant Principal, Cumberland County Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, GROW

10:15am EDT

The Thrive Sanctuary: Your Space for Well-being & Recharge LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

PFHS Room

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
PFHS Room

Wellness Block, THRIVE

11:45am EDT

Lunch Games Music

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

PFHS Room

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
PFHS Room

Pinned Session

12:45pm EDT

Creating Community in the Adolescent Classroom

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

PFHS Room

Speakers

Nicole Rivers

Multi-Classroom Leader

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

12:45pm EDT

Harmonizing Success: Foundations of IABS and MTSS LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

PFHS Room

This session is designed to provide educators, administrators, and support staff with a comprehensive introduction to Integrated Academic and Behavioral Systems (IABS) within the framework of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Participants will explore how the integration of academic and behavioral supports creates a cohesive approach to student success, fostering equitable outcomes for all learners.

Speakers

Jemn Hershberger

IABS, Cumberland County Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

12:45pm EDT

Leading with AI: Empowering Educators through Generative Innovation and Continuous Growth LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

PFHS Room

Speakers

Kenneth Josef

Network Specialist, Cumberland County Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

12:45pm EDT

The Art of Ooops: Cultivating Rigor Through Error Analysis FILLING

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

PFHS Room

Speakers

Laura Martyak

AIG Program Specialist, Cumberland County Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

12:45pm EDT

The Thrive Sanctuary: Your Space for Well-being & Recharge FILLING

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

PFHS Room

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
PFHS Room

Wellness Block, THRIVE

12:45pm EDT

AI for Literacy: Empowering Grades 6-12

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

PFHS Room

Speakers

Kendra Cameron-Jarvis

Senior Literacy Specialist, North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
PFHS Room

3 Hour Transformative Workshop, LEARN

12:45pm EDT

Ignite the Classroom: Active Engagement Strategies for Every Learner LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

PFHS Room

This interactive workshop empowers teachers with evidence-based practices to increase active engagement in the classroom. By incorporating movement, collaboration, and critical thinking into instruction, teachers wil learn how to turn passive learners into enthusiastic participants. The session emphasizes practical, low-prep practices that align with brain-based learning and differentiated instruction.

• Define active engagement and understand its impact on learning outcomes.
• Explore the difference between authentic engagement, strategic compliance, ritual compliance, retreatism and rebellion
• Experience and analyze at least 5 engagement practices.
• Create an action plan to integrate engagement techniques into lessons.

Speakers

Dr. Kathy Kennedy

Founder and President, KLK Educational Services, Inc.

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
PFHS Room

3 Hour Transformative Workshop, GROW

2:30pm EDT

A Field of Growth: NC Resources for Educators LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

PFHS Room

This session will focus on professional development resources in North Carolina, specifically resources connected with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Speakers

Talicia L. Smith

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, LEARN

Host Organization CCS Office of Professional Learning

2:30pm EDT

Best Practices to Support BTs and International Teachers in Your Building LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

PFHS Room

Your roster is full of beginning and international teachers. How do you support them? Who do you call when they need assistance? The BT Office is here to assist you! Learn about and explore the resources and supports we have in place and are planning for the 2025-2026 school year.

Speakers

Cheryel Hinkle

Lori Leigh

Assistant Principal, GCMS

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, GROW

2:30pm EDT

Essentials of SST LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

PFHS Room

This session will review the steps to making a referral to the Student Service Team (SST) from implementing tiered evidence-based interventions to referring to the IEP Team.

Speakers

Lisa Craver

Psychological Services Coordinator, CCS

School Psychologist for 30+ years. Currently working as Psychological Services Coordinator.

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
PFHS Room

90 Min. Focus Session, GROW

2:30pm EDT

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Responsible Generative AI in Cumberland County Schools LIMITED

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

PFHS Room

Step into the future of education with this engaging session designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools to implement Generative AI responsibly in the classroom. "From Chalkboards to Chatbots" explores how AI is transforming teaching and learning in Cumberland County and what schools need to consider to do it right. You'll learn about the ethical use of AI, privacy concerns, age-appropriate applications, and real-life examples of success. Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI tools, this session offers practical guidance, clear frameworks, and interactive ideas to bring innovation into your school—without losing the human touch.

Speakers