88th Annual CASCWA State Conference

88th Annual CASCWA State Conference

9:30am PDT

Building Districtwide PBIS Systems: A Collaborative Journey to Improve Climate, Culture, and Equity

Monday April 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

TBA

Discover how one district built a cohesive PBIS initiative from the ground up, fostering broad buy-in to improve climate, culture, and equity across all schools. This workshop will guide participants through the journey of implementing districtwide PBIS systems, emphasizing collaboration, clear behavior expectations, and proactive teaching strategies. Learn how to overcome challenges such as staff concerns about discipline and build trust for a sustainable MTSS framework. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to support all schools in their districts, reduce exclusionary discipline, and create positive learning environments. Hear about the successes, including state recognition, and plans for continued growth.

Speakers

Jessica Rose Mathy

MTSS District Coordinator, CALEXICO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Jessica Rose Mathy currently serves as the MTSS District Coordinator at Calexico Unified School District, where she leads the districtwide implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). With over a decade of experience in K-12 education, her background in... Read More →

Monday April 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

9:30am PDT

I Am___! The Blueprint to Developing Culturally Specific Programs

Monday April 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

TBA

Attendees will learn how to build resilience, establish meaningful connections, and promote advocacy within their African American school culture. Also, attendees will learn how vital the student voice is in implementing culture-specific programs. A blueprint will be available for attendees to develop their own culturally specific program.

Speakers

Angela McClaron

Foster Youth Counselor, San Jacinto Unified School District

Alyana Arrington-Harris is the San Jacinto Unified School District Foster Youth Counselor. She has been an educational advocate for over 25 years with a heart for Foster Youth students. Alyana Arrington-Harris is the Co-Founder of the “I AM_! Empowerment Group. She holds a Master's... Read More →

Monday April 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

9:30am PDT

Leading in Polarized Times with Compassionate Dialogue

Monday April 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

TBA

More than ever, we need to be able and willing to engage in difficult conversations. Not to win, but to find common ground in support of our students and families . This means normalizing conflict by changing our mindset about its value and purpose. This session will provide a framework for having difficult conversations that build bridges, strengthen relationships and set clear boundaries. Participants will get a step-by-step guide that shows how to lean into discomfort self regulated in order to to create a solid foundation for change and progress.

Speakers

Dr. Nancy Dome

CEO, Epoch Education

Epoch Education is a communication consulting company that provides experiential learning and implementation frameworks and tools to organizations seeking to create more progressive, equitable, and effective climates and cultures. Our mission is to support each client we serve to... Read More →

Monday April 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

11:00am PDT

Climate & Culture: A Student-Centered Restorative Review Process for Reducing Suspensions & Expulsions

Monday April 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT

TBA

Learn how CVUHSD is implementing a student-centered restorative review process for discipline referrals in response to community-wide stakeholder input. Presenters will share: best practices for applying a whole-child lens to determine the most beneficial other means of correction; how they are implementing a renewed Safe Schools Initiative, and; how the coordination of site and district leadership and intervention staff is essential to reducing suspensions and expulsions.

Speakers

Dr. Kelly Ganzel Santos

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Dr. Kelly Ganzel Santos has been part of the Centinela Valley Union High School District family for 22 years, having started her career in education as an English teacher at Lawndale High School. She also served as a Literacy Instructional Coach, Associate Principal and Interim Principal... Read More →

Dr. Karma Nicolis

Student Intervention Strategist, Centinela Valley UHSD

Monday April 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

11:00am PDT

Growing Community: Increasing Connectedness for Oakland USD's McKinney Vento, Foster, and Newcomer Youth

Monday April 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT

TBA

System-impacted students need ways to build a sense of belonging, agency, and academic identity through meaningful relationships. However, many adult practices are disconnected from students’ best interests and are based on a system that is not designed for marginalized youth to successfully graduate. Upon recognizing this disconnect, Oakland Unified School District leaders came together across departments to address these issues and focus on equity.

This interactive presentation will offer experiential learning on OUSD’s journey by highlighting the value of student-centered design, exploring student-led research strategies to address chronic absenteeism, and unpacking student well-being and relationship data.

Speakers

Jerome Gourdine

Principal, Oakland USD

Jerome Gourdine has served the Oakland Unified School District for more than 27 years, as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Program Manager and now Director of Targeted Strategies. Among his many accomplishments is receiving the 2007 MetLife Principal of the Year Award, a... Read More →

Dr. Zaia Vera

Executive of District Partnerships & Impact, Sown To Grow

Monday April 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

2:30pm PDT

Climate & Culture: Fostering Inclusive School Communities: Reducing Suspensions and Expulsions

Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm PDT

TBA

This session adopts an equity-centered approach by prioritizing the needs and dignity of all students, particularly those from historically marginalized or underserved communities. The focus on restorative practices ensures that disciplinary measures are fair, inclusive, and non-punitive, addressing the root causes of misconduct rather than perpetuating exclusionary practices like suspensions and expulsions, which disproportionately impact students of color, students with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
By integrating effective threat management, the session also emphasizes proactive strategies that ensure a safe learning environment for all students, preventing biased or inequitable responses to potential safety concerns. The goal is to create a supportive school culture that values each student’s unique circumstances, fosters a sense of belonging, and promotes personal and academic growth through guidance, relationship-building, and access to resources.
This holistic approach helps dismantle systemic barriers, promotes equity in school discipline, and ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.

Speakers

Sarah Adams

Senior Director of Student Support Services, Springs Charter Schools

Sarah Adams has over 20 years of experience in a multitude of settings and grade spans and currently serves as the Senior Director of Student Support Services for Springs Charter Schools. Prior to that, she was a charter school principal for over 12 years in both K-8 and 6-12th... Read More →

Michelle Sapanara

Assistant Superintendent, Springs Charter Schools

Michelle Sapanara currently serves the students and families of Springs Charter School as Assistant Superintendent, Student Services. In this role Michelle is responsible for student support services which includes coordinated school health and behavioral health services, school counseling... Read More →

Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

2:30pm PDT

Fostering Belonging: The Heart of Thriving Community Schools

Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm PDT

TBA

Discover how to create inclusive and supportive environments in community schools that promote a sense of belonging for all students. Attendees will reflect on their current strategies and learn to enhance their practices to foster belonging, build strong relationships, and engage families and communities. By integrating the principles of the community schools framework, participants will explore research-based approaches to create nurturing spaces that support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. This presentation will provide practical tools and strategies to transform schools into vibrant community hubs where every student feels valued and connected.

Speakers

Christian Quintero

Coordinator, Community Schools, Orange County Deparmtent of Education

Stephanie Fernandez

Coordinator, Community Schools, Orange County Department of Education

Stephanie began her journey with Community Schools in Boston Public Schools, where she worked under the Director of Extended Opportunities and learned the importance of connecting and aligning multiple stakeholders to support students' academic and socio-emotional well-being. She... Read More →

Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

5:00pm PDT

Drum Circle: A Participatory Example of Positive Alternatives to Negative Behavior

Monday April 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

TBA

Drumming and other rhythmic forms of expression are common throughout the world. Come prepared to participate in a fun and moving community building activity. Join us as we drum, dance, sing, and exuberantly express ourselves! If you are driving to the conference, it would be wonderful if you would bring hand drums and/or buckets to bang on, and any other instruments for improvisation.

Students sometimes express their respectable and valid goals, values, challenges and pain through problematic behaviors. Drumming is a tremendously positive alternative to other means of experiencing an extraordinary feeling – instead of, for instance, using a controlled substance!

Speakers

Dan Sackheim

Education Programs Consultant, California Department of Education

Dan Sackheim is statewide program lead for the California Department of Education for several types of public schools and programs for at-risk/at-promise students including community day schools, continuation education and opportunity education, and preventive and restorative approaches... Read More →

Monday April 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

8:30am PDT

Expulsion Hearings – Ensuring Due Process and Protecting the Rights of Students

Tuesday April 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT

TBA

When students are recommended for expulsion, it is often the responsibility of the site administrator to present the case before the Administrative Panel or Governing Board. The quasi-judicial nature of the expulsion hearing process requires that administrators have at least a basic understanding of the required components of presenting a case, including understanding the burden of proof, how to introduce evidence, and how to question witnesses. This training session provides school administrators with a clear understanding of the expulsion hearing process, from creating the expulsion packet through drafting appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Speakers

Dora Dome

Attorney, Dora Dome Law

Dora J. Dome has practiced Education Law for over 27 years, primarily in the areas of student issues and special education. She currently provides legal representation to school districts on student issues and develops and conducts professional development trainings for district staff... Read More →

Tuesday April 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

8:30am PDT

Supporting Challenging Behavior: Ensuring Success for General Education Elementary School Students

Tuesday April 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT

TBA

In TVUSD, we have seen a dramatic increase in challenging behaviors from general education students, specifically at the elementary school level. This has resulted in a significant increase in referrals for special education assessments. Over the past year we have worked tirelessly to develop resources and provide support to our elementary sites to ensure that these students have access to all of the targeted interventions and supports necessary to mitigate their behavior and afford them increased success in the general education setting, rather than relying on our special education department to address these concerns. We want to be sure that the students who are referred to special education are only at that point because they have been given every opportunity to find success in the least restrictive environment, first. This presentation is a showcase of the resources we have created, the steps we have taken, our successes/challenges, the work we have done, and our next steps as we navigate this challenge in our district.

Speakers

Samantha Sellars

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Temecula Valley Unified School District

Kelly Gradstein

Director of Student Wellness, Outreach, and Engagement, Temecula Valley Unified School District

As the Director of Student Wellness, Outreach, and Engagement, I am responsible for supporting Health Services, the Social-Emotional Learning Team, and for providing site support to Administrators across our district in the areas of student discipline, enrollment, attendance, and... Read More →

Lindsay Mason

School Counselor, TVUSD

Tanya Sybert

MTSS/PBIS Teacher on Special Assignment, Temecula Valley Unified School District

Tuesday April 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

10:00am PDT

Dealing with Drugs: Awareness, Recognition, and Prevention

Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am PDT

TBA

1. TYPES OF DRUGS AND CURRENT DRUG TRENDS 2. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF USE 3. PREVENTION MEASURES 4. INTERVENTIONS 5. A SUPPORTIVE, TIERED APPROACH TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL USE 6. NARCAN AND HOW TO USE IT ATTENDEES WILL BE TRAINED ON THE USE OF NARCAN.

Speakers

Dr. David Diehl

Director of Student and Community Services, Selma Unified School District

Dr. David Diehl is the Director of Student and Community Services for the Selma Unified School District and was previously a vice principal for a Model Continuation High School. Prior to entering education, he spent 24 years in law enforcement, retiring as a police sergeant. His research... Read More →

Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

1:45pm PDT

Individualized Intervention Program for Student Substance Use Support

Tuesday April 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

The Palm Springs Unified School District is utilizing an individualized intervention program to support students with substance use issues. Trained Prevention Specialists provide tailored services through a range of intervention options, from early prevention to intensive support. Partnerships with local agencies ensure seamless referrals to high-level services when needed.

A presentation will showcase program data, specific intervention options, and practical implementation strategies. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment, address diverse student needs, and promote healthier, more productive school communities.

Speakers

Lisa Todd

Coordinator - Student Services, Palm Springs Unified

Tuesday April 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

1:45pm PDT

Reducing Barriers to Effective Behavior in School Through Home Visits

Tuesday April 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

We do home visits for misbehavior. In this, our third year of suspension home visits, we have expanded our efforts to include Tier 3 pre-suspension students. Students who are preoccupied with social/emotional/familial issues engage in Ed Code 48900 violations strategies to cope with problems they cannot solve. Strengthening the home/school connection can find solutions and restore relationships for students and parents which result in better attendance and better behavior. By meeting families in the home to collaborate in helping our at promise students we can reduce the emotional barriers to prosocial behavior and academic success. Our suspension rate has been below the state and country for 2 years running since we began and we hope to create a culture of happiness, empowerment and freedom in our schools. This is how we do it.

Speakers

David McPhee

Attendance Specialist, Val Verde Unified School District

Tuesday April 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

3:15pm PDT

Stop Bullying Without the Need for Suspensions

Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

TBA

In this session, participants will learn how SBCUSD is using a unique restorative approach called the Undercover Anti-Bullying Team to stop event the toughest of bullying cases.

Speakers

Marlene Bicondova

Director, San Bernardino City Unified School District

Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture

3:15pm PDT

Student Records Do's and Dont's May and Shall

Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

TBA

Are you current and well versed in the area of student records? What are the rights of caregivers as opposed to custodial parents? Are special education files considered " special" and maintained separate from other educational files? These questions and more will be answered in an interactive session in which you will be challenged and provided solutions to these challenging questions.

Speakers

Sherman Garnett

Owner, Sherman Garnett & Associates

Sherman Garnett is a veteran 48 year educator who has served in a variety of educational roles including teacher, athletic coach, dean, assistant principal, principal, student services administrator, college professor and current governing board member.

Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture, Sponsor

8:30am PDT

Building a District-Wide Culture of Attendance: Garden Grove's Journey to Sustainable Success

Wednesday April 30, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT

TBA

Wednesday April 30, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture, Sponsor

10:00am PDT

Setting the Tone for Success: Creating a Positive School Climate by Implementing Effective Attendance Strategies

Wednesday April 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am PDT

TBA

As part of a Heluna Health Grant, LACOE's Senior Program Specialist Team, along with our Community Schools Initiative conducted Focus Groups with students, staff, and families to determine why we are experiencing such high chronic absenteeism rates. We found that many participants believed that school climate and the lack of school connection was a contributing factor to the attendance declines. We will highlight methods for creating a positive school climate and re-engaging our students. We will also review best practices shared by our districts in hopes that these MTSS strategies can serve other sites and districts in their pursuit of positive school climate and attendance.

Speakers

Andres Castro

Senior Program Specialist, Child Welfare & Attendance, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Andres Castro serves as Senior Program Specialist for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. With a robust background in educational leadership and student support, they have previously dedicated 8 years as a school counselor and have excelled as a district administrator... Read More →

Courtney Matz PhD

Senior Program Specialist, LACOE

Courtney Matz, Ph D, is a Senior Program Specialist in the Child Welfare and Attendance Unit with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. She has worked in the field of Education for over 15 years as both a School Counselor and School Psychologist. In addition, she has taught... Read More →

Kevin Givan

Senior Program Specialist, LACOE

Wednesday April 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am PDT
TBA

Climate & Culture