WACA 2012 Breakout Sessions with Descriptions
Click here for a copy of the 2012 WACA Conference Program.
Breaking Down the Walls
Phil Boyte, Learning for Living
Using the theme "It's Hard to Hate Someone Whose Story You Know" we will share this internationally known program that is shaping positive school culture all over the continent. Phil will share how the program works in a fun, inclusive way.
ASB Secretaries Questions and Answers
Sue Fisk, Colville High School
Are you a bookkeeper or secretary in charge of management of ASB funds? Do you sometimes get frustrated or challenged in your role? Would you like to connect with others who do your job, and learn their tricks of the trade? If the answer is yes, then this session is for you. At this roundtable discussion we will look at the hot topics of ASB bookkeeping and examine creative ways
at resolving some of the issues associated with them. Bring your questions and be prepared to share your great ideas with others.
Winter Wishes: The How and Why
Heath Booth, Washington High School
Come and hear how Washington HS has gone from granting wishes to less than 50 students to over 500 in 4 years. Come and share your ideas on how your school does it and walk away with ideas to make sure every student in your school knows that someone is looking out for them during the holidays.
I’ve Got a Golden Ticket and other Student Recognition Programs
Guy Simpson & Sarah Mulkey, Ridgeline Middle School
Looking for a way to recognize ALL students in your school? Want to gain some support from your administrators? Come learn about the success of our Golden Ticket Program and other programs from our school.
Not Just Your Typical Poster!
Jen Nelson & Laurel Robillard, Yelm Middle School
It is a fact that the human brain loves novelty. This session is designed to provide instant ideas and techniques to help you jazz up hallways, promote school activities, recognize student achievement, and help build culture and climate at your school through effective banners. Even the most artistically-challenged can put together amazing products using some of these tried and true techniques and ideas to motivate and capture student attention.
The Butterfly Circus
Tim Turner, Richland High School
This session will introduce you to "The Butterfly Circus," an award-winning short film you can use in your leadership class (or any class) to teach and discuss leadership lessons about acceptance, self-worth, the need to belong, and dignity. This beautiful film will inspire you and your students.
Problem Solving Games
Marty Fortin, Principals’ Learning Centers
A full session of time-tested games and simulations designed to allow your students to practice the problem-solving approach. The tasks presented will require planning, teamwork, communication, and evaluation. Here's your lesson plan for Monday's leadership class.
Leadership Lessons
Kari Bradley, Curtis Junior High School & Becky Latham, Bethel Junior High School
What kind of lessons and activities can you use in your classroom in between all the big activities your group plans? Come see at least ten lessons that Becky and Kari use to teach character and to build a team in their junior high leadership classes.
“Inside-Out” Leadership: Serving from the Center
Scott Backovich
This workshop has one purpose—to aid you in establishing a new service mindset for yourself and for your student leaders. In this session, professional speaker Scott Backovich will take you through an ―inside-out‖ model of service that will have you reevaluating the way in which you view your school’s service projects. Above all else though, this workshop will promise to help you in commu-nicating to your students the most valuable characteristic of service—compassion.
Legally Binding
Greg Barker, Snohomish High School
Yes, opinions matter … especially when it is the AG. Come here about attorney general opinions and Washington State laws that impact our work in ASB.
Leadership Lock-ins, An Exciting Way to Build Your Program
Ryan Healy, Ridgeline Middle School
Learn about how to organize and plan a leadership lock-in at your school! Get tips and suggestions to help make your event fit the needs of your students and program. See all the fun and growth that can take place in just one night!
A School-Wide Retreat IS Possible!
Kristina Duncan & Carina Stillman, Walla Walla High School
We have done something that we think others can do too! For five years and running, volunteers from our school and community have coordinated Big Blue Weekend, a large retreat open to any student who wants to attend, and the benefits have been numerous. We plan to present about what we are doing as well as how to organize such an endeavor.
Using WACA Online to Create Class Projects
Art Van Veen, Yelm Middle School
Using the WACA online website is a great way to get students motivated for a leadership project. Learn how to use WACA online as a tool to generate ideas and plans for your next project.
It’s Not Personal, It's Personality
Becky Wallace, Ridgeline Middle School & Sara Hatfield, South Kitsap High School
How using personality inventories can help build understanding and respect between peers in your class. Build positive group dynamics through understanding behavioral and personality differences within your classes, your clubs, or within your own workplace.
Classroom & Team Tumblr Blogs: Quick & Easy Communication
Laura Handy-Nimick, Spanaway Junior High School
Tumblr offers users variety of ways to share information through customized blogs. You can share
pictures, shout-outs, upcoming events, student work and so much more using your smart phone or
computer. And, parents will love it because you can password protect your blog, too! Please bring an iPhone or laptop with wireless access to this session.
What to do when you have a substitute ?
Jo Petersen, Ilwaco Middle/High School
We all have them and sometimes we don't know what to do with them. In this session you will receive some ideas to take back to school for the next time you have to be gone.
Pulling the Plug—Cyberbullying and Online Identity Management
Scott Backovich
Within one click, your name and address is issued. Within two, your children’s names, yearly income, and church of choice are available. Within three, all negative content posted under your name (whether posted by you or not) is available for purchase. While this may seem like a bad science fiction movie, this is the reality for a number of sites on the web today. And to add to the madness, anything your students post on social media sites is permanent record for the very schools and careers they hope to take part in. In this workshop, Scott Backovich will not only cover interpersonal and cyberbullying strategies for change on your campus, but he will also dive into the world of cyberspace to determine what you can do to help not only your students, but yourself as well.
ASB Law
Kevin Judkins, Glacier Peak High School
A catch all session for ASB Secretaries, Bookkeepers and Activity Coordinators. Keeping fundraisers in check, developing an ASB budget and staying in compliance with the auditor. Hear ideas to help keep sane in the insane world of ASB finances. There will be time to share your expertise as well as plenty of Q & A time.
“Post Secrets”
Vince Ivelia, Snohomish High School
Learn the truth about your student leaders. This session will show how to serve and care for your student leaders so they can meet their full leadership potential. Thus helping build a positive caring culture on campus.
Linking New Principal Evaluation Criteria to Student Leadership
Joe Fenbert, Washington Student Leadership
How can student leaders work in partnership with principals? Explore how student leaders are linked in the "same work" as principals. The new principal evaluation program has eight indicators, six of which connect to the work of student leaders: creating a culutre, ensuring school safety, engaging the community, closing the gap, managing resources and planning with data.
6th Grade Transition into Middle School
Chris Davis, Enterprise Middle School
We do a number of activities that begin in April of the 5th grade year and continue on well into the school year. The climate and expectations we set up for the students eases anxiety and gets 6th graders off to a great start. This session will go through a description of each event and process we do to get 6th graders excited.
Using True Colors
Laurel Robillard, Yelm Middle School
One person's ideas about how to utilize the True Colors personality inventory with student leaders, in the classroom, with student teams, with school staff, and even for increased self-awareness.
After School Activities & Committees That Work
Jennifer Bonner, Spanaway Junior High School
Will share how to organize committees that work effectively to plan and execute effective and appropriate after school activities.
Technology for Leadership, 201
Emily Seaman, Nelsen School
Interested in how to integrate technology in your leadership class or student activities program? Come to Technology for Leadership 201 and you'll get some fresh new ideas for how to energize your assemblies, announcements, activities and class assignments with technology. Some old favorites we'll quickly review are Prezi, Animoto, and Quizlet and there are a bucketful of new ideas you'll get from this session that are just waiting for you to play with them once you get back to school.
Managing Stress 2011
John Bittinger, Richland High School
Do you have stress in your life?! Is that anxiety just under the surface? Do you need a way to release you frustrations? If so, take this class! In this session, we will discuss "good" and "bad" stress, and the impact of stress - also good and bad - in our lives. We will try to identify stressors in life, and we will chat about ways to reduce and to live with stress. Finally, we will investigate techniques to redirect stress, and relaxation strategies. You are certain to leave this session feeling rejuvenated!! ALERT!! It’s okay to sleep in this class… in fact, it’s one of the goals!
Wii Dance Tournament for Fun, Money, and Glory
Greg Becker, Moses Lake High School
This session will be a description of how to set up a Dance Tournament using the Nintendo Wii Gaming system. This activity is appropriate for all age levels and can be used as a fund raiser or just for fun! (Ibuprofen is not provided by presenter).
Mix and Mingle with Dance
Lana Yenne, Yelm Middle School
Join us for this dancing session. Learn how to use dance to mix and mingle your students.
Outdoor Exercise + Geocaching = Teambuilding Fun!
Alyssa St Hilaire, Highlands Middle School & Sue Fisk, Colville High School
Grab your tennis shoes and jacket and be ready to head outside. In this sessions, we will learn about the basics of Geocaching and then get out and explore. There are three Geocaches within a mile of the Semiahmoo resort. Everyone will have a chance to stretch their legs and think of great ideas to inte-grate in student leadership programs.
Phil Boyte, Learning for Living
Using the theme "It's Hard to Hate Someone Whose Story You Know" we will share this internationally known program that is shaping positive school culture all over the continent. Phil will share how the program works in a fun, inclusive way.
ASB Secretaries Questions and Answers
Sue Fisk, Colville High School
Are you a bookkeeper or secretary in charge of management of ASB funds? Do you sometimes get frustrated or challenged in your role? Would you like to connect with others who do your job, and learn their tricks of the trade? If the answer is yes, then this session is for you. At this roundtable discussion we will look at the hot topics of ASB bookkeeping and examine creative ways
at resolving some of the issues associated with them. Bring your questions and be prepared to share your great ideas with others.
Winter Wishes: The How and Why
Heath Booth, Washington High School
Come and hear how Washington HS has gone from granting wishes to less than 50 students to over 500 in 4 years. Come and share your ideas on how your school does it and walk away with ideas to make sure every student in your school knows that someone is looking out for them during the holidays.
I’ve Got a Golden Ticket and other Student Recognition Programs
Guy Simpson & Sarah Mulkey, Ridgeline Middle School
Looking for a way to recognize ALL students in your school? Want to gain some support from your administrators? Come learn about the success of our Golden Ticket Program and other programs from our school.
Not Just Your Typical Poster!
Jen Nelson & Laurel Robillard, Yelm Middle School
It is a fact that the human brain loves novelty. This session is designed to provide instant ideas and techniques to help you jazz up hallways, promote school activities, recognize student achievement, and help build culture and climate at your school through effective banners. Even the most artistically-challenged can put together amazing products using some of these tried and true techniques and ideas to motivate and capture student attention.
The Butterfly Circus
Tim Turner, Richland High School
This session will introduce you to "The Butterfly Circus," an award-winning short film you can use in your leadership class (or any class) to teach and discuss leadership lessons about acceptance, self-worth, the need to belong, and dignity. This beautiful film will inspire you and your students.
Problem Solving Games
Marty Fortin, Principals’ Learning Centers
A full session of time-tested games and simulations designed to allow your students to practice the problem-solving approach. The tasks presented will require planning, teamwork, communication, and evaluation. Here's your lesson plan for Monday's leadership class.
Leadership Lessons
Kari Bradley, Curtis Junior High School & Becky Latham, Bethel Junior High School
What kind of lessons and activities can you use in your classroom in between all the big activities your group plans? Come see at least ten lessons that Becky and Kari use to teach character and to build a team in their junior high leadership classes.
“Inside-Out” Leadership: Serving from the Center
Scott Backovich
This workshop has one purpose—to aid you in establishing a new service mindset for yourself and for your student leaders. In this session, professional speaker Scott Backovich will take you through an ―inside-out‖ model of service that will have you reevaluating the way in which you view your school’s service projects. Above all else though, this workshop will promise to help you in commu-nicating to your students the most valuable characteristic of service—compassion.
Legally Binding
Greg Barker, Snohomish High School
Yes, opinions matter … especially when it is the AG. Come here about attorney general opinions and Washington State laws that impact our work in ASB.
Leadership Lock-ins, An Exciting Way to Build Your Program
Ryan Healy, Ridgeline Middle School
Learn about how to organize and plan a leadership lock-in at your school! Get tips and suggestions to help make your event fit the needs of your students and program. See all the fun and growth that can take place in just one night!
A School-Wide Retreat IS Possible!
Kristina Duncan & Carina Stillman, Walla Walla High School
We have done something that we think others can do too! For five years and running, volunteers from our school and community have coordinated Big Blue Weekend, a large retreat open to any student who wants to attend, and the benefits have been numerous. We plan to present about what we are doing as well as how to organize such an endeavor.
Using WACA Online to Create Class Projects
Art Van Veen, Yelm Middle School
Using the WACA online website is a great way to get students motivated for a leadership project. Learn how to use WACA online as a tool to generate ideas and plans for your next project.
It’s Not Personal, It's Personality
Becky Wallace, Ridgeline Middle School & Sara Hatfield, South Kitsap High School
How using personality inventories can help build understanding and respect between peers in your class. Build positive group dynamics through understanding behavioral and personality differences within your classes, your clubs, or within your own workplace.
Classroom & Team Tumblr Blogs: Quick & Easy Communication
Laura Handy-Nimick, Spanaway Junior High School
Tumblr offers users variety of ways to share information through customized blogs. You can share
pictures, shout-outs, upcoming events, student work and so much more using your smart phone or
computer. And, parents will love it because you can password protect your blog, too! Please bring an iPhone or laptop with wireless access to this session.
What to do when you have a substitute ?
Jo Petersen, Ilwaco Middle/High School
We all have them and sometimes we don't know what to do with them. In this session you will receive some ideas to take back to school for the next time you have to be gone.
Pulling the Plug—Cyberbullying and Online Identity Management
Scott Backovich
Within one click, your name and address is issued. Within two, your children’s names, yearly income, and church of choice are available. Within three, all negative content posted under your name (whether posted by you or not) is available for purchase. While this may seem like a bad science fiction movie, this is the reality for a number of sites on the web today. And to add to the madness, anything your students post on social media sites is permanent record for the very schools and careers they hope to take part in. In this workshop, Scott Backovich will not only cover interpersonal and cyberbullying strategies for change on your campus, but he will also dive into the world of cyberspace to determine what you can do to help not only your students, but yourself as well.
ASB Law
Kevin Judkins, Glacier Peak High School
A catch all session for ASB Secretaries, Bookkeepers and Activity Coordinators. Keeping fundraisers in check, developing an ASB budget and staying in compliance with the auditor. Hear ideas to help keep sane in the insane world of ASB finances. There will be time to share your expertise as well as plenty of Q & A time.
“Post Secrets”
Vince Ivelia, Snohomish High School
Learn the truth about your student leaders. This session will show how to serve and care for your student leaders so they can meet their full leadership potential. Thus helping build a positive caring culture on campus.
Linking New Principal Evaluation Criteria to Student Leadership
Joe Fenbert, Washington Student Leadership
How can student leaders work in partnership with principals? Explore how student leaders are linked in the "same work" as principals. The new principal evaluation program has eight indicators, six of which connect to the work of student leaders: creating a culutre, ensuring school safety, engaging the community, closing the gap, managing resources and planning with data.
6th Grade Transition into Middle School
Chris Davis, Enterprise Middle School
We do a number of activities that begin in April of the 5th grade year and continue on well into the school year. The climate and expectations we set up for the students eases anxiety and gets 6th graders off to a great start. This session will go through a description of each event and process we do to get 6th graders excited.
Using True Colors
Laurel Robillard, Yelm Middle School
One person's ideas about how to utilize the True Colors personality inventory with student leaders, in the classroom, with student teams, with school staff, and even for increased self-awareness.
After School Activities & Committees That Work
Jennifer Bonner, Spanaway Junior High School
Will share how to organize committees that work effectively to plan and execute effective and appropriate after school activities.
Technology for Leadership, 201
Emily Seaman, Nelsen School
Interested in how to integrate technology in your leadership class or student activities program? Come to Technology for Leadership 201 and you'll get some fresh new ideas for how to energize your assemblies, announcements, activities and class assignments with technology. Some old favorites we'll quickly review are Prezi, Animoto, and Quizlet and there are a bucketful of new ideas you'll get from this session that are just waiting for you to play with them once you get back to school.
Managing Stress 2011
John Bittinger, Richland High School
Do you have stress in your life?! Is that anxiety just under the surface? Do you need a way to release you frustrations? If so, take this class! In this session, we will discuss "good" and "bad" stress, and the impact of stress - also good and bad - in our lives. We will try to identify stressors in life, and we will chat about ways to reduce and to live with stress. Finally, we will investigate techniques to redirect stress, and relaxation strategies. You are certain to leave this session feeling rejuvenated!! ALERT!! It’s okay to sleep in this class… in fact, it’s one of the goals!
Wii Dance Tournament for Fun, Money, and Glory
Greg Becker, Moses Lake High School
This session will be a description of how to set up a Dance Tournament using the Nintendo Wii Gaming system. This activity is appropriate for all age levels and can be used as a fund raiser or just for fun! (Ibuprofen is not provided by presenter).
Mix and Mingle with Dance
Lana Yenne, Yelm Middle School
Join us for this dancing session. Learn how to use dance to mix and mingle your students.
Outdoor Exercise + Geocaching = Teambuilding Fun!
Alyssa St Hilaire, Highlands Middle School & Sue Fisk, Colville High School
Grab your tennis shoes and jacket and be ready to head outside. In this sessions, we will learn about the basics of Geocaching and then get out and explore. There are three Geocaches within a mile of the Semiahmoo resort. Everyone will have a chance to stretch their legs and think of great ideas to inte-grate in student leadership programs.