WACA 2015 Breakout Sessions with Descriptions
Click here for a copy of the 2015 WACA Conference Program.
Inclusion 101: How to Make All Schools Unified
Leanne Donley, Central Valley High School
Chara McElfish, Special Olympics Washington
We all want schools that are unified. We want schools that include all students. Including students with disabilities isn't just the responsibility of Special Education teachers - they are all of our students,and we can all take steps to include them in the school culture & activities. Hear stories of how schools across the state and nation are unifying their students through Special Olympics Unified Sports and Unified Clubs that promote inclusion.
Innovative Student-Generated Assembly Ideas
Johanna Phillips, Shorecrest High School
Student-generated assemblies are a win-win-win. Students create topics and content that are of particular interest and meaning to the the school and hone leadership skills during this process. Many students are able to participate, far beyond the few in your leadership class or ASB. Finally, these types of assemblies save ASB money. You will walk away with unique formats for an Empathy Assembly, Unity Festival, Martin Luther King, Jr. Recognition Assembly and Anti-Drinking Assembly (Mock Car Crash). We will also spend time collaborating with each other
during this session to see what else we can come up with.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary...Cricut Uses for Leadership
Becky Cruz, Evergreen High School
Back by popular demand! If you've never heard of a Cricut machine, come learn how you can save money with this amazing device! We will use our time to try out different Cricut projects and discuss uses for your Leadership program.
Superintendent + Activities Director = Transformed District Culture
Shane Backlund & Susie Bennett Selah School District
What happens when a Superintendent and an Activities Director combine forces to intentionally shape the culture of a district? Come and find out what the Selah School District is doing to impact students, staff and the community as we strive to live life the Viking Way every day.
All Play: High School Students Leading Games for Elementary Students
Joe Fenbert, AWSL
The AWSL All Play workshop is an elementary program designed to teach students inclusive recess and table games. It can be adapted for high school leaders to bring to their feeder elementary schools. The workshop theme is: "Play fair, play fun, everyone plays with everyone."
Spring & Summer Training Programs: Develop Student Leaders
Brenda Conrad, Bellevue High School
After school, time is so short and in September we are all so busy, so when can you find time to train your new officers?
Create spring & summer training programs that helps your student leaders develop skills that will help them throughout the year. Spring is great for a 1 day training for your new officers: set expectations, leadership basics & activities for the end of the year. The spring training is packed full of ASB financial information too! (I will share documents that I have used that keep our ASB financials on track.) Summer is the perfect time to bring your leaders in to build a foundation of leadership skills that will do more for your school environment than you thought possible. Come to this session to get ideas on devel-oping your own outline, followed by lots of ideas on how to structure 1, 2 or 3 days’ worth of leadership training at minimal cost. This can be a great follow-up to schools that attend leadership camp too. Each day is packed with information and fun!
ASB Secretaries Hot Topics
Sue Fisk, Colville High School
Sarah LeDuc, Chiawana 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.
Everyday Servant Leadership in Action
Sally Rusk, Inglewood Middle School
Servant Leadership is a phenomenal movement spreading across schools due to the wonderful work of John Norlin and oth-ers. This breakout session will focus on many little tips, activities, and events you could implement as soon as Monday when you get back to school that will spread agape love throughout staff and students and work to make your school feel welcoming and inclusive.
Class Advisors 101
Dick Caldwell & Craig Iverson Marysville-Pilchuck High School
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, No it’s a new idea for class advisors. Join us as we share what our class officers take on each year at Marysville-Pilchuck. We will also share how our advisers take charge of their class officers.Topics we will cover are: meetings, fundraisers, and class activities.
Balloon Blitz
Marty Fortin, AWSP Learning Centers
Join us to play Ten Team Building activities using balloons. These activities are suitable for a class, a retreat, and even an assembly competition.
Leadership and the He Man History Hater Club
Sue Metzler, Mukilteo School District
Love all those leadership lessons, but not sure how to use them in a core class? This workshop will share ways that leadership curriculum has been used in a core class to strengthen student skill, and increase motivation.
Spirit Beyond Sports
Amy Stapleton, Harrison Prep
Instilling pride and spirit into your student culture can go beyond sports and athletics! Using pop culture, literature and friendly competition, learn how one small 6-12 school doubled their high school population, raised test scores and built a better school culture and how you can do it at yours.
Videos: Lessons & Activities
Ryan Healy, Ridgeline Middle School
Come check out a few videos from the video share that have built-in activities and lessons that work great for leadership class and for school wide service projects. We will even do one of the activities together. :)
Activities Coordinator—AD’s, Coaches, WIAA
Kim “ Stew” Stewart, Mountlake Terrace High School
Beth Marriott, Meadowdale High School
Does your ASB have a voice that is heard? Do coaches and the AD respect your opinion? Are there times you’re told instead of asked to put on events or purchase equipment? Kim Stewart, Mountlake Terrace High School and Beth Marriott, Meadowdale High School are excited to share their experiences being both AC & AD at their schools. It will be a safe place to share your concerns and hear strategies that work at other schools.
Leadership Curriculum and the Common Core
Teri Corwin, Glacier Peak High School
Vince Ivelia, Snohomish High School
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s the Common Core! Yes, common core integrated into your Leadership Class curriculum. Combat those villains of who think your class is nothing more than poster – making! No x-ray vision needed as we clearly present our course curriculum for you to fly up, up, and away with.
ASB Law and Fundraising
Meri Benedict, Auburn Riverside High School
Are you fuzzy on what the rules are for fundraising and finances? Are you a new advisor and have no idea with the ASB Law rules are regarding fundraisers? Do you want to make your systems stronger and better? This session will cover the basics and give you tips and suggestions for staying on the Good Side with ASB Law and fundraising.
Trauma-Informed Schools
Vincent Perez, AWSP
Trauma-Informed practices are making their way to our schools. Learn about the impact of trauma on our students and families and strategies to incorporate in your daily work. Explore why self-care is an ethical imperative.
The Butterfly Circus Revisited
Tim Turner, Richland High School
"The Butterfly Circus" has become a staple of leadership classrooms. In this session, we will watch the brief video and then share some new ideas for how to use it in your classes. If you're new to the video, please come and see it. If you've a veteran user, come for some new ideas, and possibly share how you use it.
Charting the Course for AWSL
Susan Fortin, Association of Washington Student Leaders
Leanne Donley, Central Valley High School
With student voice and authentic engagement as our goal, what structures and supports are needed at the local, regional and state level? Join the conversation as we plan for the second phase of the roll-out of the Association of Washington Student Leaders. (Although middle level are welcome to attend, the regional conversation will be more focused on the high school level.)
The Hornet Way
Jason Simonson, White River High School
How White River High School incorporates Leadership Activities, PBIS and Student Recognition under the school wide philosophy of The Hornet Way... Pride, Acceptance and Appreciation.
Using a Heat Press to make T-shirts and Sweatshirts
Angel Elam, Capital High School
Learn to use a heat press to make custom made T shirts and sweatshirts. You will learn the basics of using a heat press as well as learning to use the Transfer Express website to make custom designs.You will get hands on training and even get to make your own shirt to take home!
Leadership and the Non-Traditional Student
Alejandra Bobadilla & Christina Peabody, Sunnyside High School
This session will include ideas and examples of ways to include the non-traditional student in the leadership class. Their work helps them to connect to the school, build relationships and envision their future.
Leadership and Social Media
Guy Simpson, Ridgeline Middle School
Jen Nelson, Yelm Middle School
An overview of the use of social media in the leadership world. This informative session will include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and a few others. If you don't have them already, you will learn why you might want to use them, and if you do have them you may learn some new applications for them.
Increase Involvement and Improve Spirit with Data
Brian Bourgeois & Greg Hroch, 5-Star Students
Learn about the importance of getting and keeping students involved on campus. You'll find out how to collect and analyze data about involvement in activities and events. Then, use this information to set goals, provide incentives and monitor your activities program. Take your school spirit to the next level with unique and proven methods to get more students and staff involved!
Keeping Coaches and Advisors in Hero Status w/the Bookkeeper
Kevin Judkins, Glacier Peak High School
This workshop will provide ideas and suggestions to ASB Bookkeepers and Secretaries on working with coaches, advisors and athletic directors. From budget development, requisitions, minutes, and to infinity and beyond... Come ready to hear ideas, as well as be ready to share what works for you and the other
Ordinary Heroes in our schools - the ASB Bookkeepers and Secretaries!
Diversity & Equity or Inclusion & Access?
Vincent Perez, AWSP
Trauma-Informed practices are making their way to our schools. Learn about the impact of trauma on our students and families and strategies to incorporate in your daily work. Explore why self-care is an ethical imperative.
Google My Elections
Norm Sanford, Evergreen High School
Participants will learn how to use Google forms to do nominations, and elections for Homecoming, Prom and A.S.B. Participants should bring a smart phone, tablet or laptop to the session. I will share the things I have found that make my life easier as an advisor using Google forms. During the session sample forms will be sent to the email used for registration.
Engage EVERYONE
Scott Backovich
Tired of students at your school being too busy, too tired, or too embarrassed to participate in on-campus activities? Instead of begging students to take part in the action, let’s bring the action to them! In this fast-paced workshop, Scott will blaze through an entire spectrum of low, intermediate, and high commitment level activities for your school to enjoy. Better yet, this session will show you how simple, non-threatening ideas can lead to literally every student on your campus taking part. Want to create a school overflowing with enthusiasm? Ready or not, here we come!
“Senior Seminar”
Stu Cabe, Ovation Company
Looking for something powerful and meaningful for Seniors in the Spring months while other students are testing, scheduling, forecasting and preparing for next year? Then join Stu Cabe and The Ovation Company for an engaging, enlightening and exciting session on supporting your Seniors as they approach graduation. For years, Stu has been presenting an unique 150+/- minute “Senior Seminar” that is both refreshing and empowering for Seniors. This Senior Seminar encourages Seniors to embrace their last few days and weeks in high school…and not just count them down. Come join Stu in this “off the beaten path” approach to help students - with their time left in high school and make the most of it!
Giving Back to Who Matters (YOU)
Keith Hawkins, Real Inspirations, Inc
Often times teachers come to work and give their students their teacher side of them, but miss the op-portunity to give them 100% of who they are. Activity directors do just that, they give 100% of who they are and 100% of their time. This will cause stress and burn out. It is time to take back some of the time, effort, positive attitude, and passion you give to so many. In this workshop I will provide 100% of affirmation by listening to who you truly are. Network with peers and create a support system that can relate to all of you. I will give you the techniques on how to give back 100% to yourself so that you can be the best at what you do.
Leanne Donley, Central Valley High School
Chara McElfish, Special Olympics Washington
We all want schools that are unified. We want schools that include all students. Including students with disabilities isn't just the responsibility of Special Education teachers - they are all of our students,and we can all take steps to include them in the school culture & activities. Hear stories of how schools across the state and nation are unifying their students through Special Olympics Unified Sports and Unified Clubs that promote inclusion.
Innovative Student-Generated Assembly Ideas
Johanna Phillips, Shorecrest High School
Student-generated assemblies are a win-win-win. Students create topics and content that are of particular interest and meaning to the the school and hone leadership skills during this process. Many students are able to participate, far beyond the few in your leadership class or ASB. Finally, these types of assemblies save ASB money. You will walk away with unique formats for an Empathy Assembly, Unity Festival, Martin Luther King, Jr. Recognition Assembly and Anti-Drinking Assembly (Mock Car Crash). We will also spend time collaborating with each other
during this session to see what else we can come up with.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary...Cricut Uses for Leadership
Becky Cruz, Evergreen High School
Back by popular demand! If you've never heard of a Cricut machine, come learn how you can save money with this amazing device! We will use our time to try out different Cricut projects and discuss uses for your Leadership program.
Superintendent + Activities Director = Transformed District Culture
Shane Backlund & Susie Bennett Selah School District
What happens when a Superintendent and an Activities Director combine forces to intentionally shape the culture of a district? Come and find out what the Selah School District is doing to impact students, staff and the community as we strive to live life the Viking Way every day.
All Play: High School Students Leading Games for Elementary Students
Joe Fenbert, AWSL
The AWSL All Play workshop is an elementary program designed to teach students inclusive recess and table games. It can be adapted for high school leaders to bring to their feeder elementary schools. The workshop theme is: "Play fair, play fun, everyone plays with everyone."
Spring & Summer Training Programs: Develop Student Leaders
Brenda Conrad, Bellevue High School
After school, time is so short and in September we are all so busy, so when can you find time to train your new officers?
Create spring & summer training programs that helps your student leaders develop skills that will help them throughout the year. Spring is great for a 1 day training for your new officers: set expectations, leadership basics & activities for the end of the year. The spring training is packed full of ASB financial information too! (I will share documents that I have used that keep our ASB financials on track.) Summer is the perfect time to bring your leaders in to build a foundation of leadership skills that will do more for your school environment than you thought possible. Come to this session to get ideas on devel-oping your own outline, followed by lots of ideas on how to structure 1, 2 or 3 days’ worth of leadership training at minimal cost. This can be a great follow-up to schools that attend leadership camp too. Each day is packed with information and fun!
ASB Secretaries Hot Topics
Sue Fisk, Colville High School
Sarah LeDuc, Chiawana 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.
Everyday Servant Leadership in Action
Sally Rusk, Inglewood Middle School
Servant Leadership is a phenomenal movement spreading across schools due to the wonderful work of John Norlin and oth-ers. This breakout session will focus on many little tips, activities, and events you could implement as soon as Monday when you get back to school that will spread agape love throughout staff and students and work to make your school feel welcoming and inclusive.
Class Advisors 101
Dick Caldwell & Craig Iverson Marysville-Pilchuck High School
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, No it’s a new idea for class advisors. Join us as we share what our class officers take on each year at Marysville-Pilchuck. We will also share how our advisers take charge of their class officers.Topics we will cover are: meetings, fundraisers, and class activities.
Balloon Blitz
Marty Fortin, AWSP Learning Centers
Join us to play Ten Team Building activities using balloons. These activities are suitable for a class, a retreat, and even an assembly competition.
Leadership and the He Man History Hater Club
Sue Metzler, Mukilteo School District
Love all those leadership lessons, but not sure how to use them in a core class? This workshop will share ways that leadership curriculum has been used in a core class to strengthen student skill, and increase motivation.
Spirit Beyond Sports
Amy Stapleton, Harrison Prep
Instilling pride and spirit into your student culture can go beyond sports and athletics! Using pop culture, literature and friendly competition, learn how one small 6-12 school doubled their high school population, raised test scores and built a better school culture and how you can do it at yours.
Videos: Lessons & Activities
Ryan Healy, Ridgeline Middle School
Come check out a few videos from the video share that have built-in activities and lessons that work great for leadership class and for school wide service projects. We will even do one of the activities together. :)
Activities Coordinator—AD’s, Coaches, WIAA
Kim “ Stew” Stewart, Mountlake Terrace High School
Beth Marriott, Meadowdale High School
Does your ASB have a voice that is heard? Do coaches and the AD respect your opinion? Are there times you’re told instead of asked to put on events or purchase equipment? Kim Stewart, Mountlake Terrace High School and Beth Marriott, Meadowdale High School are excited to share their experiences being both AC & AD at their schools. It will be a safe place to share your concerns and hear strategies that work at other schools.
Leadership Curriculum and the Common Core
Teri Corwin, Glacier Peak High School
Vince Ivelia, Snohomish High School
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s the Common Core! Yes, common core integrated into your Leadership Class curriculum. Combat those villains of who think your class is nothing more than poster – making! No x-ray vision needed as we clearly present our course curriculum for you to fly up, up, and away with.
ASB Law and Fundraising
Meri Benedict, Auburn Riverside High School
Are you fuzzy on what the rules are for fundraising and finances? Are you a new advisor and have no idea with the ASB Law rules are regarding fundraisers? Do you want to make your systems stronger and better? This session will cover the basics and give you tips and suggestions for staying on the Good Side with ASB Law and fundraising.
Trauma-Informed Schools
Vincent Perez, AWSP
Trauma-Informed practices are making their way to our schools. Learn about the impact of trauma on our students and families and strategies to incorporate in your daily work. Explore why self-care is an ethical imperative.
The Butterfly Circus Revisited
Tim Turner, Richland High School
"The Butterfly Circus" has become a staple of leadership classrooms. In this session, we will watch the brief video and then share some new ideas for how to use it in your classes. If you're new to the video, please come and see it. If you've a veteran user, come for some new ideas, and possibly share how you use it.
Charting the Course for AWSL
Susan Fortin, Association of Washington Student Leaders
Leanne Donley, Central Valley High School
With student voice and authentic engagement as our goal, what structures and supports are needed at the local, regional and state level? Join the conversation as we plan for the second phase of the roll-out of the Association of Washington Student Leaders. (Although middle level are welcome to attend, the regional conversation will be more focused on the high school level.)
The Hornet Way
Jason Simonson, White River High School
How White River High School incorporates Leadership Activities, PBIS and Student Recognition under the school wide philosophy of The Hornet Way... Pride, Acceptance and Appreciation.
Using a Heat Press to make T-shirts and Sweatshirts
Angel Elam, Capital High School
Learn to use a heat press to make custom made T shirts and sweatshirts. You will learn the basics of using a heat press as well as learning to use the Transfer Express website to make custom designs.You will get hands on training and even get to make your own shirt to take home!
Leadership and the Non-Traditional Student
Alejandra Bobadilla & Christina Peabody, Sunnyside High School
This session will include ideas and examples of ways to include the non-traditional student in the leadership class. Their work helps them to connect to the school, build relationships and envision their future.
Leadership and Social Media
Guy Simpson, Ridgeline Middle School
Jen Nelson, Yelm Middle School
An overview of the use of social media in the leadership world. This informative session will include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and a few others. If you don't have them already, you will learn why you might want to use them, and if you do have them you may learn some new applications for them.
Increase Involvement and Improve Spirit with Data
Brian Bourgeois & Greg Hroch, 5-Star Students
Learn about the importance of getting and keeping students involved on campus. You'll find out how to collect and analyze data about involvement in activities and events. Then, use this information to set goals, provide incentives and monitor your activities program. Take your school spirit to the next level with unique and proven methods to get more students and staff involved!
Keeping Coaches and Advisors in Hero Status w/the Bookkeeper
Kevin Judkins, Glacier Peak High School
This workshop will provide ideas and suggestions to ASB Bookkeepers and Secretaries on working with coaches, advisors and athletic directors. From budget development, requisitions, minutes, and to infinity and beyond... Come ready to hear ideas, as well as be ready to share what works for you and the other
Ordinary Heroes in our schools - the ASB Bookkeepers and Secretaries!
Diversity & Equity or Inclusion & Access?
Vincent Perez, AWSP
Trauma-Informed practices are making their way to our schools. Learn about the impact of trauma on our students and families and strategies to incorporate in your daily work. Explore why self-care is an ethical imperative.
Google My Elections
Norm Sanford, Evergreen High School
Participants will learn how to use Google forms to do nominations, and elections for Homecoming, Prom and A.S.B. Participants should bring a smart phone, tablet or laptop to the session. I will share the things I have found that make my life easier as an advisor using Google forms. During the session sample forms will be sent to the email used for registration.
Engage EVERYONE
Scott Backovich
Tired of students at your school being too busy, too tired, or too embarrassed to participate in on-campus activities? Instead of begging students to take part in the action, let’s bring the action to them! In this fast-paced workshop, Scott will blaze through an entire spectrum of low, intermediate, and high commitment level activities for your school to enjoy. Better yet, this session will show you how simple, non-threatening ideas can lead to literally every student on your campus taking part. Want to create a school overflowing with enthusiasm? Ready or not, here we come!
“Senior Seminar”
Stu Cabe, Ovation Company
Looking for something powerful and meaningful for Seniors in the Spring months while other students are testing, scheduling, forecasting and preparing for next year? Then join Stu Cabe and The Ovation Company for an engaging, enlightening and exciting session on supporting your Seniors as they approach graduation. For years, Stu has been presenting an unique 150+/- minute “Senior Seminar” that is both refreshing and empowering for Seniors. This Senior Seminar encourages Seniors to embrace their last few days and weeks in high school…and not just count them down. Come join Stu in this “off the beaten path” approach to help students - with their time left in high school and make the most of it!
Giving Back to Who Matters (YOU)
Keith Hawkins, Real Inspirations, Inc
Often times teachers come to work and give their students their teacher side of them, but miss the op-portunity to give them 100% of who they are. Activity directors do just that, they give 100% of who they are and 100% of their time. This will cause stress and burn out. It is time to take back some of the time, effort, positive attitude, and passion you give to so many. In this workshop I will provide 100% of affirmation by listening to who you truly are. Network with peers and create a support system that can relate to all of you. I will give you the techniques on how to give back 100% to yourself so that you can be the best at what you do.