Start Strong 2026: Full Schedule

Save the date for Upper Arlington’s Start Strong mini-conference on August 5-6, 2026--schedule to follow!

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

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8:30am EDT

Making Room for the Storm: Relating to Stress in a Healthier, Values-Driven Way

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Educators face an overwhelming amount of stress, yet traditional advice to eliminate the stress with typical self-care activities often leads to disappointment. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this interactive workshop shifts the focus from fighting stress to fundamentally changing our relationship with it. Participants will learn how to "unhook" from difficult thoughts, use self-compassion to lessen the burden of emotional pain, and orient toward core values to maintain momentum when life hits hard. Through experiential exercises and collaborative discussions, teachers will acquire a practical toolkit to navigate burnout throughout the school year. Crucially, these mindfulness and self-compassion strategies are designed to be shared directly with students, equipping educators to foster emotional resilience and values-based coping skills within their classrooms.

Speakers

Bobby Huffman

Intervention Specialist, Upper Arlington Schools

Bobby Huffman has spent two decades in the classroom navigating the beautiful, complex world of special education. Currently serving as an Intervention and Behavioral Specialist at Jones Middle School, Bobby has 20 years of experience supporting students with autism and behavioral... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Trauma Informed Care

Content Level Introductory
Audience PK, K-5, Admin, 9-12, 6-8

9:40am EDT

Draft-LPDC & Licensure Workshop NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

Speakers

Kristin Bugnitz

Peer Assistance Specialist, Upper Arlington Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

Certified Staff

Content Level Introductory, Proficiency
Audience PK, K-5, Admin, 6-8, 9-12

9:40am EDT

Draft-Confidentiality and Ethical Communication

1.00 PD

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

This presentation will focus on confidentiality and ethical communication when discussing students and their behavior through a trauma-informed and supportive lens. Participants will explore how adult perceptions and projections impact students’ sense of safety, regulation, and identity, and how maintaining a neutral, supportive stance can promote positive outcomes. The session will also address strategies for managing challenging behaviors while preserving student dignity, as well as tools to support staff in recognizing and regulating their own stress and frustration to maintain professionalism and a supportive classroom environment.

Speakers

Larysa Gilbert

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

Trauma Informed Care

Content Level Introductory
Audience PK, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, Admin

2:20pm EDT

Draft-Collaboration Station NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Content Level Introductory, Proficiency
Audience PK, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, Admin

Start Strong 2026

8:30am EDT

Bobby Huffman

9:40am EDT

Kristin Bugnitz

9:40am EDT

Larysa Gilbert

2:20pm EDT

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