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.

8:30am EDT

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

This presentation will help new staff to the district to learn how to use their district technology. Staff will learn best practice with district technology and to get a running start on the school year.

Speakers

Shannon Hemmelgarn

Media Specialist, Upper Arlington Schools-Windermere

Katie Coplin

Teacher, Wickliffe Progressive/ Upper Arlington Schools

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

AI/Technology

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

8:30am EDT

Draft-Communication Crash Course NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Speakers

Colleen Wright

Karen Truett

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Certified Staff

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

8:30am EDT

Draft-Ablespace Workshop NEED PRESENTER AND DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Special Education

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

9:40am EDT

Draft-Welcome to Canvas!

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

This session is an Introduction to Canvas for grade 6-12 teachers who are new to Canvas or current teachers wishing to learn more about Canvas. The goal is to help you understand Canvas' features, see a variety of organizational strategies, and get teachers started on setting up their course(s).

Speakers

Diane Kahle

Computer Science Teacher, Upper Arlington High School

I currently teach computer science at UAHS and have a passion for computer science education and strive to provide new opportunities for students. I have 35 years of experience teaching math and computer science. I am a Canvas Lead at the HS. I lead Hour of Code Across UA and the... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:40am - 10:40am EDT

AI/Technology

Content Level Introductory
Audience 6-8, 9-12

10:50am EDT

Draft-Collaboration Station NEED PEOPLE AND DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am EDT

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

10:50am EDT

Creating a Human-Centered AI Stoplight Framework and UA AI Policy

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am EDT

AI can be a powerful assistant to both students and staff. We need a way to harness its power without compromising foundational learning and academic integrity. Come learn how to create rationales for AI use or non-use from a teacher’s and student’s perspective. Use these guidelines in designing parameters for you next lesson or unit. We will also cover the major points of the Upper Arlington AI Guidance document as well as what Ai tools are approved for use.

Speakers

Denise Lutz

Chief Excellence and Engagement Officer, Upper Arlington School

HumanCenteredAIStoplightModel (1) pdf

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am EDT

AI/Technology

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

12:00pm EDT

Draft-Generative AI in Practice: Using Canva AI to Design Standards-Aligned Instructional Tools and Student Activities

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

This session introduces educators to the practical applications of generative AI in instructional design, with a focus on Canva's suite of AI-powered features. Participants will learn how to efficiently create and curate high-quality instructional materials and develop student-centered activities that align to Ohio Learning Standards. Through guided exploration and collaborative discussion, attendees will gain actionable strategies for integrating Canva AI into their planning process, saving time while elevating the quality and relevance of classroom resources.

Speakers

Michelle Kammeraad

Media Specialist, Upper Arlington Schools-Jones

Laurie Sutherin

6th Grade English Language Arts, Upper Arlington Schools-Jones

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

AI/Technology

Content Level Proficiency
Audience 6-8, 9-12

12:00pm EDT

Draft-Access Amazing Resources to Provide Meaningful Opportunities for Students (preK-12)

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Join us for an introduction to the Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) and Alumni Association, dedicated to supporting students and staff across UA schools. Learn about the history of the foundation, its mission, and the impact it’s had through recent grants awarded across the district. We’ll also review the UA+Ed grant application and explore ways that we can partner with you to bring innovative and meaningful learning opportunities to your students.

Speakers

Megan Potts

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Certified Staff

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

12:00pm EDT

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Speakers

Matt Jordan

Principal, Upper Arlington Schools-Hastings MS

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Curriculum (Literacy/Math/Science/Social Studies)

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

12:00pm EDT

Draft-Shifting the Lens: An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

When a student acts out or shuts down, our instinct is often to ask, "What is wrong with you?" Trauma-Informed Care challenges us to shift that question to, "What happened to you?" This session will introduce the core principles of trauma-informed education. Discover how chronic stress impacts the developing brain, learn to recognize the subtle signs of trauma in the classroom, and walk away with practical, everyday strategies to create a felt sense of safety and connection for all students.

Speakers

Larysa Gilbert

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Trauma Informed Care

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

1:10pm EDT

Draft-Intermediate Canvas NEED PRESENTER AND DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

AI/Technology

Content Level Proficiency
Audience 6-8, 9-12

1:10pm EDT

Draft-Global Language NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Speakers

Chris Hayes

Global Language Teacher: Spanish

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Certified Staff, Curriculum

Content Level Introductory, Proficiency
Audience 6-8, 9-12

1:10pm EDT

Draft-Service Learning - Empowering Engaged Learners

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Bringing the real world into classrooms is crucial. Whether you are completely new to service-learning or looking to deepen your practice, this session is for you. We will explore the history, core principles, and powerful background of service learning in Upper Arlington and learn tips and techniques of the many and varied ways service learning can be implemented. You will leave with actionable, grade-appropriate ideas to get started or to build on existing ideas or projects. You will brainstorm and plan with experienced practitioners. Most importantly, you will understand how service-learning directly supports and brings to life our district’s Profile of an Engaged Learner.

Speakers

Katie Benton

Fourth Grade Progressive Teacher, District Service Learning Leader, Barrington Elementary School, Upper Arlington City Schools

Katie Benton has been an elementary school teacher for 25 years. She has been a service learning leader in Upper Arlington City Schools for the past 20 years and has worked on numerous high quality service learning projects across K-12.

Leah Miller

Career Development & Service-Learning Specialist, Upper Arlington Schools

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Service Learning

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

1:10pm EDT

Draft-Supporting “Drama-Driven” Students: Understanding and Addressing Relational Aggression

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

This session moves past the dismissive "kids will be kids" narrative to explore the psychology behind relationally aggressive behaviors. Staff will learn why students resort to these tactics and how to spot the subtle, often invisible red flags in the hallways and classrooms. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to de-escalate "drama," support students, and foster a school culture rooted in genuine connection rather than social survival.

Speakers

Larysa Gilbert

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Trauma Informed Care

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

2:20pm EDT

Draft-Collaboration Station NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

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

2:20pm EDT

Draft-iPad Accessibility NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Speakers

Amanda Viau

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

AI/Technology

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

8:30am EDT

Draft-Differentiating for Gifted Learners Using AI Tools

1.00 PD

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

Go beyond "more work" and discover how to help your students "go deeper." This session focuses on providing practical strategies for utilizing AI tools to deliver genuine enrichment and extension activities that add depth and complexity to your curriculum. Rather than assigning "busywork," you will learn how to leverage technology to challenge gifted learners effectively.

We will explore how tools like Gemini and Brisk can be used to create relevant assignments that align directly with the units and modules you are already teaching. By using specific prompting techniques, teachers can generate high-quality materials and even teacher keys with minimal planning time!

Finally, we will work through various scenarios to help you think through how these tools can be best applied in your individual classroom. Whether you are tech-hesitant or comfortable, these strategies are designed to be tailored to your unique teaching style and the specific age of your students.

Speakers

Cat Rinko-Gay

Gifted Intervention Specialist, Barrington Elementary School, Upper Arlington City Schools

Cat Rinko-Gay has worked in gifted education for 15 years. She began her career as a learning specialist and 3rd grade teacher at an all-gifted school in New York City. Since moving to Ohio, she has worked as a Gifted Intervention Specialist for the past 4 years, focusing on ELA and... Read More →

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

AI/Technology, Gifted Education

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

8:30am EDT

Draft-What Steps Can I Take to Plan for Retirement, Even if it's a Long Time From Now? (preK-12)

1.00 PD

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

Pete Scully and Laura Mickens will review pre-tax savings vehicles that are available to UA employees in addition to STRS. This review will cover the HSA, Section 125 plan, 403b, 457b, and 401a programs and approved vendors.

Speakers

Pete Scully

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

Certified Staff

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

8:30am EDT

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

1.00 PD

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-Intermediate Canvas NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

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

AI/Technology

Content Level Proficiency
Audience 6-8, 9-12

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-Math (Building Thinking Classrooms second or alternate session) NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

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

Speakers

Matt Jordan

Principal, Upper Arlington Schools-Hastings MS

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

Curriculum (Literacy/Math/Science/Social Studies)

Content Level Proficiency
Audience K-5, 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

10:50am EDT

Draft-Collaboration Station NEED DESCRIPTION

1.00 PD

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am EDT

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

10:50am EDT

Draft-Wired to Worry: Supporting the Anxious Mind in School

1.00 PD

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am EDT

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic or tears in the classroom. Often, it hides behind perfectionism, frequent trips to the nurse, avoidance, or even disruptive behavior. For an anxious student, the brain is stuck in a chronic "fight-or-flight" response, making meaningful learning nearly impossible. This session pulls back the curtain on how anxiety physically impacts a student's brain, memory, and behavior.

Speakers