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

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

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

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

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