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Sturgis Professional Development 2026-2027
Monday, September 21
 

7:30am EDT

Breakfast (Optional)
Monday September 21, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am EDT
An optional breakfast will be provided by Horace Mann Insurance. 
Monday September 21, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am EDT
  Registration

8:00am EDT

New Teacher Contract Q&A
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Media Center
Limited Capacity seats available
Join Jodie Scheid to review the new teacher contract and to answer any questions you may have. 
Speakers
JS
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Media Center
  Featured Session

8:00am EDT

Renaissance Next: Getting Started & Enhancing Core Instruction
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 102
Limited Capacity seats available
How can educators monitor data and inform instructional decisions in Renaissance Next for Teachers? How can educators use Renaissance Next data to inform instruction? 
Speakers
avatar for Fabiola Doria

Fabiola Doria

Field Consultant II, Renaissance

Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 102
  Featured Session

8:00am EDT

Understanding the Michigan Merit Curriculum
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 101
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements and the flexible options that allow students to fulfill requirements. 
Speakers
avatar for Rashell Bowerman

Rashell Bowerman

Educational Consultant, MDE
Rashell Bowerman has been an Instructional Consultant with the Michigan Department of Education for over 14 years. As the department’s resident expert on Michigan’s graduation requirements, the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC), she supports local districts in ensuring that students... Read More →
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 101
  Featured Session

8:00am EDT

Accommodations vs Modifications
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 104
Limited Capacity filling up
Are you confused about the difference between an accommodation and a modification?   Are you struggling to meet all student accommodations within your classroom?  If you answered yes, then this session is for you.  We will go over the difference between accommodations and modifications, how they are written in an IEP and what your legal responsibilities are in tracking...
See More →
Speakers
PK

Pam Keeslar

Special Ed Coordinator
Special Education Coordinator
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 104
  Session

8:00am EDT

Basic Powerschool for New Teachers, Admins and Staff
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 110
Limited Capacity filling up
Powerschool is the backbone of our student information. Learn how to navigate Powerschool and use it in your everyday work. This class will be the basics, but hopefully, even experienced users will learn something to make it worth their while.
Speakers
BT

Brian Tallmadge

Brian Tallmadge has been reporting data for Sturgis Public Schools since 2012. He is responsible for most of the Federal and State data reporting requirements. Since 2025, Brian is also responsible for maintaining Powerschool.
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 110
  Session

8:00am EDT

Differentiation in Secondary Classrooms
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 105
Limited Capacity seats available
Participants will learn new strategies to support students and differentiate according to varying needs in the secondary setting. 
Speakers
MM

Megan Motz

Educational Consultant, St. Joseph County ISD
Instructional Coach at SJCISD
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 105
  Session

8:00am EDT

Differentiation in the Classroom (K-5)
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 111
Limited Capacity seats available
Some oldies but goodies that do not require technology, are simple to plan for, and for most grade levels. (6 Minute Solution, Step Up to Writing, Novel Partners, Lit Circles, etc.....)
Speakers
avatar for Ben Critz

Ben Critz

Student Services Coordinator
Currently Student Services Coordinator for SPS.  I taught for 25 years at Lake Center Elementary in Portage, MI.  I taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade.
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 111
  Session

8:00am EDT

Google Tips and Tricks 1.0
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 103
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
In this fast-paced session, you will learn Google Apps tips for all your favorite products (Mail, Chrome, Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, Classroom, and Vids). Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there will be something for everyone! 
Speakers
avatar for Chelsey Thangvijit

Chelsey Thangvijit

Educational Technology Coordinator
Educational Technology Coordinator
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 103
  Session

8:00am EDT

Technology-Classwize and Parent Square
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
LGI Room
Limited Capacity seats available
A split course on some ParentSquare usage and Classwize tips and tricks
Speakers
avatar for Chad Bennett

Chad Bennett

Director of Technology, Sturgis Public Schools
Director of Technology
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
LGI Room
  Session

8:00am EDT

Understanding Dyslexia: A Simulation & Strategy Session
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 106
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Join me for a dive into the world of dyslexia. You’ll experience a dyslexia simulation to feel the cognitive fatigue some of your students face, engage in a myth vs. fact showdown, and discuss the secondary consequences that can hinder a student’s progress. The goal is to walk away with a more nuanced understanding of how to support and empower every reader in your room.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay Bobell

Lindsay Bobell

Early Literacy Coach, St. Joseph County ISD
Monday September 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am EDT
Room 106
  Session

10:00am EDT

Break
Monday September 21, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
TBA

Monday September 21, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
TBA
  Break

10:15am EDT

HMH: Digging Deeper (K-5)
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 106
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Join us for an interactive overview of our new K-5 HMH curriculum as we explore its key components and instructional resources. Participants will learn practical tips and strategies to navigate the materials with confidence and maximize their impact on student learning. Through collaborative discussion and shared experiences, teachers will learn from one another while engaging in guided...
See More →
Speakers
DB

Danielle Bent

St. Joseph County ISD
K-5 Literacy Coach
avatar for Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz

K-5 Literacy Coach & K-12 ML Coach/Consultant
K-5 Literacy Coach & K-12 ML Coach/Consultant
JP

Jaimie Patrick

St. Joseph County ISD
K-5 Literacy Coach
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 106
  Featured Session

10:15am EDT

Introduction to Flocabulary (K-8)
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 102
Limited Capacity filling up
How do Flocabulary's engaging activities and music-driven vocabulary instruction deepen comprehension, boost student engagement, and foster content mastery in all subject areas? 
Speakers
avatar for Fabiola Doria

Fabiola Doria

Field Consultant II, Renaissance

Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 102
  Featured Session

10:15am EDT

Understanding the Michigan Merit Curriculum
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 101
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements and the flexible options that allow students to fulfill requirements. 
Speakers
avatar for Rashell Bowerman

Rashell Bowerman

Educational Consultant, MDE
Rashell Bowerman has been an Instructional Consultant with the Michigan Department of Education for over 14 years. As the department’s resident expert on Michigan’s graduation requirements, the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC), she supports local districts in ensuring that students... Read More →
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 101
  Featured Session

10:15am EDT

Accommodations vs Modifications
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 104
Limited Capacity filling up
Are you confused about the difference between an accommodation and a modification?   Are you struggling to meet all student accommodations within your classroom?  If you answered yes, then this session is for you.  We will go over the difference between accommodations and modifications, how they are written in an IEP and what your legal responsibilities are in tracking...
See More →
Speakers
PK

Pam Keeslar

Special Ed Coordinator
Special Education Coordinator
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 104
  Session

10:15am EDT

Differentiation in Secondary Classrooms
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 105
Limited Capacity seats available
Participants will learn new strategies to support students and differentiate according to varying needs in the secondary setting. 
Speakers
MM

Megan Motz

Educational Consultant, St. Joseph County ISD
Instructional Coach at SJCISD
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 105
  Session

10:15am EDT

Differentiation in the Classroom (K-5)
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 111
Limited Capacity seats available
Some oldies but goodies that do not require technology, are simple to plan for, and for most grade levels. (6 Minute Solution, Step Up to Writing, Novel Partners, Lit Circles, etc.....)
Speakers
avatar for Ben Critz

Ben Critz

Student Services Coordinator
Currently Student Services Coordinator for SPS.  I taught for 25 years at Lake Center Elementary in Portage, MI.  I taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade.
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 111
  Session

10:15am EDT

Effective De-Escalation Strategies for the Classroom
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 110
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This professional development session provides educators with practical, proven strategies from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) to prevent, recognize, and safely de-escalate challenging student behaviors. Participants will learn how to respond effectively to escalating situations while maintaining safety, dignity, and respect for all students.
Speakers
HG

Heather George

Multiple Pathways Principal 
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 110
  Session

10:15am EDT

Google Classroom 101
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 103
Limited Capacity filling up
Are you new to Google Classroom? Or has it been a while since you've used Google Classroom and want to learn some of the new features? Come learn how to use Google Classroom to deliver content to students, organize and share information, and provide feedback to students. This session will focus on the basics of using Google Classroom with students.
Speakers
avatar for Chelsey Thangvijit

Chelsey Thangvijit

Educational Technology Coordinator
Educational Technology Coordinator
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 103
  Session

10:15am EDT

Teaching for Learning Transfer
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 109
Limited Capacity seats available
Why do students sometimes do great on the study guide but flop the test? Why do students sometimes struggle to apply the lessons they were clearly taught to new classes and situations outside of school? These are important questions regarding learning transfer that I researched as part of my graduate program, which included conducting an in-depth study on transfer at Sturgis High...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Riley Yates

Riley Yates

I have taught English classes -- predominately English 9 -- at Sturgis High School for the past five years.

Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 109
  Session

10:15am EDT

Technology-Classwize and Parent Square
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
LGI Room
Limited Capacity seats available
A split course on some ParentSquare usage and Classwize tips and tricks
Speakers
avatar for Chad Bennett

Chad Bennett

Director of Technology, Sturgis Public Schools
Director of Technology
Monday September 21, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
LGI Room
  Session

12:15pm EDT

Lunch
Monday September 21, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Cafeteria
Lunch will be provided in the cafeteria. 
Monday September 21, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Cafeteria
  Lunch

1:15pm EDT

HMH: Digging Deeper (K-5)
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 106
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Join us for an interactive overview of our new K-5 HMH curriculum as we explore its key components and instructional resources. Participants will learn practical tips and strategies to navigate the materials with confidence and maximize their impact on student learning. Through collaborative discussion and shared experiences, teachers will learn from one another while engaging in guided...
See More →
Speakers
DB

Danielle Bent

St. Joseph County ISD
K-5 Literacy Coach
avatar for Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz

K-5 Literacy Coach & K-12 ML Coach/Consultant
K-5 Literacy Coach & K-12 ML Coach/Consultant
JP

Jaimie Patrick

St. Joseph County ISD
K-5 Literacy Coach
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 106
  Featured Session

1:15pm EDT

Nearpod: Getting Started
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 102
Limited Capacity seats available
How can Nearpod support teaching, enhance learning, and provide evidence of student progress? Create and edit engaging lessons with Nearpod. 
Speakers
avatar for Fabiola Doria

Fabiola Doria

Field Consultant II, Renaissance

Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 102
  Featured Session

1:15pm EDT

Understanding the Michigan Merit Curriculum
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 101
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements and the flexible options that allow students to fulfill requirements. 
Speakers
avatar for Rashell Bowerman

Rashell Bowerman

Educational Consultant, MDE
Rashell Bowerman has been an Instructional Consultant with the Michigan Department of Education for over 14 years. As the department’s resident expert on Michigan’s graduation requirements, the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC), she supports local districts in ensuring that students... Read More →
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 101
  Featured Session

1:15pm EDT

Accommodations vs Modifications
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 104
Limited Capacity seats available
Are you confused about the difference between an accommodation and a modification?   Are you struggling to meet all student accommodations within your classroom?  If you answered yes, then this session is for you.  We will go over the difference between accommodations and modifications, how they are written in an IEP and what your legal responsibilities are in tracking...
See More →
Speakers
PK

Pam Keeslar

Special Ed Coordinator
Special Education Coordinator
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 104
  Session

1:15pm EDT

Engaging Students in Mathematics Through a Thinking Classroom (6-12)
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 105
Limited Capacity filling up
How much time do our students spend thinking versus "studenting"? Based on 15 years of research, the Building Thinking Classrooms framework offers 14 specific practices to increase student engagement and autonomy. This session focuses on the "First Toolkit"—the essential shifts in environment and task delivery that break down social barriers and increase mathematical endurance. We will...
See More →
Speakers
JB

Jessica Barth

St. Joseph County ISD
Jessica Barth is an Educational Consultant at the ISD, where she brings nearly two decades of experience in the world of K-12 mathematics. Now in her fifth year as a consultant, Jessica specializes in supporting primary and secondary math education. Before transitioning to her current... Read More →
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 105
  Session

1:15pm EDT

Google Classroom 101
ALMOST FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 103
Limited Capacity filling up
Are you new to Google Classroom? Or has it been a while since you've used Google Classroom and want to learn some of the new features? Come learn how to use Google Classroom to deliver content to students, organize and share information, and provide feedback to students. This session will focus on the basics of using Google Classroom with students. 
Speakers
avatar for Chelsey Thangvijit

Chelsey Thangvijit

Educational Technology Coordinator
Educational Technology Coordinator
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 103
  Session

1:15pm EDT

SIOP for Content Teachers
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 111
Limited Capacity seats available
The session will provide an introduction to the SIOP model for teaching content to multilingual learners at all grade levels and in all content areas. Strategies are helpful for all learners and can be easily implemented in any classroom. 
Speakers
BH

Brittany Hernandez

HS ELA/ELL Teacher
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 111
  Session

1:15pm EDT

Technology-Classwize and Parent Square
OPEN
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
LGI Room
Limited Capacity seats available
A split course on some ParentSquare usage and Classwize tips and tricks
Speakers
avatar for Chad Bennett

Chad Bennett

Director of Technology, Sturgis Public Schools
Director of Technology
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
LGI Room
  Session

1:15pm EDT

Tier 1 Behavior Strategies
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 109
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Participants will receive behavior strategies based upon guidance from the Center on PBIS...Tier 1 systems, data, and practices support everyone across all settings. They establish the foundation for delivering regular, proactive support and preventing unwanted behaviors. Tier 1 emphasizes modeling, teaching, and acknowledging positive social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills. Teams, data,...
See More →
Speakers
BK

Ben Karle

St. Joseph County ISD
Ben Karle is the Behavioral Health Program Coordinator at the St. Joseph County ISD, providing coordinating efforts to the School-based Therapy (31n) team and Instructional Leadership Department. Ben Karle has a background in Special Education School Social Work, as well as homebased... Read More →
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 109
  Session

1:15pm EDT

Writing Compliant and Effective Log Entries in PowerSchool: Best Practices for Documentation
FULL
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 110
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Accurate, professional, and compliant log entries in PowerSchool are essential for student support, legal protection, parent communication, and administrative accountability. This hands-on professional development session will equip teachers and staff with the knowledge and skills to create clear, objective, and defensible documentation.


Speakers
HG

Heather George

Multiple Pathways Principal 
Monday September 21, 2026 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 110
  Session
 
Sturgis Professional Development 2026-2027
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Monday, September 21
Cafeteria
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Media Center
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Room 111
TBA
  • Break
  • Featured Session
  • Lunch
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