OSSA: Challenge to Opportunity

** Connection information has been sent to all registrants. If you did not receive yours, please contact Megan Monson, COSA, at megan@cosa.k12.or.us or text 541-941-1993. 

Participants will join virtually for this conference: all together for general sessions and choice of 2 breakout sessions. If you don't already have one, please create a free Zoom account associated with your email address; that will help us place you in breakout rooms. 

If you are a paid member of OSSA you will be eligible to have up to 10 staff members log on for each registration fee of $99.00. (Please provide list of participants' names and emails so we can place them in chosen breakout room.)

If you are not a OSSA member School, District, or ESD and would like to register 1-10 participants in the conference the price is $199 and it will include a complimentary membership to OSSA next year with full benefits.

OSSA Virtual Conference Welcome
Keynote: 9:00 to 9:45

Chris Spetzler, Executive Director of Decision Education Foundation (DEF) - Bio
"Embracing Uncertainty: Confident Decisions Amid Shifting Reality" - Best laid plans must adapt to our new reality with uncertainty stretching into next fall.  Having an effective framework to handle difficult decisions will help you support students even when confronting challenging tradeoffs. With the COVID crisis as context, Chris Spetzler will share how educators, administrators and students benefit from decision skills, a common language, and practical tools for making high-quality decisions.

Breakout Round I: 9:45 to 10:30 (sessions repeat at 11:00)
Choice 1: Wellness & Self-Care: Showing Grace and Building Resiliency Amid Distance Learning for All - School closures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic presents challenges for students, families and educators across the world.  Our panel will share strategies and techniques for addressing the impact on students, families, and educators in real time and what we are learning through this process with potential resources, insights and ideas.  Join us to learn more about the journeys and lessons we’ve learned in our effort to prioritize supporting students, staff, and families.
- Eric Milburn, Superintendent, Perrydale School District
- Michael Carter, Superintendent, Rainier School District
- Heidi Blakley, Principal, Hudson Park Elementary
- Lane Stratton, Principal, Lake County High School
- Megan Keplinger, Communication Director, Rainier School District
- Heidi Schafer, Special Education Director, Rainier School District

Choice 2: Tips & Tricks for Technology: How Small Schools and Districts are Managing Technology During This Time - Small school districts that leverage technology effectively generate opportunities for big results. This session will include imperatives for technology leadership, action steps to form and strengthen your technology leadership team and include enough time for a nuts-and-bolts Q&A about tactics and tools to avoid pitfalls and strengthen the technology leadership in your district during the present and future reality of Distance Learning for All.
- Drew Hinds, Technology Director, Silver Falls School District
- Matthew Schafter, Business Teacher and Tech Trainer (Rainier Junior-Senior High)
- Nick Hansen-Sedor, Math Teacher and Technician (Rainier School District)
- Aaron Cooke, Program Manager for Data Analytics (Southern Oregon ESD)

Choice 3: The New Normal: Using Decision-Making Skills to Plan for An Uncertain 20-21 School Year - Covid-19 has shaken education and many prior assumptions no longer hold. Facing this uncertainty with a rigorous process ensures that even tough decisions can be made confidently as high quality decisions.
- Chris Spetzler, Executive Director of Decision Education Foundation (DEF)

Choice 4: Now and Until: Resources and Strategies to Provide Continuous Literacy Learning Focused on the Whole Child - Starting now, through the summer, and until teachers are able to meet again in person with students, it is critical educators ensure positive, continuous literacy learning that fosters independent thinkers, critical readers and expert writers while focusing on the whole child . Join our session to explore strategies and resources that will assist you in providing a seamless continuum of literacy learning now through the start of the new school year! Gain ideas, resources, and strategies to implement now, through the summer, and as the new year begins!
- Karen Burke, Vice President of Data Analysis and Academic Planning, Scholastic

Panel: 10:30 to 11:00
PACE leadership will be introduced and thanks participants for coming and shares resources.  A variety of small school & district leaders will discuss how they are managing the crisis in real time and what they are learning from it.

Breakout Round II: 11:00 to 11:45 (sessions repeated from Round I)
Choice 1: Wellness & Self-Care: Showing Grace and Building Resiliency Amid Distance Learning for All
Choice 2: Tips & Tricks for Technology: How Small Schools and Districts are Managing Technology During This Time
Choice 3: The New Normal: Using Decision-Making Skills to Plan for An Uncertain 20-21 School Year
Choice 4: Now and Until: Resources and Strategies to Provide Continuous Literacy Learning Focused on the Whole Child

Closing: 11:45 to 12:00
Conference wrap-up and evaluation.