Saturday October 7, 2023
Setting the Stage for Success: Families Matter Conference
FREE @ Arden Middle School
Featuring Kevin Bracy!
9 - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast & Check In
Childcare and interpreter services available. Free gift for each attendee.
9:30 - 10 a.m. Keynote: Kevin Bracy!
Kevin Bracy is a Motivational Entertainer, Executive Producer, Speaking Coach, Author, Husband and Father. Kevin is the most-requested speaker in and around Sacramento, and over his 25+ year career, he has been privileged to speak to millions of people. His mission is to “dream global, but focus local," and he has been actively partnering with California schools for more than 15 years to help shift their culture and climate with his 'Each One REACH One' message.
10:15 - 11 a.m. Workshop Sessions
Turning Everyday Activities into STEAM Opportunities
Creative ways families can encourage Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math opportunities at home through the activities that they already do on a regular basis. Presented by Cheryl Adler-Walls and Javonne Aponte from Scholastic Education.
Pathways to Emotional Wellness
Participants will learn about the mind-body connection and how stress can affect physical and emotional health. Causes of depression and what one can do to manage stress, anxiety, and depression will be reviewed, including relaxation methods for mind/body health. Presented by Dr. Elio Gutierrez and Dr. Victor Chen from Kaiser Permanente.
Career Exploration
An overview of Career Exploration for grades K-12, Career Technical Education pathways available in San Juan Unified schools, and opportunities for counseling/career readiness questions with a CTE counselor. Presented by Martine Cermak from San Juan Unified CTE/Counseling.
IEP Partnership, Collaboration & Preparation
Explore San Juan Unified Special Education services and how to navigate the IEP process for effective partnership and collaboration. Presented by Kerri Asbury and Alison Lerch from San Juan Unified Special Education.
Supporting Success at Home with Positive Behavior
Join us to learn practical strategies and tips to support positive daily habits at home by creating a daily schedule and positive reinforcement for your family. Presented by Sean Bollinger from San Juan Unified Student Support Services.
Visual Supports for Language
This session will provide take home materials and tools to support language development at home. Participants will learn how to support successful communication strategies. Presented by Araya Tatsch from San Juan Unified Special Education Preschool Department.
11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. Workshop Sessions
Supporting Read Aloud & Literacy at Home
Reading is a family affair! Children develop a life-long love of reading when they have access to a variety of reading materials and consistently experience creative ways to read. This session will highlight practical strategies that families can use to enhance foundational literacy development and encourage a love of reading. Presented by Cheryl Adler-Walls and Javonne Aponte from Scholastic Education.
Caminos hacia el bienestar emocional- Presentado en español
Esta es una clase enfocada en comprender la conexión de mente-cuerpo y el impacto de estrés en la salud física y emocional. Se revisarán las causas de la depresión y lo que se puede hacer para controlar el estrés, la ansiedad y/o la depresión. También vamos a incluir métodos de relajación para mejorar la salud de la mente y el cuerpo. Presentado por Dr. Elio Gutierrez and Dr. Victor Chen from Kaiser Permanente.
Newcomer Support - Presented in Farsi/Dari
The newcomer support team offers a wide range of services for students and their families. Learn about programs designed to equip students and families with the tools and resources needed to thrive academically and personally by addressing a complete spectrum of social, emotional, cultural, and academic needs. Presented by Mohammad Radmanesh and Payenda Seddiqi from the San Juan Unified Multicultural Department.
Kamika Speaks
"KamikaSpeaks" is a workshop designed to captivate your attention through storytelling. Come and listen to the story of a woman who uses her personal story to help students and families navigate through school and life and learn about an activity that will help your family be engaged with one another. Presented by Kamika Hebbert from Kamika Speaks.
Understanding Special Education
Empowering families within Special Education programs to take a proactive role in their student’s education by exploring the role of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Presented by Linda Thrift from WarmLine Family Resource Center.
Substance Abuse and Prevention
Learn about substances and substance abuse, what to look for, what to do, and how to have conversations at home. Presented by Amy Vergie, a licensed substance abuse specialist.
Bringing Art Into Family Experiences
Explore simple art projects you can try at home using everyday objects. Families will create a small felt family pennant and learn about resources in the community for including the Arts in family experiences. Presented by Michael Dittmer from the San Juan Unified Visual and Performing Arts Department and Alice Fellos, Del Campo High School Art.
12 - 12:30 p.m. Closing Sessions, Raffles
Enjoy a closing message from Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), raffle prizes and a box lunch from Dos Coyotes.
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch & Resource Fair
