AP Conference 2026: Full Schedule

8:45am EDT

Activating Just Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide to School Investigations

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

In this session, Assistant Principals will practice using a clear, start-to-finish framework for navigating allegations of misconduct. Participants will explore practical strategies to audit their current practices, learn how to handle sensitive situations with legal integrity and practice applying consistent processes. You will leave equipped with a reliable blueprint to ensure compliance, and activate sustainable, trust-centered systems.

Speakers

Caitlin Strom

Employee Relations Specialist, Department of Human Resources

Stephanie Enzmann

Employee Relations Director, Department of Human Resources

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

Clarity to Connection: High-Impact Family Engagement Strategies

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Activate your school’s potential by moving from reacting to systems to improving them through intentional family engagement. In this session, participants will explore FACE’s High Impact Strategies through a systemic lens, aligning them with Compass to 2030 Goal 4. Learn to integrate family partnerships into daily structures, routines, and organization using data tracking and school concept maps. Walk away with a practical Toolkit designed to streamline communication and transform engagement into a sustainable, organized operation that drives student success.

Speakers

Admon Alexander

Family and Community Engagement Director, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Jacqueline Crowley-Coleman

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Joyce Hawkins

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

Shining A Light On Progressive Discipline

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

This session will provide administrators with a practical understanding of progressive discipline, including the principles behind it, the steps involved in implementation, and common mistakes to avoid. Participants will learn how to apply progressive discipline consistently, document interventions effectively, and ensure disciplinary decisions are fair, compliant, and focused on improving student behavior.

Speakers

Leeane Turnbull

Director of Student Leadership, Office of Student Leadership

Lisabeth Brooks

Admin Associate I, Office of Student Leadership

Rachel Phelps

Admin Associate I, Office of Student Leadership

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

Unlocking Literacy Success: Equipping Families with Tools and Resources

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Family engagement is a critical component of literacy success. When families understand their child's literacy data and have access to meaningful, easy-to-use resources, they are better equipped to support learning at home. In this interactive session, assistant principals will explore practical ways to strengthen family partnerships through clear communication about literacy progress and accessible at-home supports. Participants will examine tools and materials from VBCPS, VLP, and VDOE designed to support literacy development beyond the classroom. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussion, attendees will analyze real scenarios and determine which resources best meet the needs of their students and families.

Speakers

Angelia Ragland

ELA Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Crystal Felton

Elementary Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

Roadmaps to Success: Supporting All Learners in Driver Education

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Participants will explore best practices for supporting students with IEPs, 504 Plans, disabilities, and other unique needs in Driver Education. This session will provide practical strategies for accommodations, family communication, interdepartmental collaboration, and proactive planning to ensure equitable access and student success. Assistant principals will leave with tools and systems they can implement to better support students and families while navigating the Driver Education process.

Speakers

Amber Huffman

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Christine Drescher

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Denise O'Connell

Lead Driver Education Teacher, Department of Teaching and Learning

Lei Dunn

Health/PE Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Mandi Cumpston

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Matthew Fischi

Director of Student Services, Office of Student Support Services

Matthew Orebaugh

Coordinator of Health/PE, Department of Teaching and Learning

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

High School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

From Data to Intervention: Making Strategic Literacy Decisions in Middle School

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Ready to lead your literacy meetings with greater confidence? This practical session focuses on navigating the complexities of Student Reading plans within your school’s MTSS framework without the overwhelm. Using real-world scenarios and targeted guiding questions, we will explore how to make collaborative scheduling and placement decisions across Tiers 1, 2, and 3. You will walk away with actionable strategies to streamline your intervention meetings and support your instructional teams. Join us to strengthen your literacy systems one step at a time.

Speakers

Brandy Bertucci

Secondary Language Arts Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Erin Mullins

Secondary English Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Middle School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

The SPED Reality Check: What New APs Need to Know (But No One Tells You)

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

“I have an IEP meeting, a parent complaint, two uncovered classes, and a compliance deadline…now what?”
This session breaks down the real, unfiltered day-to-day of special education leadership for new APs. Participants will learn practical systems for managing compliance, supporting overwhelmed staff, addressing student needs, and problem-solving in real time. Through interactive scenarios and ready-to-use tools, attendees will walk away with strategies they can implement immediately. If you’ve ever felt unprepared for the realities of SPED leadership, this session will give you the clarity and structure you need to lead with confidence.

Speakers

Brad Boynton

Dean of Students MS, Bayside 6th Grade Campus

Alexis Downham

Assistant Principal MS, Lynnhaven MS

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Secondary APs and AAs (NEW)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

8:45am EDT

Stronger Together: Building Belonging Through Your Feeder Pattern

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Building a school culture of pride and belonging starts before students enter your doors. This session equips school leaders to foster community buy-in by leveraging their feeder pattern. Connect and collaborate with colleagues to gather ideas for engaging families early, aligning neighborhood schools, and creating a continuous pipeline of support. You will leave with actionable strategies that sparks community pride long before day one.

Speakers

Andrew Midgette

Assistant Principal MS, Salem MS

Angela Parsons

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Secondary Attendees (MS & HS)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

From Incident to Outcome: Mastering Investigations

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Participants will learn essential techniques and practices to conduct thorough investigations related to student discipline, bullying, threat assessments, and Title IX. Essential session for all new Assistant Principals and Administrative Assistants.

Speakers

Leeane Turnbull

Director of Student Leadership, Office of Student Leadership

Jairo Padilla

Student Conduct/Services Coordinator, Office of Student Leadership

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

Activating Just Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide to School Investigations

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Speakers

Stephanie Enzmann

Employee Relations Director, Department of Human Resources

Caitlin Strom

Employee Relations Specialist, Department of Human Resources

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

Tools That Talk Back: Smarter Multilingual Family Communication

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

This interactive, next‑level workshop supports teachers and administrators in overcoming language barriers that impact family communication and engagement. Participants will explore practical, reliable language access tools and strategies, including advanced features in PowerPoint, Canva, and other commonly used platforms. The session focuses on addressing common barriers such as inconsistent translation, unclear messaging, and limited accessibility. Attendees will leave with hands-on strategies, recommended tools, and ready‑to‑use resources to improve communication, build understanding, and better support families and students across school communities. This session supports the 2026-2027 Strategic Action Agenda and Compass to 2030 Goal 4: Partner with Families and Community to Support Students.

Speakers

Domenica Nichols

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Jason Tomik

Instructional Technology Specialist, Princess Anne HS

Tina Garfield

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

Unlocking Goal 4 Through Family Engagement

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

This interactive session equips school leaders with practical strategies to strengthen family and community engagement as a driver of Compass to 2030 Goal 4: Partner with Families and the Community to Support Students. Participants will explore the FACE Guide to Family Engagement, engage in a collaborative “Escape the Barriers” problem‑solving activity, and analyze real‑world challenges around communication, trust, equity, and access. Leaders will leave with a customized, ready‑to‑implement Family Engagement Action Plan aligned to their school’s needs and 2026-27 Strategic Action Agenda.

Speakers

Contessa Magee

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Jacqueline Crowley-Coleman

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

"Homebound Heroes"

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Participants will learn the steps of the entire homebound process including: screening referrals through the Homebound Response Team, submitting a referral to the Homebound Office, the administrative review process to approval/denial, and re-integration back into the schools. We will also explore the strict limitations on homebound services, the different types of homebound services, and practice screening applications that may potentially qualify for these services.

Speakers

Jennifer Knight

Student Conduct/Services Coordinator, Office of Student Leadership

Tyree Reed

Admin Office Associate I, Office of Student Leadership

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

Applying BIST Frameworks for School-Wide Impact

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

This collaborative session empowers school-based administrators to examine current school-wide systems and identify opportunities to integrate BIST elements into existing frameworks. Participants will explore how key BIST concepts—including responding to student behaviors early, establishing common language, and embedding opportunities for coaching students who display missing skills—can make systems more robust. By aligning these elements, leaders will activate sustainable structures that foster predictable, supportive school environments.

Speakers

Nicole Keros

Principal, Thalia ES

Carolyn Barnes

Behavior Intervention Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

The AP as Chief MTSS Officer: Maximizing Resources and Intervention Pathway

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Leading an effective Student Response Team requires more than just scheduling meetings—it requires strategic resource management. This professional learning session positions Assistant Principals as the chief architects of their building's tiered support systems. We will dive deep into resource mapping, identifying underutilized intervention assets, and establishing clear gateway criteria for tier transitions. Leaders will learn how to run high-yield, data-centered SRT meetings that result in concrete action steps, strict progress-monitoring timelines, and optimal alignment of interventionists, counselors, and support staff.

Speakers

Alainya Abdelkader

MTSS Coach, Office of Student Support Services

Mischelle Keller

Assistant Principal ES, Holland ES

Janet Kouns

School Counselor, Holland ES

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

10:00am EDT

Stronger Together: Building Belonging Through Your Feeder Pattern

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Speakers

Andrew Midgette

Assistant Principal MS, Salem MS

Angela Parsons

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Secondary Attendees (MS & HS)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

Modernizing School Volunteerism with SignUpGenius Enterprise

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Many schools are still using Google Forms to manage volunteers, but Forms was designed for surveys, not scheduling. It can collect names, but it can’t handle the real work of volunteer coordination: reminders, time-slot management, updates, cancellations, or reporting. This leaves administrators and support staff doing a lot of manual follow-up. Join this session to learn more about the district-approved volunteer management platform, SignUpGenius Enterprise, for stronger engagement, better coverage, and less administrative burden.

Speakers

Joyce Hawkins

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Rebecca Headings

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

Special Education Committee Through the AP Lens

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

In this session designed for Assistant Principals overseeing special education, we will use interactive activities to strengthen their facilitation of the eligibility process. Participants will review scenarios and eligibility criteria to support their eligibility determinations and assist them in gaining confidence in the decisions made for students with disabilities.

Speakers

Christine Drescher

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Mandi Cumpston

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

Understanding & Utilizing VBCPS Mental Health Resources

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Mental health plays a vital role in student success. VBCPS offers a range of resources and supports to promote student well-being, early intervention, and crisis support. This session will help build staff awareness and confidence in identifying needs, making appropriate referrals, and connecting students and families to the right supports. Participants will engage in small group discussion and analyze scenarios that reflect common situations faced in schools.

Speakers

Annie Chowns

Guidance Coordinator, Office of Student Support Services

Martha Crawford

Instructional Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Towana Hunter

Instructional Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

The Power Behind the Process: APs Leading Successful Testing

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Explore the leadership role Assistant Principals play in creating organized, compliant, and student-centered testing environments. This session will focus on the systems and structures that drive successful schoolwide testing administration, including coordinating accommodations, developing effective testing plans, managing Pearson, and maintaining clear organization throughout the various testing administrations. Participants will discuss real-world strategies designed to streamline processes, reduce stress, and strengthen testing leadership through connection and collective action.

Speakers

Amie Wetmore

Assistant Principal ES, Pembroke ES

Jodi Benson

Assistant Principal ES, Bayside ES

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Elementary School APs and AAs (NEW)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

The AP as Chief MTSS Officer: Maximizing Resources and Intervention Pathway

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Speakers

Alainya Abdelkader

MTSS Coach, Office of Student Support Services

Janet Kouns

School Counselor, Holland ES

Mischelle Keller

Assistant Principal ES, Holland ES

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

Using AI to Streamline.... well, everything.

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Discover how AI tools can help you write custom code for Google Sheets - no programming experience needed! We'll explore creative automations that save time, support students, and streamline your workflow. You'll see actual solutions successfully implemented for two schools that accomplish tasks like handling tardy tracking and pass generation, referral submissions, staff sign-in for professional development, and building a user-friendly master schedule. Bring a laptop, a pound of curiosity, and a teaspoon of resilience because you'll try crafting a solution of your own!

Speakers

Barbara Besal

Instructional Technology Specialist, First Colonial HS/Cox HS

Suzanne Flach

Instructional Technology Specialist, First Colonial HS

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

High School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

The SPED Reality Check: What New APs Need to Know (But No One Tells You)

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Speakers

Alexis Downham

Assistant Principal MS, Lynnhaven MS

Brad Boynton

Dean of Students MS, Bayside 6th Grade Campus

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Secondary APs and AAs (NEW)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

12:15pm EDT

Connecting the Dots: Strengthening Student Success Through Family Engagement and Community Partnerships in Secondary Schools

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Discover how strategic community partnerships can expand opportunities for students and strengthen connections between schools, families, and the community. Participants will explore real-world examples of successful partnerships, learn how to identify and engage community organizations, and examine tools and resources available to support partnership development. Through guided planning and discussion, attendees will leave with actionable ideas for enhancing career readiness, financial literacy, student wellness, and family engagement while supporting student success and the VB Schools Graduate Profile.

Speakers

Jennifer McGowan

School/Community Partnerships Coordinator, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Secondary Attendees (MS & HS)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

From Incident to Outcome: Mastering Investigations

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Speakers

Jairo Padilla

Student Conduct/Services Coordinator, Office of Student Leadership

Leeane Turnbull

Director of Student Leadership, Office of Student Leadership

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

Leading Together: Navigating Performance, Leave, and Compliance

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

This session provides a comprehensive roadmap for managing everyday employee relations efficiently. Participants will explore the critical intersections of performance management, employee misconduct, and medical accommodations (FMLA/ADA) under VBCPS regulations. You will leave with actionable tools to keep your school moving forward smoothly, build your leadership skills, and ensure compliance.

Speakers

Caitlin Strom

Employee Relations Specialist, Department of Human Resources

Stephanie Enzmann

Employee Relations Director, Department of Human Resources

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

All APs and AAs (NEW)

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

Special Education Committee Through the AP Lens

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Speakers

Mandi Cumpston

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Christine Drescher

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

Understanding & Utilizing VBCPS Mental Health Resources

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Speakers

Annie Chowns

Guidance Coordinator, Office of Student Support Services

Martha Crawford

Instructional Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Towana Hunter

Instructional Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

All Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

De-Escalation for Leaders: from Crisis to Calm

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

In today’s classrooms, educators frequently encounter students exhibiting signs of high anxiety, frustration, or interfering behavior. When a student’s emotions escalate, traditional disciplinary responses can sometimes worsen the situation. This interactive, evidence-based professional learning session equips administrators and support staff with the practical tools and psychological insights needed to defuse tense situations before they escalate into crises. Participants will learn how to read early warning signs, regulate their own stress responses, and apply verbal and non-verbal techniques that restore safety and connection to the learning environment.

Speakers

Felicia Shelton

Behavior Intervention Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Lauren Ross

Behavior Intervention Specialist, Office of Student Support Services

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

From Data to Intervention: Making Strategic Literacy Decisions in Elementary School

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Speakers

Angelia Ragland

ELA Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

Robyn Cady

Early Literacy Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Tiffany Mack

Language Arts Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

Progress with Purpose: Monitoring Behavior Change in MTSS

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

This session focuses on guiding teams to write high-quality, measurable behavior goals and effectively monitor progress within an MTSS framework. Participants will learn how to develop goals that are specific, observable, and aligned with student needs. The session will also cover practical methods for collecting behavior data to track growth and guide instructional decisions. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring goals are actionable and progress monitoring is systematic, helping educators make informed adjustments to interventions. Attendees will leave with tools and resources to strengthen both goal development and ongoing monitoring of behavior supports.

Speakers

Andrea Curney

Behavior Intervention Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Elementary School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

1:30pm EDT

Using AI to Streamline.... well, everything.

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Speakers

Barbara Besal

Instructional Technology Specialist, First Colonial HS/Cox HS

Suzanne Flach

Instructional Technology Specialist, First Colonial HS

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

High School Attendees

Strand ACTIVATE: Systems + Family Engagement

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