Summer Executive Institute 2021

LEADING ALL STUDENTS INTO THE FUTURE:
STRENGTHENING A CULTURE OF CARING & BUILDING EQUITY

Dear Colleague,
The theme of our 27th Annual Executive Institute of 2021 is Leading All Students Into the Future: Strengthening A Culture of Caring & Building Equity. This year
marks our 27th year offering the very best of Professional Development with dynamic programs and selected presenters.
In 1994, our Executive Institutes began at Falmouth High School working closely with school officials until renovations began with the school resulting in the
invitation to go to Mashpee High School, just a few miles down the road.

Our keynote presenters have been selected for their quality presentations and great inspiration to school leaders. Over 27 years, our M.A.S.S. Professional
Development Committee in cooperation with M.A.S.S. staff have organized and produced this expansive three day leadership conference.

On Tuesday, July 13th, our keynote speaker will be Michael Smerconish, who is a radio host and television presenter, political commentator, newspaper
columnist, author, and lawyer.

Wednesday, July 14th Sarah Lewis will be our keynote. She is an assistant professor of history of art and architecture and African and African American studies
at Harvard University. Her scholarship on race, art, and culture has been published in academic journals as well as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and
Artforum. Lewis was the guest editor of the “Vision & Justice” issue of Aperture, which received the 2017 Infinity Award for Critical Writing and Research from
the International Center of Photography and is the author of The Rise, a book about failure and creativity. MTRS Executive Director Erika Glaster will also be
presenting on Wednesday.

Thursday, July 15th our final day begins at the usual time with several great presenters including Attorney Mike Long and Project 351.

In addition to the excellent presenters, we have several breakout sessions planned.
The formal programs that run from 8:30am until 3:00pm include many panels that focus on the issues of the day plus some optional Monday afternoon
sessions with a vital remedial school finance consult and a school legal issues tutorial. There will also be a special 3:00-4:00pm session on Monday for Rural
Superintendents.
The intent of the M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee is to present a quality leadership program and speakers, up to date topical panels, time for
informal gatherings, an opportunity to visit some solid supporting sponsors and refreshing evenings on the shores of Cape Cod.

While structured program time takes place during the day, evening events are in the schedule, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy the Falmouth and Mashpee
area and evening rides down route 6A or 28 with restaurants, points of historic interest and water views on all sides.

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On Thursday, longtime members recognize the Daoulas Award, established by the Professional Development Committee in 1997. The award is named after the
late Dr. Christos Daoulas, former longtime Superintendent of Schools in the Town of Dracut and for years called the “Dean” of the Massachusetts
Superintendents for his decades of service. This award is presented to a superintendent who has provided outstanding services especially in the use of the
written and spoken words, where Supt Daoulas excelled. The individual selected will address the Mid-Winter Conference of M.A.S.S. in January.
Following are the recipients of that award in the past:

1997 – Irwin Blumer, Newton Superintendent of Schools Consultant
1998 – Robert Antonucci, Massachusetts Commissioner of Education
1999 – Peter Finn, M.A.S.S. Executive Director
2000 – Paul Andrews, M.A.S.S. Director of Professional Development and Government Services
2001 – Joseph Buckley, Bedford Superintendent of Schools and Gerald Croteau, Taunton Superintendent of Schools
2002 – Patricia Martin, Auburn Superintendent of Schools
2003 – Shelley Berman, Hudson Superintendent of Schools
2004 – All Superintendents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2005 – William Erickson, Hampshire Regional Superintendent of Schools
2006 – Louis Amadio, M.A.S.S. Director of Retirement and Membership Services
2007 – Rosemary Joseph, Northborough-Southborough Regional Superintendent of Schools
2008 – Michael Fitzpatrick, Blackstone Valley Voc. Reg. School District Superintendent-Director
2009 – Thomas Scott, M.A.S.S. Executive Director
2010 – Christine McGrath, Tewksbury Superintendent of Schools
2012 – Karla Brooks Baehr, Deputy Commissioner of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and David Tobin, M.A.S.S. Finance
2013 – Margaret Frieswyk, Avon Superintendent of Schools
2014 – Anthony Bent, Shrewsbury Superintendent of Schools
2015 – Mary Czajkowski, Barnstable Superintendent of Schools
2016 – Paul Dakin, Revere Superintendent of Schools
2017 - Joanne Martignetti-Benton, Wilmington Superintendent of Schools
2018 - John Doherty, Reading Superintendent of Schools
2019 – Mary Bourque, Chelsea Superintendent of Schools
2020 – Eric Conti, Burlington Superintendent of Schools

Our hopes are that the programs being presented will help our Executive Institute attendees to understand some issues and resolutions to meet our theme:
Leading All Students Into the Future: Strengthening A Culture of Caring & Building Equity.

Our Thanks,
Paul J. Andrews, M.A.S.S. Director of Professional Development and Government Services
Thomas A. Scott, M.A.S.S. Executive Director
Christine McGrath, MA.S.S. Director of Operations
Mary Bourque, M.A.S.S. Director of Government Relations
John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Tim Piwowar, M.A.S.S. President

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MONDAY PRE-CONFERENCE EVENT LOCATION
JULY 12

9:00am Pre-Conference “Hack and Hope” Golf Event Cape Cod Country Club, Falmouth
Pre-Conference Luncheon
Event Director: Michael Fitzpatrick
Sponsored by: Mosse and Mosse

9:00am – New Superintendents Induction Program Ballroom 2
3:30pm
We welcome the 12th Cohort of superintendents to The New Superintendents
Induction Program. This program is a partnership between M.A.S.S. and DESE with
the goal of building a common approach to the work of superintendents in
Massachusetts. The program prioritizes instructional leadership, strategy
development and execution, building strong leadership teams and working closely
with and empowering principals and staff.

12:00pm – Sponsor and Vendor Setup Mashpee High School - Gymnasium
4:00pm Coordinators: Midge Frieswyk & Bill Erickson

1:30pm – PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION I (Pre-Scheduled appointments) Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Highland
3:30pm
Legal Tutorials with Attorney Michael Long and/or Attorney Rosann DiPietro ~ This is
an opportunity to meet with M.A.S.S. Legal Counsel Michael or Rosann on issues of
relevance to you and/or your district.

1:30pm – PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION II (Pre-Scheduled appointments) Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Chatham
3:30pm
Presenters: Lincoln Lynch, retired Walpole Superintendent, will be available for 15-
minute one-on-one conversations. The format will provide time to walk through your
school district’s budget trends and/or discuss fiscal challenges you have in your
district.

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4:00pm – Conference Registration at Sea Crest Beach Hotel Sea Crest Beach Hotel
6:00pm Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Conference participants are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient on-site
6:00pm – registration opportunity. A reduction in subsequent Mashpee High School based
8:30pm registrations will occur and improve the organization’s ability to commence the
Tuesday morning conference activities in a timely manner.

Barbecue – A Family Event

Welcome: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Sponsored by: Stoneman, Chandler and Miller LLP, Infinite Campus, McGraw Hill,
Renaissance, Classtag, & AlphaBest
Facilitator: Michael Malone, Former Superintendent

TUESDAY CONFERENCE DAY 1 LOCATION
JULY 13
Please Visit with Exhibitors Gymnasium
7:30am –
3:30pm Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events during our Executive Institute Gymnasium
along with offsetting costs for speakers, lunches and breakfasts. Let’s support them! Lobby Mashpee High School

7:30am – Breakfast with Sponsors Auditorium
8:00am Sponsored by: ESS

7:30am – Registration
8:00am

8:00am – Opening Remarks
8:45am
Host: Patricia DeBoer, Mashpee Superintendent of Schools
Tim Piwowar, President – M.A.S.S. Bob Baldwin, Past-President – M.A.S.S.
Thomas Scott, Executive Director – M.A.S.S.
Introduction of Superintendents new to their districts

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8:30am – John Doherty, Chair – M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee Room B114, Room B115
2:30pm Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Auditorium

8:45 am – MTRS Pre-Scheduled Interviews for Retirement: Direction and Assistance Auditorium
10:15am Auditorium
Coordinator: Christine McGrath, M.A.S.S. Director of Operations
10:15am – NOTE: Participants are reminded to confirm individual appointment times posted
10:30am near the registration desk. We are very fortunate to have MTRS staff with us.
Individuals are responsible for any changes in the pre-scheduled appointments.
10:30am –
10:45am GENERAL SESSION 1

10:45am – Introduction: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
11:45am Keynote Speaker with Q&A: Michael Smerconish

Break
Please take some time to visit with sponsors.
Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events during our Executive Institute
along with offsetting costs for speakers, lunches and breakfast. Let’s support them!

Assistant Superintendent Leadership Award
This NEW award is given to a sitting Assistant Superintendent (or has recently served
as an Assistant Superintendent) who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in his or
her area (curriculum and instruction, finance and operations, student services, etc.)
and made district and regional impacts to the profession.
John Doherty, Chair – M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee

M.A.S.S. REDI Initiative - Developing a Game Plan for Leading the Racial Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion Work in Your District
Presenters will share promising practices for developing a district “game plan” to
advance racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Built on the foundation of a district’s
core values and District Strategy for Improvement, the practices shared will illustrate
leadership strategies and resources being identified by M.A.S.S. REDI, is the
Association’s ambitious, multi-year effort to engage and support every
superintendent in this critical work. The presenters are members of the REDI

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11:45am – Standing and Planning Committees and will especially focus on the work with district Cafeteria/Gymnasium/Breakout
2:15pm leadership teams that is so critical to success. Rooms
Sponsored by: Dileep Prabhakar with the Energy Advisory Firm 5
11:45am – Panel: Patrick Tutwiler, Supt of Lynn Public Schools, Jason DeFalco Supt of
1:00pm Blackstone-Millville RSD
Facilitator: Thomas Anderson, Supt of New Bedford Public Schools

Rolling Lunch/Breakouts/Time for Visit with Exhibitors

Lunches are divided into two rolling lunches (11:45am – 1:00pm and 1:00pm –
2:15pm). If you are not scheduled for lunch, you may attend one of our breakout
sessions or visit our sponsors. Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events
during our Executive Institute along with offsetting costs for speakers, lunches and
breakfast. Let’s support them!
Sponsored by: Knovva Academy

METCO Representatives (invite only)

Lunch will be served in E101
Facilitator: Dan Gutekanset, Needham Superintendent

11:45am – Lunch 1 & Breakout Sessions 1
1:00pm
Moving Forward – What Have We Learned and How Might We Be Different?
Could anyone imagine in early March, 2020 that education leaders were embarking Auditorium
on the most challenging conditions and expectations to educate our students. Despite
so many obstacles, we worked longer, harder and smarter, designing and creating
ways to support our children and families.

As we emerge from the pandemic, what have we learned? Are there new ways we
think about educating? The use of technology and the virtual world, how we
communicate – with each other, our staff, our families and students, the structure of
the our school day, best practices learned and numerous other strategies.
This session will provide some time for reflection. A panel of your colleagues will
share their takeaways from this experience and share their thoughts about how our
practice may or will change going forward.

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Presenters: Tim Piwowar, Superintendent, Billerica Public Schools, Sara Ahern, Room B118
Superintendent, Franklin Public Schools, Thomas Anderson, New Bedford Public Room B119
Schools
Facilitator: Tom Scott, Executive Director, M.A.S.S.

Focused Autonomy: Using structures to build capacity and inclusive practices in
leadership
A significant focus of our district is equity. The district's definition of
equity is ensuring every student's needs are met. Teams in the district are
constantly engaging in activities to learn together, plan and reflect
on/assess the impact on student learning using our district's data cycle
model. Data and feedback drive improvement efforts: Learn how the
district, school, and teacher leaders are part of the system and its positive
impact on all student's success.
Presenter: Darcy Fernandes, Supt of Athol-Royalston RSD, Molly Superchi,
Curriculum Director Athol-Royalston RSD, Kelley Target, Coach, and Brandi Brown,
Coach
Facilitator: Josh Vadala, Superintendent, Peabody Public Schools

Social Emotional Leadership Lessons Learned From Dedham – How the 2019
Teacher’s Strike Helped Prepare for the Pandemic
The COVID-19 Pandemic strained relations between Superintendents, School
Committees, and Teachers Unions. During this session, participants will learn about
the leadership challenges created by union/management relationships and current
insights gleaned from research on how educational leaders can broaden and
strengthen the impact of leadership in their district. Specifically, the factors
contributing to the climate and conditions that lead to last year's teacher strike in
Dedham, and how those conditions applied to COVID-19 MOA negotiations, will be
explored from a leadership perspective. Participants will learn about current insights
in organizational psychology and social emotional learning to make leadership
connections with the complex messages delivered through teacher
negotiations. These lessons will greatly inform future negotiations for all district
leaders.
Presenters: Mike Welch, Superintendent, Dedham Public Schools and John D'Auria,
Director - Ed Leadership Concentration, William James College
Facilitator: Maureen Cohen, Assistant Superintendent, Mendon-Upton

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School Counselors: Leading the way to improved school culture, communities and Room B125
student achievement Room Library Area 2
The role of School Counselors has grown and evolved over the years. In fact, school
counselors are education professionals that can significantly contribute to promoting Room B127
student achievement and improving school culture. Participants will learn about the
Massachusetts Model of School Counseling – best practices and approaches, to what
school counselors should and should not do, as well as how they can help address the
ever-growing mental health needs of so many of our students. Panelists will also
share ways to better utilize counselors as leaders and community builders.
Presenters: Melinda Cripps, Director of School Counseling, Billerica Public Schools,
Cynthia Esielionis, School Counselor, Ayer Shirley Regional MS
Facilitator: Ingrid Allardi, Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools

High Quality Curriculum: Strategy for Equity
As we support students’ academic recovery from the pandemic and we strive for
equity, having high-quality curriculum and aligned professional development are
proven strategies for supporting teachers and students, promoting equity, and
accelerating student learning. Come learn from 4 districts about their experiences
reviewing, selecting, and implementing high-quality curriculum; and hear from DESE
about the resources available to you in this work.
Presenters: Dr. Brian J. Ackerman, Asst Supt for Teaching and Learning, Dudley-
Charlton Regional School District
Susan Dargie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Westfield Public Schools
Dr. Kimberly A. Laliberte, Director of Curriculum – Science, Fall River Public Schools
Eileen McQuaid, Associate Principal, Ashfield Middle School and ELA 6-8 Content
Lead, Brockton Public Schools
Dr. Heather Peske, Center for Instructional Support, DESE
Maria Hernandez, Center for Instructional Support, DESE
Facilitator: Elizabeth Zielinski, Superintendent, RC Mahar

Anti-Racism in Practice-an Introduction to IDEAS
Is your district committed to anti-racism but not quite sure of the steps to take? Or
have you tried to have conversations about race and racism in your school
community, but been met with resistance? Regardless of where your district is at in
your journey, IDEAS can support you. Through our courses, workshops, and coaching,
IDEAS can help you develop a strategic plan to make changes in curriculum,
pedagogy, school climate and culture, and policies and practices to ensure the

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1:00pm – success of all students. This workshop will explain all the many services IDEAS can
2:15pm offer.
Presenters: Karen Thomsen, IDEAS Program Director, Roderick MacNeal, Assistant
Superintendent, Arlington Room B222
Facilitator: Mary Bourque, M.A.S.S. Room B119

Lunch 2 & Breakout Sessions 2

Acceleration Roadmap (Slide Deck)
The Acceleration Roadmap, released in May by the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education, is a tool to support acceleration of student learning in the
2021–22 school year. The Roadmap provides specific action steps and resources
related to three areas crucial to acceleration: developing a sense of belonging,
monitoring student understanding, and ensuring access to grade level content.
Leaders can use the resources in the Roadmap to self-assess and then set academic
priorities for instruction in the 2021-22 school year. In this highly interactive session,
leaders will:

• Develop familiarity with how to navigate and use role-specific tools and
resources, such as a self-assessment, included in the Roadmap to support all
students

• Reflect on the key questions they will need to answer to begin creating an
acceleration plan for the upcoming school year  

• Discuss with colleagues ways to use the Roadmap in their specific local
context

• Explain why their system will take an acceleration (rather than a
remediation) approach to student learning.  

• Have opportunities to ask questions and discuss their thoughts with
colleagues in large-group and small-group discussions

Presenter: Komal Bhasin / Senior Associate Commissioner, MA Dept of Elementary
and Secondary Education.
Facilitator: Lydia Martinez, Assistant Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools

Leveraging the Massachusetts Civics Mandate and Requirements to Transform Your
School Community
With the state’s new civics standards and project requirements, Massachusetts is
advancing the transformation of school communities into learning environments
where students can acquire 21st century knowledge and skills. This workshop will

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explore the policies and practices that district-wide administrators can employ to Room B127
accomplish this task. It will discuss what it means to think holistically and systemically Auditorium
about schools, addressing multidisciplinary curricula, institutional practices,
professional development, and school culture. It will illustrate how to bring each of
these domains to life on a practical level to comply with the standards and project
requirements in the mandate.
Presenters: Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner, Superintendent (retired), Whitman-Hanson
Regional School District
Dr. Amy A. Berdos, Foxborough, Superintendent
Dr. Joyce S. Edwards, Franklin, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning
Dan Osborn, Program Director, Primary Source
Facilitator: Amy Berdos, Superintendent, Foxborough Public Schools

Me, I am on the other side of the mirror: Culture, Perception, and Acceptance
We pay a lot of lip service to culture and acknowledge that it takes a lot of time,
effort and patience to build this magical element in our buildings and districts. But
when it comes to measuring "it", we begin to question what it is, is it too subjective,
is it reliable? Is it a program? Is it an assessment? Is it an initiative? It is a mindset or a
behavior? Is it something I do? Is it a chime? Here we come to discover what we
traveled in search of, brains, heart or courage, and we bring it home - confidently able
to lead our communities with grace and intention.
Presenters: Kevin McIntyre, Superintendent Milford Public Schools
Delia Duran, Mill Cities Leadership Institute Executive Director
Facilitator: Lydia Martinez, Asst Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools

Educator Licensure Procedures and Regulations
A session on Educator Licensure will be conducted by Brian Devine, Director of the
Department’s Office of Educator Licensure. “Touching on all things licensure”,
including but not limited to ensuring districts are aware of the supports in place for
them (hotline, expedites and licensure drop box), a review of COVID related
licensure flexibilities and what has stayed vs. what is gone and the MTEL
Alternative Assessment Pilot. We will also be sure to leave plenty of time for
questions and discussion.
Brian has been with the Department since 1997 and has been the Director of
Educator Licensure since 2004. He is a Past President and current Executive Board
member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and is

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a two-time team recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Room B118
Service. Room B125

Presenter: Brian Devine, Director
Office of Educator Licensure, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and

Secondary Education
Facilitator: Paul Andrews, M.A.S.S.

Wells Financial Partners - Investment Portfolio Construction
We’re in the late innings of a historically long bull market in equities. We’ll explore
the prospects for it continuing (or not) and describe a strategy for positioning a
mutual fund portfolio to deal with the uncertainty. Bring your best mutual fund ideas
and we’ll look at them together. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what
you should look for in your own portfolios.
Presenter: Rick Beebe, Wells Financial Partners

Wells Financial Partners, LLC
An Independent Financial Consulting Firm

www.wellsfinancialpartners.com
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC,
a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed Insurance products and services offered by Wells Financial Partners, LLC

are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.

Facilitator: Mark Branco, Assistant Superintendent, Tyngsboro Public Schools

Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in College? An Educator's Guide to School Facilities
This past year has certainly raised everyone’s awareness of the importance of
properly funding and maintaining our school facilities. Too bad it only took a
pandemic to get that message across to everyone else. Pre-pandemic budget
discussions talked about doing more with less. The continual stretching of
our maintenance dollars and custodial/maintenance staffing led many districts into a
cycle of backlogged maintenance and working reactively vs. proactively.

During this session you will be given a guided tour of the world through the lens of a
facilities director.

· How did we get here
· Where are we headed
· Do we disinfect or sanitize or both
· What Codes keep us up at night
· What the heck is MERV and UVCG
· Work prioritization and staffing needs
· Training and support

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2:15pm – Presenter: Ken Wertz, MFAA Executive Director Room Library Area 2
3:15pm Facilitator: David Thomson, Superintendent, Norwood Public Schools
Outside Tent
2:15pm – Resources to promote equity and support students and educators in academic Room B118
3:25pm recovery and renewal
2:15pm –
2:55pm Join us for a session to learn about the important equity-focused academic
resources available to your district through DESE’s Center for Instructional Support,
including Mass Literacy: Empowering Educators and Students in Massachusetts
Through Evidence-Based Early Literacy; High-quality instructional materials and
professional development: Where districts have coherent, high-quality
instructional materials and aligned PD, we see more equity and better student
learning; Principal Induction and Mentoring Handbook: Learn about the new
handbook coming out this summer and how it weaves equity expectations and
supports throughout; and the Talent Guide for support in hiring, educator
evaluation, and supporting teachers.
Presenters: Dr. Heather Peske and Maria Hernandez, Center for Instructional
Support, DESE
Facilitator: Michael Fitzpatrick, Superintendent, Blackstone Valley RVT

Breakout Sessions

MARS/MAVA Roundtable
Representatives of two well established professional organizations will gather to
discuss matters of mutual interest. The respective Executive Directors of each will
review potential annual meeting calendars, agenda priorities and strategies for
advancing quality education initiatives. The mutual interaction fosters and
compliments the work of M.A.S.S.
Moderators: Maureen Marshall, MARS Executive Director, Christine Johnson, MARS
Assistant Director, Executive Director, Steven C. Sharek, Esq., Executive Director
MAVA

Assistant Superintendent EdCamp “and all other duties as assigned..” (facilitated
discussions)
Asst Supt EdCamp 1a: Our Kids Are Not Broken

How to change the narrative about our schools, students, and post-pandemic

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2:55pm – recovery. Discussion regarding strategies to support students. Room B119
3:25pm Facilitator: Lori Gallivan, Asst Superintendent, Winthrop Public Schools Room B125
Room B118
5:30pm – Asst Supt EdCamp 1b: How to be the Best Second Banana Room B119
6:45pm Conversations and strategies for building positive relationships with your Room B125
superintendent. Sea Crest Beach Hotel

Facilitator: Mark Branco, Asst Superintendent, Tyngsborough Public Schools

Asst Supt EdCamp 1c: Structures and Strategies for Equity
Collaborative sharing of implementation planning around equity. Bring your plans to
share with the group.

Facilitator: Maureen Cohen, Asst Superintendent, Mendon-Upton RSD

Asst Supt EdCamp 2a: Leading into the ‘New Normal’

Applying lessons learned in redesigning post-pandemic systems (PD, Mentoring,
Teacher Leadership)
Facilitator: Lori Gallivan, Asst Superintendent, Winthrop Public Schools

Asst Supt EdCamp 2b: Leading Curriculum Change
Discussion of best approaches to leading curriculum change.

Facilitator: Mark Branco, Asst Superintendent, Tyngsborough Public Schools

Asst Supt EdCamp 2c: Getting Actionable with Protocols
Bring your favorite protocols to share with the group.
Facilitator: Maureen Cohen, Asst Superintendent, Mendon-Upton RSD

Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Reception for Conference Attendees and Partners

Sponsored By: Renaissance, Futures Education, & McGraw Hill

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WEDNESDAY CONFERENCE DAY 2 LOCATION
JULY 14
Please Visit with exhibitors Gymnasium
7:30am – 3:30pm Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events during our Executive
Institute along with offsetting costs for speakers, lunches and breakfasts. Let’s Gymnasium
support them! Lobby Mashpee High School

7:30am – 8:00am Breakfast with Sponsors Auditorium
Sponsored by: Custom Computer Specialists
Room B114
7:30am – 8:00am Registration Room B115
Auditorium
Stop in the Gymnasium with your Executive Institute annual shirt to get
your picture taken for a Covid friendly group picture – Sponsored by O’Connor Auditorium
Studios

8:00am – 8:30am Opening Comments & Project 351 Tribute - Information, inspiration, and an
opportunity to engage in 9.11 Tribute Service.
John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Carolyn Casey, Project 351

8:30am – 2:30pm MTRS Pre-Scheduled Interviews for Retirement Reminder

Coordinator: Christine McGrath, M.A.S.S. Director of Operations

8:30AM – 9:45am GENERAL SESSION 2 ~ Sponsored by Comcast/Internet Essentials
Introduction: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Keynote Speaker: Sarah Lewis

9:45am – Introduction to Assistant Superintendent Leadership Series (ASLS)
10:00am
Presentation – Christos Daoulas Award
Introduction: Tom Scott, Executive Director, M.A.S.S.
This award was established in 1997 by the Professional Development Committee,
to honor Dr. Christos Daoulas, then the longest serving Superintendent of Schools

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10:00am – in Massachusetts, who made a difference in the lives of thousands of students. The Gymnasium
10:15am award recognizes Dr. Daoulas’ outstanding service to M.A.S.S. and particularly Auditorium
using effective communication within the role of the superintendent.
10:15am – Cafeteria/Gymnasium/Breakout
11:15am Break Rooms
Please take some time to visit with sponsors.
11:15am – Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events during our Executive
1:45pm Institute along with offsetting costs for speakers, lunches and breakfast. Let’s
support them!
11:15am –
1:45pm M.A.S.S. REDI Initiative - Strategies and Resources for Addressing Racial Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion
Three superintendents serving on the Standing Committee of the M.A.S.S. Racial
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative (M.A.S.S. REDI) will describe the “why,
what, and how” of the Committee’s efforts to identify and recommend a carefully
curated set of strategies and resources for advancing racial equity, diversity, and
inclusion in every district in the Commonwealth. They will describe resources
particularly relevant for districts in different kinds of communities and at different
stages of the work and how they can be customized to local context.
Sponsored By: LearnLaunch Institute
Panel: Darcy Fernandes (Supt of Athol-Royalston RSD), Lisha Cabral (Supt of
Easton Public Schools), Peter Dillon (Supt of Berkshire Hills RSD)
Facilitator: Patrick Larkin, Asst Superintendent, Burlington Public Schools

Rolling Lunch/ Breakouts/Time for Visit with Exhibitors

Sponsored by Horace Mann
Lunches are divided into two rolling lunches (11:15am – 12:30pm and 12:30pm –
1:45pm). If you are not scheduled for lunch, you may attend one of our breakout
sessions or visit our sponsors. Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social
Events during our Executive Institute along with offsetting costs for speakers,
lunches and breakfast. Let’s support them!

Stop in the Gymnasium with your Executive Institute annual shirt to get
your picture taken for a Covid friendly group picture – Sponsored by O’Connor
Studios

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11:15am – MTRS GENERAL SESSION Auditorium
12:30pm Room B125
Introduction: Paul Andrews, M.A.S.S. Director of Professional Development and
11:15am – Government Services
12:30pm Erika Glaster, Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System, Executive Director
This session is vital for new and veteran superintendents who need to become
12:30pm – familiar with the many changes and issues around retirement options as well as
1:45pm shaping initial or subsequent contractually defined remuneration. Erika will
provide an insightful interpretation concerning the array of newly enacted pension
reform measures and their effective timelines.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT LUNCHEON (invite only)

Lunch will be served in E105
Facilitator: Tom Scott, Executive Director, M.A.S.S.

Breakout Sessions 3

It’s OK to Say “They”: Creating Safe, Inclusive Schools for Transgender and
Nonbinary Students
Recent research data illustrate that transgender and non-binary students are at
extremely high risk for experiencing a wide range of academic, social, and health
problems as they attempt to navigate educational systems that were not created
with them in mind. Within this context, educators and administrators may want to
support these students in their classrooms, but are unsure of how to do so
effectively. This session will empower participants to create supportive
environments for transgender and non-binary students in K-12 schools by
providing educators with an understanding of issues faced by transgender and
non-binary students, giving attendees practical tools with which to support a safe
and supportive environment for all students, regardless of gender, and addressing
ways that they can implement these tools in their school districts immediately.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to: 1) define and use vocabulary
related to gender identities; 2) discuss issues that transgender and non-binary
students face in schools; 3) identify appropriate practices to support transgender

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and non-binary students in K-12 schools; and, 4) apply specific approaches to Auditorium
support transgender and non-binary students in their school districts. Room B118
Presenter: Dr. Christy Whittlesey, Chelmsford Public Schools Fine and Performing Room B222
Arts Coordinator and Author of "It's OK to Say They”: Tips for Educator Allies of
Transgender and Nonbinary Students"
Facilitator: Maureen Cohen, Assistant Superintendent, Mendon-Upton

A Question and Answer Session with Attorney Mike Long and Attorney Roseanne
DiPietro
One of the most popular sessions at the Executive Institute is the legal Q&A with
our M.A.S.S. legal support staff. While Attorneys Long and DiPietro will be will
present in a Thursday keynote session, this breakout on Wednesday allows for you
to ask questions significant to you and your district. Time at the end of the
breakout is there if you wish to seek one on one time with Atty. Long or to set a
future time to communicate with him at the Institute or following at a time
convenient.
Facilitator: Michael Fitzpatrick, Superintendent, Blackstone Valley RVT

MSBA: New Revisions in Policies for Construction/Renovation
Key leaders of the Massachusetts School Building Authority will share an
informational update on the most effective approaches to accessing MSBA
funding. Application eligibility, scheduling considerations, and implementation of
efficiency techniques for the various MSBA support program endeavors
(accelerated roof repair, green initiatives, model school designs, science
laboratories, and vocational/technical renovations and repair) procedures will be
shared and discussed.
Presenters: Jack McCarthy, Mass School Buildings Authority, Executive Director,
and Matt Donovan, Mass School Buildings Authority
Facilitator: Paul Andrews, M.A.S.S.

Solve the Right Problem
Education leaders spend most of their time solving problems large and small. But
how do you know you are solving the most pressing problem? Focusing on the
wrong issues and wasted resources, something no district can afford. We will
demonstrate how to diagnose the core issues facing your education system, using
a systematic set of questions that help you probe your assumptions and get to the
crux of the matter quickly. We will also illustrate how you can use local data to

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answer these questions. Participants will leave with diagnostic tools that they can Library Area 1
use in their own contexts. ROOM B118
Presenters: Carrie Conaway, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of
Education
Facilitator: Ingrid Allardi, Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools

Building a Vision of a Graduate through NEASC Accreditation
The NEASC has been working closely with our school and district partners to
develop and implement a new set of Accreditation Standards and a new
Accreditation process. A major component of this is the development of a Vision of
a Graduate by key district and community stakeholders. This presentation will
introduce the new Standards and process for Accreditation. It will also help
participants understand how developing a Vision of a Graduate can bring cohesion
and consistency to a district, K-12 and align Accreditation with state and district
initiatives.
Presenters: George Edwards, Director, NEASC
Bill Wehrli, Associate Director, NEASC
Facilitator: Amy Berdos, Superintendent, Foxborough Public Schools

Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Transformative Inclusive Educational
Leadership

The United States’ rapidly increasing cultural, racial/ethnic and linguistic
diversity presents enriching opportunities for personal growth and
organizational innovation. However, in the educational system, there
continues to be persistent inequities that require culturally proficient
leadership. Consequently, to foster needed transformative organizational
changes that result in equitable outcomes for all, this workshop will seek to:

1) deepen leaders’ knowledge of the intersection between implicit racial
biases and developing inclusive learning environments,
2) facilitate leaders’ acquisition of skills needed to reduce biases and
enhance cultural humility, and

3) promote inclusive leadership approaches that support implementation of
culturally proficient strategies throughout schools and districts.

Presenters: Dr. Christine Francis, Co-Leader of M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent
Leadership Seminars (ASLS) and M.A.S.S. Mentor Program for New

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Assistant Superintendents, and Dr. Kris Taylor, Director of DEI and Program ROOM B222
Development, Teachers21@William James College Library Area 2
Facilitator: Elizabeth Zielinski, Superintendent, RC Mahar ROOM B127

Implementing SEL: Lessons Learned
Social emotional learning has been pivotal in improving school climate, students'
academic performance and connection to school, and teachers' morale. Creating
an effective SEL environment requires planning, professional development and
significant staff time. It demands clarity of vision and focused attention by district
and school leadership. Over that time, I’ve learned important lessons about
fostering the success of SEL. Building on the experiences of all those attending this
session, we will discuss factors that make a significant contribution to successful
SEL implementation.
Presenter: Pam Lathrop, Principal, High Plain Elementary School, Andover Public
Schools
Facilitator: Josh Vadala, Superintendent, Peabody Public School

The Things They Don't Teach in Superintendent School: Building a District Culture
around School Safety
We will share how we have evolved as a district with other town agencies around
school safety. We will discuss how we have been able to build confidence in our
principals and staff regarding school safety. This is an opportunity to work through
best practices for an evolving school safety framework.
Presenters: Tara Kohler, Fairhaven, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Jerome Penha, Fairhaven, School Resource Officer, & Wendy Weidenfeller,
Principal, East Fairhaven Elementary School
Facilitator: David Thomson, Superintendent, Norwood Public Schools

A Family Resource Center in a School System?
How can children learn when they’re worried about where their next meal will
come from?
Student’s basic needs must be met before they’re ready to learn!

Come and hear about how the Middleborough Public Schools have been
responsive to the needs of their students, families and community through the
creation of their Family Resource Center.

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In this session you will hear about how they have coordinated and mobilized
services within the community, how the F.R.C. has impacted student performance,
how they fund the program, and how they plan to use data to direct future work
through the identification of risk and protective factors within the community.
Presenters: Meghan Quirke, Coordinator, M.P.S. Family Resource Center
Derek Thompson, Principal, Henry B. Burkland Elementary School
Brian E. Lynch, Superintendent of Schools, Middleborough Public Schools
Facilitator: Lydia Martinez, Assistant Superintendent, Springfield PS

2:00pm – 3:00pm Roundtable Breakouts
(attend one)
Roundtable groups are provided the opportunity to shape the FY 2021-2022
meeting calendar and priorities. Collective input will enable Roundtable officers to
build regional themes, respond to professional development needs, and advance
strategic improvement plans. The gatherings will also establish an environment for
further dialogue on educational reform issues, stimulus funding, readiness schools,
leadership strategies and global education among other areas.

• Berkshire County Room B118
• Connecticut Valley Room B125
• Merrimack Valley Auditorium
• North Shore Outside Location Area 3
• Old Colony Outside Location Area 2
• South Shore Outside Location Area 1
• Tri-County Cafeteria
• Worcester County Library

5:30pm-9:00pm Flying Bridge Reception for Conference Attendees Flying Bridge Restaurant
Falmouth Harbor
Sponsored By: HUB Technical Services, LLC, McGraw Hill Education, Murphy,
Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP, Renaissance, Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Shuttle to Flying Bridge Restaurant provided by: First Student
Facilitated by: Mike Malone, Former Superintendent

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THURSDAY CONFERENCE DAY 3 LOCATION
JULY 15
Registration and Breakfast Cafeteria
8:00am – 8:30am Sponsored by: Edgenuity Auditorium

8:30am – 9:45am Legal Overview and Update Auditorium
School law has become a major part of the Superintendent’s life in handling policy
and regulations around decisions being made on a district or personal school-
related administrative level. This presentation will look at the way our legal
advisors think as they respond to questions asked and provide responses through
their legal prism of experience and training. A review will be provided of the most
recent case findings and decisions made in arbitration decisions, legislation and
court findings. The decisions reached in arbitration have major school district
ramifications to be explored. Legal issues around collective bargaining will also be
explored, including any legal issues caused by the pandemic.
Presenters: M.A.S.S. Legal Counsel Attorney Michael Long and Attorney Rosanne
DiPietro

9:45am Project 351 Demo
Project 351 will engage attendees in a Playbook Workshop (their anti-bias/anti-
discrimination program in partnership with the Celtics).

- Playbook Overview (mission, model, impact) with Project 351 Alumni
Trainers and Dave Hoffman, Vice President of Civic Engagement, Boston
Celtics – 35 mins

- Educators deploy to Playbook Workshops with Alumni Trainers – 10 mins
Breakout Rooms: Auditorium, Gymnasium, Cafeteria, Library, B118, B119,
B125, B127, B122, Outside Spaces, A132, B209, A209, E101, E110 (15
breakouts)

- Playbook Workshop led by Alumni Trainer – 40 mins (these are interactive
and discussion-based featuring: warm-up, ice breakers, review of
scenario, and positive social interventions in small groups, report backs by
groups, reflections)

- Educators return to Auditorium – 10 mins
- Discussion/reflection/questions of Trainers – 20 mins

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- Action steps/close – 5 mins

11:45am Project 351 Panel/Year in Review Auditorium

12:15 pm Lunch and Closing Remarks Cafeteria
Sponsored by: SAVVAS

SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS

The M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee would like to acknowledge:

Members of the PD Committee: Mary Ellen Brunelle, Maureen Cohen, John Doherty (chair), Meredith Cargill Erickson, Bill Erickson, Shari Fedorowicz, Michael Fitzpatrick,
Midge Frieswyk, Lori Gallivan, Bonny Gifford, Tom Hickey, Carol Jacobs, Lydia Martinez, David Thomson, Josh Vadala and Elizabeth Zielinski.

Tom Scott, Executive Director, Paul Andrews, Director of Professional Development, Christine McGrath, Director of Operations, and Mary Bourque, Director of Govt
Relations. A special thank you to Erica Hedrick, M.A.S.S. Office Executive Assistant.

The Mashpee Team: Superintendent Patricia DeBoer, Brad Tripp, Sean Moroney, Gus Stickley and the Mashpee Food Service staff, Shane Kinsman of Mashpee TV, and also a
special recognition to the Mashpee Department of Public Works and the Mashpee School Department.

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