Foundation to Transformation – Building on 25 Years of Success
Dear Colleague,
The theme of our 25th Annual Executive Institute of 2019 is Foundation to Transformation – Building on 25 Years of Success. This year marks our 25th 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 the 25 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 conference.
This year, we are proud to present outstanding keynote speakers which will speak from their point of view on this year’s theme. Education Commissioner Jeff
Riley will be our opening speaker.
On Tuesday, July 9th, our keynote speakers will be Dr. Tyrone Howard, a Professor and Dean at UCLA, and Brent Frey, the Director of US Education at Apple
Computer. Tyrone, who addressed our Urban group last year, and is invited back this year. We have had rave reviews on his presentation. Tyrone will be
followed by Brent Frey, the Director of US Education at Apple Computer, who will bring his outstanding insight into the digital age and how education change
has been impacted by technology. Wednesday, July 10th Dr. Adolph Brown, President and CEO of the Business and Education Leadership Authority, and rated
as a top-ranked educator and trainer by America’s best colleges and universities will address our conference attendees. Following a short break our own
M.A.S.S. Attorney Michael Long and other members of his team will make their annual “legal issues” general session covering what all superintendents need to
know from decisions of arbitrations since last year and recently passed legislation among other issues. This will bring you up to lunch and followed by another
set of breakout sessions ending around 3 PM, except for a few that are run later. Thursday, July 11th our final day begins at the usual time with several great
presenters including MTRS Executive Director Erika Glaster, who does a fabulous job in explaining the prized MTRS retirement issues, especially changes since
last year. She will be followed by Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle, Founder and Executive Director of Science from Scientists, also featured on Lifetime, NPR, CBS and
NOVA, plus a panel including Commissioner Riley, Carolyn Casey, Founder and Executive Director of Project 351, plus some other surprises with the concluding
lunch being a delicious lobster roll, better than you can find anywhere else on Cape Cod. Lunch is scheduled for just after noon.
In addition to the excellent presenters, we have several breakout sessions planned. We do encourage you to invite your Aspiring Leaders to attend for the day
to participate in the General Session beginning at 9am on both Tuesday and Wednesday, along with the breakouts that will assist them in their work as part of
the superintendents and the assistant superintendent’s team.
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.
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The intent of the M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee is to present a quality 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 and 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.
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
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
Consultant
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
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Our hopes are that the programs being presented will help our Executive Institute attendees to understand some issues and resolutions to meet our theme:
Foundation to Transformation – Building on 25 Years of Success.
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
John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Brad Jackson, M.A.S.S. President
MONDAY PRE-CONFERENCE EVENT LOCATION
JULY 8 Urban Superintendents Network Retreat Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Ballroom 1
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tyrone Howard, Professor and Dean at UCLA
8:30am - Sponsors: Renaissance, HMH, Edgenuity, McGraw Hill, Internet Essentials, & AlphaBest
2:30pm
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 tenth 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/Cafeteria
4:00pm Coordinators: Bill Erickson and Midge Frieswyk
1:30pm – 5:00 PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION I (Pre-Scheduled appointments) Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Nauset V
3
pm Legal Tutorials with Attorney Michael Long and/or Attorney Rosann DiPietro ~ A Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Monomoy Room
registration form has been emailed. School Legal Issues. This is an opportunity to meet Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Chatham Room
1:30pm – with M.A.S.S. Legal Counsel Michael or Rosann on issues of relevance to you and/or
5:00pm your district. Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Sea Crest Beach Hotel- Ocean View Room
3:00pm – PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION II (Pre-Scheduled appointments)
4:00pm
Presenters: Roger Hatch, former Administrator of School Finance with 27 years at DESE
4:00pm – finance and operations; Bradford Jackson, current superintendent in Holliston and
6:00pm M.A.S.S. President, 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
6:00pm – discuss fiscal challenges you
8:30pm
Rural Superintendents Caucus
Meeting participants will address some of the issues, concerns and priorities for the
Rural School District leaders with suggested follow up.
Facilitator: Michael A. Buonoconti, Rural Coalition, CH
Conference Registration at Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Conference participants are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient on-site
registration opportunity. A reduction in subsequent Mashpee High School based
registrations will occur and improve the organization’s ability to commence the
Wednesday morning conference activities in a timely manner.
Barbecue – A Family Event
Welcome: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Sponsored by: AlphaBest, McGraw Hill, Merrimack College, Stoneman, Chandler and
Miller LLP & Renaissance
Facilitator: Michael Malone, Former Superintendent
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TUESDAY CONFERENCE DAY 1 LOCATION
JULY 9
Please Visit with exhibitors ~ we will have the return of Duck Bingo this year! Gymnasium/Cafeteria
7:30am – Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events during our Executive Institute Gymnasium/Cafeteria
3:30pm along with offsetting costs for speakers, lunches and breakfasts. Let’s support them! Lobby Mashpee High School
7:45am – Breakfast with Sponsors Auditorium
8:30am Sponsored by: Kaestle Boos
Room B113, Room B114, Room B115
8:00am – Registration Auditorium
8:30am Auditorium
8:30am – Opening Comments
9:00am
Mashpee Elementary Chorus
Host: Patricia DeBoer, Mashpee Superintendent of Schools
Brad Jackson, President – M.A.S.S.
Thomas Scott, Executive Director – M.A.S.S.
Introduction of Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents new to their districts
John Doherty, Chair – M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
8:30am – MTRS Pre-Scheduled Interviews for Retirement: Direction and Assistance
2:30pm
Coordinator: Christine McGrath, M.A.S.S. Director of Operations
NOTE: Participants are reminded to confirm individual appointment times posted 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.
9:00am – Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley
9:30am
9:30 am – GENERAL SESSION 1 ~ Sponsored by HMH
10:30am
Introduction: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tyrone Howard, Professor and Dean at UCLA
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10:30am – Break
11:00am 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! Gymnasium/Cafeteria
Auditorium
11:00am – Brent Frey, the Director of US Education at Apple Computer
12:30pm Sponsored by APPLE Cafeteria/Gymnasium
Room E209
12:30pm – Lunch and Time for Visit with Exhibitors
1:30pm Room B118
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: Horace Mann
1:30pm – AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
2:45pm
(attend one) 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.
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.
Presenters: Richard P. Beebe, CFP® and Stanley J. Steinberg, CFP®, Wells Financial
Partners
Facilitator: Mike Malone
Materials Matter – Project CURATE
CURATE is a new project of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
designed to support districts in identifying high-quality instructional materials available
for adoption. Panels of CURATE fellows (all current MA teachers) are presently
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analyzing evidence of various curricula's alignment to MA standards and usability for Room B119
teachers. The resulting reports will indicate which curricula meet, partially meet, or do Room B125
not meet expectations. The first reports should be complete in late June, making the Room B127
M.A.S.S. Executive Institute the ideal forum to announce their release and help district
leaders think about how to use them.
Presenters: Ron Noble, DESE, Associate Commissioner: Rachel Bradshaw, DESE,
Manager of Instructional Policy
Facilitator: Hope Hanscom
Implementing SEL – Lessons Learned
In the four school districts in which I have served as superintendent over 26 years,
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: Sheldon Berman, Superintendent, Andover Public Schools
Facilitator: Michael Fitzpatrick
Educational Administrator or Crisis Intervention? Disrupting the paradigm shift
The opioid epidemic, suicide ideation and behaviors related to trauma, fragility, food
and economic insecurity, anxiety, and depression are consuming schools. The current
narrative asks schools to mitigate adverse behavioral health of students by developing
and implementing broad programming, curriculum and policies immersed in cognitive
behavioral approaches designed to build resilience and develop strategies in students
that will enable them to succeed despite adverse structural conditions. How can
educational leaders disrupt this paradigm shift imposed on schools and truly disrupt
the narrative of ‘failing schools’ and expose the responsibility gaps? Presented by
veteran high school principal and author of “The Educationalization of Student
Emotional and Behavioral Health: Alternative Truth”, 2018, Palgrave Macmillon.
Presenters: Teresa Sullivan, Ph.D., Principal, Abington High School
Facilitators: Dympna Thomas
Close Achievement Gaps for Special Education, Minority, and Low Income Students
In this workshop, you will learn how to close achievement gaps for special education,
minority, low-income students, and raise achievement for ALL students. Former
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Lexington superintendent, Dr. Paul Ash, will discuss how you can apply sixteen proven Room E110
and practical strategies from national and international schools that have closed Room B225
achievement gaps and how the Lexington Public Schools closed achievement gaps for Room B229
100% of all grade 10 students (ELA, in 2013 through 2015).
Presenter: Paul B. Ash, former Lexington Superintendent of Schools
Facilitator: Bonny Gifford
Safety Assessment Teams: Why you need more than Crisis Response Teams and
ALICE
Learn from a panel of practitioners on how a group of Massachusetts districts
leveraged their in-district capacity to keep potential violence from becoming real by
establishing a Safety Assessment Team and implementing a formal framework of
student threat assessment and intervention. Schools need to think deeply and
strategically about how to reach their most troubled students and establish a rigorous
process of asking questions, gathering crucial information, and fine-tuning
interventions is one of their best tools. Essential questions include: How can we
manage threat in a time of social media and other digital technologies? What
Community resources and partnerships are needed when addressing behavioral health
emergencies and potentially threatening situations?
Presenters: Reps from Hopkinton, Canton, Walpole
Facilitator: Meredith Cargill
Increasing Engagement through Student Voice and Choice
At the heart of personalized learning is student voice and choice in their own learning
as they also strive toward proficiency as outlined in standards. In this session,
participants will learn how Melrose educators are implementing instructional
strategies that support increasing student engagement by providing for student choice
and voice. Examples of instructional strategies shared will include digital portfolios,
exhibitions, learning menus, project-based learning, performance tasks, retest and
revision policies, and sharing clear expectations with students. Participants will explore
resources, examples, and tools that support the instructional strategies while
considering next steps for implementation in their own setting.
Presenters: Margaret Adams, Assistant Superintendent, Joshua Cristiano, Academic
Facilitator, Meghan Lewis, Fourth Grade Teacher, Kim Talbot, Director of Global
Languages, Art, Music, Melrose Public Schools
Facilitator: Cyndy Taymore
Transforming Student and Family Supports: Building a Family Success Partnership
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(FSP) Room A126
This session will highlight the work of the superintendents and executive directors of Room E211
Assabet Valley Collaborative and READS Collaborative to build Family Success
Partnerships. FSP Counselors will share how they support students, and the districts
who educate them, by addressing the critical and holistic needs of students whose
families facing emerging or chronic crises. FSP counselors provide support directly to
the families first, then work to fill gaps, meet unmet needs, and help students access
learning in the least restrictive environment. Please join us to learn how you can
replicate this model to improve outcomes for students and their families in your
district.
Presenters: Dr. Cathy Cummins, Executive Director of Assabet Valley Collaborative
(AVC); Dr. Robert Gerardi, Maynard Superintendent, AVC Board Member: Kenia
Franjul, FSP Counselor, AVC; Nancy Ahrabi-Nejad, Director of Consultation Services,
AVC; Dr. Theresa Craig, Executive Director of READS Collaborative
Facilitator: Lori Gallivan
Strengthening Relational Trust and SEL in the Adult Community in Schools
Leading Together is an approach to school leadership inspired by the work of Parker J.
Palmer (The Courage to Teach 1998, 2018) and developed for the national Center for
Courage & Renewal. This approach to strengthening relational trust in schools draws
from the fields of SEL, neuroscience, mindfulness and the arts. The panel will present
research on relational trust, engage participants in a reflective practice and discuss the
experience of the Danvers and Northampton school districts using Leading Together to
enhance SEL in their adult communities and to build equitable, inclusive and
sustainable school cultures that support opportunities for all students.
Presenters: Lisa Dana, Superintendent, Danvers; John Provost, Superintendent,
Northampton; Pamela Seigle, Executive Director, Center for Courage & Renewal
Northeast, Wellesley College
Facilitator: Lisa Dana
Leveraging DESE’s Revised Model Superintendent Rubric and New Resources to Bring
Greater Focus to Your School Committee’s Work
More than a dozen superintendents, school committee members, principals, and
teachers collaborated this year with DESE staff to refine the Model Rubric for
Superintendents and develop new resource guides and best practice case studies
designed to help superintendents and school committees make superintendent
evaluation more meaningful and practical. Through video and new resources,
participating superintendents will share insights about working with your school
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committee to focus the evaluation process in a manner that strengthens and reinforces Room B209
excellent teaching and learning for all students. Room A209
Presenters: Claire Abbott, DESE, Manager PK12 Educator Effectiveness (lead Room B222
presenter); Karla Baehr, NSIP Coach & Teacher; 3 guest superintendents (TBD)
Facilitator: John Doherty
HTSS—Developing a Tiered System of Social Emotional Support
The Hingham Public Schools has embarked on a multi-year initiative to develop a
district-wide tiered system of social-emotional support. In partnership with the lab of
Dr. Jennifer Green of Boston University and with funding from the Hingham Education
Foundation, we surveyed all community stakeholders (parents, students, faculty) to
assess existing social-emotional needs and completed an inventory of existing services.
With assistance from the HTSS Social-Emotional Task Force, composed of
administrators, educators, parents, medical and mental health practitioners, a multi-
year plan for program implementation was crafted. New programs, including the
“Toolbox” social-emotional curriculum, are currently in pilot phase and will be scaled
across the district in 2019-2020.
Presenters: Dr. Jamie LaBillois, Assistant Superintendent. Hingham Public Schools
Heather Rodriguez, K-12 Director of School Counseling, Hingham Public Schools
Facilitator: Jamie LaBillois
Developing Safe and Supportive Learning Environments: Learning from Leaders
The Department (DESE) aims to promote systems and strategies that foster safe,
positive, healthy, culturally competent and inclusive learning environments that
address students’ varied needs and improve educational outcomes for all. District and
school leaders play a pivotal role in the efficacy of efforts to create safe and supportive
cultures. District/school representatives who used the Safe and Supportive Schools
self-reflection tool as a resource will share strategies and lessons learned in efforts to
mobilize school teams to reflect on strengths and challenges, identify priority areas to
address, create and implement action plans, and assess the impact to inform next
steps.
Presenters: Melissa Maguire, Director of Student Services, Monomoy Regl School
District, Rachelle Engler Bennett, Associate Commissioner, Student and Family
Support and Emily Taylor, Early Learning and Safe and Supportive School Specialist
Facilitator: Patricia DeBoer
Educator Licensure Procedures and Regulations
A session on Educator Licensure will be conducted by Brian Devine, Director of the
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2:45pm – Department’s Office of Educator Licensure. “Touching on all things licensure”, including Room E209
4:00pm ensuring districts are aware of the supports in place for them (hotline, expedites and Room B209
licensure drop box), upcoming policy changes for additional waivers and demonstrating
continuous progress, full implementation of the June 2017 regulations (take full effect
on 7/1/19) as well as the new Bilingual Education Endorsement while leaving 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 and is a two-time
team recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.
Presenter: Brian Devine, Director
Office of Educator Licensure, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education
Facilitator: Paul Andrews
Student Data Privacy, a Cornerstone of Transformation: How addressing privacy
concerns will support the continued success in Massachusetts districts
Transformation in today’s classrooms is built upon leveraging technology to support
teaching and learning. Utilizing new tools without properly addressing privacy concerns
may expose students and districts to unnecessary risks. Understanding and addressing
privacy requirements in today’s world of online tools can be complex and require many
resources. This session will lay a foundation of student data privacy requirements and
issues present in today’s innovative learning environments. At the same time, realistic
options to address these complex issues will be offered. Learn from both National and
State privacy experts, Steve Smith, the CIO of Cambridge Public Schools and founder of
the Student Data Privacy Consortium, Erik Erickson, the Director of Innovative Learning
Services at The Education Cooperative, as well as other Massachusetts district
Superintendents that have addressed these issues head-on and are sharing their
practices, resources, and tools with all Massachusetts districts. The session is
supported and promoted by MassCUE.
Presenters: Steve Smith, the CIO of Cambridge Public Schools and founder of the
Student Data Privacy Consortium, Erik Erickson, the Director of Innovative Learning
Services at The Education Cooperative
Facilitator: Allan Cameron
Breakout Sessions
MARS/MAVA Roundtable
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5:30pm – Representatives of two well established professional organizations will gather to Room B125
6:45pm discuss matters of mutual interest. The respective Executive Directors of each will Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Ocean View Room
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, Steve Hemman, MARS
Assistant Director, Kevin Farr, MAVA Executive Director
Seminar for Aspiring Superintendents
This is the introductory session of a three part Seminar. This session will address the
many rolls of the superintendent and the importance of core value when applying for
the position. The session will also include information about the New Superintendents
Induction Program and other support services provided through M.A.S.S. The two
additional sessions will take place in the Fall.
Presenters: Thomas Scott, Executive Director M.A.S.S., Irwin Blumer, Retired
Professor Boston College and Former Superintendent of the Newton Public Schools,
Joan Connolly, Administrator, New Superintendents Induction Program, Christine L.
McGrath, Director of Operations, M.A.S.S.
Facilitator: Christine McGrath, Director of Operations, M.A.S.S.
Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Reception for Conference Attendees and Partners
Sponsored By: Renaissance, Insight Workforce, Whitsons, & eDynamic Learning
WEDNESDAY CONFERENCE DAY 2 LOCATION
JULY 10 Gymnasium/Cafeteria
7:30am – 3:30pm Please Visit with exhibitors ~ we will have the return of Duck Bingo this year! Room E209
Gymnasium/Cafeteria
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 support them!
7:30am – 8:30am DESE Tiered Focus Monitoring
Facilitator: Chris McGrath
7:45am – 8:30am Breakfast with Sponsors
Sponsored by: ESS
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8:00am – 8:30am Registration Lobby Mashpee High School
Auditorium
8:15am – 8:45am Opening Comments John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Room B114
Committee Room B115
Auditorium
8:30am – 2:30pm MTRS Pre-Scheduled Interviews for Retirement Reminder
Auditorium
Coordinator: Christine McGrath, M.A.S.S. Director of Operations
Auditorium
8:45am – GENERAL SESSION 2 ~ Sponsored by Check Point
10:15am
Introduction: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Adolph Brown, President and CEO of the Business and
Education Leadership Authority
10:15am – Photo Shoot
10:30am
10:30am – Break Refreshments – Visit with Sponsors
11:00am 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 support them!
11:00am –
12:15pm GENERAL SESSION 3 ~ Sponsored by TEQ
12:15pm – Legal Overview and Update
12:30pm This session will cover various arbitration and legal court decisions that have been
made over the past year.
Presenters: M.A.S.S. Legal Counsel Attorney Michael Long and Attorney Rosann
DiPietro
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 in
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Massachusetts, who made a difference in the lives of thousands of students. The
award recognizes outstanding service to M.A.S.S. and particularly an effective
communicator within the role of the superintendents.
12:30pm – Lunch and Time for Visit with Sponsors Gymnasium/Cafeteria
1:30pm RoomE101
Our sponsors are an essential part of the Social Events during our Executive Room E211
Institute. Let’s support them!
Sponsored by: Mind Research
12:30pm – New Superintendents Luncheon
1:30pm
Lunch will be served in Room E101
Facilitator: Tom Scott, Executive Director, M.A.S.S.
1:30pm – 2:30pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(attend one) A Conversation with/for Assistant Superintendent ~ Welcoming New Assistant
Superintendents
This will be the seventh year that MASS offers a workshop targeted exclusively for
assistant superintendents. The role of the assistant superintendent varies among
school districts in
Massachusetts. What is common, however, is the responsibility of being “the
second,” that person to whom the superintendent can turn, and from whom can
expect support and follow-through. This workshop will focus on the dimensions of
leadership and explore ways that assistant superintendents support their “boss” and
do it in a way that allows the assistant to flourish as well. Much of the agenda for
the meeting will be organic in nature, emerging from the experiences and interests
of the participants. For the attendees who would like to continue leadership
discussions during the academic year, MASS offers the Assistant Superintendent
Leadership Seminars (ASLS I). Dr. Bent (former superintendent in Shrewsbury) and
Dr. Christine Francis (former elementary principal in Belmont and assistant
superintendent in Westford) will facilitate that program. Additional enrollment
information will be forthcoming from MASS. (ASLSlearns.org is the program's
website that includes details about the program.)
Presenters: Dr. Judy Neville, Former Assistant Superintendent in several districts,
Dr. Anthony Bent, M.A.S.S. And former Superintendent in four school districts and
Dr.Christine Francis, M.A.S.S. and former assistant superintendent in Westford
Facilitator: Tony Bent
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Closing the Achievement Gap with SEL in 3D Room E110
Is your Social Emotional Learning Model framed in equity of opportunity? Healthy Room B125
schools are characterized by strong, safe and vibrant climates built on principles of Room B119
equity and tiered supports. Developing and implementing a framework for social-
emotional learning must be a purposeful endeavor – it doesn’t just happen.
Articulate and employ a system that insures that whole school climate - DYNAMICS,
at-risk subgroups - DISENFRANCHISED, and students in crisis - DISTRESSED, are all
supported and protected. The 3D Model is grounded in social justice theory and
structured clinical intervention. Presented by a 2018 National Blue Ribbon
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing school.
Presenters: Teresa Sullivan, Ph.D. Principal, Abington High School, Laura Louko,
M.Ed. Assistant Principal, Abington High School
Facilitator: Dympna Thomas
Bridging High-Expertise Teaching and High-Impact Leadership: Developing and
Supervising the Principal’s Work with Teachers
This presentation will focus on the supervision and developmentfrom the central
office of principals' instructional leadership skills. These are the skills and practices
that develop high leverage teaching practices across schools. Proven practical
strategies and tools will be shared to assess and grow the principal's skill set and
emotional courage to push past mediocre school performance, lead with a sense of
purpose and urgency, and help those they lead become better at what they do.
Given the need for the "right" leaders to do the "right" work, improving the
leadership of principals becomes a major focus of the work of the superintendent
and central office leaders.
Presenters: Jon Saphier - CEO Research for Better Teaching, Pia Durkin - Former MA
Superintendent, Scholar-in-Residence Bridgewater State University, Educational
Leadership Consultant
Facilitator: John Doherty
Providing Engaging and Effective Professional Development to School Communities
on Social, Emotional and Behavioral Health
Teachers are seeking high quality training in social, emotional and behavioral health.
Providing engaging professional development is a key factor in building a school’s
capacity to build safe and supportive schools. Over the past four years, The Training
and Access Project (TAP), part of the Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood
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Partnership Program, has facilitated a series of 11 workshops to educators in Room B222
partnership with Boston Public Schools focused on social, emotional, and behavioral Room B225
health using a whole child perspective. This workshop will describe a model of
professional development that can be adapted across schools settings. It will share
sample agendas, topics, and activities along with a needs assessment tool, lessons
learned, and outcomes. From these workshops, TAP developed a series of online
trainings for educators. Participants will view video clips and engage in small group
discussions to model how they can use this online tool in their schools. They will also
be able to access the free online workshops to share with their schools and district.
This innovative approach shares best practices, and is free and available to districts
across Massachusetts.
Presenters: Shella Dennery, PhD, LICSW, Director BCHNP, Molly Jordan, LICSW,
Manager TAP Boston Children's Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships A behavioral
health program working in 17 Boston Public Schools since 2002.
Faciliator: Lori Gallivan
Using an Equity Audit as a lever for student and school improvement
Districts and superintendents are increasingly under pressure to ensure they are
providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students. Two
Massachusetts districts recently conducted racial equity audits to understand,
review, and assess school and student programs and practices that may hinder
supportive learning environments for all students, especially students of color. This
workshop will allow participants to: a) learn what an equity audit can (and cannot
do) to help a district understand issues of equity and inclusion, particularly as these
issues relate to race; b) discuss how to manage the staff/student/community
expectations and communications around an equity audit; c) explore how to use the
equity audit to improve student learning and school culture; and d) share ideas and
resources related to conducting a successful equity audit, including what to avoid.
Presenters: David Lussier, Superintendent, Wellesley Public Schools; Dan
Gutekanst, Superintendent, Needham Public Schools
Facilitator: Bonny Gifford
Educational Collaboratives- Promoting Equity, Inclusion, and Culturally Responsive
Practices
Inclusive, equity-centered educational practices are critical for all schools committed
to meeting the needs of all learners. Several collaboratives have taken leadership
roles in these areas by facilitating professional development - including workshops,
seminars, conferences, and professional learning communities, and through
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providing a range of consulting services including leadership coaching, needs Room B127
assessments, improvement planning, and other targeted assistance to their regions Room A126
and statewide. This session will discuss the reasons for building capacity within
schools and districts in these critical areas, share highlights of collaboratives’ work
with districts, and engage the participants in applying ideas to their districts.
Presenters: William Diehl, Executive Director, Collaborative for Educational
Services, Cathy Lawson, Executive Director, SEEM Collaborative, Cathy Cummins,
Executive Director, Assabet Valley Collaborative, Amy Clouter, Assistant
Superintendent & Joseph Sawyer, Superintendent – Shrewsbury Public Schools
Facilitator: Cathy Lawson
How to Create Equity for English Language Learners through a Transformative
Citywide Early Literacy Initiative
Facing high poverty and a diverse, majority-minority population, Fitchburg’s former
superintendent, André Ravenelle, developed a transformative collective impact,
early literacy model to get students kindergarten-ready and reading proficiently by
third grade. By leveraging the mobile devices that 95% of parents already own,
Fitchburg cost-effectively distributes a structured game-based curriculum in English
and Spanish and rallies the entire community around literacy. His success has led to a
North Central MA Innovation Zone where nine additional districts have adopted this
early literacy collective impact model. This session outlines evidenced-based,
innovative practices creating a system of equity for students and families.
Presenters: Andre Ravenelle, Executive Director of Teachers21 and former
Superintendent of Fitchburg Public Schools, Judy Campbell, Regional Director,
Footsteps2Brilliance
Facilitator: Allan Cameron
Breaking out the Partners: How MassCUE, MASCD, and MSLA can support
administrators and Teachers growth in innovative teaching and learning
As school districts reflect on the past 25 years, we must also look ahead: what will
school look like in 25 years? Building upon the foundation of Massachusetts’
strength as a leader in education nationwide, several non-profit organizations are
equipped and ready to support teachers and administrators as they find ways to
innovate teaching and learning in their schools. In this session, representatives from
MassCUE (masscue.org), MASCD (mascd.org) and MSLA (maschoollibraries.org) will
lead a “Breakout EDU”, an “escape room” teaching activity. Our BreakoutEDU will
inform school leaders about the mission and offers of each of these innovative and
active organizations, dedicated to supporting educators in MA. Join us for an hour of
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exploration and fun! Room B229
Presenters: Colleen Terrill, MassCUE Board of Directors and Director of
Instructional Technology, Mashpee Public Schools, Suzy Brooks, MASCD President Room A132
and Director of Instructional Technology, Mashpee Public Schools; Greg Pronevitz, Room A209
Communications Specialist, Mass. School Library Association (MSLA)
Facilitator: Hope Hanscom
Developing Student Leaders – The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility
In Medford, Massachusetts we have created an SEL program where K-12 students
learn to be responsible global leaders/citizens. The Center for Citizenship and Social
Responsibility (CCSR) was established in 2013. The mission of the CCSR is to develop
responsible global leaders/citizens that will be positive contributors to society and
will work to combat important social issues listed above and become leaders in our
society. We believe by providing the proper learning activities, we can: prevent
students from becoming addicted to harmful substances, develop positive self-
awareness, encourage teamwork and cooperation, improve self-esteem and develop
leadership skills. We believe by incorporating real life experiences (PBL) for students
to work on projects to help others will have a lasting positive effect on their self-
image and understanding of others. The Center is working with school
administration to
develop a system-wide initiative to integrate social-emotional learning, citizenship,
resiliency and social intelligence into the district curriculum and activities.
Presenters: Richard Trotta, Director of the CCSR, Michael Skorker, Lead Teacher of
the CCSR, Medford Public Schools, Sarah Fard, Teacher
Facilitator: Diane Caldwell
It Won’t Happen Without the Superintendent: Transformational Equity Leadership
This workshop explores the critical leadership that superintendents provide in
closing opportunity gaps and in transforming district cultures into genuinely
equitable, culturally responsive and integrated learning communities. In addition to
discussing key leadership attributes, the workshop will offer specific teacher
recruitment, parent engagement and opportunity gap closing strategies.
Presenters: Jon Sills, Bedford, Superintendent
Facilitator: Jon Sills
Empathy to Equity
The road to creating schools that embrace the diversity of all our staff and our
students must first begin with a willingness to open our minds, challenge our norms
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and to embrace truths even when they challenge us. Empathy is the driver to equity. Room B209
This workshop will engage us in a process that pushes us to lean on empathy so that Room B118
we can strive to develop schools and districts that are grounded in racial and social
2:30 – 4:00pm justice and built on a foundation of inclusion.
(attend one) Presenter: Joseph Corazzini, Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Diversity and
Community Development
Facilitator: Joseph Corazzini
Project Here in the Field, An Educators’ Panel: Implementing Substance Use
Prevention Education in MA Middle Schools
Project Here is funded by the MA Office of the Attorney General and the GE
Foundation to bring substance use prevention education resources to every public
middle school in Massachusetts to equip teachers with tools to empower students to
make healthy decisions. The dynamic panel of Project Here program staff, middle
school health educators, and administrators who use Project Here will explore how
the program enables flexible use of resources (both the online Educational Toolkit &
web-app, Project Here Games) to teach substance use prevention in and out of the
classroom. The panelists will also elaborate on how the free program has had direct
reach into schools and the positive impact of that reach on the students and
communities.
Presenters: Ivy Schmalzried, Senior Program Manager, Project Here, Lauren
Ansong, School Outreach Coordinator, Project Here, Other Panelists TBD
Facilitator: Ivy Schmalzried
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 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 and Matt Donovan,
Mass School Buildings Authority
Facilitator: Paul Andrews
Roundtable Breakouts
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Roundtable groups are provided the opportunity to shape the FY 2019-2020 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 E 107
Merrimack Valley Room E 110
North Shore Room B 127
Old Colony Room E 101
South Shore Room B 119
Tri-County Room B 125
Worcester County Library
5:30pm-9:00pm Flying Bridge Reception for Conference Attendees Flying Bridge Restaurant
Falmouth Harbor
Sponsored By: Alpha Best, Edgenuity, HUB Technical Services, LLC, McGraw Hill
Education, Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP, Renaissance, Symmes Maini & LOCATION
McKee Associates
Shuttle to Flying Bridge Restaurant provided by: First Student Cafeteria
Facilitated by: Mike Malone, Former Superintendent Auditorium
THURSDAY CONFERENCE DAY 3
JULY 11
Registration and Breakfast
7:30am – 8:15am Sponsored by: Mirick O’Connell
8:15am – 9:15am GENERAL SESSION 4
MTRS
Introduction: Paul Andrews, M.A.S.S. Director of Professional Development and
Government Services
Erika Glaster, Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System, Executive Director
This session is vital for new and veteran superintendents who are in need of
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becoming familiar with the many changes and issues around retirement options as
well as 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.
9:15am – GENERAL SESSION 5
10:15am
Introduction: John Doherty, Chair, M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee
Keynote Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle, Founder and Executive Director of Science from Auditorium
Scientists also featured on Lifetime, NPR, CBS and NOVA
10:15am – GENERAL SESSION 6 Auditorium
11:30am
Introduction: Tom Scott, M.A.S.S. Executive Director
Panel Discussion-
25 Years: Where do we go from here? Issues Facing Educational Leaders in Today’s
Schools
Commissioner Jeff Riley
Carolyn Casey, Founder and Executive Director of Project 351
Brad Jackson, President, M.A.S.S.
Student(s)
11:45am Lunch and Closing Remarks Cafeteria
Sponsored by: M.A.S.S.
SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS
The M.A.S.S. Professional Development Committee would like to acknowledge
Tom Scott, Executive Director, Paul Andrews, Director of Professional Development and Christine McGrath, Director of Operations.
A special thank you to Darlene MacMillan and Erica Hedrick, M.A.S.S. Office Executive Assistants.
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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