EPS Summer Extravaganza 2026

Get ready for a proactive, inspiring dive into the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework! In this session, we’ll unpack and get an introduction to all five of the factors that help families thrive: Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Concrete Supports, Parenting Knowledge, and Children’s Social-Emotional Competence. Through practical examples and real-world strategies, participants will learn how everyday interactions can reduce stress, spark connection, and create stronger, more resilient school communities. Come ready to learn, reflect, and leave with simple actions that make a big difference for kids and families!

How to impact and build our programs culture with building a philosophy, pillars of your program and making your teams the most positive and impactful program at your site.

Get ready for a proactive, inspiring dive into two of the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework! In this session, we’ll go deeper into two of the five protective factors that help families thrive: “Parental Resilience” and “Concrete Supports in Times of Need”. Through practical examples and real-world strategies, participants will learn how everyday interactions can reduce stress, spark connection, and create stronger, more resilient school communities. Come ready to learn, reflect, and leave with simple actions that make a big difference for kids and families!

Starting a chess club may feel intimidating at first, but it can be much simpler than expected, even for educators who are unsure where to begin or only have a basic understanding of chess. This session will guide participants through the process of creating and sustaining a successful elementary school chess club by covering meeting organization, beginner-friendly lessons, routines, tournaments, and strategies for keeping students engaged. Resources for starting school chess clubs consistently emphasize that you do not need to be a chess expert to successfully run a club and that creating a welcoming environment centered around gameplay and community is what matters most.

This session will also share the experience of starting a chess club at a Title I school site and the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from students, families, staff, and district representatives. Participants will learn how to fund their club through DonorsChoose, including how to create and promote projects to gain community support. Attendees will leave with practical resources, planning ideas, and ready-to-use materials to confidently begin building a chess club at their own school.