EPS Summer Extravaganza 2026

This will be a reflective session for all ranges of teaching experience. The session is geared for teachers but any one is welcome.
Participants will work in groups according to their teaching experience as well as individually to reflect on their school year. During the session they will develop or update their teaching philosophy statements and set goals for the new school year. There will also be an opportunity to share best practices for engagement and motivation or other strategies that may help achieve individual goals. The session will also provide an opportunity to learn what our teachers need in professional development throughout the district.

Data or it didn't happen!
Dive deeper and gain a stronger understanding of why data matters (beyond compliance)
Learn what data to actually track (it doesn't have to be everything!)
Use simple, functional spreadsheets to drive instruction (I'll provide templates and show you how to create your own)
Walk away with tools you can use immediately

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.

Explore how the study of history and civics can become more meaningful by analyzing how traits such as Honor, Courage, Grit, and Service have motivated individuals and major events of the past. Come join us on a hands-on discovery of the American West ON-SITE at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum!

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.

Do you have an EL student in your class? What about a newcomer?
You might benefit from participating in CLASSROOM SUPPORTS FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS.
Teachers of English Learners will examine classroom strategies, accommodations, and services in order to better support students.This interactive presentation will offer resources and clarify policy and procedures for how to support English Learners. Much like IEPs, every English Learner has an ELAP - English Language Academic Plan. We will review some of the most commonly recommended accommodations, check out some of our students' ELAPs, and provide a variety of supports for language development.

This session will explain how EPS is funded. How the budget is prepared and how bond money is used.

In this session, you’ll experience a streamlined, student-centered approach to teaching DBQs in a single class period. We’ll break down the process into manageable chunks, model scaffolds that support all learners, and focus on the core skills students actually need: sourcing, analysis, and argument writing. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies, templates, and a clear plan to make DBQs more accessible, engaging, and effective in your classroom.