FALL 2019 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AIMS members can register for all events online at aimsmddc.org. Login or create an account today! ANNUAL EVENTS

Register AIMS IT, Cybersecurity and Campus Security Conference October 29-30, 2019 - 8:00-3:00 Silver Spring Civic Center Take a deep-dive on Technology, Cybersecurity and overall Campus Security dimensions of our schools - from the digital and physical, to legal, and recommended practices.

Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference Registration Coming Soon November 9, 2019 An annual students-only, student-focused conference centering on student diversity and inclusion issues.

Register The AIMS, AISGW and VAIS 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference February 19, 2020 Holton-Arms School The , DC and Virginia independent school associations have joined forces to hold our first-ever regional conference focused on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Job Fair February 22, 2020 Register Gilman School Our annual hiring fair focused on increasing diversity in independent schools.

Learning to Lead Registration Coming Soon March 3, 2020 Severn School This annual conference for both students and faculty/staff is focused upon nurturing student leadership. AUGUST - SEPTEMBER

Heads of School Luncheon August 23, 2019 - 11:30-1:30 Register Historic Savage Mill Manor A festive gathering for AIMS School Heads to celebrate the start of the school year, meet new Heads in the AIMS community, reconnect with colleagues, and share updates. Plan to join us for lunch, relax and share timely topics of discussion. Audience: Administration

College Counselor Start of School Year Meeting Register September 6, 2019 - 12:00-2:30 Roland Park Country School Join fellow AIMS College Counselors for this first meeting of the 2019-2020 school year. Audience: Staff

The Gifts of Dyslexia: How to Harness, Celebrate and Develop a Curriculum Register September 10, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 The Odyssey School Learn about special cognitive aptitudes that many dyslexics embody from Kate McElderry and Irish author and documentary film director, David Donohue. From Donohue’s example and McElderry’s experience as a language tutor and curriculum specialist, learn specific strategies that help dyslexics set up for success, through curriculum design and self-advocacy. Audience: Classroom Teachers

Reading Strategies Cafe: Engaging & Effective Strategies to Increase Comprehension September 24, 2019 - 9:30-11:30 Baltimore Lab School Register Brainstorm and collaborate in a “World Café” style round table discussion. Delve into the most engaging and effective before, during, and after reading strategies that are sure to improve comprehension and build vocabulary. Identify ways to help build literacy in young readers and bridge the gap before students must tackle materials that are more complex. Audience: Staff and Classroom Teachers

SEPTEMBER

Microsoft Schools United! September 24, 2019 - 9:30-1:00 Register Join your AIMS colleagues for an information sharing session. This program is designed to connect independent schools in the area who use Microsoft Office 365 and/or Microsoft Surface computers to allow us to pool our collective experience, knowledge, and creativity. Audience: Staff/Technology

Micro-communities: Targeting and Marketing to Your Prime Potential Families Register September 25, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 St. Anne's School of Annapolis In this workshop, you will learn how your brand messaging can be tailored to grab the attention of your "best customer" using persona-based targeting, and how to deliver the right message to the right people in micro-communities. Various online tools--both paid and free--for identifying those communities will be demonstrated and time will be given for hands-on work. Audience: Staff/Marketing, Communications, Admissions

Register Beginning Teacher Seminar Series Multiple Dates, First Day-Long Session: September 26, 2019 - 9:00-3:00 Chesapeake Bay Foundation This program will provide new teachers with the opportunity to meet as a cohort over the course of the 2019-2020 academic year. Topics for the program will include: establishing expectations and routines (classroom management), building relationships with student and families, self-care, keeping students engaged and reflective teaching. Audience: Classroom Teachers

SEPTEMBER

Register Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice Multiple Dates, First Day-Long Session: September 26, 2019 - 8:00-3:30 McDonogh School The Institute is designed to support educators of all types in their development of racial proficiency, culturally aware pedagogy and intersectionality – the theory of how different types of discrimination interact. With facilitation and presentation by Dr. Khyati Joshi, participants will learn to address such critical issues as implicit bias, privilege, and manifestations of prejudice at several levels: interpersonally, culturally, and institutionally. By exploring these issues within the context of multiple social identities, attendees will be better equipped to raise their own self- awareness and the awareness of their students’ experiences; knowledge that is critical for effective conflict resolution. Audience: ALL

OCTOBER

Leveling the Field (Pick one of two locations) October 2, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 Register October 24, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 Krieger Schechter Day School Register The conversation does not begin and end with the locker room--yet schools often say they cannot accommodate students identifying as transgender and/or nonbinary because of the athletics, PE, and health programs. This workshop breaks down myths, and focuses on policies and practices for careful consideration of students identifying as transgender and/or nonbinary in PE, Health/Wellness, Athletic Programs, curriculum, and locker rooms. Audience: Staff/Athletics, Physical Education, Health, Administration

Two for One: The Power of Parent Partnership and Brand Champions October 3, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 Register The Harbor School All schools are committed to student retention and the experience of students should be the priority of every adult in the building. But, who prioritizes the experience of parents after the admissions process and through graduation? In this workshop, we will identify steps to parent retention, with volunteerism as one key element. How do we ensure they are communicating the actual brand messages? In the second session, you will identify Brand Champions in several constituencies. You will learn strategies to coach the Champions as well as the tools that they need to frame their conversations and communications around the brand messages while always being truthful and authentic to their experience. Audience: Staff/Marketing & Communications, Admissions, Administration

Investments 101 Register October 4, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 The Intended to engage Heads of School and newer CFOs and/or Directors of Finance, and Board Treasurers (or similar) who have direct or indirect oversight of intermediate and long term reserve, endowment and foundation funds. Audience: Administration

OCTOBER

Administration of Medication for DC Schools (Three Date Options) Register October 8, 2019 - 8:30-4:00 OR January 28, 2020 - 8:30-4:00 OR May 5, 2020 - 8:30-4:00 Sidwell Friends School Administration of Medication (AOM) is a District of Columbia Department of Health approved program that provides training to non-medical school staff to enable them to administer medication to students. The course incorporates video, lecture, at-home assignments, hands-on practice, quizzes, practicum, and a final exam. Audience: Staff/Athletics, Physical Education, Health, Administration

Next Generation Employees - Hiring for Cultural Competency Register October 10, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 Our Lady of Good Counsel High School To succeed in a diverse and dynamic future, independent schools must hire employees who are not only knowledgeable and skilled in their specific job area, but also culturally competent. Review instruments for assessing cultural competence and gain resources to help enhance your school’s hiring practices. Audience: Administration

Trusteeship 101 (For New Trustees) Register October 11, 2019 8:30-2:00 Linden Hall Effectively preparing new trustees for their service is critical to the healthy functioning of our school boards. This program is designed specifically for new trustees who are beginning their first or second year of service. Topics covered will include the current independent school landscape, accreditation, the roles and duties of trustees within the school community, board organization and protocols, board/head relations, and other timely topics of interest to the group. Audience: Administration- Trustees and Heads

OCTOBER

Be the Change! How Teachers & Staff Can Shift Culture in Schools Register October 15, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 Many people think that only leaders and other administrators can impact culture when, in fact, everyone has the ability to influence the culture and climate of an organization. Teachers and staff will leave this workshop with tools and strategies for addressing specific elements of culture and climate in their schools and will feel confident that they can impact change. Audience: Staff, Classroom Teachers

Learning to Lead: Fall Educator Retreat--The Power of Failure October 16, 2019 - 8:30-2:30 Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School Register Outcomes for the day include: a data-driven and holistic view of failure to inspire student leadership work at your school, hands-on activities to bring back to your school and students, and a cohort team of like-minded educators. Audience: Administration, Classroom Teachers

OCTOBER

Heads of School Luncheon: The Evolving Nature of Innovation Register October 17, 2019 - 11:00-2:00 The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Chief Innovation Officer at NAIS, Tim Fish, will lead us through a hands-on workshop of activities focused on Designing Innovation with a demand-side lens. We'll identify microinnovations--small changes related to your greatest challenges--and then discuss real world examples. We'll hear from member school Heads of School who have been through the process of designing, executing and reflecting. Then, we'll consider what is (and isn't) in place for change to be implemented. Audience: Administration

Engagement Strategies to Support Math Understanding for Critical Topics in Grades 3-5 October 23, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 Register The Boys' Latin School of Maryland Join a fun, game-based workshop that focuses on solidifying key skills critical to success in algebra. Teachers will learn a variety of games that can be applied immediately in their classrooms. Topics will be driven by attendees, but have included (in the past) - percents, whole numbers, fractions, and decimal operations, and non-trivial word problems. We will use research-based methods that focus on growth mindset, grit, visualizing thinking, and other best practices to help build math understanding. Focus of topic discussion will be for grades 3 to 5. Audience: Classroom Teachers

Using Primary Source Collections to Investigate African American History Register October 24, 2019 - 9:00-12:00 The Maryland Historical Society Participants will explore local African American history, including perspectives from the Antebellum, Civil War, Reconstruction and early Civil Rights eras. The workshop will train educators in the analysis of primary source collections, providing access to original archival material that can be used to develop historical investigations for classroom usage. Audience: Classroom Teachers

OCTOBER

AIMS School Counselor Retreat October 25, 2019 - 8:30-2:00 Register Bon Secours Retreat Center Whether you are new to school counseling or an experienced veteran counselor, you will gain valuable resources and practical takeaways to be used in your important everyday work. Participants will have the opportunity to review counseling best practices, and to discuss important topics with others working at similar schools or with similar experience levels. Topics: regulating the process so you aren’t reinventing each time; addressing issues of confidentiality; creating a network of support and resources; assemblies; speakers; teaching life skills classes; peer counseling; training kids to do symposiums; offering strategies for responding to a crisis; “cleaning the mirror” - self-care for the counselor to allow for better ways to reflect and engage in reflective listening. Audience: Staff/Counselors and Social Workers

Roundtable Discussion/NGSS Adoption (Elem Science Teachers) October 29, 2019 - 12:00-3:00 Register Friends School of Baltimore Join your colleagues to share best practices or address issues facing those working in elementary school science, especially with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The specific program is flexible and topics covered will depend on who attends. It will be a great time to touch base with colleagues and get answers to questions about how others in independent schools serve students most effectively. Audience: Classroom Teachers

Register AIMS IT, Cybersecurity and Campus Security Conference October 29-30, 2019 - 8:00-3:00 Silver Spring Civic Center We will be looking at the Technology, Cybersecurity and overall Campus Security dimensions of our schools - from the digital and physical, to legal, and recommended practices. Our objective is to bring together the different stakeholders throughout our schools (Technology, Facilities, Security, Business Office, etc.), along with outside experts, to have in-depth discussions regarding the fields in which we specialize, in order to develop a greater understanding of what it takes to protect our students, staff, and school. Audience: Staff/Technology, Directors of Security, Directors of Facilities, Business Officers NOVEMBER

The Boy Crisis (Pick one of two locations) Register November 4, 2019 - 9:30-2:00 at The Norwood School November 8, 2019 - 9:30-2:00 at Mount Saint Joseph High School Register In developed nations worldwide, boys are falling behind girls in every academic subject, as well as in mental health, physical health, and readiness for college or careers. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it? In this workshop, Dr. Vermelle Greene, founder of a Christian academy for boys and practitioner-advocate for all boys, will introduce participants to the evidence, causes, and solutions to the boy crisis. Audience: All

A Missing Piece: Teaching Ethics & Decision Making Register November 6, 2019 - 9:30-12:30 The Lab School of Washington In order to improve our own behavior and to teach ethical decision-making more impactfully, we need to better understand the complexity of our own morality. Combining behavioral science and personal stories, the (Dis)Honesty Project offers a powerful lens through which to explore how and why we lie, and how we can encourage one another to act better. Audience: Classroom Teachers

Humanizing the Digitizing: A Technology and Library Educators' Retreat Register November 7, 2019 - 9:00-3:00 The Chesapeake Bay Foundation As our culture evolves to integrate technology into ever-expanding areas of our lives, there are social implications that are fundamentally shifting the learning experiences of our students. At this daylong retreat, we will ruminate upon the social-emotional side of technology from two perspectives. Stacey Roshan, math teacher and director of innovation and educational technology at , will share how she leverages technology to empower student voice, ease anxiety and create compassionate classrooms. Terry Darr, director of the library and historical archive at , will present on how rampant intellectual theft is among our students and how framing it as an issue of integrity and ethics has shifted the conversation. Both of these educators will also sign copies of their newly released books on these topics. Also included in this retreat will be participant driven conversations and even a little sand-in-your-toes downtime since this location is directly on the beach just outside of Annapolis. Audience: Staff/Technology Educators, Librarians, Classroom Teachers NOVEMBER

Grading for Equity: How It Can Transform Teaching & Learning Register November 8, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 Sidwell Friends School Without a shared understanding of the most effective and equitable practices, we can inadvertently perpetuate achievement and opportunity gaps among our students. In this workshop, learn about grading practices that are accurate, bias-resistant, and motivational, and the power of these practices for student learning and more equitable classrooms and schools. Audience: Classroom Teachers and Administration

Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference Registration Coming Soon November 9, 2019 Gilman School The Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference develops high school student leaders in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. This grassroots conference has existed for over twenty years under the dedicated leadership of teachers and students who are a part of the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS). Planning for the annual program agenda is completed each year by a group of interested students and faculty. More detailed information will be made available in mid-September. Audience: Students and Chaperones

NOVEMBER

Compassionate Discipline: Empowering our Students and Ourselves Register November 11, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 The Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences In this highly experiential workshop, educators who take on a disciplinary role in any context— whether in their own classroom or for a grade level, division, or entire school—will learn tools to help students behave in more effective and values-consistent ways while also exploring our own values as educators. Audience: All

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into Academic Instruction Register November 12, 2019 - 8:45-2:45 Holton-Arms School In this highly experiential, make-and-take workshop, we’ll learn protocols that incorporate values work into academic units. Informed by evidence-based psychological science, the workshop will involve writing, drawing, food metaphors, relational frame theory, making stuff you can use, serious discussions about values and vulnerabilities, and empowering students to become the people they want to be. After learning each protocol by doing it ourselves, we’ll reflect on the process and see an example of what it looks like in a classroom. Then, based on what we’ve just learned, we’ll create materials so we can use the protocols with our students. Audience: Classroom Teachers and Administration

Philanthropy as an Integral Part of School Culture Register November 12, 2019 - 10:00-12:00 Mercy High School Numerous studies have pointed out the critical role of philanthropy in communities—not only in supporting the social sector, but also in creating a culture of civic engagement, caring, and trust. But how do you build a culture of philanthropy? Building a culture and tradition of philanthropy for an independent school community is a massive undertaking, but it is vital. Join colleagues for a critical discussion on strategies for building a culture of philanthropy. Audience: Staff/Advancement and Administration

NOVEMBER

Register Be The Change: How Administrators Can Shift Culture in Schools November 13, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 The Highlands School In this workshop, we will help admininstators understand the elements of culture and climate that impact schools, clarify your own and your school’s values, identify those areas that need to be addressed at your school, learn ways to shift aspects of culture and climate in your school, establish connections and networks with others, and develop a plan for change at your school. Audience: Administrators

Maintaining a Healthy Culture in a Divisive Political Climate Register November 14, 2019 - 10:30-12:30 St. John's Episcopal School Since the 2016 election of a non-traditional candidate to the presidency, American institutions, including schools, have experienced disruption and increased political divisiveness. How has this been manifested on our independent school campuses? How have Heads of Schools and their administrative teams maintained a healthy school culture amidst a divisive political climate? We will share research findings from a recent survey administered to a wide range of independent schools across the country. Then, we will discuss strategies and best practices school leaders might follow during challenging times. Audience: ALL

Talking about Race with Our Students...and Each Other (Pick one of two locations) November 15, 2019 - 9:00-3:00 at The Key School Register January 22, 2020 - 9:00-3:00 at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Register Talking about race is often difficult, and people sometimes choose to avoid it. Even though they may be challenging, the conversations are important. We invite educators to join us in expanding the conversation together. The session will share how teachers can incorporate race and identity as essential, everyday parts of the curriculum. At the conclusion of the session, presenters will facilitate a group discussion around best practices and will share some of their own, as well as provide some of the best classroom resources from their early elementary toolkit for exploring race and identity. Audience: Classroom Teachers

NOVEMBER

Creating the Ecology for Creativity, Design Thinking, and Innovation Register November 15, 2019 - 10:30-1:30 St. Andrew's Episcopal School Explore the instructional philosophy, tools, and technologies that nurture essential innovative thinking. Delve into strategies for building the creative, collaborative, and design-minded classrooms and design-thinking spaces – offering teachers of all ages and experience a powerful and persuasive perspective about thinking deeply and differently. Audience: Administrators, Classroom Teachers and Staff/Entrepreneurship

Lower School Diversity Conversations - Preschool to Grade One Register November 19, 2019 - 9:00-2:00 Severn School Chesapeake Campus Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work in the lower grades can be the most powerful, and also the most challenging. Some schools have been very intentional about the curriculum they integrate into each grade and some are only beginning to explore how to respond when these topics arise. Come to this informal round table discussion intentionally for classroom teachers and diversity practitioners who work in the lower grades. Audience: Classroom Teachers

Lower School Diversity Conversations - Grades 2-5 November 20, 2019 - 9:00-2:00 Register Severn School Chesapeake Campus Same as above, but for grades 2-5.

Trusteeship 201 (For Experienced Trustees) November 20, 2019 - 8:30-2:00 Register Linden Hall Experienced trustees are often the custodians of school history, and they hold the memories of past challenges. They are most likely to hold leadership positions within our boards, and, ideally, they are trusted advisors to the Head of School. They assume leadership roles in strategic planning, critical decisions, crisis management, and evaluation and re-contracting the Head of School. This program will speak to the kinds of high-level challenges that call for trustee engagement and response. The format will include lecture, small-group discussion, and case studies. Audience: Administration/Trustees and Heads

DECEMBER

Fall Enrollment Management Gathering Register December 9, 2019 - 9:00-2:00 Chesapeake Bay Foundation The Power of Data: The five most persuasive strategies for telling the story of your school through measurable (though rarely measured) outcomes. In the “New Normal” era, the most compelling reasons to choose an independent school are now framed in the language of metrics. Prospective parents may find your campus to be impressive, your mission statement and traditions, to be charming and your faculty to be first-rate. Earlier generations of parents focused on these and other attributes that historically defined the value-for–tuition at your school. Current parents (the most anxious generation of parents in modern history) place less value on school resources and need more data on the experience of the student, the long-term benefit of that experience and school-related outcomes that will lead to success in their children’s adult careers and citizenship. This workshop will describe how forward looking schools can employ the language of metrics to sharpen their value propositions. Audience: Staff/Admissions, Marketing, Communications, Administration

When They Sound Different: Exploring Cultural Differences in How We Communicate December 13, 2019 - 9:30-12:00 Register This one-of-a-kind practical workshop takes a real time, day-to-day look at how we are communicating across differences. We will explore different varieties of the English language — verbal and nonverbal — via audio; dissecting hip hop and pop lyrics; considering slang, idioms, and multiple meanings; and looking at four people from America and beyond and their journeys with the English language. We also will take away useful tips and strategies to better and more effectively communicate. Audience: ALL

WINTER/SPRING SAVE THE DATES

Youth Mental Health First Aid Register (For Classroom Teachers/Advisors/Auxilliary Programs/Athletics) January 29, 2020 - 9:00-5:00 Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

Head's Assistants & Administrative Assistants Retreat Register January 31, 2020 - 8:30-2:00 Bon Secours Retreat Center

The Heads Conference Register April 2-3, 2020 Chesapeake Bay Beach Club