Empowering Leaders' Symposium 2026 has ended

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Empowering Leaders' Symposium 2026

Welcome to the Henrico County Public Schools 2026 Empowering Leaders Symposium

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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9:00am EDT

Required Secondary ESL-- Secondary Leaders

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Speakers

Sarah Modrak

LIEP/ESL Education Specialist, Teaching & Learning

ESL Specialist, Coordinator or Coach

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Auditorium

Academic Achievement, Key Session

9:00am EDT

Elevating Student Learning: Observing What Matters Most in Science Instruction

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Deepen your understanding of what high-quality science instruction looks like in the elementary and secondary classrooms. Explore key indicators of student engagement, scientific discourse, hands-on investigations, and reflective practice. Together, we’ll unpack observable practices that support inquiry-based learning, discuss how to recognize effective questioning and discourse strategies, and examine tools to guide meaningful feedback and teacher reflection. Leave with a clear vision and actionable look-fors to support powerful science teaching in every classroom.

Speakers

Rachael L. Toy

Education Specialist - Secondary Science, Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist - Secondary Science

Karen Hues

Elementary Science Specialist, Henrico County Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
2102

Academic Achievement

9:00am EDT

Making Data Actionable: Using Literacy Data to Drive Instruction, Not Overwhelm It

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Cut through data overload to focus on what actually improves instruction. This session clarifies the purpose of key literacy assessments and highlights how to identify a small number of high-leverage trends that matter most for teaching and learning. Participants will explore practical structures for leading focused data conversations and translating results into clear, actionable instructional next steps. This presentation will focus on assessments and data used in grades K-5.

Speakers

Christina Saunders

Education Specialist - Elementary ELA, Henrico County Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
2103

Academic Achievement

9:00am EDT

Performance Matters: Reports

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Learn to build Performance Matters reports that bridge the gap between micro and macro-level analysis. Much like a high-definition lens, this session empowers you to construct custom reports that visualize overall pass rates across key demographics, including Race, EXED, and MLL status. Learn to toggle between broad trends and individual student performance to ensure no learner is lost in the data. By leveraging these sophisticated reporting tools, you will transform complex subgroups into clear, actionable snapshots that drive instruction.

Speakers

Joy McDonald

Education Specialist Data Analyst, Assessment, Research and Evaluation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
1109

Academic Achievement

9:00am EDT

Supporting Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Instruction based on CLASS expectations

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Understanding CLASS observations and how to support instruction, classroom management, and curriculum implementation. What to look for during walk throughs.

Speakers

Kelly DuBose

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
1206

Academic Achievement

9:00am EDT

Unlocking Potential: Leveraging PreK Data for Kindergarten Success

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Most Henrico County elementary schools welcome former Early Learning Preschool (ELP) students who already possess a full year of foundational academic and social-emotional knowledge. As the division prioritizes success in primary grades, these prepared learners represent a significant yet often untapped resource for school growth. This session invites leaders to analyze PreK data trends and observe how early intervention accelerates long-term achievement. Participants will leave with a strategic plan to leverage their specific student data, ensuring Kindergarten teams are equipped to build upon this established momentum.

Speakers

Eryn King

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
2205

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

ESL- Pinned Session for Elementary Leaders

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:30am EDT

Speakers

Sarah Modrak

LIEP/ESL Education Specialist, Teaching & Learning

ESL Specialist, Coordinator or Coach

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:30am EDT
Auditorium

Academic Achievement, Key Session

10:25am EDT

Alternative Pathways for SWD to earn a Standard Diploma

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

Participants will understand the different ways students with disabilities can earn credits towards a Standard Diploma.

Speakers

Maggie Walsh

Ex Ed Specialist, CO

Maggie is a Secondary Exceptional Education Specialist

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
2005

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

Crash Course in Exceptional Education for Brand New Administrators

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

Participants in this course will receive information about what it means to be an Exceptional Education Administrator. Basic responsibilities will be discussed as well as an overview of EXED administrator responsibilities

Speakers

Courtney Valenti

Specialist, Exceptional Education

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
1108

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

Increasing Student Success Across the School Day: Literacy As the Linchpin

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

Improving outcomes for all students takes a school-wide approach. Literacy is the common vehicle that can move the needle for all students. This session will model vocabulary, reading, and writing strategies that can be integrated into any classroom or content. Strategies will focus on student discourse and critical thinking.

Speakers

Rachael L. Toy

Education Specialist - Secondary Science, Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist - Secondary Science

Cat Latcovich

Educational Specialist - Secondary Social Studies, Henrico County Public Schools

Kendall Hunt

Education Specialist Middle School Literacy, HCPS Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist Middle School Literacy

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
2004

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

Performance Matters: Reports

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

Learn to build Performance Matters reports that bridge the gap between micro and macro-level analysis. Much like a high-definition lens, this session empowers you to construct custom reports that visualize overall pass rates across key demographics, including Race, EXED, and MLL status. Learn to toggle between broad trends and individual student performance to ensure no learner is lost in the data. By leveraging these sophisticated reporting tools, you will transform complex subgroups into clear, actionable snapshots that drive instruction.

Speakers

Joy McDonald

Education Specialist Data Analyst, Assessment, Research and Evaluation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
1109

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

Strengthening Dual Enrollment Implementation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

This professional learning session is designed for administrators who support Dual Enrollment (DE) programs. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the systems that support effective DE implementation, including Canvas course structures, scheduling considerations, staffing models, and alignment between college and district expectations. The session provides practical guidance to support strong implementation, equitable access, and improved student outcomes in Dual Enrollment pathways.

Speakers

Stephanie Lambrecht

District Leader, Central Office, Department of Teaching and Learning, Specialty Centers

Educational Specialist

Sheralyne Tierseron

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
2003

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

Strengthening Thinking Across Content Areas: Using thinkLaw in Secondary Classrooms

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

How can we elevate student thinking across middle and high school content areas in ways that are rigorous, relevant, and aligned to standards? This session introduces principals to the use of thinkLaw (free subscription access for Henrico staff) as a tool to deepen critical thinking, argumentation, and problem-solving across disciplines.Participants will explore what thinkLaw looks like in practice in secondary classrooms, including examples from core content areas. The session will highlight how structured reasoning tasks, such as analyzing multiple perspectives, constructing arguments, and evaluating evidence, can increase student engagement and push thinking beyond recall.

Principals will leave with practical look-fors, connections to SOL rigor, and strategies to support teachers in embedding thinkLaw into daily instruction to strengthen student outcomes across content areas.

Speakers

Matt Parker

Gifted Talent Development Coordinator, Henrico County Public Schools

Jessica Harris

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
2104

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Alternative Pathways for SWD to earn a Standard Diploma

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Participants will understand the different ways students with disabilities can earn credits towards a Standard Diploma.

Speakers

Maggie Walsh

Ex Ed Specialist, CO

Maggie is a Secondary Exceptional Education Specialist

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2006

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Courage to Learn

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Instructional improvement doesn't happen because teachers are told to take more risks. It happens when leaders intentionally create the conditions where taking risks feels safe, supported, and worthwhile. This interactive session explores how school leaders can foster a culture of courage through trust, feedback, productive struggle, and shared learning. Participants will examine practical leadership actions that can be implemented immediately to support teachers, strengthen classrooms, and improve learning across their schools.
Designed for elementary administrators, however this session is relevant for leaders at all levels.

Click here for the slide deck.

Speakers

Karen Hues

Elementary Science Specialist, Henrico County Public Schools

Alissa Straus

Elementary Social Studies Specialist, Henrico County Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
1106/1107

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Implementing the 2023 Math Standards

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Move beyond surface-level engagement to identify what truly matters in mathematics instruction. This session focuses on the evidenced-based practices from the VDOE along how to recognize evidence of strong teaching and learning during classroom visits. Participants will leave with clear, actionable look-fors to guide feedback, calibrate expectations, and support consistent, high-quality mathematics instruction across classrooms.

Speakers

Kelly Parker

Elementary Math Specialist, Elementary Teaching and Learning

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
1208/1209

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Increasing Student Success Across the School Day: Literacy As the Linchpin

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Improving outcomes for all students takes a school-wide approach. Literacy is the common vehicle that can move the needle for all students. This session will model vocabulary, reading, and writing strategies that can be integrated into any classroom or content. Strategies will focus on student discourse and critical thinking.

Speakers

Rachael L. Toy

Education Specialist - Secondary Science, Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist - Secondary Science

Cat Latcovich

Educational Specialist - Secondary Social Studies, Henrico County Public Schools

Kendall Hunt

Education Specialist Middle School Literacy, HCPS Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist Middle School Literacy

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2005

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Legal Requirements when disciplining SWD (including MDR and procedural safeguard protections)

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Understanding the legal requirements and procedures for discipline of students with disabilities. Understanding the MDR paperwork, process and the role of the administrator in the process.

Speakers

Courtney Valenti

Specialist, Exceptional Education

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2004

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Making Data Actionable: Using Literacy Data to Drive Instruction, Not Overwhelm It

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Cut through data overload to focus on what actually improves instruction. This session clarifies the purpose of key literacy assessments and highlights how to identify a small number of high-leverage trends that matter most for teaching and learning. Participants will explore practical structures for leading focused data conversations and translating results into clear, actionable instructional next steps. This presentation will focus on assessments and data used in grades K-5.

Speakers

Christina Saunders

Education Specialist - Elementary ELA, Henrico County Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2103

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Strengthening Dual Enrollment Implementation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

This professional learning session is designed for administrators who support Dual Enrollment (DE) programs. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the systems that support effective DE implementation, including Canvas course structures, scheduling considerations, staffing models, and alignment between college and district expectations. The session provides practical guidance to support strong implementation, equitable access, and improved student outcomes in Dual Enrollment pathways.

Speakers

Stephanie Lambrecht

District Leader, Central Office, Department of Teaching and Learning, Specialty Centers

Educational Specialist

Sheralyne Tierseron

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2003

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Supporting Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Instruction based on CLASS expectations

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Understanding CLASS observations and how to support instruction, classroom management, and curriculum implementation. What to look for during walk throughs.

Speakers

Kelly DuBose

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
1206

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

The PDSA Power-Up: Transforming Compliance into Performance

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

Stop "doing" school improvement and start leading it. In this 75-minute interactive workshop, school leaders will transform the bi-weekly monitoring template from a compliance hurdle into a high-leverage coaching tool. We will bridge the gap between your School Needs Assessment and the Virginia School Performance & Support Framework (SPSF) by designing your first high-impact PDSA cycle. Whether you are aiming to climb to the next performance category or solidify your "Distinguished" status, you will leave with a concrete action plan and a refined focus on the small changes that drive big results.

Speakers

Alyssa Higgins

Specialist, School Quality

Cierra Scott

Cierra Scott is an accomplished educational leader with nearly 15 years of experience in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and school improvement. She currently serves as an Education Specialist for School Quality with Henrico County Public Schools, partnering with school... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
1203

Academic Achievement

3:00pm EDT

From Scaffolding to Success: Leading the Shift to Engineered Content

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

This session shifts the focus from simplifying content to engineering it for Multilingual Learner (ML) success. Leaders will identify high-leverage instructional moves and evidence-based techniques that bridge the gap between language proficiency and grade-level rigor. Explore how amplified texts maintain linguistic complexity, ensuring MLs can both access and master the curriculum. Gain a coaching framework to analyze ML literacy profiles, guide PLCs to maintain rigor, and know exactly what to look for when observing teachers using engineered or amplified text.

Speakers

Sarah Modrak

LIEP/ESL Education Specialist, Teaching & Learning

ESL Specialist, Coordinator or Coach

Alexa Haynie

ESL Division Coordinator

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
1208/1209

Academic Achievement

3:00pm EDT

Increasing Student Success Across the School Day: Literacy As the Linchpin

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

Improving outcomes for all students takes a school-wide approach. Literacy is the common vehicle that can move the needle for all students. This session will model vocabulary, reading, and writing strategies that can be integrated into any classroom or content. Strategies will focus on student discourse and critical thinking.

Speakers

Rachael L. Toy

Education Specialist - Secondary Science, Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist - Secondary Science

Cat Latcovich

Educational Specialist - Secondary Social Studies, Henrico County Public Schools

Kendall Hunt

Education Specialist Middle School Literacy, HCPS Secondary Teaching and Learning

Educational Specialist Middle School Literacy

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
2005

Academic Achievement

3:00pm EDT

The PDSA Power-Up: Transforming Compliance into Performance

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

Stop "doing" school improvement and start leading it. In this 75-minute interactive workshop, school leaders will transform the bi-weekly monitoring template from a compliance hurdle into a high-leverage coaching tool. We will bridge the gap between your School Needs Assessment and the Virginia School Performance & Support Framework (SPSF) by designing your first high-impact PDSA cycle. Whether you are aiming to climb to the next performance category or solidify your "Distinguished" status, you will leave with a concrete action plan and a refined focus on the small changes that drive big results.

Speakers

Alyssa Higgins

Specialist, School Quality

Cierra Scott

Cierra Scott is an accomplished educational leader with nearly 15 years of experience in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and school improvement. She currently serves as an Education Specialist for School Quality with Henrico County Public Schools, partnering with school... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
1203

Academic Achievement

3:00pm EDT

The Power of Knowing: Empathy Methods

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

School improvement is not just numbers. The impact of your MSSP can be uncovered through the voices of those implementing and experiencing your selected strategy. Empathy methods can be utilized whether you have just a minute to check in with someone or a dedicated focus group to hear their thoughts and feelings about the strategy. Join us to learn a variety of methods to elevate the voices of your stakeholders, from parents to students to community members.

Speakers

Jen Perry

School Quality Manager, Henrico County Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
1202

Academic Achievement