Agenda
MASSP / MAESA / MSASPA
SUMMER CONFERENCE 2025
Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino
Biloxi, MS
Times May Change, but the Mission Remains:
Care for and Educate Our Children
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Tuesday - June 10, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Attendee and Exhibitor Check-in and Exhibitor Setup
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Opening General Session in Grand Ballroom
Welcome –
Ronnie McGehee, Executive Director MASSP
Cody Killen, MASSP Board President
Part 1 K-12 Collaborative Leadership: Promoting Best Practices for EL Success
Presenters: Crystal Chase, Principal Ridgeland High School; Carie Lyall, Assistant Principal, Old Town Middle School; Levi Robinson, Principal Old Town Middle School; Matt Gandy, Assistant Principal, Ann Smith and Highland Elementary Schools; Sharon Slater, Assistant Principal, Ridgeland High School
This session will showcase how administrators within the same educational zone collaboratively explore and promote best practices for supporting English Learner (EL) students. Recognizing that EL students thrive when there is alignment between school practices and shared leadership across campuses, this session will focus on leveraging administrative collaboration to ensure equitable, high-quality instruction and support services for EL’s.
Part 2 Legal Updates #1
Presenters: Jim Keith and John Hooks, Adams and Reese LLP
Jim and John will share their reflections, observations, and suggest some important actions to be taken at within your schools or districts.
Part 3 Like Group Organization
Introduction of Like Group members and introduction of group leaders
1A -- 2A – 3A – 4A – 5A – 6A – 7A – MSASPA - Elementary
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Family Poolside Reception
Bring your family and enjoy the camaraderie, food, and pool!
Name badges are required for admittance.
Wednesday - June 11, 2025
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet in Grand Ballroom
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. General Session in Grand Ballroom
Legal Updates #2
Presenters: Jim Keith and John Hooks, Adams and Reese LLP
Observations, reflections, and suggestions on how to lead your communities in an ever-changing school environment.
9:00 a.m. -- 9:30 a.m. "Like Group Organizational Time"
(1A,2A & 3 A) (4A & 5A) (6A & 7A) Elementary MSASPA
9:30 a.m.-- 9:45 a.m. Visit with our Educational Partners ---
****** Water and drinks during the breaks provided by CSpire ******
9:45 a.m. -- 10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions #1
Ship Island A Reaching All Subgroups - Tried and True Ways to Address All Subgroup including Special Education
Presenters: Mina Lightsey, Laurie Brewer, Shane Rodgers, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction / Professional Development, Lauderdale County School District
This session will outline tried and true methods for reaching all students to improve academic performance using tools currently at your disposal such as MTSS, educational benefits for special education students, data and delivery of EXCELLENT quality tier 1 instructions. Participants will leave the session with knowledge of what direct instruction looks like, ideas on how to reach students and how AI can be used as a tool for success. The Excellence Group and Lauderdale County School District
Ship Island B The Gold Standard: Moving the Mark by Targeting Students
Presenters: CC Bradberry, Bailey Education Group; Doug Jones, Principal, Madison, Middle School; Shannon Green, Taylor Hidebrand, Jennifer Lovitt, and Drew Wardlaw, Assistant Principals, Madison Middle School
Ever find yourself asking, “Where will I find the points to move my school?” A typical day in the life of an administrator of a secondary school is filled with questions like this one. When considering school improvement targets, subgroups of students, and quality Tier I instruction, the job feels incredibly overwhelming. In this session, the job feels incredibly overwhelming. In this session, we will share strategies that helped Madison Middle School Grades 6-8 administrators build a culture of growth and “Move The Mark” of excellence in their school by involving all stakeholders. We will highlight the partnership between Madison Middle and Bailey Education Group focused on raising ALL students by growing each student. Bailey Educational Group with Madison Middle School Administration
Ship Island C Jumpstart End-of-Course Assessment Results! Easily Bridge the Gaps with Targeted Remediation Near Test Date
Presenters: Rob Martin, VP of Curriculum Jumpstart Test Prep; Jason Frazier, Principal at Salem Attendance Center
Teachers work really hard to prepare students for the EOC assessments required for graduation and accountability, and those teachers cover the breadth and depth of the state standards. Learn from partner schools how outcomes were optimized by leveraging Jumpstart’s new Algebra I & English II online assessment tools that provide targeted individual and group remediation for each missed item with expert-designed explanation videos. Jumpstart Test Prep and Walthall County School District
Deer Island Turn Data Conversations into Action
Presenters: Paula Tharp, MSU; Leigh Ann McMullan, MSU; Lindsay Brett, Lee County School District; Kim Minshew and Laine Marler, Rankin County School District
Join us for an interactive session that introduces the powerful four-step Achievement Teams protocol—a structured, research-informed approach designed to transform data conversations into meaningful instructional actions. Learn how the protocol can guide shifting the focus of data team meetings—from spending 80% of your time analyzing data to devoting 80% of your time to discussing and planning targeted instructional strategies that drive student growth.
Explore how teams identify learning needs, set measurable goals, and implement evidence-based practices that lead to real results. You'll hear about how the protocol is being used in MSU Leadership Programs and how teacher leaders and school administration candidates are using the process in their own planning and teaching practice.
Whether you're looking to refine your PLCs or strengthen your leadership practices, this session offers practical tools and inspiring examples to take back to your school or district. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your data team process and accelerate student success!
Petit Bois MSASPA
Presenter: Mr. Scott DeJong, Mississippi Department of Education, Director for the Office of Educator Misconduct,
You have a teacher that was reported to the principal for alleged misconduct, and they are placed on administrative leave with pay. You have completed the first step by getting them safely off campus, but what should happen next? Have you submitted their Appendix C paperwork to MDE? Where does it go from there and what happens next? Mr. DeJong will share his experience as a detective and offer best practices to avoid pitfalls in this interactive presentation on investigations and expectations for school and district leaders.
Cat Island
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Break with Educational Partners
****** Water and Drinks during the breaks provided by CSpire ******
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Breakout sessions # 2
Ship Island A Slippery When Wet
Presenters: Scott Cantrell, President, PBEC; Lundy Brantley, PBEC; Cody Killen, Principal, West Lauderdale Middle School
What’s the methodology in your school to ensure students aren’t slipping on their trek to academic progress and accountability model success? “Small things” become “big things” if administrators and faculty members aren’t aware of nuances within academic standards and student data that should be driving instruction. Information around “small things” that are often missed, along with methodology to become not just “data rich” but also “data informed” will be discussed.
Performance Based Education Company, West Lauderdale Middle School
Ship Island B Coaching for Cognitive Engagement
Presenters: Tiffany Hunt and Dana Bullard
Attendees will learn a simple framework for conducting and giving feedback on classroom walkthroughs that will increase student cognitive engagement. Participants will engage in walkthrough scenarios and receive tools to analyze and provide feedback on instructional shifts, student accountability, and teacher facilitation of thinking.
American Alliance for Innovative Systems and Oxford School District
Ship Island C Building a Bridge: Retaining Teachers and Supporting Novice Educators
Presenters: Eddie Peasant, Asst. Dean, William Carey University; Cody Killen, Principal West Lauderdale Middle School;
Joshua Yeager, Principal, Perry Central High School
Teacher retention begins with intentional support for novice educators, yet many schools face challenges in creating effective structures to ensure new teachers thrive. This panel discussion focuses on critical components of teacher retention, including the design and implementation of New Teacher Induction Programs, the selection and training of mentors, and the monitoring of mentorship quality and effectiveness. This session will provide actionable insights into creating a comprehensive system that fosters professional growth, reduces burnout, and builds a collaborative and supportive school culture. Attendees will leave with practical tools and strategies to enhance teacher induction and mentorship in their own contexts. William Carey University, Lauderdale County School District, Perry County School District
Deer Island "Maximizing Student Achievement: Leveraging Data, Small Groups, and High-Dosage Tutorials”
Presenters: Stephanie Allen, Area Sales Coordinator, Kids First Education, Chasedy Gilford, Executive Director of Academics, Hinds County School District, and Roshonda Brandon-Lampley, Principal, Hinds County School District
This professional development training is designed to equip educators with effective strategies for using data-driven instruction, small group interventions, and high-dosage tutoring to improve student achievement. Participants will explore how to analyze and interpret student data to inform targeted instructional decisions, implement structured small group instruction to meet diverse learning needs, and integrate high-dosage tutoring as a powerful tool for accelerating student progress. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and real-world case studies, educators will gain practical strategies to personalize learning, close achievement gaps, and enhance student success. Kids First and Hinds County School District
Petit Bois MSASPA: Investigations, Code of Ethics, Family Medical Leave, and Workers’ Compensation, Oh MY!
Presenter: Mr. John Hooks, Adams and Reese LLP
“I beg your pardon?” Claims of Sexual harassment, MS Code of Ethics, FMLA, and Workers’ Comp—it’s all in a day’s work! Mr. John Hooks will run participants through the gamut of Title VII and Title IX as well as answer other questions regarding employment legal matters. He will also share his best practices of ensuring a safe and orderly school culture and avoiding claims of Workers’ Comp. He will answer the question: “Is FMLA only for pregnant women”? Participants will walk away with specific action steps regarding everything from grievances amongst employees to other employment claims in general
Cat Island School Counseling Programs
Presenters: Jayme Sullivan and Jan Lemon
When comprehensive counseling programs are implemented, research consistently demonstrates that school counselors can be affective in changing student behaviors, with studies showing positive impacts on areas like attendance, discipline, academics achievement, over-all social-emotional development. In this session, school administrators will be introduced to the standards, roles, education, definition and licensing requirements for professional school counselors. In addition, participants will learn how school counselors provide support for parents, teachers, and community members while guiding children and adolescents down the long winding path of self- development
Noon – 1:45 p.m. Awards Luncheon and General Session
Grand Ballroom
Keynote Speaker -- Andrew Marotta
Recognition of 2025 MASSP and MAESA Principals of the Year
MAESA Principal of the Year:
MAESA Assistant Principal of the Year:
MASSP High School Principals of the Year:
MASSP Middle School Principal of the Year:
MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year:
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions #3
Ship Island A Supporting Grade 6-12 with IREADY PRO – the next generation
Presenter: Andrea Shane
i-Ready Pro supports middle school students in building critical skills during a pivotal stage in their learning journey. With adaptive lessons tailored to each student’s needs—whether they require foundational support or are ready to engage in grade-level instruction—i-Ready Pro helps every learner feel empowered, confident, and capable of independent growth. For educators, i-Ready Pro offers real-time insights, enabling both celebration and reflection to guide students with purpose.
Educators can access real-time data that extends beyond basic metrics. This detailed reporting allows educators to track lesson usage and performance trends, enabling the data-driven decision making that enhances instruction. Curriculum Associates
Ship Island B Canopy Anywhere – A Hope-Filled Solution for Student Mental Health
Presenters: John Damon, CEO, Canopy Children’s Solutions or Sean Brewer, Director of Education, Canopy Children's Solutions; Levi Robinson, Principal, Old Town Middle School
This presentation will educate the audience about a digital solution for student mental health piloted in the Madison Co. School District. The results of the pilot are compelling and will be shared during this presentation as well as details about the Canopy Anywhere platform. Canopy is currently working with the MS Development Authority to provide this solution to public schools statewide for FREE in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year. Information will be given on how schools can access this solution for their students.
Canopy Children's Solutions and Madison County Schools
Ship Island C Fentanyl Education in Mississippi MSCUP Year 1 Results and Plans for the Future
Presenters: Lance Harden and Shelby Ford, MS Public Health Institute
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that has rapidly become one of the leading causes of overdose deaths in the United States. Mississippi, like many states, faces a growing crisis with the spread of fentanyl, especially among younger populations. The Mississippi Curriculum Grant (MSCUP) was introduced as a proactive effort to combat this crisis through education, aiming to equip middle school students with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the dangers of fentanyl and how to prevent its misuse. This proposal presents the results from Year 1 of the MSCUP initiative, evaluates the outcomes of the program thus far, and outlines plans for future expansion and continued impact in Mississippi’s middle schools. MS Public Health Institute
Deer Island Writing Across the Curriculum
Presenters: Nicole Cockrell, Holly Jones, and Jessica Rives
The "Writing Across the Curriculum" session will guide administrators in incorporating writing into their classrooms effectively without disrupting existing teaching methods. This session will emphasize the benefits of writing in all subjects and setting session goals. We will offer strategies to embed writing tasks into various subjects while aligning them with the existing curriculum. We will demonstrate using graphic organizers created by the Mannsdale Upper Elementary Writing Committee to help students organize their thinking with hands-on practice.
This session will provide a guide for developing a school-wide writing strategy, setting realistic goals, and allocating writing time. We will end with time to address questions and encourage collaborative idea-sharing. Mannsdale Upper Elementary School
Petit Bois MSASPA - District Expectations and Benefits
Presenter: Mrs. Shay Williamson, Madison County Schools
Many school districts across Mississippi and the nation will be hiring a slew of new employees. Some will be new to their roles, and others may be veterans but still unfamiliar with all of the benefits of being a district employee. This session will offer best practices for communicating your district’s expectations and their benefits packages ensuring they are confident about who to call for what when their needs arise. This session will give you the tools necessary to help ensure your employees feel supported throughout their first year and beyond.
Cat Island Systemic Approach to Assessment and Accountability
Presenters: Greg Paczak, Director of Assessment & Accountability; Mary Moak, Assessment & Accountability Coordinator, Elementary Schools; Rebecca Hurst, Assessment & Accountability Coordinator, Secondary Schools
Feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly ever-increasing number of assessments and resulting data? As well as concerned about the upcoming impact of changes to the accountability model on your rating/ranking for your school and/or district? Well then this is the session for you! Learn from one district’s team how it supports school and district level leaders with a systemic approach to assessment and accountability. The session’s focus will be on the most efficient administration and preparation for state (MAAP, ELPA21, KRA) and college-and-career readiness (ACT, WorkKeys, AP, ASVAB) assessments to maximize accountability points!
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Break with Educational Partners
****** Water and Drinks during the breaks provided by CSpire ******
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions #4
Ship Island A Beyond the Core: Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction with Purposeful Practice
Presenters: Hilary Norwood, Renaissance; Amber Raynor, Jackson County School District
We want all of our students to succeed in Tier 1 instruction. Unfortunately, research shows that nearly 20 percent of students require additional Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports. So how do we maximize Tier 1 instruction to support all students?
This session will share instructional strategies and powerful tools that can enhance Tier 1 core instruction to empower educators to promote growth for all students and address individual needs.
Join us to:
Gain a deep understanding of what purposeful practice means and how to implement “perfect” practice for every student.
Discover tools that provide adaptive practice tailored to and respond to individual student needs.
Learn how to support effective teaching practices, gain valuable data insights, and foster student growth in your classroom using Renaissance Next. Renaissance Learning and Jackson County School District
Ship Island B Instructional Growth by Design - How RCSD Secondary Curriculum is Intentionally Supporting
Teachers AND Principals
Presenters: Jessica Hodges, Lorie Yates, Lacey Hedgepeth, Kalea White, Rhonda Kilgo, Karin Bowen, Jasmine Rosemon, Catherine Beasley
The RCSD Secondary Curriculum Department’s sole mission is to support the schools. Our team of seven content specialists, along with a SPED instructional specialist and a technology instructional specialist, work to provide opportunities to help grow teachers in their profession. One thing we realized we were missing was the “principal piece”- How are we growing principals to be instructional leaders, all while trying to help teachers perfect their craft? Our two-year professional development model has been designed to improve literacy practices - reading, writing, visible thinking, and discussing- in the classrooms. Additionally, it has been designed to help administrators identify school needs, design and deliver professional development, and inspect the instructional expectations in their school building. Our “Literacy Walks and Blocks”, coupled with our “Principal Academies” are helping to increase teacher and administrator instructional capacity, all while allowing our instructional specialists to support schools in areas specifically identified by individual schools.
Rankin County School District
Ship Island C Instilling Hope: Moving the Needle in the Student Addiction Crisis
Presenters: Lucas Ferguson and Michele Rudd-Toles, Assistant Principals, Oxford High School
The ongoing addiction crisis for middle and high school students continues to plague schools. Nicotine vapes, THC vapes, alcohol, and other destructive habits are daily struggles for our students. After three years of fighting this battle, Oxford High School has developed a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving vaping sensors, purposeful consequences, and follow-up mental health support in association with Verkada Sensors, Baylor University, Oxford Police Department, Youth Court Officials, OHS Student Peer-Mentoring Groups, and the University of Mississippi’s new COPE program which hopes to expand their free in-school services to other K-12 institutions in our state. Come hear from school administrators, students, local officials, and counselors to hear how one community has moved the needle in the fight for student mental and physical health.
Deer Island Adapting to Mississippi's Evolving High School Accountability Model: Strategies for Success
Presenter: Joshua Yeager, Perry Central High School
As Mississippi implements recent changes to its High School Accountability Model, educators and administrators face a critical opportunity to refine their practices, align instructional priorities, and elevate student success. These updates not only reshape how schools are evaluated but also redefine the pathways available for student achievement. This dynamic session is designed to equip educational leaders with actionable strategies to navigate the evolving accountability landscape while fostering high-impact student outcomes. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest policy shifts and explore proven leadership practices that drive measurable improvements in students’ performance and school ratings.
Petit Bois MSASPA - “You’re Fired”!
Presenter: Shay Williamson, Director of Human Resources, Madison County Schools
Believe it or not, that was the easy part. Your role in this process is not quite finished. Unless they have another position waiting for them to start soon you may be hearing from the office of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. This session will focus on reasons for an individual’s separation from your district and navigating the unemployment process with MDES. Participants will review documents and learn how to show your employee separated for cause in order to successfully roll this person off of your district’s financial payroll.
Cat Island Protecting Our Schools: Practical Cybersecurity Strategies for K-12 Leaders
Presenters: Thomas Horton
Today's schools face more than just academic challenges — cyber threats are a growing risk to student safety, learning continuity, and district operations. But you don't have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your school. Endeavor IT and SensCy will share real-world advice and simple steps school leaders can take to strengthen their defenses against hackers, data breaches, and online threats. Designed for busy K-12 administrators, this presentation will focus on practical, affordable strategies that can make an immediate difference — even without a large IT team.
You'll learn:
What today's most common cyber threats look like for schools.
How cyberattacks can disrupt learning and put student data at risk.
Simple actions you can take now to protect your district.
How to build a stronger, more secure environment without overwhelming your staff or budget.
Our goal is to help you leave with clear next steps and a better understanding of how to keep your schools — and your students — safe in a digital world. Endeavor IT and Hinds County School District
4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Visit with our Educational Partners
****** Water and Drink during the breaks provided by CSpire ******
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Like Groups -- Various rooms for liked sized districts and Elementary schools to be assigned later.
Peti Bois -- MSASPA
Thursday - June 12, 2025
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
Grand Ballroom
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. General Session "Waiting for the Future......The Future is Here!"
Speaker: Chris Chism, Superintendent, Pearl Public School District
9:30 am – 9:45 am Visit with our Educational Partners
9:45 am – 10:45 am Breakout Sessions #5
Ship Island A Instilling Hope: Moving the Needle with Special Education
Presenters: Ashely Shannon, Assistant Principal, Oxford High School; Dana Bullard, Principal, Oxford High School
In 2022, Oxford High School was on targeted school improvement (TSI) for the growth rates of their special education subgroup. With an entirely new administrative and counseling staff, the need for a comprehensive overhaul to an inclusion model was the best chance to serve this critical subgroup. After a mid-year schedule change, in partnership with American Alliance for Innovative Systems, Edmentum, and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, OHS was able to fully exit TSI in one school term. OHS hopes to share their arduous work with SPED scheduling, inclusion practices, high school progress monitoring, workforce transition and training, and targeted student support in achieving tremendous gains in SPED accountability.
Ship Island B ACT: Enhanced? Legacy? New Accountability Explained!
Presenter: Mongomery Hinton
Hear how the state’s second largest school district uses innovative techniques over a seven period to build, mold, and adapt a scalable system allowing each student to have multiple avenues to travel such that each student achieves a college and/or career pathway which provides the student’s success. Each year additional layers have been added. Each attendee will see the plan along with current adaptations designed to continue maximizing accountability points in the new model for individuals, individual schools as well as the district. This includes examining the new changes to the ACT, deciding which format benefits the students the best, and modifying teacher supports to facilitate the changes.
Ship Island C The Ranger Way: A Model for Innovation and Student Success
Presenters: Marcus Stewart, Principal Richland High School; Heather Bryan and Thomas Dudley, Assistant Principals,
Richland High School
This session will illuminate the remarkable journey of Richland High School (RHS), which has emerged as a beacon of educational innovation in our region. We will delve into the proactive measures RHS has taken to embrace equity, inclusivity, and creativity, cultivating a vibrant learning environment that empowers all students to realize their potential as future leaders across a range of fields. Attendees will gain insights into our transformative partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). This collaboration has driven significant advancements through comprehensive curriculum reform and the innovative implementation of a Flex schedule that accommodates diverse learning styles and needs. We will share key achievements, such as the remarkable doubling of Advanced Placement (AP) course enrollment, increased proficiency rates across subject areas, and a revitalized school climate that fosters engagement and collaboration among students and staff alike. Participants will learn about effective strategies that have proven successful at RHS, including personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student interests and abilities, as well as inspiring professional development initiatives designed to empower educators. We will also highlight career-aligned programs that equip students with essential skills and experiences, preparing them for success in the workforce. By sharing our story and the specific strategies we've employed, we aim to ignite passion and inspire other schools to embrace similar approaches. Our ultimate goal is to drive success and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their own communities, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Deer Island Improving Schools Through a POSITIVE Focus on Educator Conduct
Presenters: Nason Lollar, Incoming Principal Germantown Middle School; Wesley Quick, Incoming Superintendent, Lamar County Schools; Syl Burrell and Brent Brownlee, Assistant Principals, Germantown High School
Professional conduct has long been a negative conversation for educators. It’s time to be proactive and discuss conduct in positive terms, centered around supporting educators as they work to improve, and helping established educators realize just how proficient they are at the difficult work we do.
In this session, we will define educator professionalism and offer a framework of five principles of educator professionalism that teachers and administrators can use to better serve students and families, strengthen school culture, and build a stronger bond of TRUST within the school community.
By focusing on these principles, schools can minimize the errors that often damage a school community, highlight the good work that so many of our professionals are already doing, and improve school culture along the way.
This presentation will interact with participants to highlight how one administrative team used Mississippi’s Educator Code of Ethics to begin a transformation of school culture that culminated in a professional development resource focused on educator conduct. Session will show positive ways to discuss the educator code of ethics with staff effectively, as well as methods for implementing The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism.
Participants will discuss…
Supporting new teachers as they try to understand a constantly growing job description.
Motivating veteran teachers to pursue their purpose with a renewed passion.
Organizing meetings and professional development that build culture and improve administrator credibility as an instructional leader. Building educator efficacy throughout a school by a renewed positive focus on educator professional conduct.
Petit Bois MSASPA - How to Enhance HR Services
Presenters: Oxford School District
Offices of Human Resources vary in how they are constructed, and many of them struggle to meet the needs of the organization and employees they serve. This session will examine some of the possible root causes and discuss ways that HR Professionals in school districts can enhance the services they provide to the organization and employees. Afterall, you cannot spell HERO without HR!
Cat Island Stop Calling the Office: Helping Classroom Teachers Manage the Chaos
Presenter: Furlinda Travis, Simpson County School District
This presentation will give administrators tools to help teachers address low-level disruptions and reduce office referrals for minor classroom management infractions. Administrators will walk away with tangible strategies that teachers can use immediately.
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break with Educational Partners
****** Water and Drink during the breaks provided by CSpire ******
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions #6
Ship Island A Instilling Hope: Moving the Needle for Student Success
Presenters: Karyn Fortenberry, Assistant Principal, Oxford High School; Mary Martha Crowe, Assistant CTE Director,
Oxford High School
Every high school is looking to increase its graduation rate, but it’s inevitable for some students to struggle meeting the requirements. OHS has diligently sought to balance the need to increase our graduation numbers, acceleration, and more while still helping students find the best path to their personal success. In three years, OHS has seen almost 5 points of graduation rate growth, an additional 70 students in our ACT 30+ club, and a path of hope for students who have struggled with state test requirements. In collaboration with our CTE department, Northwest Community College, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, OHS wants to share our story of how students at all levels of ability can be prepared for the next phase of their life after high school.
Ship Island B Mission Possible: Creating a Culture of Success
Presenters: Kristen Schrimpshire, Principal, Quitman Upper Elementary School and Scott Benson, Assistant Principal Quitman Upper Elementary School
This session will inspire and equip school leaders with practical strategies to transform their school culture into one of achievement, pride, and celebration. By being data-driven and success-focused, we will explore how to track student and teacher-level data, set meaningful goals, and celebrate growth in impactful yet budget-friendly ways. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to create a culture where students and staff embrace excellence and work to “Win the Day”—every single day.
Ship Island C Level All: Setting Mississippi students up for postsecondary success
Presenters: Emily Cutcliffe, Level All; Josh Yeager, Principal, Perry Central High School; Julia Gurdak, Level All
School leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that students are equipped with the resources and guidance needed to navigate their postsecondary pathways. This session will showcase how Perry Central High School and Level All have collaborated to engage students in future planning through a scalable, tech-driven approach.
We will discuss how Perry Central leverages Level All’s free digital platform to increase student access to career exploration, college planning, and financial aid resources while also meeting Mississippi’s state requirements for future planning. Principal Josh Yeager will share real-world implementation strategies and measurable outcomes from Perry Central’s partnership with Level All.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to integrate future planning tools into their own schools, promote student engagement, and foster a culture of college and career readiness—all while fulfilling Mississippi’s educational mandates.
Level All and Perry Central High School
Deer Island
Presenter, Chris Chism, Superintendent, Pearl Public School District
Petit Bois MSASPA
Dr. Cory Murphy, Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Leading Reminders and Updates
Straight from the source! He is one of the state of Mississippi’s top leaders in higher administration. Attend this session and receive the most up to date information on state level expectations, initiatives, and responsibilities of school districts. A short Q&A will follow.
Cat Island The Building Blocks to Implementing a Successful K-5 Literacy Curriculum
Presenters: Aimee Brown; Eric Boone, and Donna Weathers
Regardless of your curriculum, school leaders must have a common vision and goals, along with a strong communication plan for sharing that vision with teachers, students and other stakeholder groups. This presentation aims to provide an overview of how to successfully implement a literacy HQIM that leads to success and student growth. It emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, data-driven decisions, teacher collaboration, ongoing professional developing, and recognizing student achievement to maintain excitement about reading.
12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Like Groups - Various rooms for liked sized districts and Elementary schools to be assigned later.
Peti Bois -- MSASPA
Lunch and Dinner on your own
Afternoon Activities:
Golf – Sponsored by MASSP (Pre-registration required.)
Fishing – Sponsored by MASSP (Pre-registration required. Maximum number of participants reached 4-3-2025. Waitlist begun at that time should there be any cancellations.)
Ocean Springs Experience -- Sponsored by Kids First Education (Pre-registration required. Maximum number of participants reached 4-2-2025. Waitlist begun at that time should there be any cancellations.)
Pools, Beach, Paradise Pier at Margaritaville, MS Aquarium in Gulfport, and Ocean Springs' quaint downtown district
…. On your own. Enjoy!!
Friday - June 13, 2025
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
Grand Ballroom
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. General Session
MDE Updates for 2025-2026
Presenters: Paula Vanderford, Chief Accountability Officer, MDE.
Brett Robinson, State Career and Technical Education Director, MDE
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Like Groups: Please sit with your Like Groups
11:30 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. Conference evaluation and closing remarks by executive director