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2025 Pretzel Winter Institute
Welcome to the 2025 Pretzel Winter Institute! Please select sessions appropriate to your role! Most sessions will be held at Freeport Middle School and Freeport High School while a few will be at Empire Elementary School and Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School. Remember to check session descriptions the night before the Institute to confirm times and locations. If you have any questions, please contact Alex T. Valencic, our Professional Learning Coordinator, at alex.valencic@fsd145.org. Thank you!
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Type: Equity & Curriculum clear filter
Wednesday, January 22
 

9:30am CST

Empowering Classrooms Through Trauma-informed Teaching for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FHS Room 132 / Barteldt
Discuss practical ways to support students by exploring what trauma-informed pedagogy looks like in action. We'll dive into the 'Four R's' of trauma-informed practices—Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist Re-traumatization—and discuss easy-to-implement strategies to create a safe, supportive learning environment. Leave with clear, actionable steps to make your classroom a space where students can thrive!
Speakers
avatar for Britney Kieselhorst

Britney Kieselhorst

FHS Choral Director, Freeport High School
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FHS Room 132 / Barteldt
  Equity & Curriculum

9:30am CST

Existence as Resistance: Protecting LGBTQ+ People in Uncertain Times for 5-12 STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
"Existence as Resistance" is more than a title—it’s a call to action for educators who wish to protect LGBTQ+ students and staff in today’s complex political landscape. Led by one of district's few Queer and Transgender educator, this session will provide concrete methods and resources for creating safe, inclusive spaces, navigating legal frameworks, and empowering our schools to be havens for all identities.
Speakers
avatar for Brett Wilson

Brett Wilson

Foundations, Freeport Middle School
SB

Sarah Buchmann

ELA, Freeport Middle School
HR

Hex Rahm

8th grade Social Studies Teacher, Freeport Middle School
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
  Equity & Curriculum

9:30am CST

He's Not a Problem Kid, He's a Communal Learner: 5 Strategies to Address Cultural Behaviors in the Classroom for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FMS Cafeteria
Students who shout out, wander around the room, take forever to start an assignment, and struggle with writing are most likely from communal cultures. In this session, we will learn about individualistic and communal cultures and why communal behaviors are often mislabeled as problem behaviors in our classroom. Learn how to differentiate between cultural behavior and problem behavior. Walk away with 5 strategies you can use in your classroom to engage communal learners turning their behavior into academic achievement.
Speakers
RM
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FMS Cafeteria
  Equity & Curriculum

9:30am CST

Self-Care Starts with Us… As Educators for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FMS Library
In this session we will explore the Farch phenomenon, as well as exploring the root causes of what is affecting us as educators (we have to name it to tame it). We will then focus on how best to support ourselves in an ever changing educational environment. Make a commitment to yourself that focuses on self care, and experience joy while you do it!
Speakers
avatar for Devon LaRosa

Devon LaRosa

Chief of High Schools, Chicago Public Schools
As the chief of Network 16, Devon LaRosa supports high school leaders to ensure that all students receive a world-class education that prepares them for postsecondary success. This role is a natural transition from his previous role at Deputy Chief of Network 16, where he built strong... Read More →
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FMS Library
  Equity & Curriculum

9:30am CST

Supporting Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices, Part 1 of 2 for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
Explore foundational strategies to embed culturally responsive teaching practices in your classroom, fostering equity and inclusivity. Must attend both sessions to receive credit.
Speakers
SA

Shayla Adams-Stafford

ceo, adaptivex
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
  Equity & Curriculum

9:30am CST

Restorative Practices Training for ALL STAFF (FULL DAY WORKSHOP) LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm CST
Empire All-Purpose Room
Participate in a full-day workshop to learn and apply restorative practices for building positive relationships and resolving conflicts in schools.
Speakers
avatar for Kori Sanchez-Smith

Kori Sanchez-Smith

Owner, Heart Shift Consulting
I'm a proud native of Berkeley, California. I started my teaching career in a small Title I school in California after receiving my B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. To be better equipped to meet the emotional needs of my students, I completed... Read More →
Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm CST
Empire All-Purpose Room 1325 W Empire St, Freeport, IL 61032
  Equity & Curriculum

10:45am CST

He's Not a Problem Kid, He's a Communal Learner: 5 Strategies to Address Cultural Behaviors in the Classroom for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FMS Cafeteria
Students who shout out, wander around the room, take forever to start an assignment, and struggle with writing are most likely from communal cultures. In this session, we will learn about individualistic and communal cultures and why communal behaviors are often mislabeled as problem behaviors in our classroom. Learn how to differentiate between cultural behavior and problem behavior. Walk away with 5 strategies you can use in your classroom to engage communal learners turning their behavior into academic achievement.
Speakers
RM
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FMS Cafeteria
  Equity & Curriculum

10:45am CST

Mastering the Gen Z Classroom: Strategies for Success for 5-12 TEACHERS LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
I will be outlining the challenges of working with our Gen Z / Gen Alpha students, and providing ideas on how to connect with those students rather than working "against" them.
Speakers
SB

Sarah Buchmann

ELA, Freeport Middle School
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
  Equity & Curriculum

10:45am CST

Self-Care Starts with Us… As Educators for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FMS Library
In this session we will explore the Farch phenomenon, as well as exploring the root causes of what is affecting us as educators (we have to name it to tame it). We will then focus on how best to support ourselves in an ever changing educational environment. Make a commitment to yourself that focuses on self care, and experience joy while you do it!
Speakers
avatar for Devon LaRosa

Devon LaRosa

Chief of High Schools, Chicago Public Schools
As the chief of Network 16, Devon LaRosa supports high school leaders to ensure that all students receive a world-class education that prepares them for postsecondary success. This role is a natural transition from his previous role at Deputy Chief of Network 16, where he built strong... Read More →
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FMS Library
  Equity & Curriculum

10:45am CST

Supporting Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices, Part 2 of 2 for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
Explore foundational strategies to embed culturally responsive teaching practices in your classroom, fostering equity and inclusivity. Must attend both sessions to receive credit.
Speakers
SA

Shayla Adams-Stafford

ceo, adaptivex
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
  Equity & Curriculum

10:45am CST

Empowering Affinity Groups To Bring about Change for AFFINITY GROUP MEMBERS LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:45pm CST
FMS Conference Center
Learn strategies to strengthen affinity groups and leverage their collective power to drive meaningful change and foster inclusion within your school community.
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Jackson

Danielle Jackson

School Counselor, Freeport High School
Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:45pm CST
FMS Conference Center
  Equity & Curriculum

1:00pm CST

Mentoring Check-In and Supports for NEW TEACHER MENTORS LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FMS Room 210 / Crawford
Engage in a reflective session to enhance your mentoring practices and gain targeted supports to empower new teachers in their roles.
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Kleckler

Tiffany Kleckler

MTSS Facilitator, Center Elementary School
avatar for Jaclyn Boomgarden

Jaclyn Boomgarden

Grade 4, Empire Elementary School
avatar for Cheri Crawford

Cheri Crawford

Social Studies, Freeport Middle School
MG

Melissa Geiser

HR Assistant, Freeport SD 145
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FMS Room 210 / Crawford
  Equity & Curriculum

1:00pm CST

Responding to Student Success Data with Panorama, Part 1 of 2 for MTSS LEADERSHIP TEAMS LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FMS Conference Center
Educators plan to take action by applying navigation and data inquiry skills to identify targeted opportunities for impact within the scope of their role.
Speakers
CC

Candace Cacciatore

MTSS Coordinator, District
JM
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FMS Conference Center
  Equity & Curriculum

1:00pm CST

Taking Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices to the Next Level, Part 1 of 2 for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
Dive deeper into culturally responsive pedagogy to elevate student engagement and success through advanced frameworks. Must attend both sessions to receive credit.
Speakers
SA

Shayla Adams-Stafford

ceo, adaptivex
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
  Equity & Curriculum

1:00pm CST

Understanding the FSD 145 Gender Support Plan, Part 1 of 2 for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
Gain an introduction to the district’s Gender Support Plan, ensuring a supportive and affirming environment for all students. Must attend both sessions to receive credit.
Speakers
SR

Shalonda Randle

Asst. Superintendent Of Equity, District
avatar for Carolyn Wahlskog

Carolyn Wahlskog

Director of Operations and Programming, Youth Outlook
Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
  Equity & Curriculum

2:15pm CST

Responding to Student Success Data with Panorama, Part 2 of 2 for MTSS LEADERSHIP TEAMS LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
FMS Conference Center
Educators plan to take action by applying navigation and data inquiry skills to identify targeted opportunities for impact within the scope of their role.
Speakers
CC

Candace Cacciatore

MTSS Coordinator, District
JM
Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
FMS Conference Center
  Equity & Curriculum

2:15pm CST

Taking Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices to the Next Level, Part 2 of 2 for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
Dive deeper into culturally responsive pedagogy to elevate student engagement and success through advanced frameworks. Must attend both sessions to receive credit.
Speakers
SA

Shayla Adams-Stafford

ceo, adaptivex
Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
FHS Room 228 / Winter
  Equity & Curriculum

2:15pm CST

Understanding the FSD 145 Gender Support Plan, Part 2 of 2 for ALL STAFF LIMITED
Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
Gain an introduction to the district’s Gender Support Plan, ensuring a supportive and affirming environment for all students. Must attend both sessions to receive credit.
Speakers
SR

Shalonda Randle

Asst. Superintendent Of Equity, District
avatar for Carolyn Wahlskog

Carolyn Wahlskog

Director of Operations and Programming, Youth Outlook
Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
  Equity & Curriculum
 
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Wednesday, January 22
Carl Sandburg Library
Empire All-Purpose Room
FHS Library A (West)
FHS Library B (East)
FHS Room 101 / Driver's Ed
FHS Room 106 / Tolu-Honary
FHS Room 110 / Miller
FHS Room 111 / Gallie
FHS Room 130 / College & Career Center
FHS Room 132 / Barteldt
FHS Room 140 / Eiler
FHS Room 201 / Setterstrom
FHS Room 219 / Calow
FHS Room 228 / Winter
FHS Senior Cafeteria
FHS Social Work Office
FMS Cafeteria
FMS Conference Center
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FMS Library
FMS Room 111 / Gallie
FMS Room 136 / Health Room
FMS Room 143 / Buchmann
FMS Room 145 / Rahm
FMS Room 150 / K. Smith
FMS Room 155 / Skipor
FMS Room 200 / Curriculum Office
FMS Room 210 / Crawford
FMS Room 228 / Evans
FMS Room 231 / AVID Center
FMS Room Room 148 / Staff Lounge
Jeannette Lloyd Theatre
Lincoln-Douglas Meeting Room
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