SCOE Back To School Symposium: Full Schedule

10:15am PDT

From Conflict to Connections: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Staff and Families

Friday August 7, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Conflict is inevitable, but how we respond defines the culture of our programs. This interactive session explores practical strategies for navigating challenging conversations with empathy, professionalism, and emotional safety. Participants will learn how to build a strong site climate by assuming positive intent, engaging in active listening, and asking open-ended, solution-focused questions. We’ll explore how past experiences, cultural norms, and unspoken fears can shape communication—and how leaders and educators can respond with clarity, transparency, and compassion. The session will also examine the role of self-reflection in leadership: when to take ownership, how to model vulnerability, and how to coach others through growth without judgment. Whether supporting a family concern or addressing staff conflict, attendees will leave with tools to foster trust, repair relationships, and turn difficult moments into meaningful growth.

Speakers

Barry Barnhart

Deputy Superintendent Educational Services, Siskiyou County Office of Education

I am starting my second year as the assistant county superintendent at the Siskiyou County Office of Education. Prior to that, I built fourteen years of administrative experience across two districts in Modoc and Siskiyou Counties. I began my teaching career with the Sacramento... Read More →

Amanda Elsemore

Early Childhood Education Coordinator and CSPP Director Educational Services, Siskiyou County Office of Education

Friday August 7, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Yreka High School, Room #11

Breakout Session 1

11:30am PDT

Bringing the CA Math Framework to Life

LIMITED

Friday August 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Yreka High School, Room #11

Limited Capacity seats available

Curious what the 2023 California Mathematics Framework actually looks like in practice? In this session, you’ll get a clear, practical overview of key ideas and experience an engaging, framework-aligned math task as a learner. We’ll focus on what this means for your classroom, not just the theory. You’ll also explore free, ready-to-use resources to support implementation right away. Walk away with concrete next steps and ideas you can try immediately.

Speakers

Martini Machado

Educational Services Director; Math, Science, and Computer Science, Siskiyou County Office of Education

Friday August 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Yreka High School, Room #11

Breakout Session 2

1:30pm PDT

Building Thinking Classrooms in Action

LIMITED

Friday August 7, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Yreka High School, Room #11

Limited Capacity seats available

The county office occupational therapy department will provide an overview of their role in school settings. The presentation will highlight how they support student participation and success throughout the school day. Attendees will learn practical strategies for implementing classroom accommodations and modifications. The session will also address how occupational therapy can support general education staff. In addition, it will explore approaches for understanding and managing sensory-related behaviors. Participants will leave with useful tools and strategies to apply in the classroom.

Speakers