Keynote Address: Dr. Jared Burns
Dr. Jared Burns is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator for the Department of Mathematics, Actuary Science, and Statistics at Seton Hill University. Dr. Burns has research that includes Statistics and Theoretical Probability, Mathematical Physics, Learning Anxiety, Educational Resilience, and Data Science. As a follower of Christ, Dr. B enjoys serving in church, the community, various ministries, and helping with nonprofits. Dr. B has many hobbies, including martial arts (Dr. B is a 3rd degree blackbelt), Painting, Art, History, and Reading (particularly Theology and Philosophy). As a high-school graduate of a non-traditional educational pathway, Dr. B is an advocate for families finding the right educational system for their individual needs.
Dr. Burns' Keynote Session
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, “Wonder is the desire of knowledge”. We could indeed say that wonder is one of the greatest desires of the true learner, and one of the greatest gifts an educator can offer to a learner. Yet, there is a trait that naturally works against a “wonder of knowledge” - this trait is a lack of resilience in the learner themself. The construct we call resilience (Johnston 2008 , 2010, 2013) is a positive adaptation that allows people to overcome barriers that frequently present when learning mathematics or other subjects. Drawing from research based best practices and some in-preparation research from the speaker, we will explore how to nurture resilience in learners to overcome learning tasks. In this, we will find truth in the words of Aristotle that “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” All in all, we will share personal experience from the speaker’s own non-traditional education experience to encourage both non-traditional educators and learners to remember that learning is an adventure.
Sessions For Parents
Session 1 Time Slot: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
Doing STEM at Home
Learn some useful resources and techniques for doing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at home. Discover how to implement kitchen chemistry, citizen science, backyard biology, DIY robots, computer programming, and more!
Presenter: Dr. Aaron Sams, Assistant Professor, Saint Vincent College
Navigating the Media Saturated World: Finding Child Friendly Learning Resources and Apps
With so many online media (websites, apps, etc.) resources to choose from, it can be a daunting task to find good educational resources that are also child friendly. This session will provide information on media literacy lessons that teach children to be savvy media consumers, and how you as a parent can make informed choices about the media you select to use with children. Lists of curated resources to make searching for appropriate media easy will also be shared.
Presenters: Dr. Jessica Harvey, Associate Professor, Saint Vincent College & Dr. Tracy McNelly, Associate Professor, Saint Vincent College
Independent Schools: the Power to Inspire Excellence
Big dreams come out of small schools! This presentation will explore how children and their families thrive in Independent schools. Explore the various options from small and large day schools to boarding schools, single-sex and coed schools, and schools designed specifically for students with learning differences. Families will uncover the importance of finding an Independent school whose mission aligns with their own values and children’s needs. Participants will realize the accessibility and affordability of Independent Schools as we answer questions about tuition, financial aid, and accreditation. In this workshop, participants will discover the opportunities available through a private school education, and learn about the experiences children and their families can expect as part of an Independent school community. We will focus on how the framework of Independent schools supports the individual social-emotional learning needs of each child and allows teachers the unique ability to forge relationships and partner with families for the overall growth and success of children. Join us to learn how Independent school culture fosters teachers’ autonomy to create and develop curriculum that inspires and engages all learners. Small class sizes, innovative instruction, and experiential opportunities encourage children to think expansively and to take risks in their own learning in order to achieve their maximum potential. With a mind toward developing the whole child, Independent schools seek to promote a balance through academics, character education, athletics, the arts and more!
Presenters: Allie Arendas, Head of Lower School, Valley School of Ligonier & David Kirkland, Head of Upper School, Valley School of Ligonier
The Power of Place
As educators, we can either bring our students to the places where history happened, or we can bring the history to them. Join us as we dive into the power of walking in the footsteps of the historical figures we read about in our classrooms. How do smell, taste, and sound influence a student’s learning? How are Science and Math a part of history? How do we make history relevant TODAY?
Presenter: Matt Gault, Director of Education, Fort Ligonier and Braddock's Battlefield History Center
The College Admissions Process
The college application process can be confusing. Join our admissions staff as they walk you through what you will need as you begin to help your children put together their application and what to expect during the admissions process.
Presenters: Admissions Office Staff
Session 2 Time Slot: 11:05 a.m. to 11:50 p.m.
Hybrid Homeschooling: The Best of Both Worlds
For many families, homeschooling can be an overwhelming process that can prove to be too taxing, especially in the secondary years. Some parents might not feel confident in their ability to teach their children and secondary subjects increase in rigor. Still, other parents might not feel like they can devote the full-time hours homeschooling requires. Perhaps, parents might value classroom socialization as a means to develop leadership skills, cooperation, and adaptivity. Hybrid homeschooling is a model that can overcome many of these obstacles and provide for the positive classroom interaction a family is seeking. Come learn how to start your own hybrid homeschool group. In this session, you will learn about the different types of homeschool groups and how to successfully start your own group. Additionally, questions will be answered regarding legal and tax issues to consider with each type of group, where to turn for help, defining your organization's mission, and creating a manageable checklist to get started.
Presenter: Genevieve Peterson, Ed.S., A One-Room Schoolhouse, Founder and Education Director
Get Learning Outside
Get learning outside with Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) Director, Angela Belli. During this session, she will lead you through four, ten-minute nature stops to engage your children in backyard habitat. You will hike along the trails at WPNR to explore plants, birds, trees, and more with tools of the trade to investigate the natural world. Each participant will receive a trail kit to take home and “Get Learning Outside”. Appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes for the weather required for this session.
Presenter: Angela Belli, Executive Director, The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Teaching Our Children Who Learn Differently
All of our kids are unique learners since they are each unique persons. However, some of our children require even more help in their educational journeys. In this session, I will draw upon my 13+ years of experience caring for and educating my special needs daughter to help you see that you have what it takes to homeschool your extra-special learner. We will examine strategies and resources to help your homeschool family thrive.
Presenter: Angela Arcara, Homeschool Mom
Learning Virtually with CCA
We will be giving a brief overview of how Cyber Schools operate and then allow our directors to take over to discuss specific programs and tailoring of courses. Participants with have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A at the end.
Presenter: Doug Miedel, Stephanie McHugh, Amanda Laichak, and Dana Moreno, Commonwealth Charter Academy
The College Admissions Process
The college application process can be confusing. Join our admissions staff as they walk you through what you will need as you begin to help your children put together their application and what to expect during the admissions process.
Presenters: Admissions Office Staff
Session 3 Time Slot: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Curriculum Selection
Choosing the right curriculum can make all the difference between having a fantastic homeschooling year or one that makes you want to pull your hair out. In this course, we will cover the following things to consider when choosing a curriculum that works best for your family. We'll talk about the different educational philosophies and how to apply them to your homeschool day. We'll also cover methodology (spiral or mastery), preparation requirements, worldview, academic rigor and cost of various curriculums. Bring all your questions and let's find a curriculum that will meet your family's unique needs!
Presenter: Genevieve Peterson, Ed.S., A One-Room Schoolhouse, Founder and Education Director
The Good, the True, and the Beautiful: The Enduring Value of Classical Education
Classical education has enjoyed tremendous growth in recent years, both in home and traditional school settings. In this breakout session we will begin by sharing statistics and success stories highlighting classical education’s importance today. Next, we will explain the classical view on the purpose of education, and conclude with a look at the unique features of its pedagogy. There will be time for questions at the end, and we hope you will join us for this opportunity to learn about the enduring value of an education that opens youth up to all that is Good, True, and Beautiful.
Presenters: Dr. Michael Krom, Professor, Saint Vincent College; Dr. Justin Petrovich, Assistant Professor, Saint Vincent College; and Dr. Aaron Sams, Assistant Professor, Saint Vincent College
Homeschool Evaluations
Wondering how to actually have a positive and meaningful end-of-year homeschool evaluation process? Learn how the homeschooling law in Pennsylvania can actually help you gain perspective and insight into all that you've accomplished over the school year-- and help you find an encouraging mentor to help guide you along this journey. Learn what the law stipulates and what your responsibilities are, and also how to develop a real relationship with an evaluator that can make your spring meeting become something you all truly look forward to each spring. See why it's important to find an evaluator that's the right 'fit' for your family and learn about the options that are available so that you can make the best choice. Hear from an evaluator with over 30 years of experience meeting annually with homeschooling families to meet this legal requirement-- and hear stories of families that will be inspiring to you as you plan ahead. See sample portfolios, including digital portfolios, and gain insight into what the evaluation process could mean for your family.
Presenters: Susan Richman, Home Education Program Evaluator
Fred Rogers and the Importance of Relationships
Fred Rogers believed that human relationships are essential to children’s development at any age. Through television, Fred modeled the kind of human relationships that fostered trust, provided support, and inspired respect. Fred’s message to parents and professionals alike is that they are already capable of building and sustaining a beautiful relationship with the children in their care. Simple Interactions is grounded in this particular aspect of Fred’s legacy as well as in the convergence of developmental theory and research evidence. In this session we will learn how the Simple Interactions approach affirms the importance of human interactions in children’s lives focusing on what caring adults already do well as the basis for children’s learning and growing.
Presenter: Shellie Grooms, Senior Program Associate, The Fred Rogers Institute
Doing STEM at Home
Learn some useful resources and techniques for doing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at home. Discover how to implement kitchen chemistry, citizen science, backyard biology, DIY robots, computer programming, and more!
Presenter: Dr. Aaron Sams, Assistant Professor, Saint Vincent College
Navigating the Media Saturated World: Finding Child Friendly Learning Resources and Apps
With so many online media (websites, apps, etc.) resources to choose from, it can be a daunting task to find good educational resources that are also child friendly. This session will provide information on media literacy lessons that teach children to be savvy media consumers, and how you as a parent can make informed choices about the media you select to use with children. Lists of curated resources to make searching for appropriate media easy will also be shared.
Presenters: Dr. Jessica Harvey, Associate Professor, Saint Vincent College & Dr. Tracy McNelly, Associate Professor, Saint Vincent College
Independent Schools: the Power to Inspire Excellence
Big dreams come out of small schools! This presentation will explore how children and their families thrive in Independent schools. Explore the various options from small and large day schools to boarding schools, single-sex and coed schools, and schools designed specifically for students with learning differences. Families will uncover the importance of finding an Independent school whose mission aligns with their own values and children’s needs. Participants will realize the accessibility and affordability of Independent Schools as we answer questions about tuition, financial aid, and accreditation. In this workshop, participants will discover the opportunities available through a private school education, and learn about the experiences children and their families can expect as part of an Independent school community. We will focus on how the framework of Independent schools supports the individual social-emotional learning needs of each child and allows teachers the unique ability to forge relationships and partner with families for the overall growth and success of children. Join us to learn how Independent school culture fosters teachers’ autonomy to create and develop curriculum that inspires and engages all learners. Small class sizes, innovative instruction, and experiential opportunities encourage children to think expansively and to take risks in their own learning in order to achieve their maximum potential. With a mind toward developing the whole child, Independent schools seek to promote a balance through academics, character education, athletics, the arts and more!
Presenters: Allie Arendas, Head of Lower School, Valley School of Ligonier & David Kirkland, Head of Upper School, Valley School of Ligonier
The Power of Place
As educators, we can either bring our students to the places where history happened, or we can bring the history to them. Join us as we dive into the power of walking in the footsteps of the historical figures we read about in our classrooms. How do smell, taste, and sound influence a student’s learning? How are Science and Math a part of history? How do we make history relevant TODAY?
Presenter: Matt Gault, Director of Education, Fort Ligonier and Braddock's Battlefield History Center
The College Admissions Process
The college application process can be confusing. Join our admissions staff as they walk you through what you will need as you begin to help your children put together their application and what to expect during the admissions process.
Presenters: Admissions Office Staff
Session 2 Time Slot: 11:05 a.m. to 11:50 p.m.
Hybrid Homeschooling: The Best of Both Worlds
For many families, homeschooling can be an overwhelming process that can prove to be too taxing, especially in the secondary years. Some parents might not feel confident in their ability to teach their children and secondary subjects increase in rigor. Still, other parents might not feel like they can devote the full-time hours homeschooling requires. Perhaps, parents might value classroom socialization as a means to develop leadership skills, cooperation, and adaptivity. Hybrid homeschooling is a model that can overcome many of these obstacles and provide for the positive classroom interaction a family is seeking. Come learn how to start your own hybrid homeschool group. In this session, you will learn about the different types of homeschool groups and how to successfully start your own group. Additionally, questions will be answered regarding legal and tax issues to consider with each type of group, where to turn for help, defining your organization's mission, and creating a manageable checklist to get started.
Presenter: Genevieve Peterson, Ed.S., A One-Room Schoolhouse, Founder and Education Director
Get Learning Outside
Get learning outside with Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) Director, Angela Belli. During this session, she will lead you through four, ten-minute nature stops to engage your children in backyard habitat. You will hike along the trails at WPNR to explore plants, birds, trees, and more with tools of the trade to investigate the natural world. Each participant will receive a trail kit to take home and “Get Learning Outside”. Appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes for the weather required for this session.
Presenter: Angela Belli, Executive Director, The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Teaching Our Children Who Learn Differently
All of our kids are unique learners since they are each unique persons. However, some of our children require even more help in their educational journeys. In this session, I will draw upon my 13+ years of experience caring for and educating my special needs daughter to help you see that you have what it takes to homeschool your extra-special learner. We will examine strategies and resources to help your homeschool family thrive.
Presenter: Angela Arcara, Homeschool Mom
Learning Virtually with CCA
We will be giving a brief overview of how Cyber Schools operate and then allow our directors to take over to discuss specific programs and tailoring of courses. Participants with have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A at the end.
Presenter: Doug Miedel, Stephanie McHugh, Amanda Laichak, and Dana Moreno, Commonwealth Charter Academy
The College Admissions Process
The college application process can be confusing. Join our admissions staff as they walk you through what you will need as you begin to help your children put together their application and what to expect during the admissions process.
Presenters: Admissions Office Staff
Session 3 Time Slot: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Curriculum Selection
Choosing the right curriculum can make all the difference between having a fantastic homeschooling year or one that makes you want to pull your hair out. In this course, we will cover the following things to consider when choosing a curriculum that works best for your family. We'll talk about the different educational philosophies and how to apply them to your homeschool day. We'll also cover methodology (spiral or mastery), preparation requirements, worldview, academic rigor and cost of various curriculums. Bring all your questions and let's find a curriculum that will meet your family's unique needs!
Presenter: Genevieve Peterson, Ed.S., A One-Room Schoolhouse, Founder and Education Director
The Good, the True, and the Beautiful: The Enduring Value of Classical Education
Classical education has enjoyed tremendous growth in recent years, both in home and traditional school settings. In this breakout session we will begin by sharing statistics and success stories highlighting classical education’s importance today. Next, we will explain the classical view on the purpose of education, and conclude with a look at the unique features of its pedagogy. There will be time for questions at the end, and we hope you will join us for this opportunity to learn about the enduring value of an education that opens youth up to all that is Good, True, and Beautiful.
Presenters: Dr. Michael Krom, Professor, Saint Vincent College; Dr. Justin Petrovich, Assistant Professor, Saint Vincent College; and Dr. Aaron Sams, Assistant Professor, Saint Vincent College
Homeschool Evaluations
Wondering how to actually have a positive and meaningful end-of-year homeschool evaluation process? Learn how the homeschooling law in Pennsylvania can actually help you gain perspective and insight into all that you've accomplished over the school year-- and help you find an encouraging mentor to help guide you along this journey. Learn what the law stipulates and what your responsibilities are, and also how to develop a real relationship with an evaluator that can make your spring meeting become something you all truly look forward to each spring. See why it's important to find an evaluator that's the right 'fit' for your family and learn about the options that are available so that you can make the best choice. Hear from an evaluator with over 30 years of experience meeting annually with homeschooling families to meet this legal requirement-- and hear stories of families that will be inspiring to you as you plan ahead. See sample portfolios, including digital portfolios, and gain insight into what the evaluation process could mean for your family.
Presenters: Susan Richman, Home Education Program Evaluator
Fred Rogers and the Importance of Relationships
Fred Rogers believed that human relationships are essential to children’s development at any age. Through television, Fred modeled the kind of human relationships that fostered trust, provided support, and inspired respect. Fred’s message to parents and professionals alike is that they are already capable of building and sustaining a beautiful relationship with the children in their care. Simple Interactions is grounded in this particular aspect of Fred’s legacy as well as in the convergence of developmental theory and research evidence. In this session we will learn how the Simple Interactions approach affirms the importance of human interactions in children’s lives focusing on what caring adults already do well as the basis for children’s learning and growing.
Presenter: Shellie Grooms, Senior Program Associate, The Fred Rogers Institute
Sessions for Teens
Session 1 Time Slot: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
The College Admissions Process
The college application process can be confusing. Join our admissions staff as they walk you through what you will need as you begin to put together your application and what to expect during the admissions process.
Presenters: Admissions Office Staff
Session 2 Time Slot: 11:05 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Makerspace Mix and Match
The Saint Vincent Makerspace is a technology-rich environment that inspires creativity and innovation. In this hands-on session, you will have the opportunity to explore several of the more unique Makerspace features, including Ozobot and Bee Bot robots. Come and try out some of the Makerspace's most fun tools!
Presenter: SVC Students
Session 3 Time Slot: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Tour the Campus Education Spaces at Saint Vincent College
During this session, you will take a short guided tour of campus to see some of the innovative spaces that exist on college campuses, particularly those (i.e., maker space, multimedia labs, art gallery, Fred Rogers spaces, labs) that help future teachers expand their repertoire of skills. This session is limited to 10 people.
Presenter: SVC Students
The College Admissions Process
The college application process can be confusing. Join our admissions staff as they walk you through what you will need as you begin to put together your application and what to expect during the admissions process.
Presenters: Admissions Office Staff
Session 2 Time Slot: 11:05 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Makerspace Mix and Match
The Saint Vincent Makerspace is a technology-rich environment that inspires creativity and innovation. In this hands-on session, you will have the opportunity to explore several of the more unique Makerspace features, including Ozobot and Bee Bot robots. Come and try out some of the Makerspace's most fun tools!
Presenter: SVC Students
Session 3 Time Slot: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Tour the Campus Education Spaces at Saint Vincent College
During this session, you will take a short guided tour of campus to see some of the innovative spaces that exist on college campuses, particularly those (i.e., maker space, multimedia labs, art gallery, Fred Rogers spaces, labs) that help future teachers expand their repertoire of skills. This session is limited to 10 people.
Presenter: SVC Students