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Monday, October 12
 

8:30am CDT

Building a Sustainable Technology Budget
Monday October 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Budgets are tight. Always have been. Always will be. That's why creating a long-term budget strategy for technology is crucial. Learn how the Dallas-Center Grimes School District established a predictable refresh cycle and utilizes multiple funding streams to fund our technology initiatives.
Speakers
avatar for Steven Hopper

Steven Hopper

Director of Technology, Dallas Center-Grimes
Steven Hopper is shocked that 2026 marks the start of his 21st year as an educator.  A former special education teacher, technology coach, curriculum leader, and school board member; Steven has supported multiple districts across central Iowa and currently serves as the Director... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
306

9:30am CDT

Beyond the Basics: Leading the Shift in Digital Citizenship with Common Sense Media
Monday October 12, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Think you know the Common Sense Media curriculum? It’s time to take another look! In 2025, this tried-and-true resource received a major upgrade, transforming into the Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum.
As a TK-6 teacher librarian who has used this platform for years, I’ll take you through what’s stayed the same, what’s brand new, and why this shift toward student well-being matters more than ever. We will explore how the updated curriculum bridges the gap between classic digital safety and modern student mental health. Learn how you can seamlessly plug these ready-to-go resources into any elementary classroom or library. Walk away with practical strategies to help your students stay safe, balanced, and media-literate in today's digital landscape!
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Newgard

Lisa Newgard

Elementary Teacher Librarian, Cedar Falls CSD
I am a fifteen year PK-6 Teacher Librarian with a degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I serve as Cedar Falls Building Technology Leader, specializing in digital citizenship, research skills, and reading engagement. I focus on practical, classroom-ready technology integration... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
306

11:00am CDT

Click Less, Teach More: Tech Tools Worth Your Time
Monday October 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Educators do not need more tools; we need the right tools. In this fast-paced, practical session, discover classroom technology tools that genuinely save time, increase engagement, support creativity, and make teaching more efficient. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas, classroom applications, and strategies that help teachers streamline workflows while creating meaningful learning experiences for students.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole DeGidio

Nicole DeGidio

Teacher/Technology Coach, Clayton Ridge Community School District
Nicole DeGidio is the  6-12 Technology Coach, MS Computer Science teacher and HS English and Digital Media teacher at Clayton Ridge Community Schools. Passionate about empowering students through technology, Nicole creates authentic, real-world learning experiences that blend innovation... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
306

1:30pm CDT

Bots, Books, and Bytes : Computer Science in the Elementary Library
Monday October 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Can a picture book spark a passion for coding? Absolutely! Learn about an elementary library where literacy meets computer science, and stories are used to introduce robotics and digital exploration.
In this session, you’ll discover how to blend storytelling with foundational tech skills. We will explore how to pair children's literature with screen-free, "unplugged" robots like TaleBots, Bee-Bots, and Cubettos to teach sequencing, debugging, and spatial thinking to your youngest learners. Then, we’ll pivot to the upper grades, with online resources that keep older computational thinkers challenged and engaged.
Whether you are a librarian, tech coach, or classroom teacher, you’ll walk away with a curated list of CS-aligned picture books, ready-to-use lesson ideas, and the inspiration to turn your library into a hub of innovation!
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Newgard

Lisa Newgard

Elementary Teacher Librarian, Cedar Falls CSD
I am a fifteen year PK-6 Teacher Librarian with a degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I serve as Cedar Falls Building Technology Leader, specializing in digital citizenship, research skills, and reading engagement. I focus on practical, classroom-ready technology integration... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
306

2:30pm CDT

Maximizing Your E-Rate Return
Monday October 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
The E-Rate program provides substantial discounts -- up to 90% -- on eligible internet services and network equipment, but like any federal program, the application and reporting requirements can seem daunting.  Learn how to successful navigate this process and how a partnership between the business and technology departments at DCG Schools has resulted in a 99% utilization of available E-Rate funds.
Speakers
avatar for Steven Hopper

Steven Hopper

Director of Technology, Dallas Center-Grimes
Steven Hopper is shocked that 2026 marks the start of his 21st year as an educator.  A former special education teacher, technology coach, curriculum leader, and school board member; Steven has supported multiple districts across central Iowa and currently serves as the Director... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
306
 
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