Model Schools

Beginners Guide to Google Classroom, Gemini, and More

Join for a beginner friendly, hands on workshop designed to introduce you to Google Classroom including the assistive AI elements of Gemini and Notebook LM. Learn how to set up your classrooms, organize your assignments, stream announcements and simplify grading. Explore ai powered planning to infuse UDL, creativity, and social emotional learning into every lesson. Develop ways to differentiate reading, build quizzes and draft emails in seconds. This session is all about the practical workflows that Google Classroom can offer in your classroom. Please bring a device to this session so that you can build along with us.

9/14/2026

9:00 - 2:00 at Ballard Road

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?I=5425841&D=18589

The Time-Saving Leader: Mastering NotebookLM and Canva for Administrators

As an educational leader, your time is one of your most valuable resources. This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed to make your life easier by leveraging the power of NotebookLM and Canva to tackle your daily administrative tasks. We will explore how to use NotebookLM as your personalized AI research assistant to rapidly synthesize dense policy documents, data reports, or meeting notes, and how to craft precise AI prompts that extract clear, actionable summaries. You will learn to easily turn these complex insights into professional, eye-catching district updates, infographics, and newsletters using Canva's robust design and AI tools. The focus of this session is practical, real-world application to save you time and help you build resources that support your teachers with minimal effort. Bring your questions, your current projects, and your device-whether you need to design a parent newsletter, analyze curriculum data, or build a quick reference guide for your instructional staff, you will leave this session with completed materials ready to share

9/16/2026

12:30 - 3:00, at Ballard Road

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/ProgramAdmin/ProgramAdmin.asp?M=M&I=5456176

Model Schools Cohort

This is a hybrid Cohort so you can join virtually, or in person. Join our community of innovative educators for a collaborative, hands-on session designed to keep you at the forefront of instructional technology. This year, we are combining our EdTech and STEM cohorts into one inclusive community! Whether you are a STEM teacher, edtech coach, tech enthusiast, computer science teacher, or just eager to learn, you belong here. What We Will Cover: AI & The Portrait of a Graduate: Explore the latest AI developments, guidance, and policies through the lens of student success. EdTech Product Updates & Demos: Get the inside scoop on new features for your favorite tools, featuring exciting live vendor demonstrations. Resource Sharing: Connect with fellow cohort members to swap successful lesson plans, digital templates, and STEM strategies. Cross-District Networking: Dedicated time to collaborate, brainstorm, and build meaningful professional connections across districts. What to Bring: Please bring a digital device and a willingness to share, listen, and collaborate as we kick off another great year of meetings!

9/29/2026

8:30 - 2:30, HYBRID (you can join us at Ballard Road, or virtually)

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?I=5425740&D=18589

AI Meets The Portrait: Google Tools for Tomorrow's Learners

Discover how Google AI tools can transform your curriculum while supporting the NY Inspires Portrait of a Graduate competencies. In this hands-on professional learning session, educators will explore Gemini, Canvas, and NotebookLM to enhance existing unit plans, streamline lesson design, and create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. Participants will leave with practical strategies, AI-powered resources, and a redesigned unit that intentionally develops the knowledge, skills, and dispositions outlined in the NY Inspires Portrait of a Graduate framework.

10/20/2026

8:30 - 11:30, at Ballard Road

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?I=5436676&D=18589

AI Focus Group - Portrait of a Graduate

Join us to start the conversation around NYSED's Portrait of a Graduate and how it can look in our schools. We want to partner with you in bringing the Portrait to life through interdisciplinary and evidence-based instruction, culturally responsive-sustaining education, authentic application of skills, assessment, and collaboration. Ahead of our Day of Discovery with Discovery Education on November 18th, we are forming a focus group to review the event layout and ensure a truly competency-based experience. Interested in helping shape this work? Sign up today!

10/26/2026

8:30 - 12:00, at Ballard Rd

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/ProgramAdmin/ProgramAdmin.asp?M=M&I=5456342

The AI Collaborative: Practical AI for the Classroom & Library (K-5)

Empower your practice. Spark student creativity. Join the conversation.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn, research, and create. The AI Collaborative is an interactive, half-day session designed specifically for instructional staff who work directly with students.
Together, we'll discuss how AI tools are currently being used in schools, share proven classroom strategies, and talk through the policies and guidelines needed to navigate AI safely and ethically with students.

What to Expect:

• Lesson Sharing: Participants will share innovative lessons, activities, and research projects that integrate AI to boost student engagement and critical thinking.
• Policy & Guidance: Consider and discuss essential topics around responsible AI use, digital literacy, academic integrity, and practical guidelines for student safety.
• Peer Collaboration: Connect with fellow educators to exchange ideas, talk through common challenges, and trade success stories.

11/12/2026

8:30 - 11:30, at Ballard Road

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=18589&I=5451338

The AI Collaborative: Practical AI for the Classroom & Library (6-12)

Empower your practice. Spark student creativity. Join the conversation. Artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn, research, and create. The AI Collaborative is an interactive, half-day session designed specifically for instructional staff who work directly with students. Together, we'll discuss how AI tools are currently being used in schools, share proven classroom strategies, and talk through the policies and guidelines needed to navigate AI safely and ethically with students.

What to Expect:

• Lesson Sharing: Participants will share innovative lessons, activities, and research projects that integrate AI to boost student engagement and critical thinking.
• Policy & Guidance: Consider and discuss essential topics around responsible AI use, digital literacy, academic integrity, and practical guidelines for student safety.
• Peer Collaboration: Connect with fellow educators to exchange ideas, talk through common challenges, and trade success stories.

Whether you're an early adopter already using AI in your lessons or just looking for thoughtful ways to guide your students through this new digital landscape, your voice and experience belong at the table. Bring your ideas, your questions, and a lesson or activity you'd like to share or workshop!

11/12/2026

12:00 - 3:00, At Ballad Road

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=18589&I=5451344

Day of Discovery - Portrait of a Graduate

You're invited to a Day of Discovery where we'll explore New York State's Portrait of a Graduate. This professional learning experience will bring district and school teams together to reflect on teaching and learning through the lens of the NYS Portrait of a Graduate. This session will also explore how AI and STEAM are shaping instruction and future-ready skills in alignment with Portrait of a Graduate.

11/18 /2026

8:00 - 3:00 at Ballard Road

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?I=5485179&D=18589

In response to district requests, Model Schools and Communication Services are excited to offer “Digital Wellness Bytes” ~ quick, actionable tips to help families instill healthy habits regarding technology for children ages 0-18.

The header will be branded with your district logo and colors, and a PDF and jpeg will be emailed to you on the first of every month from September-June. You can then share “Digital Wellness Bytes” with your families PreK-12 via ParentSquare, your district website, and social media.

To sign up for this new service, please contact Tara Sullivan at tsullivan@wswheboces.org or 518-223-2806. The cost for 2026-27 is $1,000 for 10 editions, to be billed under the 611.020 COSER.

Get your bus dates scheduled as soon as possible for the WSWHE BOCES STEAM bus to visit your school. All of the information is on the Google Form.

On behalf of SubjectToClimate, CFR Education, the Climate Resilient Educational Task Force (CRETF), Climate Mental Health Network, and NYC Public Schools' Office of Energy & Sustainability, I am pleased to invite you to a Climate Education Roundtable during NYC Climate Week. This is an event for school and district leaders to connect with peers, hear directly from those implementing New York's climate education mandate, and leave with concrete strategies and resources for their own schools or districts. This is a non-transferable invitation, and space is limited to keep the conversation focused. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 9th using this link.

Additionally, to make this trip to NYC even more meaningful, I'm excited to invite you to a second NY Inspires climate education/Climate Week event from 5-7:30 PM on Friday, September 25th at the American Museum of Natural History. Register here for the in-person event or here for the virtual event. Please share with any interested teachers!