Infinite Possibilities with Summer Learning
We’re excited to be hosting the Infinite Possibilities with Summer Learning virtual event this year!!
This two day event will have sessions running from 10am to 2pm on April 22nd and 23rd.
Check out our schedule below!
Thursday April 22nd
10:00am – 10:40am
Welcome & Grounding Reflection:
Che Finch, Cultural Resource Facilitator for Salem-Keizer Public Schools
10:20am – 10:40am
Featured Speaker:
Recognizing, Centering, and Supporting Student Strengths
Carmen Urbina, Deputy Director, ODE
11am – 11:30am
Panel:
Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Summer Learning
11:15am – 11:30am
Break
11:30am – 12:30pm
Program Design Summer Learning Trade Secrets in Action
Presentation and differentiated breakout rooms to discuss program design, equity challenges and opportunities in recruitment, coordinating with partners, ensuring inclusive space, etc.
12:40pm – 1:00pm
Break
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Programming Nuts & Bolts
Review of must knows for Summer Guidance, Braided Funding, Transportation, Child Nutrition

Friday April 23rd
10:00am – 11:00am
Keynote & Discussion:
Strengthening Summer, Growing Together with Tony Smith
11:00am – 12:00pm
Strengthening Summer with SEL discussion & breakouts
- Supporting Families through Culturally Responsive Programming
- Healing Centered Communication with Kids
- Putting the Fun in Summer Learning
- Strengths-Based Equitable Program Practices
12:00pm – 12:15pm
Break
12:15pm – 1:15pm
Emphasizing Youth Voice through Enrichment discussion & breakouts
- Building STEM Skills & Interest
- Meeting Metrics using Project-Based Opportunities
- Ready Readers, Incorporating Literacy & Youth Choice
- Healthy Habits & Whole Child Wellness
- Creative Approaches to CTE
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Core Components for Summer Success
1:45pm – 2:00pm
Wrap Up & Questions
Friday’s keynote will be Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Whyspeople, providing strategic advising and executive coaching to leaders working to create thriving communities. Most recently Tony served as the Illinois State Superintendent of Education. Prior to serving in that role he was the Executive Director of the W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Foundation funding early childhood, youth development, and education.
Tony has served in leadership roles in the non-profit, higher education, and public pk-12 district sectors including as Superintendent in Emeryville and Oakland, Ca. He earned a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Culture from UC Berkeley.
Tony is committed to creating healthy public systems that fully develop the whole child, whole school, and whole community. He measures his work by the increase in fair access to quality, the increase in student and adult belongingness, and the increase in equitable student outcomes that improve economic and civic well-being in the community.