2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

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9:45am MDT

Bringing Stories to Life with Robotics and Balloons Over Broadway

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

This hands-on session will explore the innovative integration of language arts and robotics through the lens of Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, a captivating book about Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. Participants will discover how storytelling, creativity, and STEM can merge as students design and program robotic “parade balloons” using simple robotics and coding. Educators will learn to combine narrative writing and comprehension skills with engineering principles, enabling students to animate their own robotic characters, enhancing comprehension, problem-solving, and engagement in both literature and technology.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook

Speakers

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher

Emily Perkins is the 5th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has been the 5th grade teacher for the last 14 years. Emily enjoys creating high-quality, engaging cross-curricular learning experiences for her students. Emily is on the district science team... Read More →

Michelle Kantaris

6th grade teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Michelle is a 6th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has prior experience in grades K-8. Michelle has a passion for reaching students through engaging cross-curricular activities. Michelle is on the district science team and has been involved in co-teaching... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Computer Science
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

Antecedents in the Classroom: What's the Function?

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #147

This presentation will provide educators with a background in function-based thinking and antecedent interventions in the classroom. We will review common challenging behavior seen in the classroom such as disruption and noncompliance, how to consider potential functions of those behaviors, and how to select antecedent interventions to support students and prevent challenging behavior. Antecedent interventions are interventions that educators can use as a way to support students before challenging behavior begins through small manipulations in the environment and their own behavior, and can be easy to implement consistently with success.

ParticipantsMAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: No

Speakers

Emma Preston

Doctoral Candidate, Utah State University

Emma Preston is a fourth year doctoral candidate in Utah State University's Disabilities Disciplines program specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has an M.S. in Special Education and is working towards her Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential. She has been working... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

Connecting with your Community

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #136

Learn how to develop and enrich relationships and partnerships with your community by using specific strategies that have proven to effective within our school and community.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Kole Krahenbuhl

Teacher, Sevier School District

Kelly Winn

Assistant Principal, Sevier School District

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

Nearpod 2.0: Renaissance Next Connection

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #244

Discover the transformative potential of Nearpod's integration with Renaissance Next. This presentation explores how these powerful educational platforms combine to create a seamless learning ecosystem that enhances student engagement, provides real-time assessment data, and personalizes instruction. Learn how this integration empowers educators to deliver dynamic content while tracking growth through Renaissance's robust analytics—bringing together the best of interactive teaching and data-driven instruction for today's digital classroom.

Session repeats Session 8 in this same room on Friday morning, as well as Thursday at 1:40 pm in Room #244.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: No

Speakers

Faith Smith

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance

Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, early literacy, and data-driven solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts. We are committed to providing teacher-facilitated instructional delivery with resources to help students build a strong foundation for succ... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Customized Learning: ELA and Health Education Integration

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #148

Participants will be able to plan integrated lessons between ELA and health education allowing students to use the skills they learn focusing on learner agency, customized supports, and demonstrated competency in this hands-on learning experience.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, iPad / iPhone

Speakers

Jodi Parker

Health Education Specialist and Title IV, Part A State Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jodi Parker is the Health Education Specialist and Title IV, Part A State Coordinator for the Utah State Board of Education. She is President for The Society of State Leaders for Health and Physical Education and supports advisory committees including the University of Utah Driving... Read More →

Christine Elegante

K-3 Literacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Christine Elegante is a dynamic educator who currently serves as a K-3 Literacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She is passionate about education and considers herself a life-long learner. Her own educational journey began at Utah State University where she earned... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #148 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Health and Physical Education
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

Elevating Your Literacy Instruction with the Arts

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #132

How can you get more engagement in your reading lessons? Arts Integration! A visual art specialist and a music specialist will model some fun, engaging ways to enhance any literacy lessons with the arts. They will share tips, tricks, and strategies that any teacher can use to be successful in breathing more excitement into their classroom!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Liz Brown

BTS Arts Integration Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Liz Brown is a BTS Art Integration Coach for NUES. She was the 2025 Utah Art Educator of the Year for the National Art Education Association and the 2024 Art Educator of the Year for the Utah Art Education Association. She is passionate about arts integration and children getting... Read More →

Amy Hickenlooper

BTS Music Specialist, Early Light Academy

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

The Exploratorium

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #133

Welcome to the Exploratorium! Join us as we show you how to upgrade student learning stations into enriched learning experiences. The Exploratorium model invites students to dive deeper into their educational quests through the vibrant realms of artistic exploration and theatrical play. In this session we will highlight four Exploratorium stations including Creature Creation, Sound Booth, Crime Scene, and Design Lab. As a bonus, we’ll also be highlighting the Presentation Station where students can share their newfound knowledge through an informance.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Sharla Arnold

Theatre Arts Integration Specialists, Lone Peak Elementary

Sharla received her Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts from Southern Utah University in 2001. She has experience working both behind the scenes and on stage at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where she performed in their educational tour of MacBeth. In 2020, she completed her coursework... Read More →

Cassie Walker

BTS Art Teacher, Lone Peak Elementary

Cassie Walker is an art educator with over 11 years of teaching experience. She currently works as a BTS Arts teacher in Canyons School District, where she has taught for the past nine years. Cassie has an MA in arts education and a BS in elementary education. Before her current role... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

Integrated Singing Games for the Elementary Classroom

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #147

Unlock the power of music to enhance learning across subjects with singing games that captivate, engage, and educate! In this lively, hands-on session, you'll discover how singing games can be seamlessly integrated into the elementary general education classroom to support language arts, math, social studies, and more. We’ll explore games that promote collaboration, reinforce academic concepts, and build classroom community—all while nurturing students' musical growth. Be ready to move, sing, and play as you leave with practical ideas to energize your lessons and inspire your students!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Katie Hejazi-Far

Independent Contractor, Independent Contractor

Katie Ross Hejazi-Far graduated from West Virginia University’s School of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education and received her Master of Music Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Katie taught general music in Virginia before moving to Utah where she... Read More →

URSA Singing Games for the Elementary Classroom (Hejazi Far 2025) pdf

URSA Singing Games Presentation pdf

Sound Scape Lessons Resources Page pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Music, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

Adventure Awaits: Guiding Students with Disabilities to Postschool Success

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #135

Join us for an exciting session packed with valuable information and resources for educators, youth with disabilities, and families preparing for the transition to adulthood. Transitioning from in-school to post school settings can be a thrilling journey for students with disabilities. We'll dive into the positive predictors of postschool success and explore how these insights can pave the way for a bright future.
We'll break down the postsecondary transition process requirements as detailed in IDEA (2004) in a clear and engaging manner. One of the key steps in the IDEA process is connecting students to outside agencies. We'll highlight how transitioning to adulthood is a team effort, involving not just special educators but a whole community of support, along with a variety of community-based experiences to close gaps and provide robust services to prepare for further education, employment, and independent living.
Our discussion will also cover the specific skills students need to succeed in postschool settings, including education, employment, and independent living. We'll introduce a fantastic tool developed in collaboration with the Utah State Board of Education and local institutions of higher education, which identifies critical skills for success.
Finally, we'll share a treasure trove of resources to help stakeholders navigate the postsecondary transition process in productive and meaningful ways. Get ready to explore several padlets filled with local and national resources and Utah’s new postsecondary transition website designed to support educators and families alike.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook

Speakers

Crystal Emery

SSIP and Transition to Postsecondary Specialist for Students with Disabilities, Utah State Board of Education

Crystal Emery is a secondary transition professional with over 25 years of experience working with young children and adolescents. She is certified as an early intervention specialist, a Coach for Early Childhood Professionals, an Employment Specialist, and a Customized Employment... Read More →

Deanna Taylor

Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Deanna Taylor is a Postsecondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Her public education career has spanned over 40 years as a music teacher, special education teacher, special education director and college instructor in three... Read More →

2025 Rural Schools Presentation Predictors Final pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education, Other
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

HELP! My Students Can't Write...Advancing Thinking Through Writing K-5

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Lecture Hall

Are your students struggling to write? We will look at the Science of Writing, LETRS strategies, and use a guide to advancing thinking through writing in all subjects and grades. You will leave with a pacing guide and hands on experience for explicitly teaching sentence skills and paragraph skills K-5. We will focus on carefully sequencing instruction, building from sentences to compositions. Using sentence builders, four square writing method, Dr. Anita Archer explicit instruction strategies, and The Writing Revolution you will leave with a clear understanding of how to intentionally plan writing across all subject areas. The Writing Revolution (TWR) provides a clear method of instruction that you can use no matter what subject or grade level you teach.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable, Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop

Speakers

Amy Mahoney

PreK-12 Instructional Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

As a NUES Region PreK-12 Instructional Coach, I am dedicated to the art of continuous learning and professional growth. I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in ESL & ESOL. My professional credentials include endorsements in Reading, Coaching... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.