LUSD Professional Development Day 2025: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

The Power of Connection: Enhancing Social Skills in the Classroom (9:00am-10:00am)

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Lakeside Middle School @ 11833 Woodside Ave Lakeside, CA 92040

In this engaging session, educators will explore the vital role social skills play in fostering a positive and productive classroom environment. **"The Power of Connection: Enhancing Social Skills in the Classroom"** will provide practical strategies for integrating social skills into daily classroom activities to help students build stronger relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts effectively.

Attendees will learn how to **model social skills** for students in authentic, meaningful ways—demonstrating empathy, active listening, respect, and teamwork through real-life interactions. By observing teachers' positive behaviors, students will be encouraged to replicate and internalize these essential life skills.

The session will also include a variety of **social skills lesson ideas** that can be easily adapted for different grade levels. These lessons will cover a range of topics, from greeting peers and initiating conversations to handling disagreements and practicing empathy.

Additionally, participants will engage in **role-playing opportunities** designed to give students hands-on practice in navigating various social situations. These interactive exercises will empower educators with the tools to help students build confidence, communicate more effectively, and collaborate with others in both academic and social settings.

Join us to discover how to create a classroom where connection and collaboration thrive, and where social skills become a natural part of students' learning and personal development.

Speakers

Pernell Sahel

Social Services Coordinator, Lakeside Union School District

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Lakeside Middle School 11833 Woodside Ave Lakeside, CA 92040

Student Engagement & Classroom Management, SEL

Company Lakeside Union School District
Audience K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Special Education, General Education, Immersion
Subject Classroom Management, Student Engagement, SEL

12:00pm PDT

Art and Mindfulness (12:00pm-2:00pm)

Thursday August 14, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Lakeside Middle School @ 11833 Woodside Ave Lakeside, CA 92040

This session will provide space to create art in a low-pressure environment, hopefully lowering stress levels and leading to a sense of peacefulness. The activity presented can be used with students of any age in the classroom.

Making abstract art allows the artist to release control, surrender to imperfection and let go of expectation. Being creative enhances brain function by improving problem-solving skills, emotional regulation and can boost memory. Studies show that creating art activates the brain's reward pathway, leading to feelings of pleasure and well-being.

Speakers

Douglas Robbins

Teacher, Tierra del Sol Middle School

Daynah Robledo

Teacher, Tierra del Sol Middle School

Daynah Robledo holds a Master’s Degree in special education with a concentration in gifted and talented education from Arizona State University. She currently teaches visual art at Lakeside Middle School, an Arts and Science magnet. Daynah enjoys supporting the visual and performing... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Lakeside Middle School 11833 Woodside Ave Lakeside, CA 92040

Wellness, SEL

Company Lakeside Middle School
Audience All
Subject Art, SEL