Category: Roundtable discussion

Affinity groups are groups of people linked by a common identity, interest or purpose. Many of you have already participated in groups like these when you have attended our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging Conference.

These roundtables are free, seasonal gatherings with meetings in October, February, March, and May.  Check the AIMS event pages for the specific dates and the registration form.(registration is required for each meeting).

This group of Black Female Educators is facilitated by Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater.

A gentle reminder: Please note, these affinity groups are intentional spaces that are exclusive to the identity listed. Please respect the purpose of the session by participating only if you self-identify as a member of that particular group. If you have any questions or uncertainty about affinity groups, please see this document from Rosetta Lee. If you have a concern particular to one of these AIMS-offered groups, please reach out to contactus@aimsmddc.org and we will forward your question to the appropriate facilitator(s).

• Registration continues to the start of the program session
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form (see instructions below)
• You will register using your personal AIMS account (not the SCHOOL account)
  
  
• The event meeting link will be sent to you after registration; the link will come directly from ZOOM (not AIMS) so check your spam/junk email for this system-generated email
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost   FREE but registration is required

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

Category: Roundtable discussion

AIMS invites Beginning/New DEI Practitioners to join in round-table conversations with colleagues at other AIMS schools.. These meetings take place September, October, January, February, and May.

The DEIJB roundtables will be facilitated by Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater.

• Registration continues to the start of the program session
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form (see instructions below)
• You will register using your personal AIMS account (not the SCHOOL account)
  
  
• The event meeting link will be sent to you after registration; the link will come directly from ZOOM (not AIMS) so check your spam/junk email for this system-generated email
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost   FREE but registration is required

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

Category: Roundtable discussion

AIMS invites Veteran/Experienced DEI Practitioners to join in round-table conversations with colleagues at other AIMS schools.. These meetings take place September, October, January, February, and May.

The DEIJB roundtables will be facilitated by Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater.

• Registration continues to the start of the program session
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form (see instructions below)
• You will register using your personal AIMS account (not the SCHOOL account)
  
  
• The event meeting link will be sent to you after registration; the link will come directly from ZOOM (not AIMS) so check your spam/junk email for this system-generated email
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost   FREE but registration is required

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

Join other AIMS Alumni Directors for this in-person morning meeting to be held at Trinity School, Ellicott City, MD. 

This is an opportunity for those involved in alumni programming and engagement to come together to discuss successes and challenges, share tips and resources, and hear about best practices and trends.  

The topics to be discussed will be generated by the group participating.  Please feel free to list a possible topic for discussion on the registration form.  We will also gather more topics (for this meeting and others) the morning of the program.  

We hope you will join us.  Coffee/tea/breakfast treats will be provided.

• Registration closes on May 6th
• Please register using your personal AIMS account (username and password)
  
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:  $15

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

Since the escalation of violence in Gaza and Israel in October 2023, both Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents have surged in the United States. 

A panel featuring a Muslim speaker and a Jewish speaker aims to shed light on these forms of bigotry.  They will define the roots and tropes of Islamophobia and antisemitism, examining how they've impacted ordinary Americans from diverse backgrounds - Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, Jewish, and Israeli.  The panel will conclude by offering recommendations to combat these prejudices at both interpersonal and institutional levels. 

• Registration closes on May 6th
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

The program is FREE, but registration is required. 

Presenters: 

Maha Elgenaidi is the Founder and Executive Director of the Islamic Networks Group (ING). With a passion for fostering understanding and cultural competency, she has authored training handbooks on outreach for Muslim Americans and developed training programs for organizations and institutions on cultural literacy and bridging diverse religious and ethnic communities. Maha holds an M.A. in Religious Studies from Stanford University and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the American University in Cairo. She has a rich background in education and advocacy, having taught classes and delivered presentations on topics such as Islamophobia, and Islam in the modern world. Her audiences span universities, corporations, law firms, law enforcement agencies, federal, state, and city governments, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.   Recognized for her impactful contributions, Maha has received several prestigious awards, including the “Director’s Community Leadership Award” from the FBI-San Francisco Field Office, “Civil Rights Leadership Award” from the California Association of Human Relations Organizations, the “Citizen of the Year Award” from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and the “Dorothy Irene Height Community Award” from the NAACP-Silicon Valley. As an advisor, she has lent her expertise to the CA Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training (POST), the County of Santa Clara Hate Crimes Task Force, and Freedom Forum, which contributes to shaping American perspectives on the First Amendment. Maha is also a Muslim speaker on ING's Interfaith Speaker Bureau.

Karen Stiller has a MSSA with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Karen started her professional career in social work and nonprofit management. She moved to the Bay Area in 2000, where she worked in the Preventive Defense Project at Stanford University.   Karen has been with the Jewish Community Relations Council since 2002, first as Peninsula Director and currently as Senior Director of Jewish Affairs. She has been deeply involved in interfaith work over the years, including helping start up two local interfaith councils. She was recently appointed as a Human Relations Commissioner for the City of Fremont. Karen is also a Jewish speaker in ING's Interfaith Speaker Bureau.

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

Join us for presentations and discussions around construction issues and planning.  Daniel Schochor, Associate Head for Finance and Operations, at The Park School of Baltimore, will provide information on construction issues and concerns from the CFO "seat".  Bill Crawford from BECS, will provide an overview on building envelopes - what's needed, what schools need to know, etc. 

More details on the program presentations will be coming shortly.  

We also have time in the program to share successes, challenges, resources and tips with colleagues from other AIMS schools (CFO and Facility Director breakouts). 

We hope you will join us on May 9th. It is always great to get together in-person. We hope this meeting time together will provide some information as you continue to plan and prepare for summer work and projects. 

• Registration closes on May 8th
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:              $40
NON AIMS Colleagues:  $80

Lunch will be provided.

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after May 1st.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

AIMS TECHNOLOGY RETREAT 2024

Join AIMS colleagues for the Technology Retreat 2024.  This year's program will be held at The Claggett Center, a true retreat and conference center nestled in the rolling hills of Frederick County.  The Center is situated on 268 acres with a working farm and fantastic views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Monocacy River Valley.  It's a place where inspiration abounds.

The program will begin on Tuesday evening (for those who want to join us the evening before the two-day conference begins).  The tentative schedule is listed below and more information will follow as program details are finalized. 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE - Click here for breakout sessions

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

5:00 pm                 Arrival, Check-in

                              Beer/Wine Happy Hour

6:00 pm                 Dinner and "Deep Thoughts" Presentations/Conversations

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
8:00 am                 Registration and Breakfast
8:30 am                 Breakout Session 1

9:30 am                 Get to Know Our Sponsors

10:00 am               Opening Keynote

                              Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE and ASCD, Author of "Digital for Good"
11:00 am               Break/Visit Exhibitors
11:10 am               Breakout Session 2
12:15 pm               Lunch Buffet
1:15 pm                 Breakout Session 3
2:20 pm                 Breakout Session 4
3:30 pm                 Fun Options: Ropes Course, Group Hike to River, Escape Room, Cornhole Tournament

5:30 pm                 Dinner followed by campfire with s'mores

Thursday, May 16th, 2024
8:00 am                 Breakfast
9:00 am                 Breakout Session 5

10:00 am               Break/Visit with Sponsors

10:15 am               Closing Keynote

                              Christina Lewellen, Executive Director, Association of Technology Learners 

                                              in Independent Schools (ATLIS)
12:30 pm               Lunch

1:30 pm                 Retreat Concludes

Registration is limited to 100 participants (see breakdown below), so plan to register early:

• 42 overnight single room guests
• 18 overnight double room guests (both guests must be listed on each person's registration form as confirmation)
• 40 guests participating as a "day guest only" - no overnight stay
  
  

 PLEASE READ REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DETAILS CAREFULLY

Registration details

• Registration closes on May 6, 2024 (or when space fills)
• You will have the option to register as a DAY GUEST or an OVERNIGHT GUEST.  Please make your choice carefully as we may not be able to make any adjustments to this status later due to the space limits of The Center (see above)
• When completing your registration, make sure that you have listed an attendee session status (day guest (Wednesday or Thursday or both), one-night guest, two-night guest and also checked off the corresponding payment option for that "session"
• Any dietary needs should be listed on the registration form
  

• If you do not have an AIMS account, see the instructions below for creating an account (the process takes just a couple of minutes!)
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost - AIMS members only (preferred payment option is "bill to school")

DAY GUESTS

Day guest cost (no dinners or hotel stay):  $400

OVERNIGHT GUESTS (provides accommodations for Tuesday and Wednesday nights)

Double room         $585

(both parties must register at the same time and list roommate on form as confirmation)

Single room           $630

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after May 1st.

Presenters:

OPENING KEYNOTE:  Richard Culatta     As the CEO of ISTE / ASCD, Richard Culatta is focused on creating the next generation of innovative learning leaders. Richard has also served as the Chief Innovation Officer of the state of Rhode Island and was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the US Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology.   His book, Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World (Harvard Business Publishing) aims to help create conditions for healthy tech use at home and school.

CLOSING KEYNOTE:  Christina Lewellen   Christina is a seasoned association executive who has served industries ranging from window manufacturers to court reporters to proposal writers. She brings a data-driven framework to business planning and strategy, having earned her MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives.   She was named the Executive Director of ATLIS in 2019, and serves in a variety of ways as an advocate for independent schools and their leadership teams. She and her family live in Virginia and tweets at @christinaATLIS.

THANKS TO THE AIMS TECHNOLOGY RETREAT 2024 SPONSORS

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

AIMS is starting a roundtable discussion group for schools with similar missions that serve diverse communities based on faith-based, equity-driven models.

Please share this event information with school leaders (principals, presidents, heads, division heads) who may be interested in this discussion.

This group is planning to meet three times this school year - (already-completed meeting in November), February 15, and May 16. 

• Registration continues to the start of the program session
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form (see instructions below)
• You will register using your personal AIMS account (not the SCHOOL account)
  
  
• The event meeting link will be sent to you after registration; the link will come directly from ZOOM (not AIMS) so check your spam/junk email for this system-generated email
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost   FREE but registration is required

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

Librarians unite!  Join with AIMS Colleagues for this spring in-person gathering!

Come meet with your fellow librarians for coffee, tea and conversation.

In addition to our whole group time together, there will be break-out groups to discuss specific topics of interest. On the registration form, you will be asked for your input on topics for these breakout conversations.  

Come prepared with questions you have, as well as to discuss what has been working well at your own school.

The event is free but registration is required.  

• Registration closes on May 16th
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                       

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

Category: Roundtable discussion

Join AIMS colleagues for a roundtable discussion on topics of interest to Sexuality Educators.  

The program will be facilitated by Deborah Roffman and Ashley Edwardsl from The Park School of Maryland.

Come prepared to engage and share with others doing similar work within the independent school community. You can list topics on your registration form and topics will also be generated during the program itself.

• Registration continues to the start of the program session
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form (see instructions below)
• You will register using your personal AIMS account (not the SCHOOL account)
  
  
• The event meeting link will be sent to you after registration; the link will come directly from ZOOM (not AIMS) so check your spam/junk email for this system-generated email
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost   FREE but registration is required

Presenters: 

Deborah M. Roffman, MS, CSE is a nationally certified sexuality educator who has worked at the cutting edge of her field since its inception. She is the author of three books for parents and teachers on supporting healthy sexual development, and a fourth for young children and their parents and teachers, The Science of Babies: A Little Book for Big Questions about Bodies, Birth, and Families. The recipient of national awards for her groundbreaking work, Ms. Roffman has taught human sexuality education in grades 3-12 and has consulted around teacher training, parent education, and curriculum development at more than 400 schools and youth serving organizations across the U.S. She is in her fifth decade of teaching at The Park School of Baltimore.

Ashley Edwards, Middle and Upper School Health Educator at The Park School (MD) is a certified health education specialist (CHES). Ashley’s professional background is rooted in public health with a focus on sexuality education in youth and young adults. She has experience working with marginalized, gender diverse, and sexual minorities from various cultural backgrounds. She most recently worked as a Senior Community Outreach Specialist for Johns Hopkins University, providing public health detailing and outreach to primary care providers to increase STD testing and research.   She also volunteered as a lecturer and facilitator for Bmore B-Safe Sex Education at SEED of Maryland, where she co-developed the sexuality education curriculum for the high school students and introduced them to new concepts in sexual and reproductive health, such as body shaming, cyberbullying, and media effects on sexual health. She is a certified health education specialist (CHES), and is also certified in Business Communication.

Consents/Acknowledgements: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

I agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the program sessions in which I participate. I will also not share my unique link to the meeting platform or the content therein with anyone else. My unique link to the meeting platform will be used solely by me.

Need to create a personal AIMS account? 

• Go to the AIMS website - www.aimsmddc.org
• Click on "Haven't registered yet?" in sign in box on right side of homepage
• Choose AIMS school staff as the member type
• Create a username and password (keep this information as you will need it for future program registration needs)
• Choose a conversation group
• Complete form and hit submit

This two-day interactive workshop is designed for teachers, counselors, school staff, and administrators who want an effective discipline approach that integrates social and emotional learning while reducing challenging student behavior.  Attendees will earn recognition as a Certified Positive Discipline Classroom Educator and will learn to: 

1. Develop a large teaching toolbox of kind and firm discipline approaches.
2. Establish explicit classroom structures and procedures.
3. Create an equitable classroom community based on mutual respect.
4. Understand the motivation behind students' misbehavior and how to encourage position change.
5. Facilitate effective class meetings teaching social skills and problem-solving.
6. Learn Positive Discipline/Adlerian Psychology for use in the classroom and school community.
   

Materials included: 

• Positive Discipline in the Classroom, The Revised 4th Edition Book
• Positive Discipline in the School and Classroom Manual, Revised 4th Edition
• Teacher Tool Cards

Space is extremely limited so plan to register early! 

• Registration closes on June 30th or when program limits are FULL.
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:  $575 - includes program materials (see list above), coffee/tea, &  full lunch on both days.

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after June 28, 2024.

Presenter/Facilitator: 

Julianne Reilly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and skilled parent coach with well over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She is a former teacher and current school counselor. Julianne has a passion for supporting parents and caregivers and educators as they navigate the many challenges that come along with supporting children’s development. Julianne is a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and is also trained in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, She has extensive experience working in schools and supporting children (and their teachers and parents) with learning challenges, ADHD, Anxiety, behavioral challenges, and other everyday challenges that arise.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

From the Laboratory to the Classroom:

Translating the Science of Learning for Classroom Practice 

Over the last four decades, tremendous strides have been made with regards to demystifying the human learning process. Reams of academic research have successfully established that, far from being conceptual, much of learning adheres to predictable and reliable biological processes. Unfortunately, many teachers remain untouched by this knowledge as it’s rarely been translated into practical strategies for education and educators. This is something that, together, we shall remedy!

During this summer 2024 institute, we will explore several of the most important findings from the Science of Learning and consider what these mean for pedagogical, curricular, and student decision-making. It’s time to take the leap from theory to practice

• Registration closes on July 20th or when spaces fill
• You will need to register using your PERSONAL AIMS account 
  
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:             $200           
NON AIMS Colleagues: $400

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after July 10th.

Program Daily Outline: 

• 90-minute Virtual Sessions
• Plus 15-minute Follow-On Activities for Participants

Monday, July 29   Foundation of Thinking

How does the brain work to make sense of reality, and what impact does this have on teaching & learning? During this engaging and interactive section, we will explore the counter-intuitive foundations of thinking, the power of stories to drive perception, the role errors play in comprehension, and consider how these

concepts tie together to drive both teacher and student practice in the classroom. Buckle in – here’s where things get real.

Tuesday, July 30   Principles of Learning

How can notetaking impair learning? Are hard-copy or digital books better for comprehension? What’s the one key to forming deep, lasting memories? During this section, we will explore several key principles of human learning and consider how each can be adapted to tweak/improve teaching & learning practices.

Wednesday, July 31   The Learning Trajectory – From Surface to Deep to Transfer:

What is the difference between facts and concepts? How does information progress from being remembered to being utilized? During this session, we will dive deeply into the steps of the human learning trajectory. Using Learning Objectives as a through line, we will consider how to walk students from surface

to deep learning, and consider why it is so difficult for people to move knowledge and skills between different contexts.

Thursday, August 1  Memory and Attention

Far from being unknowable and unpredictable, human memory and attention are very predictable and rule-bound systems. During this session, we will explore key principles of both memory and attention and consider what these mean for teaching in the classroom and student at-home studying.

Friday, August 2  Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: The Emotion of Learning

Sometimes it can make us laser-focused, and other times it leaves us floundering.   Sometimes it can drive us to action, and other times it can freeze us in our tracks.  What is the deal with stress and why can it have so many different outcomes?  During this session, we will explore the three primary mechanisms of stress and determine when it's beneficial and when it's harmful.  Furthermore, we will explore several concrete actions we use to help students respond to stress .  Finally, we will take a brief glimpse at the larger issue of emotions and consider what role they play in the learning process.

Presenter: 

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

• Registration closes on July 26th or when spaces fill
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members: $295 (includes lunch/drinks) 

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after July 20th.

Presenter: 

Joshua Wolf has been an educator at The Park School for thirty years where he has taught Spanish, served as the Modern Language Department Chair, coached boys varsity basketball, and recently (since 2011) served as the middle school principal. Josh received his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University, where he focused on teachers’ receptivity to feedback.   When not at school, Josh bikes, hikes, journals, makes short films, and enjoys time with his family.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

• Registration closes on August 1st or when spaces fill
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:            $125 (includes lunch)

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after July 26th.

Presenter: 

Alpana Chhibber-Zuniga currently serves as a Manager of Programs at the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and is leading the launch of the Asian American Community Resource Group under the Women of Color Programs. She is also a part-time Lead Facilitator and Trainer for Molina Consulting (molina consulting.org).   Prior to these roles, she served as the first Middle School Dean of Students at the Park School of Baltimore. Alpana has received counseling and facilitator training from the Stanley King Institute, Kingswood Oxford Leadership Institute for Educators of Color, and Facilitating for Racial Justice. She has successfully facilitated meaningful conversations around Restorative Justice, Implicit Bias, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Interrupting Microaggressions for faculty and students.   Alpana received her Bachelor's degree from the York College of Pennsylvania, and her Masters Degrees in Global Studies and Teaching from SUNY Albany and Union Graduate College, respectively.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

How do you create teaching environments in which all students feel seen, supported, and have a sense of belonging? Building cultural competence comes from the inside out.

In partnership with Roland Park Country School, AIMS will be offering this one-day institute designed for educators and administrators to engage in conversations about creating culturally responsive and welcoming school environments of community and belonging. Teachers who attend this full-day workshop will have the opportunity to elevate their cultural competency by working with educators within the AIMS network

Overview: As part of the onboarding process for teachers and administrators who are new to their buildings, a day of learning how to foster community, create spaces of belonging, and add to their culturally responsive teaching tool kit. 

Tentative Schedule

8:30 am                       Check-in and continental breakfast
9:00 am                       Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:15 am                       Keynote Speaker (TBA)
11:15 am                     Assigned Affinity spaces and grounding
12:15 pm                     Lunch Break
1:30 pm                       Afternoon breakout sessions (see below)
3:30 pm                       Final Words

Workshops to include:

• Morning: Assigned Affinity spaces and grounding
• Afternoon: Breakout sessions
  Teaching and Learning
  Relationship building
  Classroom rituals and culture
  Cultural humility

• Registration closes on August 2nd or when spaces fill
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:               $170 includes light breakfast, lunch, and networking social hour 

ONLY open to AIMS Educators

Presenters include faculty from Roland Park Country School

Important program note:  Teachers participating in this program will receive a discount for their registration/participation in the Beginning Teachers Seminar Series (see link to BTTS registration here)

Please do not prepay for program; schools will be invoiced AFTER the event. 

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after July 27th.

Presenter: 

Joshua Wolf has been an educator at The Park School for thirty years where he has taught Spanish, served as the Modern Language Department Chair, coached boys varsity basketball, and recently (since 2011) served as the middle school principal. Josh received his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University, where he focused on teachers’ receptivity to feedback.   When not at school, Josh bikes, hikes, journals, makes short films, and enjoys time with his family.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

The Responsive Classroom approach has continuously expanded its influence in the almost forty years since its founding because it is adaptable: it provides strategies and skills that can be taught, practiced, and reinforced in all settings.

In this one-day introduction to the Responsive Classroom approach, learn practices from this cohesive and transformative belief system that will help you foster positive community, integrate academics with the teaching of social and emotional skills, and create the conditions for positive student behavior.

Key Features of the program:

• Participate in interactive learning structures you can use with your class to make lessons more engaging Practice using teacher language to guide learning
• Examine how the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline can establish a calm, orderly, and safe environment for learning

Important notes:

Suitable for K-8 Educators

No pre-requisite or previous training needed

Introduction to Responsive Classroom Resource Book included

SPACES ARE LIMITED SO REGISTER EARLY TO SECURE A SPOT IN THE WORKSHOP! 

• Registration closes on August 1st or when spaces fill
• Please register for this event (and all events) using your personal AIMS account
  
  
• If you do not have an AIMS account, please go to the homepage, click on "haven't registered yet?" in the sign in box on right side of page and complete the account creation form
• if you already have an AIMS account but need assistance with registration, please email contactus@aimsmddc.org                         

Event cost

AIMS Members:   $260 (include lunch/drinks and resource book)

Please note that NO REFUNDS will be issued for cancellations for this class after August 1st.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in AIMS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to AIMS’ use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

SALMON RIVER PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL HEADS

A year-long leadership development program that begins

with a rafting adventure!

July 13-18, 2025, Rafting; October 2025 to April 2026 Peer Coaching

World Leadership School (WLS), in partnership with the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS), is proud to launch a unique experience for heads of school who are interested in unplugging from technology, connecting with other leaders, and renewing energy for the year ahead.

For five days and four nights, we will share experiences and build community as we float down the sparkling waters of the Main Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River, one of the most pristine wilderness rivers in North America.

During the school year following the program, we will leverage the community we build for a “peer coaching” support program with six 75-minute virtual sessions during the 2025-26 school year. These sessions will be a trusted space for sharing ideas, challenges, and celebrations that will build off our river experience.

Tentative agenda - July 13, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Sunday, July 13
Guests arrive in Boise, ID, and stay at The Modern Hotel in Boise.
Pre-trip meeting at 6 pm followed by dinner

Monday, July 14
7 am - bush flight from Boise to Salmon, Idaho
8 - 11 am - drive to the launch point on Salmon River
1 pm - launch on the river

Tuesday, July 15 - Thursday, July 17
Three full days on the river

Friday, July 18

Take off the river and drive to Alzar School in Cascade, ID
Dinner at Alzar School
Drive to Boise, ID
9 pm Drop off at The Modern Hotel for next-morning flights

The 2025-26 Salmon River program brochure (with more details) can be found here. 

Registration and cost details

(all registration and billing is handled through World Leadership School)

• Cost is $3,000 per person including the rafting program and virtual sessions.
• A pre-trip deposit of $1,000 is required at registration with the remaining $2,000 due by April 15.
• Monies paid are non-refundable but can be transferred to another person. All payments will be
  refunded if we do not meet a minimum enrollment of 11 participants by May 1. Complete cancellation
  details are available upon registration.
• The program is capped at 24 participants, including three facilitators, and enrollment is limited to new or existing heads of schools at independent, public, or charter schools.
•  To register, email Ross at ross@worldleadershipschool.com for further details.