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BOLT Conference 2025
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Wednesday, February 19
 

9:00am CST

Writing the Story Only You Can Write
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 104
In this session, I will empower my audience to be brave in their writing as I take them on the journey of how my latest book, BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS came into fruition. I will interactively introduce my formula for creating a story that can and should be used in the classroom to ignite students to write.
Speakers
CA

Crystal Allen

Author, Self-Employed
Crystal Allen is the author of six middle-grade books, including How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy, and the Magnificent Mya Tibbs series, all published by Balzer + Bray a division of Harper Collins. She is the co-director of Kindling Words East, a faculty member of Highlights... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 104
  Author Session (All District Staff), K-8

9:00am CST

Beyond the Classroom: Harnessing Virtual Reality for Immersive Learning
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 202
Explore the transformative power of Virtual Reality (VR) in education during this engaging session. Discover how VR technology is revolutionizing traditional classroom experiences by creating immersive, interactive learning opportunities for students of all ages. We'll cover the basics of VR in education, its benefits for engagement and comprehension, real-world applications, and practical implementation strategies. Learn how to overcome common challenges and get insights into future trends in educational VR. Join us to unlock the potential of VR and embrace innovative teaching methods in the digital age.
Speakers
SC

Steven Couch

Secondary Science Specialist, Region 3 Education Service Center
Science Specialist at Region 3 ESC. Have spent 11 years in education, 9 as a Biology teacher and coach of various sports. 1 year as an Instructional Coach prior to starting at Region 3.
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 202
  General (All District Staff), 6-12

9:00am CST

Emergent Bilinguals and the Library
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 201
We will be discussing the best practices for second language learners and how to facilitate language acquisition while in the library space.
Speakers
avatar for Deanna Larson

Deanna Larson

Sales Representative, Perma-Bound Books
Deanna served as a classroom teacher for 24 years in the San Antonio and North Austin area. Her passion for literacy and second language learners have driven her career. She is now serving the education community by helping schools procure high quality materials for their libraries... Read More →
Sponsors
PB
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 201
  General (All District Staff), All Levels

9:00am CST

TexQuest Learn360: How To Keep Students Actively Engaged When Viewing Streaming Video
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 102
Learn360 is a PK-12 cross-curricular multimedia resource library of videos, audio, printables, learning games, and interactive lessons provided to school districts and open enrollment charter schools through TexQuest. This session will provide an overview of the resources in Learn360 and demonstrate the tools and features of the platform to keep students actively engaged instead of passively viewing video content.
Speakers
CC

Carter Cook

Strategic Account Manager, Infobase
With 31 years experience as a classroom teacher, school librarian, and school library director, Carter Cook now works for Infobase - provider of Learn360, part of the TexQuest state digital resources package, as a strategic account manager assisting customers in the effective use... Read More →
Sponsors
I
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 102
  General (All District Staff), All Levels

9:00am CST

Get More for Less from Your ILS
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 103
Insignia provides ways to collaborate with teachers, schedule emailed notifications, and access everything you need with just one click. Districts all around Texas are discovering that, with Insignia, you get much more functionality for your buck. Our integrated system includes textbook, asset, and library management systems. Come and see why Insignia is taking Texas by storm.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Janie Flores

Dr. Janie Flores

Business Development Manager, Insignia Software
Dr. Flores retired from education to join Insignia. She loves that this company puts people first.
Sponsors
IS
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:55am CST
Room 103
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

9:55am CST

BREAK | VENDOR HALL | AUTHOR MEET & GREET
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:55am - 10:20am CST
Vendor Hall, Pre-function Area
Take a break and experience our vendor hall! Meet visiting authors in the pre-function area, get insider stories, and grab signed copies of their latest books—don’t miss this chance to connect!
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:55am - 10:20am CST
Vendor Hall, Pre-function Area

10:20am CST

From Google Doc to Published Piece: How I Wrote My Non-Fiction Book for Parents of Children with IEPs
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 202
Are you ready to turn your non-fiction manuscript into a polished, published work? In this session, I'll guide you through every step of the journey, from drafting in Google Docs to holding your finished book in your hands. Learn how to organize your writing, edit for clarity and impact, and navigate the self-publishing process. With practical tips on manuscript preparation, cover design, and marketing strategies, this session is perfect for aspiring authors eager to share their stories and expertise with the world.
Speakers
BH

Bonnie Hybner

Special Education Advocate & Consultant, Clear View Special Education Advocacy
Bonnie holds a B.S. in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and an M.A. in Science Education Biology from Western Governors University. She is a certified special education teacher and has over a decade of experience in special education, teaching in various... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 202
  Author Session (All District Staff), All Levels

10:20am CST

Igniting Imagination: Boosting Literacy with Interactive Stories
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 104
Join P. J. Hoover, author of the ""Pick Your Own Quest"" series and the instructional guide ""Write Your Own Quest,"" for an engaging presentation on how interactive stories can inspire a love for reading and writing in children. In this dynamic session, Hoover will delve into the unique power of interactive storytelling, where readers become active participants in the narrative, making choices that shape the story's outcome.
Discover how this immersive approach can captivate young minds, encouraging them to explore different scenarios and develop a deeper connection to the characters and plot. Hoover will share insights from her own experiences, demonstrating how interactive stories can transform reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones and motivate budding writers to craft their own tales.
Attendees will learn practical strategies for incorporating interactive narratives into educational settings, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and literacy skills. Whether you're a teacher, librarian, parent, or writer, this presentation will provide valuable tools and inspiration to make reading and writing an adventure for every child. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the magic of interactive stories and their potential to ignite a lifelong passion for literacy.
Speakers
avatar for P. J. Hoover

P. J. Hoover

Author/Presenter, Self Employed
P. J. (Tricia) Hoover wanted to be a Jedi, but when that didn't work out, she became an electrical engineer instead. After a fifteen year bout designing computer chips for a living, P. J. started creating worlds of her own. She's the award-winning author of PROBLEM SOLVERS: 15 Innovative... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 104
  Author Session (All District Staff), All Levels

10:20am CST

Empowering School Librarians and Teachers with Google Tools
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 103
Unlock the potential of Google tools to enhance your role as a school librarian and elevate the learning experiences in your library. This session will focus on practical applications of tools like Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Classroom to help librarians streamline workflows, organize digital resources, and foster collaboration with teachers and students. Participants will explore strategies for creating engaging library programs, managing collections digitally, and using Google tools to support research and literacy initiatives. Leave equipped with actionable ideas to transform your library into a dynamic hub of digital learning.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Wyatt

Jennifer Wyatt

Assistant Director of Technology - Digital Learning, Victoria ISD
During her 20+ years in Education as a Teacher, School Librarian, Digital Learning Specialist, and Director of Technology, Jennifer fell in love with transformative learning that is possible through the integration of technology and digital tools. Jennifer has worked in districts... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 103
  General (All District Staff), All Levels

10:20am CST

Legal Considerations with HB 900: Addressing Compliance and Student Needs
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 102
This session introduces the laws and Board Policies that impact school libraries today. Explore the legal and ethical implications of HB 900, how to prepare for challenges to your library's offerings, and develop a plan to proactively address meeting the future needs of your students and campus.
Speakers
avatar for Tisha Brown

Tisha Brown

Senior Associate, Powell Law Group
Tisha Brown is Co-Chair of Powell Law Group’s Special Education Practice Group. Her multifaceted background in education and law positions her as an invaluable advocate for children's educational rights and a key resource for school districts. Her journey from teaching to parenting... Read More →
Sponsors
PL
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 102
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

10:20am CST

STEM & Community Connections at the Library
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 201
This session will highlight the diverse family events and STEM activities offered to the community, showcasing how the library serves as a hub for educational engagement. From hands-on science experiments to interactive tech workshops, these programs are designed to inspire curiosity and foster learning for all ages. Attendees will learn how these events encourage family participation, support STEM literacy, and strengthen community connections. Join us as we explore the impact of these programs in empowering individuals, promoting lifelong learning, and creating opportunities for families to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math together.
Speakers
avatar for Ruby Rodriguez

Ruby Rodriguez

Director of Special Programs, Cuero ISD
Ruby Rodriguez is the Director of Special Programs, dedicated to fostering innovative learning opportunities and community engagement. With extensive experience in program development and coordination, she works to create impactful educational experiences that serve diverse audiences... Read More →
CM

Charlene Murphree

Instructional Specialist, Cuero ISD
Charlene Murphree is an Instructional Specialist with a focus on supporting educators and students through effective teaching strategies and curriculum development. She is committed to improving educational outcomes, offering professional development, and fostering an inclusive learning... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:20am - 11:15am CST
Room 201
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

11:15am CST

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
TBA
Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
TBA

12:30pm CST

VENDOR HALL | AUTHOR MEET & GREET
Wednesday February 19, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST
Vendor Hall, Pre-function Area
Meet your favorite authors in the pre-function area, get insider stories, and grab signed copies of their latest books—don’t miss this chance to connect!
Wednesday February 19, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST
Vendor Hall, Pre-function Area

1:00pm CST

Building R.E.A.L.ationships and Community in Schools Through Authentic Literary Experiences
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 104
During this insightful and life-changing session, Tierashia Adair will share information with and engage the attendees in thought-provoking conversations and activities to implement solutions, structures, systems, and strategies to promote the social and emotional development of students through authentic literary experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Tierashia Adair

Tierashia Adair

Owner and CEO, T. Adair Enterprises, LLC
Tierashia Adair is a former, public school teacher of 14 years who has degrees in Drama/Theater Arts (B.A.), Business Administration (minor), and two masters in Curriculum & Instruction with emphases in Reading and Special Education. She is an author, speaker, writer, educational... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 104
  Author Session (All District Staff), All Levels

1:00pm CST

Collection Development A to Z for Teachers and Librarians
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 103
Building a school or classroom library is more complicated than buying what you like at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. Once you layer on the requirements of The Reader Act, an educator really needs to know what they are expected to do under the law. This session will focus on the steps of the process with best practices. We will cover the whole process from selection, to weeding, and book challenges. Content will be great for anyone new to the classroom or library as well as seasoned teachers, librarians and administrators.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Wyatt

Jennifer Wyatt

Assistant Director of Technology - Digital Learning, Victoria ISD
During her 20+ years in Education as a Teacher, School Librarian, Digital Learning Specialist, and Director of Technology, Jennifer fell in love with transformative learning that is possible through the integration of technology and digital tools. Jennifer has worked in districts... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 103
  General (All District Staff), All Levels

1:00pm CST

Growing Readers: Early Literacy Support with TeachingBooks
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 102
Whether in the classroom, the library, or at home, support the development of early literacy skills using TeachingBooks tools and resources. Discover titles that support fluency and complement instruction. Utilize printables and lessons to practice skill building. In this session you will learn how to use TeachingBooks to:
- Browse for books that reinforce phonics and phonological awareness instruction
- Engage beginner readers with games, book readings, and activities
- Find phonics printables and instructional routines, vocabulary templates and concept lessons
TeachingBooks is a comprehensive Pk-12 literacy service and TexQuest resource.

ZOOM:
Meeting URL:https://overdrive.zoom.us/j/98196849161?pwd=hebC3NAn42OviE6Mr4UR8rQxEyUOpP.1
Meeting ID:981 9684 9161
Passcode:892019

Speakers
JV

Jade Valenzuela

Implementation & Training Specialist, TeachingBooks
TeachingBooks, a TexQuest resource, is a wonderful collection of digital resources for K-12 that will help you and your students connect to and engage with books and authors more deeply, through resources you can use to support, enhance, and extend your literacy instruction and build... Read More →
Sponsors
TB
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 102
  General (All District Staff), Elementary

1:00pm CST

STEM in the Gifted Classroom with Read Alouds
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 202
Explore how to integrate STEM concepts with read-alouds in the gifted classroom, fostering critical thinking and creativity. This session will demonstrate strategies to enhance student engagement and problem-solving skills through interactive, thought-provoking stories that connect literature and STEM learning.
Speakers
avatar for Meagan Bassano

Meagan Bassano

G/T Lead Specialist, RLA Specialist, Region 3 Education Service Center
Region 3 specialist with a passion for promoting creativity and critical thinking in the classroom.
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 202
  General (All District Staff), All Levels

1:00pm CST

The Essential 10 Tools for Librarians in Discovery Education
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 201
 As a hub center of resources for your campus/district, you will walk away knowing the essential 10 Tools for your tool belt. These tools will help identify qualitative texts, explore embedded literacy supports to support all sub-pops, identify research-based instructional strategies, and locate ready-to-use activities across all grade levels and content areas. Join us to add these tools from Discovery Education to support literacy in any classroom. 
Speakers
avatar for Tammy Norman, M.Ed.

Tammy Norman, M.Ed.

Educational Partnerships Manager, Discovery Education
Tammy is an Ed-Tech enthusiast ready to share practical ways to blend instruction and digital/media tools. Using 26 years of educational experience including teaching, mentoring, instructional specialist, curriculum/assessment writing, and facilitating professional development, Tammy... Read More →
Sponsors
DE
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:55pm CST
Room 201
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

1:55pm CST

BREAK  |  REFRESHMENTS  |  VENDOR HALL | AUTHOR MEET & GREET
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:55pm - 2:05pm CST
Vendor Hall, Pre-function Area
Grab a snack and dive into our exciting vendor hall! Meet your favorite authors in the pre-function area, get insider stories, and grab signed copies of their latest books—don’t miss this chance to connect!
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:55pm - 2:05pm CST
Vendor Hall, Pre-function Area

2:05pm CST

It's Never Been a Better Time to Be a Creative Person
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 104
Cheryl's presentation not only introduces her audience to careers as a writer that cover a multitude of skills, styles, and interests, but shows the importance of words in our world and the opportunities in our globally connected society to express our creativity in ways never available before.
Speakers
CJ

Cheryl Johnson

Author, publisher
Cheryl Johnson is an award-winning nature photographer and author of nine award-winning children's books. Her books, featuring her photographs, encourage children to explore and discover the world around them.
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 104
  Author Session (All District Staff), All Levels

2:05pm CST

Literacy Connections Abound! TeachingBooks Resources and Tools for All!
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 102
Explore TeachingBooks' time-saving tools and engaging resources for books that can build literacy connections across the curriculum!
Engage readers with author recordings, book trailers, book readings, and games.
Extend learning with discussion guides, activities, ready-to-use and customizable lessons.
Enrich learning by embedding resources and sharing ready-to-print bookmarks and flyers.
Discover teaching ideas, standards connections, list-making and early literacy tools, new Book Resumes, and more!
TeachingBooks is a comprehensive Pk-12 literacy service and TexQuest resource.

ZOOM:
Meeting URL:https://overdrive.zoom.us/j/96999599527?pwd=RzDIIlq6NAed0GpQeOm1FjtEg9VT8K.1
Meeting ID:969 9959 9527
Passcode:540179

Speakers
JV

Jade Valenzuela

Implementation & Training Specialist, TeachingBooks
TeachingBooks, a TexQuest resource, is a wonderful collection of digital resources for K-12 that will help you and your students connect to and engage with books and authors more deeply, through resources you can use to support, enhance, and extend your literacy instruction and build... Read More →
Sponsors
TB
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 102
  General (All District Staff), All Levels

2:05pm CST

A New Vision for Library Management
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 202
This session will provide an introduction to the MackinVision library management system. Participants will learn how MackinVision can support all school resource management, including technology, equipment, curriculum, and digital resources, and explore several strategies for classroom-library collaboration utilizing all the resources in MackinVision.
Moderators
DM
Speakers
avatar for Amy Lamatina

Amy Lamatina

MackinVision Specialists, Mackin
Tracie Kreighbaum, Ph.D. Tracie uses her background in adult and higher education and in public libraries across the U.S to craft engaging and informative demonstrations of MackinVision’s suite of customizable features and functions. She is passionate about and deeply committed... Read More →
avatar for Tracie Kreighbaum, Ph.D

Tracie Kreighbaum, Ph.D

MackinVision Specialist, Mackin
Tracie uses her background in adult and higher education and in public libraries across the U.S to craft engaging and informative demonstrations of MackinVision’s suite of customizable features and functions. She is passionate about and deeply committed to meeting each individual... Read More →
Sponsors
M
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 202
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

2:05pm CST

Let's Talk About It!
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 201
If you are a librarian, library aide, library worker, teacher who runs the library solo, or anyone else who has library duties, lets talk! What is working for you, what are you struggling with, how are you handling HB 900, and what should we be looking for in the upcoming legislative session? Let's create a rock solid network of support that will last long after the conference.
Speakers
ME

Melinda Engelmohr

District Librarian, Ganado ISD
I've been in education for 15 years, 7 in the library. I taught all levels of HS English before I found my true calling. I love collaborating and sharing with others. In my free time, I love to read, bake, and go on adventures with my family.
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 201
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

2:05pm CST

Maximizing TexQuest: A Librarian's Guide to Student Success
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 103
As a librarian, you play a pivotal role in guiding students and educators toward effective use of digital resources. In this session, discover how to maximize TexQuest to enhance your library’s offerings and empower your school community. Learn to navigate TexQuest’s diverse tools, from research databases and academic journals to multimedia and citation aids, while exploring strategies to promote these resources across campus. Gain practical tips for integrating TexQuest into library programs, supporting classroom instruction, and fostering a culture of curiosity and independent learning. Walk away with actionable ideas to elevate your library’s impact using TexQuest!
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Wyatt

Jennifer Wyatt

Assistant Director of Technology - Digital Learning, Victoria ISD
During her 20+ years in Education as a Teacher, School Librarian, Digital Learning Specialist, and Director of Technology, Jennifer fell in love with transformative learning that is possible through the integration of technology and digital tools. Jennifer has worked in districts... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:05pm - 3:00pm CST
Room 103
  Library & Media Specialist (Library Staff), All Levels

3:00pm CST

WRAP-UP | EVALUATIONS | DOOR PRIZES
Wednesday February 19, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm CST
Vendor Hall
Join us as we wrap up the day with a chance to win exciting door prizes. You must be present to Win!
Wednesday February 19, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm CST
Vendor Hall
 
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