Real Life, Real Parenting: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

We will give a brief tutorial of the BCPL website and then focus on online resources that are available with a library card, including homework help, literacy resources, and more!

Moderators

Sandy Allman the Community Connections team leader at BCPL

the site supervisor for BCPL Eastside

the BCPL Express. Christina Kelley is the Teen department manager and the primary collection developer for teen material

and Coordinator of the library's free book program

Speakers

the BCPL Express. Christina Kelley is the Teen department manager and the primary collection developer for teen material

Exhibitors

we will consider how adults can shift from asking

and supported. We may not always see the same child—but we are supporting the same child.

responding to big emotions with connection before correction

“What are we missing?” This interactive session explores how caregivers and school professionals can move beyond focusin

“What’s wrong?” to “What does this child need from us?” Most importantly

and creating consistency in the ways children are supported across environments. Through relatable examples and interact

and responses. Participants will explore practical strategies for strengthening communication between home and school

children are more likely to feel seen

this session reminds us that parents and educators do not have to have all the answers—and they do not have to work sepa

Children do not always show up the same way at home and at school—and that can leave parents and educators wondering

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Behind the Screen; Online Risks Facing Students Today

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

We will provide information reference common areas of crimes against children via the internet. This includes the various social media platforms that are used. Statistics are provided to inform parents and students of how rapid the increase of these types of crimes have become. Two common types of crimes against children will be addressed. There will also be time for questions/answers if needed.

Moderators

We are members of the local Bartholomew County Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Together we have over 30 yea

Speakers

Tony Kummer

We are members of the local Bartholomew County Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Together we have over 30 yea

Exhibitors

We will give a brief tutorial of the BCPL website and then focus on online resources that are available with a library c

including homework help

and more!

literacy resources

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Calm Starts With Us: Helping Children Thrive Through Co- Regulation

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

The purpose of this presentation is to help participants understand how adult stress can influence a child’s behavior and emotional responses. Through practical co-regulation strategies, participants will learn how to manage their own responses, support children in regulating their emotions, and strengthen the adult and child relationship through greater connection, trust, and understanding.

Moderators Speakers

Cassie Davidson

specializing in social and behavioral sciences with an emphasis on youth well-being. Cassie is also a mom to two intell

and STRONG self-advocating girls. When she’s not working or cheering from the softball field as a travel coach and pitch

where she oversees prevention initiatives and works to strengthen services for youth and families in the communities the

Exhibitors

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Digital Partnership: Staying Connected to Your Child's School Day

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

Limited Capacity seats available

BCSC gives families several tools to stay connected to their child's school day, but it's not always clear what each one does or how they work together. This session walks through three of the most-used systems: PowerSchool's parent portal (grades, attendance, and enrollment info), ParentSquare (school and district communication), and Qustodio (home device monitoring). We'll cover how to set up...
See More →

Moderators

students

cybersecurity

Anastasia Martindale is the Assistant Director of Technology Operations at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

where she helps oversee IT infrastructure

and systems across the district's K-12 schools. She started her career as a classroom teacher before moving into tech su

giving her a firsthand view of how technology decisions play out for teachers

and families. Anastasia regularly trains staff on the same systems families use at home. She wants families to leave thi

Speakers

Anastasia Martindale

and systems across the district's K-12 schools. She started her career as a classroom teacher before moving into tech su

and families. Anastasia regularly trains staff on the same systems families use at home. She wants families to leave thi

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Everyday Joy: Practical Strategies for Raising Happier, More Engaged Kids

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Joy isn't a luxury. It's fuel. Kids who experience regular moments of joy are more resilient, more curious, and more motivated to engage with school and life. But between packed schedules, academic pressure, and screen time competing for attention, joy can be the first thing to get squeezed out. In this interactive session, we'll explore what the research says about joy's role in child...
See More →

Moderators

mother

educator

curiosity

gratitude

she currently serves as Director of Programs at Challenge Success. She is also the author of the book The Vital Role of

and Adjunct Faculty at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Kim earned her B.A. from University of Californ

Riverside and her M.Ed. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from University of California

and a deep belief in the power of student voice. With more than 15 years of experience across the education ecosystem

San Diego. When she is not designing and facilitating transformative learning experiences

and Taichung. Her life and work are guided by three core values: family

San Gabriel

Kim helped found two High Tech Elementary project-based learning schools and held leadership roles across K–12 and highe

Kimberly Tsai is a proud 1.5-generation Taiwanese American immigrant

Lead Designer at the Center for Love & Justice

School Coach and Content Design Specialist with New Tech Network

she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and extended family in Oceanside

and creative whose journey is grounded in resilience

published by ASCD. Before joining Challenge Success

and meaningful work.

Speakers

she currently serves as Director of Programs at Challenge Success. She is also the author of the book The Vital Role of

and Adjunct Faculty at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Kim earned her B.A. from University of Californ

Kim helped found two High Tech Elementary project-based learning schools and held leadership roles across K–12 and highe

Kimberly Tsai

Exhibitors

Join a lifelong Columbus resident living with a disability for an empowering session on raising self-advocates. Discover

intellectual

and support needs.

and dignity—equipped with daily tools designed for children across all physical

self-advocacy

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Fostering Independence: Lessons from an Adult Living with a Disability

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Join a lifelong Columbus resident living with a disability for an empowering session on raising self-advocates. Discover practical ways to foster agency, self-advocacy, and dignity—equipped with daily tools designed for children across all physical, intellectual, and support needs.

Moderators

self-determination

and dignity for individuals of all abilities.

Grace partners with families and communities to advance accessibility

and non-profit background

Grace Kestler is a lifelong Columbus resident living with a disability

serving on local boards dedicated to community development and aging services. Drawing on her personal lived experience

municipal governance

Germany. Grace has a deep history in the non-profit sector

currently serving as a Columbus City Councilor and working as a Disability System Improvement researcher at Indiana Univ

Speakers

Grace Kestler

currently serving as a Columbus City Councilor and working as a Disability System Improvement researcher at Indiana Univ

Exhibitors

attendance

ParentSquare (school and district communication)

BCSC gives families several tools to stay connected to their child's school day

and enrollment info)

and how to troubleshoot common login or sync issues.

but it's not always clear what each one does or how they work together. This session walks through three of the most-use

how to manage notifications

and Qustodio (home device monitoring). We'll cover how to set up and navigate each tool

what data they show you

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Hidden in Plain Sight: Recognizing Youth Vaping, Starting the Conversation, and Finding Help

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Youth vaping continues to be a challendge for families, schools, and communities. This session will help participants understand the current landscape of youth vaping, recognize common devices and warning signs, and learn how nicotine products can impact youth. Attendees will gain practical strategies for starting support conversations with children and teens, responding to concerns, and...
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Moderators Speakers

Kylee Jones

Kylee is dedicated to creating healthier Bartholomew County. She serves as an Action Team Specialist with Healthy Commun

and policy change. Kylee earned her Graduate Certificate in Public Health from Indiana University in 2024. She serves on

Artists

Sarah Towsley

Exhibitors

you will learn practical strategies for building positive relationships with teachers and administrators

communicating effectively

asking questions

Strong partnerships between families and schools help students thrive. In this session

we'll explore how open communication can strengthen collaboration and support every student's success.

and addressing concerns with confidence and respect. Together

Sponsors

Sarah has spent over five years working as a medical scribe and pediatric mental health technician. Currently

Sarah Towsley is a public health advocate and aspiring clinician with experience in global health and clinical care. Aft

she served three years as a Peace Corps Community Health Advisor in Madagascar

she works for Columbus Regional Health’s Healthy Communities Initiative where she helps facilitate the county’s Suicide

where she was recognized as an Exemplary Volunteer. Domestically

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Keynote: Wilisha Scaife

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Exhibitors

responding to concerns

and learn how nicotine products can impact youth. Attendees will gain practical strategies for starting support conversa

Youth vaping continues to be a challendge for families

and connecting youth and families with prevention and cessation resources.

schools

recognize common devices and warning signs

and communities. This session will help participants understand the current landscape of youth vaping

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Let's Talk: Creating Connections Among Caregivers

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Parenting and caregiving come with both joys and challenges. This interactive conversation provides caregivers with an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, build supportive relationships, and strengthen their connections with others in the community. Together, participants will explore common challenges, celebrate successes, and create a network of support focused on helping...
See More →

Moderators

schools

and is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership through Indiana State University. Before becoming Diversity

Angie Kirkham is the Diversity Coordinator for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. She holds a bachelor's degre

an ENL license

and creating welcoming school communities through unity and appreciation of diversity. She is passionate about partnerin

building relationships

she taught elementary school for 13 years. Angie has facilitated professional learning across the country focused on res

and communities to support student success.

Speakers

Angie Kirkham

and is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership through Indiana State University. Before becoming Diversity

Angie Kirkham is the Diversity Coordinator for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. She holds a bachelor's degre

and creating welcoming school communities through unity and appreciation of diversity. She is passionate about partnerin

she taught elementary school for 13 years. Angie has facilitated professional learning across the country focused on res

Exhibitors

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Partners in Learning: Communicating with Your Child's School

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Strong partnerships between families and schools help students thrive. In this session, you will learn practical strategies for building positive relationships with teachers and administrators, communicating effectively, asking questions, and addressing concerns with confidence and respect. Together, we'll explore how open communication can strengthen collaboration and support every student's...
See More →

Moderators

schools

and is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership through Indiana State University. Before becoming Diversity

Angie Kirkham is the Diversity Coordinator for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. She holds a bachelor's degre

an ENL license

and creating welcoming school communities through unity and appreciation of diversity. She is passionate about partnerin

building relationships

she taught elementary school for 13 years. Angie has facilitated professional learning across the country focused on res

and communities to support student success.

Speakers

Angie Kirkham

and is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership through Indiana State University. Before becoming Diversity

Angie Kirkham is the Diversity Coordinator for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. She holds a bachelor's degre

and creating welcoming school communities through unity and appreciation of diversity. She is passionate about partnerin

she taught elementary school for 13 years. Angie has facilitated professional learning across the country focused on res

Exhibitors

learn from one another

participants will explore common challenges

Parenting and caregiving come with both joys and challenges. This interactive conversation provides caregivers with an o

build supportive relationships

celebrate successes

and create a network of support focused on helping every child thrive.

and strengthen their connections with others in the community. Together

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Columbus Learning Center 4564 Central Ave., Columbus, IN

9:00am EDT

Same Team, Same Child: Building Stronger Connections Between Home and School

LIMITED

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Columbus Learning Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Children do not always show up the same way at home and at school—and that can leave parents and educators wondering, “What are we missing?” This interactive session explores how caregivers and school professionals can move beyond focusing solely on behavior and instead work together to understand what a child may be communicating through their actions, emotions, and responses. Participants...
See More →

Moderators Exhibitors