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Friday, July 17
 

7:30am HST

Check in: Caffeine & Connection & Funky Dance Party
Friday July 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am HST

Friday July 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am HST
Library

8:00am HST

Opening of Day 2
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am HST
Get ready for some good ideas campers…
How a slam works:
  • Someone comes to the head of the campfire (aka library)
  • They volunteer to teach anything they want for 2 minutes.  It could be a technology tip, a classroom procedure, or an active session. 
  • The demo presenter has to finish before the two minutes are up
Speakers
avatar for Robson Silbanuz

Robson Silbanuz

Complex Area Teacher, KKP Complex Area
KKP Sped Resource Teacher. 13 years as Sped Teacher. Passion for guiding our most significant population to living a good life.
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am HST
Library

8:30am HST

Using Math Manipulatives in the Classroom (3-5)
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

8:30am HST

Behavior, Care, Culture Building
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

8:30am HST

Finding Your OASIS: Mastering the Art of the Classroom Environment
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST
Ever feel like you’re constantly reacting to student behavior rather than leading the room? The secret sauce isn't just in the lesson plan—it’s in the environment we build. If you’re looking for a clear, inclusive, and empowering way to look at your space through a new lens, it’s time to discover OASIS.
The OASIS Tool (Analysis of Observed Environmental Factors) is more than just another checklist; it’s a professional mirror. Designed specifically for specialized support classrooms, this tool allows you to self-assess how your environment impacts student behavior and participation. Whether you're looking for a guide for self-reflection, a framework for coaching, or a way to tackle interfering behaviors head-on, OASIS is your new best friend.
Stop guessing why things aren't clicking and start using data to drive your classroom's success. Join us to learn how to use OASIS to create a sustainable, high-functioning environment where both you and your students can truly thrive! (You see these 3 presenters - you know you need this!) 

Speakers
avatar for Julianne Arkangel-Kawaha and Noe Taum

Julianne Arkangel-Kawaha and Noe Taum

Complex Area Resource Teacher, KKP Complex Area
Julianne Arkangel-Kawaha and Gale (Noe) Taum are District Office Teachers serving Kaʻu-Keaʻau-Pahoa Complex Area Schools.  Both born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, Julianne and Noe are passionate about ensuring access to quality education and supportive, least restrictive learning... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Geraci

Nicole Geraci

Behavior Technicians and Educational Assistants, KKP Complex Area
We are the Behavior Technicians and Educational Assistants under the Intensive Program Support.  We assist students and staff at the school by supporting and modeling the implementation of evidence-based strategies.  

Team members:
Nicole Geraci
Tiare Anguay - [email protected]; Amanda Kimmal - [email protected]; Briana Crabbe - [email protected]; Tifanee Smart - [email protected]; Samuel Teare - [email protected]; Alysha Gustafon-Savella - [email protected]; Jason Viloria - [email protected]... Read More →
avatar for Lynda Tarantino

Lynda Tarantino

Complex Area Resource Teacher, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area
Aloha, my name is Lynda Tarantino. With over 30 years dedicated to education and a continued commitment, I serve as a District Office Teacher for the Kau, Kea’au, Pahoa complex (KKP) on the Island of Hawaii. In this role, I provide professional development, IEP support, and program... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

8:30am HST

Happy Campers: A Beginner’s Map to Parent Partnerships and Navigating Preschool
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST
This two-part course equips beginning teachers with navigation tips for a successful school year, from building warm and trusting parent partnerships, to starting preschool students off in an inviting classroom environment.

Part 1: The Parent Partnership Playbook - Audience: Open to All Grade Levels
Before the school year kicks off, invest in parent relationships! This session equips you with strategies for positive communication before Day One. Leave feeling confident about your initial contact with parents that builds instant rapport.

Part 2: Setting Up Basecamp - Audience: Preschool Teachers and Educational Assistants

With parent partnerships secure, it's time to pitch the tent! This quick-paced session helps beginning teachers map out a functioning environment including daily schedules, teaching routines, learning centers, and a positive behavior management continuum. You'll get survival tips on yearly assessments and preschool learning continuums mapped out for a better understanding of how young children learn.
Speakers
avatar for Ruby Smits

Ruby Smits

State Office Special Education Full Release Mentor, Hawaii Teacher Induction Center

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

8:30am HST

AI in Practice: Building a Better AI Workflow
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST
Are you trying to adapt curriculum for diverse learners but finding yourself trapped in an endless cycle of copying and pasting between tabs? You aren’t alone. Join us for a hands-on session where we break down a multi-tool Google AI pipeline built specifically for streamlining differentiation in special education. We’ll demonstrate how to link the brainstorming power of Gemini, the specialized capabilities of NotebookLM, and the seamless delivery of Google Classroom, before utilizing a Gemini GEM to scale your efficiency.

During this presentation, we will walk through the practical applications of each phase:

Ideate (Gemini): Brainstorming multi-tiered modifications and scaffolded learning plans.

Synthesize (NotebookLM): Transforming grade-level textbooks or articles into accessible, interactive knowledge hubs.

Deliver (Google Classroom): Deploying targeted materials directly to specific student groups.

Automate (Custom GEMs): Saving your go-to modification workflows into a custom assistant for future units.
Speakers
avatar for Shane Asselstine

Shane Asselstine

Educational Specialist, HIDOE State Office
Shane is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to transform teaching and learning. With nearly two decades of experience in Hawaii's education system as a classroom teacher and complex area resource teacher, he has a proven track record of driving successful technology initiatives... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

10:00am HST

Cookie Break
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:10am HST

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:10am HST

10:10am HST

Active Bodies ARE Active Minds: Strategies to Move and Motivate Every Student
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
Transform your classroom into a dynamic environment where purposeful movement drives focus and academic success! In this high-energy session, special education teachers will discover how to use strategic physical activity to naturally redirect challenging behaviors, release restless energy, and sharpen student focus. Participants will walk away with a practical toolkit of total participation techniques designed to boost engagement and motivation while accommodating diverse learning needs. Get ready to experience firsthand how intentional movement can minimize disruptions and unlock your students' full potential!
Speakers
avatar for Robert Kelly

Robert Kelly

Adaptive PE Complex Area Resource Teacher, KKP Complex Area
Bob is a 2013 graduate of Kent State University with a Degree in Physical Education and a Hawaii Certification in Special Education.  Over the years, he has worked with students of all abilities in the PE and classroom settings. He is passionate about movement and works to ensure... Read More →
avatar for Jason Schafer

Jason Schafer

Complex Area EO, Complex-Kau
Jason loves to play and move! He taught elementary physical education for over 10 years on the mainland and now serves as the lead for the KKP complex area health and physical education programs. He strives to ensure that ALL students have access to opportunities for joyful movement... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

10:10am HST

The Ka Lama Compass: Navigating the Path from EA (or E Hire) to Licensed Teacher
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
(session duplicated later today at 12:30 after lunch)
Are you an EA who has been the "backbone" of the classroom for years? Or maybe you’re an emergency hire teacher currently navigating the wilderness without a full compass? If you’ve got the heart for our keiki but need a hand reaching the summit of full licensure, this campfire is for you!
Since 1995, the Ka Lama Education Academy has been on a mission of "Growing Our Own." We know that the best teachers for our community are the ones who already live here, shop at the same stores, and understand the unique heartbeat of our rural and Native Hawaiian neighborhoods.
In this high-energy session, the Ka Lama team will show you how they help community members transition from the sidelines to the center of the classroom. We’re talking about more than just a pep talk—we’re talking about real-world survival gear:
  • College Support & Funding: How to clear the financial brush so you can focus on your studies.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Having a veteran guide by your side so you never have to trek alone.
  • Community-Conscious Curriculum: Learning how to deliver lessons that actually resonate with our students’ lives and cultures.
This session is a "must-attend" for anyone looking to increase their credentials and bridge the cultural gap for our students. We need teachers who our keiki can see themselves in—role models who are rooted in the same soil.
Come find out how to turn your passion into a permanent profession. Let’s grow this forest together!  
Speakers
avatar for Donna Camvel

Donna Camvel

EDUCATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST, INPEACE

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

10:10am HST

Family Engagement & Transition
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
This session in meant for all school staff including special education teachers, general education teachers and parents.  Learn how to work with families in the transition process from high school to adult. Know where resources are and how to engage families in the process.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Kaahanui

Amanda Kaahanui

SPIN Program Specialist, SPIN - the Special Parent Information Network
Amanda Kaahanui works for SPIN - the Special Parent Information Network.  She lives in Ainaloa with her husband and 22-year-old son. Amanda has worked to support her son through his IEPs and is still working on a transition plan for him to work and go to college. She is passionate... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
TBA

10:10am HST

Who’s Leading the Hike? The MGR/ FSC Trail Boss Toolkit: Navigating Classroom Flow & Adult Communication
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
Let’s be real: as a Multi-Grade Resource, FSC, or specialized support teacher, your classroom isn’t just a room—it’s a busy base camp with a lot of "hikers" coming and going! If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to direct traffic in a thunderstorm while simultaneously reading a map, this session is your dry socks and a warm campfire.
Led by a fellow veteran currently trekking the MGR/FSC trails, this workshop is 100% focused on practical, boots-on-the-ground systems to keep your "expedition" moving smoothly. We’re moving past theory and getting into the nitty-gritty of how to manage a diverse crew of adults and a wide range of student needs without losing your compass.
In this session, we’ll gear up with:
  • The Trail Map (Movement): Systems for managing the constant flow of students between Gen Ed, pull-outs, and resource time so no one gets lost in the underbrush.
  • The Radio Frequency (Adult Communication): How to establish clear, respectful, and anti-ableist communication lines with EAs, RBTs, Gen Ed partners, and related service providers.
  • The Group Gear (Individualized Support): Practical ways to provide individualized support across grade levels without burning out your internal battery.
  • Base Camp Logistics: Quick-fire templates and "cheat sheets" for keeping everyone—adults and students alike—on the same path.
Whether you have a team of five EAs or you’re collaborating across three different grade-level teams, come learn how to streamline the "human" side of your classroom so you can focus on what matters: the keiki.
Speakers
RA

Rebecca Akiona

UH Hilo School of Education

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

10:10am HST

AI w/ Shane in Practice: Building a Better AI Workflow
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
Are you trying to adapt curriculum for diverse learners but finding yourself trapped in an endless cycle of copying and pasting between tabs? You aren’t alone. Join us for a hands-on session where we break down a multi-tool Google AI pipeline built specifically for streamlining differentiation in special education. We’ll demonstrate how to link the brainstorming power of Gemini, the specialized capabilities of NotebookLM, and the seamless delivery of Google Classroom, before utilizing a Gemini GEM to scale your efficiency.

During this presentation, we will walk through the practical applications of each phase:

Ideate (Gemini): Brainstorming multi-tiered modifications and scaffolded learning plans.

Synthesize (NotebookLM): Transforming grade-level textbooks or articles into accessible, interactive knowledge hubs.

Deliver (Google Classroom): Deploying targeted materials directly to specific student groups.

Automate (Custom GEMs): Saving your go-to modification workflows into a custom assistant for future units.
Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

11:40am HST

Lunch: Meat Option
Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST
- Karaoke, Sensory Space, or Eat Outside
- Please pick up your lunch at the library
- Lunches may be eaten in the library, breakout session rooms, or outdoors. Remember to dispose of food trash in the outside RED trash bins.
Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST
Library

11:40am HST

Lunch: Vegetarian Option (not vegan)
Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST
- Karaoke, Sensory Space, or Eat Outside
- Please pick up your lunch at the library
- Lunches may be eaten in the library, breakout session rooms, or outdoors. Remember to dispose of food trash in the outside RED trash bins.
Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST
Library

12:30pm HST

☕ Java & Jobs: Fueling the Trek to Adulthood - KKP Work-Based Learning
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST
Are you ready to help our students pack their bags for the ultimate expedition—life after high school? In the world of special education, we know that the "backcountry" of adulthood can be a rugged trek, but Work-Based Learning (WBL) is the compass that keeps our keiki on the right path.
Join us around the campfire as we explore the incredible WBL landscapes within our own KKP 'ohana. From the daily grind of student-run coffee carts to strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we’re doing more than just teaching tasks—we’re brewing independence and mapping out a route to true self-sufficiency.
Whether you’re a seasoned guide or just starting to scout out possibilities for your school, this session is your survival kit. We’ll talk story about:
  • Setting Up Camp: How to launch and manage school-based enterprises (like that legendary coffee cart!).
  • Blazing New Trails: Navigating partnerships with local businesses that actually work for our kids.
  • Survival Skills: Why these real-world experiences are the best "provisions" we can give our students for a successful transition to adulthood.
If you’ve ever wanted to start a WBL program but felt lost in the woods, pull up a stump! We’ll give you the coordinates to get your program off the ground. Let’s work together to ensure no student is left behind at the trailhead.
Speakers
avatar for Robson Silbanuz

Robson Silbanuz

Complex Area Teacher, KKP Complex Area
KKP Sped Resource Teacher. 13 years as Sped Teacher. Passion for guiding our most significant population to living a good life.
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

12:30pm HST

Dismantling Ableism on the Classroom Trail
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST
Grab your flashlights! It’s time to shed some light on the hidden roots and boulders that can trip up even the most well-intentioned educators. In this high-energy panel session, three of our seasoned veteran teachers are opening up their survival kits to look at education through a fierce, anti-ableist lens.
If you’ve ever wondered how to spot systemic ableism (treating disabled people as less than or needing to be "fixed") in our schools and completely reframe your teaching practices to celebrate all neurotypes and abilities, this is your map. We aren't just talking theory here—we’re giving you the actual boots-on-the-ground strategies to ensure our classrooms operate with true lōkahi (unity).

What We’re Packing in Your Utility Belt:
  • An introduction to ableism
  • An overview of an incredible, community-based disabilities course offered right here in Hawai'i
  • A deeply authentic look at navigating the teaching profession as an educator with disabilities—sharing the unique strengths, triumphs, and trail-hazards

Camp Clean-Up Note: In alignment with our camp standards, closed captioning will be fully operational during this breakout session to ensure the trail remains accessible to all campers.
Speakers
avatar for Parker Pratt

Parker Pratt

Pāhoa Elementary School

avatar for Jessica Bacchi

Jessica Bacchi

KKP Complex Area

avatar for Hannah Scherzer

Hannah Scherzer

Special Education Teacher (Math) and SPED Department Head, Pāhoa High & Intermediate School

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

12:30pm HST

The Ka Lama Compass: Navigating the Path from EA (or E Hire) to Licensed Teacher
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST
(session duplicated earlier today at 10:10)
Are you an EA who has been the "backbone" of the classroom for years? Or maybe you’re an emergency hire teacher currently navigating the wilderness without a full compass? If you’ve got the heart for our keiki but need a hand reaching the summit of full licensure, this campfire is for you!
Since 1995, the Ka Lama Education Academy has been on a mission of "Growing Our Own." We know that the best teachers for our community are the ones who already live here, shop at the same stores, and understand the unique heartbeat of our rural and Native Hawaiian neighborhoods.
In this high-energy session, the Ka Lama team will show you how they help community members transition from the sidelines to the center of the classroom. We’re talking about more than just a pep talk—we’re talking about real-world survival gear:
  • College Support & Funding: How to clear the financial brush so you can focus on your studies.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Having a veteran guide by your side so you never have to trek alone.
  • Community-Conscious Curriculum: Learning how to deliver lessons that actually resonate with our students’ lives and cultures.
This session is a "must-attend" for anyone looking to increase their credentials and bridge the cultural gap for our students. We need teachers who our keiki can see themselves in—role models who are rooted in the same soil.
Come find out how to turn your passion into a permanent profession. Let’s grow this forest together!  
Speakers
avatar for Donna Camvel

Donna Camvel

EDUCATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST, INPEACE

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

12:30pm HST

Adapted Physical Education for the FSC/MGR Classroom
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST
Meet the KKPCA Adapted Physical Education Resource Teacher, and learn ways that APE can be used in your MGR/FSC classroom.   We will look at the different levels of APE, and the qualifications for each.  We will learn how to create the best setup for APE in your unique setting, and strategies on how to implement lessons with your students.  Finally, we will go over what an APE session might look like and why.  There will be some examples of activities, so come ready to move!
Speakers
avatar for Jason Schafer

Jason Schafer

Complex Area EO, Complex-Kau
Jason loves to play and move! He taught elementary physical education for over 10 years on the mainland and now serves as the lead for the KKP complex area health and physical education programs. He strives to ensure that ALL students have access to opportunities for joyful movement... Read More →
avatar for Robert Kelly

Robert Kelly

Adaptive PE Complex Area Resource Teacher, KKP Complex Area
Bob is a 2013 graduate of Kent State University with a Degree in Physical Education and a Hawaii Certification in Special Education.  Over the years, he has worked with students of all abilities in the PE and classroom settings. He is passionate about movement and works to ensure... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

12:30pm HST

AI w/ Shane in Practice: Building a Better AI Workflow
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST
Are you trying to adapt curriculum for diverse learners but finding yourself trapped in an endless cycle of copying and pasting between tabs? You aren’t alone. Join us for a hands-on session where we break down a multi-tool Google AI pipeline built specifically for streamlining differentiation in special education. We’ll demonstrate how to link the brainstorming power of Gemini, the specialized capabilities of NotebookLM, and the seamless delivery of Google Classroom, before utilizing a Gemini GEM to scale your efficiency.

During this presentation, we will walk through the practical applications of each phase:

Ideate (Gemini): Brainstorming multi-tiered modifications and scaffolded learning plans.

Synthesize (NotebookLM): Transforming grade-level textbooks or articles into accessible, interactive knowledge hubs.

Deliver (Google Classroom): Deploying targeted materials directly to specific student groups.

Automate (Custom GEMs): Saving your go-to modification workflows into a custom assistant for future units.
Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

2:10pm HST

SPED Slam & Closing
Friday July 17, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm HST

Friday July 17, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm HST
Library
 
2026 KKPCA SPEDucator Conference
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