WVUSD Mini-University 2025: Full Schedule

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10:15am PST

Check Your Tech Time-Saver Knowledge & Practice! (45 Min)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

Test your knowledge of time-saving tech tips and get a chance to try unfamiliar ones.

Test your knowledge of time-saving tech tips! Check off the skills you know, discover new ones, and practice those you haven’t tried before. Walk away with useful tech tips to boost your efficiency!

Speakers

Tuyet Van Nguyen

Technology, WVUSD

Chris Koh

Technology Tech, WVUSD

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-7

All Staff, Ed Tech

10:15am PST

Customer Service - Negotiating Intentionally Created Experiences (N.I.C.E.) (45 Minutes)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-4

Every single moment of engagement with a valued customer presents a prime opportunity to go above and beyond in the realm of customer service, ultimately contributing to a heightened and memorable customer encounter. By seizing each of these moments with care, attention, and enthusiasm, one has the power to leave a lasting positive impression and elevate the entirety of the customer's journey and satisfaction. Through attentiveness to detail, responsiveness to needs, and a genuine commitment to customer-centric practices, one can transform routine interactions into extraordinary experiences that leave a mark on both the customer and the brand as a whole. In this way, the cumulative effect of these moments of exceptional service is to foster loyalty, trust, and advocacy among customers, building a strong foundation for long-term relationships and business success.

Speakers

Emmalyn Coles

Director of Nutrition Services, Nutrition Services

I am an accomplished Director of Nutrition Services for Walnut Valley USD with a rich culinary arts and business administration background. With a degree from The Culinary Academy, San Francisco, I bring practical and creative expertise. Equipped with a Master's Degree in Business... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-4

All Staff, Customer Service

10:15am PST

Drowning in Email? There's a Better Way: Google Chat (45 Minutes)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-19

Stop drowning in email! Learn how Google Chat can streamline communication and boost collaboration within your school. This session will explore practical ways to use Chat for quick questions, team projects, and staying connected with colleagues, saving you valuable time and improving workflows. We'll cover features like spaces, direct messages, and integrations with Google Drive.

Please join the Mini U Space, https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAL7sQsIA?cls=4 ahead of time for a hands on experience.

Speakers

Kevin Wendland

Technology Coach, Technology

A dedicated educator with 16 years of experience teaching mathematics and 6 years serving as a technology coach. Passionate about integrating educational technology to enhance learning outcomes and streamline workflows. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues to maximize their efficiency... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-19

All Staff, Ed Tech

10:15am PST

Inside a GLC's Office (45 Minutes)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-1

This presentation offers a look at typical conversations a Grade Level Coordinator has with the students on his or her caseload. I’ve worked with thousands of students in my 22 years as a GLC, and this look behind the counseling office door provides teachers and administrators a glimpse at some of the issues and concerns for students in our schools. My hope is that folks will leave this session with realistic strategies and ideas for helping students make the best decisions for their academic futures as well as for their mental and physical health.

Covered topics may include:
• Over-extended: How many AP and honors courses are appropriate and healthy?
• Over-extended II: How do extracurriculars fit in and why do they “look good for college?”
• A-G requirements and issues we need to remind students about
• Decisions: What are the most important factors in deciding which university to apply to/attend?
• Stress: Indicators/signs of stress and talking points for stressed and anxious students.
The goal of this presentation is to empower more people to have good conversations that alleviate stress and help students make the best, healthiest decisions for themselves.

Speakers

Dave Desmond

Grade Level Coordinator, Diamond Bar High School

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-1

All Staff

10:15am PST

Medicare 101: Understanding Medicare & Kaiser's Senior Advantage Plan (45 Minutes)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-8

Kaiser Permanente is holding an educational session on Medicare. This session will focus on the details of Kaiser's Senior Advantage Plan, a healthcare package tailored for seniors with benefits and coverage options to meet their unique needs. Attendees can expect to gain insights, get answers to their questions, and learn about how the plan can be a comprehensive solution for their healthcare needs in their later years.

Speakers

Nancy Gutierrez

Associate Account Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-8

All Staff

10:15am PST

Origami for Calm & Wellness: Highlighting mental health, diversity, and inclusion through art and reflection (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

K10

Participants will experience an artistic and meditative workshop through journaling, coloring, origami, and discussions that will offer a stress-relieving break from the rush of Mini-U and a resource for getting to know more about their students (and themselves). During the session, participants will reflect on their own identity, share stories with other participants, and brainstorm ideas on how to further promote calm, wellness, and the arts in their classrooms or workplaces

Speakers

Albert David Valderrama

Physics Teacher, Walnut High School

Albert David has taught physics at Walnut High School since 2021 and has also had experience working at Covina Valley USD, Long Beach USD, Compton College, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Riverside. Prior to teaching physics, Albert David taught English in Japan and served as a cultural... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
K10

All Staff, SEL

10:15am PST

Planning for Retirement: A Comprehensive Workshop (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-13

Alex Apodaca from Schools First Federal Credit Union will be leading a specialized workshop on retirement planning tailored for educators. With his expertise in finance, attendees can expect to learn about various retirement benefits, savings options, investment strategies, pension plans, and social security benefits to make informed decisions about their financial future. This workshop aims to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of retirement planning, covering topics such as 403b plans, IRAs, annuities, and other investment vehicles. Whether at the beginning of a career or closer to retirement, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tips to help secure a financially sound future.

Speakers

Alex Apodaca

Financial Advisor, Schools First Federal Credit Union

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-13

All Staff, Financial Planning

10:15am PST

Strategic Financial Planning for Success (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-12

Shannon Workman of School's First will host a session on Financial Planning, utilizing her expertise in financial matters to offer valuable insights and strategies for attendees to improve their financial acumen and build long-term economic stability. The session is highly anticipated and aims to educate and empower participants on the importance of financial planning.

Speakers

Shannon Workman

Executive Director, Financial Education Programs, Schools First Federal Credit Union

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-12

All Staff, Financial Planning

10:15am PST

Understanding Your Paycheck (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-11

The Payroll Team will provide an overview of how paychecks are structured, detailing the components of each paycheck, including the various deduction sections. We will explain the the different payroll schedules for Classified and Certificated employees.

Additionally, we will focus on empowering employees by teaching them how to read and understand their paychecks. This includes identifying key elements such as gross pay, net pay, and various deductions, as well as how to interpret any additional information included on the paycheck. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring clarity and understanding of their paycheck stubs.

Speakers

Yasmeen Najmi

Fiscal Specialist, WVUSD

Gauri Rao

Payroll Specialist, WVUSD

Susan Ibarra

Director of Fiscal Services, Fiscal Services

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-11

All Staff, Financial Planning

10:15am PST

Waiting to Excel (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-15

Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, how it differs from Google Sheets, and how to use it represent data numerically as well as graphically.

Speakers

Scott York

Electives Teacher, Chaparral Middle School

I taught Microsoft applications for 15 years and spent the last 8 teaching Digital Video Production and Photography. I have been a professional photographer/videographer for the last 20 years and a youtube partner since 2021.

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-15

All Staff, Ed Tech

10:15am PST

Autism Foundations - Diving Deep into Understanding (90 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST

B-3

This presentation invites all staff members to explore and understand the fundamentals of autism. Autism is a complex and multifaceted condition, and through my years of teaching and working with individuals on the autism spectrum, I’ve realized that many people are unfamiliar with its nuances.

The purpose of this presentation is to break down the intricate aspects of autism, highlighting its diverse characteristics and unique qualities. By fostering a deeper understanding, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals with autism, empowering everyone to engage meaningfully.

I also presented this to our staff in October and they encouraged me to present it here at Mini University.

Speakers

Kevin Troudy

Special Education Teacher, South Pointe Middle School

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST
B-3

All Staff, Special Education

11:15am PST

Check Your Tech Time-Saver Knowledge & Practice! (45 Min) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-7

Speakers

Tuyet Van Nguyen

Technology, WVUSD

Chris Koh

Technology Tech, WVUSD

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-7

All Staff, Ed Tech

11:15am PST

Customer Service - Negotiating Intentionally Created Experiences (N.I.C.E.) (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-4

Speakers

Emmalyn Coles

Director of Nutrition Services, Nutrition Services

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-4

All Staff, Customer Service

11:15am PST

Living a Heart-Centered Life (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-5 & E-6 (Combined Room)

What does it mean to create and live a heart-centered life? Regie Routman, along with Jeanette Koh, will discuss what it means to “see” and celebrate all members of the school community, value storytelling, create a trusting and joyful school culture, and promote civic character. Regie Routman is the author of the book, The Heart-Centered Teacher: Restoring Hope, Joy, and Possibility in Uncertain Times. Regie Routman will present virtually as Jeanette Koh facilitates the discussion with the live audience.

Speakers

Regie Routman

Author

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-5 & E-6 (Combined Room)

All Staff, SEL

11:15am PST

Maximizing Destiny Discover: A Teacher’s Guide to Classroom Integration (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-1

This session will help you understand how students log in and utilize Destiny Discover to find eBooks, listen to audio books, research topics and enhance student engagement.

Speakers

Nikko Gonzales

Educational Technology Specialist, Technology

With over 17 years of public service experience—including 12 years in systems administration and technical support—I have dedicated my career to enhancing technology in government and education. I began my journey at the City of Whittier, working in both the Public Library and... Read More →

Tuyet Van Nguyen

Technology, WVUSD

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-1

All Staff

11:15am PST

Medicare 101: Understanding Medicare & Kaiser's Senior Advantage Plan (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-8

Speakers

Nancy Gutierrez

Associate Account Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-8

All Staff

11:15am PST

Origami for Calm & Wellness: Highlighting mental health, diversity, and inclusion through art and reflection (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

K10

Speakers

Albert David Valderrama

Physics Teacher, Walnut High School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
K10

All Staff, SEL

11:15am PST

Planning for Retirement: A Comprehensive Workshop (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-13

Speakers

Alex Apodaca

Financial Advisor, Schools First Federal Credit Union

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-13

All Staff

11:15am PST

Reclaim Your Time: AI Tools for Educators (BRISK & NoteboookLM) (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-19

Drowning in lesson plans, grading, and administrative tasks? Discover how AI can be your secret weapon! This training will equip you with the skills to use BRISK and NotebookLM to automate tasks, personalize learning, and free up your time to focus on what matters most: your students.

Speakers

Kevin Wendland

Technology Coach, Technology

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-19

All Staff, Artificial Intelligence

11:15am PST

Strategic Financial Planning for Success (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-12

Speakers

Shannon Workman

Executive Director, Financial Education Programs, Schools First Federal Credit Union

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-12

All Staff, Financial Planning

11:15am PST

Waiting to Excel (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-15

Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, how it differs from Google Sheets, and how to use it represent data numerically as well as graphically

Speakers

Scott York

Electives Teacher, Chaparral Middle School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-15

All Staff, Ed Tech

11:15am PST

You Teach Who You Are: The Inner & Outer Work of Teaching (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-2

We show up to work with our whole selves. For this presentation we will explore and acknowledge our identity markers that impact our pedagogy. We will take a brief exploration around the neuroscience behind engagement and learning, and the call for equity in our instruction, environment, and approach with students.

Speakers

Dee Wilson

Cotsen Mentor, Vejar Elementary

I have been in elementary education for 10 years. I am currently serving as a coach for educators. I've worked in Whittier City School District and Walnut Valley for the last 6 years. Let's chat about SEL, Equity, Family Partnerships, and all things education.

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-2

All Staff, SEL

WVUSD Mini-University 2025