On a day when students were scheduled to go home early, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk teachers and staff stayed through the afternoon to continue their personal learning during a professional development session. The session was broken down into mini seminars all focused around the theme of empathy. Teachers and staff chose from a list of offerings that touched on culturally responsive teaching, issues around trauma and mental health, and using tech to support personalized learning.

Presenters from in- and outside the district worked with teachers and staff to expand their understanding on a variety of topics including, drugs and social media awareness, mindfulness in education, trauma sensitivity, and yoga. Each subject matter allowed its participants to explore student learning beyond classroom.

A special thanks to the presenters:

• Ellen Dragonette, Instructor, Yana Yoga
• Bethany Gonyea, Albany Peace Project
• Leah Johnson, Instructor, Radiance Hot Yoga
• Amber LaPointe, Owner, Yana Yoga
• Dr. Tammy Robinson, Director, Skribblers Magazine; Instructional Support
• Specialist, University at Albany
• Investigator Thomas Praisner, Office of Professional Standards Unit Albany County Sheriffs
• Dr. Brian Bailey, Superintendent, RCS
• Cara Buckley, Instructional Technologist, RCS
• Renee DiStefano, Computer Teaching Assistant, RCS
• Debra Neubart, Principal, A.W. Becker Elementary School
• Dr. Lisa Patierne, Principal, RCS High School
• Lori Rohan, Teacher, RCS Middle School
• Joe Slichko, Asst. Principal, RCS High School