2024 K-12 Administrator's Annual Private School Workshop
Dates: Friday and Saturday, October 25-26, 2024
NOTE: Save these Dates in the 2024-2025 School Year Planning Schedule. 
LOCATION:Trinity Episcopal Church School
2365 Pine Ave.
Vero Beach, FL 32960
TIME: Workshop Begins at 9:00 a.m. sharp each day.
COST: The Registration Fee for member schools is $179. Additional attendees from the same school are just $69 each.
NOTE: Early Registration is just $149 for the first team member and just $49 for each additional attendee. (Must be received or post marked on or before 10-20-24 for the Early Registration discount.)
LODGING:
There are a number of hotels close to the school and near multiple restaurants at the I-95 interchange, including, but not limited to:
Home2 Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton by Hilton, Best Western Plus, Fairfield .
Download the Registration Form Here . . .
Friday, October 25th 2024
8:30-9:00 Registration
Get signed in and enjoy coffee and snacks provided by Palm Beach Atlantic University.
9:00 - 9:30: Main Auditorium
Opening Praise and Worship: Gary Griffis
Morning Devotion: Joe Gibilisco, FCCPSA President
9:30 - 10:15: Main Auditorium
Michael Phillips
What is "Education" For?
If this school is a "mission" it must be called to be here.
10:15-10:30 Special Presentation:
Alyssa Oyen
Palm Beach Atlantic University: Dual Enrollment Update
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45 - 11:30: Main Auditorium
Danielle Maroff
Examples of Educational Practices based on a school's unique Purpose:
Trauma Informed Teaching Practices
11:30 - 11:45: Main Auditorium
Round Table Discussion
K-12 School Administrators share unique and special programs that have been incorporated into their school culture based on the defined purpose of the school's operation.
11:45-12:00 Special Presentation:
20% discount for FCCPSA schools that would like staff members to attend the Schools United Conference in February (2/14/25 at Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale). Plus, Schools United would like to gift Heads of School/Principals in FCCPSA a FREE ticket.
Link to Schools United Conference
11:45-12:00 Associaton of Christian Schools and Teachers (ACTS) Teacher Conference:
February 14, 2025, Calvary City Christian Academy & Preschool. Orlando, FL
Link to ACTS Conference Schedule
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch Break:
12:45 - 1:15: Main Auditorium
Kevin Menear
Embracing Generative AI in Christian Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI, is rapidly transforming education. This session offers Christian school administrators a clear understanding of what Generative AI is and how it's impacting students and schools. We'll explore its benefits and pitfalls, ensuring its use aligns with a biblical worldview and educational goals.
Key Topics:
Outcomes:
Attendees will gain a balanced understanding of Generative AI, empowering them to make informed decisions about integrating it into their schools while upholding their Christian mission.
1:20 - 1:50: Main Auditorium
Kevin Menear
Implementing AI in Christian Schools: Policies and Best Practices
With AI's growing presence, establishing clear policies is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Christian education. This session guides administrators in developing and implementing AI policies that address both opportunities and challenges in classrooms and operations.
Key Topics:
Participants will leave with actionable insights to develop AI policies that enhance educational experiences while safeguarding their school's Christian ethos.
Overall Goal:
Equip Christian school administrators with the knowledge and tools to navigate AI's complexities, ensuring its adoption enhances educational excellence without compromising foundational Christian principles.
1:50-2:00 Break
2:00 - 2:30 Main Auditorium
Liz DarnellSchool Essentials: The Administrative/Policy and Procedures Manual
The importance of having an Operations Manual for Training, Change in Leadership, and Consistency in the day to day operations. In conjunction with a thorough Admin Calendar, it is the backbone of your operations and a key component to accreditation
Liz Darnell has the experience of organizing a high quality Christian Private School as well as developing the training program to ensure the school's continued success based on its foundation principles under the next generation of leadership. Her experience as a team member on dozens of Accreditation site visits is also a plus.
2:00 - 2:30: Track B:
Jim Lawson
Introduction to the FCCPSA Accreditation Process.
What is the Internal Review?
Is my school ready to take the next step?
2:30-3:15 Main Auditorium
Steve Lindquist, Chief Operating Officer, ACTSWhat makes a school a Christian school?
The Importance of Mission, Vision, and Core Values centered in a Biblical Worldview
In today’s school market, there are a variety of options for parents to choose from, even in the title “Christian School”. The ability for a school to clearly articulate their mission, vision, and core values determines the parents’ choice for their students’ education. The key to a Christian School is having those foundation statements based in a Christian Worldview. This session is designed for those who are writing new foundation statements, revising current foundations statements, or those who are looking to make mission-critical decisions in their school.
2:30 - 3:15: Track B:
Jim Lawson
Completing the Self-Study and preparing for the Site Visit.
Sample Site Visit schedule.
But everything is not "perfect" yet!
3:15-3:45 : Main Auditorium
Wrap Up and and Q & A
Saturday, October 26th 2024
8:30-9:00 Registration and Check-In
Welcome back! Enjoy coffee and snacks hosted by .
9:00 - 9:30 Main Auditorium
Welcome and FCCPSA Business Meeting
9:30 - 10:00: Main Auditorium
Michael Phillips
Legislative Update, Part One:
So many legislative changes, so little time. (Maybe there will be a handout with notes.)
10:00 - 10:30: Main Auditorium
Steve Hicks
Legislative Update, Part Two: Scholarship Funding and Process Issues
We have known and worked with Steve through our mutual association in FAANS for many years. Working together we can affect the policy, procedural, and legislative changes needed to make the necessary changes in the processing of scholarships for the benefit of all our schools and the students we serve.
Link to Florida Coalition of Scholarship Schools
10:30 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 11:15: Main Auditorium
Mike Johnson: NRA School Shield Program
School security is a complex issue with no simple, single solution. The NRA School Shield program is committed to addressing the many facets of school security, including best practices in security infrastructure, technology, personnel, training, and policy. Through this multidimensional effort, NRA School Shield seeks to engage communities and empower leaders to help make our schools more secure.
11:15 - 11:45: Main Auditorium
Donald Lawson, Amy Davis, and Jim Lawson
School Security, Part One: Access Control:
Donald Lawson from Smart Solutions provides updates on technology that helps you control who has access to your campus, as well as tracking individuals approaching access points and on campus.
School Security, Part Two: Emergency Procedures:
Amy Davis discusses the critical need for detailed Emergency Procedures and the training to school wide, Emergency Procedures and the training to ensure that every member of your team is engaged in the plan for a wide range of situations.
School Security, Part Three: Last Line of Defense:
When an active shooter gains access to a school campus, someone dies every fifteen seconds (not counting injuries) on average. One of the hardest decisions a School Board or Administrator has to make is what level armed security to have on campus, if any. The Florida School Guardian Program is one of those options.
11:45 - 12:00: Main Auditorium
Wrap up and Member Survey
Guest Speakers:
Joe Gibilisco
FCCPSA President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as the Director of Early Learning Standards and Accreditation, Founder and Head of School for Deltona Christian Academy.
Michael Phillips
Board Member and Director of Legislative Affairs for the FCCPSA, Headmaster Smith Preparatory Academy.
Smith Prep
Gary Griffis
Principal Gary Griffis has a clear calling to serve God through ministry and education. He began teaching private piano lessons while still in high school and has been involved in ministry and education for most of his life.
OPCA
Danielle Maroff
Headmaster of Wellmont Academy in St. Petersburg. Learn about the unique programs they offer to meet the needs of their students and fullfill their Vision and Purpose.
Wellmont Academy
Steve Lindquist
Chief Operating Officer, ACTS
Kevin Menear
Kevin Menear is a passionate teacher and scientist dedicated to ensuring every child is given the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential. With over 15 years of experience teaching students from Pre-K to 12th grade, including nine years as a secondary mathematics and STEM teacher in private Christian schools, Kevin has impacted the lives of countless young learners.
Kevin holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and currently serves as a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. His work focuses on supercomputers and Artificial Intelligence, exploring the cutting-edge technologies that are changing our world.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Kevin is a devoted husband and father of four. His commitment to family and faith informs his approach to education, emphasizing the development of both intellect and character in the next generation.
Liz Darnell
One of the original Board Members for the FCCPSA, the founder of The Rock Academy in Sanford, Florida, first editor of the K-12 Accreditation Standards and an Accreditation Consultant for Vineyard Education Group.
Donald Lawson
Surveillance Systems and Access Control are key components of securing your campus.
Smart Solutions
Steve Hicks
Steve is the President of the Florida Coalition of Scholarship Schools, (formerly the McKay Coalition) and the Chief Operations Officer for Center Academy Schools.
FloridaCoalition.org
Mike Johnson
Security Assessor Training
NRASchoolShield.org
Amy Davis
Amy is the Head of School for Classical Christian Academy in North Ft. Myers, and the Chairman of the FCCPSA Board of Directors.
Jim Lawson
One of the founders of Families of Faith Christian Academy International and serves the FCCPSA as the Director of K-12 Standards and Accreditation.
