Claremont USD Districtwide Staff Development Day - August 26, 2026

Participants will learn how to cultivate safe, supported and structured classrooms that will meet student’s emotional and behavioral needs, while equipping staff with tools to foster emotionally healthy learning environments without sacrificing their own energy, boundaries, or joy.

Curipod is an intuitive, student-centered tool that helps you create interactive lessons in minutes. In this hands-on session, you’ll explore features like live polls, word clouds, drawing prompts, and brainstorm boards—all accessible on student iPads. Whether you’ve used tools like Nearpod before or are trying something new, you’ll leave with a ready-to-use activity and practical ideas to boost engagement across any grade level or subject.
Participants will leave this session with a clear understanding of how to use Curipod to create interactive, student-centered lessons that promote engagement and critical thinking. They’ll gain hands-on experience with key features like polls, word clouds, drawing prompts, and brainstorm boards, and walk away with a ready-to-use activity tailored to their grade level and content area. They'll also leave with practical ideas for using Curipod on student iPads and strategies for integrating it into daily instruction with minimal prep time.
Staff will benefit by gaining a versatile, time-saving tool that makes lessons more engaging without adding to their workload. Curipod helps teachers gather real-time student thinking, promote participation from all learners, and support inquiry-based instruction across content areas. With easy iPad access and intuitive design, it empowers teachers to create meaningful interactions that enhance both teaching and learning.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) enhances students' ability to integrate skills, attitudes, and behaviors to navigate daily tasks and challenges effectively and ethically. In this participatory workshop, participants will explore fun and engaging arts-based strategies that promote self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Whether you’re new to arts integration and SEL or looking to expand your toolkit, we have many new strategies to share. This session welcomes educators at all levels of experience.
A beautiful way to begin the school year, this hands-on session supports both educator and student wellness. Participants will leave with practical strategies to foster strong classroom communities and deeper student engagement.
By integrating the arts into your practice, you’ll enhance student learning, engagement, and mental wellness. This session aligns with culturally responsive teaching practices that honor student identity, promote equity and inclusivity, and nurture critical thinking.

This professional development session provides educators with a foundational understanding of restorative practices as developed by the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP). Participants will explore the principles and strategies that foster positive relationships, build community, and effectively address conflict through restorative methods. The training will cover proactive techniques such as restorative circles, affective statements, and relationship-building strategies, as well as responsive approaches to conflict resolution and behavior management. Educators will leave with practical tools to create a more inclusive, accountable, and supportive learning environment.
Implementing restorative practices not only transforms student experiences but also positively impacts teachers and school staff in the following ways: Stronger Classroom & School Culture – By fostering positive relationships and a sense of community, staff experience a more respectful and cooperative learning environment; Reduced Discipline Issues – Restorative approaches proactively address behavior, leading to fewer disruptions, referrals, and conflicts, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction; More Meaningful Student Connections – Teachers develop deeper relationships with students, leading to increased trust, engagement, and a stronger sense of mutual respect; Improved Conflict Resolution Skills – Staff learn effective strategies to address and resolve conflicts constructively, creating a more peaceful and supportive school climate; Lower Stress & Burnout – A restorative approach shifts discipline from punishment to problem-solving, reducing frustration and emotional strain for educators; Increased Collaboration – Restorative practices encourage open communication and teamwork among staff, strengthening professional relationships and a shared commitment to student success.
By the end of this professional development, teachers will:
• Understand the Core Principles – Gain insight into the philosophy and research behind restorative practices and how they contribute to a positive school climate.
• Develop Relationship-Building Strategies – Learn proactive techniques, such as restorative circles and affective statements, to strengthen connections with students and colleagues.
• Enhance Classroom Management – Discover how restorative approaches can be used to address behavior issues while fostering accountability and personal growth.
• Apply Conflict Resolution Skills – Practice using restorative conversations and interventions to repair harm and rebuild trust within the school community.
• Create a More Inclusive Environment – Learn strategies for ensuring all students feel valued, heard, and supported in their learning.
• Teachers will leave with practical tools and strategies they can immediately implement to build a more restorative, engaged, and supportive classroom culture.