#NDPC35
Prepare to discover proven strategies that are reshaping how educators connect with at-risk students across the nation. This year's lineup brings together breakthrough approaches from innovative alternative education programs and crisis-tested engagement systems to comprehensive mentoring models and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. You'll explore how student voice transforms classroom management, learn cutting-edge restorative practices that build community rather than just address discipline, and discover how schools are creating pathways that connect graduation to meaningful careers. These aren't theoretical discussions—these are real-world solutions from educators who've navigated hurricanes, pandemics, chronic absenteeism, and systemic challenges while still achieving remarkable results, including National Blue Ribbon recognition and graduation rates that exceed state averages by significant margins.
Description: Discover how integrating student voice into classroom management creates inclusive, engaging environments that reduce disciplinary issues and prevent dropout. Learn research-backed strategies including collaborative rule-setting, restorative practices, and student-led initiatives specifically designed for at-risk students.
Presenter: Dr. Gina Upshaw, Director
School District of Philadelphia
Bio: Dr. Gina Upshaw brings over 20 years of education experience, having served as teacher, principal, and director. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Arcadia University and focuses on dropout prevention in Philadelphia’s high schools. Her dissertation explored student voice as a tool to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.
Description: Explore an innovative alternative education program designed for high school students at risk of dropping out. Operating outside regular school hours, Cyclone Academy uses small group instruction, project-based learning, and strong student-teacher relationships to re-engage students struggling with traditional schedules or school-related anxiety.
Presenters: Lynn Gaffney, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; Larry Schmiegel, Superintendent of Schools; Matthew Burdick, Director of Student Empowerment and Success
Watertown City School District
Description: Learn strategies to turn around underperforming schools through attendance interventions, seat time recovery plans, and data analysis. Address chronic absenteeism, tackle educator burnout, and discover how small changes create significant improvements in school performance, climate, and culture.
Presenters: Tara Cooper, Graduation Coach; Hilary Dickerson, Graduation Coach
Pelion High School – Lexington County School District 1 (SC)
Description: Move beyond discipline-focused restorative practices to build daily community connection. Learn practical strategies including affective statements, affective questioning, and engaging circles that help at-risk students develop empathy, self-reflection, and see their future potential more positively.
Presenter: Roni Winston, Student Recovery & Section 504 Coordinator
Cumberland County Schools (NC)
Bio: Roni Winston has over 15 years in education and serves as Student Recovery/Section 504 Consultant for Cumberland County Schools. She oversees district-wide compliance, trains coordinators, and develops dropout prevention initiatives. She is also a certified district trainer in Restorative Practices.
Description: Discover intentional strategies and positive behavioral approaches for supporting unique learners with disabilities in general education settings. Learn how one school system created an inclusive movement that provides smoother paths to graduation and post-secondary success for all students.
Presenters: Meghan LeFevers, District Behavior Specialist; Kim Harmon, District Behavior Specialist
Gaston County Schools, NC
Description: Learn to identify students who qualify for McKinney Vento protections and how to implement the law effectively. Discover techniques for building awareness within your district and providing resources that help students experiencing homelessness feel supported and confident in achieving graduation goals.
Presenter: Kylee Fuhr, District Homeless Liaison
St. Lucie Public Schools, FL
Bio: Kylee Fuhr serves as District Homeless Liaison for 2,500 students experiencing homelessness in St. Lucie Public Schools for the past eight years. She has presented at numerous national and state conferences and serves on several community boards including Impact 100 of St. Lucie and the Homeless Advisory Council.
Description: Gain practical strategies for building meaningful relationships with at-risk students facing academic, emotional, or social challenges. Learn to create safe, inclusive environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued while developing communication skills for students who have experienced adversity.
Presenters: Jasmine Cohen, School Social Worker; Jewelwanda Stenson, School Social Worker
Berkeley County School District, SC
Description: Explore proven strategies for implementing school-based mentoring programs that reduce dropout rates while fostering college, career, and community readiness. Learn practical tools for program design, mentor training, and evaluation methods that lead to improved academic performance and higher graduation rates.
Presenters: Dr. Tarol Clements, Senior Manager; Tracy Gorea, Lead Advisor
Memphis Shelby County Schools’ Project STAND
Description: Learn sustainable, student-centered systems developed through extreme challenges including hurricanes, school closures, and pandemic disruption. Discover how departmentalization, collaborative lesson study, student goal-setting, and celebration systems create engagement that helps students remain connected and successful despite chronic absenteeism and academic gaps.
Presenter: Natasha O’Halloran-Smith, Principal
Ricardo Richards Elementary School – US Virgin Islands Department of Education
Bio: Natasha O’Halloran-Smith has 25 years in education, including 17 years in administration. She currently leads Ricardo Richards Elementary School, a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School recognized for closing the achievement gap. She’s known for trauma-informed practices, equity-centered leadership, and transforming school cultures through innovative strategies.
Memphis Shelby County Schools’ Project STAND
Description: Discover how to transform your educational practice with artificial intelligence while addressing common misconceptions and implementation challenges. Learn proven strategies for upgrading existing lessons into high-rigor, high-relevance experiences that build student resilience, and explore how AI can serve as a force multiplier to win back valuable time for teachers and administrators. This session covers practical applications from creating quality substitute plans in 90 seconds to connecting with community businesses effortlessly, plus essential guidance on developing comprehensive AI policies and professional development frameworks that ensure safe, effective integration from boardroom to classroom.
Presenter: Thomas Hawkins, Manager of Content and Innovation
Successful Practices Network/National Dropout Prevention Center
Bio: Thomas Hawkins serves as Manager of Content and Innovation for the Successful Practices Network and National Dropout Prevention Center. He travels extensively across the nation working with school districts to develop comprehensive AI integration strategies, policy frameworks, and professional development programs. Thomas specializes in helping educators transform traditional practices through artificial intelligence while maintaining the critical human elements that make education effective.
Join K-12 professionals from across the nation who are getting real results with proven Dropout Prevention methods
