Leading the Effective 21st Century Middle School

Workshop Description

Workshop Leader Bio(s)

Kathy Christoph

An ISM workshop instructor since 1995, Kathy co-leads Leading the Effective 21st Century Middle School with Matthew Stuart. Kathy is the Head of Middle School at Dwight-Englewood School (NJ). Formerly the Head of Pen Ryn School (PA), she has also served as Head of the Middle School at Columbus School for Girls (OH) and The Tatnall School (DE). Kathy provided leadership and her special expertise in change initiatives around issues pertaining to adolescents. Under her direction, each school developed a mission and framework that reflect the “best practices” of exemplary middle schools. Teachers and students formed teams; flexible block scheduling was implemented; daily advisory became integral to the program; and the entire middle school community comes together every day for announcements. The curriculum at each school is delivered in a variety of ways, from traditional to interdisciplinary to integrated. Different learning styles have been addressed, as have alternative assessment methods and multiple intelligences.

Kathy also served as a teacher at Orchard Country Day School (IN), where she led the team that was instrumental in developing the school’s interdisciplinary approach to curriculum and the implementation of flexible block scheduling.

She has presented at the NMSA National Convention as well as the Nuts and Bolts Symposium in Boulder, CO. Kathy has a MS and a BS from Indiana University and has completed all coursework toward an EdD degree from Indiana University.

Matthew Stuart

Head of School at The Caedmon School (NY), Matthew leads co-leads Leading the Effective 21st Century Middle School during ISM Summer Institute. Selected as a Joseph Klingenstein Fellow in 1998-99 and a NAIS/E.E. Ford Fellow in 2004, Matthew has presented at a number of conferences, including NAIS, NYSAIS, AIMS, ACIS, and NAES, on curriculum and other topics. 

He served as Head of Middle School at The Town School (NY) before joining Caedmon, Director of the Middle School at the National Cathedral School (DC) from 2002-2006, and prior to that was a Department Head at The Spence School (NY), directing a K-12 performing arts department. In that position he was responsible for hiring, supervising, and evaluating 12 full- and part-time faculty, and mentoring new teachers. He facilitated the department’s multicultural curriculum, and coordinated classes, rehearsals, and performances. Matthew joined the faculty at Spence in 1989, teaching public speaking, drama, theatre history, and serving as the school’s theatre director during his entire tenure. Prior to joining Spence, Matthew directed the middle school drama program at The Hewitt School (NY), and was a professional theatre director in New York City.

Matthew holds a MA in education administration from Columbia University (NY), and a BFA from Syracuse University (NY).

Schedule

6-DAY WORKSHOP

Sunday:
3–3:30 p.m.: Pick up your nametag 
3:30–5:30 p.m.: Session 
5:45–6:30 p.m.: Reception
6:30–7:30 p.m.: Dinner with ISM 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session
10–10:30 a.m.: Break
10:30–11:45 a.m.: Session
12–1:30 p.m.: Lunch 
1:30–3 p.m.: Session
3–3:15 p.m.: Break
3:15–4:45 p.m.: Session 
5–6 p.m.: Reception

Wednesday:
7:30-8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session
10–10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15–11:45 a.m.: Session
12–1:30 p.m.: Lunch on your own
1:30–4:45 p.m.: Optional session at the leader's discretion
5:45-6:30 p.m.: Reception
6:30–7:30 p.m.: Dinner with ISM 

Last day:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session
(Salt Lake City concludes at 10 a.m.) 

FAQ

1. What does my registration fee include?

All workshop costs, materials, continental breakfasts, dinners on Sunday and/or Wednesday; lunches on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Thursday and Friday; breaks, and social hours are included in your workshop fee.

2. What is not included in my registration fee?

Hotel accommodations, travel expenses, other meals, and sightseeing are not covered by your workshop fee.

3. Where am I going?

Marriott Salt Lake City Center
220 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: 800-266-9432
Fax: 866-961-8704
Once you have registered for a workshop, please make your hotel reservation online here. Room rates are $149/night if booked before June 1, 2013.

The Marriott City Center is Salt Lake's only AAA Four Diamond Marriott. Among all its amenities, you receive complimentary high-speed wireless or hardwired Internet in guestrooms and complimentary wireless in the lobby areas, and complimentary 24-hour access to the Fitness Center and Business Center. 

The hotel is one block away from the newly opened City Creek Center, one of the country's largest urban projects. Nordstrom's Macy's. Tiffany's, Coach, Michael Kors, and Brooks Brothers anchor the mall, which includes a good variety of dining options for every appetite and taste. Check out the Web site:  www.citycreekcenter.com

4. How do I get there?

By plane: Salt Lake City Airport is 7 miles west of the hotel. Take I-80 East to the City Center/600 South exit. Continue on 600 South and turn left on State Street. Hotel is three blocks on left hand side. Take a legal u-turn into property. Express Shuttle service from the airport to the hotel is $7 each way. Call 800-397-0773 for reservations.

By train:The Amtrak station is 2 miles west of the hotel

By car: Click here and put in your starting address for driving directions. Self-parking for workshop participants is free at the hotel; valet parking is $12 a day.

5. What should I wear?

Temperatures in Salt Lake City can be warm (85-95) degrees, however, the classrooms and guest rooms are air-conditioned so bring a sweater in case the rooms are too cool. Dress is casual. Wear whatever is comfortable – jeans, shorts, etc. For current weather conditions, we recommend checking the Salt Lake report at http://www.weather.com/.

6. What will the workshop schedule be like?

The meals and social hours listed on this agenda are included as part of your workshop fee.

Start Day, Sunday or Wednesday:
3–3:30 p.m.: Check in
3:30–5:30 p.m.: Session 
5:45–7:30 p.m.: Social and Dinner with ISM

Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, Friday:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session
10–10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15–11:45 a.m.: Session
12–1:30 p.m.: Lunch with ISM
1:30–3 p.m.: Session
3–3:15 a.m.: Break
3:15–4:45 p.m.: Session 
5–6 p.m.: Social ISM

Last Day, Wednesday or Saturday:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:15-10 a.m.: Session

6-DAY WORKSHOP

Sunday:
3-3:30 p.m.: Check in
3:30-5:30 p.m.: Session 
5:45–7:30 p.m.: Social and Dinner with ISM 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session
10–10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15–11:45 a.m.: Session
12–1:30 p.m.: Lunch on your own
1:30–3 p.m.: Session
3–3:15 a.m.: Break
3:15–4:45 p.m.: Session 
5–6 p.m.: Social ISM

Wednesday:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session
10–10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15–1:45 a.m.: Session
12–1:30 p.m: Lunch on your own
1:30–4:45 p.m.: Optional session at the leader's discretion
5:45–7:30 p.m.: Social and Dinner with ISM

Saturday:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.: Session

7. What should I bring?

Each workshop is different. Your workshop leader will contact you about materials to bring. In general, though, our participants enjoy sharing information. If you have materials that you would like to share, please feel free to bring them along. (You will need about 24 copies to share with your classmates.)

8. Where can I work out?

The Marriott has a fitness room with cardio equipment and free weights, and an indoor pool and whirlpool. Nearby activities include hiking, biking, and jogging trails; miniature golf; sailing and water skiing; squash; volleyball; and tennis.

9. What about my special dietary requirements?

Whether for religious, health, or personal preference, your special needs can be accommodated. Contact Carla Spady at 302-656-4944 or carla@isminc.com.

10. How much free time will I have?

There are periods before, between, and after workshop sessions for relaxation, recreation, and socializing. For those attending six-day workshops, Wednesday afternoons are additional free time.

Many cultural sites are within a short walking distance from the Marriott in Salt Lake. Tennis courts, 12 golf courses, and hiking and canyon excursions are also nearby and accessible via Salt Lake’s light rail, bus and/or taxi service. For more dining, nightlife, shopping, activities, and attractions in Salt Lake City, visit www.visitsaltlake.com.

11. Should I need medical or dental attention, where should I go?

There are a number of medical and dental facilities in close proximity to the Marriott City Center in Salt Lake. Simply contact the front desk or concierge for a list, should the need arise.