Building Bridges to Success: Strengthening Behavior and Academic Foundations: Full Schedule

Building Bridges to Success: Strengthening Behavior and Academic Foundations

July 22-24 2025 UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus

We’re thrilled to welcome you to three powerful days of learning, connection, and collaboration as we continue building bridges to support all students in Okaloosa County. This year’s institute is designed to equip educators, paraprofessionals, and service providers with strategies that not only address behavior but also strengthen academic outcomes and inclusive practices.

July 22: Blueprint for Success – Laying the Groundwork for Effective Instruction
🔹 Focus: Foundational teaching strategies, explicit instruction, and curriculum unpacking.
July 23: Bridging Behavior – Strategies for Connection & Classroom Success
🔹 Focus: Behavior supports, PBIS, social-emotional learning, and engagement strategies.
July 24: Pathways to Inclusion – Making Learning Accessible for Every Student
🔹 Focus: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), assistive technology, and inclusive practices.

Thank you for joining us on this journey towards building a brighter future for our students.
Warm regards,
Student Intervention Services

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

8:30am CDT

Morning Message: Connection | Clarity | Consistency

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Auditorium

Start each day of the Summer Institute with inspiration, connection, and practical insight during our 30-minute Morning Message sessions. These powerful kick-offs are designed to model strong Tier 1 practices by building community, reinforcing expectations, and centering our purpose for the day. Through stories, strategies, and shared reflection, you’ll leave each morning grounded, motivated, and ready to make meaningful progress for yourself and your students.

Speakers

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Auditorium

Whole Group

8:30am CDT

Morning Message: Connection | Clarity | Consistency

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Auditorium

Speakers

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Auditorium

Whole Group

9:00am CDT

Picture This: Visual Supports That Work

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Auditorium

Join FDLRS for an engaging session on how to effectively use visual supports to enhance communication, behavior, and learning in the classroom. Visuals can reduce anxiety, support routines, and increase understanding for all students—especially those with disabilities. Explore a variety of tools including schedules, first-then boards, choice charts, and task analyses. Participants will walk away with practical strategies and examples they can implement immediately to create a more structured, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment.

Speakers

Caty Andrews

Technology Specialist, FDLRS

Catherine Andrews has worked with Emerald Coast Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resources System (FDLRS) since 2020, working with Assistive and Instruction Technology and as a Human Resource Developer. She has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in... Read More →

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Auditorium

Instruction

8:30am CDT

Morning Message: Connection | Clarity | Consistency

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Auditorium

Speakers

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Auditorium

Whole Group

2:00pm CDT

Bridge Builder's Showcase

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Auditorium

Join us for the Bridge Builder Showcase on Wednesday, July 24th from 2:00–3:00 PM at the UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus! This interactive event highlights the incredible work happening in classrooms across our district. Teachers and staff will share strategies, tools, and ideas that have made a difference for their students—what’s working, why it works, and how it can be adapted by others.
Stroll through our science fair-style exhibits, engage with fellow educators, ask questions, and gather inspiration to take back to your school. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or spark new ideas, the Bridge Builder Showcase is your opportunity to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the commitment to every student’s success.

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Auditorium

Whole Group