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Sunday, March 2
 

7:00am EST

Breakfast & Registration
Sunday March 2, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Foyer & Terrace
Grab some coffee a bite before things get underway, and pick up your registration badge and information!
Sunday March 2, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Foyer & Terrace Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Meal & Social

8:00am EST

Keynote: Kwame Mbalia
Sunday March 2, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EST
Ballroom (Tiffany)
Description TBD
Speakers
avatar for Kwame Mbalia

Kwame Mbalia

Author, Author
Kwame is a husband, father, writer, a New York Times bestselling author, and a former pharmaceutical metrologist in that order. His debut middle-grade novel, TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY, and the sequel TRISTAN STRONG DESTROYS THE WORLD (October 6, 2020) are published... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EST
Ballroom (Tiffany) Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Keynote

9:00am EST

Author signing: Kwame Mbalia
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EST
Ballroom (Tiffany)
Speakers
avatar for Kwame Mbalia

Kwame Mbalia

Author, Author
Kwame is a husband, father, writer, a New York Times bestselling author, and a former pharmaceutical metrologist in that order. His debut middle-grade novel, TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY, and the sequel TRISTAN STRONG DESTROYS THE WORLD (October 6, 2020) are published... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EST
Ballroom (Tiffany) Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

9:30am EST

AI and the Re-Search Process
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 104
In this session, participants will explore AI tools that help support student research skills, such as generating research questions, selecting sources for readers of varying levels, and discussing citations and copyright law. We will look at tools like ResearchRabbit, Diffit, plagiarism detectors, and some policy considerations for their use.
Speakers
LT

Laurie Taylor

Nashoba Brooks School
MW

Molly Wong

Milton Academy
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 104 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Digital & Info literacy

9:30am EST

There's a Badge for That!
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 108/109
Learn how to build a personalized learning experience for your students around information. Participants will see example lessons, micro credentials, evaluation platform, and a self-reflection tool to fully integrate this into their own library.
Speakers
avatar for Barbara Johnson

Barbara Johnson

Librarian, Colchester Public Schools
Information Literacy Coach and Teacher Transitioning to a Gr. 3-5 Library
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 108/109 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Digital & Info literacy
  • Audience ES

9:30am EST

The Great Genrefication Project
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 101
Discover how the genrefication project helped me: involve students in the process, create a collection development plan, streamline operations, improve access for ELL and special education students and increase circulation by 14%. Learn from my missteps and discoveries as you consider how genrefication might work for your collection.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones

Library/Media Specialist, Triton Regional High School
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Practical tips

9:30am EST

DESE School Librarian Evaluation Rubric Focus Group
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 103
DESE has asked MSLA to assist with the creation of a library-specific evaluation rubric. An MSLA task force is currently working on the creation of this rubric. This session will be a focus group with members of the task force. MSLA attendees are invited to give feedback and ideas about what our new evaluation rubric should look like and do. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Varney

Jennifer Varney

Librarian, Cambridge Public Schools
Jennifer Varney (she/her) has been a school librarian for 17 years. She currently works at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School (K-5) in Cambridge, MA. She is the Past President of the Massachusetts School Library Association.
DL

Deborah Lang Froggatt

MSLA Director of Outreach
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Room 103 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Professional learning

9:30am EST

Quiet break & prayer room
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm EST
Room 115
No food please in this room.
If you need a silent space to sit or to work, this room is set aside for you!
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm EST
Room 115 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

9:30am EST

Social break & meeting space
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm EST
Room 106
No food in this room please!
Want to catch up with a friend or have a spot to meet? This space is for you!
Not interested in having lunch but you want to sit and chat with other? Stop in!
Sunday March 2, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm EST
Room 106 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

10:30am EST

Hot Topics in Law for Libraries
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 104
This session will cover First Amendment issues facing libraries and also touch on privacy and general legal information using case studies nationally and locally. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of free speech, limited public forums, and how best to manage procedure and policy to work within the law while promoting the library mission. Come with questions!
Speakers
JG

Jennifer Guerin

W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, MA.
AF

Andrea Fiorillo

Chair MLA, Intellectual Freedom/Social Responsibilites Commitee, Head of Public Services, Reading Public Library
avatar for Tricia London

Tricia London

School Librarian, Abington Middle / High School Library
This is Tricia London’s fourth year at Abington Middle/High Library serving students in grades 5-12. Tricia is also the advisor to the National Honor Society and S.A.M. (the Student Art Magazine.) Prior to working in Abington, she spent 13 years at the Avon Middle High School Library... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 104 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Advocacy & community

10:30am EST

Adapting Media Literacy Education in an Age of Misinformation
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 101
For ten years, school librarians in Cambridge have partnered with Instructional Tech Specialists to teach 5th graders how to examine advertising and other media. As social media has exploded, the landscape has changed - but many of the persuasion techniques and critical skills remain the same. Come see sample lessons using humorous media, old and new, that empower a new generation of savvy consumer-creators.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Mason Stott

Jen Mason Stott

School Librarian, Cambridge Public Schools
SB

Sarah Blout Rosenberg

Cambridge Public Schools
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Digital & Info literacy

10:30am EST

Destiny Library Manager - Tips & Tricks
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 103
This session is designed for attendees who currently use or are interested in purchasing Destiny Library Manager. Get the most value out of the software by implementing strategies that maximize usage. A range of topics include: creating a library inventory, combining duplicate MARC records, setting up self-checkout, generating a weeding log, tabulating library usage statistics to share with your administrator, and more!
Speakers
PS

Patti Sullivan-hall

Library Media Specialist, Natick Public Schools
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 103 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Practical tips

10:30am EST

Storytelling -- for you AND your students
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 108/109
Introduction to using storytelling as both an interactive and presentation tool in the elementary library. Curriculum connections as well as exposure to cultural and historical materials are part of using this tool in the library. I've taught a storytelling class as a graduate class for years. I really can't figure out a way to offer it virtually and so would love to use the Conference as an opportunity to bring this traditional librarian skill to newer staff. I have lots of simple games that allow students to interact with stories and stories engage classes, extending and expanding their listening skills.
Speakers
CA

Carol A. Kelly

Senior Visiting Instructor, Salem State University
Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 108/109 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Professional learning
  • Audience ES

11:20am EST

Lunch served
Sunday March 2, 2025 11:20am - 1:30pm EST
Foyer & Terrace
Eat & enjoy.
Buffet Lunch will be served.
Tables are in the Ballroom.
Sunday March 2, 2025 11:20am - 1:30pm EST
Foyer & Terrace Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Meal & Social

11:20am EST

Visit Vendors
Sunday March 2, 2025 11:20am - 1:30pm EST
Foyer & Terrace
Check out our vendors
Sunday March 2, 2025 11:20am - 1:30pm EST
Foyer & Terrace Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Vendors

12:30pm EST

Hot Books in 2025
Sunday March 2, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm EST
Room 104
Great books to look for this year
Speakers
BF

Bindy Fleischman

Executive Board Member, United States Board on Books for Young People
Bindy Fleischman, School Liaison at Wellesley Books and English teacher at German International School Boston, has been an active member of USBBY since 2002. In that time she has served many of the board committees, including being Massachusetts State Ambassador, chairing the Outstanding... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm EST
Room 104 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Vendors

1:30pm EST

School Librarians and Imposter Syndrome: Why We Doubt Ourselves and Why We Shouldn’t!
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101
Imposter Syndrome (doubting one’s own skillset, experience, and/or expertise) is pervasive in librarianship. Whether you’re new to the school library or an old pro, chances are good that you’ve experienced imposter syndrome at some point. In this session, we’ll examine some of the reasons why that is. We’ll also break down some reasons why, in actuality, school librarians are equipped to do almost anything! Finally, we’ll start trying to change our mindset about what we are qualified to do and why.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Varney

Jennifer Varney

Librarian, Cambridge Public Schools
Jennifer Varney (she/her) has been a school librarian for 17 years. She currently works at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School (K-5) in Cambridge, MA. She is the Past President of the Massachusetts School Library Association.
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Advocacy & community

1:30pm EST

Transformative Storytelling: Lesson for High School Students
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101
Explore how creating Anti-Bias Bookshelves are essential and highlight some guiding principles–possibilities when leaning into this work of creating stories that can be a mirror, window, or sliding door for others to see themselves or other identities and communities through a more just lens. Being conscious of the identities we hold can help us understand our proximity to the power we have in different spaces, specifically when we are telling stories. Explore how creating Anti-Bias Bookshelves are essential and highlight some guiding principles–possibilities when leaning into this work of creating stories that can be a mirror, window, or sliding door for others to see themselves or other identities and communities through a more just lens.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dominique-Pierre

Christina Dominique-Pierre

Middle School Library Director, Buckingham Browne & Nichols Middle School
Christina Dominique-Pierre currently serves at Buckingham Browne and Nichols Middle School where she spends most of her days collaborating with teachers on curriculum, literary programming, and facilitating opportunities for information and research instruction.  She has served at... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Books & reading
  • Audience HS

1:30pm EST

Removing Roadblocks to Reading
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 104
Many students don't see themselves as readers, they pass by the library doors saying "there's nothing in there for me". There are many privacy compliant tools that can be used with both print and digital books that make them accessible to all readers. This session will just introduce you to a few and crowdsource others so that you can leave with a toolbox full of resources to offer your readers.
Speakers
avatar for Barbara Johnson

Barbara Johnson

Librarian, Colchester Public Schools
Information Literacy Coach and Teacher Transitioning to a Gr. 3-5 Library
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 104 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Technology integration

1:30pm EST

Using Digital Tools to Create Expert Learners
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 103
This session will focus on integrating digital tools into your instruction to provide an equitable learning environment for a variety of learning and language proficiency levels in the library.
Speakers
avatar for Morgan Keohane

Morgan Keohane

Teacher Librarian, Boston Public Schools
My name is Morgan Keohane and I am a Teacher Librarian for Boston Public Schools. I have been at the P.A. Shaw Elementary School in Dorchester, MA since 2014. I have built the school’s library from the ground up and am passionate about providing my students with the skills to analyze... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 103 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Technology integration
  • Audience ES

2:30pm EST

Storytime on Steroids: Turn read alouds into student engagement showcases.
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 101
Come and hear how Dr. Bishops language of windows and mirrors can anchor a library program in the important work of fostering an environment belonging and compassion.
Speakers
EL

Emily Litman

Tobin Montessori School - Cambridge Public Schools
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Books & reading
  • Audience ES

2:30pm EST

Demystifying AI: The Cans, Can'ts, Coulds, and Shoulds
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 104
What's real? What's hype? How do I keep up?! We'll dive into the current AI boom, exploring how generative models work, current abilities and limitations, hidden human intelligence that keeps things running, and unintended side effects that range from silly mistakes to life-altering consequences.
Speakers
ZK

Zak Kolar

Waltham Public Schools
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 104 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Digital & Info literacy

2:30pm EST

Dig into Digital Citizenship for Elementary and Middle School Learners
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 103
As students become more engaged with technology, the need to raise awareness on on their digital footprint, media balance, and privacy protection can begin during early elementary school all the way through middle school and beyond. Digital citizenship works well when families and schools partner together. Come learn about ways to incorporate digital citizenship in the classroom, with families on what can work for home, and promote overall critical thinking activities that support healthy digital communities.
Speakers
AS

Amy Salinger

Waltham Public schools
PH

Paul Hundley

Waltham Public Schools
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 103 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Digital & Info literacy

2:30pm EST

The Cataloger is "IN"
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 108/109
TBD
Sunday March 2, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Room 108/109 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Practical tips

3:45pm EST

Author Panel & Signing
Sunday March 2, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EST
Ballroom (Tiffany)
Description TBD
Moderators
BF

Bindy Fleischman

Executive Board Member, United States Board on Books for Young People
Bindy Fleischman, School Liaison at Wellesley Books and English teacher at German International School Boston, has been an active member of USBBY since 2002. In that time she has served many of the board committees, including being Massachusetts State Ambassador, chairing the Outstanding... Read More →
Speakers
RB

Rob Buyea

Author
RC
KF
SS
Sunday March 2, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EST
Ballroom (Tiffany) Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Panel

5:00pm EST

Dinner on your own
Sunday March 2, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST
This time is for you to grab some dinner on your own before the big party starts at 7. Light apps and desserts and drinks will be included, but if you're hungry or just want a break for a couple of hours, there are no planned activities at this time!
Sunday March 2, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST

7:00pm EST

50th Anniversary Party
Sunday March 2, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Zachariah's
Celebrate & have a good time! Included with admission to either/both days of conference
Sunday March 2, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Zachariah's Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
  Meal & Social
 
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