The FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa is pleased to present a conference for principals, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents who are committed to creating and strengthening K-12 inclusive education.

BonFIRE Kickoff Event – August 9, 2021

Let’s kickoff the Embrace Inclusion Conference with a BonFIRE! This event is an opportunity to mix and mingle with industry peers, parents, and like minds who believe in the potential of every child regardless of their abilities. Appetizers and a cash bar will be offered.

The event will be held at the Bien Venu Event Center. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. $10 per person. Purchase your tickets here.

BonFIRE Kickoff Event & Conference Location

Bien Venu Event Center 7400 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Conference Flyer, Justification Letter & Credits

Conference Flyer | Justification Letter | Re-certification credit and grad credit offered.

Conference Registration

$60 Registration Fee for Educators and Faith Formation Leaders | $35 Registration Fee for Parent Attendees
We request that all event registration be done online. However if you need special accommodations for registration please contact us.
Purchase Tickets HERE. Please Register by July 31, 2021

Conference Resources:

Conference Program

Schedule of Events:

7:45 am – 8:30 am
Registration
Ballroom Foyer

7:45 am – 8:30 am
“FIRE Starter Breakfast”, sponsored by Mount Mercy University and Marketplace is Open
Ballroom Foyer

8:30 am – 8:45 am
Welcome & Prayer
Rooms A, B, C & D

8:45 am – 11:00 am
Keynote Speaker
Rooms A, B, C & D
“Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?: 5 Ways to Create Better Schools for All”
Are you trying to learn more about inclusive schooling? Do you wonder how to support students with disabilities in general education classrooms? Are you seeking new ideas for working in K-12 classrooms, collaborating with colleagues and elevating your practice? If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, this session is for you. The examples and illustrations in this keynote presentation are designed to help participants understand the best practices associated with today’s inclusive schools and to evaluate their own skills and understandings as they related to inclusive education. Topics that will be addressed include understanding inclusion as a process (vs. as a place), presuming complexity and engaging in “radical” role sharing.

Presenter: Paula Kluth, PhD, consultant, teacher, author, advocate and independent scholar

11:00 am – 11:15 am
Break and Marketplace is Open

11:15 am – 12:00 pm General Session
Rooms A, B, C & D

“INCLUSION REVOLUTION: a Coast-to-Coast Movement to Welcome God’s Children”

Its never been a better time to ignite an Inclusion Revolution. At this session you will meet representatives from different organizations who believe that not only do students with disabilities and learning differences BELONG in Catholic schools… but that their presence makes every facet of learning BETTER – for everyone. The passionate people on this panel are working from coast to coast to tear down the barriers, foster understanding, create connections and open hearts and minds. All of our panelists are united in their belief that inclusive education should be one of the essential and distinguishing characteristics of all Catholic schools. And they’re working hard – partnering with dioceses, parish and school leaders, as well as educators and parents – to make it happen.

Presented by Bruce and Erin Schmitz, Co-Founders of FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa; Lynn Hire, Executive Director for FIRE Foundation, Kansas City; Beth Foraker, Founder/Director of The National Catholic Board On Full Inclusion; Tom Olson and Steve Perla, Principal Partners for ADAC

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
“Fuel the FIRE Lunch”, sponsored by Clark University and Marketplace is Open

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Breakout Sessions

“Dyslexia in Research and Practice”
Room E
Scientific research has greatly advanced our understanding of dyslexia, the related difficulties that individuals experience, and the critical components of reading instruction. However, efforts to meet the needs of students with dyslexia can lead to implementing practices that are not fully supported by current research findings. This session will provide examples of potential missteps in translating research on dyslexia to practice and suggest ways to make decisions better aligned with available evidence.

Presenter: Dr. Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D., Director, Iowa Reading Research Center, Professor, University of Iowa

“Universal Design Daily: Supporting All Students in the Diverse Classroom”
Room D
It’s undoubtedly important to teach in ways that honor learning differences and to structure lessons that are engaging, varied, and appropriately challenging. However, in this era focused on universal design for all, it is also critical to explore the underlying habits of mind related to “teaching them all.” Based on a new book of the same title, this presentation centers on big ideas related to teaching and learning. Paula will discuss the role of “teaching up” and presuming both competence and complexity. She will explore the need to focus on student strengths, passions, and interests. She will also talk about the need to design lessons that are responsive and dynamic. This presentation contains video clips, classroom stories, examples, and illustrations. It will provide both points of reflection and practical strategies. More importantly, it features ideas to help all teachers better respond to the diversity that exists in their classrooms every single day.

Presenter: Paula Kluth, PhD, consultant, teacher, author, advocate and independent scholar

“Section 504: What It Is and How to Apply It”
Room A, B, C

In this interactive session, a comprehensive overview of Section 504 will be provided. Opportunities for deeper dives into specific aspects of the federal law will be provided and tailored to the needs of participants.

Presenter: Dr. William J. Soesbe III, Educational Consultant, Central Rivers AEA

1:45 pm – 2:00 pm
Break and Marketplace is Open

2:00 – 2:45 pm
Breakout Sessions

“Social and Emotional Learning for Everyday Classroom”
Room F
Strategies and resources will be shared to empower teachers to support students in social emotional development.

Presenter: Monica Ryan-Rausch is a Clinical Social Worker, Autism Consultant, therapist, and educator

“The Heart of Inclusion is Differentiation”
Room E
This session will focus on the value and the use of differentiated instruction to include all learners in the classroom. Developing lesson plans that differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with learning differences will serve to strengthen inclusion in your school.

Presenter: Sandra Drummey, Ed.D, Partner at ADAC

“Joyful Learning: Using Active & Collaborative Structures to Support All Students”
Room D

Too often a “one-size-fits- all” approach is used to design lessons leaving some learners struggling to participate and leaving teachers feeling they have not reached all of their students. There are many solutions to this problem, but one of the easiest is to plan lessons using collaborative structures. In this interactive session, participants will explore a number of active, and brain compatible learning techniques aimed at engaging students and making learning fun and joyful. The session is structured for participants to experience these active techniques through demonstration.

Presenter: Paula Kluth, PhD, consultant, teacher, author, advocate and independent scholar

“Assistive Technology for the Inclusive Classroom”
Room A, B, C
Considering the need for Assistive Technology may be a requirement for students receiving special education, however, can’t we match technology with student need to ‘assist’ in access to the curriculum and learning activities, ‘assist’ in work production, and support engagement, and ultimately, full inclusion for ALL students? Yes, we can! In this session, we will briefly discuss the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Task, Tool) as a way to identify the need for technology, and explore technologies that address that need. Examples of technologies for reading, writing, math, and Iowa Core 21st Century skills for all ages and abilities of learners will be provided.

Presenter: Shira Gebel, Assistive Technology, Team Representative, Central Rivers AEA

2:45 – 3:00 pm
Closing / Door Prizes
Room D

Marketplace – Connect with inclusion resources, opportunities and advocates.

Open Marketplace Hours
7:45 am – 8:30 am – Registration and Break
11:00 am – 11:15 am – Break
Noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Break

Speaker Bios

Dr. Paula Kluth, Consultant, Author, Advocate, and Independent Scholar

Keynote Presentation | “Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?: 5 Ways to Create Better Schools for All”

Breakout Session | “Universal Design Daily: Supporting All Students in the Diverse Classroom”

Breakout Session | “Joyful Learning: Using Active & Collaborative Structures to Support All Students”

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities, and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. Paula is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher and inclusion facilitator. Her professional interests include differentiating instruction, active learning, and inclusive schooling. She is the author of numerous books and products including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-taught Classroom, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, From Text Maps to Memory Caps: 100 More Ways to Differentiate Instruction in K-12 Inclusive Classrooms, and You’re Going to Love This Kid!. Paula is also the director of a documentary film titled We Thought You’d Never Ask: Voices of People with Autism.

Dr. Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D., Director, Iowa Reading Research Center, Professor, University of Iowa

Breakout Session | “Dyslexia in Research and Practice”

Deborah K. Reed became the director of the Iowa Reading Research Center in 2015 and is on the faculty at the University of Iowa College of Education, where she is currently a professor in the special education program. Reed spent the first 10 years of her career as an English language arts and reading teacher as well as a reading specialist, working primarily with students exhibiting serious reading difficulties. Since 2003, she has been a researcher and technical assistance provider in numerous states. She has published extensively and continues to research methods for improving reading instruction and assessment, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Dr. William J. Soesbe III, Educational Consultant, Central Rivers AEA

Breakout Session | “Section 504: What It Is and How to Apply It”

Dr. Soesbe is an Educational Consultant with Central Rivers AEA and serves as the Section 504 Coordinator and directs the agency’s work with continuous school improvement. He has been in education for over 20 years and served as a middle school science teacher (Waverly-Shell Rock CSD) and a professor of education (Wartburg College) before transitioning to the AEA in 2015.

Monica Ryan-Rausch is a Clinical Social Worker, Autism Consultant, therapist, and educator

Breakout Session | “Social and Emotional Learning for the Everyday Classroom”

Monica has developed and carried out programs for Four Oaks, Hillcrest and Tanager Place. She has provided individual, family and group therapy to youth and their families to address issues related to anxiety, depression, attention-focus and separation issues. She interfaces with school, community connections, medical planning, and mental health planning. Monica is a wonderful listener and creative thinker and problem solver. Her expertise and vast array of experiences makes her a treasure member of school and family teams.

Sandra Drummey, Ed.D, Partner at ADAC

Breakout Session | The Heart of Inclusion is Differentiation

A lifelong special education practitioner, Sandi has served as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal. As an administrator, she established special education centers, and as the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fall River, she oversaw the creation and implementation of a first-of-its-kind diocesan-wide special education program. Sandi holds a bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University, a master’s degree from Boston College, and a doctoral degree from Boston College.

Shira Gebel, Assistive Technology, Team Representative, Central Rivers AEA

Breakout Session | Assistive Technology for the Inclusive Classroom

I am pleased to share that my teaching career began at Immaculate Conception Elementary in Charles City! After four years as IC’s physical education teacher, and substitute teaching in special education classrooms and coaching in the Charles City School District, I began working as an Adaptive Physical Education Teacher for Central Rivers AEA (Northern Trails AEA 2 back then). My work with assistive technology began long before any of current technologies became so readily available (we had to actually install using a floppy disk), which makes it easy to think that, now, anything is possible. I am currently a special education consultant for the agency and continue to pursue my love of teaching students with special needs, working alongside district teachers and staff, and striving daily to positively impact and/or help others impact students with special needs.

INCLUSION REVOLUTION: A Coast-to-Coast Movement to Welcome God’s Children Panel
Presented by: Dr. Christie Bonfiglio, Director of the Program for Inclusive Education at Notre Dame; Beth Foraker, Founder/Director of The National Catholic Board On Full Inclusion; Lynn Hire, Executive Director for FIRE Foundation of Kansas City; Tom Olson and Steve Perla, Principal Partners for ADAC; Bruce and Erin Schmitz, Founders of FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Lynn Hire, Executive Director for the FIRE Foundation of Kansas City

Lynn Hire has served, since 2013, as the executive director of FIRE Foundation (firefoundation.org) , a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and advocacy in support of inclusive Catholic education. She is a seasoned nonprofit leader with a background in marketing / communications and a passion for helping parishes, schools and families build welcoming and successful faith-based learning environments for students with disabilities.

Beth Foraker, the Founder/Director of The National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion

Beth Foraker is a mom to four children: Jack, 28, Mary Kate, 25, Patrick, 21 and Caroline, 14. Her third child, Patrick has Down syndrome. Beth is a former classroom teacher who currently works for University of California, Davis in the School of Education with beginning teachers in their Multiple Subject Credential/Masters Program. She is the Founder and Director of the National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion – a non-profit that works with families and schools to fully include students with intellectual disabilities in Catholic schools. Her big dream is to build Continuums of Inclusion: communities that offer preschool through college inclusion so that full, independent adulthood is possible beginning with every Catholic elementary school, every Catholic high school and every Catholic college and university offering an inclusive program for these students.

Dr. Christie Bonfiglio, Director of the Program for Inclusive Education at Notre Dame

Dr. Christie Bonfiglio is faculty for the University of Notre Dame. She directs the Office of Professional Standards and Graduate Studies for the Alliance for Catholic Education and launched the Program for Inclusive Education in 2016. Bonfiglio teaches across multiple programs related to her work in inclusive education and provides professional development in this area to schools and diocese across the country. Prior to her work at the University of Notre Dame, Bonfiglio was the director of the Education Department at Goshen College following her work in public schools as school psychologist. Bonfiglio’s area of expertise include behavior and academic interventions through a Multi-Tiered System of Support. She is also well-versed in collaboration and child study teams. Bonfiglio served a variety of students through programming across the academic and behavior spectrum ranging from gifted to struggling to those eligible for special education. She is grateful to be using her knowledge and skills to serve Catholic schools in the pursuit of inclusive education.

Bruce & Erin Schmitz, Founders of FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Bruce and Erin have three children, Hayden, 12, JD, 9 and Jacob, 7. At birth they found out that Jacob happens to have Down syndrome. At the point of his birth, they had already decided to go down the path of Catholic education for their children. After a lot of research and exploring they found inclusive Catholic education IS happening throughout the United States. They also realized there are a lot of parents like them desiring Catholic education for all of their children, regardless of their abilities. In 2016 they founded FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa.

Bruce’s professional background is in IT work, he currently serves as a Business Intelligence Developer for Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. and farms on the side. Erin’s professional background is in tourism, non-profit / trade association management, and meeting planning. She owns E&B Management.

Tom Olson, Principal Partner at ADAC

Tom has successfully overseen development efforts, augmented donor commitment, and cultivated major gifts for a variety of organizations over the years. Tom’s professional competencies include published writing and public policy research. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and Master’s degrees from St. Louis University and Boston College.

Steve Perla, Principal Partner at ADAC

One of the nation’s foremost leaders in Catholic education, Steve has served as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Worcester and the Diocese of Fall River. In addition, he has served as Executive Director of the Parents Alliance for Catholic Education and Senior Director of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree from Lesley University and a Master’s degree from Boston College.

Contact Information

FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa
Phone: 319-529-1109 | Email: info@firefoundationneiowa.org

Thank you sponsors!

Burns-Donovan Foundation

Thank you conference planning committee!

Chair: Mindy Hart, Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Schools Office

Kristi Holien, parent of a child with Down syndrome attending Catholic School & FIRE NE Iowa Board Member

Sara Kane, Faith Formation Director & FIRE NE Iowa Board Member

Vicki Ries, Student Services Director at Newman Catholic School & FIRE NE Iowa Board Member

Sara Rooney, Principal at St. Cecilia School & FIRE NE Iowa Board Member

Erin Schmitz, parent of a child with Down syndrome attending Catholic school & co-founder of FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Mary Smock, Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Schools Office

Jennifer Sornson, St. Athanasius Principal