Sessions & Presenters

Generative AI and its Application in the Classroom

Kathy Brock
Associate Professor, School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Debbie Stanislawski, 
Professor, School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Today we can’t imagine a world where students and teachers do not have access to the internet for seeking out and sharing information. We are very quickly moving toward an existence where the same will be true of the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). With the recent public accessibility of Generative AI, we are facing the early stages of another major technological revolution impacting education which is progressing very quickly. This session will present an overview of common AI applications, including education specific applications. Focusing on information obtained from current educators, participants will learn about what AI educators are using, and for what purposes, as well as the benefits and challenges of incorporating generative AI into the classroom. 

Concurrent

Rolling Out the New Wisconsin Family and Consumer Sciences Standards

Julie Anderson, CFCS
Family & Consumer Sciences Education Consultant & Wisconsin FCCLA State Adviser
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

The new and updated Wisconsin Family and Consumer Sciences standards were recently released. Head to this session to hear about updates, changes, and how you can "roll out" the new standards into your FCS curriculum. To best be prepared for this session please have a device available for use.

Concurrent

Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training of Trainers

Amanda Austin, Training and Professional Development Specialist
Supporting Families Together Association

The Abusive Head Trauma Prevention - Training of Trainers is for those individuals who have previously completed an Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training and are interested in training others. After completing the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention - Training of Trainers, your name and contact information will be submitted to the Department of Children and Families as an approved trainer. As an approved trainer, you must agree to use the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training Materials developed by the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. You must also agree to follow the Procedures for the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Trainers, including issuing Certificates of Completion and maintaining records of those who complete the training.

Concurrent
 

Bureau of Early Care Regulation and Wisconsin Registry: 5 Facts You Should Know

Danielle Earley
Director of Operations
The Registry

Amanda St. Martin, MSW
Child Care Licensing Program Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

This session will discuss five facts about the Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR) and the Wisconsin Registry. The presentation will review the Registry application process, where to find useful resources and the importance of communications from BECR and the Wisconsin Registry. We will share Department of Children and Families licensing updates for group and family child care centers. Those attending the session will get an in-depth look at the Registry membership application process and best practices when applying for membership. The presentation includes information on the Wisconsin Registry’s role with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Public Instruction. Information will be provided on current grant opportunities as well.

Concurrent
 

Design Work with Teamwork

Brett Lesniak
Family and Consumer Sciences Instructor
Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH)

This presentation will focus on how incorporating teamwork in the Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Textile Design classrooms can benefit students in unlimited ways. By fostering teamwork, we can help increase students' critical thinking skills, enhance their creativity, boost their confidence, and develop their social skills. Increasing teamwork in the Visual Arts and Design career pathway aims to provide our students with a well-rounded learning experience. Gain valuable insights on how we all can further support our students' growth and development. Let's get those students out from behind their devices and working face-to-face! 

Concurrent
 

Tour of the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center Education Lab

Allison Feller, Director
UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Tour the Infant/Toddler and Child and Family Study Centers (Preschool) education labs at UW-Stout. The Child and Family Study Center is a university education laboratory school committed to creating a link between educational theory and hands-on practice. Students from undergraduate and graduate courses across campus can observe, participate, develop research, and execute lessons under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified educators. The Child and Family Study Center (CFSC) focuses on the "whole child" representing all areas of development: intellectual, physical, social, and emotional. 

 Concurrent

How to Co-Parent Better

Luisa Gerasimo
Human Development and Relationships Educator
Extension Dunn County
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Top tips from a family educator who facilitates Dunn County court-ordered parenting classes for parents splitting up but sharing custody of their children. Learn how to encourage parents to focus on their children, their new co-parent relationship, and their health and well-being. 

Concurrent
 

Growing a Healthier You

Margaret Murphy
Horticulture Educator
UW-Madison Division of Extension
Serving Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire Counties

Research shows that humans benefit from being around plants leading to many positive mental, physical, and social impacts. Gardening is a great way to incorporate many of these benefits into your life. Margaret will explore what the studies are saying and how we can incorporate more plants in our lives to grow a healthier you!

Concurrent  

 

Igniting Hospitality and Culinary Careers: Empowering Students Through ProStart

Alex Vernon
Prostart Manager
Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Discover how the ProStart program is revolutionizing hospitality and culinary education in high schools. This engaging session will explore the curriculum, industry partnerships, and hands-on experiences that are preparing the next generation of foodservice professionals. Join us to gain valuable insights on how ProStart is bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry needs, and leave with practical tools to ignite passion and empower your students for successful careers in hospitality and culinary arts.

Concurrent

Global Foods Students Run Course

Sarah James
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Dodgeville School District

In this breakout session, I will discuss my approach letting my students choose the topics we cover in my Global Foods course. In this course, students have the freedom to pick about 90% of the content, including the countries to study and the corresponding practical sessions. They are responsible for selecting a country, conducting thorough research, and developing enrichment activities or projects related to their chosen country. Additionally, they get to choose 1-2 recipes for a cooking session that aligns with their country. This class is project-based and does not involve traditional tests or exams. The remaining 10% of the class focuses on demonstrations and activities to encourage students to think critically about the world around them.

Concurrent
 

Living Wall

Sarah Halverson
Family and Consumer Sciences Education Teacher
Black River Falls High School

Have you ever thought of a living wall in your school? What is a living wall? Come and find out what this all entails and how we can incorporate this into many curriculum areas.

Concurrent

Growth Opportunities for Teachers

Dawn Oler
Family and Consumer Sciences Education Teacher
Hinsdale Central High School, Illinois

(Description to follow)

Concurrent

Acceptance and Commitment Strategies to Use Inside and Outside the Classroom

Lindsay Woodbridge
Assistant Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Kallie Weecks
Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach to mental health and wellness that emphasizes psychological flexibility. Through ACT, individuals learn new ways to accept the things happening in their lives that are outside of their control while committing to living in ways that align with their values. Research has shown ACT to be effective for many, including teachers looking to improve their well-being. Presenters will share the basics of ACT and lead attendees through several exercises that support mindfulness, acceptance, commitment, and behavior change. These strategies are easy to incorporate into teachers' busy lives, and many can easily be taught to students and others.

Concurrent

Developing sugar-free vegan ice cream as an alternative of dairy ice cream

Pranabendu Mitra
Associate Professor, KHFNS Department
University of Wisconsin-Stout

There has been a surging demand for lactose-free vegan products, driven by increased awareness of lactose intolerance and vegan lifestyle. Approximately 36% people in the USA experience lactose-intolerance, underscoring the necessity for vegan dairy-free alternatives. The sugar-free products align with the health-conscious preferences of today’s consumers. Among dairy products, ice cream stands as a cherished treat and the most widely consumed dairy product globally. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop an innovative ice cream product using chickpea milk and sweet pea milk, aiming for enhanced nutritional value, sugar-free composition, and suitability for individuals with lactose intolerance. Three formulations, in the ratio of 1:0,4:1 and 0:1of chickpea milk: sweet pea milk, were mixed with monk fruit sweetener, coconut oil, xanthan gum, soy lecithin, dates, cashew nuts, vanilla extract, and cocoa to prepare sugar-free vegan ice-cream mixes. The mixture was pasteurized at 95℃ for 5 seconds and refrigerated overnight before manufacturing ice-creams using a Cuisinart ice cream-making machine. The physicochemical, textural and sensory properties and melting profile of ice-creams were measured to determine the right ice-cram mix formulations. The power law model was used to model the melting phenomena of sugar-free vegan ice-creams. The results indicated that different formulations displayed varying physicochemical and textural properties, amongst which 1:0 and 4:1 chickpea: sweet pea milk showed promising results for the premier ice cream segment. The sensory results indicated 4:1 combination was the most accepted amongst the panelist followed by chickpea control sample. The finding of this study is expected to be helpful for developing ice creams that serve as healthier substitutes and contribute in providing an alternative for people with lactose intolerance and a vegan lifestyle

Roundtable

Career-Based Learning Experiences in Family and Consumer Sciences

Katie Feuerheim, Ed.D.
CESA 11 Educational Consultant, 
College & Career Readiness and Youth Apprenticeship Regional Coordinator

Career-Based Learning Experiences (CBLEs) in Family and Consumer Sciences are practical learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to real-world skills within the fields of human services, nutrition, hospitality, education, family management, and more. These experiences help students explore potential careers while developing critical life skills. The goal of CBLEs is to bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students hands-on experience that is valuable for their future endeavors. This session will outline a variety of ways to incorporate CBLEs into your classroom to help students in FCS programs develop technical skills, soft skills like communication and teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available within the field.

Roundtable

Building Connections in ECE Through Meaningful Projects
 

Ashley King
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Augusta School District

Teaching ECE courses for Transcripted credit, and completing the ACCT and IT coursework doesn't need to be boring for your students. Come hear about how we have partnered with our 4K to create meaningful experiences for both the 4K and high school students. 

Roundtable

Students Experiencing Homelessness Module

Katie Roberts, Ed.D.
Education Director
Wisconsin Technical College System

Join our round table discussion to learn about the new Students Experiencing Homelessness module. Use of the module is appropriate for anyone working with people, but especially for those working with our young people. Developed collaboratively DPI, Collaborating Partners, and Wisconsin Technical College System.

Roundtable

Last Look at Heritage Hall!

Diane Klemme
Professor and Program Director
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Heritage Hall as you know will be renovated beginning Summer of 2025. Come and take one last look at this building plus view images of the future building.

Roundtable

Make and Take Market Bag

Diane Klemme
Professor and Program Director
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Do you need a break from all the conference information? Join me and make a no-sew market bag out of a T-shirt. Great recycling activity for students!

Roundtable