2026 - 2027 MCS Staff Journey Days: Full Schedule

26-27 MCS Staff Learning Journey Days | 9.25.26 | 11.20.26 | 2.12.27

All pathways have been frozen. If you need to request a change to a different pathway, please reach out to Krissy Hufnagel or Shanna Bumiller.

Link to 26-27 Staff Journey Day Priority Pathways

Link to 26-27 Staff Journey FAQs

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 1: Designing Powerful Learning for Every Student

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Z2 Pod (Z203, Z204, Z205, Z206, Z207, Z208, Z209, Z210, Z211, Z212, Z213, Z214, Z223, Z226)

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR 26-27 PRIORITY PATHWAYS

Speakers

Jenny Davis

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Jocelyn Burlew

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Jocelyn is a LED at MMS.

Shanna Bumiller

7-12 Learning Experience Supervisor, Mason City Schools

I serve as the 7–12 Learning Experience Supervisor at Mason City Schools. I’ve worn many hats in education—teacher, coach, and district leader—and I’m passionate about designing inclusive, purposeful learning experiences that help both students and educators grow. I lead... Read More →

Liz Dooley

[email protected], Mason City Schools

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Z2 Pod (Z203, Z204, Z205, Z206, Z207, Z208, Z209, Z210, Z211, Z212, Z213, Z214, Z223, Z226)

1. Certified Pathway Workshop

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 2: Empowering Every Comet to Discover Their Purpose

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A214

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR 26-27 PRIORITY PATHWAYS

Speakers

Carly Powell

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Hi! My name is Carly Powell, and I’m in my 3rd year as a Learning Experience Designer at MECC. I love bringing a sense of calm, creativity, and joy to the work I do. I enjoy finding simple, meaningful ways to make learning feel inviting and a little magical. I believe everyone has... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A214

1. Certified Pathway Workshop

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 3: AI in Action: Teaching and Learning in an AI World

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Dream Center Waterfall Collab Zone & Maker Space

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR 26-27 PRIORITY PATHWAYS

Speakers

Shawna Parkinson

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Shawna is an LED at MHS.

Dan Little

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Dream Center Waterfall Collab Zone & Maker Space Floor 1

1. Certified Pathway Workshop

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 4: Project-Based Learning with Purpose

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A1 Pod (A114, A113, A112, A111, A110, A109, A107, A106, A105)

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR 26-27 PRIORITY PATHWAYS

Speakers

Jill Arminio

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Jill is an LED at MHS.

Danielle Creamer

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

I serve as a Learning Experience Designer at Mason Intermediate School, where I'm passionate about inquiry-driven learning, real-world student action, literacy, integrated curriculum, and experiences that help students develop their intellectual dispositions. Fun fact: I’m a proud... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A1 Pod (A114, A113, A112, A111, A110, A109, A107, A106, A105)

1. Certified Pathway Workshop

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 5: Wellness by Design: Creating Learning Spaces Where Every Student Thrives

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Z1 Pod (Z104, Z105, Z106, Z107, Z108, Z109, Z110, Z111, Z112, Z113, Z114, Z127)

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR 26-27 PRIORITY PATHWAYS

Speakers

Kristen Lazuta

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Krissy Hufnagel

Learning Experience Supervisor, Mason City Schools

As a Learning Experience Supervisor for Mason City Schools, I get to dream big and dig deep into all things elementary teaching and learning. I’m a book lover, a futures thinker, and a firm believer that innovation keeps learning fresh and fun. Whether I’m working with teachers... Read More →

Alison Sears

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Alison is a LED at MMS.

Laura Martin

Prevention and Wellness Coordinator, Mason City Schools

Amy Dobson

Learner Well-Being & Supports Supervisor, Mason City Schools

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Z1 Pod (Z104, Z105, Z106, Z107, Z108, Z109, Z110, Z111, Z112, Z113, Z114, Z127)

1. Certified Pathway Workshop

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 6: Leading with Purpose: Growing Your Leadership Impact

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B213 & B214

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR 26-27 PRIORITY PATHWAYS

Speakers

Jonathan Cooper

Superintendent | CEO, Mason City Schools

Laura Blessing

Chief Talent Officer, Mason City Schools

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B213 & B214 B Pod Floor 2

1. Certified Pathway Workshop

8:00am EDT

PRIORITY PATHWAY 7: The Mason Way: Foundations for our CommUNITY

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B114 & B113

Build a strong understanding of the beliefs, culture, and practices that shape our commUNITY in Mason City Schools. This pathway supports educators and staff who are new to Mason in developing clarity around our shared commitments and how they show up in everyday practice.Focus Areas Include:Mason’s Culture Rock Understand the beliefs and commitments that define our culture and guide how we...
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Speakers

Amy Brennan

Deputy Superintendent, Mason City Schools

Deputy Superintendent | Mason City Schools
Striving to ensure each and every Comet discovers their unique purpose and potential!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B114 & B113 B Pod - Floor 1

2. Certified & Classified New to Mason Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: 6-12 Band Curriculum and Collaboration

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Band Room - D105

Pathway Description: Engaging in this project-based learning will allow teachers to design vertically aligned curricula and experiences that coordinate various outcomes of the student experience.

Speakers

Avious Jackson

MHS Band Teacher, Mason City Schools

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Band Room - D105 Music - Floor 1

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: 6-12 Choir Curriculum and Collaboration

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Choir - D168

Pathway Description: The MCS choir directors will collaborate to refine best practices for teaching choir, strengthen vertical alignment of our curriculum, and collaborate for events that promote student involvement and retention in the choir program across all grades.

Speakers

Lizbee Hannah

MHS Choir Teacher, Mason City Schools

MHS Choir Teacher

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Choir - D168 Music - Floor 1

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: 6-12 Orchestra Curriculum and Collaboration

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Orchestra Room - D167

Pathway Description: The 6-12 Mason Orchestra team will continue and build on the valuable work they began in the 2025-26 school year. We will research and gain data regarding best practices of other strong performing orchestra programs, connect with community resources and partners to engage with our students, compile and organize a unified district wide inventory system, and evaluate,...
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Speakers

Stephanie Jones

MHS Orchestra Teacher, Mason City Schools

Stephanie Jones, Brian Frey, Erin Brasse, Kristen Thiel, Rachel Bakhit, Peter McCutcheon

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Orchestra Room - D167 Music - Floor 1

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: AEPS Curriculum and Assessment Implementation and Development

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B205

Pathway Description: Preschool will continue to develop curriculum materials, and lessons that connect to both the Ohio Learning Content Standards as well as the curriculum. Preschool will develop the Ready Set assessment, connect to the standards based report card, and develop assessment materials/kit.

Speakers

Rachel Yesso

Intervention Specialist - Preschool Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Courtney Ryan

Intervention Specialist - Preschool Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B205

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Building Thinking Classrooms Part 2

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Z307

Pathway Description: This project supports the adoption of the newly released Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom (2025), a best seller from Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (2020). Each meeting we will discuss the chapters based off of the proposed schedule below and then break out into course groups for a personalized learning experience that is meaningful to each...
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Speakers

Aaron McAlpine

MHS Math Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Sarah Zipes

MHS Math Teacher, Mason City Schools

MHS

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Z307

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: CTE Pathways Coursework Design

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

C202

Pathway Description: This Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway provides a high-impact curriculum designed to equip students with specialized expertise in business operations, leadership, and innovation. We will focus on the design of business courses to offer deep dives into the three primary engines of the modern economy: Business Foundations: A concentrated study of core...
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Speakers

Carmen Scalfaro

MHS Business Teacher, Mason City Schools

I believe in the power of education. The ability to make sense of the world around us and make an impact is a critical skill. It is the charge of a compassionate, approachable teacher to work alongside learners to cultivate this skill. Teachers are not merely holders of information... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
C202

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Elevating ASL Through Peer Collaboration

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B211

Pathway Description: Continued collaborative work on summative assessments for all levels with a focus on preparing for the ASL Seal of Biliteracy.

Speakers

Christie Loucks

MHS World Languages Teacher, Mason City Schools

Christie Loucks, Whitney Swinerton

Whitney Swinerton

MHS World Languages Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B211

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Engaging Art Enrichment for Art Classrooms

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B210

Project Pathway Goals: This pathway will focus on the development of authentic interdisciplinary art enrichment resources for students to engage with both in and beyond the art classroom. We will integrate technology and interdisciplinary concerns into independent art enrichment activities, both physical and virtual, that can be used for art educators across the district to facilitate broader...
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Speakers

Kelsey Bowyer

Art Taeacher, Mason City Schools

Hey there! My name is Kelsey, but to my students, I'm Miss B. I'm currently loving my second year of teaching 5th grade here at MI. In my 6 years of teaching, I have taught at 6 different schools, and have experience with a diverse body of students and a variety of challenging school... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B210

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Enhancing Academic and Transition Practices for Specialized Classrooms

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B212

Pathway Description: The proposed pathway aims to improve our academic and transition-based specialized classrooms by observing and learning from effective practices in other schools. By examining a variety of instructional models, environments, and support systems, we will identify strategies that can enhance student outcomes and better meet diverse learner needs.

Speakers

Maci Anello-Davidson

MMS Special Education Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Megan Lobring

MMS Special Education Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B212

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Escape Room Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Z312

Pathway Description: Teachers will collaboratively design an interdisciplinary unit that integrates standards, student voice, and real-world connections across two or more content areas to provide the opportunity for students in AP Lit, AP Calculus, and AP Physics E & M to create Escape Rooms for 5th graders.We will continue the interdisciplinary work that integrated STEM and Humanities that...
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Speakers

Nikki Wilson

MHS English Language Arts Teacher, Mason City Schools

In the wise words of Chef Thomas Keller, "A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe." Similarly, professional development resources truly come to life once teachers inject their passion and personality. I have taught Advanced Placement English Literature... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Z312

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: ESL Supports in Reading Intervention

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A210

Pathway Description: By working with a Hamilton County consultant, we will focus on the following three areas for ESL students: phonics, vocab, and comprehension

Speakers

Milena Varbanova

ESL Supervisor, Mason City Schools

ESL Supervisor

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A210

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Mason Bio-Blitz

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B313

Project Pathway Goals: Our team will design a collaborative, multi-room 'Scientific Mystery' capstone project that integrates core Biology domains (genetics, scientific method, cellular processes, population evolution, and other relevant lab activities). We will develop a standardized evidence-based lab report and a rotation protocol that fosters Adaptability and Critical Thinking for both...
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Speakers

Rachael Price

MHS Science Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B313

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Reflective Approach to Teaching Physical Education

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B207

Pathway Description: Children Moving: A Reflective Approach to Teaching Physical EducationBy George Graham, Shirley Ann Holt/Hale and Melissa Parker1. Enhance Reflective Teaching Practices in Physical EducationGoal: Engage in collaborative study of Children Moving to deepen reflective teaching practices, enabling educators to adapt instruction to meet diverse student...
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Speakers

Melissa Hornbeck

PE Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Steph Poeppelman

PE Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B207

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Sheltered ESL American History Curriculum Project

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B204

Pathway Description: ESL History is a cotaught class that is looped over two years. 2026-2027 is the beginning of a new loop. Based on experience and learning for the last two years, we plan to redesign and formalize the resources and units for this class to better meet student needs, support Portrait of a Comet skill development and achievement of both language and content learning.

Speakers

Phoebe Chaiken

MHS Social Studies Teacher, Mason High School

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B204

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Strength-Based Student Supports

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

B206

Pathway Description: We would like to focus on strengthening strength based, affirming practices. We plan to develop shared practices, revised tools, and templates for ETRs, IEPs, 504 plans, and intervention plans, along with updated teacher input forms and staff resources.

Speakers

Lyndsey Hoffman

School Psychologist, Mason City Schools

School Psychologist, MMS

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
B206

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: The Comet Compass

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

MHS Counseling Conference Room

Pathway Description: The Comet Compass(Counseling for Opportunities, Motivation, Planning, Achievement & Student Success). The Comet Compass is Mason High School’s comprehensive counseling pathway designed to guide students through a purposeful, student-centered journey from freshman year to graduation. This initiative focuses on helping students explore opportunities, build...
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Speakers

Tony Affattato

MHS Counselor, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Michelle Brinkman

MHS Counselor, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
MHS Counseling Conference Room

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

PROJECT PATHWAY: Writing Across Grade Levels

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

Z321

Pathway Description: To create a more complete picture of writing in high school so our students can better see their own skill level improvements. Also, to help our own classrooms aid students in increasing their writing skills.

Speakers

TJ Wilson

MHS English Langauge Arts Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Jenny Leitsch

Language Arts Teacher, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
Z321

3. Certified Project Pathway

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: Fiscal Office Technical Training

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A207

Speakers

Cynthia Stubenvoll

Treasurer's Office, Mason City Schools

2025 is my 10th year at Mason and 16th year in education!

Shaun Bevan

Treasurer, Mason City Schools

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A207

4. Classified Pathway

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: Fostering Independence & Engagement for Students with Diverse Learning Needs

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

MHS Harvard Room

Speakers

Jenny Woods

Student Support Services Administrator, Mason City Schools

Student Support Services Administrator

Jody Bergman

Special Education Supervisor, Mason City Schools

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
MHS Harvard Room Floor 1

4. Classified Pathway

about <br>

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: From Support to Success: Practical EL Strategies

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A209

Speakers

Milena Varbanova

ESL Supervisor, Mason City Schools

ESL Supervisor

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A209

4. Classified Pathway

about <br>

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: Google Workspace & Gemini Efficiency

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A208

Speakers

Greg Armstrong

Building Technician - Central, Mason City Schools

David Knapp

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A208

4. Classified Pathway

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: Powerschool Foundations

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A205

Speakers

Mark Murzynowski

Mason City Schools

David Knapp

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A205

4. Classified Pathway

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: Role Based SOPs

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

A206

Speakers

Nicole Evans

Central Admin Asst, Mason City Schools

Let me know if you have any questions prior to the session!

David Knapp

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
A206

4. Classified Pathway

8:00am EDT

CLASSIFIED PATHWAY: SPARK Behavior Intervention Training

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT

MHS Small Commons

Speakers

Jenny Woods

Student Support Services Administrator, Mason City Schools

Student Support Services Administrator

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:15am EDT
MHS Small Commons Floor 1

4. Classified Pathway

about <br>

11:15am EDT

Lunch

Friday September 25, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

Friday September 25, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Break

11:15am EDT

RAPTOR Training MHS

Friday September 25, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT

MHS Auditorium

Friday September 25, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
MHS Auditorium

Required District Training

12:15pm EDT

ME Building Meeting

Friday September 25, 2026 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT

Mason Elementary

Detailed Schedule Here

Speakers

Kristen Lazuta

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Kyle Lichey

Assistant Principal, Mason City Schools

Assistant Principal

Rob Polca

Principal, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Soroya Smith

Assistant Principal, Mason City Schools

Soroya Smith is a curious lead learner serving as Assistant Principal at Mason City Schools. She is passionate about creating spaces of belonging, joy, authentic learning, and creativity. With a commitment to human-centered leadership, Soroya partners with students, staff, and families... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT
Mason Elementary

Building Meeting

12:15pm EDT

MI Building Meeting(s)

Friday September 25, 2026 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT

Mason Intermediate

Detailed Schedule Here

Speakers

DeAuna Todd

Principal, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Brandon Lee

Assistant Principal, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Danielle Creamer

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Vivian Varona

Assistant Principal, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Friday September 25, 2026 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT
Mason Intermediate

Building Meeting

12:15pm EDT

MECC Building Meeting(s)

Friday September 25, 2026 12:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

MECC

Detailed Schedule Here

Speakers

TIna Darling

Assistant Principal, Mason City Schools

I am an assistant principal at MECC. With a background in coaching and teaching, I am passionate about supporting teachers to create inclusive learning experiences where students feel a sense of belonging, significance, and joy. I love sports (Go Bengals, Buckeyes, and FCC!), reading... Read More →

Jenny Davis

Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Please update your information here!

Melissa Bly

Principal, Mason City Schools

Principal of Mason Early Childhood Center, grades PreK-2. I’m passionate about learning and the belief that growth never ends. I thrive on meaningful connections, valuing the richness that comes from understanding people and building authentic relationships. Whether it’s exploring... Read More →