Back to School?? A Panel Discussion with Educators for Stressed-Out Parents – Wednesday, July 29 • 7 p.m. via Zoom. Register here.
With so much uncertainty in the air regarding the opening of schools this fall, Minister to Children Julie Girards has organized a virtual panel discussion featuring experienced educators from the Wilshire community. The event will will take place Wednesday, July 29, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Julie says, “For parents who may be struggling with decisions about sending their kids back to school, this is a way for them to know that they’re not alone, and it’s a chance for them to ask questions.”
Panelists are Casey Boland, Shana Gaines, Jenn Madding, Paige Pendery and Robin Pokladnik. Read more about them below.
To get the Zoom invitation, email Carol Cabaniss, ministry assistant. Attendees are also encouraged to email Carol to submit questions for the panel in advance of the Zoom session.
Meet the panelists
Casey Boland teaches at Lake Highlands High School and was named Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2018 in the Richardson Independent School District. Casey, a 22-year veteran of the classroom, teaches AP U.S. History, Economics, Peer Helpers and Academic Decathlon at Lake Highlands and is the school’s Mock Trial sponsor.
Shana Gaines has taught for 16 years in both public and private schools and is currently teaching elementary music in Richardson ISD. She is also experienced in special education and serves on the Texas Education Association’s statewide committee for special ed finance. Shana has a master’s degree in school administration and is an alumnus of the Teach Plus DFW Policy Fellowship, which trains teachers to advocate for positive changes in education policy.
Jenn Madding has been an assistant principal for seven years and currently serves in that position at Rosemont Elementary School in the Dallas Independent School District. This December, she will complete her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University.
Paige Pendery is an elementary school counselor at Northwood Hills Elementary School in Richardson ISD. This will be her 11th year as a counselor and her 19th in education. A licensed professional counselor, Paige serves on RISD’s Counselor Advisory Committee and as an Emerging Leader on the board for the Lone Star State School Counselor Association.
Robin Pokladnik, a 29-year veteran of Texas public schools, is retiring this month from the Region 10 Education Service Center, where she is a consultant for Child Find and Evaluation. Robin’s career in special education has included working as a director of special education, coordinator of evaluation personnel, as well as a diagnostician and special education compliance officer. She owns an independent evaluation and consulting firm, Special Evaluations & Consulting of Texas.