Schedule of Events

Friday, September 5, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Casual Gathering / Happy Hour, Sponsored by Molina Healthcare

Join fellow volunteers in and around San Diego for a social hour. Appetizers will be provided. Cash bar. Nearby cash parking lots and street parking available.

Location: Original 40 Brewing Company, 3117 University Avenue, San Diego CA

Saturday, September 6

Join Words Alive volunteers for a virtual day of workshops, discussions, and community building.

All sessions will be virtual on Zoom and led by Words Alive volunteers and staff. Participants will receive links and instructions prior to the Academy. All workshops and panels will be recorded, archived, and provided on a secure webpage for volunteers to revisit.

Although encouraged to attend the full day of activities, registered participants are welcome to attend any portion of the day.

8:30 a.m. Coffee Chats (optional)

Bring your own coffee and join a breakout room for a casual conversation hosted by members of the Words Alive Board of Directors.

9:00 a.m.  Welcome & Housekeeping

9:05 a.m. Greetings from Words Alive Leadership

• Meredith Baratz, Chair of the Board of Directors

• Leslye Lyons, Founder

• Rachael Orose, Executive Director

9:30 a.m. Introduction to 2025-2026 Theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted: Stories That Root Us”

• Melinda Casey, Director of Learning & Engagement

9:45 a.m. Panel Discussion 1: “Grow Where You Are Planted: Stories That Root Us”

Over the course of the 25-26 school year, we’ll be exploring powerful links between literacy, the natural world, and our individual and shared identities. This panel will introduce the theme and explore books that we are featuring in the upcoming year.

Guest speakers to be announced soon!

11:00 a.m. Break

11:15 a.m. Workshop Sessions (Round 1)

Join a breakout room for an engaging workshop:

• On the Same Page: Telling the Words Alive Story

• Reading the Room: Classroom Engagement for Every Learned

• Understanding the Communities We Serve: Building Bridges to Access through Connection & Compassion

12:00 p.m. Virtual Lunch Rooms

Take a screen break or join fellow volunteers in virtual lunch rooms for casual conversations.

12:30 p.m. Workshop Sessions (Round 2)  

Join a breakout room for an engaging workshop:

• From the Shelf to the Classroom: A Primer in Words Alive Curriculum Development

• A Novel Partnership: Volunteers & Teachers Working Together

• Understanding the Communities We Serve: Building Bridges to Access through Connection & Compassion

1:15 p.m. Workshop Sessions (Round 3)  

Join a breakout room for an engaging workshop:

• From the Shelf to the Classroom: A Primer in Words Alive Curriculum Development

• A Novel Partnership: Volunteers & Teachers Working Together

• Public Speaking for Volunteers: In the Classroom and Online

  
  

2:00 p.m. Concluding Remarks & Evaluation

• Rachael Orose, Executive Director

2:30 p.m. Live Zoom Discussions End

Sunday, September 7

Join Words Alive volunteers in San Diego for an in-person morning of workshops and community building as we continue to explore the 2025-2026 theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted: The Stories that Root Us.”

Activities will be at the Words Alive offices in Downtown San Diego. You can find nearby paid parking lots, street parking, bus lines, and trolley stops. You do not need to participate in Saturday’s workshops to join the conversations on Sunday.

9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

Join us for breakfast and spending time with fellow volunteers.

9:30 a.m. Greetings from Words Alive Leadership

• Meredith Baratz, Chair of the Board of Directors

• Rachael Orose, Executive Director

9:45 a.m. Panel Discussion 2: “Grow Where You Are Planted: Stories That Root Us”

Over the 2025–26 school year, we’re digging into the connections between literacy, the natural world, and the ways our personal and collective identities take shape. This panel will explore why our future depends on nurturing STEM literacy across all ages. We’ll examine how stories about science, nature, and technology can inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and strengthen our sense of belonging. Attendees will leave with fresh ideas for integrating STEM-rich narratives and a deeper understanding of how these stories can help readers see themselves as part of a shared ecosystem.

Panelists:

• Marcie Colleen, award-winning author of numerous picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels for kids

• Hilary Ego, Environmental Sustainability Manager, City of La Mesa, children’s book author

• Julia Loman, Sr. Director of Program Planning and Development, Early Head Start/Head Start, Neighborhood House Association

10:45 a.m. Break and 1:1 Discussions with Panelists

11:00 a.m. Learning Demonstrations

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in demonstrations of interactive learning activities, tied to thematic anchor texts, planned for the 2025-2026 school year.

11:45 a.m. Concluding Remarks & Evaluation

• Rachael Orose, Executive Director

12:00 p.m. Academy Concludes