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Jostens Renaissance Regional Conference Energizes EMS ISD Schools
On Wednesday, October 22, 2024, school leaders from across the region gathered at Eagle Mountain High School for the Jostens Better Than Good Renaissance Regional Conference. This half-day event was designed to energize and empower attendees to foster positive school cultures and climates. In addition to Eagle Mountain High School, the conference was attended by three other district high schools (Chisholm Trail High School, Saginaw High School, Watson High School) and three middle schools (Prairie Vista Middle School, Wayside Middle School, Creekview Middle School), for a total of seven schools from the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. The conference also welcomed over forty area schools, with a total attendance of around seven hundred participants.
The conference featured inspiring keynote presentations from renowned speakers Dr. Phillip Campbell and Keith Hawkins. Dr. Campbell, a Jostens Renaissance Ambassador, shared proven strategies and best practices for building a joyful school culture that boosts staff morale, academic achievement, and character development. Motivational speaker Hawkins captivated the audience with his powerful messages about the importance of purpose, leadership, and a positive mindset.
In addition to the keynote sessions, attendees participated in breakout discussions focused on specific topics related to school identity, educator engagement, and student recognition. These interactive sessions allowed participants to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on actionable plans to implement at their own schools.
"We were excited because the majority of our students and staff were unaware of what Renaissance was and what it can do for a campus and for educators and students," said Scott Tilley, choir director for Eagle Mountain High School. "We were excited for them to experience, essentially tasting the Kool-Aid of what Renaissance is, and see how they can take that to continue building a culture of excellence at Eagle Mountain." When asked about the conference, Dr. Ronald Gatlin, principal of Eagle Mountain High School, said, "It was huge for us, because we're still blank canvas. It was good for our kids to see it so that they can get excited about it, so it can be more kid driven."
The conference culminated in an energetic "mini Renaissance Rally," where attendees experienced firsthand the excitement and unity that can be generated through school-wide celebrations and traditions. This hands-on activity reinforced the conference's central theme: that fostering a positive school culture is essential for student and staff success.
The seven EMS ISD campuses that attended the conference left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear plan of action for creating joyful, high-achieving school cultures. These schools look forward to implementing the ideas and best practices learned at the conference to benefit their students, staff, and broader communities.
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