April 20, 2023 Remake Learning Days Return to Southwest Pennsylvania Remake Learning Days return to the southwestern PA region from May 4 – 23, 2023 with events for youth, families, grandparents, caregivers, and educators to explore creative and fun ways of learning! About Remake Learning Days Remake Learning Days Across America (RLDAA) is an innovative learning festival for families and youth. Taking root in regions across the world, thousands of hands-on and engaging events are designed for children of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, community centers, and more. Children, families, caregivers, and educators can attend in-person and virtual events hosted by schools, museums, libraries, after-school organizations, child care centers, tech companies and more. Explore creative and engaging events and celebrate joyful learning, whether you build a robot, code an art spinner, direct a film, be a scientist, explore the outdoors, make your own music, or print your invention with a 3-D printer. Professional development sessions are also available for school, out-of-school, child care, and non-traditional educators. The majority of events are free and open to kids of all ages. Southwestern PA Event Highlights Youth Producers Meet-Up Calling all songwriters, beatmakers, and mix engineers ages 14-22! Come to the Youth Producers Meet-Up to share your tracks, hear how they sound in a professional studio, get feedback from peers and professionals, eat snacks, and meet other creative young music makers in Pittsburgh. This event is FREE to attend. When: Thursday, 5/04 | 4 – 7:30 p.m. Where: YMCA Lighthouse Project, 7140 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 For more information or questions, visit the Remake Learning Days – Southwestern PA event page, or contact K. Bey at kbey@ymcapgh.org. Flex Space Summit Flex Space Summit is a day full of exploration, innovation, and inspiration, bringing together teachers, architects, furniture designers, researchers, and more! During this one-day conference, attendees will learn about reimagining learning spaces. This conference will be held at Allegheny Intermediate Unit (475 E Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA. 15120). This event is FREE to attend and is intended for adults. Registration is highly encouraged. When: Friday, 5/05 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA. 15120 Register For more information or questions, visit the Remake Learning Days – Southwestern PA event page or contact Tyler Samstag at tyler.samstag@aiu3.net. Saturday Night Light Brigade Live Audience Broadcast Are you interested in learning more about the world of radio? Join SLB Radio for a special live-audience broadcast of The Saturday Light Brigade! Attendees will tour the SLB Youth Media Center, then join the live studio audience as SLB Radio welcomes live musical acts, hears from youth guests, plays word games, and much more! This event is FREE to attend and open to all ages. When: Saturday, 5/06 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: SLB Youth Media Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212 For more information or questions, visit the Remake Learning Days – Southwestern PA event page or contact Tai Chirovsky at tai@slbradio.org. Pop-Up! Chess Queens Gambit will present Pop-up! Chess events across Pittsburgh every Saturday of Remake Learning Days! Those who attend can learn the game of chess, practice against instructors, or play with friends and family! This event is FREE to participate in, and chess sets are provided! When: Saturdays, 5/06; 5/13; and 5/20 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Allegheny Commons Park North Park, 810 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212 For more information or questions, visit the Remake Learning Days – Southwestern PA event page or contact Ashley Priore at priore.ashley@gmail.com. Cookie Connections at The History Center Visit the Heinz History Center on Sunday, May 7, for “Cookie Connections” to learn how cookies have connected people for centuries. Explore the region through past and present cookie recipes and stories, activities, and artifacts related to making and baking Pittsburgh history. This event is for all ages. Event cost is included in museum admission. When: Sunday, 5/07 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15222 For more information or questions, visit the Remake Learning Days – Southwestern PA event page, or contact Roy Fischer at rmfischer@heinzhistorycenter.org. Ultimate Play Day Join us — Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, Trying Together, Citiparks, and ZeroFossil — for Ultimate Play Day! Ultimate Play Day is a celebration of playfulness for people of all ages. This annual event is an opportunity for people throughout the Pittsburgh region to play together and raise awareness of the benefits of play for all people—from birth to 199 years. Partner and community organizations offer play activities for all ages at a different venue each year. Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative would like to send a special thank you to Remake Learning for providing a mini grant to The Collaborative for Ultimate Play Day. This event is FREE to attend. When: Sunday, 5/07 | 1 – 4 p.m. Where: Lower McKinley Park, Bausman Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15210 (Beltzhoover) Share our flyer with your networks. For more information, contact Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative at playfulpgh@tryingtogether.org. Additional Information A calendar with all Southwestern PA events is available on the Remake Learning Days website. Families, youth, and professionals can search events by date, time, location, learning theme, age group, and more. RLDAA is presented by Remake Learning and many nationwide partners and host organizations. For more information, visit the RLDAA website.
April 4, 2023 frED Camp More than 50 years after the world met Mister Rogers, modern science is clear: the methods he used in the Neighborhood can help every learner thrive. Informal and formal educators, parents, and families are invited to join When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids during Remake Learning Days for FrED Camp, a free, fun-filled professional development event for every kind of educator. When: Saturday, May 20 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon) Where: Avonworth Primary Center, 1310 Roosevelt Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Register (registration is highly encouraged) Attendees will hear from guest speakers from the Fred Rogers Institute and Project FUEL, and join in on interactive workshops by: Agency by Design Pittsburgh Kidsburgh PA Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT) (KTI) Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts (PCTELA) Pittsburgh STEAM Channel + Capturing Creativity de Sharpsville Area School District Trying Together (Everyday Interactions Matter) Wilmington Area School District World of Work Pittsburgh (RIASEC) WQED Education Share this flyer with your networks. Note: Act 48 Credits are available.
March 31, 2023 Remake Learning Days: It Takes a Neighborhood Join the Fred Rogers Institute for a discussion that will focus on cultivating relationships between those who support children at home, at school, and during out of school time. Adults from various perspectives will explore partnerships across contexts. The Fred Rogers Institute also welcomes children to participate in an interactive, hands-on gardening experience to learn about the environment. Children will have the opportunity to explore ideas of stewardship and kindness in this activity. When: Thursday, May 18, 2023 | 5 – 7 p.m. Where: Fred Rogers Institute, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA. 15650 For more information, visit fredrogersinstitute.org/events or call 724-805-2750. This event is a part of Remake Learning Days. Learn more at remakelearningdays.org/southwesternpa.
August 4, 2022 Remake Learning’s Big Remake Bash Join Remake Learning celebrating 15 years of igniting engaging, relevant, and equitable learning experiences for young people throughout the greater Pittsburgh region at their Big Remake Bash on Thursday, September 15. Participants will enjoy performances, awards, and activities while recognizing the past, present, and future work of Remake Learning. Trying Together will host a Pre-Bash Happy Hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the National Aviary. Then, a creative, interactive program will take place at the New Hazlett Theater from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a celebratory reception with food and drink in the Museum Lab next door until 9 p.m. Register to attend the Pre-Bash Happy Hour and Big Remake Bash today!
January 14, 2022 Empowered Youth, Enhanced Futures Join Remake Learning for a Lunch and Learn about empowering youth to create a better future. About the Event Join special guest Nina Barbuto of Assemble and Allison Paradise of The Epicenter as they share strategies to empower young people. A discussion will be held for participants to share how they are empowering young people. This Lunch and Learn will be held virtually. A Zoom link will be sent upon registration.
November 2, 2021 Initiative Launches to Address Racial Disparity Among Teachers in PA Earlier this month, Remake Learning launched the inaugural cohort of an innovative program called OTIS: Operation Teacher (of Color) Irrigation System. This program aims to address the increasing disparity in the percentage of students of color versus the number of teachers of color in Pennsylvania. This initiative was led by South Fayette School District’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Dr. Chuck Herring. He came up with the “irrigation system” concept to convey that the Pittsburgh region doesn’t need one narrow pipeline—especially given all the negative connotations that “pipeline” now carries in the world of education. Instead, Herring aims to “flood the region” with talented teachers of color from around the country by introducing them to Pittsburgh while they’re in college. The inaugural cohort is made up of four undergraduate students at Howard University studying elementary education. Howard University generally sends students to international locations for their months of student teaching, but one goal is to have OTIS participants do their student teaching in southwestern Pennsylvania. Continued funding will be sought out to continue and expand this program. About Remake Learning Remake Learning is a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change.
October 13, 2020 Remake Learning Days Across America Launch Are you a Remake Learning Days event host or educational stakeholder who is interested in learning more about Remake Learning Days Across America 2021? Join Remake Learning on Tuesday, October 13 from 7 – 8 p.m. EST for the National Launch! About Remake Learning Days Across America (RLDAA) is an innovative learning festival for families and youth. Hosted in 16 regions across the United States, RLDAA features hands-on and engaging events designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, and more. Most events are free. This year’s events will run nationally from April 22 – May 23, 2021, and from May 6 – 16, 2021 in Southwestern Pennsylvania. To view all dates and activities, visit the Remake Learning Days webpage. RLDAA Kickoff Event If you are an event host or educational stakeholder who is interested in learning more about RLDAA 2021 and celebrating family-engaged learning, join Remake Learning on Tuesday, October 13 from 7 – 8 p.m. EST for the National Launch! The event will feature special guests, hands-on activities, and national and regional partners. To register, visit the event webpage. More Information For more information on RLDAA 2021, visit the Remake Learning Days webpage.
September 2, 2020 Helping Parents & Caregivers Navigate a School Year Like No Other Are you interested in hearing from the country’s leading experts about topics such as social-emotional wellness, mental health, learning resources, tech safety, and more? Join Remake Learning and other presenting organizations for the “So Now What?” virtual series! About The series will bring the country’s leading experts in education and childhood development, including PBS Kids, Common Sense Media, Learning Heroes, and UPMC Children’s Hospital, together with parents and caregivers to share and learn from one another. Presenters will cover a range of topics specific to this moment in time, including: social-emotional wellness, mental health, learning resources, communication, tech safety, and much more. Available Sessions The series includes the following sessions: COVID-19 and Kids Health: An Evidence-Based Practical Guide & FAQ Wednesday, September 2 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Supporting Young Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness as We Return to School Wednesday, September 9 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Tweens, Teens, and Mental Health Wednesday, September 9 from 8 – 8:30 p.m. Ready to Partner: 5 Steps for a Different Kind of School Year for Families and Schools Wednesday, September 16 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. How to be Safe Online and Balance Tech Usage in a World of Virtual Learning Wednesday, September 23 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Learning Resources for Families Wednesday, September 30 from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Registration To register, complete the online registration form. Share this flyer with your network.
March 3, 2020 Remake Learning Offers Summer Professional Development Portal Summer in the Greater Pittsburgh Area is not only filled with sunshine and warmth, it’s also filled with special intensives, camps, and other summer training opportunities. That’s why Remake Learning launched its Summer Professional Development portal, highlighting local professional learning opportunities that will happen in summer 2020! About Remake Learning‘s Summer Professional Development portal is a curated collection of innovative, educator-led, and hands-on learning opportunities that are hosted in June, July, and August. By visiting the portal, community members can learn about and register for sessions covering a variety of topics, including making, STEAM, project-based learning, coding camps, and more! The portal is regularly updated as new opportunities are made available. To view current opportunities, visit the Remake Learning website. More Information If you would like to add your professional learning opportunity to the list, start by submitting your event to the Remake Learning calendar! Please note that this calendar focuses on opportunities, professional development, and events specifically for educators and youth-centered organizations. For questions or more information, contact info@remakelearning.org.
January 31, 2020 Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion Recorded Sessions From January 19 – 29, 2021, Trying Together hosted our free Virtual UnConference: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion. Recordings of each workshop have been added to this page for those who were unable to attend. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> UnConference Details Young children thrive and grow in their natural learning environments, including children with developmental differences. Educators play a critical role in creating an inclusive and diverse environment for children to feel a sense of belonging, to feel valued as a member of the classroom, and to feel empowered to learn to their full ability. UnConference: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion dives into the importance of working together—with a collaboration between teachers, intervention specialists, and parents/caregivers—to provide this environment for children to learn and grow in differentiated ways yet feel included in the group. This is a free Virtual UnConference. What Do I Receive? PQAS and/or Act 48 hours. Networking with colleagues. Interactive workshop sessions. Refreshed or refined thinking about your work with young children. Featured Sessions Keynote: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. Presented by: Trying Together and Children’s Institute | Keynote Speaker: Wendy Pardee During the keynote session, Wendy Pardee, President, and CEO of The Children’s Institute will share how they created a collaborative environment that provides a positive view on early intervention in an effort to bring different parties together in the best interest of the child. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring an educator, parent, and intervention specialist. Transition and Educational Support in the Early Childhood Environment Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Kristina Berg and Loreleigh Elders, DART Early Childhood Educators are an active and critical part of a child’s early intervention team that is often lost in the process of transition and service planning. This presentation will provide an overview of the early intervention process, as children age out of the Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program and transition into Preschool Early Intervention Support. We will provide practical examples and resources of ways to support children and families through the transition process, as well as ways to adapt the preschool classroom environment in order for all children to be successful. Creating and Building Inclusive Support Teams for Children Friday, January 22, 2021, | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Presented by: Serena Washington, Trying Together When thinking about what a team/collaboration approach looks like when working with children and families we must be open to asking the following questions: Why is it important to build a team for a child(ren)? What does the team/collaboration approach look like? Who and what do we need on the team/collaboration? How do we work and communicate as a team? In this workshop, join us for a robust discussion and learn strategies for creating an inclusive team to support your children. How to Assess Your Students Needs: Using the ASQ through the Lens of Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Program Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. Presented by: Gloria Rodriguez-Ransom, The Pennsylvania Keys Through the expertise of the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) program, participants will receive an overview of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires with a particular emphasis on assessing children’s social and emotional development. The developmental screening tools ASQ3 and ASQ:SE 2 are designed for children ages three months to five years and designed for use by early childhood educators and health care professionals. Attendees will learn how to administer and score the screener and share the results of the screener with families and professional colleagues. In addition, recommendations for suggested resources will be shared if additional services are needed. Overview of Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Services in Allegheny County Referral Through Transitioning Out of 0-3 Services Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Presenters: Erica Balint and Vonna May-Miller, Alliance for Infants and Toddlers In this workshop, presenters will discuss how the child’s 0-3 Early Intervention (EI) team collaborates with families and child care staff so that all have an understanding of how the EI system in Allegheny County operates and supports children. This session will give an overview of how children are referred and become part of the EI system. Information will include how a child is referred, eligibility criteria, evaluation process, service planning, and implementation along with transitioning out of 0-3 services. Catering to The Whole Classroom: Lesson Development and Implementation That Speaks to Every Child Friday, January 29, 2021 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Presented by: Daile Fordoski, Lyasha Bishop, LaRae D. Cullens, The Learning Loft There is not one lesson in any learning environment that is one size fits all. It is the educator’s responsibility to develop ways in which a lesson can benefit every child in a classroom. This workshop examines strategies for planning and implementing inclusive activities for children of varying developmental levels. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills by dissecting a pre-made lesson and sharing ideas and strategies of accommodation that can be applied in their setting. Registration Registration for this event is closed. Recordings of each workshop session will be available on this webpage after the conclusion of each session. Please continue to monitor this page for updates. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How Do I Attend this UnConference Virtually? These sessions were hosted using the web-based video conferencing platform Zoom. Please download Zoom to your device of choice prior to the start of the UnConference. UnConference hosts sent out all workshop links via email at least 24 hours before the start of each event. How Do I Receive Credit? PQAS and Act 48 credits are available to professionals who registered for and completed these sessions. More information, including the online Attendance form, will be sent via email to individuals who registered. Once completed, Jasmine Davis, Professional Learning Program Manager at Trying Together, will process your credit. If you have questions specific to receiving credit, please email jasmine@tryingtogether.org. More Information For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network. About Wendy Pardee Wendy Pardee, President & CEO, The Children’s Institute Dr. Wendy Pardee joined The Children’s Institute as President and CEO in August 2017. She has led the 118-year-old nonprofit organization through transformational change in a short period of time thanks to her leadership, vision, and advocacy for our community’s youngest residents. Wendy has more than two decades of management experience in the healthcare, human services, and financial services sectors. Previously, she served as President and CEO of Skills of Central Pennsylvania, an organization with sites in 18 counties serving those with intellectual disabilities. She also served as CFO of the Community Guidance Center and began her career at First Commonwealth Financial Corporation. Wendy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Management of Information Systems, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Administration and Leadership Studies. She has served on community child care boards, community health councils, local YMCA boards, the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association board, the Center Area Transportation Authority Board, and the American Association of University Women. Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Group Up Great, our sponsor Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5, co-host The Children’s Institute, and workshop partners. Sponsors Co-Host About Trying Together Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. Trying Together works regionally (in Southwestern Pennsylvania) and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences.
