Day 1 - Welcome, Charles Vogel & Connections

You arrive in Minneapolis and step into a room filled with energy and purpose. Educators, students, trustees, alumni, and school leaders from across the country join together for an opening session that frames the days ahead — grounded, clarifying, and motivating. The conference opens with a Welcome from Pollyanna Founder Casper Caldarola and Conference Guide Jason Craige Harris, and Keynote Address from Charles Vogl, who set the tone with insights on trust, connection, and community.

Jason will run Connection Circles, where students, educators, trustees, leaders, parents, and alumni meet in mixed groups to share stories and build connections.

Throughout the three days, Jason, serving as the conference facilitator, introduces speakers, offers framing, and helps connect emerging themes for K-12 schools.

We’ll end Day 1 with a student-friendly reception.

Day 2 - Jamil Zaki, Constituent Groups, Learning Sessions & Megan L. Hogan

Day 2 is where the work comes alive. Workshops, panels, and interactive sessions unfold throughout the venue, giving your POD the opportunity to explore new ideas, listen deeply, and reflect on what’s most relevant for your school.

• Morning Speaker: Jamil Zaki on empathy, cooperation, and building supportive school communities
• Mid-morning Session: Constituent Groups for students, faculty, trustees, administrators, parents, staff, alumni, and community engagers to meet by constituency to share challenges and effective practices they are managing at school
• Afternoon: Learning Sessions led by educators from across the country, separate selections for adults and students
• Afternoon Speaker: Megan L. Hogan on leadership, culture, and organizational health

Day 3 - Student Panel, Sponsor Meetups, POD Time & Natosha Reid Rice

The final day brings the full conference community back together to reflect on themes emerging across PODs and regions. 

• Morning Session: Student Panel, featuring students speaking directly about belonging and school culture
• Meetups: Time with Conference Sponsors who support community-building work
• POD Work: Time for your team to turn insights into a clear, school-specific Action Plan
• Lunch Speaker: Natosha Reid Rice on equity, purpose, and community transformation
• Closing Session: Jason Craige Harris and Casper Caldarola bring together themes from all three days and help teams consider next steps back on campus

You'll Leave With

• A focused Action Plan
• Shared priorities and next steps
• A strengthened team
• A national network committed to building stronger, kinder communities

Your POD Belongs Here

When people across roles learn side by side, school communities grow stronger. This January, your team can be part of a gathering built around clarity, connection, and community.

If you have any questions about the schedule or preparing your POD, we’re here to help.

With anticipation,
The Pollyanna Team