LUSD August Professional Development Day 2026

Chronic absenteeism requires more than reminders and attendance letters—it calls for authentic, creative classroom approaches to engaging families as true partners in student success. This interactive session invites educators to “open the door” to new ways of building trust, strengthening relationships, and rethinking family engagement to improve attendance outcomes.

Participants will explore innovative and relationship-centered strategies, including culturally responsive communication, restorative practices, and the effective use of family outreach to better understand and address barriers to attendance. Through practical examples and collaborative discussion, attendees will learn how small, intentional actions can lead to meaningful connections that bring students back to school consistently.

Walk away with fresh ideas, ready-to-use tools, and a renewed perspective on how engaging families can make all the difference. Join us for a fun time learning together!

This training will explore the powerful connection between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) to create inclusive, engaging, and student-centered classrooms. Participants will be exposed to how UDL provides the framework to ensure all learners can access, participate in, and succeed within PBL experiences. 

(For upper elementary and middle school teachers)