Spring Conference

The 2021 NRCSA Spring Conference


The 2021 NRCSA Spring Conference will be held on March 25 & 26, 2021 at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Convention Center. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the Spring Conference please contact Jeff Bundy at (402) 202-6028 or via e-mail at jbundy@nrcsa.net.

Member Registration

Registration forms for school personnel attending the conference are available through the links below. The cost is $210.00 per person for NRCSA member schools, $350.00 per person for non-member schools. To register simply fill out one of the forms below and return it to NRCSA. Please note that the school business office will receive an invoice for payment of conference fees if payment is not received with the registration.

Registrations may be altered or canceled until March 22, 2021. Schools will be responsible for all registration fees after that date.

Additional notices regarding the Conference and COVID 19

As of now the Kearney Holiday Inn is operating at 25% capacity in order to comply with directed health measures. NRCSA will comply with all directed health measures that are in place and this may affect registrations. Additionally, a number of school districts chose to carry their registrations forward from the 2020 Spring Conference which was canceled because of COVID. Those districts will be contacted individually at a later date.

2021 NRCSA Spring Conference Registration Forms (Exhibitors DO NOT use these forms)

2021 NRCSA Spring Conference Registration Form (MS Word version)

2021 NRCSA Spring Conference Registration Form (online version)

Exhibitor Registration

With the directed health measures currently in place exhibitor registration will remain closed at this time. A number of vendors chose to carry their registrations forward from the 2020 Spring Conference which was canceled because of COVID. Those vendors will be contacted individually at a later date.

Vendors will be notified via both postal mail and email if and when exhibitor registration opens for the 2021 Conference.

Exhibitor Directory

NRCSA encourages your support of our Business Affiliates.

2020 NRCSA Exhibitor Directory

 

General Session Speakers

Dan Meers - March 25, 2021 Thursday Morning Keynote

Courageous Leadership Living A Life Of Influence

On November 23, 2013, Dan Meers came within inches of losing his life while practicing a bungee jump and zip line stunt at Arrowhead Stadium… home of the Kansas City Chiefs. What Dan anticipated being the thrill of a lifetime ended up being the spill of a lifetime. The stunt went terribly wrong and Dan plummeted 75 feet before crashing into the stadium seats. Miraculously Dan survived. He spent 9 days in the hospital and got some really big scars. Dan smiles when he says, “Scars are just Tattoos that come with a Cool Story”. During this powerful presentation Dan shares his incredible story and the important lessons that he learned during his long road to recovery about leadership and about life.

 

Dr. Matthew Blomstedt - March 25, 2021 Thursday Noon Keynote

Dr. Matthew Blomstedt was named Commissioner of Education by the State Board of Education on January 2, 2014.

Dr. Blomstedt served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council until December 2013. He previously served as the first full-time Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, a research analyst for the Education Committee of the Nebraska Legislature, and has worked in a variety of policy research roles over the past 16 years. Dr. Blomstedt earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well as a Master’s Degree in Community and Regional Planning.

Dr. Blomstedt is a native Nebraskan whose career has focused on local, regional and statewide education issues. Blomstedt’s experience includes education finance and organization, assessment and accountability, professional development, and the development of systems to enhance blended and distance learning opportunities across the state.

His address is a welcome opportunity to hear the latest happening with the State Board of Education and the Department of Education.

 

Dr. Salome Thomas-El - March 26, 2021 Friday Keynote

Resilient Teachers and Leaders: Challenging the Status Quo

“Stop praying for a lighter load, and start praying for a stronger back.” This is the mantra of Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning teacher and principal, and internationally recognized educator. Principal EL believes that resilient teachers and leaders take risks, make courageous decisions, and challenge the status quo. They understand that teaching is not easy, it’s hard work, but it’s good work. As passionate educators, we are able to make a difference in the lives of our students and ensure they are all exposed to an engaging curriculum and effective teaching.


In his thought-provoking presentation, Principal EL shares how we can develop positive relationships and foster a supportive school culture so teachers and leaders can focus on the protective processes that impact and build resilience in all of our students. Principal EL brings a powerful combination of passion, caring, and leadership to craft a refreshing, common-sense roadmap for parents, teachers and administrators to help kids achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.

Concurrent Sessions

A list of concurrent sessions will be available at a later date.

Conference Schedule

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

3:00 PM—5:00 PM   Executive Committee Meeting—Room A

6:30 PM—9:00 PM   Exhibitor Check-In & Setup—Ballroom

7:00 PM —9:00 PM  Attendee Registration—Pre-Function Area

7:00 PM                     Hospitality Rooms

Thursday, March 25, 2021

7:15 AM                     Attendee Registration—Pre-Function Area

                                    Coffee and Rolls—Ballroom Exhibit Area

8:00 AM                     General Session—Loper Hall

            Presiding: Ginger Meyer, NRCSA President, Supt, Chadron Public Schools

            8:05 AM – 8:30 AM Musical Welcome:

            8:35 AM – 8:55 AM Scholarships and Awards: 

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Introduction and remarks by NREA Executive Director Allen Pratt                                                                                              

9:20 AM – 10:20 AM Keynote Address: Dan Meers                                                                                      

10:20 AM—11:00 AM          Exhibitor Time

11:00 AM—11:50 AM          Thursday Morning Select-a-Sessions

12:00 PM                   Lunch General Session—Loper Hall

            Presiding: Del Dackl, NRCSA Past President, Supt, Paxton Consolidated Schools

            12:35 PM – 12:55 PM Keynote Address: Dr. Matthew Blomstedt

            1:00 PM – 1:40 PM Scholarships and Awards:

1:45 PM—2:20 PM   Exhibitor Time                                                            

2:20 PM—3:10 PM   Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions

3:10 PM—3:35 PM               Exhibitor Time

3:35 PM—4:25 PM   Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions

4:30 PM                     Closing the Gap Research Team Meeting – Room F

6:00 PM                     Chuckwagon Buffet— Loper Hall

7:00 PM                     Hospitality Rooms

Friday, March 26, 2021

7:15 AM                     Attendee Registration—Pre-Function Area

                                    Coffee and Rolls—Pre-Function Area

8:00 AM—8:50 AM  Friday Select-a-Session I

9:00 AM—9:50 AM  Friday Select-a-Session II

10:00 AM—10:45 AM          Brunch Buffet—Loper Hall

10:30: - 11:00 AM                 Musical Welcome:

10:50 AM                   Closing Session—Loper Hall

            Presiding: Dr. Dawn Lewis, NRCSA President-Elect, Supt, Arlington Public Schools

            11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Scholarships and Awards:  

            11:50- AM – 12:45 PM Keynote Address: Dr. Salome Thomas El

 

12:50 PM                   Thank Yous, Prizes, & Drawings