April 10, 2025

CEO 3

• Easter break is right around the corner for schools and I am sure the warm weather will be following. March was a crazy travel month, but such incredible events all over our state from Mid-Hudson all the way over to Erie 1 BOCES this past week. DATAG and DPSS held very successful events and we now look to testing, budgeting and end of year spending. We have been so fortunate to work with so many of you on grants this year and what an impact we have made! Keep us in mind for local and regional events as well as PD days and keynote support. We are here to help YOU!

• A quick shoutout to everyone who participated in the Virtual Focus Groups! THANK YOU! I will be sending the gift cards out within the next few weeks. These FG's are so important to our Corporate Partners and your input is not only welcomed, but necessary. Action items this month for our members include getting that classroom grant application in as well as any award nominations you would like to make!

• With so much chaos and uncertainty in the world right now, I suggest we all just take a deep breathe and make a positive difference where we can. There is so much good work begin done in our schools and I am so proud that NYSCATE is a part of that. Control what you can control and stand firm with what you believe in. At the end of the day, we are all here to make an impact on the students of New York State and I truly believe we are definitely doing that every single day!

Make plans to join us November 23-25, 2025 at Turning Stone Resort and Conference Center

Apply Before April 30, 2025!

We Need YOU!

🎮 Serious Play Conference 2025

Bringing the Power of Games to Teaching & Learning!

NYSCATE is proud to partner with the Serious Play Conference, taking place August 13–15 at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY — with a bonus Esports Summit on August 16 at RIT MAGIC Center.

This exciting national event explores game-based learning, gamification, simulations, immersive tech, and esports in K-12, higher ed, and beyond. The conference features hands-on workshops, expert panels, networking, and interactive sessions led by leaders in education and innovation.

✨ NYSCATE members receive 25% off registration with code NYSCATE25

🎤 Interested in speaking? Consider sharing your experience using games, gamification, play, and/or XR in a K12 setting.

The call for speakers is open:

• Main Conference Deadline: April 14
• Esports Summit Deadline: May 15

🔗 Learn more, register or apply to speak: https://seriousplayconf.com

Save the Date & Celebrate!

Join ClassLink & NYSCATE in Canandaigua

May 15, 2025

Save your spot today as spots are limited!

NYSCATE and The University of Albany present:

Thank you for supporting the Scholarship Golf Tournament - we are over half-way filled up already!

If you are thinking of getting a foursome together, do not delay!

New Episode Released!

NYSCATE Educator Institute

CS&DF in Phys Ed • CS&DF in Art • CS&DF in ELA • CS&DF in Math

CS&DF in Science • CS&DF in K-1 • CS&DF in 2-3 • CS&DF in 4-6 • CS&DF in 7-8 Computational Thinking • Networks & Systems Design • Impacts of Computing

Cybersecurity • Digital Literacy

Choice Boards • Escape Rooms • Generative AI • Microsoft 365 • Google Basics • PLN's • UDL • Screencasting • PBL • Wakelet

Future-Ready Classrooms Start Here:

Bring CS & AI to Your District with Code.org!

As AI and emerging technologies transform nearly every aspect of our lives, Code.org is leading a movement to ensure that K-12 students are equipped to adapt to the realities of a rapidly evolving knowledge economy. For more than a decade, Code.org has partnered with educators to advocate for not just policy change, but the resources necessary to expand access to high quality computer science (CS) curriculum and professional learning experiences.

Empower your districts with high-quality, equitable computer science and AI education through the FREE Code.org District Program. Get curriculum, professional learning, and strategic guidance to build sustainable K-12 pathways. Join a nationwide network of leaders—apply today! 

Monday, March 31,2025

3:15PM

Danielle Cox serves as the NYS Education Solutions Consultant for Harris Education Solutions, bringing 25 years of experience in the education field. Prior to joining the HES team, Danielle held various roles, including classroom teacher, reading specialist, and school administrator. In her current role, she partners with education professionals to address their unique challenges, offering tailored solutions such as data tools and analytics, MTSS solutions, content-specific screening tools, curriculum management, and more.

Brad Hunter began his career in public education in 1995 as a paraprofessional. Over the years, he taught at the primary school level, served as an elementary principal for ten years, worked as a curriculum coordinator for two years, and spent the last eleven years as an assistant superintendent. Throughout his career, Brad has spearheaded numerous initiatives to improve public education. As a principal, his school was recognized as one of the top five percent performing Title I schools in the state for four consecutive years. Under his leadership, the school secured multiple grants, and Brad was honored as Principal of the Year. In January, Brad took on a new role as Vice President of Operations at Harris Education Solutions.

Susan Skaggs is an education consultant for Harris Education Solutions and the principal developer of LION for Reading. For over 20 years, Susan has worked with teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents to ensure the strategic and effective use of data to empower teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Susan is committed to enhancing educational outcomes and fostering an environment where both students and educators can thrive.

NYSCATE is proud to be the state affiliate/chapter member in

New York for these national EdTech organizations.

National Coalition for Technology

in Education & Training