2106 CA Users Conference

SessionDescriptions

A Day in the Life of a Business ManagerRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Debbie Jones & Karen BenefieldSession Time: Thurs. 9:35 – 10:35, Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

General topics that Business Managers should consider to keep the finances of the District on track. Activity Fund Management, MSIS/Personnel report, board meeting reports, ad-valorem monitoring, document management and other general items.

Suggested Audience: Business Managers

The Only Thing Certain in Life (and the FLSA) is Change – Old and New Legal Issues

Room: Magnolia GPresenter: Elizabeth Lee MaronSession Times: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

How to be proactive in spotting FLSA legal issues in your district and what to do once you find those issues. Plus, what to watch for in implementing the new FLSA regula-tions.

Suggested Audience: Administrators, Business Managers, Business Office and Human Resource Personnel

American Fidelity:Strategic Planning in Light of the ACA

Room: Magnolia GPresenter: Beau WilsonSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 9:35 – 10:35

Many employers are understandably overwhelmed by the magnitude and dynamic nature of the evolving Health Care Reform law. This presentation focuses on re-sponsibilities for employers between now and 2020, such as the Employer Mandate, IRS Employer Reporting, and so called “Cadillac Tax”. We will summarize each of the provisions, and help participants create their own action plans. We will also answer frequently asked questions about the rules, provide tips for compliance, and identify resources available for employers who would like addi-tional information or assistance.

Suggested Audience: Managers/Insurance Clerks/Payroll Clerks

Frontline: Taking Your Recruitment to the Next LevelRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Lowell GhoseySession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30

This session is a “high-altitude” quick-paced overview

of ways to enhance your finding, filtering, and hiring, and onboarding all staff, that several of your Mississippi neighbors already enjoy with integrated web-based & paperless HR solutions by Frontline Education.Escape from the “download-and-print” application era & import new hires into Marathon to reduce manual data entry & errors. No matter your district size, there are ideas you will be able to use!

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in Human Resources

Internal ControlsRoom: Magnolia GPresenter: Bonnie GrangerSession Times: Wed. 2:50 – 3:50, Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05

Presentation on ideas for strengthening internal controls surrounding activity and club funds as well as business office procedures. Fund raising and use of facilities poli-cies and procedures will also be discussed.

Suggested Audience: Business Office Personnel & School Bookkeepers

Making the Most of Your Federal Program DollarsRoom: Magnolia GPresenter: Bonnie GrangerSession Times: Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30, Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

Discussion on the requirements of Supplement, Not Sup-plant and Accreditation Standards as well as Federal Program requirements that Business Managers need to know about the budgeting of federal programs dollars.

Suggested Audience: Business Managers and Federal Pro-grams Personnel

Marathon: Accounts PayableRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Linda Sasser JohnsonSession Time: Wed. 1:45 – 2:45

Learn about the AP day-to-day duties but also discuss what happens after the Bills are paid. Some of the topics will include: From Teacher Requisition to the Purchase Order, Entering of Invoices to Printing AP Checks or EFT Payments for Vendors, Managing the Outstanding Pur-chase Orders and Encumbrances better, Document Man-agement, and getting ready for the End of Year 1099 Process.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with Accounts Payable

MARATHONSessionsMARATHONSessions

Marathon: ActiveTimeRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Linda Sasser JohnsonSession Times: Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05, Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

Our users asked for changes and Marathon has Gone Beyond with New Features for the ActiveTime Clock System. Dual Jobs Clock In/Out, Remote Worker Call In, Comparing Clocked time to Work Schedules, & more reporting.

Suggested Audience: Anyone who records, corrects, or processes time

Marathon: AdministrationRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Kim CatheySession Time: Wed. 2:50 – 3:50

A general overview of the Marathon Administration mod-ule. Learn how to establish users, create groups, assign rights, and much more.

Suggested Audience: Marathon Administrators

Marathon: Capital AssetsRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Kim CatheySession Time: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00

A general overview of the Marathon Web Capital Assets module. This session will cover managing assets, depreci-ation of assets, transfers, utilities, and reports.

Suggested Audience: Anyone responsible for Capital Assets

Marathon: General LedgerRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Debbie Jones & Karen BenefieldSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00

A general overview of the Marathon Web General Led-ger module.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with General Ledger.

Marathon: Human Resources / Practical UsesRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Nancy CotnamSession Time: Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

Come discover ways to put the features of the Human Resource module to work for your district.

Suggested Audience: If you are responsible for Hiring Ap-plicants, Tracking FMLA leave, Maintaining License infor-mation, Census Reports or other Human Resource responsi-bilities, you will want to attend this session.

Marathon: IDEA LAB for 16th SectionRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Linda Sasser JohnsonSession Times: Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40

This is an open discussion on 16th Section with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: Anyone currently using the 16th Sec-tion module or has plans to do so.

Marathon: IDEA LAB for Accounts PayableRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Linda Sasser JohnsonSession Time: Thurs. 4:10 – 5:10

This is an open discussion on Accounts Payable with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in Accounts Payable

Marathon: IDEA LAB for AdministrationRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Kim CatheySession Time: Wed. 1:45 – 2:45

This is an open discussion on Accounts Payable with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: Marathon Administrators

Marathon: IDEA LAB for Business ManagersRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Kim CatheySession Time: Thurs. 9:35 – 10:35

This is an open discussion on Business Managers with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: Marathon Business Managers

Marathon: IDEA LAB for Payroll & Human ResourcesRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Nancy CotnamSession Times: Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05

This is an open discussion on Payroll and Human Resourc-es with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask

questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: Payroll and Human Resources Clerks

Marathon: NEW 16th SectionRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Linda Sasser JohnsonSession Times: Thurs. 9:35 – 10:35, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

In May 2016, the NEW 16th Section Web Version was released. In the session, we will continue learn more about what the Marathon’s 16th Section module can do for your district in helping you maintain the information for Parcels, Leases, Lessees, Receipts, Shared Revenue, and other reporting.

Suggested Audience: Anyone currently working in the 16th Section Module or have intentions of working in the 16th Section Module. Marathon: Payroll & Human Resources: ReportsRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Nancy CotnamSession Time: Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40

Need Information? Come learn how to use the new filter options for the reports in Human Resources and Payroll to get the information you need.

Suggested Audience: If you have a position where you need to pull information from the Payroll or Human Re-source Module you will want to attend this session.

Marathon: Payroll: End of PeriodRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Nancy Cotnam & Karen BenefieldSession Time: Wed. 1:45 – 3:45

This 2hr session will cover the closing of the periods in payroll will be the topic of this session. The discussion will include information on closing the month, the quarter, and the Calendar Year in the Payroll Module.

Suggested Audience: Business Managers, Assistant Business Managers and Payroll Clerks.

Marathon: Payroll: Processing Tips & ActiveResourcesRoom: Magnolia EPresenter: Nancy CotnamSession Times: Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30, Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

Come review the payroll processing steps and hear tips on processing the payroll. Find out how time and leave records are processed through payroll. Learn how using Active Resources can cut down on calls to Central Office.

Suggested Audience: This session would benefit anyone who enters time, leave or processes payroll.

Marathon: Remote LinkRoom: Magnolia FPresenter: Kim CatheySession Times: Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40, Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

A general overview of the Marathon Remote Link mod-ule. This session will include Activity Funds, Purchase Reqs, Asset Transfer and Disposal Request, and much more.

Suggested Audience: Anyone using and maintaining Remote Link

PERS - BasicsRoom: Magnolia HPresenter: Dawinna DavisSession Times: Wed. 1:45 – 3:45, Fri. 9:35 – 11:35

Hear how PERS educates members at the start of their careers and get tips for talking PERS with your new em-ployees.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with PERS

PERS – Pre-RetirementRoom: Magnolia HPresenter: Dawinna DavisSession Time: Thurs. 8:30 – 10:30

Join us to learn and understand PERS Retirement from employees’ perspective by experiencing thepre-retirement seminar they will attend.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with PERS

PERS – Q&ARoom: Magnolia HPresenter: Dawinna DavisSession Time: Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05

This will be an open session of Q&A with PERS. You got a “Q”, PERS will try to get you an “A”.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with PERS

PERS – Rules, Regulations, and FormsRoom: Magnolia HPresenter: Dawinna DavisSession Times: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

This session will review the PERS rules, regulations, pro-cesses, and forms you use most.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with PERS

School-Based Administrative Claiming (SBAC)Room: Magnolia HPresenter: Eric HollisSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40

The SBAC program is directed to all Medicaid-eligible and potentially eligible students. The SBAC program allows schools districts to receive reimbursement for regularly routine job duties being performed by eligi-ble school district employees as it relates to Medicaid outreach.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with the SBAC program

Updates from School Financial ServicesRoom: Magnolia GPresenter: Donna NesterSession Times: Wed. 1:45 – 2:45, Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40

The session will include current matters dealing with School Finance including Financial Accounting Manual revisions, coding of personnel in MSIS, impact of coding expendi-tures on the calculation of Base Student Cost, and issues with the School Administrative Based Claiming process.

Suggested Audience: Business Managers and Human Re-source Managers

SAM SPECTRASessions

A Day in the Life of a SPECTRA AdministratorRoom: Azalea A,BPresenter: Jackie WalleySession Times: Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30, Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

Join us as we take a walk through the day-to-day oper-ations of a SAM Administrator. Learn how to deal with daily tasks in a heart-felt and humorous manner.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Administrators

Annual Archive Database: Tools for Working Smarter, Not Harder

Room: Azalea A,BPresenter: Jackie WalleySession Times: Thurs. 4:10 – 5:10, Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

This session will focus on unlocking the hidden wonders inside the Annual Archive Database housed within SAM SPECTRA

Suggested Audience: Anyone that works with SAM SPEC-TRA Annual Archive

Building Positive Relationships in a Data Driven WorldRoom: Azalea A,BPresenter: Jackie WalleySession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05

This session will focus on the importance of building pos-itive relationships and ways to connect with students and parents.

Suggested Audience: Anyone that works with SAM SPECTRA

Chronic AbesenteeismRoom: Azalea C,DPresenter: Toni KershSession Times: Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40, 4:10 – 5:10Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

This workshop will explore the proactive and reactive approaches utilized in the state regarding student ab-sences. The participants will explore methods for dealing with chronic absenteeism, throughout the state. The works shop will also focus on how chronic absenteeism data could be utilized as a component of an early warning system for possible disengaged students and families. The presenter will discuss the laws, policies, and proce-dures for combatting truancy.

Suggested Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Atten-dance Clerks, MSIS Coordinators, and any other individu-als interested in the attendance area.

Connect SAM SPECTRA to over 200 Online Learning Tools using Clever

Room: Magnolia GPresenters: Frankie WarrenSession Time: Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

Come learn more about Clever, a new way to set up your school’s favorite online learning tools! Clever Secure Sync connects with your SIS to automate account creation for your district. Clever Instant Login allow your students and teachers to use a single username and password for all of their applications.

Suggested Audience: Anyone using SAM SPECTRA

If It AINT in SAM, It Didn’t HappenRoom: Camelia BPresenter: Susan WaltersSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

This session will include school-level procedures designed to increase data accuracy as well as the availability in a timely manner of valid administration reports within SAM.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in SAM SPECTRA

SAM SPECTRASessions

Infosnap: Online Student Registration& Enrollment with SAM SPECTRA

Room: Azalea C,DPresenter: Adam FrillmanSession Times: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

Attendees will learn how to put your districts’ student reg-istration, health, PTA, emergency contacts, and other forms online as well as document scanning and upload, payment management services, and other selected features.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in SAM SPECTRA

MDE: MSIS Personnel DataRoom: Camelia BPresenter: Dorothy HollowaySession Times: Thurs. 8:30 - 9:30, Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

This session will cover tools that are essential for sub-mitting files and entering accurate data. Emphasis will be placed on the direct connection between your local package and MSIS and how your data is used by MDE and reported to the US Department of Education.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in SAM SPECTRA and reporting to MDE.

MDE: MSIS Q&ARoom: Camelia BPresenter: Sarita Donaldson and Dorothy HollowaySession Time: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00

This session will cover submitting files in a timely and accurate manner each month, discipline data, common mistakes from the previous school year. The discussion will also include the Schedule Entry Process and its direct im-pact on district funding and Accreditation Status. The ses-sion will also present a detailed discussion on the timeline for reporting all data to MSIS by walking the attendee through a monthly calendar of due-dates, requirements, and rationale.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in SAM SPECTRA and reporting to MDE.

MDE: MSIS Student DataRoom: Camelia BPresenter: Sarita DonaldsonSession Times: Thurs. 9:35 – 10:35, Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

This session will cover requirements to ensure submission of data each month is accurate. Changes for 2016-2017 school year. Emphasis will be placed on your local pack-age and MSIS, highlighting how your data is used by MDE and reported to the US Department of Education.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in SAM SPECTRA and reporting to MDE.

SPECTRA: Administrator - AdvancedRoom: Camelia APresenter: Chris JenningsSession Times: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00, Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

This session will extend from the Basic Administrator session and demonstrate best practices and processes recommended for districts to use SAM to its fullest.

Suggested Audience: We recommend any decision maker within the district attend this session.

SPECTRA: Administrator - BeginnerRoom: Camelia BPresenter: Pamela DillardSession Times: Thurs. 10:40 – 11:40, 4:10 – 5:10

This session is for new users in the SAM Administrator position for the district. Topics covered will include User Group Setup, Field Level Security, Security Options, Lookup Table Maintenance, Annual Archive Access, Atten-dance-Discipline code setup, and Delete functions.

Suggested Audience: We recommend any NEW SAM SPECTRA Administrators.

SPECTRA: ActiveParent 3.0Room: Camelia APresenter: Jo Ann HendersonSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30

The new ActiveParent empowers schools with the ability to ensure they are within the FERPA guidelines by en-suring only school-level access to students. While little is different from the parent/guardian’s perspective, the administrator side of things is a totally different process. We’ll discuss these options within setup, user maintenance, and even present the ActiveParent iOS app available for download from Apple’s app store.

Suggested Audience: We recommend anyone using, main-taining, or administrating ActiveParent.

SPECTRA: Administrator Gradebook with Lesson PlansRoom: Camelia APresenter: Jo Ann HendersonSession Times: Thur. 10:40 – 11:40, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

This session empowers Gradebook administrators (Data Clerks, Principals, Assistant Principals, SAM Administra-tors, and Counselors) with the knowledge of how to make the necessary changes within SAM SPECTRA Gradebook functionality throughout the school year.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Users Involved in Grade-book Setup or Process

SPECTRA: AIM Call Notification SystemRoom: Camelia APresenter: Diann WelchSession Time: Thurs. 9:35 – 10:35

Join us for a look at AIM Call Notification System. We will go through a demonstration of the SAM SPECTRA Module to show you how easy and efficient it is to stay in touch with your parents and employees. From setting automated calls to quickly getting out an emergency notification.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Users interested in seeing a demonstration of AIM Call Notification System.

SPECTRA: Did You Know With Tips & TricksRoom: Camelia APresenter: Cory McBrideSession Time: Thurs. 4:10 -5:10

Get the most you can out of SAM! Join us to learn about the smaller updates that we released over the past few years that you may have missed.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in SAM SPECTRA that wants to GO BEYOND and little the tips and tricks available to you to make your job a little easier.

SPECTRA: Discipline and AttendanceRoom: Camelia APresenter: Diann WelchSession Times: Wed. 2:50 – 3:50, Fri. 10:40 – 11:40

This session will primarily focus on Discipline module and will move into Attendance if time allows.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working in Discipline and/or Attendance modules.

SPECTRA: IDEA LAB for AdministratorsRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Chris JenningsSession Time: Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30

This is an open discussion on Administrator functions within SPECTRA with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Administrators

SPECTRA: IDEA LAB for CounselorsRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Stephanie PermenterSession Time: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00

This is an open discussion on Counselor functions within SPECTRA with seating limited to 12 people. You will have

the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Counselors

SPECTRA: IDEA LAB for Data ClerksRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Chris JenningsSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05

This is an open discussion on Data Clerk functions within SPECTRA with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Data Clerks

SPECTRA: IDEA LAB for GradebookRoom: The Oaks BoardroomPresenter: Cory McBrideSession Time: Wed. 2:50 – 3:50

This is an open discussion on Gradebook within SPEC-TRA with seating limited to 12 people. You will have the ability to meet with CA Staff and discuss the topic, ask questions, submit suggestions, and provide feedback.

Suggested Audience: Anyone working with SPECTRA Gradebook.

SPECTRA: NEW User TrainingRoom: Camelia BPresenter: Claire FrenchSession Time: Wed. 1:45 – 3:45

The primary focus of this session will be all aspects of the Enrollment module – including reports. Other topics covered will include current year Scheduling, Annual Ar-chive, and reports to validate data each month for State Reporting.

Suggested Audience: Any NEW Users to SPECTRA

SPECTRA: ONSITE HELP DESKRoom: Designated Table in Conference HallwayPresenter: SAM Support Staff

This will be an onsite help desk accessible to conference participants. We will have SAM Support Staff available to answer your questions, take a look at your data, and be a HELP DESK for you while you are at the conference.

Suggested Audience: Any SPECTRA users needing assistance

SPECTRA: SchedulingRoom: Camelia BPresenter: Claire French

Session Time: Wed. 3:05 – 4:05

This session will cover a variety of topics including: modifying a student’s current year schedule, modifying the current year schedule framework as changes occur, preparation for utilizing ActiveStudent for upcoming course requests, and creating the next year’s schedule. If time allows, we will conclude with an open Q&A.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Counselors or anyone par-ticipating in the scheduling process

SPECTRA: Skills Based GradingRoom: Camelia APresenter: Jo Ann HendersonSession Times: Wed. 1:45 – 2:45, Thurs. 3:05 – 4:05

This session covers the new SAM Spectra Skills-Based Reporting module typically used in K-2 grade levels. We will cover all aspects of this new feature including initial setup, entering the grades, what is still required with MSIS reporting, and ultimately generating the Skills-Based Report Card.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Users interested in learning more about Skills Based Grading.

What Counselors Can Do withSAM SPECTRA: MCAR and Beyond

Room: Azalea A,BPresenter: Stephanie PermenterSession Times: Wed. 1:45 – 3:45, Thurs. 9:35 – 11:35

A hands-on session where we will cover MCAR, develop SMART goals and use data in SAM SPECTRA to make informed decisions. We will all have share time for all grade levels.

Suggested Audience: SPECTRA Users

GENERALSessions

Collaboration in the 21st Century School DistrictRoom: Azalea C,DPresenter: Ross RandallSession Times: Wed. 3:55 – 4:55, Thur. 3:05 – 4:05

During this session we will see just how easy and effec-tive it can be to incorporate modern forms of communi-cation into your work space including video conferencing, document sharing and messaging. Come learn how to be an effective communicator in the 21st Century.

Suggested Audience: General (ALL)

Data Security Practices:Beyond “Don’t Share Passwords”

Room: Azalea C,DPresenter: Dane ConradSession Times: Wed. 1:45 – 2:45, Thur. 9:35 – 10:35

This session will focus on basic approaches to data se-curity that are timely to today’s computing environments and beyond telling and expecting employees not to share their credentials.

Suggested Audience: General (ALL)

Fitness for FUN!Room: Magnolia BallroomPresenter: Shannon DoughtySession Time: Wed. 6:00 – 7:00

This is a 1 hour fitness class that will be energizing, re-freshing, and most of all – FUN! This will be for all fitness levels.

Suggested Audience: General (ALL)

Going Beyond Our Four WallsRoom: Azalea A,BPresenter: Shannon DoughtySession Times: Thurs. 2:00 – 3:00, Fri. 8:30 – 9:30

Reaching out to students that are struggling, and pushing those that are ahead of the game...Going Beyond our Four Walls! Creating Leaders for Tomorrow (Interactive Session). Learn strategies and concepts that can help these students succeed!

Suggested Audience: General (ALL)

Understanding FERPA: Protecting the Privacy of Students’ Education Records

Room: Azalea C,DPresenter: Ellen CampbellSession Times: Wed. 2:50 – 3:50, Thurs. 8:30 – 9:30,Fri. 9:35 – 10:35

This is an overview of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal law that requires schools to protect the privacy of students’ education records. While FERPA generally requires parental consent before schools can share information, there are exceptions to that general rule. Understanding FERPA empowers school officials to act decisively and quickly when the need aris-es, whether addressing health and safety emergencies, complying with subpoenas for records, or outsourcing institutional services or functions to outside parties.

Suggested Audience: School administrators, teachers, spe-cial education officials, and school vendors.

GENERALSessions