The Ninth Grade Initiative
Part of The 9th Grade Opportunity Conferences
June 25-26, 2025 | 8:00am - 3:45pm
Sioux Falls, SD, at Jefferson High School
Breakfast and lunch Included on both days
Select a strand of focus for this two-day event!
$495 per ticket
Breakfast, lunch, conversation, and connections are included both days.
We look forward to seeing you for an immersive two days of professional development and collaboration.
10% off for groups of five or more! Use GROUP10 as the coupon code at checkout.
Text or call with questions! (605) 310-7616
Why This Works:
This conference provides access to a 360-view of freshman success:
Students are motivated internally (Purposeful Engagement),
Taught well and supported through assessment (Informed Instruction),
Backed by strong adult collaboration (Collaborative Action),
And guided through their entire first-year journey (Strategic Progression).
This conference highlights both human and data-driven elements of freshman success.
This conference offers practical entry points for leadership teams: motivation, assessment, collaboration, and phased intervention.
PARTICIPANTS WILL . . .
Select two topics related to freshman success and explore those topics deeply.
Topic #1: Purposeful Engagement
Topic #2: Informed Instruction
Topic #3: Collaborative Action
Topic #4: Strategic Progression
The Bridge to 10 Grade: Eight Phases
Districts that send teams of teachers will have the opportunity to develop action plans
Learn how to deploy building resources to increase freshman success
Examine the return on investment when transforming schools from the bottom up
Create a building culture that supports and encourages teachers of freshmen
Network with other districts that value freshmen
Unpack the structures of freshman success
Explore powerful strategies for improving the overall performance of freshmen
This event is hosted at Jefferson High School, built in 2021
Schedule
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
8:00 - 8:30 Check-in, breakfast, and coffee service
8:30 - 9:45 The Ninth Grade Initiative
10:00 - 12:00 Focus Session #1
The Level Table Framework OR Assessment for Learning
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch (Onsite, Included)
1:00 - 3:00 Focus Session #2
The Bridge to 10th Grade OR Going Beyond the Content
3:00 - 3:45 Team Planning
Breaks Throughout
Coffee, Water, and Soda Service All Day
Thursday, June 26, 2025
8:00 - 8:30 Check-in, breakfast, and coffee service
8:30 - 9:15 The Ninth Grade Initiative
9:15 - 9:30 Break
9:30 - 11:30 Focus Session #1
The Level Table Framework OR Assessment for Learning
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch (Onsite, included)
12:30 - 2:30 Focus Session #2
The Bridge to 10th Grade OR Going Beyond the Content
2:30 Social, Team Planning, Q&A Session
3:45 Dismiss
The Pairings
Option A: The Level Table Framework & Going Beyond the Content
Option B - Assessment for Learning & The Bridge to 10th Grade
Option C - The Level Table Framework & The Bridge to 10th Grade
Option D - Assessment for Learning & Going Beyond the Content
Speakers
Todd Novak
The Freshman Academy Coordinator @ Jefferson High School, 2021 - present | Sioux Falls, SD
13 years as a Freshman Academy Coordinator @ Washington High School | Sioux Falls, SD
Model School Presenter - Washington, D.C. | 2019
TEDx Talk: My Life Among Freshmen and the Adults Who Teach Them
District Recognition Video: Staff Stars - Todd Novak
Co-author of Connections: 10 Summer Days to Start High School Well
Scott Habeeb
Coordinator for Alternative and Online Programs, 2023 - present | Salem, VA
10 years as Principal of Salem High School | Salem, VA
9 years as Assistant Principal of Salem High School | Salem, VA
National Speaker | 200+ Keynotes and Presentations in more than 15 states
Founder of The Freshman Transition Network
Founder of The Assessment Network
Co-author of The 9th Grade Opportunity: Transforming Schools from the Bottom Up
Feedback from our Conference:
“I do not feel bad about giving up a Saturday!”
Principal
“I got so many ideas to share with my teachers, I don’t know if I can implement them all in one year.”
Principal
“Reemphasized the importance of getting off to a great start with freshmen. Gave me ideas on things that we can be doing better.”
Teacher
Tickets
$495 per ticket
Breakfast, lunch, conversation, and connections are included both days.
We look forward to seeing you for an immersive two days of professional development and collaboration.
10% off for groups of five or more! Use GROUP10 as the coupon code at checkout.
Continuing Education.
Attendees can also receive fourteen (12) hours of CEU credit.
Information on how to receive those certificates will be available at the conference or email Todd.Novak@TheFreshmanAcademy.com.