Leading Thriving Schools: Transformational Leadership and Healthy School Culture | ISLA Leadership Retreat 2024
NOVEMBER 8 - 10, 2024
Ascend Camp & Retreat Center, Dallas, Texas
Early Bird Registration Ends Sept 30!
SPEAKERS
Imam Dawud Walid
Executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council
Dr. Anthony Muhammad
PhD, an author and international thought leader
THEME DESCRIPTION
At this year’s ISLA Retreat, we will explore the role of transformational leadership and healthy school culture in order to help you build thriving schools. Joining us will be world-renowned experts, Imam Dawud Walid and Dr. Anthony Muhammad who will guide us through thought-provoking sessions, interactive workshops and generative discussions that seek to elevate each person’s leadership skills and capabilities.
The ISLA Retreat is a leadership retreat designed expressly for Islamic school educators who are dedicated to shaping the future through visionary leadership and cultivating a school culture that fosters the growth of all constituents: staff, students and families.
Join us to connect with like-minded leaders, share best practices, and gain fresh insights into creating a school culture that not only upholds academic excellence but also nurtures the holistic development of every human that is part of it.
RETREAT GOALS
1. Enhance Transformational Leadership Skills: Equip Islamic school leaders with the tools, techniques, and mindset necessary to lead transformational change.
2. Cultivate Healthy School Culture: Provide strategies and best practices for building a healthy and inclusive school culture.
3. Strengthen Community and Collaboration: Facilitate networking and collaborative opportunities among Islamic school leaders to share ideas, challenges, and solutions.
4. Develop Actionable Plans: Support leaders in creating customized actionable plans for implementing transformational leadership in their own schools, with steps for short- and long-term success.
2024 ISLA LEADERSHIP RETREAT AGENDA
| Time | Friday, November 8 | Saturday, November 9 | Sunday, November 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Nature Walk | Outdoor Activity | |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast at Ascend | Breakfast at Ascend | |
| 9:00 am | Workshops: Understanding & Transforming School Culture | Workshops: Change Management; Action Planning | |
| 10:00 am | Local School Visit | ||
| 11:30 am | Official Closing | ||
| 12:00 pm | Lunch on your own | Lunch at Ascend | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Tour of Local Educational Institution | ||
| 1:30 pm | Outdoor Activities: Archery & Hayride | ||
| 2:30 pm | Check in | Workshops: Inclusive Islamic Schools; Essential Skills for Transformational Leaders | |
| 3:30 pm | Workshop: Our Role + Role Models | ||
| 5:00 pm | Dinner at Ascend | ||
| 5:30 pm | Dinner at Ascend | ||
| 6:30 pm | Workshop: AI & The Future of Education | ||
| 7:30 pm | Roundtable Discussion: Future-Proofing our Schools | ||
| 8:30 pm | Bonfire: Addressing the Elephant in the Room |
TRAVEL AND PACKING TIPS
For those flying into Dallas
Ascend Camp and Retreat Center is conveniently located between both major airports in the Dallas metropolitan area. DFW is approximately 20 minutes away and DAL is approximately 25 minutes away. An Uber, Lyft or Taxi may be used to travel from the airport to Ascend Retreat CenterLodging at Ascend Retreat Center
Your registration includes overnight shared lodging at Ascend. Lodging will be separated by gender. Men will be in one cabin and women will be staying in another cabin(s). Lodging will be shared in a temperature controlled cabin. Bed linens, pillow and blanket will be provided. All individuals will receive a bottom bed on a bunk bed; upper beds will not be used.Private Lodging
If you wish to have private lodging, you will need to book a nearby hotel. We do not guarantee that you will have ease of access to the Retreat Center during non-daylight hours, as the retreat center gate closes at 8 pm and reopens at 7 am.Non-Lodging Attendees
Unfortunately, ISLA is unable to provide a discount to those who choose not to lodge overnight at Ascend, as we have contractual obligations with Ascend which includes the cost of lodging.Bathrooms
Bathrooms at Ascend will be shared with other same-gender overnight guests. Basic bath necessities such as soap, shampoo and towels are provided.Packing Tips
Linens, blankets, and pillows will be provided by Ascend. However, you are welcome to bring your own comfort items as you see fit.
Dallas weather in November is often chilly in the mornings and warms up by the afternoon. Dressing in layers is often easiest. However, please check the weather as we get closer to the retreat date(s) and pack suitable clothing accordingly.
Technology
We do recommend bringing a laptop that you can take notes on, if you wish. Wifi is available at the main building (Vanburg Hall) where our workshops will occur.
The cabins at which guests will stay overnight will not have Wifi. Guests are welcome to work in Vanburg Hall in the morning/night when workshops are not taking place, as needed/desired. Or, guests can bring a hotspot to connect their devices if they wish.
