Florida Islamic Schools Host Second Annual Conference
By Magda Elkadi
The 2ndAnnual Florida Islamic Schools Conference and Accreditation Pre-Conference, August 2ndand 3rdin Tampa, FL, were a great success.
In collaboration with CISNA, the Florida Islamic Schools Association hosted its second annual conference. Starting on the first of Thul Hijjah, the conference was blessed from the start.
Sr. Sufia, Executive Director of CISNA, along with CISNA Board members Br. Omar Chatila and Sr. Leila Shetara, conducted a three-hour Accreditation Pre-Conference for administrators and Board members contemplating accreditation. The pre-conference was well-attended and provided beneficial and timely information and guidance to all in attendance. Topics covered included: Purpose of Accreditation, Accreditation Standards, and the different requirements and benefits of different accrediting bodies.
The actual conference, Saturday, August 3, was attended by over 200 teachers, administrators, board members and parents. There was a high level of positive energy and collaboration throughout the conference, with chances for networking during and between sessions. The conference opened with a welcome by the FISA President, Br. Omar Chatila, the Chair of the Hillsborough County School Board, Tammy Shamburger, and by a long-time leader in education in Tampa, Br. Wali Shabazz, President of the National Trust.
Conference presentations were offered on a myriad of topics from Leadership, to Social Emotional Learning, to Financial Sustainability, to School Safety. There was definitely something for everyone. There were 24 motivating and relevant presentations, delivered concurrently in four conference halls, over six sessions throughout the day, providing something of benefit for everyone who attended.
Br. William White, CISNA Board member and Principal of the Islamic School of Louisville, gave an inspiring keynote address on his path to Leadership, as attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch.
Vendors and sponsors also had an opportunity to address attendees throughout the day. Schools were introduced to services and programs beneficial to their schools and their team-members.
At the end of the day, networking sessions were held to discuss needs of the 14 participating schools, and plans for next year’s conference topics and schedule were begun.
We are looking forward to an even more amazing and enriching conference in 2020.