NC BOLD West 2026 Day 1 McDowell High School

North Carolina’s updated School Library Guidelines are here—celebrating the evolving role of school libraries as student-centered spaces for literacy, inquiry, and growth. Join us for a first look at how the revised guidelines position school libraries as essential learning hubs where curiosity is encouraged, readers are nurtured, and students build the skills to think critically and engage responsibly with information. Explore what’s new, what’s been clarified, and how the guidelines can support stronger programs and meaningful learning experiences in schools and districts across North Carolina.

Digital literacy and digital citizenship are required in North Carolina schools but responsibility for this work is often fragmented across roles. Librarians, digital learning coaches, technology leaders, and administrators all play a part, yet systems, policies, and instruction don’t always align. Let’s explore how digital literacy lives at the intersection of instruction, policy, and technology systems. We will unpack what NC requires, how infrastructure shapes access, and how instruction brings it to life for students. Through real-world scenarios and role-based discussions, participants will gain practical strategies and a clearer understanding of how to support digital literacy collaboratively across roles.

Back by request, the Lunch Time LIT Circle is an informal, bring-your-lunch conversation—no presentation, just dialogue. This year’s focus explores how school librarians and educators support screen balance, healthy digital habits, and sustained attention in today’s learning environments. From managing device use and fostering focus to creating space for deep reading and offline engagement, participants will discuss the challenges students face in a constantly connected world. Together, we’ll consider how educators across roles can help learners build habits that support well-being, attention, and meaningful engagement with content. Join colleagues to share ideas and connect.

North Carolina’s updated School Library Guidelines are here—celebrating the evolving role of school libraries as student-centered spaces for literacy, inquiry, and growth. Join us for a first look at how the revised guidelines position school libraries as essential learning hubs where curiosity is encouraged, readers are nurtured, and students build the skills to think critically and engage responsibly with information. Explore what’s new, what’s been clarified, and how the guidelines can support stronger programs and meaningful learning experiences in schools and districts across North Carolina.

Transform your classroom's digital landscape by shifting the focus from what devices can do to what students are actually doing. In this hands-on session, you will use the ICAP and TripleE frameworks to categorize learning activities and discover how to "nudge" technology use from passive consumption to high-value creation and interaction. Join us to find the perfect balance between digital and non-digital activities that truly deepen student engagement.