The Ninth Grade Initiative Conference
June 24-25, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sioux Falls, SD, at Jefferson High School
$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.
Early Bird Registration through February 13th for ALL tickets - $445
Text or call with questions! (605) 310-7616
PARTICIPANTS WILL . . .
Select TWO topics from the below list:
Going Beyond the Content: Instilling character and motivating freshmen through relationships and life application.
Assessment for Learning: Practices that delve into the heart of our efforts to ensure freshmen learn.
The Bridge to 10th Grade: 8 Phases - Looking at the rhythms of transition with data, drive, and deliverables.
The Level Table: A framework to help teams collaborate successfully with each other and with data for impact.
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 freshmen teachers.
Network with other districts that value freshmen.
Unpack the structures of a freshman academy.
Explore powerful strategies for improving the overall performance of freshmen.
This event is hosted at Jefferson High School, built in 2021
What attendees said after the 2025 Conference
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 20 states
Founder of The Assessment Network
Co-author of The 9th Grade Opportunity: Transforming Schools from the Bottom Up
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.
Early Bird Registration through February 13th for ALL tickets - $445
Continuing Education.
Attendees can also receive fourteen (14) hours of CEU credit.
Information on how to receive those certificates will be available at the conference or email Todd.Novak@TheFreshmanAcademy.com.