August 2026

The "We Survived Day One (Kind Of)" Edition

Look, we’re not going to pretend this email is arriving on August 15th.

If your month has looked anything like ours, you’ve spent the last three weeks balancing un-ticketed password resets, missing Chromebook chargers, 14 urgent administrative meetings, and that one printer on the second floor that inexplicably only prints in bright magenta.

Whether you’re stepping into a new role, supporting a dozen different buildings, or just trying to remember where you left your iced coffee twenty minutes ago—BREATHE. The doors are open, the students are in the seats, and the wild ride of the new school year is officially underway. Grab a quick five-minute breather, laugh at the chaos, and check out this month’s essential updates!

💡CALLING ALL PK-12 LEADERS: Solve a Problem & Earn a $1,000 Stipend with ISTE💡

Leading a school or district can feel isolating, but you don't have to tackle big systemic problems alone. GenerationAI is bringing together ~60 leaders nationwide to transform real-world building challenges using AI.

Selected participants receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Scottsdale, AZ this October, 8 months of expert-led cohort support, and a $1,000 stipend. Applications close this Friday, August 28th! Don't miss the chance to bring this kind of national support to your Oklahoma district.

Submit Your Application Today

Mark your calendars for November 4-5, 2026, and join educators from across Oklahoma at the OKATE Ignite Conference! This professional development event offers valuable learning opportunities, networking with fellow educators, and fresh ideas to bring back to yourdistrict – whether you are a teacher, administrator, IT director, instructional coach, librarian, or have a different role. 

Before registering, please check with your school administration to determine whether your school is an OKATE Member district. If your school is a member, all employees are eligible for the discounted registration rate. 

Early Bird Registration ends Sept. 30th!

Registration Fees

  • $200 for OKATE members ($175 for Early Bird Registration)
  • $400 for non-members
Attendees, REGISTER here!
EXHIBITORS, we have space for you!

🏆 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN: Recognize Your EdTech Heroes!

Do you have a colleague who somehow solved a district-wide Wi-Fi crisis with a smile? A district that went above and beyond with tech integration? A teacher making absolute magic happen in their classroom?

It’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve! Nominations are officially open for the 2026 OKATE Awards:

  • Outstanding Technology District Award

  • Technology Leader of the Year Award

  • Teacher of the Year: "Making IT Happen" Award

Don't let their hard work go unnoticed. Submit your nominations today to celebrate the amazing talent across Oklahoma!

👉 Submit an Award Nomination Here

(Deadline: September 11, 2026)

Did you know that OKATE (OKSTE) is the CoSN State Chapter leader?

For more information, contact Donna Campo, executivedirector@okate.org
Monthly CoSN article

🎒 SURVIVING THE SURGE: August Articles & Resources

🏫 For Leaders, Admins & IT Directors

  • "Is Everyone Falling Asleep?" How to Fix Boredom in Team Meetings (EdWeek)

    Back-to-school staff meetings don't have to feel like a endurance test. Learn actionable strategies to turn low-energy, compliance-heavy team meetings into engaging, productive collaboration sessions.

    👉 [Link: Read the EdWeek Feature]

  • Maximizing EdTech While Regulating Screen Time (District Administration)

    Finding the sweet spot between powerful digital learning and healthy device boundaries is tough. This guide breaks down how leaders can enforce balance without sacrificing tech-rich instruction.

    👉 [Link: Read the Screen Time Guide]

  • The Science of Student Attention (Logitech Education)

    Did you know physical ergonomics, room layout, and audio clarity directly drive focus? Dive into the neuroscience of how classroom design and hardware choices impact student attention spans.

    👉 [Link: Download the Whitepaper PDF]

    Check out Monthly Updates, PD opportunities, On-Demand videos, and more from the Office of AI and Digital Learning at the Oklahoma State Department of Education

    📚 For Coaches, Librarians & Teachers

    • Wonder by Design (ASCD)

      Shift your classroom mindset from routine to curiosity. Explore practical framework ideas for building a physical and digital environment that encourages inquiry and deep student engagement right out of the gate.

      👉 [Link: Read the ASCD Article]

    • Low-Stress Beginning of the School Year Activities (Edutopia)

      Skip the boring icebreakers! Check out these engaging, creative opening-week activities designed to build community, assess digital readiness, and keep students active.

      👉 [Link: View Beginning of Year Activities]

    • Library Journal Masterclass 2026 (Library Journal)

      Essential learning for library-media specialists! Explore upcoming masterclass cohorts focused on modern collection curation, digital media literacy, and community engagement.

      👉 [Link: Explore the Library Journal Masterclass]

    🔥🔥🔥 Ignite Your Practice 🔥🔥🔥

    4 Visionary Voices You Can't Miss in Tulsa 

    Help us grow our association! Forward this email to a colleague who is ready for "the best professional development, networking, and advocacy for EdTech in Oklahoma!"