January 2026: Kicking Off the Year by Connecting, Learning, and Inspiring 🚀
We started 2026 exactly how we love to: on the road, in community, and surrounded by educators who are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for students. January took the Nexplore team across California for three very different — but equally inspiring — conferences.
From leadership and inclusion, to program quality, to wellness and connection, here’s a look at how our January conferences set the tone for an incredible year ahead.
🎓 SSDA E3 Forum Imperial | El Centro, CA
January 15, 2026
The SSDA E3 (Engage, Empower, Elevate) Forum brought together superintendents from small and rural districts across Imperial, CA, all focused on one powerful theme: The Superintendent as the Instructional Leader.
The day kicked off with a special touch — a junior high school band playing live jazz, setting an upbeat and welcoming tone for the entire event. 🎷✨
The keynote speaker, Heather Friziellie, delivered an impactful session centered on inclusion and the importance of evolving our language to better serve all students, educators, and communities. Her message resonated deeply with attendees and sparked thoughtful conversations throughout the day.
This forum was all about leadership with purpose, collaboration, and walking away with actionable strategies to strengthen instructional vision — even when wearing multiple hats.
🏫 BACR Community Services Fair | Oakland, CA
January 22, 2026
The BACR Community Services Fair in Oakland was all about quality programs and professional development for site directors.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in PD sessions focused on building strong, impactful programs for students. Vendors joined during lunch, creating a space for directors to explore resources, ask questions, and discover new ways to enhance their offerings.
It was a great mix of learning, collaboration, and real-world solutions — and we loved connecting with educators who are deeply committed to delivering high-quality experiences for their kids.
🧘♀️ ACSA Region 16 Wellness Retreat | Burbank, CA
January 31, 2026
The ACSA Region 16 Wellness Retreat was truly something special.
Hosted at The Castaways in Burbank, the event offered breathtaking views overlooking the San Fernando Valley, creating the perfect setting for a day dedicated to wellness, reflection, and connection. 🌿✨
Participants spent the day rotating through:
✅ Yoga classes 🧘♂️
✅ Nature walks 🌱
✅ Art therapy 🎨
✅ Affirmation stations 💬💛
The energy was incredibly positive, and attendees were highly engaged with vendors throughout the event. We had meaningful conversations, reconnected with current clients, gathered valuable leads, and felt an overwhelming amount of love for Nexplore and what we do.
✨ A Strong Start to 2026
January reminded us why we do what we do. Whether it’s leadership development, program quality, or educator wellness, community and connection are always at the heart of learning.
We’re beyond grateful for the conversations, the inspiration, and the partnerships that came out of these events — and we’re just getting started.
👉 Want to see what’s next for Nexplore?
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