2024 Great Ideas in Education Conference

School administrators today confront a heightened sense of concern for safety from students, parents and staff. While attacks on schools are rare, constant media coverage of high-profile attacks elevates anxiety for communities. Districts tend to have in place good policy and security equipment to prevent intruders from entering schools. What do we do when the threat comes from within, or when our systems fail? This session will highlight how district leaders can use a variety of security processes and procedures to build a layered approach to create redundancy, and strengthen security operations. Security functions such as visitor management systems (VMS), security cameras, panic alarms and door lock systems coupled with behavior threat assessments and good emergency operations planning can create a secure environment for students and staff. Identifying and using resources such as DHS campus threat assessments or crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) assessments can help identify structural and operational deficiencies that can permit acts of violence. Whether its leveraging technology as force multiplier, having School Resource Officers in the building, or simply locking the doors, we’ll examine the importance of engaging staff and putting the right processes and equipment in place to make it all work effectively.

Therapy pets in the school setting helps to create a safe and welcoming environment for every student. The teaching and practicing of soft skills as well as multi-tiered emotional support happens when students, staff and families interact with therapy dogs in the school setting. This session introduces attendees to Sam who is a Bernese Mountain Dog who has spent five years working in an elementary school environment. Participants will learn about processes for certifying therapy pets as well have the opportunity to interact with Sam.

This presentation aims to decode the complex concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), providing participants with an understanding of each element and their interconnectedness. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain insights into the importance of DEIB in creating equitable and inclusive environments. Practical strategies for integrating DEIB principles into organizational culture and practices will be shared, empowering participants to champion diversity, promote equity, foster inclusion, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all individuals and communities.

In "School Counseling 101 for Administrators: What Can Counselors Do for You?" administrators will learn how counselors support student success in academics, career guidance, and social-emotional well-being. Through collaboration with stakeholders, counselors create a holistic support system. Discover the transformative impact of investing in counseling programs to empower students and enhance school culture.

In this session, we peer into the intricate dynamics of gender and race, uncovering their profound significance in shaping individual experiences and societal structures. Through interactive discussions and thought-provoking activities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of openly discussing gender and race. We will explore the concept of intersectionality, recognizing how gender and race intersect and appreciating the nuances of their differences. Delving deeper, we will examine the pervasive nature of stereotypes and biases, illuminating their real-world impact on individuals and communities.

In October 2023, John Calvert was one of approximately 150 people who were able to go through a guided tour of the 1200 building at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the building where the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history took place. This building was frozen in time, and has sense been demolished. Come listen to key takeaways and lessons learned from walking the building with the lead prosecutor in the case.

This presentation focuses on behavioral and physical indicators of child abuse, how to respond to a child that discloses abuse and how to report. The Kansas mandated reporter laws will be covered. We will also discuss the process and local connections, resources and services, how to support local children and families, trauma informed response, indicators of trauma at different age levels and secondary trauma care.

Many underage victims of human trafficking are students in the America’s school systems. No community, school, or student demographic is immune. Incidents of child sex trafficking can be found in every area of Kansas whether it is rural, suburban, or urban settings including in our schools. There are few crimes more appalling or challenging for schools to recognize and address than human trafficking. This course is divided into three sections. The first section will discuss awareness. The first step in fighting human trafficking is to understand the dynamics and be aware of the indicators and warning signs associated with trafficking. The second section discusses intervention so teachers and administrators will be better prepared to recognize the indicators and be prepared to respond to trafficking within their school to keep students safe. The third section will discuss prevention, awareness resources, and educational programs for students to make them more aware and safer.

The overall health of a school’s culture and climate is foundational to its ability to ensure that students and staffulty feel secure, appreciated, and acknowledged. This interactive session will allow participants to conduct a “culture and climate” audit of their respective organizations and identify areas of strength along with opportunities for improvement by unlocking their “Cultural DNA”.

Ensuring students and staff feel safe at school requires a multifaceted approach. Since 2018, Wichita Public Schools has included school safety as part of the district’s strategic plan success outcomes. This presentation will focus on physical security measures adopted to increase physical security as well as initiatives implemented to improve students’ connectedness to school. Together these initiatives help us enhance safety and belonging and protect our schools.

KSDE updated the guidance document for Kansas schools in 2023 for mental health in the area of suicide prevention, intervention, reintegration, and postvention. Attendees will learn about these updates as well as the resources available to staff and students to support needs of anyone in the school building who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The updated guidance includes identification of risk factors, protective factors, screening, safety planning, consistency of care when a student receives support outside the school building, and how to provide a safe return to school when the student reengages with their learning community. Best practices in postvention after a tragic event will also be discussed. We hope you join us to sharpen your skills as we face the 2024-25 school year. Stay connected and stay well.