2024 CDE Fall Conference: Creating a Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging

This session will delve into collaborative strategies and tools to create and enhance comprehensive health and sex education programs that are sustainable and prioritize youth voice. Administrators and educators will identify best practices and innovative approaches to work together, addressing the needs of their youth and community. The session will support both districts and schools with established comprehensive health and sex education programs and those new to these initiatives. This session will be highly interactive and engage various learning styles through activities, case studies, resources, reflection, and dialogue.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will examine their personal values and beliefs to understand their perspectives and lead their collaboration with teammates, students, and the community through an intersectional and values-aware lens.
2. Participants will develop strategies and skills to support the creation and innovation of comprehensive health education and sex education programs that center youth voice.
3. Participants will gain tools and guidance through case studies from across the state to tailor their programs to their specific students and community, with a particular focus on students who have historically been excluded or negatively impacted by health and sex education programming.

Speakers

Ocean Candler

Youth Sexual Health Program Senior Coordinator, Trailhead Institute

Ocean has been working in sexual health education for the last 11 years through various non-profits and programs. Ocean joined the Youth Sexual Health team at Trailhead in Nov. 2022. The Youth Sexual Health Program supports organizations, collaboratives, communities and school districts... Read More →

Bekkah Abeyta (she/ her)

Program Design & Training Consultant, independent consultant, Thrive Consulting

REBEKKAH ABEYTA Building Bridges pptx

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Palmer

Intended Audience Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Equity and Diversity

9:50am MDT

Coaching in Crisis: Practical Implementation of Trauma-Informed Systems and Practices

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT

Collette Fischer Coaching in Crisis Practical Implementation of Trauma Informed Systems and Practices pptx

This presentation will inform coaching and program development efforts in PreK–12 education as it pertains to effective and equity-focused trauma-informed practice implementation.

Presenters will share lessons from a trauma-informed implementation model (tested over time; pre-COVID-19) and align it to the current state of mental health crisis in PreK–12 education. Additionally, current considerations for trauma-informed implementation and coaching in PreK–12 education will also be addressed through best practice protocols, evidence-based models, and relevant coaching tools.

Session Objectives:

Explore educators' personal perceptions of trauma-informed practices
Explore professional and organizational barriers that impact educators’ implementation of trauma-informed practices
Engage with practical tools for coaching and centering educators in trauma-informed implementation

Speakers

Marni Choice

School Psychologist and Assistant Professor, BVSD & Capella University

Marni Choice-Hermosillo, PHD, NCSP, is a licensed school psychologist with 18 years of experience both as a building based psychologist and as an itinerant support partner in the Office of Social/Emotional Learning. This past school year, Marni moved into a Dean of Student Services... Read More →

Collette Fischer

Psychologist, Senior Instructor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Seven Falls

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.)
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, community
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness, School Climate/Safety

9:50am MDT

Social Media and The Fight for Kids’ Attention

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT

El Paso

Rachel Toplis Fight for Kids' Attention Summit.pptx pdf

Educators and parents continue to struggle with the negative effects of screen time and social media. This presentation will focus on current research around challenges with behaviors, attention and social interactions related to screen time and social media use, and what we can reasonably do today.

Session Objectives:

The goals for this presentation are to present research and facts about the harmful impact screens and social media has on today’s youth and empower parents and educators to advocate for what children need to feel less helpless.
Access up-to-date research and facts
Feel empowered to advocate for how to help
Action steps you can implement now

Speakers

Bri Makofske

Licensed Psychologist/School Psychologist, Summit PAC

Rachel Toplis

Licensed Psychologist and School Psychologist, Summit PAC

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
El Paso

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

9:50am MDT

The Collaborative Partnership: High Impact Family Engagement Practices

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT

Emma Wahlen CDE Conference FCE Collaborative Partnership EW Emma Wahlen pdf

Families are our most valued partners in supporting the wellbeing and engagement of children at school. During this session participants will gain understanding of a family engagement approach that is trauma-informed and designed to support the collaboration between schools and families. At the close of the session participants will have clarity on how to use the Gathering Input from Families Action Planning Guide as we walk through the steps and best practices.

Session Objectives:

Define meaningful and trauma-informed family engagement
Understand the elements of high impact family engagement strategies
Walk through the implementation steps of the Gathering Input from Families Action Planning Guide

Speakers

Emma Wahlen

Regional Program Manager, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Strong believer in the power of partnerships to support our students, staff, families, and communities!

Curtis Robbins

Community Health & Engagement, Thriving Schools Kaiser Permanente

Curtis Robbins leads the Thriving Schools initiative for Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Thriving Schools is Kaiser Permanente's commitment to support the health and well-being of teachers, staff, students and their families in K-12 schools.

Bridgette Binford

Senior Workforce Health Consultant, Kaiser Permanente

As a Senior Workforce Health Consultant at Kaiser Permanente, Bridgette supports employer groups in building strategic and comprehensive wellness programs to address the total person. She is also the Thriving Schools Workforce Health lead in Colorado supporting schools and districts... Read More →

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Royal Gorge

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Family School and Community Partnerships, School Climate/Safety

9:50am MDT

The Whole Student Approach: Executive Functioning Strategies for Social-Emotional & Academic Growth

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT

Fountain Creek

Cyle Feingold The Whole Student Approach Results Learning FINAL.pptx pdf

Executive functioning skills are necessary for success in life and academics. This workshop will demonstrate how executive functioning impacts academics, social and emotional wellbeing, and mental health. Participants will simulate the hardships and frustrations of having an executive functioning deficit and leave with strategies to increase confidence, independence, and the mental health of their students. Investing in students' executive functioning skills can benefit school professionals by reducing stress, improving wellbeing, and fostering a more successful learning experience for all. We invite you to our interactive workshop to problem solve, collaborate and find solutions to the everyday challenges executive functioning deficits bring.

Session Objectives:
1) Discover research-based brain development milestones and best practices for supporting executive functioning skills for neurotypical and neurodivergent thinkers.
2) Experience firsthand why students with executive dysfunction can struggle obtaining academic and emotional expectations.
3) Walk away with three easy-to-use strategies that can be implemented right away.

Speakers

Cyle Feingold

Executive Director, Results Learning

Cyle Feingold founded Results Learning in 2004 with a mission to help students learn the way they learn best. For the last 20 years, Cyle has been working with children who have been told that they cannot achieve the same things as “normal” kids. Why? Because he was one of them. In... Read More →

Kristen Monteith

Special Education Program Manager, Results Learning

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Fountain Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators, Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness, Wrap-around Supports

11:15am MDT

Creating a Sense of Belonging Through Whole School Implementation of Restorative Practices

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT

Samantha Jones (Sammy) Creating a Sense of Belonging Through Whole School Implementation of Restorative Practices Samantha Jo pdf

Schools across Colorado are implementing Restorative Practices to foster a sense of belonging by building relationships and addressing harm caused using a relational approach to behavior. RP implementation should include developing a system of accountability and support for both educators and learners, creating processes for continuous learning/feedback/self-reflection, and understanding both the proactive and responsive practices. During this session we will discuss the importance of whole school implementation of restorative practices in three areas including RP Infrastructure, RP Capacity-building & RP Tiers of Support.

Session Objectives:

1. Learn about the purpose and essential elements of whole school RP implementation
2. Identify indicators of the RP implementation that are already in place in your school/district and opportunities for growth.
3. Access information and resources to support whole school RP implementation

Speakers

Jason Starkey

Restorative Practices Coordinator, Jeffco Public Schools

Sammy Jones-Winegar

Restorative Practices Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools

Devani Lemmon

Restorative Practices Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Seven Falls

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Data Based Problem Solving and Decision Making, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems, Equity and Diversity, School Climate/Safety, Student Centered Discipline/Restorative Practices

11:15am MDT

Kids As Our Compass: The Journey to Implement District-run School Based Mental Health Services

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT

Douglas

Jennifer Guthals, Kids As Our Compass The Journey to Implement District run School Based Mental Health Services pdf

In the face of the ongoing youth mental health crisis, TSD implemented district-run school-based mental health treatment directly in all of our middle and K-8 schools. Follow our journey to develop individual and small group mental health intervention, beginning with data-driven decisions and resulting in seamless programming. Hear how we blend School Health Professional grant funds and district funds to provide sustainable and effective mental health treatment directly to our most at-risk youth at no cost to their families. We will share student stories of how these wrap-around services have increased school connectedness and reduced risk factors for suicidality.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will walk away with the nuts and bolts of an effective district-run school-based mental health program, including reducing liability, managing referrals and caseloads, and partnering with school counselors and families.
2. Participants will learn strategies to design effective data-driven school-based mental health programming as part of a layered system of supports.
3. Participants will hear how to maximize grant and school district funding to implement sustainable district-run school-based mental health programming.

Speakers

Jennifer Guthals

Director of Student Success, Thompson School District

Shannon Jenkins

Jen Chadwick-Conway

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Douglas

11:15am MDT

Mental Health Begins Before Kindergarten: Implications for prevention and early intervention

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT

When working in K-12 education we don’t always consider mental health prior to kindergarten. Yet, mental health begins at birth and early childhood mental health, both challenges and positive indicators, have effects throughout childhood and the lifespan. Considering the importance of mental health in early childhood and the impact of early childhood mental health on prevention and early intervention services is essential. This session will talk about the implications of young children’s mental health, both within early childhood and beyond. Specifically, this session will explore the connection between early childhood mental health and effective early intervention at all ages.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will become familiar with data related to mental health in early childhood and its implications.
2. Participants will consider how educational environments, both ECE and K-12, can support young children’s mental health.

Speakers

Tanae Dabney

School Psychology Intern, Aurora Public Schools

Rachel Stein

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Denver

Rachel Stein, Ph.D., LP, NCSP is a clinical assistant professor in the School Psychology program in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to her current role Dr. Stein worked as a Harris Postdoctoral Fellow in Infant and Early Childhood... Read More →

Neena Khindria

Graduate Student, University of Colorado Denver

Rachel Stein CDE Presentation Fall 2024 Sep 9, 2024 pptx

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Cripple Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary
Breakout Strand Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

11:15am MDT

Navigating the Landscape of Wellbeing & Belonging Within Colorado's Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT

Ballroom

Chauncey Stephens Navigating the Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging Within Colorado's Multi Tiered System of Supports.pptx.p pdf

In this session, participants will explore the importance of wellbeing and belonging to promote student success in school and life. Additionally, participants will learn about the Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging, a new virtual hub hosted by the Colorado Department of Education, that aims to blend guidance, resources, systems, and best practices to improve outcomes for students, staff, and families across all PK-12 schools in Colorado. We will explore the five features of wellbeing and belonging: safe and welcoming school environments; strong and trusting relationships; support for health and wellbeing; social, emotional, and behavioral competencies; and engaging learning practices.

Session Objectives:

1. Understand how the promotion of wellbeing and belonging helps to ensure that all students achieve high academic standards and gain skills needed to thrive in school and life.
2. Describe the five features of wellbeing and belonging and their alignment with COMTSS, the Colorado Professional Standards, and other frameworks used in school systems throughout Colorado.
3. Identify ways to integrate the five features of wellbeing and belonging into your work so that all students may thrive in school and life.

Speakers

Chauncey Stephens

Project AWARE Team Lead, Colorado Department of Education

Andrea Pulskamp

Health and Safety Implementation Coordinator, Colorado Department of Education

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Ballroom

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Screening and Assessment Systems, Data Based Problem Solving and Decision Making, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems

11:15am MDT

Supports for Highly Mobile Students during their Journey to and Through Higher Education

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT

Cherry Creek

Jamie Burciaga Supports for Highly Mobile Students The Journey To and Through Higher Education Paula Gumina pptx

This presentation will include a snapshot of data around highly mobile students and higher education. Along with a panel of both secondary and post-secondary professionals to build awareness of supports for vulnerable populations on college campuses, and strategies for highly mobile students transitioning into higher education.

Session Objectives:

1. Build awareness of available supports to vulnerable populations of students on college campuses
2. Learn about various programs that are designed to wraparound students in transition to higher education options
3. Engage in discussion with colleagues about strategies for transitioning to higher education settings

Speakers

Jamie Burciaga

State Coordinator for Foster Education, Colorado Department of Education

Jamie Burciaga serves as the State Coordinator for Foster Care Education at the Colorado Department of Higher Education. She brings with her over 10 years of experience at the state level of supporting communities in Colorado in different areas of Education. She holds a B.A. from... Read More →

Paula Gumina

State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth, Colorado Department of Education

Paula Gumina serves as the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program at the Colorado Department of Education. She brings with her over fifteen years serving the state of Colorado in implementing cross agency projects and initiatives. She holds a... Read More →

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Cherry Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), District Wellness Coordinators, Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Highly Mobile Youth, Wrap-around Supports

1:35pm MDT

Attention on Intention: Vision Boarding–identify your vision and give it clarity

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT

Academy

Kristi Elliot Attention on Intention Vision Boarding pdf

How do you want your life to look? Manifestation is not about just attracting “things” into your life but rather empowering yourself to live your best life. A vision board can illustrate the person you truly want to become. In this session, we will discuss how vision boarding can support student and employee wellness and then provide time for you to start creating your own individual or team vision board that represents what you hope to achieve this school year. Supplies will be provided. If you have your own supplies or magazines, please bring those, too.

Session Objectives:

(1) Explain what manifesting a vision is and the basic neuroscience behind the effectiveness of vision boards.
(2) Identify types of vision boards and when vision boarding may be a useful intervention for student and employee wellbeing.
(3) Create a situational vision board that displays your goals for the new school year.

Speakers

Kristi Elliott

Health Education Services Supervisor, Colorado Department of Education

Kristi Elliott joined CDE in 2017. Prior to coming to CDE, she completed 17 school years at Canon City Schools in multiple roles. Her final position in the district was Regional Wellness Coordinator for Fremont Regional Health & Wellness, serving RE-1, RE-2, and RE-3 School Districts... Read More →

Jacklyn Thompson

Healthy Schools Program Manager, Colorado Department of Education

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Academy

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness

1:35pm MDT

Disheartenment to Glimmers of Opportunity: How to re-engage our hopeless students

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT

Elizabeth Barszcz, Disheartenment to Glimmers of Opportunity .pptx pdf

This presentation takes participants though steps to re-engage high school students that are not engaged in their educational experience and don't have a vision for their future. Participants will wear their student hat and their educator hat to understand the process Silverton School uses to reconnect students to school and their future. Presenters will take participants on the journey our students experienced including, neurosequential model for students, targeted tutoring and coaching, the Enneagram, college and career visits, and concurrent enrollment. We'll bring these 5 programming components to life and give educators the tools they need to make it happen in their own settings!-Participants will understand the 5 programming components from the student and educator perspective.

Session Objectives:

-Participants will consider how these 5 programming components could be adapted and used in their own settings.

Speakers

Elizabeth Barszcz

Principal, Silverton Public School

Summer Herout

School Social Worker, Silverton Public School

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Seven Falls

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

1:35pm MDT

Increasing Access to Education: Empowering Staff and Supporting Students through The Neurosequential Model©

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT

In a post-Covid setting and a new normal for education, there is a need for training and capacity building that is responsive to staff and provides whole-child support. A critical aspect of this work is to equip staff with an understanding of how the brain and body respond to stress and change, and to create systems that support staff, reduce punitive practices and promote student learning, healing and skill development. In this session, the presenters will share their expertise in training and implementation of The Neurosequential Model in Education© (NME) which provides foundational content and a lens that positively impacts school culture, improves access to education and better prepares educators to meet students with developmentally and biologically appropriate tools and practices.

Participants will:

- leave with an awareness of how stress impacts the health, function, memory, performance and perspective of staff and students - and how we can create and foster environments in which stress is negated and buffered through practices and systems that are biologically and developmentally matched to promote regulation and skill building.

- be exposed to systems and strategies that have been used by educators across the world in implementing the Neurosequential Model in Education© (NME) at the school and classroom level.

- understand outcomes and challenges associated with implementation of the NME© and how the NME© is foundational to uptake of the majority of school initiatives (e.g., SEL, restorative justice, curricula, MTSS, PBIS, lesson planning and coaching).

Speakers

Katie Lohmiller

Director of Programming and Evaluation, Educational Access Group and Program Coordinator, Educational Access Group & The Neurosequential Network

Halley Gruber

Educational Access Group & The Neurosequential Network, Director of On-site and Educational Support, Educational Access Group and Program Coordinator

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Cripple Creek

1:35pm MDT

Power of Play: How incorporating play into learning, benefits the whole child

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT

Madison Freeze Power of Play How incorporating play into learning, benefits the whole child pdf

At Playworks we believe that play benefits us through our entire lives and is a language that everyone understands. It provides unique skill building opportunities when seen as an intentional time of every day. Our presentation dives into the benefits, barriers, and best practices for incorporating play to support the whole child, highlighting the physical, social, emotional, and academic benefits play provides both students and adults. We address common barriers with practical takeaways on how to combat them in schools and play based programs.

Session Objectives:

Re-inspire a love and interest in play and its value
Verbalize how play contributes to healthy youth development
Apply best practices for facilitating healthy play within their circle of influence

Speakers

Madison Freeze

Regional Partnership Manager, Playworks

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Royal Gorge

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Elementary, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness, School Climate/Safety

1:35pm MDT

The TLCC and Me! Using TLCC Results to Drive Change

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT

Douglas

Dive into the statewide Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado survey data and spend time collaborating on next steps for your work. Learn about statewide trends, ways to approach survey usage, and how to move from results into action. The survey includes a number of questions on student and staff wellbeing, so there are many opportunities to connect to state, district, and local results.

Session Objectives:

How to use perception data in continuous improvement.
How to use data to drive decisions.
How to compare and leverage state, district, and local results.

Speakers

Lisa Steffen

Colorado Department of Education

Greg Nusz, PhD

Program Evaluator, Colorado Department of Education

Greg Nusz, PhD is the Program Evaluation and Data Manager for the School Quality and Supports Division at CDE. His work focuses on using program evaluation strategies to inform continuous improvement of state-, district-, and school-level supports, with a particular concentration... Read More →

Lisa Steffen TLCC 2024 Landscape Presentation .pptx pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Douglas

3:00pm MDT

Adapting to Thrive: Cultivating Resilience and Agency in Students and Staff

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT

Kelli Smith Why Schools Must Evolve What the Research Says and What We Can Do Kelli Smith pdf

This session lays a foundation for educators on why we need to shift our practice to meet the needs of today's students. Using science, participants will understand why this shift needs to happen to regulate and re engage our students. Participants will be armed with research to shift your most vocal staff that are resistent to change by clearly showing why we need to shift our beliefs about how kids learn and behave. You will walk away with ready to implement evidence based universal structures and supports to build agency in our students and staff, resulting in increased job satisfaction and increased learning and growth in our students.

Session Objectives:

Understand, learn and apply supportive environments in your school or classroom to re-engage and regulate students
Learn what positive developmental relationships are and why they are an essential foundation to regulate, engage and build agency in students
Understand how students developmentally learn mindsets, behaviors and skills and what you can do universally to identify lagging skills and implemented universal and targeted interventions so students are able to learn at high levels.

Speakers

Dr. Kelli Smith

Director of Health, Wellness and Prevention, Douglas County School District

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Royal Gorge

Intended Audience District Administration, District Wellness Coordinators, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Teachers
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, High School, Middle School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, School Climate/Safety

3:00pm MDT

Comparing IEPs, 504s, and Health Plans Using a "Health Condition" Lens

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT

Comparing IEP, 504, IHP Plans Chronic Conditions Lens Sept 2024 pdf

It’s estimated that 40% of school-aged children and adolescents in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition, and research shows that children with chronic health conditions are more likely to be absent from school, putting them at risk for poor academic achievement. With adequate support, students with chronic conditions can thrive!

This session will compare the purpose, regulation, and eligibility for IEPs, 504s, and health plans, using chronic condition examples. Participants will also explore new resources from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights on students with disabilities and related inequities.

Participants will be able to:
• Explain the purpose of an IEP, 504, and Individual Health Plan
• Discuss three differences between these three plans
• Describe how each plan can support student success

Speakers

Sarah Blumenthal

Director of School Health Services Office, Colorado Department of Education

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Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Seven Falls

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

3:00pm MDT

Finding Your Voice and Channeling Emotions Through Living Poetry

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT

Fountain Creek

Poetry is more than the literary design to comply to a set of rules or poetic styles. It is undeniably the outpouring of the individual. When participants of poetry have the opportunity to elevate their voice, inevitably there is a stronger sense of self. In addition, communication skills increase allowing the participant of poetry to experience higher levels of positive social interactions. There is a significant amount of data/research that highlights the benefits/positive impact of SEL within poetry. If this is the case, we should see evidence of intentional poetry throughout schools. This presentation combines various poetic styles and music activities to promote cultivate equity, SEL, culturally responsive practices and leadership skills.

Session Objectives:

The participant will learn poetry strategies to promote SEL.
The participant will write a poem implementing poetic techniques.
The participant will review research on SEL within poetry and develop an action plan to best support students' interests/areas of support.

Speakers

Roy Bailey

Music Instructional Curriculum Specialist, Denver Public Schools

Roy Bailey CDE Presentation2 Roy Bailey.pptx pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Fountain Creek

Intended Audience Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators, Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety, Student Centered Discipline/Restorative Practices

3:00pm MDT

Humanistic Leadership: Inspiring Team Commitment and Productivity Through Co-Creation

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT

Ballroom

Rebecca Knighton Fall Conference, Humanistic Leadership pdf

Are you frustrated with the lack of buy-in or positive momentum with your teams or initiatives? This session will focus on how building high quality, humanistic, team-driven shared leadership leads to the co-creation of effective systems and increased motivation. We will explore how to engage a diverse team of people, meet them where they are at, and move towards a common goal. In this session, you will learn how to use authentic collaboration and constant reflection to create desired outcomes, develop collective leadership capacity, inspire shared ownership, and increase your ability to address conflicts or challenges as a unified team.

Session Objectives:

Participants will understand foundational elements of authentic collaboration to increase productive co-creation
Participants will learn how to build collective efficacy, empowering teams to overcome barriers and challenges
Participants will explore how emphasizing humanistic relationships increases buy-in, motivation, and productivity

Speakers

Rebecca Knighton

COMTSS Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Rebecca Knighton is an MTSS Specialist with the Colorado Department of Education. She has a background in middle school general education behavior intervention, gifted education, and systems-level change. She has led professional development at the school, district, and state levels... Read More →

Simone Richardson

Elementary Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Garfield RE-2

Jacob Pingel

Secondary Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Garfield Re2 School District

Evan Daldegan

Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Ballroom

Intended Audience Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), District Wellness Coordinators, Community-based Partners
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems

3:00pm MDT

Naloxone Administration in Schools – Train-the-Trainer Program for school nurses, staff, and emergency response teams

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT

2024.8.CDE Fall The Landscape Conference.Naloxone Administration in Schools.JMackender pdf

This presentation will include an Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Training which includes understanding the opioid crisis; youth impact; what are opioids; harm reduction; and reversing an opioid overdose with Naloxone.

Participants will be provided with training slides and facilitator guide, along with other resources, to conduct a training at their school.

1. An understanding of the opioid public health crisis/youth impact
2. Trained in Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response, including Naloxone administration
3. Equipped with resources to help implement an opioid overdose prevention and response training at their school

Speakers

Jennifer Mackender

External Relations Strategist, Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention

Jordan Goto

Health and Wellness Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Cripple Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Family School and Community Partnerships, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety

3:00pm MDT

SPOTLIGHT on Success: Empowering Remote Rural Regions with COMTSS Implementation

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT

Academy

Sandra Gavin SPOTLIGHT on Success Empowering Remote Rural Regions with COMTSS Implementation.pptx pdf

This session caters to administrators, educators, mental health providers, and community-based organizations eager to cultivate collaboration across rural regions. Embracing a regional approach significantly enhances collective impact, fosters responsive systems, and ensures sustained implementation of initiatives like Colorado Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports. Amid ongoing uncertainties and educator turnover, continuous capacity building is pivotal for effective implementation. The panel will spotlight the formation of a Regional Implementation Team, comprising diverse voices from CDE offices, educators, community-based organizations, and Adams State University. Its goal: fortify equity for vulnerable youth, offer high-quality professional development, and enhance staff well-being. Gain firsthand insights from small rural districts on implementing COMTSS alongside community members, fostering impactful outcomes, and boosting equity for historically marginalized communities in rural areas.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will grasp the importance of collaboration among administrators, educators, mental health providers, and community-based organizations across the region to improve educational outcomes.

2. Participants will learn how to enhance equity for vulnerable youth by establishing a Regional Implementation Team comprising diverse voices from CDE offices, educators, community-based organizations, and Adams State University.

3. Participants will comprehend how a regional implementation team offers professional development opportunities to enhance staff skills and well-being, ensuring the effective implementation of initiatives like COMTSS.

Speakers

Katrina Ruggles

Counselor/Grant Coordinator, Center Consolidated Schools, 26JT

Dr. Katrina Caldon-Ruggles, MA, LPC, is a counselor and district MTSS coordinator in the Center Consolidated School District in the town of Center in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. Katrina has been coordinating and providing services focused on the overall health and wellness... Read More →

Geneva Mixon

Mountain Valley School District

Adams State University

My name is Dr. Sandra Gavin (she/her), and I am an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Adams State University, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. I am the new San Luis Valley Regional Coordinator supporting COMTSS work there. My scholarly... Read More →

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Academy

9:30am MDT

Blueprints for Wellness: Create Routines to Become the Best Version of You!

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

CharLynn Handout 1 of 3 Reflection Habit Formulas Worksheet pdf

Ever set a wellness goal only to find yourself struggling to make progress? You’re not alone! Maybe your wellness blueprint is lacking scale, lines, views, or measurements for you to be successful. Together let's establish a powerful wellness blueprint by learning how the components of physical and mental wellness are the foundation for well-being. Learn to develop routines that are scaled, lined, viewed, and measured, that when implemented overtime help you to become the Best Version of You!!!

Session Objectives:

Explore the components of physical and mental wellness and their role in establishing overall well-being.
Understand how gradual, consistent improvement can enhance wellness over time.
Learn effective strategies to build incremental shifts in habits for sustainable wellness routines.

Speakers

CharLynn Stegman

Health and Wellness Specialist, District 49

CharLynn Handout 2 of 3 Reflection Mental Wellness Worksheet pdf

CharLynn handout 3 of 3 Reflection Physical Wellness Worksheet (1) pdf

CharLynn Stegman Blueprints for Wellness Create Routines to Become the Best Version of You! pptx

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Seven Falls

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Educator Wellness

9:30am MDT

Building Systems to Prevent and Address Secondary Student Substance Misuse

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

Academy

Amy Dyett Secondary Student Substance Misuse FALL 2024 PPT for Breakout Presenters [Accessibility Check] (1) Amy Dyett.pptx.p pdf

Schools can play a powerful role in the prevention and intervention of substance misuse with students. For students to succeed in school, substance use and other risk behaviors should be addressed as they can have a negative impact on future academic and career outcomes.

Per House Bill 23-1009, the Secondary School Student Substance Use Committee developed a report to support secondary schools in building systems that identify students who need substance use treatment and subsequently provide needed interventions, resources and referrals. Join us to learn more about the recommendations in the report and identify how your school can help address and support student needs.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the report recommendations to utilize Multi-Tiered Systems and Support (MTSS) and the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral (SBIRT) models to prevent, identify and address student needs for behavioral health supports.
2. Identify available resources and tools to appropriately address and support student substance misuse needs.
3. Relate the information to what is currently available in their setting to modify or enhance existing systems to meet student substance use needs.

Speakers

Amy Dyett

Owner and Co-Founder, Advancing Dynamic Solutions

Lori Bailey

Director- Student Engagement Initiatives, Adams 12 Five Star Schools

As the Director of Student Engagement Initiatives, I oversee 4 Offices, including 21st Century/CCLC Grants, Health Services/Section 504, Intervention Services, and Whole Child Initiatives. Our mission is to identify and remove barriers to ensure students can access and are engage... Read More →

Julie Goldberg

Director of Special Education, Colorado River BOCES

Haley Figueroa

School Social Worker and Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Program, Denver Public Schools

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Academy

9:30am MDT

Cultivating Staff Wellness Through Community Collaborations

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

Louis Morphew and Jessica Martinez, Cultivating Staff Wellness Through Community Collaborations pdf

Discover a variety of opportunities in your community to expand the wellness programming for your staff, students, and families. Louie and Jess will share examples on partnering with businesses for free or minimal cost that can impact the physical, social, mental and nutritional health of your school community.

Session Objectives:

Participants will leave with new ideas for partnership for school and/or district wellness programming.
Participants will be able to identify new ideas for partnership for staff, student, and family wellness programming.
Participants will be able to identify at least one program or event they can implement/promote for free or minimal cost.

Speakers

Louie Morphew

Wellness Coordinator, Aurora Public Schools

Jessica Martinez

Wellness Coordinator, Aurora Public Schools

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Cripple Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Family School and Community Partnerships, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness

9:30am MDT

Filling Your Own Cup: Creating Self-Connection & Resilience

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

Cherry Creek

Lex Moschakis Filling Your Own Cup Creating Self Connection & Resilience pdf

As educators, we dedicate our lives to the wellbeing and success of our students. But rarely do we take the time to care for ourselves. This presentation will equip you with skills to fill up your own cup, so that you can support the wellbeing of your students without burning out and be a role model for self-care. You will learn a new definition of resilience and how it helps you respond to life’s challenges, why it’s so important to maintain your energy, and how to work with negative self-talk so that you don’t reach a state of overwhelm.

Session Objectives:

(1) What resilience really is and how it helps you respond to life's challenges
(2) How to work with negative self-talk so that you don't reach a state of overwhelm
(3) The importance of maintaining your own energy and a personalized plan to create resilience

Speakers

Lex Moschakis

Mental Health in Education, Live Big Community

Lex is the co-founder of Live Big Community, an organization that supports both education staff and students in building confidence, resilience, and self-leadership skills. She is a counselor by training with a speciality in trauma and child and adolescent development.Lex's personal... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Cherry Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness, School Climate/Safety

9:30am MDT

Office of School Safety Overview and Updates

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

Pikes Peak

Kati Garner Office of School Safety Overview and Updates CDPS pptx

Educators know that safe learning environments lead to higher student outcomes. However, with the ever changing field of school safety it can be hard to keep up with best practices and legislation. This session will help attendees gain a better understanding of the Office of School Safety and the resources available throughout the state. We will also discuss recent legislation and grant opportunities available to schools.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will have a better understanding of the Office of School Safety and the resources available.
2. Participants will gain knowledge around recent school safety legislation
3. Participants will gain knowledge around school safety grants and events available to them

Speakers

Kati Garner

Crisis Unit Manager, Colorado Office of School Safety

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Pikes Peak

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety

9:30am MDT

Preventing School Violence Through Colorado Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

Ballroom

CSSRC Comprehensive School Safety Planning Suggested Elements for Districts and School pdf

The training will explore the fundamentals of preventing school violence by emphasizing the creation of systems and structures essential for positive school environments. Participants will engage in a collaborative session to identify, integrate, and align evidence-based school violence prevention strategies (e.g., inclusive discipline practices, bullying prevention, proactive social-emotional and positive behavioral supports).

Session Objectives:

1. Explore elements of school safety plans in Colorado and how they connect to school climate improvement.
2. Describe school violence prevention and corresponding evidence-based practices.
3. Consider the contextual variables as well as the systems and structures necessary to effectively integrate and align school safety efforts.

Speakers

Lynne DeSousa

COMTSS Specialist/Rti & PBIS Integration Coordinator, Colorado Department of Education

Lynne DeSousa is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Specialist and the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Integration Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). With more than 28 years in education, she has... Read More →

Adam Collins

COMTSS Specialist / Statewide Bullying Prevention Manager, Colorado Department of Education

Dr. Adam Collins is a COMTSS Specialist and the Statewide Bullying Prevention Manager in the Office of Learning Supports. Prior to joining CDE in 2016, Dr. Collins served as a K-5 school psychologist in the Adams 12 School District. He received his doctorate degree from the University... Read More →

Meghan Statton

COMTSS Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Meghan Statton, MSW, is a COMTSS Specialist with the Office of Learning Supports. Meghan has worked in education for the last 17 years, and her background in mental health, educational leadership, and program development provide her with a unique lens through which she views her work... Read More →

Committee Audit PSV Edition pdf

Initiative Inventory PSV Edition pdf

Lynne DeSousa PSV Through COMTSS.pptx pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Ballroom

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, School Climate/Safety

9:30am MDT

SEL When You Can’t Say SEL

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT

El Paso

Discussing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has encountered various challenges across Colorado and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, it has been subject to misconceptions, including confusion with Critical Race Theory and unfounded associations with certain agendas (including those who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights). Addressing SEL has thus become increasingly complex. However, we aim to offer adaptable approaches endorsed by statewide organizations, tailored to your school community's values.

Session Objectives:

Participants will receive practical tools to navigate these discussions effectively
Participants will learn different options when addressing the terms of Social Emotional Learning programming.
Participants will learn techniques to calm high conflict conversations around Social Emotional Learning.

Speakers

Susan Davis

SEL Coordinator, St. Vrain Valley School District

Adilene Marquez

Inspire Youth Connections Program Specialist, Boulder County Public Health

Susan Davis SEL when you can't say SEL pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
El Paso

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety

10:55am MDT

Building Resilience: School Nurses' Impact on Mental Health and Behavior in Education

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT

Fountain Creek

Jordan Gotto CDE Landscape conference SHP Nurse Fall '24 pdf

Boulder Valley School District presents the structural framework to incorporate the skills and knowledge of the school nurse to provide comprehensive substance use prevention education, mental health education, and Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels of support and care to students experiencing substance use, and mental health needs. Through a cross collaborative team-based approach, nurses provide essential supports to students. We will look deeper into a school nurse day, their collaborative team structures and district frameworks to elevate the nurse role within the school and classroom.

Session Objectives:

Understand the school nurse role in mental and behavioral health support
Apply takeaways to advocate for more involvement from your school nurse to provide comprehensive care and support in the school building.
Implement leadership strategies to provide the support to school nurses to provide substance use education, prevention and intervention, along with mental health and behavioral health support.

Speakers

Jordan Goto

Health and Wellness Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District

Kelli Preston

Broomfield High School, School Nurse

Paula Waldhoff

School Nurse, Fairview High School

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Fountain Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems, Wrap-around Supports

10:55am MDT

More Than a Buzzword: Belonging Programming to Live It Out!

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT

Cherry Creek

Emily Hahn More Than a Buzzword Belonging Programming to Live It Out! pdf

“More Than a Buzzword: Belonging Programming to Live It Out!” delves into practical steps for fostering a culture of inclusion. Presenting a case study of Carmody Middle School's successful belonging programming, attendees gain insight into engaging student participation in belonging activities, peer mentoring, enhancing school identity, intentional calendar planning, and how to collect and disaggregate data that centers around belonging. Attendees will utilize inventories to assess their school's inclusivity and brainstorm programming to bridge gaps. Empowering educators with actionable ideas, this presentation offers a roadmap for creating vibrant, inclusive school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Session Objectives:

1)Teachers, counselors, and administrators will develop a comprehensive understanding of strategies to enhance belonging programming across all tiers (Tiers 1-3) within the school day. Drawing insights from the experiences of Carmody Middle School counselors, participants will gain practical ideas and techniques for fostering inclusivity and connection among students, tailored to diverse needs and contexts.

2)Participants will acquire skills in data collection methods specifically designed for evaluating and refining belonging programming initiatives. Educators will learn how to gather meaningful data on student engagement, satisfaction, and sense of belonging, empowering them to make informed decisions and adjustments to their programming.

3)Educators will engage in self-reflective practices to evaluate their school's current level of belonging. Utilizing inventories and assessment frameworks, participants will assess the strengths and areas for growth in their school's culture of inclusivity. By identifying actionable items for improvement, attendees will develop personalized action plans to enhance belonging within their own school communities.

Speakers

Emily Hahn

School Counselor, Carmody Middle School (Jefferson County School District R-1)

Anna Gisetti

School Counselor, Carmody Middle School (Jefferson County R-1 Public Schools)

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Cherry Creek

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers
Grade Level Middle School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, School Climate/Safety

10:55am MDT

Not Just Reading and Writing: Making the Case for Mental Health Literacy

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT

Amy Plog Not Just Reading and Writing Making the Case for Mental Health Literacy pdf

Increasing mental health concerns among young people are reflected nationally in the recent US Surgeon General’s Advisory on Student Mental Health and locally in Healthy Kids Colorado data. Effectively addressing these concerns will require focus not only on mental health treatment, but also prevention efforts. This presentation will make the case for the importance of mental health literacy education to promote positive mental health. Core components of mental health literacy will be delineated as will a variety of reasons why this work in schools is critical. Finally, resources will be shared along with discussion of how to use them intentionally.

Session Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
(1) describe the four core components of mental health literacy
(2) give examples of reasons why mental health literacy is important in schools
(3) locate mental health literacy resources and recognize how to use them intentionally

Speakers

Michelle Malvey

Behavioral Health Training Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Michelle Malvey is a Behavioral Health Training Specialist in the Heath Education Unit at CDE. She is a former principal, district MTSS Coordinator, school psychologist and teacher with a passion for making sure everyone in the school environment gets what they need on a daily... Read More →

Amy Plog

Evaluation and Research Principal Consultant, Colorado Department of Education

Amy Plog joined CDE in December 2021 and is a Research and Evaluation Consultant with the Health Education Services Office. Prior to working at CDE, she spent over 20 years in the Cherry Creek School District in a research and data role supporting the district mental health team and... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Royal Gorge

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness

10:55am MDT

Serving Colorado's Most Vulnerable Populations Through Family, School, Community Partnership Initiatives

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT

Douglas

Paula Gumina Serving Colorado's Most Vulnerable Populations Through FSCP Initiatives FALL 2024 Template PPT for Breakout Presen pdf

Regional Collaborative Conversations, Family Resource Centers, and the community schools strategy are impactful family, school, and community partnership initiatives that are playing a critical role in addressing the needs of Colorado’s most vulnerable youth. This presentation will provide an overview of multiple entry-points to serving your most vulnerable populations and ways that the Colorado Department of Education can support local implementation. This session will highlight different approaches to effective family engagement across Colorado and participants will identify strategies that are transferable to their local context and the unique populations that they serve.

Session Objectives:

Learn about the Colorado Department of Education’s work supporting Regional Collaborative Conversations and Transformational Partnerships, Family Resource Centers, and community schools at the local level.
Consider elements of family, school, and community partnership success stories of addressing the needs of the most vulnerable youth and families in areas of Colorado with high concentrations of poverty and how it might look in your community.
Discuss how to support the community. family, school, and community partnership initiatives in your community and identify opportunities for growth.

Speakers

Shannon Allen

OST Programs Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Shannon Allen serves on the office of Student Support team and CDE and is CDE's point of contact for all questions and ideas related to the community schools strategy in Colorado. Feel free to reach out to Shannon about your interest in the community schools strategy, out-of-school... Read More →

Paula Gumina

State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth, Colorado Department of Education

Jes Stroope

District and Community Supports Manager, Colorado Department of Education

Jes Stroope, Ph.D., is the District and Community Supports Manager in the Office of Family, School, and Community Partnerships (FSCP) at the Colorado Department of Education. Jes received her doctorate from the Child, Family, and School Psychology program at the University of Denver... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Douglas

Intended Audience Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Community-based Partners
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Community Schools and Out of School Time, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

10:55am MDT

Transforming Schools for LGBTQ Students: Best Practices and Real-Life Examples

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT

Pikes Peak

This session will explore current data on LGBTQ students' health and wellbeing, highlighting the crucial role of a supportive school environment. Attendees will learn best practices for fostering true belonging through systemic and academic approaches, ensuring sustainability and buy-in from all school community members. Drawing from History UnErased’s work in over 3,000 schools, real-life examples and testimonials will showcase effective strategies for urban, suburban, and rural settings, minimizing and navigating pushback, and bringing all members of the school community together around student wellbeing and achievement.

Session Objectives:

1- Understand the impact of school environments on LGBTQ students' health, wellbeing, and connectedness.
2- Identify and implement best practices for creating sustainable, inclusive educational environments.
3- Gain insights from successful real-life examples and testimonials to replicate inclusive practices in diverse school settings.

Speakers

Debra Fowler

Executive Director, History UnErased

Basel Touchan

Learning and Development Consultant, History UnErased

Dr. Basel Touchan is a Middle Eastern Immigrant who transitioned from a career in medicine to focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) after moving to the U.S. during the Syrian civil war. With over a decade of global strategic and programmatic experience in education... Read More →

Basel Touchan Transforming Schools for LGBTQ.pptx pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Pikes Peak

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Other building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety

10:55am MDT

Youth Perspective on Trauma Informed Approaches: Checking your Practices

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT

El Paso

Utilizing a trauma-informed approach with highly mobile students is an important practice to avoid re-traumatizing youth. Rather than punishing students for things they can’t control, we want to give youth the support and resources they need to succeed. Learn from Colorado State University independent student presenters about some of the school policy challenges and how K-12 staff best supported them through their highly mobile experiences. Join us for this interactive session equipping participants with what we need to know for supporting youth in a trauma informed way through school systems.

Session Objectives
Conference attendees who engage in this session will be able to accomplish the following:
• Summarize what a trauma-informed approach looks like in a middle/high school setting
• Identify best practices for engaging with highly mobile students navigating school systems
• Discuss that college is a safe place with a middle school or high school student

Speakers

Andrea Fortney

Fostering Success Program Director, Colorado State University

Youth Perspective on Trauma Informed Approaches (1) pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
El Paso