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

Seven Falls

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

Igniting the Passion Within to Promote Youth Wellness

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

Cripple Creek

Katrina Ruggles, Igniting the Passion Within to Promote Youth Wellness pptx

Youth are reporting elevated mental health concerns, drug and alcohol use, risky sexual behavior, and lack of connection to peers and adults. This is particularly true for youth who identify as LGBTQ+, minority, and/or from poverty. This session will present correlational research between these concepts through youth-reported data. We will discuss how positive youth development (PYD) and social connections can be mitigating factors that promote youth resilience. Youth from a rural, high-poverty, primarily Latinx community will present about their experiences through COVID-19 and how a wrap-around PYD approach has supported their ability to grow and learn through the challenges of the last few years. We will outline how we engaged youth and families to deliver programming that addressed physical, emotional/mental, social, cultural, and academic wellness. We will also present how experiential career learning has helped youth develop positive visions for the future.-

Session Objectives:

After viewing this presentation, participants will be able to explain the relationship between risky youth behavior, mental health concerns, a sense of belonging, and youth resilience.
After viewing this presentation, participants will be able to apply a socio-ecological approach to positive youth development.
After viewing this presentation, participants will be able to identify wrap-around practices that support youth resilience.

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 →

Carmen Pavlovsky

Out of School Time Coordinator, Center Consolidated Schools

Genesis Escalon

Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Center Consolidated Schools, 26JT

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Wellness Coordinators, Community-based Partners
Grade Level Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety, Wrap-around Supports

9:50am MDT

Promote a Culture of Wellness enabling students and employees to thrive

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

Pikes Peak

Jodie Abrams Promote a Culture of Wellness enabling students and employees to thrive pdf

Physically healthy and resilient students and staff function at their highest level. The American Heart Association helps you create a culture in which health and wellbeing are prioritized. Learn simple ways to support students, their families, and your employees so they can meet your vision for excellence. “We’re glad the AHA provides the body of work that allows us to address physical health and emotional well-being, community safety and preparedness, and provides a shared language that creates permission to take good care of one another while working towards important outcomes.” Kerry Gain, Deputy Executive Director, Academic Services, Austin.

Session Objectives:

Prioritize your wellbeing and become a leader who inspires others to improve their physical, emotional health so your community can function at a higher level.
Help students create wellness habits that build resilience.
Recommendations enhancing preparedness through CPR skills and cardiac emergency response plan.

Speakers

American Heart Association

Vice President, School Engagement - CO/WY, The American Heart Association

Information about our free program and resources

Amy Newman

Regional Vice President, School Engagement - Southwest, The American Heart Association

Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am 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, 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 Whole Student Approach: Executive Functioning Strategies for Social-Emotional & Academic Growth

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

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

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

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

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

ADHD: Why We Feel Like We Don't Belong and How You Can Help Us

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

Palmer

Jeff Brown ADHD Why we feel like we don't belong and how you can help us pdf

ADHD kids and adults usually have a deep sense of self hatred. Everyone around them from teachers to parents to friends seem to point out their weaknesses in frustration, anger, and sometimes while making fun of them. There are so many ADHD kids that don't feel they belong. This extends to ADHD Teachers and other staff. Being able to see ADHD kids and adults for who they are and what they can add to the school can increase school belongingness in immeasurable ways. We will be talking about ways to support these wonderful people.

Session Objectives:

1) Understanding what happens inside the mind of ADHDers
2) Understanding ways to support them and help them feel included
3) Understanding ways to help staff support these kids and work with these adults

Speakers

Jeff Brown

Family Studies and Child Devleopment Teacher, Rampart High School

I've taught High school Relationships, Child Development, and Living Skills for 25 years. I'm also AuDHD meaning I'm Autistic and ADHDer.I do Professional Development Classes on Autism and ADHD, Child and Adolescent Development,The Power of Relationships in TeachingSee my website... Read More →

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Teachers, Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety, Student Centered Discipline/Restorative Practices

1:35pm MDT

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

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

Seven Falls

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

Growing People Growing Plants: Land-based learning as a method for connecting academic, emotional, and social development.

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

Flying Pig Farm (FPF) provides a community learning space in which people can reclaim their relationship with food and land. We take a multi-faceted, community-based approach to teaching young people a sense of belonging to their community, their environment, and soil-based food cultivation. Through our partnership with MSSD14, we've been able to serve over 1200 students a year with academically integrated farm activities.

Session Objectives:

1. Provide a working model for community collaboration
2. Demonstrate the success and joy of land-based learning
3. Coach participants on how to integrate our methods at their schools

Speakers

Barak Ben-Amots

Director, Flying Pig Farm

FPF Landscape of Wellbeing Presentation (2).pptx pdf

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators, Community-based Partners, Special Educaton Providers
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Community Schools and Out of School Time, 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

Cripple Creek

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

Royal Gorge

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

Student and Family Educational Journey Mapping to address Chronic Absenteeism and Belonging

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

Ballroom

Student and Family Educational Journey Mapping to address Chronic Absenteeism and Belonging pdf

Participants will be introduced to the concept of Educational Journey Mapping as a student and family driven assessment protocol that can build relationships and identify critical barriers to educational success that can be addressed directly at school or through wrap-around services. Having been piloted through a CO Attorney General Office Education and Innovation Grant with justice-engaged students, educational journey mapping is being expanded to additional school settings to identify and address root causes of chronic absenteeism. Join the workshop to test out the methodology yourself and consider how to develop a tool and a process that speaks to attendance barriers in your school or district.

Session Objectives:

Participants will:
1) Leave with an understanding of educational journey mapping as an evidence-based practice to address chronic absenteeism,
2) Possess a greater understanding of student and family perspectives related to common elements and barriers in the educational trajectory of their children,
3) Be prepared to apply your learning to increase student and family belonging.

Speakers

Wendy Loloff Cooper

CEO, Generation Schools Network

Wendy began with Generation Schools Network in 2010 as the Rocky Mountain Managing Director and was asked by the Board of Directors to assume the CEO role in 2012. While earning a business degree, her love for education was catalyzed through volunteering to teach a business entrepreneurship... Read More →

Erin Coker

Senior Director, Generation Schools Network

Erin comes to Generation Schools with a passion for coaching and mentoring. She has extensive experience with continuous improvement and school planning, interdisciplinary learning and literacy, and adult learning theory. Prior to joining GSN, Erin worked in Denver Public Schools... Read More →

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Student Centered Discipline/Restorative Practices

1:35pm MDT

Using School-Community Partnerships to Support Newly Arriving Children and Youth

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

El Paso

Karen Rice Using School Community Partnerships to Support Newly Arriving Children and Youth pdf

As LEAs welcome newly arriving immigrant children and youth into schools, many of these students are facing high mobility and homelessness. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, newly arriving children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to services and supports within the school community. However, school-community partnerships are essential to meet the needs of students and their families outside of school. This session will focus on the intersections of high mobility, homelessness, and immigration, as well as best practices to leverage school-community partnerships to meet student needs.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will gain a basic understanding of immigration and its intersection with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

2. Participants will learn how school-community partnerships are critical to meeting the needs of immigrant children, youth, and families who are highly mobile or experiencing homelessness.

3. Participants will enhance their knowledge of best practices for supporting immigration students.

Speakers

Karen Rice

Senior Program Manager of Education Initiatives, SchoolHouse Connection

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders
Grade Level High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Highly Mobile Youth

3:00pm MDT

A Panel Presentation from MN: WSCC Model in Action in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

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

Pikes Peak

Terri Swartout A Panel Presentation from MN WSCC Model in Action in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.pptx pdf

Highlights on WSCC in action within Minnesota will be shared at both the state level as well as a case study example from Faribault Public Schools. This session will explore building capacity of supporting the Whole Child with the use of data, aligning with strategic momentum, and engaging wellness committees in ensuring young people are Healthy, Safe, Supported, Engaged, and Challenged.

Session Objectives:

1. Participants will be advance the utilization of the Whole Child framework within their system.
2. Participants will be able to identify and address systemic inequities to enable all students to learn and achieve at high levels.

Speakers

Terri Swartout

School Health Coordinator, MN Department of Education

Project Lead for MN in the CDC 2302 Healthy Schools cooperative agreement.Have worked at Minnesota Department of Education as the School Health Coordinator for over 13 years.

Zach Pruitt

Community Education & Engagement Coordinator, Faribault Public Schools

Janet Lewis Muth

Faribault Public Schools, Behavioral Health Coordinator & RISE Director

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

Intended Audience Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, District Wellness Coordinators, State level staff
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Family School and Community Partnerships, Data Based Problem Solving and Decision Making, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

3:00pm MDT

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

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

Royal Gorge

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

Beyond Punishment: Shaping Success and Culture with Restorative Discipline

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

Douglas

Jennifer Gallegos Beyond Punishment Shaping Success and Culture with Restorative Discipline FINAL 9.13.24 (1) pptx

Join us for 'Beyond Punishment: Shaping Success and Culture with Restorative Discipline,' a presentation that redefines disciplinary approaches in educational settings. Participants will learn best practices for restorative discipline and discover the power of data from discipline profile reports to enhance school climate and discipline practices. We will also explore the foundational philosophies behind a restorative mindset, providing attendees with the best practices needed to foster a supportive and progressive educational environment.

Session Objectives:

Understand the Use of Data in Discipline: Participants will learn about the data available within profile reports and explore ways to use this data to make informed decisions that improve climate and discipline practices.
Learn Best Practices for Restorative Discipline:
Acquire knowledge on the best practices in restorative discipline to effectively implement these strategies and enhance the overall educational environment without direct comparisons to punitive methods.

Speakers

Jewel Sale

Jen Gallegos

Dropout Prevention Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

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

Intended Audience Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, School Climate/Safety, Student Centered Discipline/Restorative Practices

3:00pm MDT

Cultivating an Oasis: Engaging and Empowering Students that have been placed at Risk.

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

Palmer

Ann Murrin, Cultivating an Oasis CDE Fall 2024 Breakout Session pdf

Finding ways to engage placed-at-risk youth takes creativity and positive interventions. In this session, we will explore one PBIS landscape that is showing promising results in engaging these students. Creating an oasis to connect with their school, and a safe adult, while building social emotional skills, and increasing executive functioning skills.

Session Objectives:

1. Learn how this PBIS intervention improves educational outcomes for historically underserved and placed-at-risk youth.
2. Overview of the goals of the PBIS class and how to implement the intervention.

Speakers

Ann Murrin

Mental Health Specialist, Roosevelt High School, Weld RE5-J

Estrella Gallegos

School Counselor, Roosevelt High School, Weld RE 5J

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Other Building Level Support Staff (MTSS etc.)
Grade Level Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, School Climate/Safety, Wrap-around Supports

3:00pm MDT

Finding Your Voice and Channeling Emotions Through Living Poetry

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

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

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

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

3:00pm MDT

Thriving Together: Elevating Whole School Wellness with Out-of-School Time Programs

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

Cody Buchanan Thriving Together Elevating School Wellness with OST Programs Cody Buchanan.pptx pdf

This engaging session will help participants unlock the potential of school-based out-of-school time (OST) programming to boost wellness and belonging among students and staff, enhancing the culture and connectedness of the school community. We will delve into how OST programs support each of the 5 features of the Landscape of Wellbeing and demonstrate how a focus on quality OST programming can positively impact students, families and staff within a school.

Session Objectives:

Demonstrate the benefits of out of school time programming related to wellbeing and belonging for students, families and school staff
Identify how OST programs can be leveraged to enhance each of the 5 features of the Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging
Give participants tangible next steps to building a culture of OST programming designed to enhance wellness at their school

Speakers

Cody Buchanan

Out-of-School Time Program Development Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Cody is an Out-of-school Time Programs and Partnership Specialist at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), supporting the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program. In this role, Cody supports program quality and compliance among 21st CCLC grantees to ensure high-impact... Read More →

Jacqueline Chavez

OST Programs and Partnership Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Jacklyn Thompson

Healthy Schools Program Manager, Colorado Department of Education

Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm 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, District Wellness Coordinators, Community-based Partners
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Leadership-Wellbeing and Belonging, Engagement and Connectedness, Community Schools and Out of School Time, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness, School Climate/Safety, Highly Mobile Youth

9:30am MDT

Animal Assisted Interactions in Schools: Creating a Welcoming Environment One Paw at a Time

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

Royal Gorge

Ashley Woodwin Hebert Animal Assisted Interactions in School Creating a Welcoming Community One Paw at a Time pdf

During this interactive session, participants will gain a better understanding of how to utilize Animal Assisted Interactions (AAI) in schools as a support of creating a positive school climate and culture. The session will walk through what AAI looks like in as a part of a tiered intervention system (MTSS) in order to support student belonging across the school setting. Participants will walk away with ideas for utilizing AAI in their schools, ideas for connecting with Human-Animal partners to travel to their schools, and a chance to experience the benefits of AAI themselves!

Session Objectives:

Understand the basics of Animal Assisted Interactions in the school setting.
Discover ways to engage both staff and students in SEL utilizing Animal Assisted Interactions.
Experience the benefits of Animal Assisted Interactions in session.

Speakers

Ashley Goodwin-Hebert

Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators
Grade Level Elementary, Middle School, High School
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, School Climate/Safety

9:30am MDT

Be Well in Rural Colorado

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

Palmer

Using the PERMA model from the Center for Rural School Health & Education to define wellbeing as Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, we will look deeper into the ways wellbeing can be supported throughout Rural Communities as it relates to staff, families, and student experiences.

Session Objectives:

Connect with other rural districts to provide ongoing support
Examine and review supportive structures of building relationships in your rural community
Discover new ways empower students in their own wellbeing

Speakers

Jordan Cobb

School Counselor, Moffat 2

Alex Moore-Guenther

School Counselor, Moffat 2

Jordan Cobb Rural Landscapes 2024 Jordan Cobb pdf

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators, Special Educaton Providers, Community-based Partners
Grade Level Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Other (staff/district/family/community/etc.)
Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing, Educator Wellness, School Climate/Safety

9:30am MDT

Filling Your Own Cup: Creating Self-Connection & Resilience

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

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

Why Collaboration Matters: Advancing Collective Efforts Around Anti-Racist Sex Education in Schools

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

Deja Moore CDPHE She Her Ella Why Collaboration Matters Advancing CHSE Efforts (2) Deja Moore CDPHE She Her Ella.pptx.pd pdf

Attendees will gain an understanding of the overarching need for comprehensive sex education (CHSE), and youth disparities as it relates to their sexual health outcomes particularly for LGBTIQA+, BIPOC, disabled youth, youth survivors of sexual violence, and those traditionally left out of sex education. They will also learn the need for anti-racist and anti-oppressive CHSE and strategies for implementing it in the classroom. Lastly, folx will walk away with recognizing CHSE as a multi-prong approach to addressing suicide prevention, substance use, mental health, and sexual violence among other critical factors that impact young people and hence their health outcomes.

Session Objectives:

1. Promote and encourage conversation around the value in promoting work around anti-racist and anti-oppressive sex education in schools and districts in Colorado
2. Speak to and discuss the value in leveraging data collection opportunities and efforts to speak to diverse and critical issues in sex education
3. Discuss CHSE as an approach for addressing suicide prevention, substance use, mental health promotion, sexual violence, etc.

Speakers

Lilian Chimuma

Evaluator (Statistical Analyst), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Lilian Chimuma, PhD., is a mixed methods evaluator and researcher with a passion for translating research to practice in interdisciplinary contexts for nuanced and complex problems. Lilian is currently supporting efforts around equitable evaluation and research practices in data collection... Read More →

Deja Moore

Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education (CHSE) Program Coordinator, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Deja Moore (She/Her), Afro-Hispanic Trans Woman of Color, was born and raised in the Thornton and Northglenn, CO area and now lives in Denver. She serves as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education (CHSE) Program Coordinator... Read More →

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, Teachers, District Wellness Coordinators, Special Educaton Providers
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, Data Based Problem Solving and Decision Making, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

10:55am MDT

Beyond SEL: Empowering and Welcoming New Arrivals

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

Palmer

This session encourages dialogue on learning on implementing strategies in schools to create a nurturing and inclusive environment, focusing on new arrivals to the school community. The goal is to establish a sense of belonging and acceptance through empathy, understanding, and encouragement to ensure newcomers feel valued and supported. The message invites collaboration in fostering a culture of warmth and hospitality for all individuals within the educational sphere.

Speakers

Dr. Marie Heath

Dr. Marie Heath has worked in education for 25+ years, serving in roles such as ESL teacher, ESL department head, compliance facilitator, multilingual specialist, curriculum writer, and higher education adjunct. For the last eight years she has served as the ESL coordinator in a North... Read More →

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

Breakout Strand Engagement and Connectedness, Equity and Diversity, Highly Mobile Youth, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

10:55am MDT

CANCELLED - MTSS Bridges: Building Mental Health and Belonging in Schools

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

Seven Falls

Hulya Odabas MTSS Bridges Building Mental Health and Belonging in Schools.pptx pdf

Explore the transformative power of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in enhancing student mental health and academic success. This session delves into the integration of mental health supports across MTSS's three tiers, emphasizing strategic use of interconnected systems frameworks.
Participants will discover how to build a culture of care through Tier 1 supports, apply advanced interventions in Tiers 2 and 3, and harness collaboration for holistic student wellbeing.

Session Objectives:

1-Comprehensive Understanding of MTSS: Master the structure and application of the three-tier support system in MTSS, focusing on specific mental health interventions to enhance student outcomes.
2-Strategic Implementation Skills: Learn to implement foundational mental health supports at Tier 1 and effectively apply targeted interventions at Tiers 2 and 3 to address more complex student needs, including crisis management.
3-Collaboration and Systems Integration: Develop the ability to enhance mental health support through the use of an interconnected systems framework, improving collaboration across educational stakeholders and boosting the efficacy of mental health initiatives.

Speakers

Dr. Hulya Odabas

VP of Education, Study Smart Tutors

Dr. Hulya Odabas is the Vice President of Education at Study Smart Tutors, where she brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as a high school science teacher and school counselor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in School Counseling... Read More →

Jimmy Morgan

Partnership Manager, Study Smart Tutors

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

Intended Audience School Based Health Professionals (RNs/Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists/etc.), Principals or other Building Leaders, District Administration, 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, Data Based Problem Solving and Decision Making, Team/Shared Leadership/Effective Systems, Equity and Diversity, Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Wellbeing

10:55am MDT

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

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

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

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

Understanding Implementing HB24-1216 to Improve Justice-Engaged Student and Family Belonging

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

Ballroom

Wendy Loloff Cooper Understanding Implementing HB24 1216 to Improve Justice Engaged Student and Family Belonging pdf

Through an Attorney General’s Justice Innovation Grant, case management was undertaken for 20 justice-engaged youth to support school re-entry and success. With only 20% of adjudicated youth earning a diploma nationwide, the support team assisted stakeholders in moving students toward graduation. Participants will be introduced to the findings from this process that impacted the content and passage of HB24-1216 and understand how those provisions will impact their school or district going forward. Bill provisions can increase belonging for justice-engaged students and their families when implemented in a way that supports educational success.

Session Objectives:

1) Leave with an understanding of how HB24-1216 will impact your school or district.
2) Embrace greater understanding from student and family perspectives of common elements and barriers in the educational trajectory of justice engaged youth,
3) Gain experience analyzing an educational journey map completed by a student and their family member and working collaboratively to identify common themes and experiences that could be better addressed through a school commitment to ensuring belonging.

Speakers

Wendy Loloff Cooper

CEO, Generation Schools Network

Jose Silva

VP, Equity Initiatives, Generation Schools Network

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