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Welcome to the CDE Fall Conference: Exploring Well-being and Belonging in Colorado! We’re thrilled to have you with us.

Join Us for a Relaxing Evening of Wellness Activities on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024!
NEW THIS YEAR!! We are thrilled to offer a selection of FREE, relaxing and experiential activities before the conference begins! These events are designed to help you unwind, connect with others, and engage in wellness practices. ALL SESSIONS ARE OPTIONAL! Please register for these events in the Special Activities Registration Form (google.com)

We’ve partnered with Ground2Air Productions to offer complimentary professional photography sessions. Please sign up to have your professional headshot https://www.picktime.com/2024CDEConference. Ground2Air Productions will also provide an interactive photo booth and will be capturing moments throughout the conference.

Don’t forget to use #CDEWellbeingConf2024 in your social media posts!

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Wednesday, September 18
 

9:50am MDT

Coaching in Crisis: Practical Implementation of Trauma-Informed Systems and Practices
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
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
MC

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 →
CF

Collette Fischer

Psychologist, Senior Instructor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Seven Falls

9:50am MDT

Diving Deeper Into The Mental Health Informed Classroom & Educator
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
What does it mean to be a mental health informed educator? Attendees in this presentation will learn about and engage with a mental health informed educator tool. This tool provides staff the opportunity to dive deeper into their current practices and confidence levels with proficiencies related to Mental Health Informed Classrooms. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to utilize with individual staff members, groups, and/or for building professional learning to reflect, plan, and monitor progress on being a mental health informed educator.

Session Objectives:

  • To discuss mental health informed proficiency indicators for educators. 
  • To engage with a mental health informed educator action planning tool to assist staff in self-reflection on confidence levels, current practices, and goal setting
  • To propose and adapt processes and progress monitoring related to mental health informed educator action planning and implementation
Speakers
LM

Lacey Mahleres

Mental Health Coordinator, Westminster Public Schools
JT

Jordan Terhaar

SEL District Coordinator, Westminster Public Schools
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Douglas

9:50am MDT

Igniting the Passion Within to Promote Youth Wellness
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
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
KR

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 →
CP

Carmen Pavlovsky

Out of School Time Coordinator, Center Consolidated Schools
avatar for Genesis Escalon

Genesis Escalon

Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Center Consolidated Schools, 26JT
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Cripple Creek

9:50am MDT

Promote a Culture of Wellness enabling students and employees to thrive
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
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
avatar for American Heart Association

American Heart Association

Vice President, School Engagement - CO/WY, The American Heart Association
Information about our free program and resources
AN

Amy Newman

Regional Vice President, School Engagement - Southwest, The American Heart Association
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Pikes Peak

9:50am MDT

Social Media and The Fight for Kids’ Attention
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
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
avatar for Bri 	Makofske

Bri Makofske

Licensed Psychologist/School Psychologist, Summit PAC
RT

Rachel Toplis

Licensed Psychologist and School Psychologist, Summit PAC
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
El Paso

9:50am MDT

The Art of Restorative Leadership: Revolutionizing School Culture with Best Practices
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
This session delves into the essence of restorative practices applied to leadership, fostering a supportive and accountable school environment. We'll integrate other best practices for leadership to tailor your leadership approach to various scenarios. Join us to revolutionize your leadership style, promoting a culture of compassion, respect, and continuous improvement in educational settings.

Session Objectives:

  • Understand Restorative Leadership Principles: Participants will learn the foundational principles of restorative leadership, including strategies to foster a culture of accountability, empathy, and respect within school environments.
  • Develop Effective Leadership Skills: Gain practical skills to apply restorative leadership techniques in daily interactions and decision-making processes to effectively manage teams and resolve conflicts.
  • Enhance School Culture and Climate: Explore methods to implement restorative practices that promote a positive school culture, improve student behavior, and increase educational outcomes through compassionate leadership.
Speakers
JG

Jen Gallegos

Dropout Prevention Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Ballroom

9:50am MDT

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

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 →
KM

Kristen Monteith

Special Education Program Manager, Results Learning
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Fountain Creek

9:50am MDT

Whole School Mental Health Best Practice in Real Life
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Even though there are best practice guides for well-being and mental health, the gap between best practice and implementation is wide. Join us for a panel of real-life school leaders and mental health professionals from across the state that have successfully implemented best practices for social-emotional well-being. Participants will hear school leaders share their experiences of implementing and sustaining novel interventions such as: ensuring students are not disciplined for mental health experiences, using quarterly data analysis for effective PBIS delivery, supporting special populations, truly welcoming all students and reviewing school-wide individual SEL goals.


Session Objectives:
  • Participants will learn how school leaders have implemented real-life best practices.
  • Participants will learn how school leaders have navigated barriers to implement best practices for wellbeing.
Speakers
avatar for Betsy Basch

Betsy Basch

Mental Health Programs Coordinator, Charter School Institute
Betsy Basch is a triple credentialed & licensed clinician and earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Campbell University where I also played softball, and earned my Masters in Professional Counseling and my Doctorate in School Psychology from Argosy University-Phoenix. I’ve worked... Read More →
Wednesday September 18, 2024 9:50am - 11:00am MDT
Academy

11:15am MDT

A System's Approach to Educator Wellness - Examples from the Field
Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Educators are some of the most stressed professionals in the US. This is affecting budgets, retention, climate and culture, and student outcomes. We all want students that are mentally and physically well. It is very difficult to achieve that if we don’t prioritize adult wellbeing. This session will outline a research based approach to creating a strategic action plan for staff health and wellness.

Session Objectives:

  • Participants will understand different ways partners can be leveraged to achieve their health and wellness goals.
  • Understand how Implementation Science and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports play a critical role in developing a strategic plan for staff wellbeing.
  • Be given the information necessary for designing a strategic plan that aligns with existing goals and their unique needs.
  • See examples of two different implementation plans and how they aligned to each district’s goals.
Speakers
ZH

Zac Hess

Senior Director, Generation Schools Network
avatar for Erin	Coker

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 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Pikes Peak

11:15am MDT

Aligning State Resources with Community Needs & Awareness: Bridging Gaps and Building Partnerships
Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
This session explores the alignment between state government services and community expectations regarding behavioral health resources for students, families, and communities. It will address the awareness gap concerning available state agency resources and the complex policy landscape schools navigate. Participants will have the opportunity to voice their opinions, discuss relevant issues, and provide feedback on new resources developed through multi-agency collaborations. Join us to enhance understanding and improve support mechanisms within the educational and community context, fostering a more effective partnership among all stakeholders.

Session Objectives:

1. Attendees will have increase awareness of resources available to address behavioral health and policy literacy.
2. Attendees will provide feedback on how state agencies can improve resources to meet school, district, and community needs related to behavioral health resource awareness and school-based behavioral health policy literacy.
Speakers
avatar for Kyle Pacqué

Kyle Pacqué

School/Training Prevention Specialist & Project AWARE Co-coordinator, CDPHE & CDE
Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Royal Gorge

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
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
JG

Jennifer Guthals

Director of Student Success, Thompson School District
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
TD

Tanae Dabney

School Psychology Intern, Aurora Public Schools
avatar for Rachel Stein

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 →
NK

Neena Khindria

Graduate Student, University of Colorado Denver
Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:15am - 12:25pm MDT
Cripple Creek

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
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
JB

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 →
avatar for Paula Gumina

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

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
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
avatar for Jeff Brown

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

1:35pm MDT

Attention on Intention: Vision Boarding–identify your vision and give it clarity
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
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
avatar for Kristi Elliott

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 →
avatar for Jacklyn Thompson

Jacklyn Thompson

Healthy Schools Program Manager, Colorado Department of Education
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Academy

1:35pm MDT

Disheartenment to Glimmers of Opportunity: How to re-engage our hopeless students
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
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
EB

Elizabeth Barszcz

Principal, Silverton Public School
SH

Summer Herout

School Social Worker, Silverton Public School
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Seven Falls

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
BB

Barak Ben-Amots

Director, Flying Pig Farm
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Fountain Creek

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
avatar for Katie Lohmiller

Katie Lohmiller

Director of Programming and Evaluation, Educational Access Group and Program Coordinator, Educational Access Group & The Neurosequential Network
avatar for Halley Gruber

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
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
avatar for Madison Freeze

Madison Freeze

Regional Partnership Manager, Playworks
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
Royal Gorge

1:35pm MDT

Student and Family Educational Journey Mapping to address Chronic Absenteeism and Belonging
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
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
avatar for Wendy Loloff Cooper

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 →
avatar for Erin	Coker

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

1:35pm MDT

The TLCC and Me! Using TLCC Results to Drive Change
Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:35pm - 2:45pm MDT
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
LS

Lisa Steffen

Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Greg Nusz, PhD

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

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
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
avatar for Terri Swartout

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.  
ZP

Zach Pruitt

Community Education & Engagement Coordinator, Faribault Public Schools
JL

Janet Lewis Muth

Faribault Public Schools, Behavioral Health Coordinator & RISE Director
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Pikes Peak

3:00pm MDT

Check the Pulse on Youth Health: 2023 HKCS Results & Data Exploration Workshop
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
We’ll share highlights from the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) statewide results: How did adolescent health and wellness change in Colorado between 2021 and 2023? What are key strengths and needs among Colorado youth? The second part of the session will be guided workshop time: use your community-specific lens to explore local, regional, or statewide HKCS data. How can this data be used for needs assessment, grant applications, or progress monitoring? Bring a laptop for the optimal experience. Staff from the Colorado School of Public Health will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips.

Session Objectives:

1. Examine highlights from 2023 HKCS statewide data

2. Use a community-specific lens to explore local, regional, or statewide HKCS data

3. Develop a plan to use HKCS data to support your community
Speakers
avatar for Anna Royer

Anna Royer

Recruitment & Outreach Manager, School & Youth Survey Team, Colorado School of Public Health
Talk to me about the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey & Smart Source - and how to use survey results to support your community!
LT

Lauren Turow

Senior Program Professional,School & Youth Survey Team, Colorado School of Public Health
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
El Paso

3:00pm MDT

Comparing IEPs, 504s, and Health Plans Using a "Health Condition" Lens
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
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
avatar for Sarah Blumenthal

Sarah Blumenthal

Director of School Health Services Office, Colorado Department of Education
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Seven Falls

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
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
AM

Ann Murrin

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

Estrella Gallegos

School Counselor, Roosevelt High School, Weld RE 5J
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Palmer

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
RB

Roy Bailey

Music Instructional Curriculum Specialist, Denver Public Schools
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Fountain Creek

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
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
avatar for Jennifer Mackender

Jennifer Mackender

External Relations Strategist, Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
JG

Jordan Goto

Health and Wellness Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Cripple Creek

3:00pm MDT

Thriving Together: Elevating Whole School Wellness with Out-of-School Time Programs
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
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
CB

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 →
avatar for Jacqueline Chavez

Jacqueline Chavez

OST Programs and Partnership Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Jacklyn Thompson

Jacklyn Thompson

Healthy Schools Program Manager, Colorado Department of Education
Wednesday September 18, 2024 3:00pm - 4:10pm MDT
Cherry Creek
 
Thursday, September 19
 

9:30am MDT

Be Well in Rural Colorado
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
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
avatar for Jordan Cobb

Jordan Cobb

School Counselor, Moffat 2
avatar for Alex Moore-Guenther

Alex Moore-Guenther

School Counselor, Moffat 2
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Palmer

9:30am MDT

Building Systems to Prevent and Address Secondary Student Substance Misuse
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
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
AD

Amy Dyett

Owner and Co-Founder, Advancing Dynamic Solutions
L

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 →
JG

Julie Goldberg

Director of Special Education, Colorado River BOCES
HF

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
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
avatar for Louie Morphew

Louie Morphew

Wellness Coordinator, Aurora Public Schools
JM

Jessica Martinez

Wellness Coordinator, Aurora Public Schools
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Cripple Creek

9:30am MDT

Filling Your Own Cup: Creating Self-Connection & Resilience
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
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
LM

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

9:30am MDT

Office of School Safety Overview and Updates
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
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
KG

Kati Garner

Crisis Unit Manager, Colorado Office of School Safety
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Pikes Peak

9:30am MDT

Project AWARE Colorado’s Mental Health Screening Toolkit
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Mental health screening can serve as a powerful tool for schools in determining school-wide, classroom, and individual student needs. This presentation will begin with a brief discussion of what mental health screening is and isn’t as well as why it’s important in schools. Resources to support mental health screening will be presented, with the goal of providing participants with a clear understanding of the steps necessary for planning and implementing screening as well as the access to a curated set of tools needed to do so.

Session Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
(1) define mental health screening and its importance in schools
(2) describe the steps necessary to plan for and implement mental health screening
(3) navigate a curated set of resources and tools designed to support schools in carrying out these steps
Speakers
avatar for Amy Plog

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 →
avatar for Elizabeth Schroeder

Elizabeth Schroeder

Health Education Services Grant Consultant, Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
Douglas

9:30am MDT

SEL When You Can’t Say SEL
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
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
SD

Susan Davis

SEL Coordinator, St. Vrain Valley School District
AM

Adilene Marquez

Inspire Youth Connections Program Specialist, Boulder County Public Health
Thursday September 19, 2024 9:30am - 10:40am MDT
El Paso

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
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
avatar for Lilian Chimuma

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 →
avatar for Deja Moore

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

10:55am MDT

Beyond SEL: Empowering and Welcoming New Arrivals
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
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
DM

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

10:55am MDT

CANCELLED - MTSS Bridges: Building Mental Health and Belonging in Schools
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
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
avatar for Dr. Hulya Odabas

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 →
JM

Jimmy Morgan

Partnership Manager, Study Smart Tutors
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Seven Falls

10:55am MDT

Neuroscience and your school counseling program and how to implement district wide
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
In this session, participants will learn how to integrate the latest in neuroscience research from Dr. Lori Desautels’ into their school counseling program. Participants will engage in different techniques that can help shift the energy in their classrooms and counseling sessions, as well as walking away with a list of over 100 three to five minute activities. This session will also describe how the Cripple Creek Victor School District utilizes their district level neuroscience educator, and the grants surrounding that position. This session will have a presentation piece as well as hands-on activities to get participants engaged with neuroscience.

Session Objectives:

1. Objective One: Participants will have an understanding of their own brain and nervous system states.
2. Objective Two: Participants will walk away with neuroscience strategies and mindfulness strategies to implement immediately.
3. Objective Three: Participants will understand the importance of coregulation, and strategies around coregulation.
Speakers
avatar for Sadie Miller

Sadie Miller

6-12 School Counselor, Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1
avatar for Amy Christison

Amy Christison

District Neuroeducator, Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Academy

10:55am MDT

Not Just Reading and Writing: Making the Case for Mental Health Literacy
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
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
avatar for Michelle Malvey

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 →
avatar for Amy Plog

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

10:55am MDT

Serving Colorado's Most Vulnerable Populations Through Family, School, Community Partnership Initiatives
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
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
avatar for Shannon Allen

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 →
avatar for Paula Gumina

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 →
avatar for Jes Stroope

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

10:55am MDT

The Elephant's Gift: Mindfulness for PK-2nd
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Join us for a fantastical journey in our breakout session for early education teachers! Discover ideas for teaching social-emotional learning for children (Pre-k - 2nd) from The Elephant’s Gift Program, based on the award-winning children’s book by Amira Valle. Presented by Amira Valle and Lourdes Buck, award-winning author of Sue’s Sky's, this session includes an activity from The Elephant’s Gift Activity book and provides tools to take back to the classroom. Learn about additional training opportunities for more in-depth educational materials. Don't miss this enriching and engaging session! Educators will participate in a hands-on activities from The Elephant’s Gift Activity book, providing them with practical experience and resources to implement in their classrooms immediately.

The learning objectives are as follows:

1. Teaching Attentional Focus: Educators will learn a tool to help children develop attentional focus through an engaging activity and structured routines, enhancing their ability to concentrate and learn effectively.
2. Promoting Emotional Regulation: Participants will learn tools and techniques to support children in recognizing, understanding, and managing their emotions, fostering a more balanced and positive emotional state.
3. Cultivating Kindness: Educators will explore methods to instill kindness and empathy in children, encouraging compassionate interactions and creating a nurturing classroom environment.
Speakers
avatar for Robyn Winters

Robyn Winters

Executive Director, Cognitive Learning Center
Now, more than ever, youth need trauma-informed education. CLC provides materials (K-12) for educators to teach SEL in the science of behavioral health and cognitive practices to students.
avatar for Lourdes Buck

Lourdes Buck

Author, Teacher, and Educational Equity Trainer, St. Vrain Valley Schools
Lulu Buck is the Educational Equity Coordinator and Community Engagement Coordinator for Student Services at St Vrain Valley Schools.
AV

Amira Valle

Director of Early Education Program, Cognitive Learning Center
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Cripple Creek

10:55am MDT

Transforming Schools for LGBTQ Students: Best Practices and Real-Life Examples
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
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
DF

Debra Fowler

Executive Director, History UnErased
avatar for Basel Touchan

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

10:55am MDT

Understanding Implementing HB24-1216 to Improve Justice-Engaged Student and Family Belonging
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
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
avatar for Wendy Loloff Cooper

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 →
JS

Jose Silva

VP, Equity Initiatives, Generation Schools Network
Thursday September 19, 2024 10:55am - 12:05pm MDT
Ballroom
 


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