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!
Wifi Network DOUBLETREE-MEETING From your browser enter: Password/Access Code: 2024CDEfallconference
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
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 →
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
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.
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 →
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.
States are taking a variety of approaches to address the complex issues facing students experiencing homelessness. This presentation will highlight policy reform strategies aimed at removing barriers to the resources and services that many youth encounter so that they can focus on succeeding in school. These reforms include recognizing the role McKinney-Vento homeless liaisons, school counselors, social workers and district staff play in academic achievement of students experiencing homelessness and helping them navigate systems of support.
Session Objectives:
Participants will learn about state policy reforms to address student homelessness and the advocacy necessary to drive that change.
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.
Families are our most valued partners in supporting the wellbeing and engagement of children at school. During this session participants will gain understanding of a family engagement approach that is trauma-informed and designed to support the collaboration between schools and families. At the close of the session participants will have clarity on how to use the Gathering Input from Families Action Planning Guide as we walk through the steps and best practices.
Session Objectives:
Define meaningful and trauma-informed family engagement
Understand the elements of high impact family engagement strategies
Walk through the implementation steps of the Gathering Input from Families Action Planning Guide
Community Health & Engagement, Thriving Schools Kaiser Permanente
Curtis Robbins leads the Thriving Schools initiative for Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Thriving Schools is Kaiser Permanente's commitment to support the health and well-being of teachers, staff, students and their families in K-12 schools.
Senior Workforce Health Consultant, Kaiser Permanente
As a Senior Workforce Health Consultant at Kaiser Permanente, Bridgette supports employer groups in building strategic and comprehensive wellness programs to address the total person. She is also the Thriving Schools Workforce Health lead in Colorado supporting schools and districts... Read More →
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.
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 →
Schools across Colorado are implementing Restorative Practices to foster a sense of belonging by building relationships and addressing harm caused using a relational approach to behavior. RP implementation should include developing a system of accountability and support for both educators and learners, creating processes for continuous learning/feedback/self-reflection, and understanding both the proactive and responsive practices. During this session we will discuss the importance of whole school implementation of restorative practices in three areas including RP Infrastructure, RP Capacity-building & RP Tiers of Support.
Session Objectives:
1. Learn about the purpose and essential elements of whole school RP implementation 2. Identify indicators of the RP implementation that are already in place in your school/district and opportunities for growth. 3. Access information and resources to support whole school RP implementation
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.
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
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 →
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
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.
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 →
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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 →
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.
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
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.
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 →
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
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 →
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
The training will explore the fundamentals of preventing school violence by emphasizing the creation of systems and structures essential for positive school environments. Participants will engage in a collaborative session to identify, integrate, and align evidence-based school violence prevention strategies (e.g., inclusive discipline practices, bullying prevention, proactive social-emotional and positive behavioral supports).
Session Objectives:
1. Explore elements of school safety plans in Colorado and how they connect to school climate improvement. 2. Describe school violence prevention and corresponding evidence-based practices. 3. Consider the contextual variables as well as the systems and structures necessary to effectively integrate and align school safety efforts.
COMTSS Specialist/Rti & PBIS Integration Coordinator, Colorado Department of Education
Lynne DeSousa is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Specialist and the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Integration Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). With more than 28 years in education, she has... Read More →
COMTSS Specialist / Statewide Bullying Prevention Manager, Colorado Department of Education
Dr. Adam Collins is a COMTSS Specialist and the Statewide Bullying Prevention Manager in the Office of Learning Supports. Prior to joining CDE in 2016, Dr. Collins served as a K-5 school psychologist in the Adams 12 School District. He received his doctorate degree from the University... Read More →
COMTSS Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Meghan Statton, MSW, is a COMTSS Specialist with the Office of Learning Supports. Meghan has worked in education for the last 17 years, and her background in mental health, educational leadership, and program development provide her with a unique lens through which she views her work... Read More →
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.
“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.
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.
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 →
