KSDE Safe and Supportive Schools Conference

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

We all know that students face challenges every day, and sometimes it feels like they’re just trying to "shake it off" to make it through. In this session, we’ll explore practical, engaging strategies to help students build resilience, manage their emotions, and stay positive in the face of adversity. You’ll learn how to create a classroom environment where students can bounce back from setbacks, regulate their emotions, and thrive, no matter what challenges they encounter. This fun and interactive session will leave you with easy-to-implement tools to help your students shake off the stress and keep moving forward—ready to face each day with confidence and strength!

The post-pandemic classroom landscape has brought new challenges, with increased behaviors surfacing, particularly in elementary settings. While many districts have invested in trauma-informed training, educators are left asking, “Now what?” This session provides practical next steps by unpacking the core tenets of resilience—a science rooted in relationships and biology—and exploring the pivotal challenge of discipline versus punishment.
Participants will gain insights into approaches that maintain relationships between students and staff, even amidst big behaviors and misconduct. These strategies focus on teaching respect, accountability, and ways for students to repair harm and "clean up their messes." The session will also offer actionable behavior hacks and preventative strategies to create proactive and supportive environments.
Understanding the impact of trauma is just the beginning. When we embrace a mindset shift—thinking differently because we now know differently—we unlock innovative ways to approach the challenges we face in today’s classrooms. Join us as we explore how to move from awareness to action, fostering classrooms where students and staff thrive together.

Do long-term suspension and expulsion hearings feel like the worst part of your job as a school leader? Do you wonder how the student will address the initial concern while also wondering if they can return to the school setting successfully? It feels terrible to expel students. Sometimes we don't have a choice, and while we take a collective breath after the chaos, the student is likely alone with more gaps and less positive connection in their near future.

Come learn how building B.R.I.D.G.E.S. can restore relationships, address student behaviors, and set the student on a path to success. Participants will leave this session with tools and strategies to address behaviors before the need for a hearing arises, as well as resources and solutions for use during and after the hearing process. Leaders will learn how to utilize empathy maps and restorative practice reentry circles designed to highlight students’ strengths and areas of concern, the tremendous growth occurring during the suspension/expulsion, and to talk plainly about challenges as all stakeholders prepare for the student’s return to school. Experience how we can work together as we build restorative bridges to support the student, family, and staff members to prioritize future success.

Supporting special education students in any classroom may have been traumatized by the school system. Learn some easy trauma responsive strategies to help special education and all students fel safer and ready to learn in your classroom.