KSDE Safe and Supportive Schools Conference

"In an era where digital platforms dominate the educational landscape, the security of these systems is under constant threat. This presentation aims to explore the multifaceted nature of cyber threats targeting educational institutions. Attendees will gain insights into the latest cybersecurity challenges, from ransomware attacks to data breaches, and learn strategies to safeguard their systems. By understanding the vulnerabilities and implementing robust defense mechanisms, educators and administrators can create a safer digital environment for students and staff.

Additionally, CISA offers a range of no-cost resources and tools to help organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture. These include technical assistance, exercises, cybersecurity assessments, and training programs. By leveraging these resources, educational institutions can further strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

Join us as we navigate the perilous waters of cybersecurity in education and equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect our academic communities."

How we manage connections, behaviors, student interactions, and school culture matters. KSDE has updated our guidance on Suicide Prevention. We are working on updating the Bullying Prevention Protocols. There is a guidance document being created to address when we suspect a student could pose a threat to the school that takes a comprehensive and whole child/whole team approach. There is also updated guidance on mandated reporting. Overwhelmed? Let me help you sort through "All The Things!" Let's also discuss when something is NOT a thing!

Creating a truly safe and supportive school environment means addressing more than just discipline—it requires a Whole Child Approach that fosters connection, early intervention, and proactive student support. This interactive session will explore how Restorative Practices, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), Special Education, and strategies for re-engaging disengaged students work together to support student well-being, promote accountability, and reduce disciplinary issues.

Attendees will gain actionable insights from education leaders and practitioners who have successfully integrated these frameworks to prevent crises, repair harm, and create inclusive, trauma-informed school climates. Through engaging discussions and real-world case studies, participants will walk away with practical strategies to enhance school safety, support student mental health, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Join us for a thought-provoking, solutions-focused conversation that will empower you to strengthen student connections, foster resilience, and build a school culture where all learners thrive.

An assembly that can be presented by any certified LEO that brings the Danger of Fentanyl to Middle School, High School and communities. This assembly was created by DARE America.

In this session, educators will explore effective strategies for addressing and supporting the social and emotional needs of students in and out of the classroom. With growing recognition of the impact mental health and emotional well-being have on learning outcomes, this session will offer practical tips and tools to help create a supportive school environment where students feel safe, understood, and equipped to manage their emotions, as well as socialize in a safe and supportive way.

In this session we will cover how Haystax Operational Intelligence Center helps manage assets, run assessments on those assessments, report incidents, and manage event. Make sense of the data your school consumes via IOT devices and prepare to respond better to critical events in the future.

We will also be covering our Behavioral Threat Assessment Module. Safely manage student data and cases in a easy to use platform and intercept targeted violence before it starts.

Learn to optimize performance by being aware of bodily states and recognizing cues of safety and patterns of connection and disconnection. Participants will examine and learn to apply Polyvagal techniques to enhance self-regulation and manage cues of safety and threat.

Come to this see this dynamic session as school safety specialist Ben Thursby and Robyn Kelso, coordinator on the career standards and assessment services team show how an effective partnership between school safety and building leadership can lead to better student outcomes.

How Derby schools uses SRP and SRM. How it is communicated and implemented.

During critical events, such as school threats, the priority is always the safety of students and staff. Reunification procedures play a vital role in ensuring students are safely reunited with their families. In the fall of 2022, Haysville schools faced a challenging situation that required off-site reunification of students and parents.

Join us for a discussion with the Executive Director of Operations, Director of Special Services, and a Campus High School teacher as they share their firsthand experiences from that day.

During the session, you can expect to hear firsthand stories and lessons learned from professionals who were directly involved in the process. Here are some potential key points that will likely be covered:

· Challenges in Reunification: The process of reuniting students with parents during a crisis can be chaotic. Expect to hear about difficulties in communication, tracking students, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

· Positive Aspects and Successes: It’s just as important to reflect on what went well. This could include effective communication strategies, pre-established protocols, and strong collaboration between staff members and emergency services that helped streamline the process.

· Considerations for Special Services: Students who require special services or accommodations may face additional barriers during reunification. The Director of Special Services will offer valuable perspectives on how to address specific needs, whether it's medical considerations, mobility issues, or communication support.

· Post-Event Improvements: In the aftermath of such an event, schools often debrief and reassess their procedures to identify areas for improvement. Delve into what has been modified or updated in the protocols to ensure a faster, more efficient reunification in the future.



This is a unique opportunity to learn about how our schools have adapted and improved after a critical event and how we can continue to strengthen our procedures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Ensuring the safety of students and staff at school requires a comprehensive approach. Since 2018, Wichita Public Schools has made school safety a key component of the district’s strategic plan for success. This presentation will highlight the physical security measures adopted to enhance safety, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering a stronger connection between students and school. Together, these efforts work to improve both safety and a sense of belonging, ultimately protecting our schools.

Dysregulation in students can disrupt learning and relationships, but educators can make a profound impact by fostering co-regulation and teaching effective self-regulation skills. This session will explore the neuroscience of dysregulation and offer practical, research-based strategies inspired by Dr. Lori Desautels, Robyn Gobbel, Dr. Mona Delahooke, Dr. Bruce Perry, and Dr. Dan Siegel. Participants will walk away with actionable tools to create a classroom environment that supports regulation, connection, and student success.

Effectively planning, prioritizing, and communicating complex initiatives in K-12 education can be a daunting task, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, physical security, and technology infrastructure. Maturity models offer a powerful framework for assessing current capabilities, setting realistic goals, and mapping out strategic improvements. This session will explore how to apply maturity models in K-12 settings to drive informed decision-making, improve resource allocation, and align stakeholders. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for using maturity models to improve project planning, prioritize key initiatives, and enhance communication with district leaders, school boards, and staff.

This presentation offers an overview of Kansas youth suicide, including an analysis of data trends and emerging patterns. It will explore key risk factors that contribute to youth suicide and highlight protective factors that present opportunities for intervention and support. Additionally, the presentation will address postvention strategies to assist individuals and communities impacted by suicide. A range of resources will also be provided to support prevention efforts and promote youth mental health.

It's important for kids to be familiar with traffic safety before they start driving. We have interactive school programs for Kindergarten thru Senior year that focus on booster seats, seat belts, dangers in and around vehicles, risky driving behaviors (including underage drinking and impaired driving) and rules of the road. All of our programs are FREE and some even offer a chance to earn money for your schools!

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!

MITCH HOLTHUS (HOLE-tus) IS THE VOICE OF THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AND IS THE LONGEST TENURED AND MOST DECORATED PLAY-BY-PLAY “VOICE” IN FRANCHISE HISTORY. HE WAS ON THE CALL OF SUPER BOWLS 54, 57 & 58 WHEN THE CHIEFS WON THEIR SECOND THIRD AND FOURTH SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIPS. HE ALSO WAS ON THE CALL OF SUPER BOWL 55 IN FEBRUARY 2021.
HOLTHUS IS ALSO THE HOST OF THE HY-VEE CHIEFS INSIDER TELEVISION SHOW, THE CHIEFS FIELD PASS HOW AND THE CHIEFS REWIND POST GAME SHOW FEATURED ON SEVERAL DIGITAL PLATFORMS. IN ADDITION, HE ORIGINATES THE “MINUTE WITH MITCH” RADIO AND TELEVISION SERIES WHICH IS SEEN AND HEARD IN FIVE STATES. HIS WORK IS ALSO FEATURED ON CHIEFS.COM
HOLTHUS IS A MEMBER OF THE KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS HALL OF FAME, AND IN JUNE 2022 WAS INDUCTED INTO THE MISSOURI BROADCASTERS’ ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME. AS A RESULT, HE IS ONLY ONE OF THREE INDIVIDUALS IN BOTH THE KAB AND MBA HALLS OF FAME. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME.
HOLTHUS HAS WON SIX EMMYS FOR HIS VIDEO AND ON-LINE WORK BY THE ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES.
IN ADDITION, HOLTHUS IS A PAST RECIPIENT OF THE KANSAS CITY SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR. HOLTHUS WAS ALSO LISTED WITH THE VOICE OF THE ROYALS DENNY MATTHEWS AS ONE OF THE TOP 13 “ONE-TWO” PLAY BY PLAY PAIRS IN AMERICA BY THE SPORTS BROADCAST JOURNAL. HOLTHUS WAS NAMED 2024 KANSAN OF THE YEAR BY THE KANSAS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, D.C