KSDE Safe and Supportive Schools Conference

Behavior Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) has been villainized as a contributor to the school-to-prison pipeline, but when BTAMs are correctly deployed, they narrow that pipeline. When BTAMs are successful, they implement non-punitive interventions early, thus preventing school violence without using criminal charges. This presentation will discuss the broad outlines of the structure and functions of a school BTAM, emphasizing the importance of communication and relationship building.

This presentation covers best practices for establishing behavioral threat assessment teams in schools, including team structure and behavioral threat assessment processes. It will also include information on addressing online threats.

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.

Uvalde. Oxford. Nashville. Winder. While the US Secret Service says no profile exists of a school shooter, this session will explore why these incidents occur, and what is available to school districts and communities to reduce the likelihood that it will happen.  This session will delve into what happened in a few of the high-profile acts of school violence.  Discussion will highlight tools available to school districts to help with prevention through education, and understanding the reality of how frequently significant acts of violence occur in schools.  We will talk about how you can avoid being the lead story tonight on the news.  

Behavioral Threat Assessment Management, NTAC Resources

Objectives:
1. Equip educators and school leaders with strategies to create inclusive environments that foster belonging.
2. Analyze the relationship between inclusive school climates and overall student safety, mental health, and well-being.
3. Provide practical tools for embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into school policies, practices, and daily interactions.
4. Highlight actionable steps to address barriers to inclusivity while maintaining a trauma-informed and data-sensitive approach.

Short Description:
This interactive session explores the foundational principles of building inclusive school climates as outlined in the book Cracking the Code: Building Inclusive Culture & Climate by Dr. Ralita Cheeks. Participants will learn how fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging contributes to safe and supportive learning environments. The session emphasizes the connection between inclusivity, student mental health, belonging and school safety, providing attendees with practical strategies and tools to implement in their schools. By addressing challenges and sharing success stories, this presentation will inspire attendees to take actionable steps toward creating schools where all students and staff feel valued, respected, and secure.

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.

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.

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!