KSDE Safe and Supportive Schools Conference

In October 2023, John Calvert was one of 150 individuals who was able to walk through the 1200 Building on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s campus.  This is the site of the Parkland School Shooting.  At the time, the building had only been accessed by the parents of the victims and the jury in the trial.  The building was truly “frozen in time,” and has sense been demolished.  Come listen to first-hand information and lessons learned while walking the building.  

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.

Rural youth face unique mental health challenges compared to their urban peers, including limited access to mental healthcare. School-based health centers (SBHCs) are uniquely positioned to make youth mental health services accessible and to address common access-to-care barriers that these youth and their families face.

The KU School of Medicine-Wichita Department of Pediatrics operates two rural SBHCs with an interprofessional team of medical and mental health providers, and with the support of KSKidsMAP – a Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program in Kansas. PMHCA programs can support SBHCs in providing evidence-based screening, assessment, and interventions for behavioral and mental health concerns.

This session will explore the role of SBHCs in expanding access to mental health care, opportunities for PMHCA programs like KSKidsMAP to support these clinics, and lessons learned through KSKidsMAP's expansion initiative with local rural SBHCs.

This session will explore the importance of creating an inclusive school culture while simultaneously educating students about mental health, depression, and suicide awareness. When a school values mental health as much as physical health, that school's culture can thrive. This session introduces participants to the free and flexible depression and suicide awareness programs from Erika’s Lighthouse.
There is a unique and undeniable link between depression, mental health and suicide. Therefore, effective mental health education IS suicide prevention - particularly depression education. Learn how these Tier 1 programs for 4th -12th grades, and all additional resources, support schools in providing evidence-informed mental health education and help-seeking skills for all students. These no-cost programs raise awareness about youth depression.

Our presentation will touch on the challenges that special population students such as McKinney Vento and Foster care face in the areas of mental health needs and safety concerns that are unique to their situations. We will provide terminology and definitions of the these special populations and the unique complications that impact their safety and learning. Examples will be intermixed in the presentation.

How are schools handling the mental health crisis? What can we do?

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.

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.

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!