SLS Events
Cadres
Forums
Early Childhood
VIRTUAL
April 29
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Early Childhood Forum is a space where Early Childhood providers and educators can collaborate in group discussions, share experiences and resources, ask questions, and discuss trending topics related to EC.
Additionally, Early Childhood providers can discuss and share assessment and data collection processes to provide effective intervention strategies in working with young children.
Presented by: Andrea Scott & Jennifer Taylor
School Nurse
VIRTUAL
May 15
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
We would like to extend an invitation to you to become a part of our monthly School Nurse forum. These forums will be a place where school nurses will gain knowledge from expert speakers on various topics that impact school nursing practice and will provide an opportunity to interact with each other, share experiences, ask questions, seek advice, and learn from their school nursing peers.
Topics to be Covered:
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Hosted by:
Kenny Massey SLS/Crisis Consortium at Greenbush |
Chris Tuck, MS, RN, BSN, NCSN-E Retired School Nurse/Director of Health Services at USD #345 Seaman/Topeka |
School Psychologist
VIRTUAL
May 8
8:00 am – 9:00 am
The school psychologist forum will be a space for practitioners, practicum students, and interns to come together and collaborate, share resources, ask questions, and learn from each other. We will discuss relevant-to-the-field topics, best practices, and real world (school) implications of service provision.
Presented by: Tommie Gonsalez and Susan Severin
Workshops
The Responsive Practices: School Safety
Lawrence
April 26
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This event is designed for School Resource Officers (SROs) and school administrators.
Participants will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to navigate expectations, contribute to a culture of safety and respect, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within their school communities. Additionally, discussion and resources to offer clarity for legal considerations and responding to emergencies. This training is an investment in fostering a holistic approach to school safety that prioritizes planning, collaboration and the well-being of students, staff, and community.
Participant Engagement: The summit employs a dynamic blend of expert presentations, interactive sessions, case law studies, and networking. Participants will engage in open discussions, scenario-based learning, and hands-on activities to reinforce their understanding and application of the training content.
Event Goals:
- Enhanced knowledge and skills related to legal considerations, de-escalation, and team dynamics.
- Improved ability to recognize and respond to signs of nervous system dysregulation in students.
- Strengthened teamwork and communication among School Resource Officers and administrators.
- Increased awareness of the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in creating safe and inclusive school environments.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 101 with the Focus on Race
Lawrence
May 7
9:00 am-2:30 pm
Presented by: Ralita Cheeks
Be a part of the solution. Start with our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging workshop and begin to change minds and behaviors. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging workshop 101 with the Focus on Race workshop is a four-part series that offers attendees the tools to dig deeper into self-awareness and increase their knowledge and respect for races. The goal is to foster a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive.
Social Emotional Development Through Play
Lawrence
April 30
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Children need to develop various skill sets to optimize their development and manage toxic stress. Research demonstrates that developmentally appropriate play with parents and peers is an opportunity to promote the social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills that build executive function and a healthy brain. When humans are absorbed in play, we take risks as a matter of course. We learn to feel safe trying new things. By prioritizing play, schools do more than deepen social and emotional learning; they also build the foundation for academic growth. In this workshop, we will discover the science behind the developmental stages of play, the benefits of play, and resources for how to embed play into your classroom setting.
Understanding Gender and Race
Lawrence
June 21
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
In this session, we peer into the intricate dynamics of gender and race, uncovering their profound significance in shaping individual experiences and societal structures. Through interactive discussions and thought-provoking activities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of openly discussing gender and race. We will explore the concept of intersectionality, recognizing how gender and race intersect and appreciating the nuances of their differences. Delving deeper, we will examine the pervasive nature of stereotypes and biases, illuminating their real-world impact on individuals and communities. Moreover, we will delve into the realm of implicit biases and microaggressions, equipping participants with practical strategies for addressing and mitigating these harmful behaviors. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a heightened awareness of the complexities surrounding gender and race, empowered to foster inclusivity and equity in their personal and professional spheres.
Presented by: Dr. Ralita Cheeks and Adrianne Ralston
Adrianne is a Training Specialist with Kansas Children’s Service League and recently received their Master of Arts degree in community psychology at Wichita State University. Adrianne has a background in violence prevention, intersectional research practices, gender & sexuality education, ecological perspectives, and equity-focused facilitation. Adrianne provides training for Kansas communities over mandated reporting, supporting families, and working with vulnerable populations. Adrianne is excited to bring their passion for primary prevention strategies to help inspire and educate those working to alleviate the impacts of child abuse & neglect in Kansas and beyond.
VIRTUAL SESSIONS
Youth Mental Health First Aid
May 2-3
8:00 am-12:30 pm
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers and any other citizen how to identify, understand and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Presented by: Dr. Ralita Cheeks
Ralita earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Criminal Justice and one in Religion from Kansas Wesleyan University and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Student Development from Kansas State University. She completed her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Kansas. Ralita has worked in the mental health field as a case manager as well as the field of education as a high school counselor, middle school counselor, virtual school counselor and a district mental health liaison. Ralita is a licensed school counselor. In the school setting, Ralita has worked with children kindergarten through 12th grade as well as serving the needs of students in the classroom with emotional behavioral students. Using a student centered approach and being data driven, Ralita helps meet the needs of students. She is QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certified, Youth Mental Health Aid Trainer, as well as licensed in Social Justice from the University of Kansas. Ralita has a heart to meet the needs of students and empowers those around students to show up as their best self through self care, consistency and follow through.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Resilience in Adults
Girard
May 16
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
REGISTER HERE
The Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Resilience Among Adults is a comprehensive program designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to support adults well-being in work place settings. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will explore the importance of mental health awareness and resilience-building in fostering positive outcomes for adults. The workshop will cover topics such as recognizing signs of mental health struggles, implementing strategies for creating a culture of mental health awareness, and de-stigmatizing discussions around mental health. Participants will leave the workshop with actionable tools and strategies to promote adult resilience and well-being in their employment.