Safe and Supportive Schools News

Welcome to Safe and Supportive Schools News. You are receiving this email because you have attended trainings, conferences and presentations put on by the Minnesota Department of Education School Safety Technical Assistance Center, sought assistance from the center or expressed interest in center resources.

Whether you’re a teacher, school administrator, student, parent, family member, school support staff member, policymaker or community member, Safe and Supportive Schools News is where you will find information about resources, training and events focused on school climate improvement and bullying prevention and intervention.

2017 Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Conference to Focus on Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Bullying

Registration Now Open for Conference on January 25, 2017

The Minnesota Department of Education School Safety Technical Assistance Center will host a one-day conference focused on implementing the Safe and Supportive Schools Act on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be held at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul Campus, 1890 Buford Ave., St. Paul.

Register now for the 2017 Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, which will focus on evidence-based strategies for improving school climate and preventing and reducing bullying. The conference is designed for Minnesota school administrators, educators, school support staff, parents, student leaders, education stakeholders and community members.

The conference will feature breakout sessions on discipline policy and practices, restorative practices, Minnesota Student Survey data, trauma-informed practices and social emotional learning and many more topics. More details on the conference will released as speakers and presenters are confirmed. Check the center’s website for updates.

Early-bird registration for the conference is $80 before January 5, 2017. Starting January 6, 2017, registration will rise to $100. Registration includes morning refreshments, coffee, lunch, parking and conference admission. A $40 rate is available for current students. Those interested in registering as a current student should email Heather Hirsch at Heather.Hirsch@state.mn.us. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available. For questions about registration or to request a scholarship, please email Heather Hirsch or call her at 651-582-8628.

Registration payment can be made by check, credit card or by requesting an invoice. Paid registrations can be transferred to another person, but there will be no refunds.

Fostering Safe and Supportive Environments for Students

Strategies to Help Teachers, School Staff and School Administrators

When students, educators and school staff members go to school each day, they bring along their experiences, including their opinions, feelings and knowledge of current events and issues. As evidenced in news stories and social media, current events, including a contentious election can impact students and the climate in schools they attend. During this time, it will be important for teachers, school support staff and school administrators to tend to students and to the climate of their schools. The School Safety Technical Assistance Center has resources to help, including "Strategies and Resources to Create a Positive School Climate."

Resources to Help Parents and Families Address Bullying in Schools

Addressing bullying in school requires collaboration between parents/family members and the teacher, the principal and other staff at the school as well as the students. "How to Work With the School to Address Bullying" helps guide you through the process of working with the school to address the bullying. Another helpful resource is "Steps Parents and Families Can Take to Help Child Who is Bullied." 

If you have questions about this newsletter, contact the School Safety Technical Assistance Center.