RECAP & RESOURCES: 2024 NATIONAL SUMMIT ON K-12 SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY
- Michele Gay
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
View Safe and Sound Co-founder and Executive Director Michele Gay’s session and access more resources from the CISA event!
CISA’s Annual National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security
Once again Safe and Sound Schools was honored to join the annual Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security. Each year, experts and leaders from across the field gather virtually to share best practices, real-world experiences and actionable solutions for safer school communities. And this year’s line-up did not disappoint, with each session delivering invaluable insights, nationwide dialogue on critical school safety challenges, and timely tools and takeaways to create safer and more supportive learning environments for all.
Rethinking School Safety With Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Safe and Sound Schools Co-founder and Executive Director, Michele Gay, led an insightful, introductory session on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), introducing participants to one of Safe and Sound’s newest programs, Pathways for Prevention (you can explore the program here). While the MTSS framework is best known in school communities for its success in improving student outcomes, Michele invited attendees to leverage MTSS to create safer, more supportive school environments, organizing and building mental health, wellness, and safety interventions according to the three-tiered model. By utilizing a structured, data-driven approach, MTSS leverages the power of prevention and early intervention, as well as targeted and intensive supports to improve student growth, safety, and success. Through this framework, schools can foster a culture of inclusivity and care, ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and supported both emotionally and intellectually.
Check out Michele’s session here:
More From the Safe and Sound Community of School Safety Leaders
The summit also featured deep-dive sessions from members of our Safe and Sound community, including Dr. Melissa Reeves, Paul Timm, and Dr. Margaret Sedor. Each of these sessions offered valuable insights and practical takeaways, further enriching the conversation on creating safe and supportive learning environments.
Dr. Melissa Reeves, Past President of the National Association of School Psychologists, delivered a compelling session on understanding and preventing youth violence. She emphasized the critical role of fostering a supportive, positive, and engaging school culture for the well-being of both students and staff.
Paul Timm, Director of Education Safety at Allegion, led an insightful discussion on emergency planning alongside a panel of experts and practitioners. He explored the complexities of handling emergency situations and shared practical strategies for addressing scenarios such as bomb threats, swatting, and other disruptions that can jeopardize school safety.
Dr. Margaret Sedor, member of the National Association of School Psychologists, provided an impactful overview of the current landscape of student mental wellness. Her presentation included actionable recommendations to support the mental health of students and foster a sense of community among all school stakeholders.
All sessions, including subject matter expert topic overviews, keynote addresses, and panel discussions from the event are available on CISA’s 2024 National Summit Playlist. Explore the sessions, gather new resources, and connect with the experts here.
Looking Forward
We’re grateful to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for their partnership and for including Safe and Sound Schools again in the National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security. It is both humbling and inspiring to join with so many national leaders in the field of school safety. We look forward to continuing these important conversations in the work that we do with all of you to help protect every school, every student, every day.
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