Quick look: More than 500 educators, school safety professionals and law enforcement representatives are expected to attend the 17th annual National Safe Schools Conference July 8-10 in Garden Grove, where experts will share practical strategies for creating safer, more supportive schools.
More than 500 educators, school safety professionals and law enforcement representatives from across the country are expected to gather next month for the 17th annual National Safe Schools Conference, a three-day event focused on sharing practical strategies to strengthen school safety and student well-being.
Scheduled for July 8 through July 10 at the Delta Hotels Anaheim Garden Grove, the conference is presented by former California Secretary of Education Dave Long through his firm, Dave Long & Associates, in collaboration with the Orange County Department of Education and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
This year’s conference is expected to draw administrators, police officers, school board members, counselors, youth service workers and other school and community leaders interested in the connection between school safety, attendance and academic performance.
Growing a national conversation
“What began in 2009 with just 91 participants for a one-day conference has grown into a nationwide three-day conference dedicated to one shared mission: protecting our children and community members through prevention, education, collaboration and support,” said Long.
According to conference organizers, this year’s event will welcome participants from 26 states, Canada and Japan. The conference will feature five pre-conference sessions, four general sessions and 50 workshops led by national and local experts.
Attendees can choose from breakout sessions covering topics including behavioral threat assessment, cyber safety, artificial intelligence, bullying prevention, mental health, restorative practices, emergency preparedness, chronic absenteeism, gang prevention, operationalizing school safety, comprehensive school safety plans, human trafficking and the California Student Emergency Response Network.
Featured speakers include Million Kids President and CEO Opal Singleton Hendershot, Cyber Safety Cop founder Clayton Cranford and five-time Paralympian Rudy Garcia-Tolson, whose keynote, “No Legs, No Limits,” will explore resilience, inclusion and overcoming adversity.
The conference concludes Friday with a general session led by members of the Orange County School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team, or S.M.A.R.T., examining emerging online extremist groups and the importance of collaboration among educators, law enforcement and mental health professionals.
Long said he believes the conference’s practical strategies and opportunities for collaboration can have a lasting impact on schools and communities.
“The information shared and the networking with experts from across the nation will save lives,” he said.
The Delta Hotels Anaheim Garden Grove is located at 12021 Harbor Blvd. in Garden Grove. For registration, a full conference agenda and additional information, visit nationalsafeschoolsconference.com. Questions may also be directed to OCDE Coordinator Christine Laehle at 714-327-1067 or CLaehle@ocde.us.