Resources to Support the Well-Being of School Aged Youth

Presenter: S.D. Department of Social Services Crisis Services Program Manager Jordan Mounga, S.D. Department of Education Administrator Rebecca Cain, USD Disaster Relief Coordinator Amber Kilburn, S.D. Department of Public Safety School Safety Specialist Angela Waldner and Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment Director Christina Young

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 3

Did you know that there is an entire array of resources available through state agencies to support schools and educators to address the well-being of students? This session will be a panel discussing these resources including the promotion of mental health awareness to reduce stigma and provide tools for staff and students to identify and refer youth in need; training opportunities for students, educators, and families; school safety tools; and treatment services.

Check and Connect Overview: A Program to Help Students Reengage with School

Presenter: MTSS Coordinators for SD Pat Hubert, Stephanie Weideman and Deb Zebill

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Room 3

Attend an overview of Check & Connect: an intervention used with K-12 students who show warning signs of disengagement with school and are at risk of dropping out. The intervention builds a trusting relationship between the student and a caring, trained mentor who works with the student to stay in school. Students are referred to Check & Connect when they show warning signs of disengaging from school, i.e. poor attendance, behavioral issues, and/or low grades.

It’s Now or Never: AI Literacy for Students

Presenter: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative Representatives Andrew Ley and Brady Licht

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

In this interactive session, you will experience a lesson from the perspective of a high school student who is learning how to use AI responsibly. As a result of this session, you will leave with:

• An understanding of how AI literacy is every educator’s responsibility
• Strategies for increasing AI literacy in and out of the classroom
• A pre-made day-one lesson for your teachers to implement right away

How do Administrators Partner with School Counselors to Champion Student Success?

Presenter: SD DOE School Counseling & Student Support Specialist Andrea Effling and Career Development & SDMyLife Specialist Megan Tatum

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 2

Join this session to learn how you can work with your school counselor(s) to promote positive change in your school/district. School counselors are trained to help all students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for career and postsecondary. Discover how school counselors can impact student outcomes and walk away with resources and strategies to work with your school counselor(s) in supporting students.

Empowering Educators: Transforming Learning with Insights from Finland

Presenter: Vermillion School District Superintendent Dr. Damon Alvey, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kim Johnson, Teacher Kamden Dibley and Teacher Lenni Billberg

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Room 3

Vermillion School District’s pioneering project, fostering collaboration skills from kindergarten to 12th grade. Learn how we’re enhancing communication, addressing community needs, and strengthening student connections through innovative Finnish-inspired techniques. Administrators and teachers will share how they are shaping a brighter future for education!

Science of Reading – What’s New

Presenter: TIE Learning Specialist Dr. Kim Buechler

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Room 3

The term “Science of Reading” is everywhere in the world of education right now, but what does it mean? This session delves into the meaning of this term by dissecting the latest research on the process of learning to read and effective reading instruction. Gain insights into the distinctions between balanced literacy and structured literacy, unraveling key elements that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the science behind reading.