Smarter Social Media for Schools

Presenters: Sioux Falls Community Relations Director DeeAnn Konrad and Communications Strategist Carly Uthe

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

Sharing student and staff stories is a powerful way for public schools to build trust among constituents. This session highlights best practices for engaging families, and the greater community, while ensuring information and content is accessible for all! We’ll share ideas for simple, but effective, social media posts and explain the basics of how to make sure your content meets the new ADA compliance standards going into effect for public entities.

TeamMates: Transforming School Communities Through Mentoring

Presenters: TeamMates Regional Coordinator Carrie Clark and TeamMates Mentoring of SD State Director Jess Karim

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Room 2

Strong relationships are the foundation of thriving schools — and the TeamMates Mentoring Program provides a powerful framework for building those connections. This interactive panel session will feature a diverse group of voices involved in TeamMates mentoring, including a school administrator, TeamMates employee, district/local board member and mentor. Participants will hear firsthand how TeamMates strengthens student well-being, fosters belonging, and enhances school culture. The panel will share real-world insights into program implementation, community collaboration, and the measurable impact of mentoring on student success. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions, explore how the program can fit within their district or community, and learn practical steps for launching or expanding a mentoring initiative in their schools.

Strengthening Administrator–SRO Collaboration

Presenter: Sioux Falls Security Coordinator David Osterquist

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

Having a School Resource Officer expands access to community resources, strengthens prevention efforts, and builds meaningful connections between schools and the communities they serve. So how do we close the gap between education and law enforcement? In this session, participants will learn practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, improve communication, and align efforts around one shared priority: doing what’s best for students.

Teens Who Mentor and Teach!

Presenter: South Dakota Youth Foundation Inc. Executive Director & Program Leader Carol Birgen

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 2

Teens Who Mentor and Teach outlines the Teens as Teachers program of the South Dakota Youth Foundation Inc. High School Students who volunteer to participate are trained to teach elementary students in their local area using the curriculum provided: Healthy YOUth or CHARACTER COUNTS! Those who complete the program earn a scholarship for use at any post-secondary training of their choice. Using the power of youth to mentor and teach, a positive impact is seen on the elementary student and Teen Teacher. This session will outline the Teens As Teachers program and how to participate.

Raising Awareness on Human Trafficking

Presenter: S.D. DCI Human Trafficking Coordinator & Analyst Mary Beth Holzwarth

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

Raising awareness on tactics predators use to target youth, how to spot and report trafficking and exploitation, community partnerships to protect South Dakota kids, increase awareness of challenges affecting kids today, learn practical ways to talk with kids about staying safe online and additional resources available.

Student School Boards – Elevating Student Voice Through Shared Leadership

Presenters: Rapid City Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Youth Engagement Coordinator Kristin Kiner and School Board and Student School Board Members

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

We believe schools are strongest when students’ voices are not just heard but also valued as engaged leaders. By establishing and supporting a Student School Board, we have committed to shared leadership, authentic voice, and meaningful civic preparation. During this session we will share information about creating a Student School Board along with our challenges and successes from our first year. Join us to be inspired in moving student voice into a formal leadership structure.

Maximizing Opportunities and Simplifying Management – Grants, Scholarships and School Foundations

Presenters: South Dakota Community Foundation Development Director Jeff Veltkamp and Community Development Coordinator Patrick Gallagher

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Room 2

Managing school foundations and scholarship funds can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The South Dakota Community Foundation supports schools, organizations, and donors with investment management and administrative services and can connect them with valuable grant opportunities. Learn how SDCF can help your school access funding while reducing the burden of managing scholarships, donor contributions, and IRS reporting. Hear from SDCF experts and fund holders about how this partnership can benefit your school.

Small Moves, Big Shifts: Empowerment & Flexibility in Action

Presenters: Watertown Middle School Principal Todd L. Brist and Harrisburg South Middle School Principal Darren Ellwein

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

What if increasing engagement and reducing burnout isn’t about doing more but leading differently? This session challenges traditional structures and highlights how empowerment and flexibility can transform school culture. Through real examples and practical strategies, participants will gain both inspiration and immediate next steps to build systems where staff and students don’t just comply—but thrive.

Networks of Support/Legacy Leaders

Presenters: White Lake Superintendent Will Gottlob, School Counselor Mica Foxley and Networks of Support Executive Director & Trainer Tim McGowan

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

Culture within schools and communities happen regardless. Deliberately creating a supportive environment positively influences student engagement, connectedness to each other, and a sense of belonging. With the mental health crisis we are in now, students need more opportunities to be in these types of environments as well as learn help-seeking behaviors. Through Networks of Support peer mentor groups, students have the opportunity to engage with one another in safe and playful ways that increase positive relationships among students in various grade levels, socioeconomic statuses, activities, and many other areas that separate students today. Peer mentors and students learn help-seeking behaviors, how to identify trusted adults, and ways to engage in healthy ways together. Through this program, schools can create a culture in which all students feel more valued, supported, and happy.

Because Someone Believed in You: Growing the Next Generation of Educators

Presenter: Harrisburg Director of Teaching & Learning Travis Lape

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

This session will challenge school leaders to think differently about how we build and sustain the future of the teaching profession—starting within our own systems. As principals and district leaders, we have the unique opportunity to intentionally identify, support, and develop students who have the potential to become future educators. Learn how schools across South Dakota are designing purposeful pathways that allow students to explore, engage, and step into authentic teaching experiences that spark both passion and purpose. This session will highlight scalable strategies, leadership moves, and system-level supports that make “grow your own” efforts successful. Walk away with practical ideas, leadership tools, and a renewed vision for how you can strengthen your teacher pipeline—starting right in your own schools and community.

Data that Drives Decisions (Not Just Reports)

Presenters: Harrisburg Superintendent Jennifer Lowery, Board Chair Terra Vennard and Director of Communications JoAnne VerMulm

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

School boards receive extensive data but often struggle to translate reports into action. This session focuses on how boards can use data to drive governance‑level decisions, set clear expectations, and monitor progress toward strategic goals. Participants will explore board‑appropriate metrics, effective data questioning, and practices that connect evidence to policy, resource allocation, and connecting to superintendent evaluation, moving data from information to impact.

Promoting Youth Well-Being: Behavioral Health Resources Across South Dakota

Presenters: S.D. DSS-DBH Suicide Prevention & Crisis Services Program Manager Jordan Mounga, Juvenile Services Program Manager Kassy Dunn and Substance Use Prevention Manager Shaina Smykle

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

Behavioral health remains a critical component of student success. This presentation will provide an overview of behavioral health challenges affecting youth, with a focus on risk and protective factors, early intervention, and prevention strategies. Participants will explore available behavioral health services and supports in South Dakota, including school-based programs, community mental health centers, and statewide initiatives aimed at promoting well-being among school age youth.

Prevention is Possible

Presenter: S.D. DPS Office of Homeland Security School Safety Program Director Brett Garland

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

Prevention is Possible: Learn to recognize behaviors on the pathway to violence and engage in interventions to prevent tragedies from occurring.  A key component; challenging preconceived notions about reporting threatening or concerning behaviors and engaging students to report concerns.  But, when prevention isn’t possible, learn how understanding the background science of how people behave in high stress events, will save lives.

Resources to Support the Well-Being of School Aged Youth

Presenters: S.D. DOE School Counseling & Student Support Administrator Andrea Effling, USD School Crisis Prevention & Resource Hub Director Dr. Kari Oyen, S.D. DPS School Safety Specialist Angela Waldner, S.D. DOH School Health Coordinator & Public Health Nurse Lacey Wieczorek, S.D. Center for Disabilities BEAM-SD Program Coordinator Nikki Eining and S.D. DSS-DBH Suicide Prevention & Crisis Services Program Manager Jordan Mounga

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

The growing need for school-based mental and behavioral health services requires schools to engage in systematic prevention and responses. This session provides an overview of a multi-tiered framework designed to help schools effectively implement programming. These resources can 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.

Identifying Root Causes that Actually Drive School Improvement

Presenters: USD Associate Professors Erin Lehman and Vassa Grichko and Madison Central Superintendent Abi Vanregenmorter

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

Many school improvement efforts stall because teams address symptoms rather than root causes. This session focuses on how leaders can move from compliance-driven needs assessments to meaningful root cause analysis that drives meaningful change. Participants will explore common pitfalls and learn a practical protocol for identifying root causes. Alignment across curriculum, instruction, and assessment is crucial. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can use immediately to focus and strengthen their school improvement work.

Safe2 Say SD: Strengthening School Safety Through Student Voice and Engagement

Presenter: S.D. DPS School Safety Coordinator Angela Waldner

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Room 6-7

This session provides school administrators with an overview of Safe2Say SD and strategies to increase student engagement and reporting. Participants will learn how to effectively implement and promote the program within their schools, including a student-led “Lights, Camera, Call to Action” 30–60 second video initiative. This approach leverages peer influence to normalize reporting, strengthen school safety culture, and empower students to take an active role in prevention and early intervention.