Strengthening School Safety Together: Conferences, Summits, and Virtual Learning Opportunities
- Michele Gay
- Oct 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14
As the school year progresses, we’re entering a season rich with opportunities to connect, learn, and take meaningful action to strengthen school safety across the country.
With Safe Schools Week coming up (October 19-25), this time of year is when we can refocus our attention on the most important goal of all – ensuring that everyone is safe and sound on our campuses, so they are able to thrive.
In that spirit, I wanted to preview the summits, conferences, and virtual learning opportunities that Safe and Sound Schools will be hosting with our community of partners! With each specifically designed to bring together educators, safety professionals, mental health specialists, first responders, and leading experts to explore the latest strategies, evidence-based practices, and innovations in violence prevention and student safety, these are opportunities you do not want to miss!
We’re so proud to share this comprehensive lineup – including an in-person International Summit on Threat Assessment for K-12 Schools that we just launched for and a webinar on how to start and support school safety conversations in your community!
Here’s a closer look at each event:
In-Person Summits and Conferences
K-12 Campus Safety Symposium
When: October 17 | Where: Philadelphia, PA
This one-day symposium stands as the premier gathering for school leaders dedicated to advancing safety and modern violence prevention strategies across campuses nationwide. In partnership with Jin Kim and The Bureau Consortium, this event will provide attendees with actionable insights and innovative solutions across security, mental health, and prevention domains – equipping them to return to their schools with practical tools to strengthen safety practices and community trust.
There’s still time to register and join us on the 17th!
The Tall Cop Emerging Drug Trends Conference
When: November 6-7 | Where: Dallas, TX
In partnership with Jermaine Galloway and the Tall Cop Says Stop team, this conference addresses the evolving landscape of substance use in schools and communities. For the first time, presenters from the Safe and Sound community will dive into specific school-based topics including emerging drugs in schools and communities, cannabis vapes and vaping trends, social media and the connection to drug use, underage drinking / alcohol trends, and more.
This conference is qualified for Texas law enforcement credit, in addition to other accreditations. The conference is also NAADAC (The National Association for Addiction Professionals) approved.
Northeast School Safety Summit
When: December 2-3 | Where: Chelmsford, MA
Get ready to rethink comprehensive school safety with Safe and Sound Schools!
Join us this December for a power-packed event where you'll learn:
The latest trends, emerging challenges, and helpful resources to support a safe learning environment.
How to advance comprehensive school safety training and best practices within your K-12 community.
The power of cross-functional, multidisciplinary partnerships, and how to leverage law enforcement relationships for Safe and Sound Schools.
International Summit on Threat Assessment for K-12 Schools
When: Pre-Conference: January 13 | Summit: January 14-15 | Where: Beaverton, OR
Join Safe and Sound Schools and Safer Schools Together, and Beaverton School District for three transformative days of actionable insights, expert-led sessions, and invaluable connections. Open to international attendees, this is an event school leaders and BTAM teams do not want to miss!
Event Highlights:
Pre-Conference: Start with a full-day session on the proactive, evidence-based Digital Threat Assessment® and its critical role in the Threat Assessment process.
Summit: Designed for K-12 leaders and BTAM teams, this 2-day event focuses on advancing training and best practices to create safer school environments.
Speaker Highlights:
Dr. Dewey Cornell
Dr. Marisa Randazzo
Dr. Melissa Reeves
John Van Dreal
Dr. Frank Straub
Together, we can create safer schools for every student.
Virtual Learning Opportunities
School Safety: How to Start Productive Conversations in Your Community
Wednesday, October 15 | 1pm - 2pm EST
As schools and districts face both new and persistent safety challenges, the need for effective communication and collaboration has never been more important. This special webinar will explore how parents, community members, and school safety stakeholders can engage in meaningful conversations to address these vital topics.
With valuable insights for anyone committed to protecting students and creating a secure learning environment, this is a session you do not want to miss!
“Food for Thought: Bite-Sized Learning for Safe Schools” Mini Virtual Summit
When: October 19-25 | Where: Virtual, asynchronous
The virtual mini summit we hosted during last year’s Safe Schools Week was such a success that we have decided to do it again this year!
This free summit will feature on-demand sessions with insights on Comprehensive Safety Planning, Bullying Prevention, Crisis Communications, and more—all in "bite-sized" formats ranging from 8 to 58 minutes! This event is for everyone in the K-12 community. Take proactive steps toward safer, more supportive schools.
Each of these events provides a unique opportunity to engage with experts, connect with peers, and return to your school or district refocused and ready to act. Whether your focus is modern violence prevention, comprehensive safety planning, emerging substance trends, or hands-on intervention training, there’s an event for every school safety professional.
Join us to deepen your expertise, strengthen your community, and take action toward a future where every student is safe and sound.
With Appreciation,
Michele