The Office of School Safety (OSS) hosts impactful annual and biennial events designed to educate and empower educators, students, and caregivers across the state. These gatherings offer invaluable professional development and personal growth opportunities, featuring insights from leading experts. While event dates and locations vary each year, you can stay informed by joining our Annual Event Interest List. We'll notify you as soon as details are finalized. For comprehensive updates, subscribe to our newsletter. These events fill up quickly, so don't miss out on connecting with your community and enhancing your skills. Sign up today!
Annual Events
Speakers Series
Date: Typically in January
Location: Virtual
The Speakers' Series exists to address pressing concerns surrounding youth safety in the digital age.
Past presentations have been on:
- Sextortion and Prevention
Angelie Donzanti, MA, MBA, J.D., and Kati Garner, M.Ed., presented the tragic case of Ryan Last, a 17-year-old sextortion victim. The presentation detailed the investigation, prevention strategies, and available resources for families and youth, emphasizing the rapid and devastating consequences of this crime. - Pornography's Impact on Youth
Margaret Ochoa, J.D., and Kati Garner, M.Ed., discussed the prevalence and harmful nature of modern pornography. They addressed youth perspectives on porn consumption, its effects on developing brains, and strategies for navigating online exposure, providing resources for schools and families. - Artificial Intelligence Risks
Colton Easton explored the powers and risks of AI, focusing on its impact on school communities. The session aimed to educate safety/threat assessment teams on AI services, their utilization by youth, warning signs detectable by parents/caregivers, and potential risks. - Updated Cyberbullying Trends
Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D, provided updates on cyberbullying, identity-based abuse, and sexual harassment, drawing from a new national study. He discussed effective response strategies and research-based prevention efforts.
The series has featured experts like Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., a renowned researcher on cyberbullying and social media issues, and Angelie Donzanti, M.A., M.B.A., who brought her expertise from the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The series aims to provide educators, parents, and community members with up-to-date information and practical strategies for addressing these critical issues.
View past speakers series agenda
Student/Staff Summits
Date: Typically January through February
Location: Changes yearly, but you can request this to be in your school district or BOCES.
The OSS staff has been conducting Student/Staff Summits around the state since 2018. The day consists of a keynote presentation and three workshops designed with topics of interest to students, and to gather feedback on the needs of students. Past presentations have been from Rise Above Colorado on the topic of substance misuse prevention and critical thinking about media and Sources of Strength on inclusion and belonging as antidotes to depression and mental distress, the Cyberbullying Research Center and an expert on the dangers of THC for youth. These presentations have been followed by workshops designed for youth on physical and psychological school safety, how they use and consume information, healthy relationships, and concerns regarding substance use, specifically vaping.
These Summits are designed to capture the voices of students in middle and high school. The events take place at three different locations, with each event typically occurring from 9:45 AM until 2 PM to accommodate bus transportation. Lunch and a breakfast snack are provided.
Public, private, and charter schools/districts are invited to send groups of students to the Summits, accompanied by adult staff from the same school(s) at a ratio of no more than 6 students per adult. Multiple groups from the same school/district are welcome.
The Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Symposium
Date: Every two years in odd years, in April
Location: Virtual, in-person (metro Denver area), or both, contact the OSS for specific details
The Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Symposium offers a day of focused learning and discussion. Participants engage with expert presenters on crucial topics concerning child sexual abuse prevention and intervention.
Past presenters have included, but have not been limited to:
- Mark Flynn, J.D. on education law
- Det. John Pirics, Hamilton County IN Metro Child Exploitation Task Force, on predatory behaviors
- Rebekah Ottenbreit, State of Colorado Title IX Coordinator
- Denver Field Office FBI, on the school’s role in supporting federal investigations
- Maria Trujillo, Human Trafficking Program Manager, Division of Criminal Justice, CDPS
- Judge Anne Munch, “Naming the Unnamed Conspirator”
- Amanda E. Ruzicka, MA, expert on Problematic Sexual Behavior Prevention
- Kee J.E. Straits, Ph.D., an Indigenous Latina psychologist, introduced the Sexual Violence Disruptor Model for Native American Communities
- Dr. Libbi Palmer, Psy.D., addressed supporting students affected by sexual trauma and guiding school staff through sensitive conversations.
The symposium includes trauma-informed exercises led by the OSS Crisis Response Unit. Sexual assault prevention programs provide opportunities for dialogue with school representatives.
Institutions of Higher Education Symposium
Date: Typically in May and every other year in even years
Location: Various campuses across the state
As the Office of School Safety is charged with providing services to pre-K through higher education sites, the first Institutions of Higher Education Symposium was initiated in 2016. Now moved to every other year, this is an opportunity to bring together higher ed personnel to hear some of the latest information and trends on college campuses.
Previous workshops have included national experts on threat assessment, stalking, the Clery Act, Title IX, violent extremism, co-responder models, concurrent enrollment, Incels and drones, among many other topics.
The OSS makes these events available across the state. Previously, they have been held at Regis University, Otero College, University of Northern Colorado and Pueblo Community College. If your campus would be willing to host an IHE symposium, please reach out and let us know. We welcome suggested topics and/or presenters as well.
School Safety Specialist Academy
Date: June
Location: Virtual, in-person (metro Denver area), or both, contact the OSS for specific details
The School Safety Specialist Academy is a 20-hour certification. The Academy delivers fundamental training on critical school safety topics, aligned with guidelines from FEMA, the U.S. Department of Education, and state experts.
Individuals with school or district safety responsibilities are invited to apply. The Academy accommodates a limited cohort of 25 participants, requiring a completed application with supervisory confirmation of safety duties. Successful completion results in designation as a School Safety Specialist, granting access to a statewide network. The cohort receives ongoing follow-up training from Center staff and partners.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and representation by school or district may be restricted based on demand.
Safe Schools Summit
Date: October
Location: Virtual, in-person (metro Denver area), or both, contact the OSS for specific details
This is the OSS's biggest event of the year, with a huge selection of presentations and top keynote speakers. This Summit focuses on enhancing the physical and psychological safety of Colorado K-12 students. It aims to provide up-to-date information to school staff, mental health providers, and emergency responders.
The Summit features national keynote presentations and workshops across five key tracks:
- Engaging Schools and Communities: This track focuses on collaborative approaches to issues like threat assessment, suicide prevention, and substance abuse.
- School Climate and Multi-tiered Systems of Support: This track emphasizes evidence-based social-emotional learning, PBIS, and community collaborations.
Information/Intelligence Gathering: This track addresses topics such as social media utilization, information sharing, threat assessment, and data-driven discipline strategies. - Emergency Management, Crisis Response, and Recovery: This track covers trauma-informed drills, post-emergency recovery, and media relations.
- From Research/Theory to Practice: This track explores the application of research on brain development, violence prevention, and bullying interventions.
The Summit caters to a diverse audience, including school personnel, mental health providers, and first responders, and encourages collaborative presentations that address the needs of both urban and rural school districts.
View past summit agenda
Youth Suicide Prevention & Intervention Symposium
Date: November
Location: In-person (metro Denver area), contact the OSS for specific details
This symposium offers crucial insights into suicide prevention. The gathering brings together experts to explore complex connections between various factors and suicide risk. Attendees have had the opportunity to delve into the profound impact of racism, the unique challenges faced by adoptees, the critical understanding of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in youth, and the often-overlooked link between eating disorders and suicide.
Past expert presenters like Dr. Thomas Joiner, Dr. Jonathan Singer, Dr. Terri Erbacher, Dr. Anna Mueller, Dr. Jeffrey Bridge, Dr. Tina Goldstein, Dr. Rania Awaad, Janel Cubbage, Kristen Santel, Dr. Kathryn Fox, and Dr. April Smith shared their knowledge and research, shedding light on alarming statistics but offering practical strategies for intervention. This symposium aims to not only raise awareness but also to empower attendees with the tools and understanding needed to make a difference. The day is thoughtfully structured with plenary sessions, breaks, and lunch, creating a space for learning and meaningful dialogue.
View past symposium agenda
Other regional training topics have included:
- Bullying & Harassment
- Digital Threat Assessment (Safer Schools Together)
- Emergency Planning
- Positive School Discipline
- Restorative Practices
- Reunification (I Love U Guys Foundation)
- Threat Assessment
- Trauma
We are open to suggestions!