School Safety Symposium

Time

Opening Keynote - Amy Neville (Alexander Neville Foundation) Event Center

 After losing her 14-year-old son, Alexander, to fentanyl disguised as a harmless pill bought on social media, she is raising awareness about the dangers of the digital landscape.

Session 1

1. Systems Approach: Marysville Pilchuck High School - (Arlene Macias, United States Secret Service) Petersen Event Center

This case study utilizes the Systems Approach based on an attacker who perpetrated the 2014 school attack at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, WA. The Systems Approach is an effective way to gather information as part of a threat assessment, as it identifies sources (e.g., law enforcement, employment, community, family, etc.) that may have information on the individual of concern’s actions, stressors, changes in their life, and behaviors that may have concerned others. In utilizing post attack interviews and open-source information, this case provides a plethora of information about the attacker in the weeks and days leading up to the attack. The information collected from the attacker’s systems provide insight as his feelings, thoughts, and behaviors grew more concerning in the week before the attack. Additionally, this case highlights the importance of collecting information from multiple sources and corroborating the information, as some sources had contradictory information (e.g., some observed nothing out of the ordinary with the attacker, whereas others stated they noticed significant changes in his actions and thoughts). When gathering information for a threat assessment, it is essential for public safety professionals to be able to identify these systems, use their training and knowledge on the best information to collect, and recognize potential opportunities of support within these systems.

2. Building the Wellbeing Generation: An Innovation Education and Healthcare Collaboration to Improve Wellbeing For All? - (Sam Romeo, MD and Chris Hawley, MD, Seity) Board Room

Today’s students are more anxious, distracted, and emotionally overwhelmed than any generation before them—and it’s showing up in classrooms, workplaces, and doctor’s offices alike. In this workshop led by physicians partnering with educators and employers, you’ll learn about an evidence-based framework to build Core Skills—essential tools for wellbeing, performance, and lifelong success. Join a growing regional movement for schools and businesses, sponsored by Sutter Health in partnership with Seity Health and the Stanislaus County Office of Education, to help shift students from the anxious generation to the wellbeing generation.

3. See What, Tell Who? How to Spot Signs of Targeted Violence in Schools - and Get Help - (Alyssa Kim, Federal Bureau of Investigation) Chatom Room

Alyssa Kim is a Special Agent with FBI Sacramento Division, where she is responsible for the investigation of violent crimes. She serves as a Threat Management Coordinator for the Sacramento Division, and is trained and supported by the national-level resources of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, Behavioral Threat Assessment Center (BAU-1, BTAC). Special Agent Kim also serves as a certified FBI Crisis Negotiator, and is a FBI Adjunct Instructor specializing in the instruction of Crisis Negotiation. Prior to joining the FBI, Special Agent Kim completed a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, and maintains licensure in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

4.Gaming & Social Media - (Amy Wolfe, Legacy Health Endowment) Gratton Room

Today, 1 in 6 children ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder annually.  A leading factor in the development of these health issues is their online activity.  To support parents in their efforts to manage and monitor their kids’ presence online, Legacy Health Endowment has created a series of guides specific to social media and video gaming.  In this session, learn more about the mental health challenges impacting our youth and how these tools are impactful, easy-to-use resources.

Session 2

1. Childhood Smart Program - (Corinne Gunter, United State Secret Service) Chatom Room

Childhood Smart Program, established in 2017, is a prevention education program serving to educate children K-12 as well as adults regarding internet and personal safety. The curriculum consists of numerous age-appropriate presentations created by the National Center of Missing & Exploited Children. The presentations cover a wide range of topics including cyber etiquette, cyber bullying, being a good digital citizen, and child sex trafficking prevention.

2. Fighting Fentanyl Together - (Jennifer Marsh and Sofia Vivo, Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services) Gratton Room

Drug-related overdose and poisoning deaths are both widespread and stealthy; fentanyl is often hidden in counterfeit pills or mixed with other drugs, putting unsuspecting individuals, including teens, at risk. This community-focused training explores the urgent fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus County and equips participants with practical tools while empowering them to take meaningful action. Together, we can save lives and create a safer, healthier Stanislaus County.

3. Impact of Substance Abuse on Students and School Environments - (Paul Llanez, Knowlege Saves Lives) Board Room

This session will cover what controlled substances students are using and how to recognize them. Attendees will also learn how substance abuse has a huge impact on students, families and the school environment. The session is taught by Paul Llanez, a 23-year law enforcement veteran and former undercover narcotics agent.

4. The Hidden Dangers: Understanding the Harms of Social Media on Teens (Amy Neville, Alexander Neville Foundation) Event Center

Social media is integral to teens' lives, but behind the screens, it can harm their mental health, self-esteem, and well-being. This presentation explores the hidden dangers of social media and how it can sometimes do more harm than good.

We will dive into the many ways social media affects teens, from the pressure to look perfect online to the feelings of loneliness and anxiety that come with comparing themselves to others. We’ll talk about how social media fuels bullying, spreads unrealistic expectations, and exposes teens to harmful content like dangerous trends or drug use. For many young people, the digital world isn’t just a place for fun—it’s a place where stress, insecurity, and negative emotions can thrive.

This session will give parents, educators, and anyone who works with teens the tools to create healthier conversations around social media, teach digital boundaries, and empower teens to take control of their online lives.

Key Takeaways:

• How social media impacts teen mental health, including anxiety, depression, and body image issues.
• The role of social media in bullying, peer pressure, and risky behavior.
• Practical tips for helping teens develop a healthier relationship with social media and setting boundaries.

Session 3

1.Crisis Communication - (Judy Boring, SCOE Communications) Board Room

Navigate the school crisis storm. This session equips you with essential strategies and practical tools to effectively manage reputation-threatening events. Gain insights into developing and controlling your organization's message, enabling you to respond swiftly, communicate transparently, and protect your integrity when crisis strikes.

2. DBT in Schools: Building Resilience & Supporting Recovery - (SCOE Instructional Support Services) Knights Ferry Room

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is widely known for its effectiveness in treating individuals with emotion dysregulation and substance use issues, and many of its core skills are absolutely applicable and beneficial in educational settings—especially for teachers and staff navigating high-stress environments and working with emotionally reactive students. We will explore the four cores modules and how we can support our youth in Stanislaus County.

3.Drug Trends and Safety - (Detective Richard Bryson, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department) Chatom Room

This course will give a brief overview on current trends related to the use, sales, and distribution of narcotics.  Like many communities across the United States, Stanislaus County has experienced an alarming number of overdoses, specifically involving Fentanyl, a dangerous Opioid which is poisoning knowing and unknowing users, young and old.  This course will also provide basic safety precautions when handling substances believed to be narcotics, and provide insight on identifying users.

4. First Amendment - (James Amato, Ontel Security Services) Gratton Room

The takeaway from the event will be familiarization with what a First Amendment Protected Activity is, along with learning about who First Amendment Auditors are and the societal role they play, and how to deal with them should you end up being on the other side of an audit as a government employee or a bystander caught in the middle of one happening in your presence.

Keynote - Scott Kuykendall (Stanislaus Rewired & Inspired) Event Center

There has been a sharp rise in adolescent mental health issues since the early 2010s, which is linked to the shift from the "Play-based" to a "Phone-based" childhood. This change has disrupted children's development, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other issues. Learn steps parents, educators, and policymakers can take to reverse this trend and support healthier childhoods.