ISBE School Wellness Conference: Full Schedule

10:45am CDT

The Science of Resilience

Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

This 60 minute session aims to inform the audience about the impact of toxic stress on mental health and explore ways to address it. We will discuss the causes of toxic stress, including adverse childhood experiences and socio-economic disparities. Additionally, we will highlight strategies to mitigate its impact, such as promoting positive relationships and providing access to mental health services. Furthermore, we will emphasize the importance of working together on a universal level to build resilient spaces that support children, their parents, and the communities they live in. By fostering collaboration and implementing systemic changes, we can create supportive environments for the well-being of all.

Speakers

Kristine Argue-Mason

Executive Director, Partnership for Resilience

Kristine Argue-Mason holds the distinction as the first full-time executive director for Partnership for Resilience, an Illinois non-profit corporation working to improve academic, health, and social outcomes for children by fostering trauma-responsive schools and effective family... Read More →

Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Beaufort Meeting Room

1:15pm CDT

Relational, Restorative, Resilient: Fostering Thriving School Communities Through Connection and Resilience LIMITED

Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Beaufort Meeting Room

This interactive session explores how relational, restorative, and resilient practices contribute to fostering overall school and classroom wellness. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster connection, resolve conflict, and build resilience within clasroom and school communities, ensuring all members thrive together

Speakers

Gail Neely Kolbeck, M.Ed

Coordinator of the Springfield Resiliency Initiative and District Behavioral Strategist, Springfield Public Schools #186/ROE 51

Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Beaufort Meeting Room

2:30pm CDT

The Anxious Generation LIMITED

Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Beaufort Meeting Room

A discussion based on the findings that social-psychologist Jonathan Haidt shares in his book, The Anxious Generation. Haidt argues that the combination of the decline of play-based childhoods, exacerbated by newer styles of parenting, and increasing smartphone use has led to a mental health crisis for a generation of children.
Time will be spent discussing ways both school districts and policy makers can work to promote reduced screen time for children, while promoting increased free-play and independnce.

Speakers

Beth McGrory

SEL Coach, Iroquois-Kankakee Regional Office of Education

Beth is a former elementary school teacher where she taught in the Chicago Public School system as well as in suburban districts. She has long understood the importance of building strong relationships with her students. More recently she was a Character Development Specialist at... Read More →

Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Beaufort Meeting Room

9:45am CDT

Shaping a Sturdier Generation of Students LIMITED

Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Beaufort Meeting Room

Let’s face it– your own school experience is not your current student’s experience. Social media has dramatically changed the middle school & high school landscape, leaving many students feeling anxious, lonely, and misunderstood. The good news–this narrative can be changed! Join Erin Shook, Psychology teacher at Freeburg High School, in examining research from the “The Anxious Generation,” neuroscience, Positive Psychology, and mental health trends to educate teachers and provide tools to empower students in the classroom.

Speakers

Erin Shook

Teacher, Freeburg High School District #77

Erin Shook is an enthusiastic high school teacher with a deep passion for creating a supportive and balanced environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With over 16 years of experience in the classroom, she has become known for her innovative teaching methods... Read More →

Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Beaufort Meeting Room

11:00am CDT

Stimulants: The Impact on Sleep, Nutrition, and Mental Health Amongst Adolescents and Emerging Adults LIMITED

Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Beaufort Meeting Room

The use of stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, prescribed and non-prescribed medications (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.), and counterfeit pills have a significant impact on mood and mindset, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. While many are aware of the health outcomes of nicotine and illicit drugs, caffeine’s impact on the brain and body is frequently underestimated.
In this presentation, we will discuss current trends of adolescent (12-17 years) and emerging adult (18-25 years) stimulant use in Illinois and nation-wide. We will focus on the age of onset, brain development, the impact of caffeine and other stimulants on mood and mindset, sleep, and nutrition. We will talk about the prevalence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills and how students can protect themselves and their peers from fentanyl exposure and prevent overdose. This presentation will cover the impact that stimulant misuse has on a student’s ability to perform inside and outside of the classroom.
Additionally, we will provide strategies on how to have effective, informative, and nonjudgemental conversations with students about stimulant use. Suggestions will be shared for healthier and natural alternative choices to stimulants, as well as examples of in-classroom experiential activities. Please join The Prescription Playbook for this engaging and interactive presentation!

Speakers

Sarah Grunden

Prevention Specialist, OMNI Youth Services

Sarah Grunden graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2022 with a Master's in Public Health. Sarah has always been passionate about community health and improving health outcomes. She is excited to have the opportunity to help the emerging adult population make healthier... Read More →

Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Beaufort Meeting Room

ISBE School Wellness Conference

From $10.00