Daviess County Public Schools on Tuesday is hosting “The Umbrella Project: Inspiring Minds, Building Hope Summit,” with a goal of providing intensive and practical strategies and support for those who work with children experiencing a variety of barriers to learning and success.
After hosting the inaugural summit in 2021, the district team recognized the impact this professional learning day could have as an annual event. Last year’s event drew a crowd of more than 600 participants who attended the day to focus on learning strategies and resource knowledge to help students and families.
The summit provides learning opportunities primarily in the area of mental health and behavioral needs, but sessions are also offered on topics such as interventions, equity, and family support. Educators will have the opportunity to hear from nationally recognized speakers and learn new ways to effectively serve the needs of their students, families, and staff.
“We want to provide a professional learning opportunity where educators and community support organizations can gain awareness and understanding for new ways we can nurture the mental health of students while gaining strategies that allow us to support the whole child and remove barriers to learning,” said Dr. Amy Shutt, DCPS retired administrator and Summit Coordinator. “This day of learning emphasizes the importance of providing equitable access to learning, recognizing the unique needs of every student, and building connections with all families. The networking among schools and community organizations during the summit is a very positive outcome from the time we spend together. We all want what is best for the children in our community.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about ways to support the adults within their organizations.
The summit will feature one keynote speaker in addition to 40 breakout session topics. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Dominique Smith, the chief of educational services and teacher support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego.
“He is passionate about creating school cultures that honor students and build their confidence and competence. Smith’s major area of research and instruction focuses on restorative practices, classroom management, growth mindset, and the culture of achievement. In addition to his school leadership responsibilities, Smith provides professional learning to K–12 teachers in groups large and small world-wide, on many topics that address classroom and school climate and organization,” according to a release from DCPS.
Smith is the winner of the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council. He delivered a TED Talk in 2018 about building relationships between students and teachers.
Allison Edwards, a renowned speaker from Nashville Tennessee and author of seven books, and creator and owner of All the Feels Company will provide three breakout sessions. Shawna Griffin, from Savannah, Georgia, will provide four sessions that focus on proactive behavior practices and trauma-informed care for pre-school through high school educators. Krystel Santiago, a nationally recognized school counselor, from Austin, Texas, will present four sessions on effective practices to provide equitable and individualized support for all students.
Community sponsors that help make the summit possible include The Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Health, DCPS Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Assured Partners, RBS Designs, Modern Welding, Terry’s Tees, Renaissance Learning, 4 Kids Council of Kentucky, Commonwealth Connections, Norton Children’s, River Valley Behavioral Health, and All American Muffler and Brake.
