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Your Character Matters continues to highlight kids with character

Juan Salazar

Since 2015, Tulare County Office of Education has partnered with KSEE24 to highlight Tulare County kids of character in a series called “Your Character Matters”.

This year’s Your Character Matters series began airing in late December with students from Visalia, Ivanhoe, and Orosi being highlighted for their outstanding character throughout their campuses.

In the most recent segment, Juan Salazar is highlighted for the care and attention he shows his classmates in the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) program at Orosi High School. Salazar notices when his classmates need a moment to themselves or a friend to talk to.

“He understands people, and he knows what they need in that moment, or they need a hug or encouragement, and he just gives it,” said Erin Elliott, Salazar’s CBI teacher.

For stories on Salazar and past Your Character Matters students, visit https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/your-character-matters.

Segments of Your Character Matters air on Tuesdays during KSEE24's 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. newscasts and then again on Wednesdays at 5:00 a.m., Midday News at 11 a.m., and the Central Valley Today show at 3:00 p.m.

School Safety Symposium returns as two-day event in April

Christian Moore and Dominic Syracuse

The School Safety Program has announced the second annual School Safety Symposium will be held April 16-17 at the Visalia Convention Center. Now a two-day event, the symposium is designed for educators and first responders to learn about threat prevention, assessment, and response through a series of inspiring keynote speakers and engaging breakout sessions.

Keynote Presentations

Dominic Syracuse, a behavioral specialist, actor, and comedian, will deliver one of the keynote presentations on “Communicating with Confidence and Connection.” Syracuse blends performance art techniques with neuroscience to teach emotionally intelligent communication in a way that is as entertaining as it is educational.

Christian Moore, founder of WhyTry Inc., author, and Licensed Social Worker, will present “Practical Strategies for Building Resilience in Every Student.” Moore’s WhyTry program is widely used to build resilience in students throughout the nation, including Tulare County. Through his presentation, attendees will discover tools to create safer, more connected schools where every student can thrive.

“Troubled Students: Stories of Challenge & Growth” is the title of a student panel. The panelists will offer insights into their school challenges, what shaped their behavior, and what ultimately helped them change direction.

Breakout Sessions

Over a dozen breakout sessions will be offered on topics ranging from crisis communication and sextortion to student threat assessment and human trafficking. Presenters represent local, state, and national agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Highway Patrol.

Event Registration

Educators and first responders that register by January 31 will receive the early-bird registration rate of $250.00. To register, visit https://tulare.k12oms.org/event_register.php?id=273759.

Editor: Robert Herman, Communications Director
Contributors: Nayirah Dosu, Jennifer Fisher, Jaime Burnitzki, Zoty Briceño, Daniel Cordeniz

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