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The School Safety Symposium is a collaborative effort to address critical issues in school safety, equipping administrators and first responders with practical tools and strategies. Through keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panel discussions, participants will gain insights into active shooter incidents, threat assessment, sextortion, hate crimes against children, and more.

Attendees will hear firsthand experiences, explore innovative solutions like ActVnet, and learn about Tulare County’s efforts to enhance safety through the CPPR advisory group. This symposium provides an invaluable opportunity to network, share best practices, and strengthen safety measures in schools and communities. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees.

Event Details

Keynote Presentations

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Nicole Hockley

Upstream Violence Prevention

At Sandy Hook Promise, our mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. By focusing on upstream violence prevention, we address the root causes of violence before it escalates, fostering environments where safety and support are prioritized. Hear from Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, on the work they do every day to protect children from violence.

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Kristina Anderson

Safety is Personal: Lessons Learned as a Survivor of the Virginia Tech Tragedy

Kristina Anderson shares her experience during the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, highlighting the importance of school threat assessments to identify and mitigate risks. She emphasizes improving physical safety while fostering awareness and a supportive school culture.

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Student Panel

Real Talk on Safety, Stress, and Support

A panel of junior high and high school students will share their perspectives on the ongoing threats, school shootings, and challenges related to school crises. They will discuss current safety practices and provide recommendations to improve support for their safety and well-being.

Breakout Sessions

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Dave Okada

From Warning Signs to Action: Building Safer Communities Together

Join Dave Okada, President of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), as he delves into the critical role of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) in violence prevention during turbulent times. This session will explore how professionals can recognize and address early warning signs, leverage resources, and foster collaboration to build safer communities. Learn actionable strategies and be part of a shared commitment to ending violence.

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Kirk Carpenter

Under the Microscope: Steps to Take Now, and What to Expect in the Aftermath

On December 7, 2017, Kirk lost two students in a school shooting. This session highlights the importance of preparation, the lasting impact of such tragedies, and the long recovery process requiring strong leadership and collaboration. It emphasizes that every action before and after an incident will be closely scrutinized—reminding us that every day is game day for school safety.

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Kristina Anderson

The Impact of Survivor Stories in Training and Education

Kristina will answer questions and dive deeper into her keynote presentation, sharing insights into building efficient and memorable school safety training that incorporates the voice and agency of survivors in a trauma-informed manner.

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FBI

Sextortion, Hate Crimes, Hate-based Communications, and Other Violent Crimes Against Children

FBI Special Agent (SA) Adam Bruflat will discuss common themes pertaining to sextortion and other crimes targeting children and minors that he has observed investigating violent crimes against children. As an FBI special agent focusing on civil rights violations, SA Britton Wallace will discuss ways youth have carried out cyber-enabled hate crimes that required law enforcement intervention in recent years. This presentation raises awareness of the types of harmful online activity that some youth may be involved in, whether as perpetrators or victims.

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Tulare County District Attorney and Probation Dept.

Criminal Threats: Addressing Concerns within the Justice System

A conversation looking at recent legal changes that impact how juvenile crimes are handled including an explanation of differences between adult and juvenile court processes, including a discussion around the constraints in California law when balancing the handling of school threats and the protection of free speech.  An opportunity to explain the framework of the juvenile justice system as it has been realigned to counties rather than having a statewide remedy in place.

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Sandy Hook Promise

Improving School and Community Safety

This session will highlight how to recognize warning signs, intervene effectively, and support those at risk, fostering a culture of awareness and prevention through Sandy Hook Promise’s Know The Signs Programs, Start With Hello, and Say Something initiatives.

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ActVnet

School Safety Program

Discover ActVnet, an innovative school safety program developed and funded by the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE). Created in collaboration with law enforcement and first responders, ActVnet enhances emergency response by offering real-time access to live school camera feeds, providing critical situational awareness. This nonprofit, web-based platform works seamlessly across various devices, making it a versatile and essential tool for improving safety and coordination in schools.

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CPPR - Crisis Prevention, Preparation, and Response

Collaborative Partnerships for Crisis Response

Seven years ago, the CPPR Advisory was created as a county-wide collaborative model, uniting agencies involved in crisis response on school campuses. This advisory includes law enforcement, fire, EMS, mental and behavioral health professionals, and local hospital representatives. Join this session to explore the structure, best practices, and strategies for building and sustaining an effective multi-agency collaboration. Learn how to ensure consistent communication, coordinated practices, and a unified response to school crises.

Event Schedule