2025 Summer Symposium

Explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in mental health with technology leader and mental health advocate, Mandy Froehlich. This session delves into how AI can offer personalized strategies for tackling procrastination, suggest coping mechanisms, and assist in self-care and mindfulness practices. This session promises actionable insights into improving emotional well-being in educational settings.

Participants will need a personal device for this session to explore different AI tools! Together, we will create a document using AI that will be your Personalized Wellness Plan for Building Resilience using AI tools. Additionally, Mandy will be providing and activity handout and space for participants to experiment with specific AI prompts using various tools, record the outputs received, and reflect on their potential applications. This hands-on approach facilitates exploration of AI capabilities and encourages creative thinking about integrating AI into educational practices or personal wellness strategies. 

Discover the transformative journey of Summit Academy as they revolutionized their approach to student behavior and disciplinary actions. In a groundbreaking initiative, the school implemented a highly effective reset program that led to a remarkable reduction in student behavior referrals and exclusionary disciplinary measures. At the heart of this success is the establishment of a dedicated reset space, strategically embedded within a framework of de-escalation techniques, restorative practices, and counseling interventions.

By intervening proactively before reaching administrative offices, the reset program has proven instrumental in addressing the needs of at-risk youth. This innovative approach not only mitigates disruptive behaviors but also fosters a supportive environment for students to reset and refocus on their academic and personal growth. The results speak for themselves, as Summit Academy has experienced a substantial shift in the school culture, positioning itself as "Top 8 in the Nation for Exemplary Practices" by the National Alternative Education Association.

Join us to explore the key components of this pioneering reset program, understand the impact on student outcomes, and learn how Summit Academy has set a new standard for disciplinary practices, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and collaboration over punitive measures.

In this session we will set the foundations of a behavioral MTSS structure and explore how to ensure all tiers of students are getting what they need to thrive.  We will look at best practice programming to support students and forecast mistakes to avoid in developing and implementing MTSS systems.

Additionally, we will lean on the perspective of our clinical therapist, Dr. Pickens, who will help participants better understand behavior management, emotional regulation, and restorative ways to support students within the MTSS structure.

This workshop will focus on how creative exercises can help teachers and students better understand themselves and the world around them, as well as be a powerful tool for self-care. You will be guided through a painting session, learn strategies to take creativity back to your classroom, and leave with a canvas artwork that you created yourself.  Even if you are not an "artist," this session is friendly for all learners -- just bring yourself and a playful mind!