From Aug. 12–13, the NWESD School Safety & Wellness Center hosted its 2025 School Safety and Wellness Symposium at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes — a meaningful gathering that united educators, administrators, mental health professionals, law enforcement, first responders, and community leaders from across Washington.
A Gathering with Purpose
Over two full days, participants engaged in learning, professional development, and community building — all while exploring cutting-edge strategies to foster safe, supportive, and trauma-informed school environments. The symposium offered a robust agenda of sessions, skill-building breakout workshops, and expert-led discussions on:
- Threat assessment, trauma-informed services, and best practices in mental and behavioral health support
- The innovative Handle With Care initiative, which integrates law enforcement and school support for students experiencing trauma
- Practical de-escalation strategies by Dr. Michelle Roper of the NWESD
- Supporting LGBTQ+ youth during turbulent times, with a focus on grounded compassion
- Systems to Interrupt Hate Speech in Schools, a presentation from Dr. Monica Meadows (Lake Stevens School District) and Mary Williams (Mukilteo School District)
These sessions resonated with attendees, offering rich frameworks for reshaping school climates and reinforcing student well-being.
Empowerment Through Expertise and Collaboration
This year’s symposium stood out not just for its content, but for its power of connection. Attendees included top professionals from diverse fields — education, behavioral health, crisis response, and public safety — fostering deep conversations and shared commitment to student wellness.
Practical Impact
Built into the event’s structure were practical outcomes, including:
- Hands-on strategies educators could directly apply when supporting students experiencing trauma or distress.
- Innovative tools like Handle With Care, increasingly adopted throughout Skagit County and beyond, enabling schools to respond compassionately and effectively when children have encountered traumatic events.
- Equipping school professionals with de-escalation skills, equitable safety frameworks, and mental health best practices to carry forward into everyday school life.
A Big Thank You
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all who participated:
- Our Keynote Speakers, Kristina Anderson Froling of the Koshka Foundation, and Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools
- Featured Speakers and Panelists, whose expertise enriched every session
- Attendees, whose curiosity and dedication made the symposium vibrant and impactful
- Supporting staff, including the NWESD Behavioral Health and Prevention Services administrative assistants who managed tons of behind-the-scenes details; and the Prevention Services team, who distributed Naloxone kits for all districts to be prepared.
Why It Matters
In an era where student well-being is more critical than ever, the 2025 Symposium served not simply as a meeting, but as a launchpad for systemic change – from trauma-informed response systems to inclusive safety practices that acknowledge the diverse needs of all students.
By prioritizing collaboration and equipping professionals with evidence-based tools, NWESD is reinforcing our shared mission: schools where every student feels safe, seen, and supported.
Looking Ahead: If you attended the symposium, we would love to hear your highlights and feedback – what inspired you? What will you bring back to your school or district? Let’s keep the momentum going.
And for those who couldn’t join, watch for future updates, professional development opportunities, and ways to connect throughout the coming school year.
Together, we can — and do —make a difference.
View more photos here: [heyzine.com Flipbook]
See you next year!
