The Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD) School Safety & Wellness Center has rescheduled its 2026 School Safety & Wellness Symposium. The event will now take place October 14–15, 2026, at the Seafarers’ Memorial Park Building in Anacortes, Washington.
While the dates have changed, the purpose remains the same: bringing together school leaders, safety teams, behavioral health professionals, and community response partners for two days of immersive, hands-on learning focused on operationalizing school safety.
This year’s symposium features the nationally recognized Circle of Trust workshop, an interactive, scenario-based training designed to help schools move beyond written emergency plans and build the confidence, coordination, and relationships needed to respond effectively during real-world crises. Participants will work alongside regional emergency response partners to strengthen prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through practical application.
The symposium will also feature keynote presentations from Carly Posey and Reichen Posey, whose personal experiences following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School have inspired their ongoing work to strengthen school safety, preparedness, and resilience. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that effective school safety begins with trust, connection, and collaboration.
Designed for multidisciplinary school teams including administrators, counselors, safety personnel, school resource officers, and emergency response partners, the symposium provides practical strategies and collaborative learning that participants can immediately apply in their schools.
If you’ve already shared information about the symposium, please help us spread the word about the new dates. Registration remains open, and currently registered participants will receive additional information about the schedule update.
Thank you for your flexibility and your continued commitment to creating safe, supportive schools. We look forward to welcoming you to Anacortes on October 14–15 for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection.
To learn more about the symposium, view the agenda, or register, visit the symposium webpage. See you there!
