Daviess County, KY — On Tuesday, Daviess County Public Schools (DCPS) will host the fourth annual “The Umbrella Project: Inspiring Minds, Building Hope Summit,” focusing on providing practical strategies and support for professionals working with children facing various barriers to learning and success. This summit is part of an ongoing effort by the district to address the mental health and behavioral needs of students, promote equity, and support families.
Growing Impact and Reach
The Umbrella Project began in 2021, quickly becoming an essential annual event. Last year, it drew over 600 participants, underscoring its significance in professional development for educators and community support organizations. The summit offers numerous learning opportunities in mental health and behavioral interventions while also covering topics such as equity and family support.
A Day of Learning and Networking
Dr. Amy Shutt, DCPS retired administrator and Summit Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “We want to provide a professional learning opportunity where educators and community support organizations can gain awareness and understanding for new ways we can nurture the mental health of students while gaining strategies that allow us to support the whole child and remove barriers to learning.” The summit is designed to offer equitable access to learning and recognize the unique needs of each student, fostering connections among schools and community organizations.
Focus on Supporting Educators and Staff
In addition to student-focused strategies, the summit also aims to support the adults within educational organizations. Attendees will have the chance to learn about various methods to enhance the well-being and effectiveness of their staff, recognizing that a healthy school environment begins with supported and well-trained educators.
Keynote Speaker and Breakout Sessions
The summit will feature a keynote address by Dominique Smith, Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego. Smith is known for his work in creating school cultures that honor students, building their confidence and competence. His areas of expertise include restorative practices, classroom management, growth mindset, and the culture of achievement. Smith has received the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council and delivered a TED Talk in 2018 about building relationships between students and teachers.
Additionally, the summit will offer 40 breakout sessions, including presentations by notable speakers such as:
Allison Edwards: A renowned speaker from Nashville, Tennessee, and author of seven books, Edwards will provide three breakout sessions. She is the creator and owner of All the Feels Company.
Shawna Griffin: From Savannah, Georgia, Griffin will lead four sessions focused on proactive behavior practices and trauma-informed care for educators from preschool through high school.
Krystel Santiago: A nationally recognized school counselor from Austin, Texas, Santiago will present four sessions on effective practices for providing equitable and individualized support for all students.
Community Support and Sponsorship
The success of The Umbrella Project is made possible through the support of various community sponsors, including:
- The Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools
- Owensboro Health
- DCPS Family Resource Youth Service Centers
- Assured Partners
- RBS Designs
- Modern Welding
- Terry’s Tees
- Renaissance Learning
- 4 Kids Council of Kentucky
- Commonwealth Connections
- Norton Children’s
- River Valley Behavioral Health
- All American Muffler and Brake
The collaboration between DCPS and these community organizations reflects a shared commitment to addressing the mental health needs of students and fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
As the fourth annual summit gets underway, it promises to be a day filled with valuable insights, practical strategies, and networking opportunities, all aimed at enhancing the support system for children and educators in Daviess County and beyond.
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