"School Safety at the
Quarter Century"
The Annual PREPARE conference brings together Maryland public, nonpublic, and private school personnel, law enforcement officials, behavioral health practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in school safety. Participants come together for two days to discuss and share best practices, strategies, and innovations for enhancing school safety and security. Through networking opportunities, keynote speeches, and workshops conducted by local and national experts, participants expand their ability to provide safe school communities by acquiring new knowledge and tools.
Sextortion of Minors -Sexually and Financially Motivated: June 11th
This webinar will bring awareness to current trends encountered by youth on the Internet, with a focus on social media, along with recommendations on how to safeguard children and families.
Presented By: FBI Baltimore - Meaghan Gneiting, Tactical Specialist & Leslie Adamczyk, Special Agent
Note - You must register for this pre-conference webinar to receive the Zoom link. Registration for this event is separate from registration for the conference.
New Trends in Substance Use: July 11th, 1 pm
Drug use continues to be a significant problem plaguing society today. The majority of teens, college students, and young adults using drugs are not drug addicts; they are simply experimenting. Whether experimentation starts with the “challenges” promoted online, vaping, trying pot, or popping pills, a few bad decisions can lead down a path with many consequences. This problem is independent of gender, age, race, culture, and socio-economic group and occurs equally in urban and rural areas.
Presented by: Lynn Reimer, President of ACT on Drugs, Inc.
Note - You must register for this pre-conference webinar to receive the Zoom link. Registration for this event is undefinedseparate from registration for the conference.
BTA workshop and talk: July 16th, 7 pm
Maryland schools continue to improve their behavior threat assessment processes, procedures, and practices, leading the way nationally. Opportunities to clarify and refine the work happening in Maryland schools have occurred, and MCSS staff will use this time to share updated behavior threat assessment information and resources, including threat management practices. MCSS staff will be followed by two local school officials sharing the story of an averted attack from their system. They will take audience members through the event, from how they received the tip, the moment decisions were made to investigate the tip and protect others, to the culmination of determining how to move forward with the student after the event. These leaders will share what went well and what gaps became apparent as a result of the event so that others can learn.
Competition 'Safe Spaces' Winners!
Elementary School Category:
1st Prize: Jessie Jebaraj- Cedarmere Elementary - Baltimore County
2nd Prize: Mya Mathis - Pinewood Elementary Baltimore County
3rd Prize: Victoria Michel - Crofton Elementary School Anne Arundel County
Middle School Category:
1st Prize: Harley Marie Graves Choices - Wicomico County
2nd Prize: Layla Bowers Wiley H. Bates Middle School - Anne Arundel County
3rd Prize: Joshita Mylavarapu Folly Quarter Middle School - Howard County
High School Category:
1st Prize: Adalyn Bunuan Crofton High School Anne Arundel County
2nd Prize: Safia Puthawala River Hill High School - Howard County
3rd Prize: Liam Dugan Digges Gilman - School Baltimore City
The School Safety Student Art Showcase aims to engage students in a creative and reflective process on the theme of school safety. This event is a platform for students to creatively explore the theme of school safety, expressing their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations through various art forms. Through this showcase, MCSS aims to foster dialogue among educators, parents, and the community about the crucial topic of school safety. By listening to students' voices and perspectives, we advocate for mental health support, anti-bullying efforts, emergency preparedness, and promoting a respectful and inclusive school environment. Join us in celebrating the power of art to inspire change and create safer, more positive schools for all, aligning with the broader goals of school safety initiatives.
Who should attend?
Education Administrators, Teachers, School Psychologists/Guidance Counselors, School Security Employees, School Resource Officers (SROs), Law Enforcement, Local/State Emergency Managers, Fusion Center Analysts, Crisis Intervention Units, Counselors & Mental Health Specialists, School Social Workers, School Safety Professionals, and other school safety stakeholders.
How many people from our organization should attend the conference?
We suggest that at least two people from an organization attend to maximize your experience and allow you to attend multiple breakout sessions.
Is the conference open to the general public?
Yes. However, priority registration is given to State partners and educational staff that interact with our schools. Therefore, you may be waitlisted to ensure everyone is accommodated.
Are vendors permitted to attend or exhibit at the conference?
No. The Maryland Center for School Safety is a State Agency, not an association. Therefore, we do not permit vendors to exhibit or attend our conference. Registration is monitored, and any registrations identified as vendors will be canceled.
Will there be pre-conference events leading up to the conference?
Yes. Information on these events will be posted and shared when available.
Where is the conference?
The conference will take place at the Turf Valley Resort in Howard County, Ellicott City, Maryland.
When is the conference?
The conference will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, and Thursday, July 17, 2025.
MCSS will also offer a pre-conference event on the evening of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and pre-conference webinars in May and June before the conference.
Is there a fee to attend?
No. There is no cost to attend our conference.
Will meals be provided?
Yes. Conference attendees will be provided with lunch daily and a Continental breakfast on the last day of the conference.
Will hotel rooms be provided?
Unfortunately, MCSS can only provide hotel rooms to conference presenters; however, attendees can book their own room(s) at Turf Valley Resort, at their own expense, by calling 410.465.1500 or 888.833.8873.
Will Continuing Education Credits be offered to those attending the conference?
MCSS is currently exploring these options and will provide more details as they become available.
Is there a capacity limit for the conference?
Yes, the conference is limited to 500 people. Once registration has reached its limit, all additional requests will be waitlisted and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is there a deadline to register for the conference?
Yes, registration will begin on February 1, 2025, and close on May 31, 2025.
How do I register to attend the conference?
You can register for the conference by clicking here and completing the registration form. Registration closes on Monday, June 30, 2025.
How do I submit a proposal to present at your conference?
The call for speakers for the 2025 conference is currently open and will close at 5 PM on February 7, 2025.
