"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.
Calling all Student Artists!
We invite you to participate in our ''Community Heroes'' Student Art Showcase! This is your chance to celebrate the vital roles of teachers, school resource officers (SROs), and community members in creating safe, supportive environments for everyone.
Use your creativity to capture their impact through your artwork. From portraits that capture their dedication to depictions of their actions that provide physical or emotional safety, share your unique perspective on what makes our educational community strong. Let your artwork tell their stories and inspire others!
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.
Last Year's 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
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.
