ISBE School Wellness Conference: Full Schedule

10:45am CDT

Making Peace Circles Work: A Tiered MTSS Framework for Everyday Classrooms and Student Needs

Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

This session introduces a district's journey in developing and using Community, Academic, and Restorative Peace Circles as a tiered, developmentally responsive approach that encourages building relationships, supporting learning, and strengthening school communities within daily practice and MTSS frameworks.
Participants will:

Learn about peace circles as a continuous practice of care within daily school routines and MTSS frameworks.
Explore simple, time-efficient peace circle structures that fit within the school environment.
Examine the use of peace circles across roles and settings to build relationships and respond to academic and social emotional needs.
Consider sustainability practices through shared structures.

Speakers

Lisa Allen

Director of Student Services, Valley View School District

Lisa Allen is the Director of Student Supports with over 35 years of experience in education focused on removing barriers to student success and strengthening whole-child systems of care. In her role, she provides district-level leadership across social-emotional learning, behavioral inter... Read More →

Joanna Hanson

Student Services Coordinator, Valley View School District 365U

Joanna Hanson is a Student Services Coordinator in Valley View School District 365U with 27 years of experience in education. She holds a Master’s degree in Trauma and Resilience in Public Settings, and her work is grounded in the belief that learning happens best in environments where adults a... Read More →

Dena Hasselberg

Student Services Coordinator, Valley View School District 365U

Dena Hasselberg is a school psychologist with over 24 years of experience in student services and systems leadership. She currently serves as the Student Services Coordinator for Valley View School District, where she leads initiatives in general education, special education, Section 504, threat... Read More →

Public Copy of Making Peace Circles Work pptx

Public Copy of Making Peace Circles Work pdf

Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Redbird E

Restorative Practices

9:45am CDT

Beyond the Circle: Restorative Practices in Schools

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Redbird E

Join us for an overview of how restorative practices fosters a sense of belonging and supports student well-being in our schools. You will learn about the continuum of restorative practices and the importance of employing these practices at the classroom and schoolwide level. The presentation will also touch on practical tools and strategies to create a positive school culture where every student feels valued and connected.

Speakers

Ms. Nikki Golden

Special Education Teacher, Community High School District 99

Ms. Nikki Golden is a dedicated Special Education Teacher with an expansive professional range, having served students in both early elementary and high school settings. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a prominent leader on the Equity and Inclusion Council, where she helps shape policies that... Read More →

Kathleen Meeks

Social Studies Teacher, Community High School District 99

Ms. Kathleen Meeks is a veteran social studies teacher and community organizer dedicated to moving beyond traditional reform toward deep systemic repair and renewal. Drawing on her 15 years of experience in public schools and two Master’s degrees in Culture and Society and Teaching English Learn... Read More →

Dr. Karen Strunk Taylor

Associate Principal for Students and Staff, Community High School District 99

Dr. Karen Strunk Taylor brings over 30 years of experience in public education to her work. Her diverse career spans roles as a special education teacher, department chair, and Dean of Students. She currently serves as Associate Principal for Students and Staff, where she developed a deep expertise in n... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird E