The Office of School Safety Hosts its 9th Annual Student-Staff Summits: The Power of Students in Safety

(news release from the Colorado Office of School Safety)

LAKEWOOD, CO- The Colorado Office of School Safety, an office of the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), is hosting a series of Student-Staff Summits in 2025-2026 to amplify youth voices and capture school safety concerns from communities across the state. The following dates and locations are scheduled in-person:

• Yuma High School on October 15, 2025 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Register here.

• Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University on February 10, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Pueblo Community College on February 24, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Power of Students in Safety Summits are geared to foster discussions among students, parents, and school staff about feeling safe in school spaces, building and cultivating healthy relationships in person and online, and understanding how substance use is seen within youth culture. “Safety gets stronger when students lead the conversation. From healthy peer relationships to substance use and overdose prevention, these sessions are designed to give students practical tools and give adults clear insights they can act upon,” said Chris Harms, Director for the Office of School Safety. “When we include, invest, and listen to youth, schools become safer for everyone.”

Keynote speakers include Lynn Riemer, President, Act on Drugs. Riemer is scheduled to present "The Impact of Drugs on the Teen Brain, Body and Future". This workshop helps identify substances of abuse and address the impact of drugs on the adolescent brain and body. Teens will also learn about the dangers of Vaping, how to recognize Fentanyl, the indicators of its use, help someone who has overdosed, and why access to Narcan is important.The Summits are free for students in 8th to 12th grades. Groups of up to six students for every staff member are welcome. Visit the OSS website and scroll to the calendar to register for the events. Registration includes complimentary lunch and snacks for attendees.  

Reach out to Margaret Ochoa, Manager, Colorado School Safety Resource Center, for questions or sponsorship opportunities. Additional resources for educators, parents and students, and information about the agency are available at the Office of School Safety website.