JOIN US FOR THE OCTOBER STATE MEETING AND NETWORK CONVERSATIONS FOR DIRECTORS, EDUCATION MANAGERS, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & DISABILITIES, and PARENTS.
October 8, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
ACORNS RESORT
3710 Farnum Creek Rd., Milford Lake, KS 66514
PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL ALSO BE HOLDING AN OPTIONAL PRE-SESSION ON OCTOBER 7, 2026, 1:00 PM TO 4:30 PM AT ACORNS RESORT.
LEARNING. PLAYING. GROWING. HEAD START IN KANSAS
Acorns Resort, Milford Lake, 9 am- 3pm, Thursday, October 8, 2026
Early Bird tickets at $40 are available until August 31, 2026. Regular price is $60.
Thursday, October 8, State Meeting and Network Sessions Agenda:
8:15 Arrival, check-in, and networking. Light breakfast provided.
9:00 Welcome and Opening. Keynote: Screens Down—Nature’s Calling: Benefits of the Natural World for Adult Well-Being with Ms. Jen Alexander dives into the science of nature’s benefi ts for adult mental health. Participants will leave with practical ways they can improve their own regulation and well-being by connecting with nature, especially in relation to habit stacking—a simple approach to making small adjustments that bring big impact.
10:15 National Updates (NHSA invited) and KHSA Membership Meeting
10:45 Break, Visit Vendors
11:00 Networking Sessions
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Networking Sessions
2:40 Closing
3:00 Safe Travels!
Ms. Jen Alexander (MA, NCC, SB-RPT) is an experienced trauma-informed educator, school counselor, expert on childhood trauma, global speaker, and consultant. She is also the best selling author of Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, Becoming a Trauma-Sensitive Educator, and her new trauma-sensitive quick guide series! Known by children and adults alike as "Ms. Jen," she loves helping kids--and giving others the tools and strategies they need to help kids, too.
Acorns Resort: Lodging is available at Acorns Resort, but fills up quickly, so make your reservation soon. Check lodging (cabins and lodge rooms) availability here. Acorns is located at 3710 Farnum Creek Rd., Milford, KS 66514, and is about 15 minutes north of Junction City.
T-shirts – Everyone is encouraged to wear a KHSA t-shirt! Our new design is "Learning. Playing. Growing!" Purchase your shirt at the KHSA Bonfire store.