2025 Shape Iowa Convention

Youth mental health has declined in the last decade. Five kids in a class of twenty-five will likely experience depression before adulthood. The latest reports on youth mental health showed that currently, 1 in 3 youth experience poor mental health and almost half felt persistently sad or hopeless. Schools have been and will continue to be a crucial part of the solution. Erika’s Lighthouse provides skills-based, teacher-led programs for grades 4-12 that educate students about adolescent depression, encourage conversations to reduce stigma, and teach help-seeking skills while meeting National Health Education Standards. This session will describe how utilizing these programs can have a positive impact on your students and your school’s mental health culture and school climate. Participants will learn how to immediately access and implement these free turn-key programs along with other resources available for staff and families.

The Safe Routes to School Coordinators in Iowa support schools by offering in-person lessons, co-taught activities, and providing resources and equipment lending. They ensure every student learns essential bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic safety skills, including understanding local laws. Coordinators foster safe transportation habits through hands-on activities and encourage physical activity. This presentation will demonstrate skill stations and rotations for teaching safety and riding skills. Additionally, Safe Routes to School assists local school champions with organizing Walking School Bus, Bike Bus, and Walk & Roll to School Day events, promoting active transportation in a fun and safe way.
As e-bikes become more popular, it’s crucial to address safety and rules for their use, ensuring students of all ages understand how to ride responsibly. Safe Routes to School is also looking at ways to incorporate e-bike education alongside traditional bike safety lessons.

More than 70 Iowa Schools have partnered with PLT4M to create a more student-focused Physical Education program. Learn how schools across the state are vertically aligning instruction and leveraging instructional technology to personalize and enhance the student experience.

Join the DYNAMIC DUO of Mic Siefert and Daniel Hill as they share over 50 years of combined HEROIC themed tips, tools and tricks. Engage your students from start to finish and encourage them to explore their SUPER powers!