The MO Hope Policy: Regional Systems Learning Academy is a facilitated professional learning experience designed to help Missouri schools move from suicide prevention policy requirements to practical, sustainable implementation. Building on the work of the MO Hope Policy Academy, the Regional Academy provides school and district teams with an opportunity to examine how suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies are being put into practice within their local systems.

 

Using Group Model Building, participants will examine their current systems, identify strengths and challenges, and explore the connections among policies, people, procedures, and resources. Through this collaborative process, participants will identify priorities and opportunities for strengthening suicide prevention efforts within their schools and districts.

 

Participants will leave with experience applying a structured systems-thinking approach, stronger connections with regional partners and thinking partners, and actionable priorities to support continued policy-to-practice implementation within their schools, districts, and communities.

Logistics

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This is open to school employees interested in joining the conversation on suicide prevention in schools, including but not limited to: school counselors, school administrators, school social workers, school nurses, and school psychologists.

 

Participants have three options to choose from, based on their schedule and convenience: 

• Session 1: Kansas City: October 15, 2026, 9-12pm

• Session 2: Jefferson City: October 20, 2026, 9-12pm

• Session 3: Nixa, MO (Springfield area): October 23, 2026, 9-12pm

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What to expect: Wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle, your district/school’s suicide policies, and prepare to engage with other professionals across the region. 

 

Your to-do list: 

1. Sign up: Register to save your spot. 

2. Read the model DESE policy

3. Find and review your district/school’s suicide policies and protocols or procedures. Bring this with you to training!

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We're grateful for your time and your commitment to this work, and we look forward to building this together.