All Hands on Deck: Navigating Education Together in Reno County

All Hands on Deck Brings Reno County Educators Together for a Day of Collaboration and Learning

More than 1,100 educators from schools across Reno County gathered Monday, January 5, 2026, for the All Hands on Deck education event. The countywide professional development day brought together teachers, administrators, and education professionals representing every public school district in Reno County, along with Hutchinson Community College, the Reno County Education Cooperative (RCEC), ESSDACK, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, the Kansas State Department of Education, Valley Center Public Schools, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Central Christian School, and numerous local school districts, organizations, and businesses. Presentations and sessions were held across multiple locations, including the Sports Arena, Hutchinson Community College campus, Cosmosphere Banquet Room, Cosmosphere Neal Family Learning Center, Parker Student Union, Justice Theatre, Gallery Theatre, Waldo Auditorium at Lockman Hall, and various classrooms and meeting spaces throughout the campus. The event featured a full day of learning opportunities with more than 120 presenters sharing expertise on a wide range of education-related topics.

Inspiring the Day: Kim Bearden Keynote Speaker

The day began with a keynote presentation from Kim Bearden, cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the nationally recognized Ron Clark Academy. During her morning address at the Sports Arena, Bearden shared perspectives on engaging students, building meaningful relationships, encouraging creativity, and fostering positive school cultures. In addition to the keynote, she led three additional sessions throughout the day, allowing educators multiple opportunities to learn from her experience.

Bearden brings nearly four decades of experience in education and has been honored with numerous accolades, including induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, the Disney American Teacher Award for Outstanding Humanities Teacher, and the Milken Award for Excellence in Education. She is also a bestselling author of four books, with her most recent release, I Really Need You to Hear This, published in June 2025.

Breakout Sessions Highlight Health, Wellness, and Student Success

Throughout the day, educators participated in breakout sessions that addressed the intersection of student health, academic success, and community support.

Reno County Health Department staff led several sessions covering topics such as sexual health education, healthy relationships, mental health resources, and overdose awareness and response. These sessions emphasized practical strategies educators can use to support students both inside and outside the classroom.

Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Education Supervisor

 Kara Bunce, Reno County Health Educator

Thomas Simmons, Reno County Health Educator

Sessions were:

• Sexual Health 101 and Healthy Relationships/Conversations, led by Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Education Supervisor, focused on STI prevention, responsible decision-making, and relationship health.

• Brains, Bodies, and Better Outcomes, Strengthening Student Success Through an Education-Public Health Partnership led by Kara Bunce, Reno County Health Educator, explored the vital link between public health and education and offered strategies for strengthening school–health partnerships.

• Presentations the Health Education Department can do for you, led by Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Education Supervisor, highlighted the variety of presentations, classes, and certifications the Health Education Department can bring directly into classrooms, reinforcing the department’s role as a partner in student and community well-being. Here is a link to their programming guide.

• You’re Not Alone: Connecting Schools to Mental Health Services in Reno County, led by Kara Bunce, Reno County Health Educator, provided educators with an overview of mental health resources available in Reno County and practical strategies for connecting students and families to services.

• Overdose Recognition and Naloxone Administration, led by Thomas Simmons, Reno County Health Educator, equipped participants with life-saving knowledge and hands-on skills to respond to overdoses.

In addition to health-focused sessions, breakout offerings spanned a wide range of topics, including instructional practices, collaboration across grade levels and subject areas, inclusive classroom environments, leadership development, college and career readiness, data-informed decision-making, and enrichment opportunities through athletics, the arts, and community partnerships.

Vendor Showcase Supports Schools and Educators

The day also included a vendor showcase held during the extended lunch period at the Parker Student Union, providing educators time to explore educational resources, programs, and services. Vendor participation helps offset event costs for schools while offering businesses a valuable opportunity to connect directly with educators from across the county.

As the event concluded, organizers highlighted All Hands on Deck as a key opportunity for collaboration, shared learning, and continued investment in educators and students throughout Reno County.