School Safety Today

Ray Fuller, Coordinator of Threat Assessment and Safety at Texas' Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, talks threat assessment.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Dr. Vincent Iturralde, Chief Operations Officer for North Chicago School District 187. Dr. Iturralde shares insights from his educational journey, emphasizing the need for schools to update emergency response protocols, strengthen communication systems, and prioritize collaboration over mere compliance to ensure the safety of students and staff. Through real-world examples, he illustrates the challenges of reunification efforts and underscores the critical role of proactive planning.KEY POINTS:Emergency management is more than drills and compliance—it is critical all stakeholders understand the why.Reunification planning is complex and must be practiced and continued to be refined.Emergency management is bigger than one person and collaboration is key to success.Our guest, Dr. Vincent Iturralde is the Chief Operations Officer for North Chicago School District 187 and oversees the district's operations, security, facilities, and school leadership. Dr. Iturralde has proven experience as an Educational Leadership Consultant, a Transformational Coordinator for North Chicago School District 187, a Leadership Coach for the University of Illinois Center for Urban Education Leadership, and a Part-Time Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and Concordia University. Before these positions, Dr. Iturralde was the founding principal of the Tarkington School of Excellence in Chicago, IL. He has his Educational Doctorate and Master of Education from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He was an educator in the Chicago Public Schools system for 20 years as a teacher, technology coordinator and school improvement coordinator. In 2008, Dr. Iturralde became a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and, in 2009, received the Re-Generation Award for Excellence in Environmental Education from the U. S. Department of Green Building Council.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews Shawn Toadvine, Manager of Student Programs, Client Services, PublicSchoolWORKS. The discussion emphasizes that anonymous reporting is not just a compliance tool but a critical element in school safety and student well-being.KEY POINTS:Fostering a culture of trust is essential for anonymous reporting to work effectively.Comprehensive training ensures educators, students, and parents understand how to use the system and the process for follow-up.Anonymous reporting addresses not only threats but also student mental health and well-being.Our guest, Shawn Toadvine is an accomplished professional serving as the Manager of Student Programs at PublicSchoolWORKS since 2013. With a background in theatre, he holds a bachelor's degree in theatre from Northern Kentucky University and later pursued a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Cincinnati. Drawing from his experience as an administrator, Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, developing meaningful programs that positively impact students' lives. His dedication to education and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the Raptor pack!

In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Lea Bauer, an expert in threat assessment and protective intelligence. Lea highlights the value of incorporating a student's digital world into threat assessments and offers schools practical guidance and resources for success. She also provides guidance on how to build and maintain trust with various stakeholders. KEY POINTS:Integrating a student's digital world is vital for a thorough behavioral threat assessment.Adding a tech-savvy educator to the team ensures the student's digital presence is accurately assessed.Building and maintaining trust is essential for sustaining campus safety throughout the threat assessment process.Our guest, Lea Bauer brings over 25 years of expertise in threat assessment, protective intelligence, physical security operations, executive protection, and investigations. She is the founder of Bauer S&I Specialists, LLC, a private investigative and security firm serving corporate and individual clients, with a specialized focus on protective intelligence and security solutions for the entertainment industry.As a consultant for Sigma, now part of Raptor, Lea provides expert guidance and training in threat assessment and management to K-12 schools, colleges, workplaces, and high-profile individuals and families. A licensed private investigator, she is also an active member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).Lea's impressive career includes her tenure as a Senior Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, where she conducted threat assessments, provided physical security and safeguarded national leaders. She also worked closely with the Department of Defense to deliver training on counterterrorism strategies, including tackling extremist threats and terrorist financing. Before her law enforcement career, Lea was a licensed professional counselor, giving her a unique perspective on human behavior and risk dynamics.

In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, about the critical role of learning from averted school violence incidents. Michele highlights the importance of the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project, a unique resource that collects and analyzes "saves"—instances where school tragedies were successfully prevented.Drawing on her extensive experience as an educator and advocate, Michele discusses how these prevention stories offer actionable insights that help improve school safety policies and procedures.KEY POINTS:The ASV Project provides essential lessons from incidents where crises were prevented, helping schools refine their safety measures.Stories from the ASV Project highlight practical steps schools can take to identify and address potential threats before they escalate.Strong relationships between students, staff, and safety teams are at the core of early intervention and effective crisis prevention.How to learn more about the ASV Project and Safe and Sound Schools.Our guest, Michele Gay, mother, educator, and co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, chose to take action after losing her daughter Josephine Grace on December 14, 2012. Since that time, she has channeled her work as an advocate, improving safety and security in schools and communities across our country. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson State University, Michele earned her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. Prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy, she taught at the elementary level in the Maryland and Virginia public schools. Now a nationally and internationally recognized public speaker, school safety expert, and a regular contributor for print, radio, and television outlets.As the primary visionary and author of Safe and Sound's programs and materials, Michele has served as a stakeholder voice in national legislative discussions. Through these works, she continues to build Safe and Sound Schools as a national hub of school safety education, technical assistance, expert content, and best practices. An educator by training — and fueled by the heart of a mother and community member — Michele is uniquely positioned to help others prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from tragedies of their own. Remaining inspired by Josephine, every day, she dedicates herself to honoring Josephine's memory through this work to ensure that every school, every child, and every community is truly safe and sound.

This episode of the School Safety Today podcast, by Raptor Technologies, features an in-depth discussion with Dr. David Diehl, Director of Student and Community Services at Selma Unified School District (CA), about the critical role of preparation in ensuring school safety. Dr. Diehl shares his experiences, including a pivotal crisis incident, and emphasizes how proper planning, technology, and a culture of safety can mitigate risks and enhance crisis responses in schools.KEY POINTS:A well-executed reunification process is critical for the safe return of students to their guardians in crises, reducing the potential for miscommunication or harm.Detailed, actionable emergency plans tailored to specific scenarios are essential. They should include realistic drills and role-specific responsibilities for staff.Using technology to streamline crisis management through providing real-time student accountability, ensuring efficient communication and deployment of resources during emergencies.Our guest, Dr. David Diehl, is the Director of Student and Community Services for the Selma Unified School District (CA). He was previously a Coordinator of MTSS and an Assistant Principal for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Before entering education, he retired as a police sergeant after 24 years in law enforcement. Dr. Diehl's Doctoral research was inspired by the 21 students he lost to gang-related homicides while teaching in a Central California court school. He has worked extensively with system-involved youth in court schools, community day schools, and alternative education settings. A sought-after speaker and published author, Dr. Diehl is a proponent of data-informed interventions prior to 6th grade, along with providing educators with increased awareness into the lives of street-socialized students from marginalized communities. He believes this approach can improve student engagement, increase resilience, and impede future incarceration.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy speaks with Benjamin S. Fernandez, MS. Ed., School Psychologist about the crucial role of crisis teams in schools. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparedness, prevention, and relationship-building to effectively manage crises and ensure student wellbeing.KEY POINTS:Crisis teams play a crucial role in prevention, psychological recovery, and long-term support to promote student wellbeing.Building trust with students, staff, and families before a crisis occurs is foundationalCrisis teams focus on addressing mental health and psychological recovery post-crisis, whereas threat assessment teams proactively evaluate and manage potential threats.Our guest, Benjamin S. Fernandez, MS. Ed., is a seasoned school psychologist with over 28 years of experience in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Currently serving as a crisis intervention specialist in Northern Virginia, he leads and coordinates crisis intervention services. Benjamin has a rich background in providing mental health services, including assessments, suicide screenings, threat assessments, consultation, and counseling. He is a Lead PREPaRE Trainer and has presented on youth suicide, school mental health, and crisis intervention. He has testified before various government bodies and contributed to the Virginia Department of Education's Suicide Prevention Guidelines. Recognized for his significant contributions, he has received multiple awards, including School Psychologist of the Year by both the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Psychologists.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Melissa Kree about fostering resilience in students. Kree shares insights from her role in student mental health and school safety. The discussion emphasizes the role of trusted adults in supporting students, exploring how resilience involves ongoing support from families, educators, and communities.KEY POINTS:Resilience Requires Intentional Support — Students benefit from consistent support.The Importance of Trusted Adult Relationships — Trusted adults play an essential role in helping students navigate difficult experiences and build resilience.Holistic Approach to School Safety — Fostering a supportive school culture and positive student well-being are essential for school safety.Our guest, Melissa Kree is a seasoned school psychologist with over a decade of experience at Oxford Community Schools in Michigan. Since joining the district in October 2012, Kree has worked across all educational levels, from pre-kindergarten through high school. She coordinates building-level Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) teams and oversees special education evaluations. Additionally, she serves as a district-level Individualized Education Program (IEP) coach. Kree is an active member of the district's crisis team and participates in building-level threat and suicide risk assessment teams, utilizing both Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) and PREPaRE models. She has been an ongoing part of Oxford's response to the tragedy on November 30th, 2021, and works closely with the Executive Director of School Safety, Operational Technology, and Student Services to regularly review and implement policies and procedures, as well as lead building level teams in the implementation as situations arise. She serves on the district mental health/SEL committee and participates in county-level PREPaRE community of practice groups. Beyond her district responsibilities, she serves on the mental health and SEL committee of the Michigan Association of School Psychologists, advocating for the integration of mental health considerations in all aspects of school safety. Residing in Oxford with her husband and two children, Kree is deeply committed to the well-being and safety of her community.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews Chief Ronald Applin, Chief of Police at Atlanta Public Schools. The conversation centers around the department's unique approach to law enforcement, focusing on student well-being, mental health, and reducing the school-to-prison pipeline. Chief Applin explains how the department addresses the gap in law enforcement services, with an emphasis on restorative practices and positive behavior interventions, aiming to ensure that students are not criminalized for issues that can be addressed through support and guidance. KEY POINTS: How they use restorative practices to help address issues while holding students accountable for their actions. Providing specialized training in mental health first aid, social-emotional learning, and crisis intervention to enable officers to be guardians alongside being a warrior. Using an Intervention Specialist to change the trajectory of students' lives. Building strong officer relationships with students, often acting as mentors and engaging in non-custodial conversations that help foster trust to increase school safety. Our guest, Chief Ronald Applin, Chief of Police, Atlanta Public Schools, has over 32 years of law enforcement experience. After completing boot camp for the United States Marine Corps, he served in the Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years. He simultaneously began his career with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in 1989 and retired in 2010 at the rank Captain. During his tenure at the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, he commanded the day-to-day operations of the Law Enforcement Division, SWAT Team, oversaw the implementation of 911 services for the City of Chattahoochee Hills and served as the Venue Commander for the 2008 Brian Nichols Trial. In 2011, he became a faculty member with Reinhardt University Public Safety Institute, where he continues to serve, teaching undergraduate and graduate level criminal justice courses. He also taught in the Law and Justice Program at Creekside High School. His love for public safety led him to accept an offer to serve as the Director of Security at Landmark Christian School in 2013. The experiences gained in this position prepared him for the highlight of his law enforcement career—being selected as the Chief of Police for the newly created Atlanta Public Schools Police Department. As a product of the Atlanta Public School System, Charles Lincoln Harper High School 1986 graduating class, this was a full circle moment for him. Chief Applin earned a Bachelor of Science Social Science in Criminal Justice from Mercer University, Master of Public Administration from Troy University, and has completed all coursework, with the exception of a dissertation, for his PhD in Criminal Justice from Capella University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy 220th Session and a graduate of the inaugural class of Mercer University's Public Safety Leadership Institute. Chief Applin's leadership and professionalism extend beyond the halls of the schools he serves. He is an active member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Georgia Alliance of School Resource Officers and Educators (GASROE) Board of Directors, National Center for School Safety Advisory Board, Landmark Christian School Board of Directors and Atlanta Technical College Criminal Justice Program Advisory Committee, Graduate of the United Way VIP 2021.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Dr. Stephanie Leite, Senior Threat Manager. Gain valuable insights from her expertise as she delves into behavioral threat assessment, with a particular emphasis on understanding threat assessment in autistic students.KEY POINTS:Recognizing the critical distinction between reactive and targeted violence helps educators better identify and respond to student behaviors without jumping to conclusions.Navigating the complexities of conducting threat assessments for autistic students, emphasizing the importance of lifting them up rather than isolating them.Successful threat assessments involve collaboration with families, educators, and occupational therapistsOur guest, Dr. Leite is a distinguished forensic psychologist based in Hartford, CT, renowned for delivering high-quality psychological evaluations. She specializes in risk and threat assessments for courts, schools, and workplaces, providing expert insights that inform safety and management strategies. Dr. Leite thrives in training on psychology and risk management, offering her services for case consultations across a spectrum of issues, including child protection, complex psychopathology, fitness for duty, high-conflict divorce, and adolescent behavior. Licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, she consults nationwide.Dr. Leite is an active member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Connecticut Psychological Association, where she served as president of the Forensic Division. She is also a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and a past president of the New England ATAP chapter, cherishing her role in the global ATAP community. Additionally, she is affiliated with the National Center for Crisis Management and InfraGuard and is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Threat Assessment and Management.

In this episode of “School Safety Today”, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Lt. Pamela Revels, President of NASRO and Lieutenant of the School Resource Division at the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Alabama. Drawing from 20 years of experience as an SRO, Lt. Revels highlights the vital role School Resource Officers have in creating safer schools through law enforcement, education, and mentorship. She explains how SROs are not only responsible for crisis response but also for building trust, preventing incidents, and guiding students toward better decisions, all in collaboration with school staff and the broader community.Key Takeaways:• Lt. Revels emphasizes the importance of careful selection and comprehensive training for SROs, ensuring they are prepared to meet the unique demands of school environments.• The SRO Triad Model positions officers as law enforcement, educators, and mentors, allowing them to build trust and intervene before issues escalate.• SROs play a pivotal role not just in crisis response, but in daily prevention and relationship-building, making schools safer environments for students and staff alike.Lt. Pamela Revels, originally from Enterprise, Alabama, has served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office since 2004, now holding the position of Lieutenant of the School Resource Division. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration and an MBA from Columbia Southern University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration at Liberty University. A recognized leader in school safety, Lt. Revels is the President of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) and has led the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers (TAASRO) for 14 years. She holds numerous instructor certifications, including RAD, ALERRT, and Taser, and serves on various local and state committees focused on school safety. Lt. Revels is also a Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Department of Justice's Collaborative Reform Initiative, contributing to national curriculum development and presentations. She has been honored multiple times, including being named the We Tip National School Resource Officer of the Year twice. Her community work includes educating students on safety and running the Junior Deputy Academy to foster positive interactions between youth and law enforcement.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Craig Straw, Director of Safety and Emergency Management for Houston Independent School District (HISD). Listen and learn as he shares his experiences and strategies for back-to-school preparations and school safety management.KEY POINTS:Holistic Approach to School Safety to not only prevent active shooter incidents but also prepare for natural disasters, technological hazards, and mental health crisesThe role of training, mental health support, and the involvement of parents in creating a secure environmentOngoing training, open communication, and building relationships within the school and external agenciesOur guest, Craig Straw, is the Director of Safety and Emergency Management for Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the United States. As the first person to hold this position, Craig serves as the top advisor to the HISD Chief of Police and the Superintendent of Schools. His role encompasses managing strategic, operational, and tactical emergency operation plans, standard response protocols, and school safety audits. He is also responsible for training staff in daily operations, including mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery during emergencies. Craig's career in school safety began after a distinguished 27-year tenure in the United States Air Force, where he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. His military experience and passion for service led him to transition into school safety roles in Clear Creek ISD and Texas City ISD before joining HISD. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has earned certifications in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design and Infrastructure Protection from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. Craig is also a dedicated member of The “I Love U Guys” Foundation Board and the National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security Board. He is actively involved in the International Association of Emergency Managers, serving on the K-12 Caucus, where he continues to advocate for and contribute to the field of school safety. Craig's commitment to school safety is driven by his belief in both the moral and legal responsibility to protect every life on campus every day.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with special guest, TJ Markland, General Manager of PayK12. Pay K12 is a cloud-based software platform that provides districts, schools, and departments within, one digital hub for managing school payments and funds. In this episode, we'll discuss how schools can reduce risks and improve efficiency in school payments. Key Takeaways:• Streamlining Payments: Consolidating all school payments into one platform reduces inefficiencies and strengthens financial security across departments.• Unified Transaction Management: Leveraging technology to manage both cash and credit transactions on a unified platform enhances transparency and security.• Emerging Trends: Data interoperability helps schools streamline processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve financial management efficiency.TJ Markland is a recognized expert in school system payments and the General Manager of PayK12, a cloud-based software platform designed to streamline school payments and financial management. With over five years of experience at PayK12, TJ has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform's capabilities, particularly focusing on reducing risks and improving efficiency in school payment systems. Before joining PayK12, TJ worked for a payments company that built its own payment gateway for vertically integrated SaaS (Software as a Service), helping companies easily accept payments. Under TJ's leadership, PayK12 has grown significantly, now serving over 5,000 administrators across 23 states. PayK12 has recently become part of the Raptor Technologies family, allowing the integration of payment systems with safety and security features, further enhancing the offerings for school districts.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Michael Matthews, the Director of Operations for the Fairview Park City School District in the Greater Cleveland Area. Together, they discuss the crucial preparations and strategies necessary for ensuring a safe return to school for students and staff. KEY POINTS: The importance of balancing physical safety measures with the well-being of students and staff Implementing small, manageable changes over time rather than overwhelming staff with large-scale reform The critical role of engaging the entire school community, including staff and local agencies Our guest, Michael Matthews, is the Director of Operations for the Fairview Park City School District in the Greater Cleveland Area. Michael oversees all operational aspects of the district, including business affairs and human resources. With fifteen years of experience as an Elementary Principal and Associate Middle School Principal and eight years as an Elementary Teacher, Michael is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of students and staff in every decision, ensuring that all stakeholders have the essential tools for success.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Michael Matthews, the Director of Operations for the Fairview Park City School District in the Greater Cleveland Area. Together, they discuss the crucial preparations and strategies necessary for ensuring a safe return to school for students and staff. KEY POINTS: The importance of balancing physical safety measures with the well-being of students and staff Implementing small, manageable changes over time rather than overwhelming staff with large-scale reform The critical role of engaging the entire school community, including staff and local agencies Our guest, Michael Matthews, is the Director of Operations for the Fairview Park City School District in the Greater Cleveland Area. Michael oversees all operational aspects of the district, including business affairs and human resources. With fifteen years of experience as an Elementary Principal and Associate Middle School Principal and eight years as an Elementary Teacher, Michael is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of students and staff in every decision, ensuring that all stakeholders have the essential tools for success.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with special guest, Carrie Mockler, the Vice President of Operations at PublicSchoolWORKS, a Raptor Technologies company. PublicSchoolWORKSis a fully automated, all-in-one learning management system for online training for school staff and a comprehensive risk management program.Key Takeaways:• Why having a Safety and Compliance Program is important.• How to create a sustainable solution in an ever-changing landscape.• How to get buy-in from staff who are already overwhelmed with initiatives.In her 15 years at PSW, Carrie Mockler has transformed it into the K-12 safety and wellness trailblazer it is today. Carrie has been described as a people-centric leader and the heartbeat of the organization, and in her time there, she has built an infrastructure that ensures long-term positive outcomes for teachers, staff, and students.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Officer Meg Soultz, Co-Founder of Rescue in Color. Together, they delve into the vital collaboration between law enforcement and school districts to enhance school safety. Meg shares insights from her diverse career in public safety, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and addressing gaps in the system to ensure a safe educational environment. KEY POINTS: The unique role of school resource officers (SROs) in bridging the gap between law enforcement and education. The significance of having MOUs to allow for information sharing between schools and law enforcement to support students' mental health and wellbeing. The initiative of Rescue in Color, a color-coded kit to help educators and staff respond effectively to bleeding control from traumatic injuries. Our guest, Meg Soultz, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this discussion. Meg began her career in public safety as an EMT while earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at DePauw University, where she also distinguished herself as a collegiate athlete, recently inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in softball. Meg furthered her education with a Master's Degree in Biology from the IUPUI Purdue School of Science. Her professional journey includes work as a paramedic in diverse settings—rural, urban, and suburban—gathering 15 years of EMS experience at Putnam County Operation Life and Indianapolis EMS. In addition to her fieldwork, Meg served as a full-time EMS Educator. Her dedication to public safety led her to become a tactical medic for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's SWAT Team and Bomb Squad. This role sparked her interest in law enforcement, culminating in her transition to a full-time position at the Carmel Police Department in Carmel, IN. At Carmel PD, Meg earned a spot on the SWAT team, specializing in less lethal gas munitions and serving as a sergeant in the Carmel Police School Resource Unit. Additionally, she co-founded Rescue in Color, an innovative initiative focused on bleeding control.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Officer Meg Soultz, Co-Founder of Rescue in Color. Together, they delve into the vital collaboration between law enforcement and school districts to enhance school safety. Meg shares insights from her diverse career in public safety, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and addressing gaps in the system to ensure a safe educational environment. KEY POINTS: The unique role of school resource officers (SROs) in bridging the gap between law enforcement and education. The significance of having MOUs to allow for information sharing between schools and law enforcement to support students' mental health and wellbeing. The initiative of Rescue in Color, a color-coded kit to help educators and staff respond effectively to bleeding control from traumatic injuries. Our guest, Meg Soultz, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this discussion. Meg began her career in public safety as an EMT while earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at DePauw University, where she also distinguished herself as a collegiate athlete, recently inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in softball. Meg furthered her education with a Master's Degree in Biology from the IUPUI Purdue School of Science. Her professional journey includes work as a paramedic in diverse settings—rural, urban, and suburban—gathering 15 years of EMS experience at Putnam County Operation Life and Indianapolis EMS. In addition to her fieldwork, Meg served as a full-time EMS Educator. Her dedication to public safety led her to become a tactical medic for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's SWAT Team and Bomb Squad. This role sparked her interest in law enforcement, culminating in her transition to a full-time position at the Carmel Police Department in Carmel, IN. At Carmel PD, Meg earned a spot on the SWAT team, specializing in less lethal gas munitions and serving as a sergeant in the Carmel Police School Resource Unit. Additionally, she co-founded Rescue in Color, an innovative initiative focused on bleeding control.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with special guest, Pat Hamilton, the new executive director of The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, who discusses his extensive background in school safety, the history and impact of the Foundation, and the future initiatives aimed at enhancing safety protocols and programs in schools. Key Takeaways: Journey of Pat and The “I Love U Guys” Foundation Adoption and Impact of Response and Reunification Protocols Future Foundation Focus: Classroom-Level Training for Teachers and Students Integration of Technology in Emergency Response Communications With his 23-year tenure at Adams 12 Five Star Schools and new role as the Executive Director of The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, Pat Hamilton demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing school safety. His involvement with The "I Love U Guys" Foundation since 2008 underscores his dedication to creating safe learning environments and protecting the joy of youth. Pat's knowledge of school safety is evident through his contributions to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM), which earned him the moniker "grandfather of reunification," an acknowledgment that reflects his contributions to school safety. The dedication Pat exhibits to enhancing the safety of schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations, and communities around the world establishes him as a respected leader for The "I Love U Guys" Foundation as it moves forward.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with special guest, Pat Hamilton, the new executive director of The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, who discusses his extensive background in school safety, the history and impact of the Foundation, and the future initiatives aimed at enhancing safety protocols and programs in schools. Key Takeaways: Journey of Pat and The “I Love U Guys” Foundation Adoption and Impact of Response and Reunification Protocols Future Foundation Focus: Classroom-Level Training for Teachers and Students Integration of Technology in Emergency Response Communications With his 23-year tenure at Adams 12 Five Star Schools and new role as the Executive Director of The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, Pat Hamilton demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing school safety. His involvement with The "I Love U Guys" Foundation since 2008 underscores his dedication to creating safe learning environments and protecting the joy of youth. Pat's knowledge of school safety is evident through his contributions to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM), which earned him the moniker "grandfather of reunification," an acknowledgment that reflects his contributions to school safety. The dedication Pat exhibits to enhancing the safety of schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations, and communities around the world establishes him as a respected leader for The "I Love U Guys" Foundation as it moves forward.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Dr. Allison Willemin, Executive Director of School Safety, Operational Technology, and Student Services at Oxford Community Schools, Michigan. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of school safety during the summer months, focusing on practical strategies for preparing for the new school year. KEY POINTS: The importance of aligning priorities with district goals while focusing on manageable small steps The need for collaboration across different departments, as well as city and county agencies Continuous training and engagement with staff allow for school safety to be part of the school climate Go-to places for school safety resources. Where to start, websites, organizations, and associations Dr. Allison Willemin earned her Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership, Inquiry, and Transformation from Concordia University. She also holds a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University. Dr. Willemin has dedicated her career to children's education and remains a lifelong learner. Her extensive experience spans various roles within school districts in North Carolina and Texas, and she currently serves as the Executive Director of School Safety, Operational Technology, and Student Services at Oxford Community Schools in Michigan. She holds numerous certifications across multiple educational disciplines.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss the importance of continuous improvement in threat assessment practices. Dr. Randazzo shares her extensive experience in threat assessment, emphasizing the importance of quality training and to regularly evaluate and enhance their threat assessment processes to prevent violence and address potential threats effectively. Key Takeaways: Behavioral threat assessment is a critical, evidence-based process used by schools to evaluate and mitigate potential threats  Quality training by experienced professionals is critical for effective behavior threat assessment and management  The need for continuous improvement in threat assessment practices due to frequent turnover in school personnel and the evolving nature of threats   Dr. Marisa Randazzo is the Executive Director for Threat Assessment at Raptor Technologies. She brings extensive expertise and experience in threat assessment, threat management, school shootings, and other types of targeted violence and protective intelligence investigations. Previously, she co-founded and led SIGMA Threat Management Associates LLC and served as Executive Director of Threat Management at Ontic. Dr. Randazzo also served for ten years with the U.S. Secret Service, eventually as the agency's Chief Research Psychologist where she co-directed the Safe School Initiative and co-developed the NTAC model, also known as the “federal model” for school threat assessment. Dr. Randazzo is a recognized author of four influential books on threat assessment in educational settings, widely referenced in federal guides and national standards. She holds a Ph.D. and Master's degree from Princeton University and a B.A. from Williams College in Psychology and Religion. Currently, she also serves as Director of Threat Assessment for Georgetown University.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Shannon Jenkins, M.Ed., Coordinator of Mental Health at Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of supporting staff wellbeing within educational settings. KEY POINTS: - Distinction between self-care and wellbeing - Importance of leadership fostering a culture of staff wellbeing - The connection of staff wellbeing and school safety Guest Shannon Jenkins, M.Ed. is the Coordinator of Mental Health at Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado. Previously she worked at Keller ISD in Keller, TX, where she served as the Coordinator of Elementary Counseling for five years and an elementary school counselor for twenty years. She is a fierce advocate for school counseling and mental health support for students. In her current position, she assists with crisis intervention and working with community resources. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies at Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) focused in School Counseling from Dallas Baptist University.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Adam Coughran, President, Safe Kids, Inc. During the conversation, they discussed proactive strategies for preventing violence in schools, focusing on the importance of communication channels within schools, behavioral awareness, and community involvement to aid in early detection and intervention.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Heilit Biehl, Director of Judicial Services, Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County Colorado, Board of Directors Vice-Chair for the “I Love U Guys” Foundation and President of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). During the conversation, they discussed the significance and practical application of behavioral threat assessment within schools. Additionally, they explored resources available to those responsible for overseeing threat assessment processes. KEY POINTS: - Learn practical strategies and resources for improving threat assessment processes - How early detection and intervention through threat assessments can prevent escalation - Understand ways to facilitate transparent communication with parents and guardians Guest Heilit Biehl serves on the Board of Directors for the “I Love U Guys” Foundation as Vice-Chair and is the President of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). She has worked in education for over 15 years with 10 of those years at colleges and universities in Colorado, Florida, and Utah. While in Higher Ed, she worked in Residence Life, Crisis Response, Case Management, and led a Behavior Intervention/CARE team. Heilit also trains school districts on the Adams County Threat Assessment Protocol (Pre K-12) Heilit is also a board delegate and Scholarship Chair for the Colorado Association of Latino/Latina Administrators & Superintendents (CO-ALAS).

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Bruce Canal, Executive Lead for K-12 / Higher Education at Genetec, Inc. During the conversation, they focused on several critical aspects of enhancing safety in educational environments.Key Takeaways:• The formation and importance of Threat Assessment teams • The role of analytics and AI in school safety• The significance of access control and school security cultureBruce A. Canal, CPP, has been in the school security environment for over 25 years, most of which as an end user. He is the Executive Lead for K-12 / Higher Education at Genetec, Inc. In this capacity, he is responsible for developing and driving business strategy for the education vertical, driving brand awareness, and cultivating partnership and end-user relationships. As a subject matter expert in education, he is involved in many education-related initiatives. Bruce is the former director of physical security for the 8th largest school district in the United States, Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, FL. His first career was serving as an officer for the Indiana State Police before accepting his first school director assignment. He is accredited by ASIS International as a Certified Protection Professional and is an active member of the “School Safety and Security” community. Bruce also sits on the ASIS Foundation Scholarship Committee, is a technology committee member of the Partnership Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS K-12), sits on the board of Zero Now for higher education, and is an active member of the National School Resource Officers Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Bree Borgsteadt, LCSW-S, Director of Outpatient Services at Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute. During the conversation, they discussed Self-Injury Awareness Month and the importance of understanding, identifying, and addressing self-injury among students.KEY POINTS:• The concept of self-injury, differentiating it from suicidal behaviors • Misconceptions and stigmas surrounding self-injury • How educators and school staff can support students dealing with self-injuryGuest Bree Borgsteadt, LCSW-S, Director of Outpatient Services at Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute, specializes in intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services for adolescents and adults. Her work includes developing non-suicidal self-injury protocols for a large school district, showcasing her commitment to supporting individuals through difficulties toward recovery.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Matias Klein, Founder & CEO of Kognition AI. During the conversation, they discussed leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance security in educational settings. Matias shares his journey from aspiring healthcare professional to tech entrepreneur, emphasizing the role of AI in preemptively identifying and mitigating security threats, such as unauthorized access or active shooters, to ensure the safety of schools and other educational facilities.Key Takeaways:• How artificial intelligence works in conjunction with existing security infrastructure and systems to enhance school safety.• Ways to shift security measures from reactive to proactive and identify potential threats before they escalate.• The role technology integrations have in optimizing emergency management and communication in response to various incidents.Guest Matias Klein is the Founder and CEO of Kognition AI. Matias is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator with a long and successful track record of launching groundbreaking new software solutions. Most recently Matias was Vice President of Product Management at McKesson where he was responsible for driving growth and innovation in a $1B financial services software portfolio. Prior to McKesson, Matias was SVP of Technology and led R&D and technology operations at Portico Systems, which McKesson acquired for $90M. Matias joined Portico's leadership team when they acquired his first startup, Ethidium Health Systems.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Angela Lee, Director of Love Is Respect at the National Domestic Hotline. During the conversation, they discussed Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and the significance of educators understanding the signs of unhealthy relationships and teen dating violence so they can recognize and address them effectively.KEY POINTS:• The widespread issue of teen dating abuse• Educating youth about healthy relationships • The importance of adult support in preventing dating violenceGuest Angela Lee is the Director of Love is Respect at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, where she has worked for nearly 13 years. With over two decades of experience in the social justice field, including substance abuse, behavioral health, sexual assault, and support for at-risk youth, Lee has dedicated her career to empowering young people to establish and maintain healthy, respectful relationships. Her work at Love is Respect focuses on preventing intimate partner violence through education, support, and resources aimed at young people and their allies.

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies.In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Jamison Peevyhouse, VP of Public Safety, RapidSOS. During the conversation, they discuss enhancing emergency response outcomes by securely linking life-saving data from connected devices directly to emergency services.Key Takeaways:• E911 Data Enhancement: Provides precise location and contextual information for quicker, more effective emergency responses in schools.• Technology in School Safety: How the use of integrated technology, like sensors and campus maps in conjunction with enriched E911 data, leads to improved student and staff safety.• Collaboration with Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs): How schools and districts can work with ECCs to improve safety protocols and ensure coordinated emergency responses for better outcomes.Guest Jamison Peevyhouse is the VP of Public Safety at RapidSOS. With over 25 years of experience in public safety and 9-1-1 operations, Jamison has a long history of public service. Starting as a telecommunicator on the midnight shift, Jamison continued to serve as a trainer, supervisor, and director of operations. More recently, he served as the Statewide Training Coordinator for Tennessee, where he helped to meet the needs of the state's 2,400+ telecommunicators. He is also a Past President of the National Emergency Number Association. Jamison's commitment to servant-based leadership and communication skills receive many awards, including TN-APCO Director of the Year, the Senator Joe Haynes Award for Excellence, and the NENA Hall of Fame. Jamison's life-long passion is growing a culture of compassion and collaboration within public safety organizations. He currently serves as Vice President of Public Safety for RapidSOS, which delivers life-saving customer data from 450 million devices to 9-1-1 Centers across the U.S.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Annabelle Thomson, Program Specialist with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) Child Sex Trafficking Team, to discuss the nature and scope of child sex trafficking, misconceptions and warning signs in children, the role of educators and communities in prevention and support, as well as free resources available to help schools proactively combat this growing problem.KEY POINTS:• Human trafficking includes child sex trafficking and happens across the country.• Educators play a crucial role in identifying and supporting potential victims. Warning signs include changes in behavior, unexplained possessions, and periods of missing from home or school.• Community and school engagement, understanding students' backgrounds, and providing a safe, supportive environment. Guest Annabelle Thomson is the Program Specialist with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) Child Sex Trafficking Team. Previously, Ms. Thomson served as an anti-trafficking subject matter expert and logistics coordinator with the national SOAR to Health and Wellness Training under the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC) which is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Trafficking in Persons.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Natalie Mactier, CEO of Vivi International. Natalie discusses the evolution of classroom technology into an integrated school safety communication system that includes:• Highly targeted emergency notifications and integrations with other security systems, enhancing campus safety and situational awareness.• Using visual alerts in school safety strategies that ensure inclusivity for all students and staff, regardless of language fluency or auditory abilities. • Customizable templates for various emergencies, like natural disasters or campus intruders ─ aligned with standard response protocols.Guest Natalie Mactier is the Chief Executive Officer for Vivi International Pty Ltd. Her leadership has guided the development of Vivi into a multifaceted communication tool that enhances classroom learning and plays a crucial role in campus-wide emergency response systems.She is also on the board of Webcentral Ltd. and WebCentral Group Pty Ltd. In the past, she occupied the position of Chief Executive Officer at School Places Pty Ltd., Manager-Public Relations at SEEK Ltd., Manager-National Sales at Europcar Mobility Group SA, Chief Executive Officer of Kidspot.com.au Pty Ltd., and Principal at Ansett Airlines.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Kenya Haynes, Program Specialist at the National Center for Homeless to discuss the complexities surrounding the issue of students experiencing homelessness and the educational strategies required to address these challenges effectively.• The critical role of local homeless education liaisons in school districts with students experiencing homelessness.• The critical role of local homeless education liaisons in school districts to identify students experiencing homelessness and ensure they receive the necessary support to continue their education.• The need for empathy, compassion, and individualized attention in supporting these students.Guest Kenya Haynes is a program specialist at the National Center for Homeless Education. An educator for 25 years, she joined NCHE in 2018 after sixteen years at the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) where she focused her energy on working with vulnerable student populations. During her tenure at WDE, she worked with homeless education, dropout prevention, juvenile justice, gender equity, civil rights, school accreditation, gifted and talented education, homeschooling, Title I, and the state system of support. She is honored to have served on the board of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and as liaison to the National Expert Panel for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Liz Nowland-Margolis, Executive Director of School Safety and District Operations for Ann Arbor Public Schools for part two of a two-part series on proactive student wellbeing through early intervention to discuss the importance of:• Proactive approaches to school safety, including early interventions for student wellbeing and the balance between hardening school infrastructure and maintaining a welcoming environment.• Implementation and significance of comprehensive assessment tools like the CSTAG and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, underscoring their role in early identification and support for students at risk.• Collaboration among school staff, law enforcement, and mental health services, as well as engaging and educating parents and the community about school safety protocols.Guest Liz Nolan-Margolis is an experienced professional with a background in marketing, communications, public relations, crisis planning, management, and response, as well as strategic planning. She has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of School Safety and District Operations for Ann Arbor Public Schools. Liz has extensive experience in crisis management, including response training, communication response, crisis response team development, and on-site crisis response leadership. Her role involves a strong focus on school safety, implementing programs, and balancing safety initiatives with the educational environment.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Dr. Frank Straub, Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs at Safe and Sound Schools and Co-Director of the “Protect 2 Prevent” project for part one of a two-part series on proactive student wellbeing through early intervention to discuss the importance of:• The inception and development of the “Protect 2 Prevent” program at Michigan State University, aimed at early intervention to prevent acts of violence.• The multidisciplinary approach involving experts in the areas of psychiatry, criminology, health professionals, educators, and targeted violence experts.• The importance of community and caregiver involvement in changing the life trajectory of high-risk adolescents towards positive and pro-social activities.Guest Dr. Frank Straub is the Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs at Safe and Sound Schools and Co-Director of the “Protect 2 Prevent” project. He has an extensive background in law enforcement and violence prevention, serving as the founder and director of the National Policing Institute's Center for Targeted Violence Prevention and as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. A licensed clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. in criminal justice, he's recognized for his work in youth violence prevention, improving police-community relations, and enhancing police response to mental health challenges.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Missy Dodds, speaker and trainer for Safe and Sound Schools, a national non-profit school safety advocacy and resource center. They discussed the pivotal role parents play in advocating for and ensuring the safety of their children within the educational environment and how schools can strengthen the school-parent partnership to enhance safety.Key Takeaways:• Ways to build an effective school-parent partnership around school safety.• How schools can offer tools and resources to parents to educate them about school safety and mental health support.• Opportunities for collaborative relationship building with community organizations to enhance the support they offer to parents.Missy also shared her personal experience of being a high school math teacher when a school shooting occurred on March 21, 2005. She discusses the traumatic events of that day and the years of healing, including dealing with PTSD.

In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Carolyn Jennings-Brown, Founder and Program Director of “Hey Dude, Nice Shoes” to discuss the importance of:• Raising awareness about bullying and shifting the focus from merely identifying the problem to finding solutions and promoting kindness.• How bullying has evolved over the years, especially due to the influence of social media and technology.• Setting clear standards of behavior for children, to create safe spaces for communication, and to model pro-kindness behavior, as well as celebrating and appreciating children for who they are.Guest Carolyn Jennings Brown is a dedicated advocate and motivational speaker for anti-bullying and pro-kindness initiatives. She travels across the United States to deliver her presentation, "Hey Dude, Nice Shoes" to students and parents, impacting thousands of lives each year. She also received the National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to school safety and mental health awareness.

Student suicide prevention is a paramount concern among mental health providers. For one organization, student suicide prevention is more than a concern: it's their mission.The alarming rise in mental health crises among youth has become a pressing concern in recent times. With the complexities of modern life and the challenges of the digital age, young individuals are more susceptible to mental health issues than ever before. A startling statistic reveals that in 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 10 and 34. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies and interventions to address the mental health crisis among young Americans. How can we effectively address and destigmatize mental health issues, especially among marginalized communities? The Defensive Line's mission is to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for people of color, by transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health. In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Chris and Martha Thomas from The Defensive Line to shed light on the rise and stigma of mental health crisis among youth and discussed the following:• The necessity to destigmatize some of the myths about mental health, mental illness, and suicide, particularly in marginalized communities of color• The vital role educators and communities play in recognizing the warning signs of mental health issues and suicide ideation among youth• The urgent need to provide educational programs and workshops and advocate for a collaborative approach to understand the complete picture and help the person in needChris and Martha Thomas are the co-founders of The Defensive Line, dedicating themselves to suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the wake of a personal tragedy. Their endeavors span various platforms, including educational workshops and keynote speeches, aiming to foster environments of understanding and support. The couple has received recognition for their relentless work, including the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award.

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies.In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with John-Michael Keyes, executive director and co-founder of the “I Love U Guys” Foundation to shed light on their mission, collaboration, and unique approach to training, all aimed at protecting the joy of youth. During the podcast, they discussed the following:• The development and implementation of the Standard Response Protocol, a shared vocabulary between students, staff, and the first responders for school safety.• Challenges and strategies for reunification of students with parents after a crisis while maintaining accountability and mental health support.• The Foundation's unique approach to training with insights from trainers having personal experience in crisis.The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, was established in 2006 after John-Michael and his wife, Ellen, lost their daughter, Emily to a tragic school shooting, Emily's last text messages that day were, “I love U Guys, K” to her mother, and ”I Love U Guys” to her father, which became the catalyst for their mission to restore and protect the joy of youth through educational programs and positive actions in collaboration with families, school, communities, and government entities.

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies.In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Mark Ruiters, Founder of SchoolPass and Chief Strategy Officer at Raptor Technologies to shed light on the benefits and challenges of private schools automating campus operations through adopting transformative technology and discussed the following:• The unique challenges private schools face and the impact of technology and modernization on campus operations.• The value of schools automating the normal day-to-day campus operations that happen so they can proactively focus on the exceptions that can lead to potential safety and security issues.• How the recent acquisition of SchoolPass by Raptor Technologies will make it easier for school administrators to adopt transformative campus technology that works to make schools safer each day.Mark Ruiters brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His work at IBM as a system architect and his involvement with his children's school led him to the inception of SchoolPass. More recently, he has joined Raptor Technologies as their Chief Strategy Officer.

The rise in adolescent suicides is an alarming trend, gaining global attention in recent years. Youth and young adults ages 10-24 comprise 15% of suicide deaths in the United States and are the second leading cause of death amongst this age group. Amidst these grim statistics, the essential role of educational institutions in suicide prevention is now more pertinent than ever, with educators enlisted to embrace a preventative, proactive approach to fostering a safer environment for their students. Schools recognized the need to address student mental health during the pandemic.How can schools effectively intervene in this escalating crisis? What changes in approach and understanding are necessary to make schools integral players in suicide prevention?In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Dr. Amy Grosso, Mental Health Consultant, to shed light on this vital issue. The pair discussed comprehensively saving young lives and a school's role in adolescent suicide prevention. Mooney and Grosso's conversation includes the following:• The importance of a holistic approach to suicide prevention and the actionable steps schools can implement to bolster their existing protocols.• The necessary shift in perception regarding mental health in schools, broadening the understanding of what constitutes suicide prevention work.• The value of collaboration between social workers and law enforcement in handling mental health crises in schools, and the challenges and benefits of integrating these two professions.Dr. Amy Grosso brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her background involves a Ph.D. in counseling and counselor education and a history as a mental health counselor. More recently, she has worked with a school district to develop suicide protocols and threat assessment procedures, even creating a model of school policing where social workers and police work together. Highly active with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for the past five years, Dr. Grosso also serves on their national chapter leadership board, working to help others understand that suicide is preventable and what education is needed.

According to Education Week's school shooting tracker, there have been 18 school shootings this year alone. With the increasing number of these violent incidents, what's being done to make schools safer?School Safety Today's host, Michelle Dawn Mooney, is joined by Max Schachter, the Founder of Safe Schools for Alex, to discuss his advocation for policy change to better safeguard students. Schachter's youngest son Alex was one of the 17 victims of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Since then, Schachter channeled his pain to be a national school safety advocate. He discusses what his organization does to ensure school safety and what their goals are now and for the future. Listen to today's podcast to learn:• New policies at the state and federal levels focused on safer educational settings• How to use data to reduce violence in school communities• Recommendations for how district leaders and law enforcement officials can work best togetherSchachter was appointed to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission where they were tasked with investigating and analyzing information from the Parkland school shooting to develop recommendations to prioritize safety and security in schools. He highlights the successes in working with the Florida Department of Education to create data points that school districts and parents can use to make informed decisions and policies about school safety. The collaboration was the impetus for the School Safety Dashboard where districts, parents and all stakeholders can access this data on a user-friendly platform to help create a safer environment for all. Some other developments that have come from the commission include the creation of an Office of School Safety, a school safety specialist in every Florida district, an anonymous threat reporting system statewide, a panic app for teachers, a threat assessment team, and a mental health coordinator in all Florida school districts. Additionally, Schachter pushes for law enforcement to prioritize preparedness and training. “You can't start the process in the middle of a tragedy or after a tragedy. Now, law enforcement has access to cameras in an emergency. There are reunification plans in place and we now have mandatory active shooter drills on all campuses…and a minimum of at least one, armed officer on every campus throughout the entire state.”Max Scratcher is the Founder and Executive Director of Safe Schools for Alex. He's one of the nation's leading school safety advocates, serving as a corporate and governmental advisor on matters related to school shootings and security. Schachter works alongside members of Congress, leaders of federal agencies, and Presidents of the United States which has led to the creation of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse at SchoolSafety.gov. He's interviewed with many media outlets including CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and ABC.

Student safety has been a major topic in the last few years as more violent acts have occurred on school grounds. While some of it happens after school hours, student safety is still under threat, and the ways we combat this danger has room to improve. So how are schools ensuring student safety and improving their ways of maintaining a safe space for all?On this episode of School Safety Today, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Chris Hendrickson of Las Vegas, Nevada. Hendrickson was a responding officer to the Route 91 Harvest Festival massacre in 2017; this traumatic event made Hendrickson think better methods can be used for managing accountability during a crisis.“Because of the chaotic nature of that event, there was a lot of people that were considered missing for a long period of time, and there really wasn't an easy way to account for those event participants,” says Hendrickson. “If law enforcement was afforded the ability to get the information from the ticket sales, we could have at least been able to create a list of who was there, who had left, and who was missing at that time.”More recently, Hendrickson has become the Director of Safety and Security at The Alexander Dawson School independent private school in Las Vegas. On ensuring student safety, Hendrickson stated, “We have upgraded our security and surveillance systems a lot since I've started. We've added more cameras, more analytical cameras, AI for our surveillance systems; we conduct regular drills to increase that muscle memory for taking accountability and knowing where to go and how to do certain things in the drill.” He continued by adding, “And we do consistent training for our security staff, whether it be in just normal response or active shooter or responding to an irate parent, for example, we do a lot of different training.”Chris Hendrickson was an Army Squad Leader in the U.S. Army for over ten years; in-between he received his B.A. from the University of Nevada and was a police officer for the Henderson Police Department. He is currently the Director of Safety and Security for the Alexander Dawson School.

Natural disasters are one of the most unpredictable, but expected forms of destruction that humanity can expect to happen anywhere and at any time. Unfortunately, many types of disasters result in the loss of life, in addition to wide-scale devastation. When it comes to educational facilities like schools, there's a certain type of disaster response that communities will need in the aftermath of one. The city of Joplin, Missouri, which experienced a deadly tornado in 2011, would come to terms with this when a disaster occurred on a high school's graduation day and caused the death of seven students and a staff member.Natural disasters are unavoidable, but how can preparedness, particularly in schools, assist in response efforts to them? And what did Joplin School officials learn from it?In the latest “School Safety Today” podcast, host Michelle Dawn Mooney interviewed Dr. C.J. Huff, an Education Consultant and Disaster Recovery Expert and the former superintendent of Joplin Schools. Dr. Huff discussed how the tornado impacted the district's students, families, and staff and what he learned from the urgent needs Joplin needed immediately after.Mooney and Huff also talked about …1. How the Bright Futures framework assisted in Joplin Schools' recovery and rebuilding efforts following a devasting EF-5 tornado2. Strategies to build local leadership and resource capacity 3. Lessons learned that are applicable to the day-to-day crises school communities face“One of the primary lessons learned and where Bright Futures really comes into play, is the idea that relationships matter. You have to have relationships in your community, across your community, and across your region, in order to be able to be successful in that long-term recovery effort,” said Dr. Huff. “Because all disasters start at low point, have a lot of resources pouring into your community initially, but the next disaster comes along, those resources go away to address that next disaster, and you kind of find yourself relying on those resources you have there locally or regionally, and the thing that Bright Futures did for us in Joplin, prior to the disaster, was allowed us that opportunity to build those connections, relationships across the community, put support structures in place to meet the needs of our kids, identify those resources, create systems that would allow us to get those resources quickly to our children, so that we can stabilize our lives to the greatest degree possible as we dealt with poverty issues and other issues that surfaced that so many of our kids are faced with, and then leverage those partnerships and relationships to create new opportunities for our kids.”Dr. C.J. Huff is an educator, an Education Consultant and Disaster Recovery Expert, and the former superintendent of Joplin Schools. He led his district's disaster response strategy, and he has over two decades of experience as an educator. Dr. Huff is also the founder of Bright Futures USA.

On today's episode of School Safety Today, Michelle Dawn Mooney chatted with Mike Matranga, former Director of Safety and Security at Texas City ISD and CEO of M6 Global. They talked about how situational awareness skills can be used to implement early intervention measures, how schoolwide training is critical for identifying and providing mental health resources, and the importance of practicing emergency response plans with all stakeholders.Honing situational awareness skills is key to enacting a multi-faceted approach to identifying concerning behaviors in order to prevent harm to self or others. It is critical now more than ever to move from being reactive to proactive in identifying these behaviors and having the resources to refer and help those in need. All roles in the school community have this collective responsibility – a well-trained and informed staff, parent groups, and student groups are key.When it comes to emergency response planning, it is not enough to just have a plan. Schools need to coordinate and rehearse the plan. And no single department or role should the plan fall to; all stakeholder groups need to come together to develop, review, and practice.Mike Matranga is the founder and CEO of M6 Global Defense Group, an elected Texas City Independent School District (TCISD) Board Member at Large, and a former TCISD Executive Director of Security and School Safety with a demonstrated history of working in multiple facets of the security and investigations industry. He has been featured in several national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, WIRED Magazine, and the Security Magazine cover story in March 2020. He was recently ranked No. 5 in the nation for his unique school security planning and operational experience using technology and human behavior techniques to thwart mass attacks. Matranga has been a pioneer in school-based security practices, even leading to legislation being written per his recommendations.

Finding adequate funding can be difficult task for some schools. But there is a benefit when a school district, and ultimately its schools, become a grant recipient. These grants can help schools implement more educational and extracurricular programs, and even hire more staff, which can have a major impact on the quality of education provided. However, there are stipulations that come with these grants and schools often must meet certain guidelines to be awarded a grant. That is an area of expertise for Dr. Paula Love, who guides schools on how to apply for the grants best suited for their needs.What are the types of grants out there for schools? How can schools ensure that they have better chances at winning a grant, given strict criteria?Exploring the ways grants are utilized and the basis on which they are created, Dr. Paula Love discussed the matter with host Michelle Dawn Mooney, on an episode of “School Safety Today.” The two talked about the application process that schools have to go through in order to qualify, and how grants can play a significant role in school safety.Mooney and Love further explored:1. The types of grants, including competitive and formula grants2. Examples of specific grants and their eligibility criteria, such as programs for special needs students and school safety3. Importance of applying for state grants, eligibility odds, and federal grants“State grants are so good right now and the reason that I say that is it gives us [more of a] window,” said Love. “...At the federal level, and you're competing for this money, there may only be a few winners. At state levels like what we're seeing in Texas and other states, the opportunity to go after those is even greater.” Dr. Paula Love is an author and the founder of RFP Match, a company she created to consult schools on applying and receiving grants. She's worked in the education field for over three decades and found her calling in grant-writing.Raptor Technologies provides resources on school funding information as well as works with RFPMatch to help schools apply for and earn grant dollars.

Over the last 20 years, partnerships between schools and law enforcement have become more common with a primary purpose of protecting the school community from active shooters and other violence. Police officers in schools has cyclically fallen in and out of favor. Federal and state funding supporting law enforcement and school district collaboration as well as recent research demonstrates they are a valuable resource.In fact, while there is a priority that School Resource Officers (SROs) protect and respond to active threats of violence within the school community they serve, their value extends well beyond violence prevention and mitigation.SROs provide additional value on a daily basis by integrating into their school community, building relationships, providing teachable moments, and fostering student growth and wellbeing.On the newest episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Michelle Dawn Mooney, sits down with Heather Norred, Lee County Sheriff's Deputy and Lee County Schools SRO, to talk about her role as a school resource officer. Norred has served Lee County as a Deputy for over 13 years but has been in law enforcement for over 24 years. She is particularly passionate about her ability to impact students' wellbeing and how that influences the overall school culture of safety.“That's what I'm here for, is to build relationships with our students so that they have somebody that they can turn to and someone they can talk to,” said Norred. According to Norred, the key to success with law enforcement and school district collaboration hinges on selecting and training the right law enforcement individuals and supporting their training to work specifically in schools and with students.

Weather emergencies may not be top of mind when thinking about the school safety benefits of a visitor management system. However, when Hurricane Ian struck Florida in September 2022 that's what Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) turned to for safety, accountability, and peace of mind. SCPS school buildings were utilized as shelters for the public, providing refuge for many. While this experience could have brought in non-weather related safety challenges, thankfully, the district was prepared with some innovative thinking and the help of great leadership and technology from Raptor Visitor Management.Exploring this unique situation further, School Safety Today's host Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Threat Management Coordinator, Sergeant Kyle Worthington of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. How was Raptor utilized to ensure the safety of its community members? Worthington spoke of how the system allowed schools to check in and out every guest, even ensuring any registered sex offenders were separated from students. As the 12th largest school district in Florida, and the 60th largest in the nation, SCPS has also used Raptor Visitor Management for other purposes such as running reports at the end of the day to track teachers' hours for grant-funded related training and other staff accountability measures involving building movement. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, Worthington said, “We kind of use technology to assist us in that layered approach, but more importantly it's about partnerships. It's about partnerships with the community because it takes a village. You need partnerships not only with your law enforcement agencies but all of your community organizations… at the end of the day, it's about the students, keeping them safe.” Sergeant Kyle Worthington, served 20 years in the Army and has been with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in Florida, for 16 years. He also works as the threat management coordinator for the local school district. SCPS enjoys a unique partnership whereby they are one of the only Florida school districts with a Sheriff's Office Captain with oversight and responsibility over the district's office of school safety.

Police, social work, and school resources are crucial to providing all-encompassing care to students in need. However, there are gaps in job requirements and, therefore, gaps in support for at-risk students. On this episode of School Safety Today, host Michelle Dawn Mooney talks to Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough. Yarbrough is the Police Chief of Hutto, TX, and former Round Rock ISD Police Chief. He offers insight and guidelines on connecting schools and law enforcement to ensure continuity of care for students. Yarbrough is from Nacogdoches, Tennessee. His father and brother are police officers and served in school policing. His calling to school policing became apparent after tragedy struck his family. Yarbrough's sister died by suicide at 16-years-old, and missing signs that could have prevented it, lit a desire in him to help other youth in distress. In some circumstances, students are comfortable leaning on their community of friends to cope. That's why it's critical for officers to involve schools and implement services. Texas requires law enforcement to contact a juvenile's school after an arrest. “If we can be required to report information with a student who's been arrested, I think we have that same obligation and responsibility to report when a student has been subjected to a situation that may be causing harm or trauma to the student. And there are other resources in the school environment that can help them through those things,” said Chief Yarbrough.Raptor StudentSafe is a new one-source-of-truth style case management platform that can help school districts collect these types of communications from law enforcement and combine them with other noted concerns to identify students who could benefit from early intervention. ds: school policing, school resources, social work, student safety, student resources, school police, Raptor StudentSafe

No one likes to think about the worst happening at their local schools. Unfortunately, in the United States school shootings alone have become shockingly common. In fact, there have been 948 school shootings since the Sandy Hook tragedy in December 2012. That's an average of just over 94 shootings a year.And further data shows that nearly 300K students have been present on campus during a shooting event. Furthermore, schools can experience a multitude of emergency events from power outages, fires, major weather events, fights or other altercations and more. Anytime there is an event that can disrupt the school day or impact a sense of student safety, it is imperative to consider theyou're your school will approach communications regarding the event. Emergency management expert Rick J. Kaufman, Executive Director of Community Relations and Emergency Management for Bloomington (MN) Public Schools has been working with schools and communities since the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. Kaufman has 33 years in emergency management and communications alongside 30 years in public education.“Because I come from a family of educators and a passion for education, I started working in public schools and married those two passions I had about communications and emergency management to create a safer school for students and staff members, you know bring comfort and reduce anxieties and fears that parents have,” said Kaufman.Since Columbine, Kaufman has worked with schools and communities throughout the country to deal with school shootings and other school emergencies both small and large. He was present to assist with the aftermath of Sandy Hook and Parkland, FL. However, he is quick to note that the smaller events that do not make the news are just as significant and tragic to those involved as the larger more publicized events. Kaufman's experience gives him a unique perspective on the critical nature of communications in school safety. “The reason why communication is so important is because it is truly the foundation of all of those elements for preparation, planning, response, and recovery efforts. It is a foundation in the sense that, it is important that parents and stakeholders of school systems and organizations in general know that there's a plan in place and what happens when things go awry or when a school district is in crisis,” Kaufman said.In this discussion, Kaufman shares more about why an emergency communications plan is important; with whom school leaders should communicate; and highlights key factors on what, when and how to communicate effectively.

Fostering a safe environment for kids to learn is a priority for many. To discuss the 2022 State of School Safety findings, host Michelle Dawn Mooney spoke with Michele Gay, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools.Safe and Sound Schools was founded shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, which claimed 26 lives, including Gay's first grade daughter. She reflected, “We have, you know, found a lot of inspiration in our little girl, and one of the things that inspires most about her to this day is her love of school.” In honor of their daughter, Gay built an organization dedicated to providing the tools, resources, and guidance to support communities around the country and world. She added, “So that they can ensure that everybody is safe and sound and school can continue, which I'm positive is something that my little girl shines upon.”Most recently, Safe and Sound Schools published the 2022 State of School Safety Report which is a survey providing responses from school stakeholders, including law enforcement, school professionals, community members, parents, and students. This includes, “...Everybody and anybody who has to do with school because that, in our estimation, is how we can really get a handle on the issues and the challenges that our schools are facing,” said Gay. This survey aims to host and reflect a national conversation on school safety concerns. Gay added, “But also one of the most exciting things I think I see every year after the release of this report, is how it recharges the local level conversations. That's where real change happens.” Creating active local leadership allows public engagement on topics to increase which can lead to change that can trickle up. Gay noted one of the survey's key takeaways was the “people first” approach, “...What I mean by that is…that people are the most valuable resource. That's what our school stakeholders want to prioritize.”Using a people first approach allows professionals to support reports, provide interventions, and host mental health awareness sessions for communities. In turn, this helps the community identify and assess potential behavioral risks or threats in the community and ultimately helps improve safety.