Advertise on podcast: School Safety Today

In this episode of Practitioners of Change, a podcast presented by Raptor Technologies, John Huber, Principal on Special Assignment at Brooklyn Center Community Schools, joins host Dr. Amy Grosso to share how his district is rethinking visitor management. From adapting VisitorSafe kiosks to fit different school entryways to developing mobile check-in stations for large events, John shares practical solutions for improving efficiency without compromising safety. Their conversation highlights how creative problem-solving, thoughtful planning, and tools like the RaptorSafe app can help schools streamline visitor check-in while creating a safer, more welcoming experience for families. KEY POINTS: 1. Flexible visitor management: Adapt kiosk setups to fit different school layouts and needs. 2. Safer, smoother events: Streamline large-event check-in without sacrificing security. 3. Easier family check-in: Use tools like RaptorSafe to reduce wait times and simplify entry.

In this episode of Practitioners of Change, Dana Angelberger, a teacher at Oakdale Middle School, and Tricia Brdecka, an assistant principal at Urbana Middle School, join host Dr. Amy Grosso to share how SmartPass has changed student movement in their schools. They discuss how better visibility and data can reduce time out of class, support student needs, improve hallway accountability, and give educators more time to focus on what matters most: students. KEY POINTS: 1. More instructional time: SmartPass helps reduce unnecessary time out of class and creates clearer expectations for students. 2. Data that starts conversations: Pass data can reveal patterns, support accommodations, and help educators better understand what students may need. 3. Less time managing hallways: Better visibility can support safer hallways, streamline investigations, and free educators to focus on students and instruction.

In this episode of Practitioners of Change, Dana Angelberger, a teacher at Oakdale Middle School, and Tricia Brdecka, an assistant principal at Urbana Middle School, join host Dr. Amy Grosso to share how SmartPass has changed student movement in their schools. They discuss how better visibility and data can reduce time out of class, support student needs, improve hallway accountability, and give educators more time to focus on what matters most: students. KEY POINTS: 1. More instructional time: SmartPass helps reduce unnecessary time out of class and creates clearer expectations for students. 2. Data that starts conversations: Pass data can reveal patterns, support accommodations, and help educators better understand what students may need. 3. Less time managing hallways: Better visibility can support safer hallways, streamline investigations, and free educators to focus on students and instruction.

In this episode of School Safety Today, Chris and Martha Thomas, co-founders of The Defensive Line, join host Dr. Amy Grosso to explore how suicide prevention can move beyond awareness and crisis response. They discuss the importance of everyday conversations, connection, compassionate listening, and creating communities where young people feel seen and supported. The conversation reinforces a hopeful message: suicide prevention does not belong to one person, profession, or month. KEY POINTS: 1. Prevention starts before a crisis. Everyday conversations about emotions, connection, and belonging can help support young people long before they reach a crisis point. 2. Listening matters. Young people need trusted adults who will listen compassionately without immediately trying to fix the problem. 3. Prevention is a shared responsibility. Parents, educators, coaches, and other trusted adults all play a role in helping young people feel connected and supported.

In this episode of Principles of Change, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso is joined by Dr. Emily Dunker, Assistant Principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, to explore an often-overlooked part of school safety: preparing substitute teachers for emergencies. Drawing on her own experience as a substitute teacher and her doctoral research on substitute emergency preparedness, Dr. Dunker shares the unique challenges substitutes face when entering unfamiliar buildings, navigating different procedures, and responding to emergencies with limited onboarding and preparation. Together, they discuss how intentional training, consistent communication, practical scenarios, and a strong sense of belonging can help substitutes feel informed, supported, and prepared to respond when it matters most. KEY POINTS: 1. Intentional emergency preparation helps substitute teachers navigate unfamiliar buildings, procedures, and responsibilities and respond more confidently during a crisis. 2. Building confidence and a sense of belonging helps substitutes know where to turn for support and strengthens their ability to respond appropriately during an emergency. 3. Consistent messaging, practical scenarios, and collaboration with front-office staff, law enforcement, neighboring districts, and other school personnel can strengthen substitute preparedness and overall school safety.

In this episode of School Safety Today, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso is joined by Rachel Freeman, Executive Director of Safety and Security for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, to discuss what it takes to prepare for a safe and successful school year. From summer training and emergency preparedness to visitor management and threat assessment, Rachel shares how strong systems, realistic preparation, and cross-functional collaboration help districts build true readiness, not just compliance. KEY POINTS: 1. Effective back-to-school safety begins months before students arrive through intentional planning, staff training, and system readiness. 2. New safety processes and technology require ongoing practice, collaboration, and realistic implementation timelines to be successful. 3. Sustainable school safety is built through strong partnerships among district leaders, campus staff, technology teams, and families, supported by continuous communication and improvement.

In this episode of Principles of Change, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso is joined by former assistant principal Brandie Parks to explore how campus leaders set the tone for the entire school year during the critical first 30 days. Drawing on her experience in criminal justice, child protective services, teaching, and school administration, Brandie shares why the strongest schools are built through intentional leadership, clear communication, proactive planning, and meaningful relationships. Together, they discuss how explaining the "why" behind safety practices, building trust with staff and families, and maintaining a visible leadership presence create school cultures where students and educators can thrive. KEY POINTS • The first 30 days establish the culture for the entire year through intentional leadership, clear expectations, and consistent communication. • Explaining the "why" behind safety procedures builds trust and buy-in, helping staff and families see safety as protecting people, not simply meeting compliance requirements. • Strong relationships, visible leadership, and proactive planning help schools prevent problems, navigate challenges, and create campuses that are both welcoming and secure.

In this episode of School Safety Today, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Jackson Erdos—American Ninja Warrior competitor, coach, and mental health advocate—about the mental health challenges student athletes face. Drawing from his own experiences, Jackson shares how competition, identity, and vulnerability intersect, highlighting why open conversations, strong support systems, and asking for help are essential for helping young athletes thrive. KEY POINTS: 1. Student athlete mental health is shaped by competition, identity, and the pressures that come with striving to perform at a high level. 2. Mental toughness means asking for help, embracing vulnerability, and learning from setbacks. 3. Coaches, educators, and families can strengthen student wellbeing by seeing athletes as whole people and creating safe spaces for honest conversations.

In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Lynda Garinger, principal of Hopewell Middle School in Round Rock, Texas, to explore what school safety looks like throughout the entire school day. Their conversation examines the routines, systems, and relationships that support a safe learning environment. KEY POINTS: 1. School safety is supported with consistent adult presence, clear routines, and supervision that help students feel protected throughout the day. 2. Proactive strategies help students regulate emotions, reduce escalation, and stay engaged in learning. 3. Safe school communities balance security with belonging so every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

In this episode, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Alejandra Monroy, Prevention Program Manager for Outreach and Prevention at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), about the realities of internet safety and how adults can better support children navigating online spaces. The conversation emphasizes that online safety is not achieved through rules and parental controls alone, but through ongoing communication, skill-building, and creating environments where children and teens feel comfortable seeking help KEY POINTS: Ongoing, open conversations are one of the most effective tools for helping children and teens stay safe online. Online risks now extend across social media, gaming, AI, and peer interactions, requiring adults to understand how children experience digital spaces. Children and teens are more likely to make safer choices and seek support when adults foster trust, communication, and problem-solving skills.

In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso talks with Marie-Pier Ingraham, principal of Good Shepherd Catholic School in Maryland. The conversation explores how schools can create environments where students feel genuinely safe, supported, and known through strong relationships, emotional well-being, and meaningful family partnerships. KEY POINTS: School safety goes beyond physical security to include emotional safety, ensuring students feel nurtured, valued, and supported as whole children. Clear, calm communication with staff and families builds trust, reduces confusion, and strengthens school communities during challenging situations. Strong partnerships between school and home help create a culture where students can grow, make mistakes, and confidently be their authentic selves.

In this episode, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Elisa Mula, founder and CEO of EM Designs, about the realities of grant funding for school safety and how schools can better position themselves to secure critical resources. The conversation highlights that school safety funding should be approached as part of an ongoing security effort, with schools continuously evaluating risks, leveraging free resources, and preparing well before grant opportunities open. KEY POINTS: 1. Proactive planning and regular security assessments position schools more competitively for safety funding opportunities. 2. Strong grant applications rely on clear needs assessments, tailored narratives, and a deep understanding of funding requirements. 3. Schools can make meaningful safety improvements without immediate funding by leveraging free resources, strengthening procedures, and building long-term plans.

In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso talks with Tim Dykes, Assistant Principal for Culture and Climate at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. The conversation highlights how strong relationships, student voice, and steady long-term leadership can help schools build environments where people feel safe and want to be. KEY POINTS: 1. School safety extends beyond physical security to include emotional well-being. 2. A positive school climate is built through intentionality and consistency over time. 3. Student voice is a critical driver of school culture. Our guest, Tim Dykes, is an experienced school leader and educator with over 20 years in education, currently serving as Assistant Principal for Culture and Climate at York Community High School. He previously spent nine years as Dean of Students at Niles West High School and began his career as a social studies teacher and coach, shaping a student-centered leadership approach. Known for putting students first, Tim is dedicated to building positive school environments where all learners can succeed.

In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Chris Noell, Chief Product Officer at Raptor Technologies, and Will Durgin, Director of Student Well-Being, about the vision behind StudentSafe and how it helps schools move from reactive responses to proactive student support. Together, they emphasize that safer schools depend on giving staff the tools to identify patterns early, coordinate support effectively, and protect sensitive student information while making informed decisions. KEY POINTS: 1. Early identification and intervention are the foundation of effective school safety. 2. Collaborative, flexible systems are essential for managing student concerns and coordinating multidisciplinary responses. 3. Data-driven decisions depend on strong reporting and privacy controls that protect student information and build trust. Chris Noell is the Chief Product Officer at Raptor Technologies, where he leads product, engineering, security, and infrastructure, bringing decades of experience in information security and compliance. He previously held senior leadership roles at Alert Logic and founded TruComply, scaling SaaS platforms that served thousands of clients and were ultimately acquired. A recognized thought leader, he has spoken at over 40 conferences worldwide and been featured in The Wall Street Journal. Will Durgin is the Director of Student Wellbeing at Raptor Technologies, where he focuses on advancing proactive approaches to student safety and support. With a background in K–12 education and school safety, he previously served in leadership roles with The School District of Palm Beach County, overseeing threat assessment initiatives and safe schools programming, and earlier worked as an assistant principal, teacher, and coach. His hands-on experience across education, administration, and student services positions him as a practitioner-driven voice in student wellbeing and school safety.

On Principles of Change, a podcast by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Dr. Miguel Salazar, principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, Texas, to explore how one rural district is redefining school safety through culture, systems, and human connection. Together, they unpack how proactive frameworks, community values, and intentional relationship-building can transform school environments for the better. KEY POINTS: 1. School safety goes beyond physical security. It includes emotional safety, a sense of belonging, and meaningful student connections. 2. Proactive approaches, such as identifying students who lack strong adult relationships, are more impactful than reactive measures. 3. Building a culture where every student has a trusted adult requires involvement from the entire school community, from teachers to bus drivers. Dr. Miguel Salazar has dedicated over two decades to education, beginning his career as a math teacher and coach before moving into administration. After serving as a high school principal for nine years, he now leads Sundown Middle School and is set to become superintendent of Sundown ISD. A graduate of South Plains College and Texas Tech University, Dr. Salazar is known for his commitment to student-centered leadership and his focus on building systems that ensure every child has a champion within the school.