The Sound Off on School Safety

This World Autism Month, The Sound Off dedicates a special episode to supporting students with autism and other special needs. Join us for a discussion with inspiring advocate Jeff Snyder and Nick Savarise from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation. Discover strategies for creating sensory-friendly drills, fostering a culture of inclusion, and individualizing safety plans to meet the unique needs of every student. This episode is essential listening for educators, parents, and anyone committed to creating safe and supportive school environments.

In this special edition season finale, get essential insights on door security, the cultivation of a safety-first culture in schools, and practical strategies to enhance security in educational spaces. This roundtable discussion is packed with expert knowledge and actionable advice, making it an indispensable listen for anyone invested in the safety and security of our school environments.

Dr. Savannah Wagner and Officer Meg Soltz break down emergency trauma response in schools, offering practical insights on accessible trauma care. Discover how their expertise is empowering educators and students with essential skills for life-saving action in crisis situations, transforming school safety.

Jonathan Cristall reveals key strategies for teen safety in our digital world. Learn how to guide teens in interactions with law enforcement, manage online footprints, and navigate the subtle complexities of consent. Essential listening for those guiding teens toward a confident and secure future.

Catch our latest episode with Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, as we discuss the pivotal role of School Resource Officers in ensuring safe learning environments. This episode offers insightful perspectives on the functions and misconceptions of SROs, highlighting strategies to enhance school safety. Join us for this enlightening conversation that promises valuable takeaways for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about creating secure educational spaces.

On the Sandy Hook Anniversary, join Safe and Sound Schools for a special episode. Co-founders Michele Gay & Alissa Parker share their grief journeys since the unimaginable loss of their daughters. An intimate look at coping with loss and finding healing.

We're going deep into the journey of recovery and resilience following catastrophic events in schools. Our guest, Dr. CJ Huff, the former superintendent who played a pivotal role in the recovery of Joplin schools after the devastating 2011 tornado, shares insights on the complex process of rebuilding and healing within school communities.

Physical safety expert Paul Timm and Michele dive deep into the critical aspects of school violence prevention and the creation of a safe learning environment. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of the physical and cultural facets of school safety. Listen in as we tackle misconceptions about safety measures, the importance of a positive school culture, and the pivotal role of student engagement in maintaining a secure environment. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that will leave you informed and inspired.

Discover powerful narratives of resilience, bravery, and public service with AJ and Madelena DeAndrea. AJ, a seasoned law enforcement officer, and his daughter Madelena, a courageous survivor, share their unique perspectives on facing adversity and enhancing school and community safety. Discover their journey of building a legacy of bravery, the importance of mental preparedness, and the power of everyday resilience. Tune in for a conversation filled with valuable lessons on empowerment, responsibility, and the transformative power of facing challenges head-on.

Join host Michele Gay as she talks with Missy Dodds, a teacher with two decades of experience, about the journey from trauma to healing in schools. This episode delves into the power of resilience, the importance of community support, and the inspirational strength of students overcoming adversity. A must-listen for understanding the transformative impact of empathy and care in educational settings.

Dive deep into Michigan State University's groundbreaking Prevent2Protect initiative with its leaders, Dr. Frank Straub and Dr. Alyse Ley. Explore the proactive outreach strategies aiming to shield our schools from violence, debunk myths surrounding at-risk youth, and learn actionable steps to support kids and teens in your community today.

School counselor and author Molly Hudgens pulls back the curtain on school violence prevention. Discover firsthand insights on recognizing at-risk students, debunking dangerous stereotypes, and the power of genuine connections. Every student deserves a safe environment. Learn how we can make it happen. Tune in now!

How do you lead a community through crisis? How crucial are relationships in school safety? Join us on The Sound Off as Michele Gay sits down with Frank DeAngelis, the exceptional leader at the helm during the Columbine tragedy. Unpack the keys to bridging generational divides, learning from mistakes, and the critical role of communication in safeguarding our schools.

This week marks 9 years since the Sandy Hook tragedy.  In this episode, Michele is joined by Safe and Sound Schools co-founder and fellow Sandy Hook mother, Alissa Parker for an honest conversation about the recent Michigan school shooting, grief, and healing after losing their daughters.  Plus, a special birthday gift to honor Josephine Gay’s legacy.   

Thank you for listening and supporting Safe and Sound Schools!

For more school safety tips and resources, head to https://www.safeandsoundschools.org and follow us @safeandsoundschools.

‘The Sound Off’ is brought to you by our friends at Intrado.  

Intrado Safety Suite combines the most advanced emergency management, response, on-campus notification, and parent communication tools together to protect against all kinds of school safety threats.  Visit intrado.com/safetysuiteforeducation to learn more.

Alissa sits down with Cynthia Coffman of the Colorado Healing Fund to talk about last night's encore presentation and post premier panel discussion of the FBI's In the Aftermath documentary.

Alissa and returning guest Jim Vesterman, CEO of Raptor Technologies, discuss the keynote presentations from our Virtual National Summit on School Safety and how listeners can catch up on any presentation they might have missed!

What complexities do communities face after experiencing a crisis or tragedy? Alissa and Cynthia Coffman, of the Colorado Healing Fund, discuss the struggles they witnessed int their own communities following the tragedies in Sandy Hook and Columbine.  Hear their experiences and how they developed into strategies for providing better support to victims in the aftermath of a crisis.  

What is micro-schooling?  Could it be an option for students learning from home this fall and beyond? As the pandemic continues and another school year begins, many parents are faced with choices ranging from difficult to impossible. During our discussion with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy we explore safe, supportive, and family-friendly options for supporting learning at home.

What is social justice?  And how does it affect school safety? Join Michele Gay and Alissa Parker as they discuss with Dr. Charles Barrett to further explore Socially Just Practices for Safe and Sound Schools and learn how communities can recognize and address social justice issues found in our classrooms, hallways, and homes.

On May 22, 2011, a EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph ripped through Joplin Missouri - which destroyed or damaged more than half the schools in the community.  Dr. CJ Huff, former superintendent of the Joplin Missouri School District, discusses the difficult work of picking up the pieces in the aftermath and instilling a sense of hope for the future.  His powerful story provides important takeaways for how school communities can be resilient during times of chaos.

On April 20, 1999, Frank DeAngelis was sitting in his office when two armed students waged a deadly attack on his his beloved school.   Over twenty years later we are still learning lessons from the tragedy at Columbine High School.  Frank's first hand account of the attack, the aftermath and his own recovery continues to help school communities find solutions to navigate through today's climate of uncertainty.

There is a lot of uncertainty about returning to school in the fall, leaving most schools with a logistical nightmare.  For the final episode of this seasons Tuesdays at the Table, we have an honest conversation with key school stakeholders about important steps, considerations, and concerns that will help us better prepare for school next year.

Hosted by Michele Gay (Co-Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools.  School Stakeholders at the Table: Dr. CJ Huff (school administrator), Dr. Todd Savage (school psychologist), Amy Dark (School Nurse), Katina White (Teacher), Brooke Cottle (Parent), and Jordan Lin (Student). 

Listen to part two of our conversation with Nick Chernoff, Senior Threat Analyst with Safer Schools Together.  Chernoff shares practical knowledge and tips schools and families can use to keep our students safe.

Joining this week's Tuesdays at the Table discussion are Michele Gay (Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools), Alissa Parker (Cofounder and Director of Outreach, Safe and Sound Schools), and Dr. CJ Huff (Former Superintendent Joplin Schools, MO).  To watch full episodes of Tuesdays at the Table, visit https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/events/tuesdays-at-the-table/.

What are students feeling during the pandemic? In light of current events?  What concerns do they have about returning to school?  How can students improve safety?  Pull up a chair and listen in as student leaders have a frank conversation about their hopes, anxieties, and solutions for the upcoming school year.

Hosted by Michele Gay, Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools.  To watch full episodes of Tuesdays at the Table, visit https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/events/tuesdays-at-the-table/.

With schools transitioning to all-online learning, the number of children with online access has dramatically increased.  How safe are students in this new environment? Nick Chernoff, Senior Threat Analyst with Safer Schools Together, encourages parents to take a deep breath and know that we will be okay.  Chernoff shares practical knowledge and tips schools and families can use to keep our students safe.

Joining this week's Tuesdays at the Table discussion are Michele Gay (Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools), Alissa Parker (Cofounder and Director of Outreach, Safe and Sound Schools), and Dr. CJ Huff (Former Superintendent Joplin Schools, MO).  To watch full episodes of Tuesdays at the Table, visit https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/events/tuesdays-at-the-table/.

With little time to prepare for pandemic related school closures, school communities across the nation were left scrambling to adjust. Between juggling work from home, physical distancing, helping kids with school, many adults feel overwhelmed.  Dr. Melissa Reeves, School Psychologist and past-president of the National Association of School Psychologists, says it's possible to bring balance to our lives through self-care and forgiveness.  For this week's Tuesdays at the Table the discussion centers around care for the caregiver: prioritizing our own mental health needs.

At the Table, Michele Gay (Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools), Alissa Parker (Cofounder and Director of Outreach, Safe and Sound Schools), and Dr. CJ Huff (Former Superintendent Joplin Schools, MO).  To watch full episodes of Tuesdays at the Table, visit https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/events/tuesdays-at-the-table/.

Dr. Scott Poland, licensed psychologist and international expert on youth suicide, says helping students navigate through these extraordinary times is not only critical, but our priority.  Listen as he discusses tangible ways parents, teachers, and school leaders can more effectively support our struggling youth through the pandemic. 

Tuesdays at the Table, is a web chat series presented by Safe and Sound Schools to keep our national school community connected, uplifted, and resourced through the school safety challenges we face today and in the months ahead. At the Table, Michele Gay (Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools), Alissa Parker (Cofounder and Director of Outreach, Safe and Sound Schools), and Dr. CJ Huff (Former Superintendent Joplin Schools, MO).  To watch full episodes of Tuesdays at the Table, visit https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/events/tuesdays-at-the-table/.

For this FIRST episode Michele Gay and Alissa Parker, cofounders of Safe and Sound Schools, share their personal story of loss and love in the wake of the Sandy Hook School tragedy.  The mothers discuss the inspiring ways they have chosen to help school communities improve safety across the nation in honor of their daughters, Josephine and Emilie.