School Safety Today

Raptor Technologies
  • 4.7 (6)
  • Education

Protecting students and teachers when stepping into school is priority #1. On School Safety Today, a podcast from Raptor Technologies, we'll bring you the technologies and leadership that protects over 60,000 schools worldwide.

  1. Aug 4

    School Safety Doesn't Start on the First Day

    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.

    School Safety Doesn't Start on the First Day

  2. Jul 28

    The First 30 Days: How Campus Leaders Set the Tone for the Entire School Year

    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.

    The First 30 Days: How Campus Leaders Set the Tone for the Entire School Year

  3. Jul 7

    Beyond the Game: Student Athlete Mental Health

    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.

    Beyond the Game: Student Athlete Mental Health

  4. Jun 30

    How This Principal Approaches Safety All Day

    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.

    How This Principal Approaches Safety All Day

  5. Jun 5

    Beyond Rules: Talking to Kids About Online Safety

    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.

    Beyond Rules: Talking to Kids About Online Safety

  6. May 26

    Beyond Physical Safety: Transparency, Trust, and Belonging

    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.

    Beyond Physical Safety: Transparency, Trust, and Belonging

  7. May 12

    Building A Case That Gets Funded

    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.

    Building A Case That Gets Funded

  8. Apr 28

    Going Slow to Go Fast in School Safety Leadership

    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.

    Going Slow to Go Fast in School Safety Leadership
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4.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Protecting students and teachers when stepping into school is priority #1. On School Safety Today, a podcast from Raptor Technologies, we'll bring you the technologies and leadership that protects over 60,000 schools worldwide.

Information

  • Creator
    Raptor Technologies
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    School Safety Today