In today's episode, our host, Ray Bledsoe, sits down with Dr. Katie Ahsell, the Assistant Superintendent of Community Consolidated School District 59 located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Dr. Ahsell brings a wealth of experience in education, particularly in creating and implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Together, they dive into the district's successful efforts to cultivate an environment of openness and trust among students, encouraging them to report concerns proactively. Dr. Ahsell reveals how their strategic initiatives have led to real-time interventions, thanks to the alerts generated from monitoring student interactions and communications. You'll learn about the robust, proactive measures in place to identify and support students at risk before situations escalate to crisis levels.

In a time where schools are continuously expanding their scope of responsibilities, Dr. Ahsell discusses funding strategies, such as utilizing grants to pilot initiatives and garnering long-term budgetary support through demonstrated success. Her dedication to both student and staff well-being emphasizes the intertwined nature of educational and mental health support systems.

Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your approach or simply interested in how schools are spearheading these initiatives, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable ideas. Join us in exploring how Community Consolidated School District 59 is shaping the future of student support, making it a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.

Key Moments

03:26 "Student Safety Proactive Intervention"

08:22 Fostering Trust and Communication Culture

10:19 Building a Positive Classroom Environment

14:35 Building Community Agency Connections

17:24 Student Reporting and Safety Systems

27:01 Layered Student Support Strategies

Connect with Dr. Katie Ahsell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-katie-ahsell-a72b32a5/

Website: https://www.ccsd59.org/

Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for student well-being.

Dr. Lee Vi Moses, Director of Student Services at Belton ISD, will discuss student safety and socio-emotional support. Moses shares how his team provides crucial counseling services for emotional well-being and post-graduation readiness, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion includes proactive digital safety measures, collaborations with local law enforcement, and the challenges of cellphone policies in schools.

Lee Vi Moses also highlighted Belton ISD’s comprehensive approach to monitoring potential threats, addressing mental health needs, and empowering students through safety summits. Dr. Moses emphasizes the balance of academic and socio-emotional learning, showcasing how the district creates a secure environment for all students.

Key Moments

00:00 SROs at all schools

09:49 FAFSA help for former students

15:54 Cell phone bans debate

20:02 Text alert monitoring

27:49 Student safety summit

31:18 Focus on emotional learning

Connect with Dr. Lee Vi Moses

Website: https://www.bisd.net/bisd 

“At Wylie ISD, safety and student well-being are commitments that build trust within our community.”

Scott Winn, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at Wylie ISD in Texas. With over 30 years in education, Scott emphasizes the district's focus on safety and student well-being under David Vinson's leadership.

Scott highlights Wylie ISD’s proactive measures, including the unique 80/20 rule for administrators, shatterproof window film, and strategies to combat fake school threats. He also shares the district’s commitment to mental health through licensed therapists, de-escalation training, and innovative programs like circle time. This episode showcases how these initiatives foster trust and enhance community safety.

Key Moments

00:00 Safety plan with threat assessment

05:00 Close, Click, Check for door security

08:14 Consequences of student threats

15:52 Bullying and threat safety videos

20:00 Surveys enhance student relationships

22:30 Therapists provide essential support

Connect with Scott Winn

Website: https://www.wylieisd.net/ 

“Creating a safe, connected, and supportive environment is foundational to student success”

Today's guest, Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, the President of TASA, and first female superintendent of Tomball ISD, joins host Ray Bledsoe.

Dr. Zamora shares insights on addressing students' emotional well-being, proactive safety measures, and innovative strategies to combat bullying and enhance digital security. This conversation underscores the importance of creating a secure and supportive environment to foster student success and adapt to evolving technological demands.

Key Moments

00:00 - District growth and jobs
05:24 - Officers enhance safety
11:20 - Challenges in Education
22:01 - Incidents affect learning
25:20 - Self Harm/Suicide, Suicide Prevention Month
30:43 - Signs of suicide
33:10 - Therapy
35:35 - Career education center

Connect with Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-salazar-zamora-ed-d-57535630/ 

Website: https://www.tomballisd.net 

Learn how to identify the students who need your help the most to proactively prevent crises and save student lives.

Welcome to Leaders Saving Lives, the podcast that meets with K-12 district leaders to explore innovative strategies and stories from the field, all committed to the safety and well-being of their students and schools.

Leaders Saving Lives is hosted by Ray Bledsoe of Gaggle. Gaggle is the industry leader in student safety, providing tools and services that help schools identify students most in need of support. By combining advanced machine learning and human expertise, Gaggle ensures the well-being of more than 6 million students across the nation.

About Ray Bledsoe

With years of sales and business development leadership experience in diverse industries, I have developed a strong portfolio of skills and achievements that enable me to deliver exceptional results for my company and my clients.

My core competencies include sales strategy, sales presentations, relationship building, team leadership, pipeline management, and revenue growth. I leverage my MEDDPICC Masterclass certification and my knowledge of the educational market to craft compelling value propositions and solutions that address the needs and goals of educators and administrators. I also value diversity and inclusion, and I served as the Chairman of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at my previous company, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.

Podcast Produced by Old Soul: https://aoldsoul.com/