School Safety Today

In this episode of School Safety Today, a podcast presented by Raptor Technologies, Eisha Buch, Head of Teaching and Learning at Common Sense Media, joins host Dr. Amy Grosso to discuss how students are using AI and what schools and families need to understand about its growing role in young people’s lives. The conversation emphasizes why AI literacy must go beyond teaching students how to use technology and instead help them think critically, recognize potential risks, and maintain healthy boundaries. Together, they explore practical ways schools and families can foster open conversations, strengthen trusted adult relationships, and integrate AI literacy into everyday learning.

KEY POINTS:

• AI literacy goes beyond learning how to use technology.

• AI chatbots cannot replace human connection and mental health support.

• AI safety requires more than policies. It requires education, communication, and human oversight.

In this episode of School Safety Today, a podcast presented by Raptor Technologies, Dr. Will Durgin joins host Dr. Amy Grosso to explore why effective bullying prevention requires more than a written policy. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, coach, and school and district administrator, Dr. Durgin discusses the importance of consistent reporting, investigations, communication, and interventions. Together, they examine why schools must address harmful behavior even when it does not meet the definition of bullying, and why supporting both the student experiencing bullying and the student engaging in the behavior is essential.

KEY POINTS:

1. Effective bullying prevention requires policies, procedures, and training that translate into consistent practice.

2. Harmful behavior requires intervention, even when it does not meet the definition of bullying.

3. Greater visibility into student movement and unmonitored spaces can help schools prevent bullying and respond more effectively when incidents occur.

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.