This episode explores Make Our Schools Safe, a nonprofit founded by Lori and Ilan Alhadeff after the tragic death of their daughter Alyssa in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Driven by personal loss and professional expertise, they created an organization focused on proactive school safety through a framework called POWER: Preparedness, Observation, Willingness to act, Education, and Response. Major initiatives include advocating for Alyssa’s Law, which mandates silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, and establishing Make Our Schools Safe Clubs (MOSS Clubs) to empower students as safety leaders. The organization promotes practical safety measures like threat assessments, locked doors, realistic drills, red tape safe zones, stop-the-bleed kits, and mental health training, all aimed at building a resilient, vigilant culture within schools. Their comprehensive, student-driven, and legislation-backed approach transforms grief into meaningful change, inspiring communities to prioritize school safety at every level.

Make Our Schools Safe Website

In this special edition episode of The Safety Circuit, the hosts deliver a detailed, minute-by-minute breakdown of the Covenant School shooting timeline, based on the official investigative report. Building on a previous deep dive into the case summary, this episode reconstructs the attacker's movements, the unfolding violence, the initial school response, and the rapid arrival and intervention of law enforcement. The episode highlights how each moment triggered the next, offering critical insight into the sequence and intensity of events during the tragedy. By focusing on “when” as much as “what,” the hosts provide a clearer, more contextualized understanding of that day and underscore the vital lessons for school safety and crisis response.

Full Report

In this episode of The Safety Circuit, Alex and Ivy take a deep dive into ZeroNow, an organization founded in response to the Virginia Tech tragedy to transform school safety through a collective impact model. The episode explores how ZeroNow brings together educators, tech leaders, policymakers, and designers to drive systemic change across three pillars: ideas, innovation, and investment. Listeners learn about ZeroNow’s student-inclusive think tank approach, its push for interoperable safety technology, and the work of the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD), which offers a seven-step roadmap toward achieving zero school violence. From risk assessments and emergency response plans to reunification procedures and trauma support, the conversation underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration and sustained action. The hosts wrap with a thought-provoking challenge: what’s the biggest obstacle to fully embracing this kind of vision—and how do we overcome it?

ZeroNow Link

The Covenant Church and School Case Report - Part 1 - Introduction and Incident Summary

In this special edition episode of The Safety Circuit, the hosts conduct a comprehensive, fact-based analysis of the Covenant School shooting that occurred on March 27, 2023, using the final investigative case summary from the Metro Nashville Police Department. The episode walks listeners through the attacker's detailed preparation, the timeline of the assault, and the devastating impact on students and staff, while highlighting key safety lessons for school leaders. The report emphasizes the need for distinct emergency alerts, robust lockdown protocols, and stronger collaboration between schools and law enforcement. Ultimately, the episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own safety strategies, urging continuous improvement and proactive planning to protect school communities.

Full Report

This episode of The Deep Dive explores the K-12 School Shooting Database, a comprehensive project launched by David Redman to create a reliable historical record of gun-related incidents on school grounds dating back to 1966. Prompted by the lack of unified data following the Parkland shooting, the database uses a broad definition—counting any incident where a gun is fired, brandished with intent, or where a bullet hits school property—to ensure completeness. The goal is to offer transparent, unfiltered data that can be used by researchers and decision-makers to better understand the full scope of school-related gun violence, while also acknowledging the challenges of incomplete records and historical data loss.

K-12 School Shooting Database

In this episode of The Safety Circuit with Alex and Ivy, the hosts dive into the story and mission of Safe Schools for Alex, an organization born from the tragic loss of Alex Schachter in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Founded by Alex’s father, Max Schachter, the organization has become a national force in school safety advocacy, combining deeply personal motivation with strategic action. The episode highlights Safe Schools for Alex’s comprehensive School Safety Dashboard, a powerful data tool available in 18 states, and their student-led initiatives and Champions of School Safety program, all aiming to empower communities, students, and officials to work collaboratively toward safer learning environments.

For more information visit:

Safe Schools for Alex

In this episode of The Safety Circuit with Alex and Ivy, we dive into the third case study from the 2020 Averted School Violence Special Report — a chilling but powerful story from a New England middle school where a student's decision to speak up may have saved a life.

Two 14-year-olds had developed a plan targeting another student, complete with a strategy to obtain firearms. Thankfully, a classmate overheard their conversation and took immediate action, alerting the principal and triggering a swift, coordinated response from school staff and law enforcement.

Alex and Ivy break down how trust, quick action, and proper threat assessment protocols helped prevent a potential tragedy. They also explore key takeaways from the case, including the importance of mental health support, the role of school resource officers, and fostering a culture where students feel safe to report concerns.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about school safety. It’s a real-world reminder that awareness, communication, and a strong school community can truly make all the difference.

The Averted School Violence Database

In this episode of The Safety Circuit, Alex and Ivy dive deep into Safer Watch, a mobile-based security platform designed to improve community safety and emergency response. The platform, created in response to the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, connects individuals, first responders, and organizations to prevent violence and enhance communication during emergencies. Key features include anonymous tip reporting, a silent panic button, mass notification systems, and real-time data sharing with law enforcement. Safer Watch is used across a wide range of sectors, from schools to healthcare and large events, offering a flexible solution to both prevent and respond to crises. The episode highlights the platform's potential to transform how communities approach safety, with a focus on proactive intervention and seamless coordination during emergencies.

SaferWatch

In this episode, based off an article by Zach Jones, Alex & Ivy take a deep dive into a crucial topic for school safety professionals: how interactive mapping solutions can revolutionize emergency response, preparedness, and collaboration. From real-time situational awareness to evacuation planning and first responder coordination, we break down the benefits of moving beyond outdated blueprints to dynamic, data-driven safety management. Tune in to discover how this technology can help create a safer school environment for students, staff, and emergency personnel alike.

See the full article here:

PASS K-12

In this episode Alex and Ivy explore a case study from the Averted School Violence Project, highlighting how a planned school attack was prevented. The case involved a freshman who meticulously planned a shooting, including a bomb threat and targeting the school resource officer, and shared his intentions with classmates. Two students eventually reported him, leading to swift intervention by school officials and law enforcement, who found he had both the means and intent to carry out the attack. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fostering a school environment where students feel safe reporting concerns, the necessity of strong collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, and the critical role of behavioral threat assessment teams in preventing violence. The key takeaway is that proactive measures, clear communication, and a supportive school climate can help prevent tragedies before they occur.

https://www.avertedschoolviolence.org/