Coffee with Kelly: A Discussion on School Safety

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan break down two recent school safety incidents. They explore why these events are becoming more visible, how schools often misinterpret threats, and why apologies or explanations are not enough without a deeper assessment. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enha...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In the final episode of our Emergency Management Series , Kelly and Ethan unpack the most overlooked phase of school safety: recovery . They explore why reunification is often a district’s biggest struggle, how trauma lingers long after an incident, and why real recovery actually begins long before a crisis ever occurs. This episode ties all four phas...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan break down what real emergency response looks like inside today’s schools , and why most campuses still aren’t prepared for those first chaotic minutes. From the discovery of an unloaded firearm to the critical questions every administrator should be asking, they unpack how probing behaviors, missed indicators, and unc...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In Episode 2 of our Phases of Emergency Management Series , Kelly and Ethan dive into preparedness, what it really means, why most schools still get it wrong, and how practice and documentation can mean the difference between prevention and tragedy.  From drills and tabletop exercises to decentralizing command and documenting training, they explain ho...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan kick off a four-part series on the phases of emergency management: prevention, preparation, response, and recovery. They unpack why prevention and mitigation are more than just buzzwords, how failure points shape every safety plan, and what it really means to move “left of bang.” From bullying and threat assessments to...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan discuss how a superintendent in Iowa rose to power with falsified credentials and what that says about failures in background checks and accountability. They explore how overlooking verification puts student safety and public trust at risk. The conversation expands to domestic violence situations on campus and multi-th...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan sit down with Hunter Johnston of Spartan Shield and Brett Hottmann from Abet High Tech Solutions to explore how schools can be built, and retrofitted, for true safety. From the concept of “compartmentalizing” a school to prevent and contain threats, to integrating ballistic panels that blend seamlessly into classrooms,...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan break down the latest school shooting in Colorado, exploring what response times really mean, why drills and simple protocols save lives, and how schools can spot warning signs before it’s too late. They also tackle the overlooked role of student IDs in keeping campuses secure. Thanks for listening to our school safety...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan tackle what happens when school technology fails during a crisis. Kelly shares why redundancy matters, how manual processes protect students and staff, and the critical backup steps every school leader should consider. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhance...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan dive into one of the most overlooked but critical areas of school safety — hoaxes, controlled release, and reunification. From false reports that test your readiness to the real-world challenges of getting kids back to their parents safely, they unpack why practice matters, what schools often get wrong, and how leaders...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly explains how tabletop exercises prepare schools for real emergencies and why Unified Command is essential for coordinating with law enforcement, fire, and EMS to ensure a clear, effective response.  With a new school year underway, it’s the perfect time to strengthen safety plans and start the year prepared.  Thanks for listenin...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan delve into the critical decision-making process during emergencies, exploring whether to evacuate or shelter in place. They share insights from real-life scenarios, discussing the importance of staying informed, evaluating threats, and having a solid plan. Stay until the end of the episode to hear 3 back to school safe...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly and Ethan dive into the evolving landscape of school safety, exploring the potential role of drones in enhancing security measures. They discuss the balance between cutting-edge technology and foundational safety practices, emphasizing the importance of prevention over response. Listen in as they navigate the complexities of imp...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly Moore and Ethan Woodman explore the differences between builders and collectors in product development and leadership. Discover how builders create and enhance systems, while collectors often purchase solutions without full understanding. The episode emphasizes empowering school staff to make informed decisions, focusing on scho...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Jason Stoddard joins Kelly and Ethan to discuss the critical issues surrounding school safety, particularly focusing on the hidden threats posed by educators. He shares alarming statistics about educator misconduct, the impact of sexual assault on victims, and the need for proactive measures to create a safe school environment. The di...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this conversation, Michael Clark, co-founder and CEO of BAM Weather, joins Kelly and Ethan in a discussion about the importance of proactive weather safety measures and emergency preparedness. They emphasize the need for organizations, especially schools, to integrate weather considerations into their emergency plans and decision-making processes....

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this conversation, Ethan Woodman and Kelly Moore discuss pressing issues surrounding mass shootings and bullying in schools. The discussion touches on the alarming trend of bullying in schools, particularly the role of teachers in perpetuating this behavior. They highlight the need for a cultural shift towards safety and responsibility in education...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of SchoolPulse, joins Kelly and Ethan in a conversation about student mental health. They emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies in enhancing student wellness and the unique approach of adventure-based therapy. The discussion also highlights the critical role of parental involvemen...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Kelly Moore and Ethan Woodman explore the blurred lines between parenting and school authority, especially when it comes to identity decisions made without parental consent. They unpack the power dynamics of bullying, the subjective nature of mental health, and the growing disconnect between school policies and family values.  Thanks...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this episode, Robert Salmon, President of ELi-Technology, joins the podcast to explore the critical role of location intelligence in school emergencies. They discuss the challenges of locating individuals during crises, the value of real-time data and panic buttons, and how emerging technologies are reshaping emergency response. The conversation al...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this conversation, Ross Schulz from Carousel Digital Signage joins Kelly and Ethan as they discuss the role of digital signage in schools. They highlight the complexities of ensuring that emergency alerts are accessible and understood by all, emphasizing the necessity of tailored communication methods for different audiences. The conversation explo...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this conversation, Jason Stoddard, Director of School Safety and Security for Charles County Public Schools, discusses the complexities of school safety in light of a recent incident involving a firearm in an elementary school. The discussion covers the challenges of recognizing gunfire, the importance of immediate action, and the need for better t...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this conversation,  Ethan and Kelly discuss a 13-year-old’s suspension over a soda can “rifle” and unpack the broader issues of school discipline, fear, and student behavior. They explore how academic struggles can signal deeper concerns, the role of teachers in spotting early warning signs, and the power of proactive support over punishment.  Than...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! In this conversation, Ethan and Kelly discuss a recent school shooting incident in Texas. They analyze the challenges of reunification after crises, the importance of reducing trauma, and the need for better training and awareness among school staff regarding bullying and violence prevention. The discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive appr...

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics! This episode explores a recent incident involving a gun discharged in a classroom, discussing the teacher's response, the implications of lockdown protocols, and the importance of effective communication during crises. Ethan Woodman and Kelly Moore delve into the critical distinctions between threat assessment and threat response, emphasizing the...