The Sound Off On School Safety

The racial justice protests in 2020 caused many schools to reexamine their policies related to DEI- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  Michele speaks with Daniel Ogunyemi, DEI Educator and Advocate, to break down what exactly this work means for schools and communities.  Plus, Michele unpacks why critical race theory is igniting debate in education. We hope you enjoyed this epi...

After a school crisis, how can communities come together to heal and recover? Michele speaks with retired Columbine High School principal, Frank DeAngelis to share his personal learnings on rebuilding a sense of safety and being a leader after tragedy. Plus, how educators and families can build resilience to overcome challenges. We hope you enjoyed this episode! For more tips and resources about c...

In the age of smartphones and remote education, Social-Emotional Learning is top of mind for teachers and parents, but what is SEL really?  Dr. Melissa Reeves talks about why building these critical life skills directly impacts our kids’ academic performance.  Plus, Michele explores whether wearing a mask in school stunts social and emotional development for children. We hope you enjoyed...

This week, we’re honoring educators for World Teachers’ Day. With schools nationwide being short staffed and dealing with limited resources, how can educators show up fully for their students?  Dr. Stephen Brock and Dr. Melissa Holland discuss self care practices for teachers, and how school administrations can provide a supportive culture.  Michele also shares the history behind World T...

This wildfire season has been unprecedented.  In 2021, thousands of fires have burned through communities, upending people’s lives, businesses, and disrupting schools.  Michele speaks with Mikey Latner, founder of Project:Camp, about how the organization is empowering communities to recover from crises like wildfires.  Plus, the fire safety tips your family needs to stay prepared, a...

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young people in the United States.  This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we explore how school communities are working to stop the stigma behind suicide and provide students with mental health resources.  Michele speaks with author and suicide prevention advocate, Kendra Nicholson, to share her family’s powerful story of hope and heal...

It’s that time of year and our second back-to-school season during a pandemic.  From easing anxiety to the must-have supplies, Safe and Sound Schools co-founder, Michele Gay fills you in on everything families need to be prepared when heading back to the classroom.  Plus, Michele speaks with pediatrician, Dr. Joshua Schaffzin for the most honest interview you’ll hear about how to keep ki...

As Alissa announces a new chapter in her healing journey, she and Michele take an honest look at their experience as Safe and Sound School's co-founders.   Read Alissa's message to our community here.

Alissa sits down with Cynthia Coffman of the Colorado Healing Fund to talk about last night's encore presentation and post premier panel discussion of the FBI's In the Aftermath documentary.

Alissa and returning guest Jim Vesterman, CEO of Raptor Technologies, discuss the keynote presentations from our Virtual National Summit on School Safety and how listeners can catch up on any presentation they might have missed!

What complexities do communities face after experiencing a crisis or tragedy? Alissa and Cynthia Coffman, of the Colorado Healing Fund, discuss the struggles they witnessed int their own communities following the tragedies in Sandy Hook and Columbine.  Hear their experiences and how they developed into strategies for providing better support to victims in the aftermath of a crisis.  

Alissa talks to Jim Vesterman of Raptor Technologies about the company's longtime support of Safe and Sound Schools and their shared passion for school safety.  Listen in to learn about how these two organizations are supporting safe and sounds schools through the challenges of today.

In this episode, Alissa interviews longtime friend and supporter of Safe and Sound Schools, Thom Jones of Navigate360 . Learn how Navigate360 became involved in the mission of Safe and Sound Schools and how they help confront the current school safety challenges through technology, education, and services that span the full spectrum of safety.

With our Summit now only weeks away, today’s episode is a sneak peek into our 2020 Virtual National Summit on School Safety.  As schools and communities continue to grapple with unfolding crises, we have to ask, “How does this impact the mental health of our students?” and “How can we prepare for the consequences—both positive and negative? Today, we will be talking with Clayton Douglas, Dr....

What is micro-schooling?  Could it be an option for students learning from home this fall and beyond? As the pandemic continues and another school year begins, many parents are faced with choices ranging from difficult to impossible. During our discussion with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy we explore safe, supportive, and family-friendly options for supporting learning at home.

What is social justice?  And how does it affect school safety? Join Michele Gay and Alissa Parker as they discuss with Dr. Charles Barrett to further explore Socially Just Practices for Safe and Sound Schools and learn how communities can recognize and address social justice issues found in our classrooms, hallways, and homes.

On May 22, 2011, a EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph ripped through Joplin Missouri - which destroyed or damaged more than half the schools in the community.  Dr. CJ Huff, former superintendent of the Joplin Missouri School District, discusses the difficult work of picking up the pieces in the aftermath and instilling a sense of hope for the future.  His powerful story provide...

On April 20, 1999, Frank DeAngelis was sitting in his office when two armed students waged a deadly attack on his his beloved school.   Over twenty years later we are still learning lessons from the tragedy at Columbine High School.  Frank's first hand account of the attack, the aftermath and his own recovery continues to help school communities find solutions to navigate through to...

There is a lot of uncertainty about returning to school in the fall, leaving most schools with a logistical nightmare.  For the final episode of this seasons Tuesdays at the Table, we have an honest conversation with key school stakeholders about important steps, considerations, and concerns that will help us better prepare for school next year. Hosted by Michele Gay (Co-Founder and Executive...

Joining us for today's episode is Scarlett Lewis, Founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement. After losing her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook Tragedy, she created the Movement and became an advocate for social and emotional learning (SEL) that teaches children how to manage their emotions, feel connected, and have healthy relationships.   Also at The Table: Michele Gay (Cofounder and Execut...

Listen to part two of our conversation with Nick Chernoff, Senior Threat Analyst with Safer Schools Together.  Chernoff shares practical knowledge and tips schools and families can use to keep our students safe. Joining this week's Tuesdays at the Table discussion are Michele Gay (Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools), Alissa Parker (Cofounder and Director of Outreach, Saf...

What are students feeling during the pandemic? In light of current events?  What concerns do they have about returning to school?  How can students improve safety?  Pull up a chair and listen in as student leaders have a frank conversation about their hopes, anxieties, and solutions for the upcoming school year. Hosted by Michele Gay, Cofounder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound...

With schools transitioning to all-online learning, the number of children with online access has dramatically increased.  How safe are students in this new environment? Nick Chernoff, Senior Threat Analyst with Safer Schools Together, encourages parents to take a deep breath and know that we will be okay.  Chernoff shares practical knowledge and tips schools and families can use to keep...

With little time to prepare for pandemic related school closures, school communities across the nation were left scrambling to adjust. Between juggling work from home, physical distancing, helping kids with school, many adults feel overwhelmed.  Dr. Melissa Reeves, School Psychologist and past-president of the National Association of School Psychologists, says it's possible to bring balance t...

Dr. Scott Poland, licensed psychologist and international expert on youth suicide, says helping students navigate through these extraordinary times is not only critical, but our priority.  Listen as he discusses tangible ways parents, teachers, and school leaders can more effectively support our struggling youth through the pandemic.  Tuesdays at the Table , is a web chat series presente...