The Sound Off On School Safety

Schools are under increasing pressure to strengthen physical security. But with so much attention on weapons detection technology, how do school leaders separate marketing from meaningful safety?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay welcomes back Tom McDermott, K–12 Safety and Security Coach at CEIA USA, for a candid conversation about one of the fastest-growing topics in school safety. Tom explains why the conversation shouldn't start with products—it should start with understanding risk, defining the threats a school is trying to address, and building a comprehensive safety strategy where technology supports people, planning, and training.Together, Michele and Tom unpack the misconceptions surrounding weapons detection and explore how schools can make informed decisions without losing sight of what matters most: creating environments that are both safe and welcoming.In this conversation:Why weapons detection technology is often misunderstoodThe difference between metal detection and weapons detectionWhy every school should define its security goals before evaluating technologyHow physical security fits into a layered school safety strategyWhy technology can never replace planning, training, and trusted relationships👉 Listen now to learn why the most important school safety decisions begin long before a student ever walks through a detector.Guest links:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlmcdermott/CEIA:https://k12.ceia-usa.com/what-weapons-detection-really-means-for-school-security/Show links & resources:Connect with Michele: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Safe and Sound Schools:⁠⁠https://safeandsoundschools.org⁠⁠

What if the tools you already have could make your campus safer, your team more efficient, and your response time faster — all without adding new staff or systems?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, host Michele Gay talks with Nikita Gupta, Senior Product Manager at Verkada, about how AI and mobile alerts are helping schools modernize their safety operations. They explore how smart alert systems can free up staff, reduce false alarms, and deliver real-time insight — empowering schools to respond faster and focus on what matters most: their students.In this conversation:How smart alert systems streamline safety and communicationWays AI and automation reduce manual monitoring and false alarmsHow schools can improve safety without increasing staff or costsWhy “more data” doesn’t have to mean “more work”How technology can empower, not replace, the people who keep schools safe👉 Listen now to learn how schools can strengthen safety and save valuable resources with smart alert solutions.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:Verkada:https://www.verkada.com/Connect with Nikita Gupta on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-g/Show links:Connect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Donate: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/Safe and Sound Schools website:https://safeandsoundschools.org

Most educators know school law matters — but few really understand how it shapes everyday safety. What if the rules we fear could actually empower us to protect our students better?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with Amanda Bigbee, a veteran school attorney and trusted advisor to districts across Texas, to unpack what the law really says — and what it doesn’t — about keeping schools safe.Amanda shares the misconceptions she sees most often, from privacy laws to liability fears, and explains how legal teams, administrators, and educators can work together to make smart, confident decisions when it matters most.What emerges is a powerful reminder: the law isn’t meant to stand in your way — it’s there to help you do the right thing.In this conversation:Why fear of liability can actually make schools less safeThe truth about FERPA, privacy, and information sharingHow to build trust between educators and legal teams before a crisis hitsThe real difference between policy and practice — and why people come firstWhy “lawyer speak” can sound confusing, and how to bridge the gap👉 Listen now to hear how Amanda Bigbee is helping schools turn legal confusion into confident, collaborative safety action. Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest links:Amanda's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-bigbeeBaylor University:https://edl.soe.baylor.edu/person/dr-amanda-bigbeesShow Links:Safe and Sound Schools: https://safeandsoundschools.orgConnect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Donate to support Safe and Sound Schools: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/

What does it really mean to engage a community in school safety? Beyond slogans and vision statements, how do schools, parents, and partners work together to create real impact?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with Amy Jeffs — a longtime partner and advocate for safer schools — to unpack what genuine community engagement looks like. From building trust to forging partnerships, Amy shares how schools can move from “talking the talk” to “walking the walk.”In this conversation: - Why community engagement is more than a buzzword - Practical ways schools can partner with parents, nonprofits, and businesses - The role of trust and relationships in sustaining safety efforts - Challenges schools face when trying to involve their wider community - How inclusive engagement strengthens school culture and safety👉 Listen now to learn how schools can harness the power of community to keep every student safe.Guest Links:Amy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jeffs-732940/Status Solutions:https://www.statussolutions.com/Show Links:Safe and Sound Schools: https://safeandsoundschools.orgConnect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Donate to support Safe and Sound Schools: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/

When it comes to keeping schools safe, it’s not just about plans or protocols — it’s about people. How can schools make sure every student feels they have someone they can trust?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay speaks with Barbara Grimm, School Safety Specialist with SchoolResponder and longtime Safe and Sound Schools partner, about the role of connection in prevention and response.Barbara shares stories from her work across the country, highlighting why student engagement is central to safety — and why it matters that schools offer many different kinds of trusted adults. Together, Michele and Barbara explore what it takes to build communities where no student feels alone.In this conversation:Why student voice is essential in any school safety effortHow to make sure students have multiple trusted adults they can turn toThe value of diversity in school safety roles — so every child can find a relatable connectionWhat Barbara has learned from listening to students at Safe and Sound Schools eventsHow educators and community members can create a culture of openness and trust👉 Listen now to hear how Barbara Grimm is helping schools put relationships at the heart of safety.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:SchoolResponder appConnect with Barbara on LinkedInShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateSafe and Sound Schools website

How do we protect kids in a world that's always online?Dr. Scott Poland has been on the frontlines of school crisis response and youth suicide prevention for decades — but today’s challenges with social media and mental health are unlike anything we’ve faced before.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay reconnects with one of Safe and Sound Schools’ earliest champions to talk about what’s really going on with kids today, and how parents, educators, and communities can respond with clarity, compassion, and practical tools.From the rise of anxiety and depression to the role of family modeling and digital literacy, this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths — but it also offers real hope.In this conversation:Why “more green time, less screen time” might be the mantra we all needHow digital life impacts self-worth, bullying, and mental healthWhat families can do right now to set healthier boundaries with techThe critical role of school psychologists and student servicesHow community support makes the difference after a school tragedy👉 Listen now and explore what it really means to support youth mental health in today’s world.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to access mental health resources, school toolkits, and expert guidance.Show links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children with autism. But what if the biggest barrier to preventing it... is misunderstanding?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, host Michele Gay sits down with Cindy Freedman, co-founder of Swim Angelfish and a longtime pediatric therapist, to confront the realities — and the myths — of water safety for neurodivergent children. Together, they share hard truths, personal stories, and practical tools that every family, therapist, and school leader should know.From Michele’s own experience navigating water safety with her daughter Josephine, to Cindy’s decades of training professionals across the country, this conversation shines a light on how we can turn the water from a place of fear into one of empowerment, safety, and inclusion.In this conversation:Why children with autism are at much higher risk of drowning — and how we fix thatThe most dangerous myths about water safety and neurodivergent kidsWhat makes aquatic therapy so powerful for teaching body awareness and regulationHow Swim Angelfish helps professionals nationwide create safer water experiencesWhy real safety means meeting kids where they are — not where we wish they were👉 Listen now and learn how to turn awareness into action — in your family, your school, and your community.PLUS download some AMAZING free tools on water safety at: https://swimangelfish.com/Guest Links:Swim AngelfishLinkedInInstagramSwim Whisperers PodcastShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website

How do we protect our kids from grooming and abuse when the signs are often so hard to spot?In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay sits down with Michelle Denault, an advocate and survivor, to discuss the realities of grooming, how predators manipulate trust, and how we can build safer environments for our children. Michelle shares her powerful story and offers practical insights into how communities can recognize and respond to grooming behaviors to protect kids from harm.