Coffee with Kelly: A Discussion on School Safety

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Ethan Woodman and Kelly Moore discuss what a truly unified safety strategy looks like and why disconnected systems can create dangerous gaps during emergencies. They explore situational awareness, communication, panic buttons, and the difference between collecting safety tools and building a unified safety ecosystem. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Kelly and Ethan explore what actually makes schools safer beyond panic buttons and security technology. From bee swarms and cybersecurity threats to an SRO stopping a potential tragedy before it escalated, the conversation dives into the human side of school safety, prevention, training, communication, and why real preparedness starts long before a crisis begins.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Kelly and Ethan discuss unbelievable incidents happening in schools today and why districts should already be preparing for the next school year, from end-of-year events to training, communication, and emergency preparedness.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Kelly and Ethan unpack a troubling series of real-world incidents involving students bringing everything from replica weapons to loaded firearms onto school campuses. They explore the critical question of intent, why these items are being brought in the first place, and how each situation may signal a deeper pathway to violence. From “harmless” lookalikes to ghost guns, the conversation highlights why schools can’t afford to dismiss these events as simple mistakes, and what must happen next to truly address the growing pattern. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we unpack the rise in student-related incidents involving weapons and the tough question schools are now facing: should gun safety be part of education? We explore the role of prevention, the importance of decision-making and accountability, and what it really means to be prepared when situations escalate beyond control. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!EPISODE 100! Kelly and Ethan are joined by CrisisGo Co-Founder Jim Spicuzza to reflect on the early beginnings of CrisisGo, how school safety has evolved over the past decade, and where it’s headed next.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we unpack several recent school incidents involving weapons and ask a critical question: are we addressing the root causes or just reacting to the outcome? We explore the role of fear, the importance of reporting, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed, including the connection between academic stress and pathways to violence. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we explore how simple actions like questioning an unfamiliar visitor can prevent tragedy in schools. We also unpack how school violence is defined, why the data can be misleading, and why true safety requires a community-wide approach. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Kelly and Ethan explore a critical question many districts overlook: are your schools and first responders actually aligned? From off-campus threats to swatting incidents, they break down how gaps in communication and coordination can delay response and increase risk. The conversation highlights why treating school safety as a shared responsibility with law enforcement and the broader community is essential, and what happens when that alignment is missing. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we explore recent school bus incidents that reveal a major gap in student safety before the school day even begins. From violence to neglect, the conversation challenges where responsibility truly starts.We also tackle a bigger question: if educators are expected to keep students safe, should safety training be a required part of the job?Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we discuss several recent incidents and what they teach us about threat progression, communication failures, and the importance of vigilance. From repeated threats in schools to violent events in the community, we explore how early awareness and collaboration can help prevent tragedies before they happen.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we discuss what happens when school budgets tighten and leaders must make difficult decisions about priorities. When funding becomes uncertain, school leaders are forced to examine what truly matters for the safety of their students and staff.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we discuss the growing relationship gap between schools, law enforcement, and community partners, and why coordination built before a crisis determines how well you respond during one. When seconds matter, trust and clarity can’t be built in real time. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Kelly and Ethan discuss student walkouts from a safety perspective. When schools take students outside controlled environments and into volatile situations, what risks are being introduced, and who is responsible if something goes wrong? Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Kelly and Ethan explore why school safety continues to fall short, even decades after Columbine. They break down the overlooked role emergency managers play in building relationships, coordinating response, and preparing communities before a crisis happens.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we explore why some of the greatest risks students face happen before they ever enter the building; on the way to school, at bus stops, and in the surrounding community. When students don’t feel safe getting to school, their behavior reflects that reality.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we break down recent campus and public attacks to examine how people respond under stress and where leadership and communication fail. We discuss delayed alerts, prolonged lockdowns, and why hesitation can increase confusion and trauma.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we kick off Season 7 by asking a hard but necessary question: have we actually advanced school safety, or have we just gotten better at responding after something goes wrong? This conversation challenges the industry’s fixation on mandates, panic buttons, and single-point solutions, and explores why true safety depends on interoperability, unified response, and shared situational awareness. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we examine why the days and weeks following extended school breaks consistently carry elevated risk, and why a new calendar year doesn’t automatically mean safer schools. Using a recent thwarted plot as context, the conversation breaks down warning signs, threat “leakage,” and the dangerous assumption that prevention resets after time off. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we take a hard look at leadership, accountability, and the real priorities shaping school safety. When districts say they lack time or funding to protect students and staff, where is the money actually going? This discussion unpacks the consequences of weak standards, poor stewardship, and decision-making that creates risk long before a crisis occurs.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks surrounding holiday breaks and why January consistently brings an increase in school violence. Listeners will learn what patterns to watch for and how to strengthen prevention and support before students return. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 phases together and shows how recovery completes the safety cycle. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 unclear responsibilities can derail a response before it even begins. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 how real preparation happens before the bang.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 overlooked hazards and pre-event thresholds, this conversation reveals why true safety starts long before the sirens. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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-threat emergencies.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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, this discussion dives into the balance between function, design, and prevention.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 can build trust with families when it counts most. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 safety tips for the start of the new year.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 implementing new safety solutions while maintaining trust within the community. Discover how schools can effectively integrate technology without losing sight of the basics, and what it means for the future of education.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 school safety and effective leadership. Tune in for insights on transforming school environments for long-term success.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 discussion emphasizes the importance of honest conversations about these issues, the role of parents, and the necessity of implementing effective policies to prevent misconduct.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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. The episode highlights the significance of education, data interpretation, and effective communication in managing weather-related risks.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 educational environments, advocating for proactive measures to protect students and address the root causes of violence and bullying.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 involvement and the need to address risk factors in preteens. Iuri connects the dots between suicidal ideation and violence, advocating for a comprehensive approach to mental health that includes families and educational institutions.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 also covers large event management, behavioral analysis, and the importance of interagency collaboration. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 explores the integration of digital signage in schools for safety messaging, emphasizing the need for distinct emergency communications, multi-channel strategies, and accessibility. Additionally, they discuss the importance of engaging students in safety protocols and the role of peer influence in shaping school culture.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 training for educators. They discuss the responsibilities of parents, schools, and communities in fostering a safe environment for students.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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. Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 approach to school safety that includes understanding the pathways to violence and the role of emotional and social factors in student behavior. They touch on the missed opportunities in preventing violence in schools and the importance of being observant and proactive in supporting students.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

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 importance of proactive measures in school safety. They discuss the pathway to violence, the necessity of establishing action thresholds, and the complexities of navigating threats, including when to press the panic button.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this conversation, Ethan and Kelly discuss the importance of creating a positive safety culture in schools, particularly in light of recent events such as the school shooting in Sweden. They explore the need to address bullying and the impact of trauma on students' mental health. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures to ensure safety and well-being in educational environments. They discuss the reality of potential threats in schools, the importance of training for safety, and the growing concerns teachers have regarding their safety. The conversation also highlights the critical role of leadership and funding in establishing a culture of safety within educational institutions, ultimately advocating for a shift in mindset towards prevention and accountability.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this episode, Ethan and Kelly dive deep into what it really means to reduce trauma in schools. From a personal story about a childhood drawing of “freedom” to a hard look at how schools may unintentionally contribute to student and staff anxiety, this conversation unpacks the importance of context, early intervention, and training. They explore why a false sense of security can be just as harmful as no security at all, and why true safety starts long before an emergency. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or safety professional, this episode challenges you to rethink your role in creating a school culture where students and staff feel empowered—not afraid.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this conversation, Ethan Woodman and Kelly Moore discuss the importance of creating a supportive school environment, the challenges of inclusivity, and the role of consequences in learning. They explore the complexities of accommodating diverse needs while maintaining a safe and positive atmosphere for all students. The discussion also touches on the balance between positive and negative reinforcement in education and parenting, emphasizing the necessity of learning from mistakes and the impact of consequences on personal growth.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.

Share your thoughts and suggest future topics!In this conversation, Andy Arnold, founder of The American Excellence Initiative, joins Kelly and Ethan to discuss the importance of preparing school administrators for crisis situations, the need for effective incident command systems, and the shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in crisis management.They highlight the role of leadership in supporting staff, the necessity of continuous training, and building confidence in decision-making during emergencies. The conversation also explores actionable steps to improve safety protocols, the value of realistic training scenarios, and how strong leadership can reduce trauma during critical incidents.Thanks for listening to our school safety podcast! Check out CrisisGo.com to learn more about enhanced crisis management and safety communication.