Well Being

How Raptor's StudentSafe tackles behavioral threat assessment and student well-being

Raptor Technologies built its reputation on visitor management, but the company's expansion into student well-being reflects a deliberate response to what its school district customers were already asking for. The result is StudentSafe, a platform designed to support behavioral threat assessment, ca

How Rural Schools Are Redefining School Safety Through Relationships and Proactive Systems

On Principles of Change, a podcast by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Dr. Miguel Salazar, principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, Texas, to explore how one rural district is redefining school safety through culture, systems, and human connection. Together, they unpack how proactive frameworks, community values, and intentional relationship-building can…

Understanding Raptor StudentSafe

In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Chris Noell, Chief Product Officer at Raptor Technologies, and Will Durgin, Director of Student Well-Being, about the vision behind StudentSafe and how it helps schools move from reactive responses to proactive student support. Together, they emphasize that safer schools depend on giving staff…

Going Slow to Go Fast in School Safety Leadership

In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso talks with Tim Dykes, Assistant Principal for Culture and Climate at York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. The conversation highlights how strong relationships, student voice, and steady long-term leadership can help schools build environments where people feel…

Rethinking Leadership: Why “Doable” Might Be the Most Powerful Strategy in Education Today

At a time when educator burnout is rising and schools across the U.S. are facing ongoing teacher shortages, leaders are being forced to rethink what sustainable success actually looks like. Research shows that teacher attrition is closely tied to working conditions, job-related stress, and workload demands. As districts push for innovation, data-driven instruction, and…

Building Safer Schools Through Restorative Practices

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of Principals of Change, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with D’Jon Pitchford, Assistant Principal at Kelly Lane Middle School in Pflugerville ISD, to explore what school safety really means. Pitchford reframes safety as more than physical security—emphasizing trust, restorative practices, campus culture,…

Beyond Drills: Building a Culture of Safety in Schools

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of Principals of Change, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Jeff Bryant, Principal of Jefferson Middle School, and David Sally, Associate Principal of West Aurora High School, to explore how effective school safety goes far beyond drills and locked doors. Drawing on…

Breaking Down the New National Behavioral Threat Assessment Report

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews guest expert Will Durgin to discuss the newly released Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Report from the National Threat Assessment Center and Homeland Security. They explore how this report differs from previous NTAC…

Addressing Bullying Through Prevention and Connection

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Dr. Melissa Mariani to explore school bullying prevention strategies, highlighting whole-school approaches, early intervention, and the power of positive climate in creating safer learning environments. KEY POINTS: Bullying erodes both physical and emotional safety,…

Calm First. Chaos Later: Sustaining Well-Being and Mission-Led Impact With Boundaries, Reflection, and Advocacy

Conversations about well-being are evolving beyond individual health to include the culture, values, and impact of the brands we support. Today’s connected world exposes young people to bullying across more channels than ever before. In 2024, the CDC reported that 40% of high schoolers experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, while StopBullying.gov noted that 19.2%…

Connecting in Crisis: How Schools and Crisis Text Line Support Student Wellbeing

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Jana French of Crisis Text Line about the essential role the organization plays in supporting mental health, especially among students during the back-to-school season. They explore how Crisis Text Line empowers individuals to define…

Empowering Voices: The Role of Anonymous Reporting in Education

When students can report safety concerns without fear, schools unlock crucial information that protects entire communities

The Role of Trusted Adults in Student Resilience and Wellbeing

Consistent relationships with caring adults create the foundation for students to overcome adversity and thrive

How the Use of K9’s Can Change the Culture & Climate on Campuses

Specially trained canine teams are reshaping how institutions balance security concerns with student and staff mental health support

Shaping Successful Citizens: Destroying the School-to-Prison Pipeline for Student Success

A police chief shares how restorative practices and mental health support can redirect students away from the criminal justice system

Shifting Our Mindsets to Transform Our Lives with Dr. Wendi Zimmer

Mental health support and self-belief emerge as critical leverage points for professionals managing high-stress environments and competing priorities

Safe Return: How Schools Can Prepare for a Back-to-School, Part 2

A school district leader reveals the multifaceted strategies required to protect students beyond active threats

The Ingredients for Flourishing and a Life of Meaning with Dr. Corey Keyes

Moving beyond survival requires understanding the five dimensions that transform languishing into genuine human flourishing

Supporting Staff Wellbeing

A school district's mental health coordinator reveals how prioritizing educator wellness directly strengthens safety and reduces burnout across campuses

Protecting Our Educators: The Impact of Burnout on School Security

Staff shortages and exhaustion among educators are quietly undermining school safety protocols and emergency response capabilities

Pt. 2: Proactive Student Wellbeing Through Early Intervention

Schools that identify struggling students early create safer, more supportive learning environments for everyone

Empowering Futures: How FoodCorps is Revolutionizing Education and Community Well-being through Food

Co-CEOs reveal how integrating food education into classrooms unlocks student health, academic performance, and lasting community impact

Pt. 1 Proactive Student Well-being Through Early Intervention

Schools can stop crises before they start by identifying at-risk students early through coordinated intervention efforts

Breaking the Stigma Behind Men’s Mental Health

Professionals in high-stress roles face cumulative psychological damage that requires deliberate intervention and support systems to prevent long-term harm

Strengthening School-Parent Partnerships for Enhanced Safety

Parents emerge as critical safety advocates when schools create structured channels for meaningful collaboration

National Bullying Prevention Month: Hey Dude, Nice Shoes

A school safety expert reveals how kindness initiatives can transform bullying prevention from problem-spotting to solution-building

What Happens When Disruption Creates Trauma?

Rapid technological change is triggering widespread psychological distress that organizations can't afford to ignore

Student Health and Well-being in a DisruptED Classroom

Poverty's hidden toll on early childhood development demands urgent action from schools and communities

Early Intervention: Addressing Rising Behavior Issues in Schools

Experts debate whether arming teachers addresses root causes of behavioral escalation in schools or if prevention strategies offer better solutions

Empowering Educators: The Evolution of Well-being and Efficacy in Modern Education

Schools are shifting from problem-solving to building educator resilience through science-backed wellness strategies