Every Student Needs Someone to Turn to with Barb Grimm
- Safe and Sound Schools
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
“Every student deserves someone who will listen — really listen.”
–Barb Grimm
In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay speaks with Barb Grimm, Founder of School Responder and longtime champion of Safe and Sound Schools, about the role of connection in prevention and response. Together, they explore why student engagement is central to safety, why it matters that schools offer many kinds of trusted adults, and how educators and communities can create cultures where no student feels alone.
Below you’ll find the full episode guide with key takeaways and standout quotes to guide your listening.
Episode Guide
[03:15] Prevention Starts with People
Safety planning isn’t only about procedures or equipment. At its core, prevention comes down to human connection — ensuring students know they are seen, valued, and supported.
“Plans and protocols are important, but they don’t matter if kids feel invisible.” –Barb Grimm
[07:40] Listening to Student Voices
Barb emphasizes that students themselves are often the first to see problems brewing. Giving them safe ways to speak up not only surfaces concerns earlier but also builds trust.
“Students will tell you what’s happening if they believe you’ll actually listen.” –Barb Grimm
[11:55] Every Student Needs More Than One Person
Counselors play a role, but so do coaches, teachers, aides, nurses, and cafeteria staff. Students thrive when they know they have multiple adults they can count on, not just one.
“We can’t expect one person to carry it all. Every child deserves a network of trusted adults.” –Barb Grimm
[16:10] Diversity Matters in Safety Roles
Barb shares that students connect most with adults they relate to — whether by background, personality, or role. Schools need a variety of trusted adults so every child can find “their person.”
“For some kids it’s the school nurse, for others it’s the custodian. The key is offering options.” –Barb Grimm
[20:05] Lessons from the Field
Through her work with schools across the country, Barb has heard countless stories from students about what makes them feel safe. Their voices remind us that engagement and connection can’t be standardized.
“When we take time to ask, students will always show us what they need.” –Barb Grimm
[24:20] Meeting Students Where They Are
In a digital age, connecting with students often means stepping into their world. Whether online or face-to-face, adults must show they’re willing to engage in ways that feel accessible to youth.
“We have to meet them where they are — not wait for them to come to us.” –Michele Gay
[27:45] The Power of Trusted Adults
From rural schools to large urban districts, Barb has seen how students naturally gravitate toward certain adults. The school nurse, the coach, the security guard — these roles are often the hidden anchors of safety.
“Every student is looking for their person. Our job is to make sure they can find them.” –Barb Grimm
[29:20] Resources That Make a Difference
Barb points to practical resources like Mental Health America, SAMHSA, 988, and local community organizations as critical supports. Schools should guide families and students toward these tools while reinforcing in-house networks of care.
“Resources are out there, but students need adults to walk with them to find the right ones.” –Barb Grimm
[31:00] Key Takeaway: Connection Saves Lives
At the heart of school safety is a simple truth: connection prevents crises. When schools build cultures of trust, listening, and care, they create environments where safety is shared — and every student knows they belong.
“Safety is built on connection. When a student feels alone, that’s when we’re at risk.” –Barb Grimm
Listen to the Full Episode with Barb Grimm
This episode of The Sound Off offers powerful insight for school leaders and educators about the role that relationships play in prevention and response. From the value of simply listening to what it means to meet students where they are, Michele Gay and Barb Grimm share lessons that can make all the difference in a student’s ability to thrive.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Status Solutions Network. SSN provides schools with safety technology at no cost and ongoing funding to address their unique and evolving needs—made possible through the support of local businesses advertising on the platform.
Check Out These Additional Resources from Safe and Sound and School Responder
Dive into these resources for more information on this topic:
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