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- NATALIE HAMMOND | Safe and Sound
Natalie Hammond is a survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and dedicated advocate for school safety. As Lead Teacher in the building on December 14th, 2012, Natalie is known for her deeply personal and insightful perspective on school safety and crisis response. Emphasizing the importance of preparedness, emotional resilience, and fostering a supportive, safety-first school culture, she shares her story and provides practical guidance on how schools can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Natalie’s firsthand experience and continued dedication to K-12 education make her an invaluable resource for schools and organizations committed to creating safer, more supportive environments for students and staff. WHY Book Natalie FOR YOUR EVENT? “It was fantastic. Natalie was very accommodating and is a wonderful educator. She told her story in a way that inspired others and offered suggestions and guidance on how to improve our safety plans. I would love to have her back to speak to our entire school district.” —Michael Lewis, Director of Student Services, Halifax County Public Schools WHO Books Natalie ? Natalie’s compelling presence and authentic voice make her a standout speaker in the field of school safety. Known for her thoughtful delivery and powerful storytelling, she brings a rare blend of lived experience and practical insight to every audience. Frequently invited to keynote conferences and lead professional trainings, Natalie equips educators and leaders with the tools to foster preparedness, resilience, and a culture of care. She is a trusted choice for schools and organizations committed to meaningful, lasting change in school safety and crisis response. Recent audiences and conferences include: Halifax County Public Schools Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Texas State University Texas Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC) Lake County Regional Office of Education Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Jessup University Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Natalie Hammond – book her today! BOOK TODAY NATALIE HAMMOND Elementary Principal and Sandy Hook School Shooting Survivor BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Natalie TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Leader-care/Self-care Violence Prevention Strategies Emergency Preparedness & Response Active Shooter Preparedness & Response Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Turning Pain into Purpose Lessons Learned from Tragedy Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Resiliency in the Aftermath 45-90 Minute Keynote up to Half-Day Workshop Natalie taught third grade at Sandy Hook Elementary for thirteen years before becoming the Lead Teacher in the building. In a morning meeting on December 14, 2012, she heard alarming sounds outside of the main office. She, along with the Principal and School Psychologist, confronted the unknown. Although wounded multiple times during the attack, Natalie survived her injuries. She now serves as Principal in a PreK-4 elementary school in Connecticut. Since the tragedy, she works with groups around the country to discuss resiliency in the face of adversity and the importance of communication and collaboration when developing safety plans. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 "Natalie was beyond wonderful, both to work with and in regard to her presentation. Thank you for your help in facilitating her being there." —Shellie Evers, Center for School & Campus Safety Supervisor, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services “The presentation was extremely well done. I have received very positive feedback from the faculty and staff. Thank you for helping us to coordinate everything. She was outstanding! The content and presentation pacing were excellent.” —Brigette Matson, DuBois Area School District Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Natalie Hammond taught third grade at Sandy Hook Elementary for thirteen years before becoming the Lead Teacher in the building. In a morning meeting on December 14, 2012, she heard alarming sounds outside of the main office. She, along with the Principal and School Psychologist, confronted the unknown. Although wounded multiple times during the attack, Natalie survived her injuries. She now serves as Principal in a K-4 elementary school in Connecticut. Since the tragedy, she works with groups around the country to discuss resiliency in the face of adversity, the importance of communication and collaboration when developing safety plans, and the necessity for social-emotional learning to be embedded into our daily practice as educators. Book Natalie TODAY! Testimonials
- DR. TODD SAVAGE | Safe and Sound
Dr. Todd Savage is a nationally recognized authority on school safety, culturally responsive practices, and inclusion, dedicated to equipping educators with actionable strategies to foster safe, supportive learning environments. With a deep commitment to equity and student well-being, his programs empower school communities to proactively support all students. He brings practical insight from years of experience training school teams through PREPaRE crisis response workshops and delivering high-impact, inclusive education initiatives. Known for his collaborative and research-based approach, Dr. Savage stands out by blending expertise with empathy to create lasting change. His presentations are not only informative but transformative, making him a trusted voice for schools striving to meet the needs of every student. WHY Book Dr. Savage FOR YOUR EVENT? “Todd was a great presenter and our audience gained knowledge from the 2-day workshop. I had positive feedback from all of our attendees. I am happy to say that we learned many things and it brought up driving questions for me to take back to our administrators about how we handle crisis response. We would definitely have Todd back again.” —Becky Wiginton, Director of College and Career Readiness, Midlothian ISD WHO Books Dr. Savage ? Dr. Todd Savage’s compelling expertise and thoughtful presentation style have established him as a respected and in-demand speaker. Todd offers deep knowledge in school psychology and a strong, research-based commitment to inclusion and student well-being. Todd is a trusted choice for schools, districts, and organizations focused on creating safe, affirming, and trauma-informed educational environments. Recent audiences include: Katy Independent School District Midlothian Independent School District St. Paul Academy and Summit School Art and Science Academy Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Todd - book him today! BOOK TODAY DR. TODD SAVAGE Professor of School Psychology BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Savage TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Community Leadership, Law, & Policy Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices Special Education Considerations LGBTQ+ Safety Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Understanding and Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in School (Standard 3-4 hour workshop, Minimum 1 ½ hour session, Up to an 8-hour workshop) The purpose of this session is to provide the participant with increased awareness and knowledge about gender diversity and schools; family matters about raising a transgender child and navigating the education system in this regard will also be presented. Finally, specific strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students will be highlighted. Learning will be supported through direct instruction, large- and small-group work, and resources that can be employed to facilitate these processes. Session Objectives: To enhance participants’ awareness of gender identity and gender diversity matters in schools from multiple perspectives; To introduce tools participants can use not only to assess a system’s readiness to accommodate transgender and gender diverse students but to determine the support and transition needs of individual gender diverse youth; To highlight strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students and to improve school climates as they pertain to gender diversity. PREPaRE Workshop #2 - Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools (3rd Edition) (Two Day 13-hour Workshop) This two-day workshop provides school-based mental health professionals and other school crisis intervention team members with the knowledge necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff following a school-associated crisis event. With updated research and crisis intervention strategies, this workshop teaches participants how to prevent and prepare for psychological trauma, reaffirm both the physical health of members of the school community and students’ perceptions that they are safe and secure, evaluate the degree of psychological trauma, respond to the psychological needs of members of the school community, and examine the effectiveness of school crisis intervention and recovery efforts. This workshop is an excellent course for all mental health professionals in your district who provide mental health crisis intervention services. This educator is also available to present the PREPaRE ToT (Training of Trainers) Workshops that correspond to the PREPaRE workshops described above. NOTE: The maximum number of participants is 45. There are additional fees of $55 per participant for materials that will be ordered directly from NASP. All materials are electronic, so there are no shipping fees. PREPaRE Workshop #1 - Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery (3rd Edition) (One Day, 6.5-hour Workshop) In this newly updated workshop, participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety and crisis prevention and preparedness efforts. With updated research and strategies, this workshop makes a clearer connection between ongoing school safety and crisis preparedness. It also emphasizes the unique needs and functions of school teams and the steps involved in developing these teams, including a model that integrates school personnel and community provider roles. The PREPaRE model builds on existing personnel, resources and programs, and can be adapted to individual school needs and size. Finally, the workshop explores how to prepare for school crises by developing, exercising, and evaluating safety and crisis plans. This workshop is an excellent course for mental health and educational professionals working at all grade levels in your district that help establish a safe school climate and respond to crises. NOTE: The maximum number of participants is 100. There are additional fees of $45 per participant for materials that will be ordered directly from NASP. All materials are electronic, so there are no shipping fees. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 “Dr. Todd Savage was invaluable to our school in helping to broaden our understanding of gender diversity, to shape our school policies in support of gender diversity, and to educate our full community — parents, faculty/staff, students — with regard to this important topic. He led with sensitivity, openness, and compassion, both for his work and for the vast differences in opinion and understanding among his audience. As a consultant and partner in the work, his professionalism and deep understanding of the social, psychological, and political landscape, combined with a rich and nuanced understanding of child and adolescent development, continues to be a vital source of ongoing support and guidance for our community.” —S. Jill Romans, Ph.D., LP, Assistant Head of School: Student Development and Community Engagement, St. Paul Academy and Summit School “Todd did an excellent job. He connected with teachers in the audience and, as board chair, provided me with better understanding of the direction we need to take for training teachers and staff to achieve optimal student achievement. He also worked well with other speakers — the local Police Chief and the Mayor. A key measure of his effectiveness that I witnessed was his demeanor — he reached all, regardless of their beliefs, level of education, and socio-economic status.” —Suesan Mackert, Board Chair, Art and Science Academy Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Todd A. Savage, Ph.D., NCSP is a professor of school psychology, Department of Counseling and School Psychology, College of Education & Professional Studies, University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF). A first-generation college student, Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn master, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Kentucky, after having completed a pre-doctoral internship in the Omaha (NE) Public Schools. Todd taught at the University of Kentucky for two years before securing his first faculty position in school psychology at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico; he has been in his current position at UWRF since 2008. Todd has held several leadership positions in the National Association of Schools Psychologists (NASP), a 25,000-member strong professional organization, eventually serving as its 47th president during 2015-2016. Throughout his career, Todd has engaged in scholarly and service activities in the areas of culturally-responsive practice; school safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, and intervention; and LGBTQ+ matters they pertain to education. In fact, throughout the past five years, he has focused his energies on providing professional development for teachers, administrators, school-based mental health professionals, and other school personnel on understanding and supporting transgender and gender diverse students in schools. Book Dr. Savage TODAY! Testimonials
- Programs | Safe and Sound | United States
Bring a Safe and Sound Training TO YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT OR ORGANIZATION Our expert team is dedicated to empowering school safety stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond with training and tailored consulting. If none of our existing programs are the perfect fit, we also offer customized consulting to help you strengthen your school safety efforts. Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon! Averted School Violence The ASV Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks. LEARN MORE Bright Futures Bright Futures brings together communities to meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children to thrive. LEARN MORE Comprehensive School Safety Framework The Comprehensive School Safety Framework equips schools with preparedness strategies which address all hazards. LEARN MORE Consulting & Technical Assistance From prevention through recovery, Safe and Sound Schools’ national network of experts can help your school or district plan and prepare for safety. LEARN MORE Especially Safe Especially Safe equips safety planning teams to address the safety and security needs of all members of their community. LEARN MORE PREPaRE Training PREPaRE is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), School Crisis prevention and response training curriculum. LEARN MORE Pathways for Prevention Pathways for Prevention provides a practical approach to school violence prevention with universal violence prevention strategies. LEARN MORE Safe and Sound Institute® The Safe and Sound Institute® presents regional summits, workshops, and trainings that to engage and connect all stakeholders to improve school safety. LEARN MORE Staying Safe Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. LEARN MORE Filter Program By Safe & Sound PROGRAMS GET TRAINING
- DR. CJ HUFF | Safe and Sound
Featured AVAILABLE TO BOOK EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE SAFE AND SOUND SPEAKERS BUREAU Dr. C.J. Huff is a recognized leader in school safety, crisis management, and community resilience. With extensive experience as a superintendent, he guided the Joplin, Missouri, school district through the aftermath of the devastating 2011 tornado, demonstrating exceptional leadership in recovery and rebuilding. Dr. Huff’s approach to school safety emphasizes the importance of strong community partnerships, proactive preparedness, and fostering a culture of resilience. As a speaker, he offers practical insights into disaster response, recovery strategies, and creating supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of students. His expertise makes him an invaluable resource for schools and organizations seeking to strengthen their safety protocols and community engagement efforts. WHY Book Dr. Huff FOR YOUR EVENT? “ The clear and concise articulation of real-world leadership in a time of terrible crisis . Dr. Huff pulled off some tremendous successes with his team, but there was a personal and professional cost at times. I appreciated his willingness to not only share those successes (and articulate the need to briefly acknowledge them regularly), but to also acknowledge the price he paid to achieve them. He also carved out a path to avoid many of those personal costs, or at least address them moving forward in a crisis.” —Brett Garland, Director, South Dakota State School Safety Program WHO Books Dr. Huff ? Dr. Huff’s expertise and compassion make him a sought-after speaker for a wide range of organizations. He is especially recognized for his leadership in response and recovery following natural disasters, guiding communities through challenges with resilience and strength. Organizations he has worked with include: Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative Missouri State Teachers Association, Southwest Region South Dakota State School Safety Program Pierce County Emergency Management Region 18 ESC BOOK TODAY DR. CJ HUFF Educator and Child Advocate BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Huff TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Culture, Climate & Community Leadership, Law & Policy Operations & Emergency Management Leader-care/Self-care Recovery & Resilience After Tragedy Turning Pain into Purpose Lessons Learned from Tragedy Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Leading in Crisis: The Joplin Story In this keynote, Dr. C.J. Huff provides a boots-on-the-ground CEO perspective on the challenges of leading a large organization through the hours, days, weeks, months, and years following an unthinkable tragedy. With a “people-first” approach, C.J. provides leaders with a practical approach to engage internal and external stakeholders, communicate vision, and chart a path forward that inspires and encourages others to follow. Attendees frequently comment on his humility and the common-sense actions leaders can take to stabilize an organization during incredibly challenging times. If I Had a Dime If I had a dime for every time I said, ‘You gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of others!’ I would have been able to rebuild our entire community after our disaster.” A central part of the presentation highlights the importance of "Career Sustaining Behaviors" (Self-Care) and the critical role educators play in the long-term recovery of students and their peers by becoming a model of self-care for others to follow. His "people first" message offers opportunities for self-reflection, practical strategies to improve staff morale and retention, tips on communication strategies, and thoughtful lessons learned the hard way balanced with empathy, humor, and inspiration to provide educators the clarity needed to overcome adversity. Relationships Matter In this session, Dr. Huff provides participants with a clear-eyed understanding of the importance of pre-need relationships to “carry the day” when crisis strikes. The relationships with internal and external stakeholders can make or break the ability of an organization to respond decisively to unexpected events that distract an organization from its noble purpose. Dr. Huff provides communication and leadership strategies to keep your organization moving forward...no matter what. BOOK NOW Review 1 Review 2 After all, a lot of you could've spent your senior year scattered throughout different schools, far from home. But Dr. Huff asked everyone to pitch in so that school started on time, right here in Joplin. He understood the power of this community and the power of place. —President Barack Obama With unwavering courage and unshakable resolve, C.J. has led the Joplin Schools forward. He has been an inspiration to us all. I’m proud to have worked closely in partnership with C.J., and I’m even more proud to call him my friend. —Former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. C.J Huff is an educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, building principal, and superintendent of schools. Originally a farmer from McCune, KS, Dr. Huff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, his Master's and Specialist degree in Education from Missouri State University, and his Doctorate in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2003. On May 22, 2011, at 5:41 PM, the costliest tornado in US history hit Joplin, Missouri. This EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph devastated the community, killing 161 community members, including 7 students and a staff member, in just 32 minutes. As a school system, 10 of the 19 schools in his district were damaged or destroyed. Dr. Huff was responsible for successfully leading his district of 1,100 employees and 7,700 students through the community response and recovery effort that followed. His declaration that "We will start school on time" is credited with being a key factor that drew the community of Joplin together just days after the tornado and provided a positive light for the country to rally around in the midst of such tragedy and destruction. As a result of his leadership, Dr. Huff's resolve was recognized by leaders across the nation. Retiring from Joplin Schools in 2015, Dr. Huff serves as a subject matter expert to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education, supporting response and recovery efforts following some of the nation's most devastating natural disasters in recent history. This includes extensive response and recovery support following Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Michael, California wildfires (Paradise, CA), and the 2023 tornadoes in both Arkansas and Mississippi. Book Dr. Huff TODAY! Testimonials
- PREPaRE Training
PREPaRE is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), School Crisis prevention and response training curriculum. PREPaRE Training PREPaRE is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), School Crisis prevention and response training curriculum. PREPaRE is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), School Crisis prevention and response training curriculum. The trainings are designed to strengthen school crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery while utilizing an all-hazards, multidisciplinary approach. Next Item Previous Item
- DR. MELISSA REEVES | Safe and Sound
Melissa Reeves, Ph.D., NCSP, LPC, is a leader and advocate in school safety, mental health, and crisis prevention and response. With decades of experience as a school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and educator, and international advisor, she empowers educators and school communities to build systems that are proactive, trauma-informed, and deeply student-centered. A past president of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and co-author of the PREPaRE curriculum, Dr. Reeves brings globally recognized leadership to her work, challenging schools to embrace a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to prevention and crisis response. With a deep commitment to student well-being, Melissa equips her audiences with the knowledge and tools they need to support safer, healthier learning environments. WHY Book Dr. Reeves FOR YOUR EVENT? “Dr. Melissa Reeves has conducted dozens of workshops for both state and national conference that I have organized. She consistently receives the highest feedback from workshop attendees and carefully crafts her presentations to the specific needs of the audience. Dr. Reeves delivers her presentations with much enthusiasm and incorporates activities that target adult learning styles. She is a repeat workshop presenter due to high demand, participant request, and a proven track record.” - Anthony M. Adamowksi, M.Ed., Senior Manager - School Psychology, Chicago Public Schools WHO Books Dr. Reeves ? Dr. Reeves’ presentations are firmly grounded in decades of research and front-line experience. She engages international audiences with practical strategies, relatable case examples, and a calm, confident presence that fosters learning and reflection. Her presentations focus on topics such as school-based crisis prevention and response, trauma-informed practices, behavioral threat assessment, and building mental health supports that strengthen school safety and student resilience. Recent audiences Melissa has spoken to include: Michigan State Police Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Chicago Public Schools Rock Hill School District Houston Independent School District Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education Gangs, Guns, and School Violence Prevention Summit (Vancouver, BC) Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by Dr. Reeves - book her today! BOOK TODAY DR. MELISSA REEVES Former President of the National Association of School Psychologists BOOK NOW << Back to All Speakers Get Inspired TO BRING Dr. Reeves TO YOUR NEXT EVENT! SPEAKER Topics Include Mental & Behavioral Health Culture, Climate, & Policy Leadership, Law, & Policy Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Identifying & Supporting At-Risk Students Intervention Strategies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Leader-care/Self-care Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management Violence Prevention Strategies Best Practices for Drills Trauma-Informed Practices Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences Inclusive School Safety Practices Special Education Considerations Signature PRESENTATIONS Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event. Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): Best Practices for K-12 Schools 6 - 6.5 hours This workshop will focus on the process and procedures needed to establish a consistent school/district-wide approach to behavioral threat assessment and management. The roles and responsibilities of a multidisciplinary team following best practices established by the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (USSS/NTAC) and United States Department of Education will be taught. In addition, current statistics, legal cases, post-incident reviews, early identification of warning signs, primary prevention strategies to "break the code of silence”; screening and assessment procedures; and strategies for interventions, postventions, and working with difficult parents will be integrated. Case study examples and forms will also be shared to illustrate the process. This workshop accompanies the book authored by Dr. Reeves titled Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management. Participants will learn: how to establish a consistent school/district-wide approach to BTAM using the 8-steps identified by USSS/NTAC the critical risk factors and warning signs contributing to risk best practice guidelines and lessons learned from prior legal cases reports primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence how to assess risk using best practice guidelines and procedures established by the US Secret Service and US Dept of Education strategies for interventions and postvention strategies for working with difficult parents how to conduct a BTAM screening and full assessment utilizing case study examples It is highly recommended that school/district BTAM teams attend the training together. Critical team members include administrators (principals/assistant principals/deans), school psychologists, counselors, social workers, school resource officers, and law enforcement. Other important professionals also include behavioral interventionists, special education professionals/case managers, nurses, and community mental health professionals and law enforcement officers providing services in the schools and/or those who may help work threat assessment cases. Advanced Threat Assessment Training 3 – 3.5-hour training Can be combined with Best Practices for a Defensible Process and/or Special Education Considerations, see below, to make a 4.5 – 6.5 hour/full day workshop This workshop will examine the most current research and recommendations to ensure your school’s threat assessment process incorporates the most recent best practice guidelines. Participants will learn current best practices, the importance of investigating social media posts, and how our own biases can cloud judgment. In addition, post incident reports will be reviewed that provide an analysis of lessons learned from prior threat assessment cases and school shootings. Dr. Reeves will also share lessons learned from her experience in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment and targeted school violence. Important findings will be discussed with an emphasis on the role of the school mental health professionals and SRO’s, the critical importance of establishing a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team, and the systemic barriers that complicated information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. Participants will also analyze the reports to identify risk factors, warning signs, and missed opportunities for intervention. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will be provided. This workshop accompanies the book authored by Dr. Reeves titled Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management: K-12 Schools. Participants will: identify current best practices to improve their school’s threat assessment process learn the importance of searching for online threatening social media posts identify the impact biases can have on the interpretation of warning signs analyze case study data to identify opportunities missed when determining severity of a threat discuss specific strategies that need to be implemented to improve a school/district threat assessment process Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management: Legal and Best Practice Updates 1 - 2 hours This workshop will discuss how to make your school/district’s BTAM process more legally defensible. Dr. Reeves will share lessons learned from her experience in serving as an expert witness in a threat assessment case for a large school district. Important findings will be discussed with an emphasis on the critical importance of establishing multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams, the factors to consider when conducting a threat assessment on a student receiving special education services, and the systemic barriers that complicate information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will be provided. [Note: This workshop is more of an overview whereas the workshops below cover information more in-depth.] Participants will: identify current best practices to improve their school’s threat assessment process understand how special education protocols and procedures are separate, yet can be complimentary to, threat assessment protocols and procedures identify the impact biases can have on the interpretation of warning signs learn how to increase effective communication to ensure the fidelity of the BTAM process and outcomes Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): Best Practices for a Defensible Process 1.5 - 3 hours Can be combined with Special Education Considerations, see below This workshop will discuss how to make your school/district’s BTAM process more legally defensible. The most current research and recommendations will be discussed with an emphasis on the critical importance of establishing multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams and how to address the systemic barriers that complicate information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. The importance of addressing bias, equity, and disproportionality within the BTAM process will also be explained. Knowledge gained in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment, targeted violence and suicidal ideation will be highlighted. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will also be provided. Participants will: learn how to build a high-quality behavioral threat assessment and management program utilizing best practice strategies to build a legally defensible process understand how to conduct a threat assessment using strategies that increase equity while decreasing bias and disproportionality learn the clear distinction, yet complementary aspects, between threat assessment and suicide risk assessment be provided with best practice guidance regarding parent permission vs notification, information sharing, discipline, and change in programming and/or placement decisions be provided recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of the BTAM process Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): Special Education Considerations 1 – 1.5 hours Can be combined with Best Practices for a Defensible Process, see below This workshop will discuss the special consideration necessary to ensure your threat assessment processes do not violate special education protocols and procedures. How IDEA, 504, and ADA Title II “Direct Threat Standard” intersect with threat assessment and the considerations needed to ensure districts are complying with federal law will be presented. Best practice guidance regarding parent permission vs notification, information sharing, discipline, and change in programming and/or placement decisions will be discussed. In addition, knowledge gained in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment, targeted violence and suicidal ideation will be highlighted. Workshop participants will: discuss special considerations to be considered when conducting threat assessments with students with disabilities or suspected of having a disability understand the clear distinction, yet complementary aspects, between threat assessment and special education policies and procedures learn how IDEA, 504 and ADA Title II “Direct Threat Standard” intersect with threat assessment and the considerations needed to ensure districts are complying with federal law be provided with best practice guidance regarding parent permission vs notification, information sharing, and discipline identify the critical actions that need to be taken in the threat assessment process if a change of placement or programming is to be recommended identify data points to be collected to identify and mitigate disproportionality School-Based Crisis Prevention and Intervention 1.5 – 4 hours This advanced-level workshop will assist you in enhancing the crisis procedures already in place in your school district. Specifically, learn cutting edge tips on conducting crisis exercises and drills in the school setting. In addition, strategies for using social media, dealing with the press, and planning memorials will be offered. The legal ramifications of crisis response and how to meet the needs of your school community the recovery process will be highlighted. Lessons learned from previous school crisis, to include natural disasters and school shootings, will be discussed. Advanced Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM): Case Management & Reintegration 3 - 3.5 hours This advanced workshop will increase participants skill sets regarding identifying protective factors and risk factors to enhance safety and management planning as part of the threat assessment process. An MTSS framework will be presented and then participants will work an advanced case study utilizing the 6 social development domains: individual, family, peer, school, community, and digital. A management planning toolkit will be provided to help guide teams in developing the safety plan and facilitating reintegration. Strategies for supporting staff will also be shared. It is highly recommended that participants have received prior training in behavioral threat assessment and management. Participants will: review the foundations of BTAM learn strengths-based supports, intervention, and management strategies to effectively manage challenging behaviors while also supporting staff learn strategies to support reintegration apply skills learned utilizing case studies Suicide Prevention through Postvention: Developing a Proactive and Consistent Approach to Evaluating Risk 6 – 6.5 hours This workshop will discuss the essential processes and procedures needed to establish quality programs that address suicide prevention through postvention. Critical factors discussed include current statistics and legal cases, early identification of warning signs, primary prevention strategies, how to screen for suicide risk and conduct a more in-depth school suicide safety assessment suicide risk assessment, and strategies for intervention and postvention activities. Case study examples and forms will be shared with the school mental health professional taking a leadership role. Participants will learn: how to establish a consistent school- or district-wide approach to suicide risk assessment the critical risk factors and warning signs contributing to risk best practice guidelines as established by prior legal cases and lessons learned reports primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence how to conduct screenings and school-based suicide safety assessments strategies for interventions and postvention strategies for working with difficult parents from case study examples and shared forms that illustrate the suicide risk assessment process Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention 2 - 3 hours This workshop will discuss the similarities and differences between suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. Critical factors discussed include etiology, early identification of risk factors and warning signs, and primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence. School-based intervention strategies will include cognitive, affective, behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychological interventions and postvention activities that address contagion and “rites of togetherness.” Participants will also better understand how to talk to teachers and parents about suicide and NSSI. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention 1.5 - 2 hours This workshop will discuss critical factors related to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Practical universal suggestions will be provided for addressing contagion and “rites of togetherness.” Participants will also better understand individual interventions for students engaging in episodic and repetitive NSSI; assessment instruments for assessing the functions and severity of NSSI; etiology of NSSI and developing intervention plans to include practical cognitive, affective, behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychological interventions. Strategies for talking to teachers and parents about NSSI will also be highlighted. BOOK NOW Testimonials Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 “Dr. Melissa Reeves is an outstanding presenter, facilitator and instructor. I have been in a national conference and two local trainings in the past year where Dr. Reeves has provided content. Her confidence and enthusiasm are evident in her sharing of materials, ideas and practical use theory. At a recent national conference for the National Association of Pupil Service Administrators, Dr. Reeves was the highest rated presenter from the four-day conference with an approval rating of 4.80 out of 5. The feedback responses she received was complementary of both her presentation skills and the informative content she provided. Plans are being made to invite Dr. Reeves to present again at a future conference.” - V. Keith Wilks, M.Ed., Executive Director of Student Service, Rock Hill School District “Dr. Reeves' PREPaRE training was absolutely fantastic. Her trainings have increased our crisis team's professional capacity exponentially. Her wit, humor, and just ebullient personality fused within the scope of presenting the PREPaRe content yielded an overall great training and experience.” - Sean P. Ricks, LSSP, Sr. Manager - Crisis and Behavioral Intervention, Houston Independent School District Go Go Speaker BIOGRAPHY Dr. Melissa Reeves, Ph.D., NCSP, LPC is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed special education teacher, licensed professional counselor, and former district coordinator of social/emotional/behavioral services. She is past president of the National Association of School Psychologists (2016-17) and has over 20 years’ experience working in public schools and a private school, in addition to providing mental health services in day and residential treatment settings. She was an Associate Professor at Winthrop University and taught both undergraduate and graduate psychology courses, in addition to supervising graduate school psychology students in their field-based traineeship and internship placements. She also served on the university’s Critical Incident Management Team and the College of Arts and Science COVID-19 Recovery committee. Currently, Dr. Reeves is a threat assessment & mental health specialist and senior advisor and speaker for Safe and Sound Schools, an organization founded by two parents who lost their children in the Sandy Hook tragedy. She is also a consultant and trainer for SIGMA Threat Management Associates (a Raptor affiliate), Safer Schools Together (SST), and Public Consulting Group (PCG). Dr. Reeves actively works and consults with K-12 schools regarding threat assessment cases and is engaged in helping state departments of education and school districts establish threat and suicide risk assessment procedures and emergency response protocols. Dr. Reeves is the lead author of the South Carolina Department of Education School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Best Practice Guidelines for South Carolina K-12 Schools and has also recently served as an expert witness in court cases involving targeted school attacks and threat and suicide risk assessments, particularly involving students receiving special education services. Dr. Reeves was recently appointed by the Department of Homeland Security as an inaugural member of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, which will advise on school safety practices to better support K-12 communities. In addition, Dr. Reeves is co-author of the nationally and internationally recognized National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) PREPaRE School Safety and Crisis Preparedness curriculum, the first comprehensive K-12 school crisis prevention and intervention curriculum. She is also a current member and former Chair of the NASP National School Safety and Crisis Response Committee which provides consultation and support to school districts across the country after large scale crisis events including school shootings and natural disasters. She was a founding member of the Colorado Society of School Psychologists State-Wide Crisis Response Team, which trained school districts across Colorado in crisis response and was also a crisis responder to support students after Columbine. In addition to responding to various crises over the years, she travels both nationally and internationally training professionals in the areas of crisis prevention and intervention, threat and suicide assessment, the impact of trauma and PTSD on academic achievement, and cognitive behavior interventions in the school setting. She has conducted more than 350 workshops and presentations and consults with schools on establishing a positive and safe school climate that focuses on prevention programs and positive discipline measures to decrease behavioral incidences while increasing academic achievement. She has also provided consultation and staff development training to United States Department of Defense Educational Activity Schools located on military installations. Dr. Reeves has authored six books: School Crisis Prevention and Intervention: The PREPaRE Model (original and 2nd Edition); Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences; Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management for K-12 Schools; Identifying, Assessing, and Treating PTSD at School; and Comprehensive Planning for Safe Learning Environments: A School Professional’s Guide to Integrating Physical and Psychological Safety: Prevention through Recovery. She has contributed multiple articles to the Communiqué, the nationally disseminated publication for the National Association of School Psychologists and has co-authored numerous book chapters and journal articles. In addition, she has testified in front of the U.S. Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Disaster and Recovery regarding "Children and Disasters: A Progress Report on Addressing Needs." As NASP President, Dr. Reeves appointed the NASP Social Justice Task Force, and two additional task forces to study distance education and virtual delivery of school psychology services. Dr. Reeves has been awarded the National Association of School Psychologists Presidential Award in 2006, 2012, and 2018 and the NASP Crisis Interest Group Award for Excellence in 2007 and 2011. She was a 2007 national finalist for the Joseph E. Zins "Purpose" Award for Early Career Practitioners in Social Emotional Learning; in 2006 awarded Golden Heart Award, presented by Cherry Creek School District Parent Special Education Advisory Council; and received the University of Denver, College of Education Leadership in Learning Alumni Award in 2006. She has received numerous other awards throughout her career in addition to serving elected terms on the NASP Board of Directors as a NASP Delegate, Regional Representative, and NASP President. She is also member of the American Psychological Association, Colorado Society of School Psychologists, and Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). Book Dr. Reeves TODAY!
- Bright Futures | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
Now one of Safe and Sound’s signature programs, Bright Futures brings together faith-based organizations, human services agencies, and businesses in partnership with families and schools for a shared purpose: to quickly meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children and youth so they can succeed in school and beyond. Bright FUTURES GET TRAINING WHAT IS BRIGHT FUTURES? The Bright Futures Program at Safe and Sound Schools brings together faith-based organizations, human services agencies, and businesses in partnership with families and schools for a shared purpose: to quickly meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children and youth so they can succeed in school and beyond. What started as a locally led initiative in Joplin, MO, has now become a national effort in communities across the nation. The Bright Futures program now serves more than 70 communities in 8 states, supporting the health, wellness, and safety of over 250,000 students nationwide. The Bright Futures Community Resiliency Framework takes a whole community approach to raising our next generation of citizens and is grounded in three foundational principles to support the growth of our kids and strengthen the resolve of our communities: Create communication and resource structures to meet any child’s basic needs within 24 hours. Strengthening community resiliency by building the local leadership and resource capacity to improve problem solving capabilities to address the greater challenges faced by today’s youth. Providing opportunities for children and youth to serve the community through curriculum-based, hands-on service experiences to grow generations of service-minded citizens. WHO CREATES BRIGHT FUTURES? Now one of Safe and Sound’s signature programs, Bright Futures brings together faith-based organizations, human services agencies, and businesses in partnership with families and schools for a shared purpose: to quickly meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children and youth so they can succeed in school and beyond. What started as a locally led initiative in Joplin, MO, has now become a national effort that serves more than 70 communities in 8 states, supporting the health, wellness, and safety of over 250,000 students nationwide. EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHAMPION Now one of Safe and Sound’s signature programs, Bright Futures brings together faith-based organizations, human services agencies, and businesses in partnership with families and schools for a shared purpose: to quickly meet basic needs and create new opportunities for children and youth so they can succeed in school and beyond. What started as a locally led initiative in Joplin, MO, has now become a national effort that serves more than 70 communities in 8 states, supporting the health, wellness, and safety of over 250,000 students nationwide. Inspiring community partnerships that open a way for all children to learn to lead and serve to their full potential. HOW IT WORKS The Bright Futures Community Resiliency Framework© takes a whole-community approach to raising the next generation of citizens and is grounded in three foundational principles that support the growth of our kids and strengthen the resolve of our communities: Create communication and resource structures to meet any child’s basic needs within 24 hours. Strengthen community resiliency by building the local leadership and resource capacity to improve problem solving capabilities to address the greater challenges faced by today’s youth. Provide opportunities for children and youth to serve the community through curriculum-based, hands-on service experiences to grow generations of service-minded citizens. Bright Futures Website MEET THE FOUNDERS Dr. C.J. Huff Co-Founder Bright Futures USA Kim Vann Co-Founder Bright Futures USA Start a Bright Futures Community IN YOUR AREA! Want to help meet the basic needs of children and families in your community? Complete the form below to learn more, and a member of our team will be in touch soon!
- Staying Safe | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. Recognizing the unique needs of the school environment, Safe and Sound Schools has tailored this program to address the specific roles and responsibilities of school personnel, ensuring that the training... Staying SAFE GET TRAINING WHAT IS Staying Safe? Staying Safe is an options-based emergency response framework that equips staff and students with a variety of safety skills that they can use in different situations. Recognizing the unique needs of the school environment, Safe and Sound Schools has tailored this program to address the specific roles and responsibilities of school personnel, ensuring that the training is as relevant and effective as possible in a school context. We aim to teach safety skills as practical actions that individuals can apply based on their circumstances. Empower Your School with Adaptable Safety Skills Staying Safe provides lifelong tools that align to and support existing procedures and protocols, and it is intentionally designed to dovetail with your current emergency plans and safety drills. Learn more about the program by downloading the Staying Safe Program Guide today! DOWNLOAD NOW PROGRAM Highlights Staying Safe was designed with all ages and abilities in mind. The program focuses on the following: Behaviors and choices that support safe decision-making during an unsafe situation Preparedness tools to utilize in a crisis Simple and familiar actions that students and staff can follow during a crisis to increase their chance of safety Supplemental protocols and procedures to support policies already in place, such as SRP, SRM, and EOPs Active discussion, exploration, learning, and practice designed to build confidence and competence Leveraging the expertise of your multi-disciplinary team Training Details The Staying Safe training program is an 8-hour training that is filled with hands-on activities and discussions to prepare individuals to implement this program with high fidelity. The training covers: The foundation of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program and their Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) model. How to educate and teach staff and students in the most age and developmentally appropriate manner. How to implement this program successfully in various grade level bands. We also provide additional resources and hands-on support in this training to assist you in implementing Staying Safe with fidelity . Dive Deeper Learn more about Staying Safe and how it can help you equip every member of your school community stay safe in a crisis. LEARN MORE Bring Safe and Sound Training TO YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT OR ORGANIZATION! Our expert team is dedicated to empowering school safety stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond with training and tailored consulting. If none of our existing programs are the perfect fit, we also offer customized consulting to help you strengthen your school safety efforts. Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon!
- Take Action | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
Take action today! Safe and Sound Schools® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving school safety across the United States through crisis prevention, response, and recovery. Donations are tax deductible (tax ID number 46-2723169). 32,000 schools reached through education, training, and resources 16,600,000 students impacted by Safe and Sound Schools® worldwide 31,269 Straight-A Safety Toolkits downloaded 163 163 countries and all 50 states equipped with the knowledge in our toolkits TAKING ACTION IS IMPORTANT...AND EASY! There are four ways to take action at Safe and Sound Schools. You can donate to our 501C3 Non Profit organization, focused on building programs for schools across the country. You can subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with all of the events and industry news. You can fundraise an event of your own with Safe and Sound's support. Finally, you can contact us directly with any questions. CONTACT US DONATE SUBSCRIBE FUNDRAISE PARTNER WITH US Take ACTION
- Healthy Digital Environments | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
Expert insights and resources to enhance digital citizenship and promote safe online practices for students. Truly comprehensive school safety must extend to the digital spaces where our students spend so much time today. Safe, Sound and Healthy Digital Environments: A Practical Toolkit for Educators Expert insights and resources to enhance digital citizenship and promote safe online practices for students. Truly comprehensive school safety must extend to the digital spaces where our students spend so much time today. Building on insights from roundtable discussions with district and school administrators, mental health professionals, educators, and law enforcement officials, Safe and Sound Schools, Snapchat, and leading school safety experts joined forces to develop this comprehensive toolkit. It provides educators with the knowledge needed to support the safety and well-being of their students online, including specific information about Snapchat. We hope you find this toolkit to be an invaluable resource for your school community. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive digital environment for students, better protecting every school, every student, every day. DOWNLOAD NOW Healthy Digital ENVIRONMENTS
- Legal | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS WEBSITE TERMS OF ACCESS AND USE IMPORTANT – THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU (“YOU”) AND SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS (“WE” OR “SAFE AND SOUND”). BEFORE ACCESSING OR USING ANY PART OF THE WEBSITE, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS Legal SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS WEBSITE TERMS OF ACCESS AND USE IMPORTANT – THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU (“YOU”) AND SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS (“WE” OR “SAFE AND SOUND”). BEFORE ACCESSING OR USING ANY PART OF THE WEBSITE: https://safeandsoundschools.org/, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THIS TERMS OF ACCESS AND USE AGREEMENT (THE OR THIS “AGREEMENT”) AS THESE TERMS GOVERN YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THIS WEBSITE AND ANY MATERIALS OR INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE Safe and Sound Schools Website OR USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (COLLECTIVELY, THE “Safe and Sound Schools Website”). SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS IS WILLING TO LICENSE AND ALLOW THE USE OF THE Safe and Sound Schools Website ONLY ON THE CONDITION THAT YOU ACCEPT AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE NOT GRANTED PERMISSION TO ACCESS OR OTHERWISE USE THE SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS WEBSITE AND ARE INSTRUCTED TO EXIT THE Safe and Sound Schools Website IMMEDIATELY. TERMS AND CONDITIONS LICENSE GRANT. The Safe and Sound Schools Website is provided by Safe and Sound Schools, and this Agreement provides to you an individual, revocable, limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-transferable license to use the Safe and Sound Schools Website and any materials or information made available through or from the Safe and Sound Schools Website conditioned on your continued compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 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While Safe and Sound Schools has endeavored to create a secure and reliable Safe and Sound Schools Website, you should understand that the confidentiality of any communication or material transmitted to/from the Safe and Sound Schools Website over the Internet or other form of global communication network cannot be guaranteed. Accordingly, Safe and Sound is not responsible for the security of any information transmitted to or from the Safe and Sound Schools Website. You agree to assume all responsibility concerning activities related to your use of the Safe and Sound Schools Website. PRIVACY POLICY. Safe and Sound respects the privacy of visitors to the Safe and Sound Schools Website. Safe and Sound strives to employ practices that ensure that information voluntarily submitted by visitors is used conscientiously and appropriately. The following outlines Safe and Sound’s privacy policy: Before or at the time of collecting personal information, Safe and Sound will identify the purposes for which information is being collected (for example, if you choose to sign up for the Safe and Sound Newsletter). We will collect and use personal information solely with the objective of fulfilling those purposes specified by Safe and Sound, unless we otherwise obtain the consent of the individual concerned or is required by law. We will only retain personal information as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes. We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned. We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification. We will make readily available to customers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. This Agreement provides only a limited license to access and use the Safe and Sound Schools Website. Accordingly, you expressly acknowledge and agree that Safe and Sound transfers no ownership or intellectual property interest or title in and to the Safe and Sound Schools Website to you or anyone else. All text, graphics, user interfaces, visual interfaces, photographs, sounds, artwork, computer code (including html code), programs, software, products, information, and documentation as well as the design, structure, selection, coordination, expression, “look and feel,” and arrangement of any content contained on or available through the Safe and Sound Schools Website, unless otherwise indicated, are owned, controlled, and licensed by Safe and Sound and its successors and assigns and are protected by law including, but not limited to, United States copyright, trade secret, patent, and trademark law, as well as other state, national, and international laws and regulations. Except as expressly provided herein, Safe and Sound does not grant any express or implied right to you or any other person under any intellectual or proprietary rights. Accordingly, your unauthorized use of the Safe and Sound Schools Website may violate intellectual property or other proprietary rights laws as well as other laws, regulations, and statutes. Please be aware that Safe and Sound does enforce its intellectual property rights to the fullest extent of the law and, in particular and without limitation, with respect to illegal use of terms confusingly similar to any of Safe and Sound’s trademarks. This Safe and Sound Schools Website is Copyright © 2013 Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative. All rights reserved. Safe and Sound also owns a copyright in the contents of the Safe and Sound Schools Website as collective work and/or compilation and in the selection, coordination, arrangement, and enhancement of the content of the Safe and Sound Schools Website. Any downloadable or printable information or materials available through the Safe and Sound Schools Website and all copyrights, trade secrets, and know-how related thereto, unless otherwise indicated, are owned by Safe and Sound. Safe and Sound, the Safe and Sound logo, and all other names, logos, and icons identifying Safe and Sound and its programs, products, and services are proprietary trademarks of Safe and Sound, and any use of such marks, including, without limitation, as domain names, without the express written permission of Safe and Sound is strictly prohibited. Other service and entity names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners. LINKS TO OTHER SITES. Safe and Sound may provide links, in its sole discretion, to other internet sites for your convenience in locating or accessing related information, products, and services. These sites have not necessarily been reviewed by Safe and Sound and are maintained by third parties over which Safe and Sound exercises no control. Accordingly, Safe and Sound expressly disclaims any responsibility for the content, the materials, the accuracy of the information, and/or the quality of the products or services provided by, available through, or advertised on these third-party Web sites. Moreover, these links do not imply an endorsement with respect to any third party or any Web site or the products or services provided by any third party. THIRD-PARTY MATERIALS/SERVICES. Safe and Sound, in its sole discretion, may feature materials, programs, products, and services provided by third parties. Safe and Sound makes no representations with respect to, nor does it guarantee or endorse, the quality, non-infringement, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability, or correct sequencing of such third-party materials, programs, products, and services or any other materials, programs, products, and services which such third-party materials, products, and services may access. Your correspondence or any other dealings with third parties found on the Safe and Sound Schools Website are solely between you and such third party. Accordingly, Safe and Sound expressly disclaims responsibility and liability for all third-party provided materials, programs, products, and services contained on or accessed through the Safe and Sound Schools Website, and you agree that Safe and Sound shall not be responsible for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as a result of any such dealings or as the result of the presence of such third parties on the Safe and Sound Schools Website. DISCLAIMER. THE INFORMATION AND MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS-IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS AND MAY INCLUDE ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR OTHER INACCURACIES. NOTHING ON THIS WEBSITE IS OR PURPORTS TO BE ADVICE. WHILE THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE HAVE BEEN COMPILED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE, RELIABLE AND USEFUL, SAFE AND SOUND MAKES NO GUARANTY AS TO, AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CORRECTNESS, SUFFICIENCY OR COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION OR RECOMMENDATIONS. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL SECURITY, LEGAL, MEDICAL, MENTAL HEALTH, PUBLIC SAFETY, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. SPECIFIC CONCERNS SHOULD ALWAYS BE DIRECTED TOWARD QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS IN THE AFOREMENTIONED AREAS.YOU ASSUME THE SOLE RISK OF MAKING USE AND/OR RELYING ON THE INFORMATION AND MATERIALS AVAILABLE ON THE SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS WEBSITE. 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SAFE AND SOUND DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO DAMAGES ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED OR INCURRED IN RELIANCE UPON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE.SAFE AND SOUND DOES NOT RECOMMEND OR ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC SERVICES, PRODUCTS, PROCEDURES, OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE MENTIONED ON THIS WEBSITE. SAFE AND SOUND MAY MAKE MODIFICATIONS AND/OR CHANGES IN THE SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS WEBSITE OR IN THE INFORMATION AND MATERIALS AVAILABLE ON THE SAFE AND SOUND SCHOOLS WEBSITE AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY REASON. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. 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You and Safe and Sound Schools each agree to submit to exclusive subject matter jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction, and venue of the courts in the State of Connecticut for any disputes between us under or arising out of this Agreement. Any claim you might have against Safe and Sound Schools must be brought within one (1) years after the cause of action arises, or such claim or cause of action is barred. You also acknowledge and agree that any applicable state law implementation of the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (including any available remedies or laws) shall not apply to this Agreement and is hereby disclaimed. Safe and Sound Schools makes no representation that the Safe and Sound Schools Website is appropriate or available for use in other locations outside the State of Connecticut, and access to the Safe and Sound Schools Website from sates, territories, or nations where any aspect of the Safe and Sound Schools Website is illegal is prohibited. You access the Safe and Sound Schools Website on your own volition and are responsible for compliance with all applicable local laws with respect to your access and use of the Safe and Sound Schools Website. A printed version of this Agreement and of any related notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to this Agreement to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form. Please contact Safe and Sound if you wish to receive a printed copy of this Agreement. ENFORCING SECURITY ON THE SITE. Safe and Sound Schools reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to modify, suspend, terminate, or interrupt operation of or access to the Safe and Sound Schools Website, or any portion of the Safe and Sound Schools Website, in order to protect the Safe and Sound Schools Website, Safe and Sound Schools, or Safe and Sound Schools’ business. TERM AND TERMINATION. This Agreement and your right to use the Safe and Sound Schools Website will take effect at the moment you click “I ACCEPT” or you install, access, or use the Safe and Sound Schools Website and is effective until terminated as set forth below. This Agreement will terminate automatically if you click “I REJECT”. 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This Agreement represents the entire agreement between you and Safe and Sound Schools with respect to your access and use of the Safe and Sound Schools Website, and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written between you and Safe and Sound Schools with respect to the Safe and Sound Schools Website.
- What's Working in School Safety: Trends, Tools, and Success Stories for the School Year
Michele Gay is joined by Alana O’Grady, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Verkada, for an in-depth conversation on current safety trends and actionable steps to make your school safer. What's Working in School Safety: Trends, Tools, and Success Stories for the School Year BACK Michele Gay is joined by Alana O’Grady, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Verkada, for an in-depth conversation on current safety trends and actionable steps to make your school safer. With the school year resuming, educators, parents, and security leaders are asking: how can schools and communities create safe environments that inclusively protect every student? In this special webinar, Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, shares her personal journey from tragic loss to a path of advocacy, and how her organization is helping schools implement practical, compassionate safety solutions across the country to keep kids and communities safe. Michele is joined by Alana O’Grady, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Verkada, for an in-depth conversation on current safety trends, innovative programs like Especially Safe , and actionable steps to make your school safer.







