09/18/2026
School safety is about more than policies, technology, and procedures. It’s about relationships, trust, and creating an environment where students feel safe enough to speak up.
That message came through strongly at Leadership Seminole’s Coffee & Conversation, where local leaders and community partners for an important discussion about protecting our students and strengthening our community.
Kelly Pisciotta, Chief Operating Officer of Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka, moderated an insightful conversation with Captain Ron Shaw of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, touching on school safety, social media, technology, prevention, and the power of community partnerships.
One message really stayed with us: school safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Captain Shaw shared a powerful example of just how important those relationships can be. A student experiencing domestic violence at home confided in a law enforcement officer who had taken the time to sit down and have lunch with students on campus. That simple act of being present and building trust created a relationship where a student felt safe enough to ask for help.
It was an important reminder that sometimes making a difference begins with something as simple as showing up, listening, and building trust.
Technology, secured campuses, cameras, threat assessment systems, and law enforcement are all important, but relationships and trust can be among our most powerful tools. When students feel safe enough to tell a trusted adult that something isn’t right, it can make all the difference. See something, say something isn’t just a phrase, it works.
Everyone has a role, from students, parents, educators, and law enforcement to custodians, mentors, community leaders, and support staff. Building relationships with the people who see and interact with our students every day creates another important layer of awareness and protection.
