Welcome to the
Now We're Talking podcast! Each episode will feature conversations with guests about topics that impact the school community. Every two weeks we will post a new episode that will include three segments:
- Fun, Random Question
- Interview and Discussion
- Questions from Listeners
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We intend to make this podcast meaningful and fun. Let's get started!
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Episode 1 Overview- In this episode, Dr. Jeck sits down with the Sheriff of Fauquier County, Bob Mosier, to discuss the topic of school safety.
Guest Links: Sheriff Mosier:
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Fauquier County Sheriff's Office:
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Episode Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsors for their support of this program, FCPS, and education in general:
Segment 1 - Fun, Random Question: Sheriff Mosier selected the following question from the 'bucket of random questions':
Who is your favorite teacher and why?
Sheriff Mosier describes his third-grade teacher who was patient with him. She knew just how to bring him back on track when his mind was wondering. Because of her efforts, Sheriff Mosier received the Good Citizenship award that year!
Segment 2 - Interview and Discussion:
Why did you get into law enforcement?
Sheriff Mosier shares a story of when he was 8 or 9 years old, browsing through the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog. He was fascinated with a police officer uniform. He liked what the uniform stood for - being able to serve others.
Where did you start your career?
Sheriff Mosier began as a police dispatcher with the City of Manassas Park, VA. He then became a patrolman at the age of 21.
What has been most surprising or unexpected since you've been in this position?
Sheriff Mosier describes some of the challenges we face together that have been eye-opening, including mental health issues, heroine issues, and instituting the school security program. He believes it takes working together on these challenges and states, "We can overcome if we commit to it."
Dr. Jeck gives a shout out to the Sheriff for being someone who followed through on the promises he made in his campaign. He also thanks the Sheriff's Office for being an active presence in the schools.
Dr. Jeck shares that when parents send their kids to school, they want to know two things - that they are safe and that they are learning. He praises the SRO program and credits the SROs with making connections and building relationships with students. When students are willing to share information with the SRO, "that's huge"!
The Sheriff reminds all community members to be diligent (If you see something, say something). Options to report a concern:
- Call the Sheriff's Office (540-347-3300 is the non-emergency number)
- Alert a School Administrator
- Use the Tip Line link on the FCPS website and all of the school websites.
What do you perceive as the role of the new SSO position?
Sheriff Mosier outlines some of the differences between the SSO and SRO positions and explains that SSOs are employees of the school division and can be armed. Duties of the SSO might include:
- checking IDs (ensuring unauthorized persons are not in the building)
- monitoring camera systems, doors and the perimeter of the building
- working after hours events
Dr. Jeck and Sheriff Mosier agree that lot of the folks who we put behind bars are folks who have mental health issues, but we don't have the resources to help them. Dr. Jeck shares that over 500 FCPS employees are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and although that's terrific, we need a way to let people know who they are. To accomplish that, FCPS purchased lanyards and stickers to help identify the trained staff members.
Between the efforts of the PATH Foundation and Fauquier Health, we are raising awareness and having the conversation about mental health. The Sheriff shares that they are working on a system within the adult detention center that would give inmates access to mental health professionals at no cost.
What is coming up for the Sheriff's Office?
Sheriff Mosier shares that a BIG announcement related to their assessment results would be coming soon! Dr. Jeck offers early congratulations.
Sheriff Mosier offers the following words of advice: "If you ever want to brighten your day... step into an elementary school and take a look at the kids."
Segment 3 - Questions from Listeners:
Our question this episode comes from the Piedmont Environmental Council.
What opportunities are provided for disadvantaged students during the summer months?
Dr. Jeck is happy to say, we have several:
- Marshall Center Camps - taking place free of charge in a beautifully renovated space (thanks to grant funding); offering instruction, mentoring, tutoring, soccer, basketball, and much more!
- Camp Smile (formerly known as Camp Moss Hollow)
- STEM camps sponsored by Fauquier Excellence in Education Foundation (not free, but scholarships are offered for disadvantaged students)
- StarTalk (language program) & SummerQuest (GT program)
- Summer School (free of charge)
- BOB the Bus - Kristen McAuliffe heads the program.
Final closing thoughts - "We will try to do better next time." ~ Tony Kornheiser
