Connecticut's first MOSS Club – student-led, action-driven. Our mission: pass Alyssa's Law in CT and build statewide awareness.
Who We Are
MOSS – Make Our Schools Safe – is a national student-led movement born from tragedy and fueled by action. The Staples chapter was the first MOSS Club in Connecticut.
On February 14, 2018, 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Her parents, Lori and Ilan Alhadeff, founded Make Our Schools Safe so that students across America could turn grief into policy – and presence into protection.
"We believe students are the most powerful advocates for their own safety. When they speak, legislators listen." – Lori Alhadeff, MOSS Founder
Faculty Advisor
David Willick
Staples High School · Westport, CT
Why it matters
What We've Done
Led by founding co-presidents Zander Bauer & Elijah Falkenstein – proof that students can change laws.
Secured funding for 300+ Campus Shield panic buttons installed for every staff member at Staples – an encrypted emergency system independent of cellular and Wi-Fi.
CT Senate Bill 1216 passed unanimously – 145-0 in the House – and was signed by Governor Lamont, creating a $20M statewide school security grant program.
Club members testified before the Connecticut General Assembly, bringing the student voice directly to state lawmakers and making the case for emergency response systems.
Raised funds to install 7 Stop the Bleed emergency medical kits at Staples and ensured all teachers received hands-on training – with plans to expand to all 7 Westport schools.
In the News
From donating Stop the Bleed kits to testifying before the Westport Board of Education and appearing on FOX 61, this is what student-led advocacy looks like.
A wearable, discreet emergency badge worn by every staff member. One press silently alerts law enforcement in seconds – no phone, no Wi-Fi, no hesitation. Now approved and coming to Staples High School.
Alerts law enforcement in under 60 seconds – faster than any phone call
Operates on encrypted radio frequency – works even if Wi-Fi or cell is down
Worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothing – inconspicuous until it's needed
Every staff member gets one – no one is left without a direct line to help
AS SEEN IN
FOX 61 NEWS COVERAGE
CT'25 · WFSB NEWS COVERAGE
PRESS COVERAGE
Our Current Mission
Push CT legislation requiring silent panic alarms in all schools, directly linked to local law enforcement – the single fastest way to cut emergency response time.
Every Connecticut school deserves a student-led safety voice. We're actively recruiting and supporting students who want to open MOSS chapters at their own schools.
Connect MOSS chapters across the state to share resources, coordinate advocacy, and amplify the student voice in Hartford.
"Every student in Connecticut deserves to walk into school feeling safe. That's not a political issue – it's a basic right. We're not waiting for adults to fix this."Hayes Bauer & Harlan Bauer – Co-Presidents, Class of 2028
The People Behind It
CO-PRESIDENTS · CLASS OF 2028
CLUB BOARD
The Fight for
Alyssa's Law requires every K-12 school to install silent panic alarm systems directly linked to local law enforcement. It saves lives by cutting emergency response time to seconds.
Silent panic alarms that instantly alert local law enforcement – not just school administration – in any emergency. Staff can trigger them discreetly without alerting an attacker.
Connecticut still has not fully adopted Alyssa's Law. Despite being home to Sandy Hook, CT schools lack a universal mandate for direct law-enforcement panic alert systems.
Alyssa was 14 years old when she was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. Her mother Lori is now a U.S. Congresswoman and MOSS co-founder.
Alyssa was a passionate soccer player, a devoted student, and a beloved daughter. She was 14 years old. Her memory lives in every school that becomes safer because of the law that bears her name.
SB 1216 opened the door. Our next step is a full Alyssa's Law mandate requiring all CT schools to link panic systems directly to law enforcement.
Expand the Movement
You don't need a law degree or a budget. You need three things: motivation, a faculty advisor, and a school that deserves to be safer. We'll help with the rest.
A willing teacher or administrator is all you need to get official school recognition. They don't need to run the club – just sponsor it.
Visit makeourschoolssafe.org to officially register your chapter. You'll get resources, guidance, and access to the national MOSS network of student leaders.
Reach out to Hayes and Harlan directly. As the first CT chapter, we're building a statewide network and want to support every new club that launches in Connecticut.
Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or community member – there's a role for you in making Connecticut schools safer. Reach out and let's talk.
