Ep 68 | What Options Does a Technical College Offer?

Thomas TJ Rollins is the principal at George Stone Technical College, a trade school providing quality academic, career, and technical education. He shares how these work-based learning programs may be the fast track to financial stability, job security, and successful careers for the next graduating class of Escambia County high schoolers.
: :
Prev
November 21, 2023
Next
No more previous episodes!
More episodes coming!

Browse Episodes

Ep 113 | From Tate High to Officer of the Year

113
October 1, 2024
Text

Tate High graduate, Adam Norre, who knew from a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement. What he didn’t know is that just 3 years in, he would be named Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year. In this episode, Adam traces his path to becoming a Sheriff’s deputy and his hopes for what’s next.

Play Button

Ep 112 | Financial literacy: Setting up kids for stable futures

112
September 24, 2024
Text

Jennifer Causey is a social studies teacher at Pine Forest High School whose econ class includes a mock investing challenge. She is working to end the cycle of poverty in Escambia county, by not just educating kids on money management basics, but making growing it accessible and fun. In this episode she shares what motivates her to dig in, when others short change this issue, and where to start if you’re feeling behind.

Play Button

Ep 111 | Coming together with Sue Straughn

111
September 17, 2024
Text

Sue Straughn may be the most recognizable news anchor in Pensacola, but she has also been an outstanding advocate for children and education—earning a spot in the 100 Most Influential People by INWeekly, the Martin Luther King Junior "Living the Dream" Award, the Ambassador for Education by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation and more. Listen as Sue, an Escambia High graduate, shares her unique vantage point into the community from both the news desk and her front porch.

Play Button

Ep 110 | From inmate to outreach: Building up at-risk youth

110
September 10, 2024
Text

Hassan Hills is the founder and Director of Youths Left Behind, a nonprofit working to build up at-risk kids in Escambia County. In this episode, he shares his own story of incarceration and how he’s working to reduce gang violence and increase opportunities for youths in Escambia County. Hear from Michael Jeter, one of the young teens positively impacted by organization.

Play Button

Ep 109 | What's the best way to talk with your kids about vaping?

109
September 3, 2024
Text

Jasmine Simms is a Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Tobacco Free Florida. In this episode, she shares vaping myths, why you may not recognize a vape pen if you saw it and practical strategies to talk to your kids about it.

Play Button

Ep 108 | Learning to fail: Critical skill for success

108
August 27, 2024
Text

This trio of guests are leveraging a school elective that turns creative problem solving into a competition. Melissa Hughes, Cheri Stoker and Sophia Worley are part of the Ferry Pass Middle School's Odyssey of the Mind Program where seven of their eight teams advanced to the state level. Odyssey of the Mind is an international program designed to help students grow as confident learners and team members. Listen as they share five benefits this program brings to the classroom and beyond.

Play Button

Ep 107 | How is one couple changing our schools?

107
August 20, 2024
Text

Dr. Kimberly Thomas and Mr. Derrick Thomas are both principals at Escambia County Public Schools on the rise—C.A Weis Elementary School and Workman Middle School. They share their work/home relationship dynamic and their unique perspectives on successful school outcomes.

Play Button

Ep 106 | Pilots in training: Landing the job

106
August 13, 2024
Text

According to Boeing, the pilot shortage means that over the next 20 years, we'll need 200K new pilots in the US alone. Escambia High School has a unique solution facilitated by a unique leader. Greg Pyle is a flight academy instructor. After 20 years in the United States Air Force, six of which spent as a navigator flying a FB1-11 fighter jet, he has combined his love of aviation with his passion for teaching a special dual enrollment program—created in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Hear how the program sets students up with a technologically engaging career and minimal student loans.

Play Button

Ep 105 | Training our kids to save lives

105
August 6, 2024
Text

A House Bill passed in 2021 requires all public school students receive basic first aid training, including CPR. Although simply watching a video satisfies this requirement, Dr. Mary Mehta, pediatric cardiologist, VP & Chief Medical Officer of Nemours Children’s Health Pensacola, explains why they're supporting hands-on training throughout the county. Hear the scenarios that this training prepares families for and why it’s the right combo of practical and empowering.

Play Button

Ep 104 | Can art inspire learning?

104
July 30, 2024
Text

Kenneth Jordan II is an award-winning artist, graduate of WFHS and alumni of McArthur Elementary School who is lending his brilliance back to his old classroom. Known for his highly realistic portraits using crayons, he’s helping students recognize their feelings and do what he calls, “see their own hand.” Listen to how he illuminates the connection between art, uniqueness and resourcefulness for students in Escambia County.

Play Button

Ep 103 | Critical thinking: Can it be taught?

103
July 23, 2024
Text

Theory of knowledge asks International Baccalaureate students, "How do you know what you know?" Dylan Patterson and Audrey Foss are recent IB graduates of Pensacola High School. They used their final CAS project as a way to bring civic education to middle schoolers. Together with Gloria Eligio, the IB college counselor, hear what inspired them, how IB works and what’s next.

Play Button

Ep 102 | How do you fix that? Not Your Grandfather’s Shop Class

102
July 16, 2024
Text

Chad Cherry is the Building Construction teacher at Northview High School. In this episode, he shares how the Building Technologies Academy is getting the next generation prepared for employment and homeownership through hands-on application of math, safety, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

Play Button

Ep 101 | Why Stuff the Bus?

101
July 9, 2024
Text

45% of Escambia County households are below the ALICE threshold—ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed. This squeeze is sharply felt for families during back to school time when expenses pile up quickly. In this episode, Chris McFarland, the Coordinator of Student Services for Escambia County Public Schools and Laura Gilliam, the President of the United Way of West Florida, share why Stuff the Bus is more than a feel-good event for those involved, and how you can both give and get the supplies your child needs.

Play Button

Ep 100 | Teachers Rock (LITERALLY)!

Ep 100
July 2, 2024
Text

West Florida High’s Juniors went from shock to awe when they found out their AP English teacher is in a band! Joey Truncale is the lead singer of the alternative rock band, Unicorn Wranglers. Grab a spot by the stage to hear how his unusual hobby has helped him better connect with and educate his students.

Play Button

Ep 99 | Costello’s: Serving Up Sandwiches & Setting Up for Success

99
June 25, 2024
Text

Christie Costello owns Costello’s Butcher Shop & Deli in Pensacola. In this episode she shares not about what she’s selling, but what she is giving away – 100-150 sandwiches to hungry neighborhood kids. She also shares the unusual way this idea came to her, her history with the Pensacola food scene & how she’s also setting up the next generation of chefs & entrepreneurs to give back.

Play Button

Ep 98 | Are Your Girls Prepared?

98
June 18, 2024
Text

Scottlin Williams is a meteorologist and the program manager for HERicane Escambia, a free summer camp that is a positive force for girls. In this episode, she shares who inspired her into meteorology, what the camp entails & how broadening representation in emergency management and public safety is good for everyone.

Play Button

Ep 97 | Who is the 2025 Principal of the Year?

97
June 11, 2024
Text

Esi Shannon never expected to be Principal of the Year, but she always expected to be a teacher. In this episode, she shares the story of her career, reluctant leadership, creating joyous learning & the misunderstood struggles of educational leadership.

Play Button

Ep 96 | Smart & Safe Internet Use

96
June 4, 2024
Text

Information is moving at the speed of technology and our kids are learning it all, but how do we keep them safe? Brian Johnson is the Information Systems Security Manager for Escambia County Public Schools. In this episode, he shares insights into how we can support smart internet use for our kids & how the school system is supporting families.

Play Button

Ep 95 | Should Every Parent Worry About Fentanyl?

95
May 28, 2024
Text

In 2022, Stephanie Shepard’s son died from a fentanyl overdose. Unfortunately, this is not unusual, as Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties has the highest opioid overdose rate in the state. Vowing that his death not be in vain, she founded Hope Above Fear, a non-profit dedicated to help educate, de-stigmatize and overcome addiction in youth. In this episode, she shares what you need to know as a parent, what you can do and why there is hope.

Play Button

Ep 94 | Can Kids Learn to Be Leaders?

94
May 21, 2024
Text

If kids could learn leadership skills, why would it matter? Amy McCrory and Shonna Gilmore have firsthand experience with student leadership. They are the principal and librarian at Bratt Elementary. In this episode, they share how their "Leader in Me" animal shelter drive not only made a concept a reality, but elevated academic performance.

Play Button

Ep 93 | Is Cheerleading a Sport?

93
May 14, 2024
Text

Morgan White is the special needs teacher & cheer coach at Tate Highschool. In this episode she shares how she has taken the Aggies cheer team to number 1 in the state three times, overcomes outdated stereotypes of cheerleading & shares how cheer is not just a sport, but a distinctive system to set kids up to be stellar members of the community.

Play Button

Ep 92 | Who is the 2025 Teacher of the Year?

92
May 7, 2024
Text

We all fondly remember that teacher who made a positive impact on us during our formative years. For many at Pine Meadow, I’ts 4th grade teacher, Cassi McGee, the 2025 ECPS Teacher of the Year. She returned to her first love of teaching after working as a stock broker & is now in her 21st year of teaching thriving in her element.

Play Button

Ep 91 | Wheelchair Accessible Gym?

91
April 30, 2024
Text

Where can kids with physical disabilities go to exercise both their mindset and their bodies? Tara Blackwell was a softball superstar at Pine Forest High School in the late 90s-early 2000's. In her sophomore year of college, an accident left her paralyzed. Unable to find accessible fitness options, she made her own, founding Project 7, Pensacola’s only adaptive gym. Listen as she shares the importance of pursuing physical fitness regardless of ability and how she is making that possible for everyone.

Play Button

Ep 90 | An Apprenticeship that Pays?

90
April 23, 2024
Text

It’s safe to say there are two things everyone likes: options and money. So how do you help your kid have both after they graduate from high school? College is expensive and time consuming, and job options are entry level with no upward trajectory. Rob Wise and Ben Weldon are in the talent acquisition department of the Ingalls shipbuilding employment program in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Listen as they share how students can get paid to learn a trade to become skilled in a craft and super employable.

Play Button

Ep 89 | Scholarships for Playing Video Games?

89
April 16, 2024
Text

Esports programs are quickly becoming the number one requested program for new student enrollment. Monica Willis, the Grants Management Specialist and District Military Liaison for the county shares why esports may not be what you think it is. In this episode, she shares what esports teams, coaches & practice look like, how it’s facilitating relationships & team building & (importantly) how your kid can get a college scholarship. She is the Grants Management Specialist and District Military Liaison for the county with the inside track on how esports, the fastest growing sport in the country, enables connectedness and facilitates scholarships.

Play Button

Ep 88 | Seriously - How Do You Set Goals for Kids?

88
April 9, 2024
Text

Kids are a mystery. One day you can’t get them to sit still. The next day you can’t get them out of bed. Some homework is a breeze. Other homework is a battle. What is the best way to set goals with kids who are more focused on learning the latest TikTok dance than getting good grades? Larry Knight knows a thing or two about both kids and goals. He’s the principal at N.B. Cook Elementary School, a parent, and someone who has achieved admirable fitness milestones. Learn about the most effective ways to set goals with your kids as we talk about success, failure, and the steps in between.

Play Button

Ep 87 | How to Change Your Career Path into a Classroom?

87
April 2, 2024
Text

75% of new teachers in Escambia County are Alternative Certification Teachers, which means they didn’t start out on the educational track and took a different route to the classroom. Rachel Rodriguez Schrimsher is the program support specialist at the Professional Learning Certification Program. Hear from her why this program is so popular, why it could be a good fit for you and how it works.

Play Button

Ep 86 | Fueling Hungry Minds

86
March 26, 2024
Text

We all know how hard it is to work when you're starving or seriously low on the right kind of fuel. The same is true in the classroom; when your child's stomach is louder than the teacher and your child's energy level bottoms out. All learning stops at that point. Jaleena Davis, Director of School Food Services shares what foods your kids are actually getting and meal solutions you may not know you already had access to — like special diets and how to maximize mealtime.

Play Button

Ep 85 | Student in the Mirror: Dignity & Confidence

85
March 19, 2024
Text

Clothing insecurity impacts a large number of Escambia County students. It’s a dynamic that can distract them from learning and hurt social development. One program at CA Weis Elementary School is helping kids dress confidently. It’s called Care Closet. Lisa Smith Coleman, community partnerships school director and Janeisha Robinson, family community engagement coordinator at Children's Home Society are here to share how Care Closet is leveling the playing field and instilling confidence in Pensacola kids.

Play Button

Ep 84 | Want to Impress a Middle Schooler?

84
March 12, 2024
Text

Talk to any parent of a middle schooler and you’ll hear about the struggle of early adolescence – them becoming their own person, their friend choices, and their need for deodorant. But don’t forget their academic motivation. How do you keep your kid engaged? Michelle Givens, Tate High graduate and teacher on special assignment at Flight Adventure Deck, a unique program where middle school students learn STEM concepts first hand in a very unique atmosphere. Learn how the program works, what makes it work and how it’s leaving a lasting impression on students.

Play Button

Ep 83 | How to Help Teachers Teach & Students Succeed?

83
March 5, 2024
Text

Teachers are the eyes and ears of what their students need. But teachers didn’t become teachers just to observe. That's why you’ll find that behind every successful person is a story of a dedicated educator who took an outside the box approach to help them learn. But what happens when teachers have great ideas, but no resources to implement their teaching techniques? Jo McArthur, executive director of the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, details how “Grants for Excellence” is helping teachers teach and students succeed.

Play Button

Ep 82 | Afterschool is Ripe for Building Character

82
February 27, 2024
Text

It’s said that afterschool hours of 3-6pm are primetime for risky youth behavior, but as a working parent, your options can feel limited. Kimberly Scott is helping head up a program that not only facilitates a safe space, but an atmosphere that enhances school performance. It’s Pensacola Little Theatre’s new program, “Character Building through Building Character,” a 3-hour afterschool theatre and reading program that brings literature and school to life. In this episode, we spotlight what makes the program special for the kids, to her and the community.

Play Button

Ep 81 | The Arts: Extra or Essential?

81
February 20, 2024
Text

When we think about growing confident kids, we think of sports, academic achievement, even making friends, but what about children’s chorus? Alex Gartner, the Artistic & Executive Director at Pensacola Children's Chorus shares why the arts are the unsung heroes for holistic success. Hear how the “Sing to Succeed” program is striving to eliminate the barriers of affordability and transportation for low-income and at-risk youth in Escambia County.

Play Button

Ep 80 | STEM Avoidance to Confidence: STARBASE

80
February 13, 2024
Text

One of the challenges parents face is helping their kids overcome academic setbacks. Statements like “I don’t like science” and “I’m just not good at math” can be bigger obstacles than the homework itself. Rita Miller, the Director of Department of Defense STARBASE Pensacola, explains how this immersive STEM experience program for 5th graders is creating unique memories and confidence to last a lifetime.

Play Button

Ep 79 | What Is Kindergarten Readiness?

79
February 6, 2024
Text

Playing catch up not only makes learning not fun, but parenting as well – extra parent teacher meetings, IEPs, tutoring and even being held back a grade, but what can a parent do? ReadyKids is doing something to support parent efforts with early literacy for kindergarten readiness. In this episode, Kristy Craig, West Florida High School graduate and the organization’s executive director, shares stories of impact, what kindergarten ready looks like and how you can help.

Play Button

Ep 78 | Summer Slide or Summer Strong?

78
January 30, 2024
Text

No one wants their kid kicking off their next school year to a slow start, but how do you prevent your child from the summer slide in their reading skills? Torrey Jones, Tate High graduate and Executive Director of Freedom Schools, discusses how a free, six-week summer program is helping K-8 grade students in Escambia County start their next school year strong.

Play Button

Ep 77 | FREE Classroom Supplies? Tools for Teachers

77
January 23, 2024
Text

Every parent wants their child to have the best quality education possible, including having the proper tools and resources, but how do we ensure every classroom has what it needs without teachers buying their own supplies? David Gardner & Jo McArthur share how they’ve united to solve this widespread problem by establishing the Tools for Teachers initiative.

Play Button

Ep 76 | Can Global Education Create Local Unity?

76
January 16, 2024
Text

Ever wonder how we can make the world a better place? It starts here. Vanessa Mays, Executive Director of Global Corner, talks about how bringing the whole world to the classroom brings skills and solutions to our hometown.

Play Button

Ep 75 | Derrick Brooks: From Pensacola to the NFL

75
January 9, 2024
Text

Every parent needs a little pick me up now and then – a real reminder you’re on the right path as a parent and your kid is gonna be ok. More than ok. Derreck Brooks, NFL Superstar and Washington High School class of 1991, shares his roots in Escambia County, why success is a team sport and how his charity is setting kids up for a winning future.

Play Button

Ep 74 | Wanted: Passionate Paraprofessionals

74
January 2, 2024
Text

Many local people express a desire to help others when asked about their hopes for their future careers, but getting there can often be a winding path. Cathy Rudd, principal of Escambia Westgate School and Dr. Keri Fogle, director of the Para-to-Teacher Tuition Support Program, talk about how this unique program could be a fit for people wanting to work as paraprofessionals.

Play Button

Ep 73 | How Do We Help Grieving Kids?

73
December 26, 2023
Text

"I'm fine!" Grief is complex. It's more than sadness and can manifest is all kinds of ways. It can impact school. But it's never too late to connect grieving kids with each other in order to open up and find healthy ways to cope with the grief. Crista Brandt, the Director of Valerie's House opens up about her grief journey and shares how peer-to-peer model can help kids where traditional counseling alone can't.

Play Button

Ep 72 | Can a Greenhouse Grow Minds?

72
December 19, 2023
Text

We attribute fundraising and caretaking as characteristics of successful adults, but one student at Northview High School is showing out for his generation. Tyler Riggs has not only operated the school's greenhouse for the last 3 years, but got a $1,100 grant for much-needed upgrades. Student Tyler Riggs and teacher Brandon Korinchak share their connection to the greenhouse project, their passion for agriculture and how both are impacting what's next.

Play Button

Ep 71 | Scholarship for High-Achieving, Low-Income Students

71
December 12, 2023
Text

How do you, as a parent, help your academically strong child get to college when you're struggling to make ends meet? Elise Glidden, counselor at Booker T. Washington High School, explains Questbridge, a special college scholarship program for high-achieving, low-income students that matches the students with prestigious universities. You'll hear the details of eligibility and about a local student standout from this program.

Play Button

Ep 70 | Homework? Tutor Me to the Rescue

70
December 5, 2023
Text

Let's face it, helping with your child's homework can raise more questions than solving problems. Thankfully, there’s a solution. Tutor Me is a FREE 7 day a week virtual tutoring service available to all students in Escambia County. Jen Montoya and Rashena White will get you up to speed on how you can free yourself from the homework blues.

Play Button

Ep 69 | The future of public education in Escambia County

69
November 28, 2023
Text

Some people like putting a face to name. In this episode, we like putting a voice to a title, to let you, the parent, get to know the people behind the email signatures and more importantly, our mission to be united for every child to succeed. So with that, meet Mr. Keith Leonard, the interim superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools. A teacher at heart, learn about him and what he hopes to contribute to the future of our kids.

Play Button

Ep 68 | What Options Does a Technical College Offer?

68
November 21, 2023
Text

Thomas TJ Rollins is the principal at George Stone Technical College, a trade school providing quality academic, career, and technical education. He shares how these work-based learning programs may be the fast track to financial stability, job security, and successful careers for the next graduating class of Escambia County high schoolers.

Play Button

Ep 67 | What Did You Do at School Today? Get Answers with Canvas

67
November 14, 2023
Text

Wouldn't it be great to know what did your child did in school today and what assignments, tests, activities, events and even scholarship deadlines are looming in the near future? Well, there is an app for that. Jen Montoya and Rashena McWhite discuss how Canvas is streamlining and opening communications between parents, teachers and K-12 students. Learn how this single platform is helping students be more successful in the classroom and reducing panicked mornings for parents in Escambia County.

Play Button

Ep 66 | Meet Pensacola's Globally Ranked Triathlete

66
November 7, 2023
Text

Emma Meyers is a senior at Booker T Washington High School. At just 17, she is ranked third in the world in her triathlon level 4 class. She is also an amputee. Always up for a challenge, Emma jumped at the chance to do this podcast with us. Emma shares her experiences traveling the world, her goals and her ambitions for the future while her mom shares what it’s like raising a differently abled athlete and Paralympic hopeful for 2024.

Play Button

Ep 65 | Can Fitness Make Our Kids Better Students?

65
October 31, 2023
Text

Join us as this Pine Forest High School graduate and former Escambia County educator shares why fitness matters in and out of the classroom, and what parents can do to set kids up for success. Dacia May is the CEO of Pensacola's first black-owned youth fitness studio, Healthy Habits & Opportunities, which is better known as H20.

Play Button

EP 64 | It Takes a Village, but What's Plan B?

64
October 24, 2023
Text

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what happens when the villagers are busy, tired and fighting with rising housing and living costs? Chris McFarland, Director of Enrollment Services and Coordinator of Student Services talks about community partnerships and resources to lighten the load and help us to rally around our kids.

Play Button

Ep 63 | College Bound? 5 Mistakes to Avoid

63
October 17, 2023
Text

College is an opportunity to learn and grow. You don't have to have it all figured out before you enroll, but there are things you need to know to prepare for college. Layla Zandi-Karimi, a UWF admissions counselor and Pensacola local, helps create a path for parents and students by sharing 5 mistakes to avoid.

Play Button

Ep 62 | What is the IB Program?

62
October 10, 2023
Text

As a parent, you want the best for your kid. And you worry – is what I’m doing enough? Is this school enough? in this episode, a student and faculty member have unique stories to tell. Kathryn Trohn is the youngest of 15 children and the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Dr. Colleen Boyett is the IB Diploma Program Coordinator at PHS and has taught a number of Kathryn’s siblings. Hear how the IB program is academically rigorous and not just accessible to gifted students, but motivated students.

Play Button

Ep 61 | What are Allstar Academic Teams? [RELOADED]

Episode 61
October 3, 2023
Text

Tristan Harris is the coach for Escambia county’s Allstar Academic Team, a place where kids with drive & book smarts can gain a sense of community & competition. She proudly and passionately nerds out about how Escambia County students are winning by working together and scoring so much more than points as she explains how this trivia style tournament team is making a difference for students in Escambia County.

Play Button

Ep 60 | Navigating Hunger [RELOADED]

Episode 60
September 26, 2023
Text

Ever try working all day when you haven't eaten anything? Hunger is one of a number of factors that can make learning difficult for students. In this episode on the ECSD Navigator Program, we discuss how Escambia County Public Schools are working with students and their families to navigate these challenges.

Play Button

Ep 59 | Free 4-Year College Scholarship? [RELOADED]

Episode 59
September 19, 2023
Text

Avoiding college debt is key to setting up students for a strong start in adulthood, but how do you avoid student loans when you can barely make ends meet? The County Coordinator of Take Stock in Children, Sally Lee, shares the surprisingly simple way Escambia County students can qualify for free college scholarships and guidance from mentors as early as the seventh grade. She shares how a bright future can impact the student, the school and the community.

Play Button

Ep 58 | Safe (& Free) Aftercare? [RELOADED]

Episode 58
September 12, 2023
Text

If you’re a busy working parent, you’re a busy worrying parent, especially when it comes to after school care. Do you give your child a key to the house with instructions to do their chores & finish their homework? Or do you send them to aftercare? Will they be safe? Will they make friends? Robin Heller is the founder & executive director Seastars Aquatics, a USA Swimming Registered team that provides individualized attention as part of a structured competitive swim team program for kids who are economically, physically, & mentally challenged. The team not only provides a judgement & bullying-free zone for kids, but is also a place where they, their families & teachers can reap cognitive, academic, social & physical benefits … all for free.

Play Button

Ep 57 | Being a Good Digital Citizen: Screen Time, Reality & the Internet [RELOADED]

Episode 57
September 5, 2023
Text

Are your kids getting too much screen time? Principal Lalla Pierce & Technology Coordinator, Kevin McNally from Global Learning Academy, share how students at Escambia County Public Schools in partnership with Common Sense Media are learning how to vet information, be a good digital citizen and when to walk away from technology.

Play Button

Ep 56 | Free College in 15 Minutes? [RELOADED]

Episode 56
August 29, 2023
Text

Post high school education can be expensive and out of reach for many families. Holly Busse explains how the Bright Futures Scholarship is helping unlock a path to college or vocational education, up to five years after graduation & takes just 15 minutes to apply for.

Play Button

Ep 55 | How Do We Cultivate Leaders? [RELOADED]

Episode 55
August 22, 2023
Text

Who will be the leaders of tomorrow? Debra Phillips is teaching the seven habits of highly effective people to put our students on the right path.

Play Button

Ep 54 | Do New Teachers Get Mentors? [RELOADED]

Episode 54
August 15, 2023
Text

Where do new teachers turn for help and guidance? At Escambia County Public Schools, savvy and seasoned teachers serve as a Sherpa and guide new teachers for the entire year. Learn more about this transformation program, called START, on this week's podcast episode.

Play Button

Ep 53 | Is A Career In Emergency Medicine Right for Your Kid? [RELOADED]

Episode 53
August 8, 2023
Text

From rotations to ride-a-longs, this is as real as it gets. Instructor Terry Thomas and graduate Dakota Ward openly discuss the rigors and rewards of the Critical Care & Emergency Medicine Academy at West Florida High School.

Play Button

Ep 52 | How Do We Keep Our Kids Safe At School? [RELOADED]

Episode 52
August 1, 2023
Text

When it comes to the success of every student, we're all in. That means taking every step possible to keep our kids safe at school. Director of Protection Services, Kyle Kinser, covers what all that means. You’ll hear how the new Centegix system & the Aaron Feiss guardian program cover use technology & humanity to keep our kids safe.

Play Button

Ep 51 | Virtual Trafficking? Tips to Protect Kids [RELOADED]

Episode 51
July 25, 2023
Text

It seems like there’s a new app every week that poses a potential trafficking threat to our digital savvy kids. In this episode, Stacey Kostevicki, the Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Kids House shares practical tips to keep kids safe & how prevention education can unite parents, teachers & community members to safeguard our kids.

Play Button

Ep 50 | Is Hope Horizon a Solution for Your Child? [RELOADED]

Episode 50
July 18, 2023
Text

For many students with an IEP, their full potential can only be accessed outside of the traditional school framework. Donna Perry is the program specialist & Dr. Jared Stanley is the administrator on special assignment at Hope Horizon, a center school that works with students & families individually to find holistic solutions. In this episode they share what students are best served at Hope Horizon & the services they provide.

Play Button

Ep 49 | Can Animals Get Kids to Read? [RELOADED]

Episode 49
July 11, 2023
Text

Getting kids to read is a challenge every parent & teacher can relate to. How do you pry the screen out of their hands & get them to get interested? John Ham of Animal Tales shares how the animals from his live animal presentations has inspired students all over the county to read.

Play Button

Ep 48 | Can We Prevent Summer Slide? [RELOADED]

Episode 48
July 4, 2023
Text

Summer break is a great time to pick up a book and grow as a reader. Michelle White shares how students are turning the page and starting a new chapter by not only preventing the Summer Slide, but gaining skills to lead forward.

Play Button

Ep 47 | TikTok's Mr. Bus Driver: Safety, Fame & Bus Babies [RELOADED]

Episode 47
June 27, 2023
Text

Meet the Pensacola TikTok star who makes the wheels on the bus go round, Cor’Darius Jones. The kids are big fans of Escambia County School District's Mr. Bus Driver for good reasons. He shares his strategy on public school bus safety, how he saved a woman’s life and what’s next.

Play Button

Ep 46 | Parent University Pensacola [RELOADED] https://www.parentuniversitysav.org/pensacola

Episode 46
June 20, 2023
Text

Ever wish you had a manual on how to be a parent? Tune into this week's episode on Parent University Pensacola to learn how parents, grandparents and others are getting the training they need to help traverse the public school system in Escambia County and their student's homework including subjects like new math.

Play Button

Ep 45 | Expanding Our World View: Global Diplomacy & Southern Hospitality

45
June 13, 2023
Text

Jena Melancon, Founder and Executive Director of Gulf Coast Diplomacy Council is ushering in new perspectives for Escambia County students. In this episode she shares how the non-profit is facilitating communication & connection.

Play Button

Ep 44 | Why Mentor A Child? A Tale of Two Busy Mentors

44
June 6, 2023
Text

Ever considered becoming a mentor to a child? Karen Kellams, a full-time executive and mom, and Natalie Stipkovich, a full-time college student, share why they did and the joy it has brought to them. Hear how being there for one hour every week has changed their lives and their mentees lives forever.

Play Button

Ep 43 | How Do Bikes Help Kids? Free Bikes & Balance

43
May 30, 2023
Text

Life is full of teaching moments and too often missed milestones as a result of poverty. Jennifer Collins, Principal at Sherwood Elementary talks about how the All Kid's Bike program teaches kindergarteners lasting life lessons—independence, balance, safety, compassion, resilience and success. You’ll also hear what it was like for Sherwood to be one of the two schools in Escambia county chosen by the foundation to receive a donation funded by the local branch of HDR Engineering.

Play Button

Ep 42 | Snowball Effect: Student Success Story

Episode 42
May 23, 2023
Text

West Florida High School graduates & twin brothers, Jamal & Jamari sharp are entrepreneurs, authors and philanthropists. But it wasn’t always this way. Jamal shares how the two went from problem students to success stories, why they decided to call their snoball business BAM & what it means for them to be Pensacola business owners. For these two, it's truly a snowball effect.

Play Button

Ep 41 | Kids Working in the Health Clinic? Empowering the Next Generation

Episode 41
May 16, 2023
Text

Principal, Dr. Kimberly Thomas and Barbara Hayes, a Pensacola High School graduate and pediatrics nurse with Community Health Northwest Florida, share how the Health Ambassadors program in the community clinic at CA Weiss is empowering 3-5 graders. Outfitted in scrubs and lab coats, the program is inspiring a new generation of leaders and professions in the field of healthcare.

Play Button

Ep 40 | Who’s Listening? How are Needs are Assessed & Met

Episode 40
May 9, 2023
Text

Escambia Children’s Trust is one of 13 unique government agencies that assign a portion of property taxes to local non-profits that support the needs of the community based on what the community says they need. In this episode, Executive Director, Tammy Greer shares results of the most recent needs assessment & how you can be heard.

Play Button

Ep 39 | Should Your Kid Learn to Code?

Episode 39
May 2, 2023
Text

Pensacola Code Ninjas owner JoDawn Brown noticed a huge change in her child’s academic performance after learning to code. In this episode, she talks about why learning to code isn’t just for gamers, how coding could set your kid up for employment & how their summer camp or after school programs could be a haven for technologically creative and curious kids.

Play Button

Ep 38 | New School Grading: What to Expect

Episode 38
April 25, 2023
Text

District Data Scientist, James Bobbitt, breaks down what the new state grading scales will mean for Escambia County Public Schools.

Play Button

Ep 37 | How to Get FREE Emergency Supplies in 24 Hours

Episode 37
April 18, 2023
Text

Arelia Laster is a former quality nurse at Sacred Heart & the current Director at Next Step Distribution, a non-profit providing emergency support supplies within 24 hours of crisis. In this episode, she shares the origin of this grass roots effort, how she collaborates with Escambia County Public Schools & how you can help or be helped.

Play Button

Ep 36 | 2024 Teacher of the Year

Episode 36
April 11, 2023
Text

Angela McFarland is a business & multimedia teacher at West Florida High School & the 2024 Teacher of Year for Escambia County Public Schools! Learn how she inspires her students, what students inspire her & what makes this 26-year career educator such a deserving person for this award.

Play Button

Ep 35 | Your Feedback Matters

Episode 35
April 4, 2023
Text

Dr. KK Owen with the Huron Studer Group explains one way Escambia County Public Schools reaches out to give parents a voice in their child's education by rating how we're doing.

Play Button

Ep 34 | Is A Career In Emergency Medicine Right for Your Kid?

Episode 34
March 28, 2023
Text

From rotations to ride-a-longs, this is as real as it gets. Instructor Terry Thomas and graduate Dakota Ward openly discuss the riggers and rewards of the Critical Care & Emergency Medicine Academy at West Florida High School.

Play Button

Ep 33 | How Do We Keep Our Kids Safe At School?

Episode 33
March 21, 2023
Text

When it comes to the success of every student, we're all in. That means taking every step possible to keep our kids safe at school. Director of Protection Services, Kyle Kinser, covers what all that means. You’ll hear how the new Centegix system & the Aaron Feiss guardian program cover use technology & humanity to keep our kids safe.

Play Button

Ep 32 | FREE Pass To Our National Parks

Episode 32
March 14, 2023
Text

Not all learning happens in the classroom. The Great Outdoors is a pretty great teacher. National Park Rangers Jennifer Watson & Cas Rosiecki share how fourth graders and their families can get free access all our National Parks.

Play Button

Ep 31 | Opportunities for Rural Kids: Grow This & Learn That

Episode 31
March 7, 2023
Text

Do you know where your food comes from? You do if you're an FFA member or taking an AG class with Leanne Jenkins at Beulah Middle School. In this episode, she talks about the how the AG program inspired her as a student & how it’s helping kids & supporting our community today.

Play Button

Ep 30 | Is Creative Writing Problem Solving?

Episode 30
February 28, 2023
Text

Reading and writing go together like chips and salsa. For Alexander Fitzgerald, teaching creative writing is equally delicious, but goes deeper than a playful food metaphor. In this episode, he shares how he transformed from a slow reading student who hated reading, to becoming a creative writing teacher who reads philosophy for fun as well has the three problems creative writing solves: apathy to learn, lack of follow through & relationship disconnect.

Play Button

Ep 29 | Scholarships Opportunities that ENHANCE Academic Performance?

Episode 29
February 21, 2023
Text

Many performance-based scholarships revolve around sports, which can often take a toll on academic performance. Christina Frierdich is the orchestra director at Washington, Pine Forest & Escambia High schools. In this episode she shares how music scholarships can provide college scholarships AND improve student performance on standardized testing. She also shares her family tie with Pensacola string music history & its lasting impact on kids.

Play Button

Ep 28 | What’s THE Military High School for Escambia County?

Episode 28
February 14, 2023
Text

Claire Frear, military spouse and teacher, shares her perspective on the unique needs of students with active duty family members & what specific resources are in place for them at Escambia High.

Play Button

Ep 27 | Is Hope Horizon a Solution for Your Child?

Episode 27
February 7, 2023
Text

For many students with an IEP, their full potential can only be accessed outside of the traditional school framework. Donna Perry is the program specialist & Dr. Jared Stanley is the administrator on special assignment at Hope Horizon, a center school that works with students & families individually to find holistic solutions. In this episode they share what students are best served at Hope Horizon & the services they provide.

Play Button

Ep 26 | What are Allstar Academic Teams?

Episode 26
January 31, 2023
Text

Tristan Harris is the coach for Escambia county’s Allstar Academic Team, a place where kids with drive & book smarts can gain a sense of community & competition. She proudly and passionately nerds out about how Escambia County students are winning by working together and scoring so much more than points as she explains how this trivia style tournament team is making a difference for students in Escambia County.

Play Button

Ep 25 | Welding: Giving Kids Tools of the Trades

Episode 25
January 24, 2023
Text

Zac Stefanko is the welding instructor at Pensacola High School, where they were recently awarded a grant for the program that is giving students a way to cut through and seal together a career in welding and other trades.

Play Button

Ep 23 | Make an Impact, Teach!

Episode 23
January 10, 2023
Text

No one will argue the roles teachers play in the lives of our children and the future of our country. The need and openings for teachers couldn't be greater. Melia Adams discusses a career in education and recruiting the right people for a job that impacts so many and means so much?

Play Button

Ep 24 | Equipping Kids to Thrive

Episode 24
January 17, 2023
Text

This isn't your dad's shop class. Learn how boys and girls at Ernest Ward Middle School are certified in engineering and equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in industry and emerging technologies.

Play Button

Ep 22 | Chain Reaction

Episode 22
January 3, 2023
Text

Tapping kids full potential. Kristin Fairchild, founder and executive director of Chain Reaction focuses on giving our children the perspective and soft skills to succeed globally.

Play Button

Ep 21 | Mental Wellness Matters

Episode 21
December 27, 2022
Text

Why does mental wellness matter? Silvio Fina explores how connection and quality care can boost academic success, and what services and steps are available to ECPS students and parents.

Play Button

Ep 20 | Free College in 15 Minutes?

Episode 20
December 20, 2022
Text

Post high school education can be expensive and out of reach for many families. Holly Busse explains how the Bright Futures Scholarship is helping unlock a path to college or vocational education, up to five years after graduation & takes just 15 minutes to apply for.

Play Button

Ep 19 | Virtual Trafficking? Tips to Protect Kids

Episode 19
December 13, 2022
Text

It seems like there’s a new app every week that poses a potential trafficking threat to our digital savvy kids. In this episode, Stacey Kostevicki, the Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Kids House shares practical tips to keep kids safe & how prevention education can unite parents, teachers & community members to safeguard our kids.

Play Button

Ep 18 | Safe (& Free) Aftercare?

Episode 18
December 6, 2022
Text

If you’re a busy working parent, you’re a busy worrying parent, especially when it comes to after school care. Do you give your child a key to the house with instructions to do their chores & finish their homework? Or do you send them to aftercare? Will they be safe? Will they make friends? Robin Heller is the founder & executive director Seastars Aquatics, a USA Swimming Registered team that provides individualized attention as part of a structured competitive swim team program for kids who are economically, physically, & mentally challenged. The team not only provides a judgement & bullying-free zone for kids, but is also a place where they, their families & teachers can reap cognitive, academic, social & physical benefits … all for free.

Play Button

Ep 17 | Can Animals Get Kids to Read?

Episode 17
November 29, 2022
Text

Getting kids to read is a challenge every parent & teacher can relate to. How do you pry the screen out of their hands & get them to get interested? John Ham of Animal Tales shares how the animals from his live animal presentations has inspired students all over the county to read.

Play Button

Ep 16 | Science Over Screens? The Roy Hyatt Center

Episode 16
November 22, 2022
Text

Is it possible to get kids interested in science *and* give them a break from screen time? Cheyenna Novotny & Adam Bretschneider think so. They are the Science Specialist for Escambia County Public Schools & the Teacher on Special Assignment of the Roy Hyatt Center. Together they’ve combined their passion for the outdoors, science & teaching to inspire the next generation. In this episode they share what’s happening on the 320 acres of the Roy Hyatt Center & how it’s sparking life-long scientific interest.

Play Button

Ep 15 | United: Real Stories

Episode 15
November 15, 2022
Text

When it comes to our schools, we may hear ABOUT improvement initiatives, but we rarely get to hear the real account of how they play out. Deputy Superintendent Shenna Payne & Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith give a peek inside the schools as they share the real stories of commitment & support from the real people who show up everyday.

Play Button

Ep 14 | Can We Prevent Summer Slide?

Episode 14
November 8, 2022
Text

Summer break is a great time to pick up a book and grow as a reader. Michelle White shares how students are turning the page and starting a new chapter by not only preventing the Summer Slide, but gaining skills to lead forward.

Play Button