1NKCNEWS

Students at Winnetonka High School are working at a bank located inside the school. A business partnership with CSD Credit Union focuses on financial literacy and ensures students learn about all aspects of banking. President and CEO of CSD Credit Union, Edward Watts and students Adam Magnuson and David Milosovich who work at the branch join host Susan Hiland to talk about this first of its kind in the state opportunity. 

NKC Schools students are learning all aspects of the automotive industry from mechanics to marketing through the award winning and nationally recognized Auto Technology program.  Teacher Jack Stow and student Wyatt Cullen join host Susan Hiland to talk about this unique real world learning experience and why many students find employment right after graduation. 

Dr. Rochel Daniels joins  host Susan Hiland to share how students would benefit from a bond before voters April 8th. If passed, the bond would fund new Performing Arts Centers for Oak Park and Winnetonka. It would also add a new gym to three schools and provide updates to all schools throughout out the district.  

Cammy Neth joins host Susan Hiland to talk about the animatronics featured in the brand new Future Ready Lab.  It's a unique collaborative learning lab for students to experiment in coding, voice overs, costuming and more all while creating project for a presentation. 

Dr. Rochel Daniels joins host Susan Hiland to share her one year on the job experiences. Dr. Daniels also reveals a personal defining moment that changed her leadership mindset.  A look back and how it's  impacted the path forward for NKC Schools. 

Jessica Martin, Director of Wellness and Development and Rande Couch, Benefits Coordinator join host Susan Hiland to talk about how the district is set to support health and wellness in the new year. From accruing points for a health insurance discount to practical tips for a healthier lifestyle we cover a lot of district initiatives to support employee wellness. 

They're cute, furry and soft!  Host Susan Hiland welcomes therapy dogs Gia and Bolt for a unique pawd-cast. Both pups provide comfort and unconditional support to students. Owners Katy Read and Kathleen Witt share the many benefits of therapy dogs and experiences with student behavior changing by engaging with their furry friends. 

Midori Carpenter, the Director Education Foundation, joins host Susan Hiland and producer Rachel Bowers to highlight how her department supports staff and students. From grants and scholarship to hands on learning experiences, the foundation is integral to the success of NKC Schools.  Midori considers the foundation the district's fan club ready to promote all things educational and fun!

Superintendent  Dr. Rochel Daniels kicks off the new school year with another podcast with host Susan Hiland and producer Rachel Bowers. Dr. Daniels outlines her priorities for the new year, previews upcoming events and explains several new programs that will benefit students. 

Dr. Rochel Daniels joins host Susan Hiland to reflect on her first year in the role as superintendent. Dr. Daniels talks about her job shadowing experiences, recognizes outstanding staff and students, plus looks to what's ahead for the district this fall.

Holly Kaden, NKC Schools PTA Council President, is a dedicated parent and community member who works tirelessly to support our schools and enhance the education experience of our students. Holly joins host Susan Hiland to talk about her leadership role, the projects and initiatives she is leading, and the impact on our school community. 

Ensuring all students have access to scholarships is one of the main goals of NKC Schools Catalyst program. Host Susan Hiland talks with Dr. Lori Dameron and former student Jennifer Vergara about how the program is assisting high performing under represented populations make college a reality.  

Class Act Coffee is a new coffee shop that offers students a real-world hands-on learning experience. Students manage and run the business. Host Susan Hiland talks with students Elias Alavez, Povielle Vansyoc and instructor Zachary Johnson about building a business from the ground up.

NKC Schools Superintendent Dr. Rochel Daniels talks with host Susan Hiland about taking over the district's top job mid-year. Dr. Daniels also answers some fun and revealing questions about her personality. 

Host Susan Hiland interviews NKC Schools new Superintendent Dr. Rochel Daniels about her vision for the district and what exciting new programs are on the horizon, 

Graduate from high school with an associate degree with little or no debt! Sound interesting? NKC Schools offers that opportunity through its Early College Academy. Host Susan Hiland talks with two students who are currently in program, Cooper Bancroft and Mayci Kaufman. Plus, Shannon Gilliland, Assistant Director of College & Career, explains how the program works. 

Mentoring can change a student's life! In this edition of 1NKCNEWS host Susan Hiland shares information about the new mentoring program North Kansas City Schools launches this fall. Joining us is Shannon C. Shelton Assistant Director of Work Based Learning to discuss how the program works and its benefits. Kim Nakahodo, a mentor and Deputy City Administrator of North Kansas City, shares why she believes mentoring our youth is so important. 

Is your new treadmill gathering dust? Too busy to use that new gym membership? Need to kickstart your fitness plan? Join Amber Paxton, NKC Schools' Wellness Specialist and Tim Kuebler, Personal Trainer and teacher at Maple Park Middle School, in this 1NKCNews podcast. Learn strategies to get moving again plus incentives and resources the district provides to help you ge

If your New Year's resolution was to exercise and lose weight, your motivation may be fading. In this 1NKC News podcast, NKC Schools' Wellness Specialist, Amber Paxton, and Cami Mottet with NKC Hospital's Total Weight Loss Center have tips to keep you on track and a free book that helps you manage stress and unhealthy eating.  

NKC Schools introduces more initiatives to support students. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Janelle Porter, Director of Student Services, about how Hope Squad will benefit students. Also, Sarah Boyd, the Public Information Officer with the Clay County Sheriff's Department, talks about the role additional School Resource Deputies will play in schools.

 A new program looks to identify high performing low-income students and provide resources to help them prepare, apply, and get accepted into college. Its mission and purpose are very personal for David Persley, who oversees the program.  Host, Susan Hiland, talks with David about the goals of the program and how students can become part of the Catalyst program. 

In part four, our final writing workshop podcast, host, Susan Hiland, and Instructional Coordinator, Casi Hodge, talk with author and writing consultant, Matt Glover about crafts that cut across genres and how to encourage students to read as writers.

This professional development podcast focuses on craft studies vs process studies. In part three, host, Susan Hiland, talks with District Instructional Coordinator, Casi Hodge, along with author and writing consultant, Matt Glover about how teachers can use their own writing to develop teaching points for craft and process studies.

This podcast features professional development for NKC Schools’ teachers. In part two, host, Susan Hiland, talks with District Instructional Coordinator, Casi Hodge, along with author and writing consultant, Matt Glover about possible reasons students disengage in writing. They explore methods to increase student engagement.

This podcast is to provide professional development for NKC Schools’ teachers. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with District Instructional Coordinator, Casi Hodge, along with author and writing consultant, Matt Glover. In part one of four, the focus is on writing development and how teachers can view student writing through a strengths-based lens to make instructional decisions.

There is a lot happening in NKC Schools’ Transportation Department. Director of Transportation, Mike McQuillen, joins host Susan Hiland with updates on a new app. It shows students the location of their bus in real time eliminating the need for students to wait at the bus stop in cold or rainy weather. Mike also shares big news about the recent state safety inspection. NKC Schools reached a milestone after receiving a 100% approval rating. Looking for a job with great benefits and a competitive salary? We’re hiring bus drivers! Mike explains the benefits of working for NKC Schools and the process to become a bus driver.

Taking care of your health and wellness is even more important now as we cope with the pandemic. Amber Paxton, NKC Schools’ Wellness Specialist, joins host Susan Hiland with some tips on self-care and managing your physical and mental health. Amber shares news about several programs available to support staff. Joyages, a new app, provides encouragement and information on various health topics. A step challenge underway is proving to be successful at motivating staff to exercise. Amber outlines options for counseling whether it’s for nutritional guidance or mental health concerns. In addition, a new book club will create dialogue and support for staff.

We’ll discuss the coursework and experiences for students who choose this school. Topics covered include: - Careers in each pathway - Personality type, traits or strengths that would be a good fit for this pathway - Classes included in this school - Switching pathways Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Dr. Chris Sartain, Oak Park principal, and Winnetonka business teacher, Ashley Lee, about how pathway learning can prepare students for post-graduation success.

We’ll discuss what type of student would be interested in this school and how students can engage throughout their high school years. Topics covered include: - Careers in each pathway - Resources to help students share their interest - Real-world experiences for students - Can I change my mind? Host, Susan Hiland, discusses the experiences for students who choose this pathway with Dr. Larry Smith, principal at Staley High School, and Eric Whited, business teacher at Oak Park.

We’ll discuss matching a student’s interests to a learning pathway and how building community within the pathway sets students up for success. Topics covered include: - Careers in each pathway - Benefits of selecting a school within a school - Student coursework and authentic experiences - Resources for parents and students Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Dr. Drew White, principal at NKCHS, and Lewis McKenzie, computer science teacher, also at Northtown, to learn more about how they are working to individualize learning for each student to ensure success.

We’ll discuss what makes this opportunity exciting and how this selection affects students’ choice of classes. Topics covered include: - Careers in each pathway - Incorporating coursework into pathway learning - Real-world experiences - Am I locked in after I choose a pathway? Host, Susan Hiland, speaks with Dr. Eric Johnson, principal at Winnetonka High School, and Susie Helwig, a Staley science teacher, about the advantages for students as they choose a school and a pathway.

Teachers face many challenges during a pandemic. How do you keep students engaged? What can band classes look like? Host, Susan Hiland, discovers how this year is forcing two teachers to reevaluate their approach to educating students. Meara Mitchell, NKC Schools’ Coordinator of Instrumental Music and Kristin Bundy, English Language Arts teacher at New Mark Middle School, explain the changes they believe are making them better teachers. Hear what they plan to continue doing even after the pandemic is over, based on all they’ve learned.

How is the pandemic impacting the way we teach? How are teachers managing all the changes? Two elementary teachers discuss what's working and how they are overcoming the challenge of teaching in-person and virtually at the same time. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with two teachers from Meadowbrook Elementary; Ambra Robinson, 5th grade and Emily Lynch Deegan, 3rd grade.

CONNECT-ED NKC Schools works to redesign high school so students are more engaged and successful. Learning pathways have been designed to benefit all students no matter their area of interest. Ensuring all classes have practical, real-world experiences is the cornerstone of the program developed by ConnectEd. Susan Hiland delves into the new initiative with ConnectEd CEO and President, Dr. Gary Hoachlander, and NKC Schools' Mark Maus, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness.

Parents as Teachers has turned virtual this year, but connecting with our community is more important than ever during the pandemic. NKC Schools Parent Educators assist new parents with resources, advice and evaluate their children for important benchmarks. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Early Learning Coordinator, Courtney Holt, and Lead Parent Educator, Jennifer Hansen, about what services Parents as Teachers provide and a recent national honor.

You see a lot of construction throughout NKC Schools and a major project underway at Gladstone's old Hobby Lobby. What's being built? We have the answers! New schools, and updates to existing schools. Some projects were a long time coming. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Katie Lawson, Director of Early Education, and Jeff Vandel, Executive Director of Facilities, who provide an overview of the projects, the timeline and how these updates will benefit students by creating a better learning environment.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Jenna Knuth, NKC Schools’ Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Jenna discusses meal options for students, a possible free meal extension and why parents applying for free and reduced meals may be eligible for even more discounts. Preparing safe meals for thousands of students, some in school and some learning virtually, is a daunting task. Jenna explains the safety protocols in place and why parents should feel good about the nutritious meals the district provides.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens, about how students, teachers and staff are managing during a pandemic. With virtual, in-class and hybrid learning models in place, the district remains dedicated to serving students and staff in a safe environment.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with North Kansas City Schools leaders about a new learning initiative to benefit students. Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens, explains the Board of Education goals for this year. Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services, Dr. Chad Sutton, talks about the North Kansas City Schools Portrait of a Graduate and its role in transforming the learning experiences for PK-12 students. The program will be implemented in several phases and is designed to instill specific characteristics in students which will give them an advantage or edge over other students once they graduate.