A podcast on education-related topics with a blend of local and national conversations. The show is produced by the Ames Community School District in Ames, Iowa.
Ames Community School District
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior and class of 2025 graduate Chantal Eulenstein. We had an amazing conversation about the many honors she has received for writing, starting a student newspaper club at the middle school, and the importance of student voices.
On this episode, we were joined by Ananya Balaji, Ames High senior and 2025 Coke Scholar. We had an amazing conversation about the process of becoming a Coke Scholar, what impacted her most during her time at Ames High, and her plans for the future.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior, Madie Fischer. We had an amazing conversation about winning the Iowa Choral Directors Association composition competition, what it's like to compose music, her love of fine arts, and her plans for the future.
On this episode, we were joined by Jessica Sharp, principal at Edwards Elementary. We had an amazing conversation about what belonging means in elementary schools, how to support teachers and staff in building strong relationships with students and families, and the role student voice plays in shaping school culture.
On this episode, we were joined by Todd Klindt, former PTO president and engaged parent in our school district. We had an amazing conversation about being a parent volunteer, the role PTO organizations play in our schools, and how parent involvement can positively impact a child's experience at school.
On this episode, we were joined by Eddie McEwan, a 7th-grade math teacher at Ames Middle School. We had an amazing conversation about math anxiety, its common triggers, teaching strategies to help students, and how to develop a grown mindset when it comes to learning math.
On this episode, we were joined by Eric Sackett, a college and career transition counselor with DMACC. We had an amazing conversation about his role at Ames High with college and career transition, how he helps students overcome uncertainties, and programs or initiatives that can help students with their next step after high school.
On this episode, we are joined by Anna Metcalf, school nurse at Ames High School and our nursing staff lead. We had an amazing conversation about her journey to being a school nurse, how her role has evolved, and how she supports the overall health and well-being of students.
On this episode, we were joined by Dunkin Bearson a junior at Ames High School. We had an amazing conversation about his recent honor of becoming one of 5 state thespian officers for 2025, his favorite production and most memorable moments on stage, and how he sees theater shaping his future.
On this episode, we were joined by Kate Engelkes and Chuck Ripley, coaches for the Ames High speech program. We're going to have an amazing conversation about speech at Ames High, what inspired them to become coaches, and the key skill students take away from this experience.
On today's episode, we are joined by Bill Ripp, former teacher and associate principal at Ames High School, and founder of the Ames High Alumni Association. We're going to have an amazing conversation about his journey to teaching, working in a school leadership role, and how the alumni association helps keep former students connected.
On this episode, we were joined by Anna Brooks, the Career and Technical Education Agriculture Teacher at Ames High. We had an amazing conversation about agriculture education, student's evolving interest in agriculture, the FFA program, and shaping future leaders at Ames High.
On this episode, we were joined by Kathy Geis, Homeschool Assistance Program Coordinator for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about homeschooling in the District, her role as the HSAP coordinator, and the different options available to families in our community.
On this episode, we are joined by Scott Grimes, new Superintendent for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about his vision for the District, plans to engage students, families and the community, how he will measure success as superintendent, and his message for students and families as we go into a new school year.
On today's episode, we were joined by Dan Rader, Director of Technology for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about K-12 technology, how it has evolved over the years and its impact on education, new tech advancements, and tips for student technology use.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High 9th grader, Ella Grail. We had an amazing conversation about being the Iowa winner for the Doodle for Google contest, how she became interested in art, and how she balances both her artwork and school work at the same time.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher, Ben Matthies. We had an amazing conversation about the Alternative Learning Program at Ames High, including what is ALP, how it is different from traditional education models, and the role teachers, students, and parents play.
On today's episode, we were joined by Ames High Principal Dr. Paul Numedahl. We had an amazing conversation about what inspired him to go into school leadership, the rewarding aspects of his role, and his hopes and aspirations for the future of Ames High.
On this episode, we were joined by Dan Walter, Commander at the Ames Police Department. We had an amazing conversation about our new anonymous reporting tool called P3 Campus, including how the system works collaboratively between the District and Ames PD, and the benefits of having such a system in place.
On this episode, we were joined by Matt Steffen, Ames High's head girl's wrestling coach. We had an amazing conversation about what it's like to coach girl's wrestling, the increase in participation at Ames High, and advice he would give to future athletes.
On this episode, we were joined by Deani Thomas, director of special education at the Ames CSD. We're going to have an amazing conversation about the new AMES Center, what will be housed in this new space, how the needs of students directly informed the programming there, and when it will fully open.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High students Karina Scott, Adalyn McKeag, and Julia Fuerst. We had an amazing conversation about Art Club, how they became involved in art, what influences their work, and how they run a busy club all while being Ames High students.
On today's episode, we were joined by Ames High School junior, Miles Peterson. We had an amazing conversation about the technical side of theatre, the skills he has gained both on stage and backstage, and his advice for getting involved at Ames High.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School junior, Kaylee McClure. We had an amazing conversation about being a recipient of the Abigail Adams award, her involvement with American Heritage Girls, and how important it is for her to give back to her community.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher and director for the drama program, Melissa Kaufman. We had an amazing conversation about theater aspects, her process for selecting and preparing shows to be performed at Ames High, and how theater helps in the overall education and personal development of students.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames Middle School Principal Boston Freilinger. We had an amazing conversation about his goals as a new principal, the challenges he might face, and how parents and the community can support educational efforts at Ames Middle School.
On this episode, we were joined by Superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson. We had an amazing conversation about the District's new attendance initiative, Every Day Counts. We talked about what it means to focus on attendance as a school district and why it's so important in student success.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School 2023 graduate, Ali Frandsen. We had an amazing conversation about her track and field success, perseverance, and what the future holds.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School students Grace Wu, Fatimah Naraghi, and Lilly Hauge. We had an amazing conversation about DECA, their trip to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, and their many accomplishments.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior, David Lee. We had an amazing conversation about being on the YSS Corporate Board of Directors, his training to complete a half Ironman Triathlon, and how being a dreamer led him to love of storytelling.
On this episode, we were joined by Emily Lair, Career and Technical Education Agriculture teacher at Ames High. We had an amazing conversation about agriculture, changes in technology, and the FFA program.
On this episode, we were joined by Mary Morton, the Principal at Northwood Preschool Center. We had an amazing conversation about what it's like to be a principal, what makes an effective preschool program, and why parents should choose Northwood.
On this episode, we were joined by Kate Ringstad, the Transition Alliance Program Coordinator and had an amazing conversation about TAP, why transition planning and education is so important, what families and students need to know about these services, and most of all, how TAP helps students.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High Senior, Clara Fields, and had an amazing conversation about what goes into madrigal dinner, what it is like to play the jester, and how being part of this tradition has made her feel connected to her school.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames CSD Communication Specialist Amy DeLashmutt and had an amazing conversation about the launch our new website, the incredible work that went into it, and how this website is integral with our other communications strategies.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames CSD Superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson and had an amazing conversation about his 100-Day Entry Plan, the importance of building relationships in the community, and some of the big rocks for this school year.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High art teacher Lindsay Wede. We had an amazing conversation about how she approaches projects, getting students to engage with the art community, and whether art should be judged.
On this episode, we were joined by elementary teacher Laura Clausen. We had an amazing conversation about building relationships with students and what it means to be a kid magnet.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High boys basketball coach, Vance Downs. We had an amazing conversation about this year's state championship, coaching in general, and then take time to walk down memory lane to revisit some of the most storied teams.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher James Webb. We had an amazing conversation about the process that he went through to be a National Board Certified Teacher and how it reignited his passion for teaching.
On this episode, we were joined by the incoming superintendent of Ames Public Schools, Dr. Julious Lawson. We had an amazing conversation about the role of the superintendent and what he is most excited about heading into next year.
On this episode, we were joined by Kristin Lewis, Associate Principal at OPN Architects. We had an amazing conversation on what it takes to design a large high school from concept to completion.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames Superintendent Dr. Paula Vincent. It's school budget season and we had an amazing conversation about the process and considerations that are needed to set the fiscal budget for next school year.
On this episode, we were joined by Chris Snider from Drake University. We had an amazing conversation specifically about what parents should know as it relates to their students on social media and conversations that they can have at home.
On this episode, we were joined by Chris Snider from Drake University. We had an amazing conversation about the current landscape of social media, the pros and cons of the various platforms, and how it has evolved over time.
On this episode, we were joined by the elementary principal Jessica Sharp. We had an amazing conversation about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support, including how it is implemented and how it can positively impact building culture.
On this episode, we were joined by the Ames Middle School Instructional Coach Erik Ringsby. We had an amazing conversation about the various roles he plays in supporting teachers and how he contributes to a healthy school culture.
On this episode, we were joined by the Health Services Supervisor of Ames Public Schools, Dr. Kathi Arnold. We had an amazing conversation about the differences between last year and this year related to COVID-19, key mitigation strategies, and what parents can expect for communication.
On this episode, we were joined by Erin Miller, Director of Teaching and Learning for Ames Schools. We had an amazing conversation about the curriculum review process, how the pandemic has interrupted learning in the classroom, and how to keep equity at the center of decision-making.
On this episode, we are joined by the interim superintendent of Ames Public Schools, Dr. Paula Vincent. We had an amazing conversation about the role of the superintendent and what she is most excited about heading into the next year.
On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior Vijay Williams. We had an amazing conversation about social justice, what social media high school students are using, and his storytelling aspirations.
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