Blue & Gold Chat

Noble Academy teachers and staff dedicate themselves to the mission of our school: to empower students with learning differences to pursue their highest potential within a comprehensive, supportive educational environment. If you are not a member of the Noble "staculty", listening today will give you a little glimpse into the many reasons why they are so beloved. If you are: this is dedicated to you, with hearts full of thanks. Produced by Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

https://www.nobleknights.org/admissions Produced by Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

An alumnus from 2012 wants Noble students to know a few important lessons he learned as a Knight. Most of those lessons have to do with not being too hard on yourself. Shawn Harden has ADHD. He also has been following an exciting and fulfilling path. Share this episode with a student you know who can gain from Shawn's advice to, “Be yourself!”Produced by Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Today's episode is less of an interview, and more like listening to a relatable conversation between two parents frankly discussing how important it is for spouses or partners to be on the same page when raising a child with learning differences. Produced by Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

https://podcasthon.org/ Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

You are cordially invited to stories of impact, in this episode, and at our Impact KNIGHT on March 22. Karla Davis, from The Voice, will be our vocalist, and we have a joyful evening planned.  https://www.nobleknights.org/impactknight Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

https://www.nobleknights.org/impactknightImpact KNIGHTSaturday, March 22, 20256:00 PMSilent & Live Auctions with Buffet Dinner & DrinksKeynote Speaker - Mrs. Susan HughesPlease note that Impact KNIGHT is for guest 21 and older. NO students will be admitted.Noble Campus - 3310 Horse Pen Creek RoadIf you would like to be an Event Sponsor for the 2025 Impact KNIGHT, please download and complete our Event Sponsorship Packet. For more detailed information about the sponsorship levels, please contact Toni Nelson at tnelson@nobleknights.org.Thank you to our event sponsors: Rick and Nancy Baker; Marsh McLennan Agency; DJMPS CPAs and Advisors; Highview Capital Management; Towne Bank; Premier Supply, Inc.; Well Spring; and Raffaldini Vineyards  Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

Want to hear more stories of deep friendships formed at Noble? Check out these episodes from Season 4: Episode 16: Getting in the Game (Athletics)Episode 11: Noble Family JoyEpisode 10: Always a Noble FamilyEpisodes 5 and 6: A two-parter on families who relocated from other cities/states/countries specifically so a child could attend Noble Academy Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

What do Guilford College and Noble Academy have in common? Hear from Guildford's Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Retention talk about a school that, like Noble, offers small class sizes, values student diversity, and provides academic resources to students who learn differently. It's exciting to imagine the potential for future collaboration!Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

For some Noble Academy alums, playing sports taught invaluable lessons in discipline, character, and teamwork. In this episode, a 2021 graduate and a recent 2024 parent share why they appreciate what they got from athletics at Noble.Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Telling students with learning differences to just “try harder” can cause a lot of confusion and harm. Learners want to succeed and children want to learn to read, but not all approaches work for all kids. In this episode, a past Noble Academy parent shares how frustration moved her to look for a school with a reading program ( the Wilson Reading SystemⓇ) that could help her son. Today his favorite college class is English. (Noble Academy is one of only three WilsonⓇ Accredited Partners, and the only WilsonⓇ Accredited Partner - Best Practice Site in the Southeast region.)Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Students with learning differences have many paths to choose from after they graduate from Noble Academy, including college, career, gap year, and apprenticeships. In this episode, we focus on some alums who chose the college route, and in future episodes we will hear from those who chose other pathways. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Our brains do a lot of work in order to learn, and a lot of mental skills happen in the background. Noble teachers help students learn to organize, prioritize, use flexible thinking, and exercise self-control. Those are executive functions, and that is the topic of today's episode. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Wherever there are families and schools, there are children who have learning differences. Wouldn't it be great then if every city had a Noble Academy? Sadly, Greensboro is not within commuting distance for many families, and schools that provide our level of expertise and support are few and far between. So when a family in Virginia needed us, they found a clever way to work together to become a Noble family. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

In this joyful episode, hear why Efren Renteria, the parent who produces the Blue and Gold Chat podcast, loves volunteering at the school where his son is happy, and where he and his wife make meaningful community connections. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Once you are a Noble Family, you always are a Noble Family. This episode shares just one of many examples of how mother, daughter, and son, all have had close connections to the Noble Academy community, and how a personalized program for students who learn differently can make a difference in lives. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

At Noble Academy, students learn more than just the classroom content. They learn how to learn, and how to advocate for themselves when they need support. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Teachers are life-changers. At Noble Academy, where all students have learning differences, the impact that teachers can have is even more transformative. This episode is dedicated to All Noble and Guilford Day School teachers, past and present. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Students who leave Noble Academy (a grades 2-12 school for students with learning differences) take with them the tools to choose their own unique pathways. Some go straight to college, some go straight to career, some join a branch of the military, or an apprenticeship. Listen to past students, parents, and teachers share an array of Noble success stories. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

This is the second part of last week's story about families who relocated for Noble. In this episode, Adelle and Anne talk to one another about their friendship, motherhood, shared commitment to meet a child's needs, and how beautiful it is when you find someone who “gets it.” Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Come back next week for part 2 of a A Noble Moving Experience to hear a powerful story of friendship formed by parents who share the connection of having moved to Greensboro in order to help a child with a learning disability attend Noble Academy.  Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

Noble's reputation for excellence often centers around the Wilson Reading SystemⓇ, because Noble Academy is one of only three WilsonⓇ Accredited Partners, and the only WilsonⓇ Accredited Partner - Best Practice Site in the Southeast region. Alums are proud of more than just their academic progress, though. In this episode, they talk about how extracurricular activities like sports and theater helped them grow as individuals, and contributed to the happiness they felt during the years when they attended. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

Want to meet retired teacher Susan Hughes, who is featured in this and other episodes? She will be the guest speaker at the 2025 fundraiser, Impact Knight, on March 22, 2025.  Contact Noble for more info: https://www.nobleknights.org/ Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

This episode is dedicated to all the Noble parents out there, and especially to Michelle and Adelle.https://nobleknights.org/ Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC. https://www.nobleknights.org/

Noble Academy in Greensboro, NC, proudly supports students with learning differences in grades 2-12 to Build Great Futures. Learn more about how we help students with dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, processing disorders, and other learning differences, to learn and thrive. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

You can learn a lot about the lasting impact of a school from speaking with alumni. Noble Academy alums had plenty to tell me about why they are #ProudToBeNoble. Listen to their stories to understand how a school dedicated to serving students with learning differences can offer an invaluable path toward bright futures. Produced in 2024 by Gayle Kolodny Cole and Efren Renteria for Noble Academy, a school for students with learning differences in Greensboro, NC.  https://www.nobleknights.org/

On the final Blue & Gold Chat for this school year, we reminisce with Head of School Amanda Carter and Efren Renteria. They cover the creation of the podcast and journey to almost 60 episodes!

Calling all sports fans - High School Teacher Ellison Cooper is in the house! Ellison joins the podcasting crew to talk about his many roles here at Noble Academy, his love for many sports teams, history and his role as Assistant Athletic Director and coach. We also learn he is a PTA dad and a Swifty!

This week on the pod, Middle School Student Mattox joins the crew to talk about all things Noble. Mattox speaks to his love of Lola (our comfort dog), his favorite classes which are electives, and how he loves to play Fortnite! Discussions are also held around the topic of Mattox's desire to help out administration with carpool!

High School Student Aydan joins the podcast this week. Aydan is in his senior year and has been at Noble Academy for the past three years. We learn his post-secondary plans and the choice of career he has in mind. We also discuss his love of rock hounding and his love for weather spotting!

This week on the pod join us to learn more about Emma, a new Lower School student! Emma talks about her old school having a cafeteria vs. our Knights Cafe with hot lunch vendors (her favorite is Chick-fil-A), points out her favorite times during the school day, and gets into a deep conversation with Head of School Amanda Carter about gymnastics and cheerleading.

During this special podcast episode on becoming a Wilson® Accredited Partner - Best Practice Site - we are joined by Aimee Gandee, Director of Educational Outreach/Wilson® Credentialed Trainer and Jenny Rundle, Head of Lower School. Both discuss what this honor means for Noble Academy and what it took to become a Best Practice Site. They also chat about their specific roles with Wilson® and what they enjoy the most about the program.

Cinthia Maupin, LS/MS Counselor, talks about her interview process right before and during the beginning stages of Covid, why she calls her best friend every morning before school, her nature experience with LS faculty, and why she will never live any further north than Greensboro.

Happy Holidays from Noble Academy! Enjoy this super short mini episode with Amanda Carter, Head of School.

We flip the tables this week and end 2023 with an interview with our very own interviewee, Head of School Amanda Carter. Find out how the Blue & Gold Chat came to be, what her WHY is, and the tissue budget for first parent conferences!

Jenny Rundle, Head of Lower School, joins Amanda on the pod this week. Listen to find out how Mrs. Rundle made it to NC, how many different positions she has fulfilled at Noble Academy, and what her favorite class was to teach!

Gregory, a new Middle School student this year, talks about the need to find a new school once his learning differences were diagnosed and the many video games he loves. He also manages to get Mrs. Carter to admit who her favorite comedian is!

Tess Biffle, Director of Safety, is the next guest in the chair for the Blue & Gold Chat Podcast. Tess, a native Texan, Grimsley graduate, and retired Greensboro Police Officer/Detective/interim Chief of Police, talks about her high school aspirations and an incident on a Kiser Junior High (as it was known back then) bus that lead her to seek a career in law enforcement. The Winner of Coffee With Carter from last year - Tess also discusses traveling in a RV for summer vacation.

Lower School Student Ady talks with Amanda this week on the pod about her favorite lesson activity in her Wilson Reading class, her love of horses, and how Noble is perfect for her brain!

Vicki Payne, High School Science Teacher, joins Amanda on the pod this week. Vicki and Amanda discuss their commonality of being true redheads that leads straight into Vicki's disdain for Thursdays. Learn also about how Vicki celebrates her advisees' birthdays, her length of tenure at Noble Academy, and the snake that got loose in her classroom back in 2008.

High School student KT joins the podcast for our first podcast back from our extended break. He talks about moving from Maryland, making friends, and his favorite teacher.

Super short episode today while we are on break!

Middle School teacher Barb Kilpatrick joins the pod today to talk about how she came to Noble, how she met her husband, and how much fun it is to plan a birthday party for her kids. We also learn how long Barb wants to teach for and her experience in both Lower and Middle Schools.

7th grader Jasper joins Mrs. Carter & Mrs. Cawley for a fun discussion this week. He talks about what it is like to join the Noble community midway through the year, his experience as a PE student assistant, and how much he enjoys clubs.

This is a special episode of "Meet Your Program" to help our community learn just a little bit more about what is happening at Noble. Lance Oldham, Director of Counseling, and Jenn Romero, Associate Head of High School, join the pod today to discuss the PEERS program. Lance & Jenn are currently implementing PEERS, which is a social skills curriculum, with a group of High School students. Listen to learn what PEERS is, how Noble is implementing it, and how it is going.

4th grader Aiden joins Mrs. Carter & Mrs. Aceves today. Aiden talks about his experience at Noble, how much he appreciates his friends, and how he is very interested in airplanes. He provides us some feedback on Noble's field trips and reflects on a fun experience he had with Mrs. Carter during Knights Fest.

Amanda and podcast producer Efren put their cheesiest hats on and discuss what they are Thankful for at NOBLE. Quite literally they use the letters in Noble to guide their conversation. Tune in for some behind the scenes information about things coming to Noble, as well as Amanda & Efren being ridiculously thankful for all the amazing things at Noble!

IdeaPath Teacher Mike Renne joins the podcast today. He has some interesting insight into creativity and the Maker Movement. Collaboration is so important in the IdeaPath and Mike is thinking very strategically about how to build the skill of creative collaboration for our students.

2nd grader August joins Mrs. Carter & Mrs. Rundle on this upbeat and fast paced episode. August gives his unfiltered thoughts on Noble, informs Mrs. Carter of a tree house on campus, and has lots of good questions. This may be the sweetest and most energetic episode yet!

Our new IT Manager, John Jenkins, joins the show today. Listen to hear about John's background, his passion for music, and the future of technology. He asks Amanda about her most unpopular opinion, so listen to hear her passionate reply and a deep discussion about pizza toppings.

9th grader Ben joins Mrs. Carter & Mrs. Romero on the podcast today. He talks about his experience in our Lower School, being an only child, and keeping in touch with friends. We school Ben on old school note passing during class and blow his mind that is real and not just in the movies.