Inside the Rock

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Inside the Rock is a podcast hosted by Dr. Sherry Grate created to share and spotlight the latest and greatest happenings at Westfield Washington Schools .

WWS Broadcast


    • May 3, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 205 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Inside the Rock

    Episode 21: COVID-19 vaccine for students with Dr. Annette Fearnot of Riverview Health

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 12:42


    Listen to this fascinating conversation with Interim Superintendent Chris Baldwin and family physician, Dr. Annette Fearnot about how the COVID-19 vaccine impacts kids as young as 16 and what parents need to know when deciding on getting their child vaccinated.

    Episode 20: Preteen Non-COVID vaccines with Dr. Annette Fearnot of Riverview Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 8:21


    On this episode of Inside the Rock, our Teresa Layton speaks with Dr. Annette Fearnot about the importance of getting the regular vaccines for our children and preteens (finally, something not related to COVID, right?!)!

    Episode 19: Shark Tank Club with Joel Bruns, John Moore, Sam Huser and Jacob Mills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 22:47


    On this episode of Inside the Rock, Interim Superintendent Chris Baldwin speaks to Joel Bruns and John Moore, the teachers who help Westfield High School students turn their passions into businesses in the Shark Tank Club. This is an awesome conversation that shines a light on the brilliance of our Shamrocks and the excellence of a WWS education!

    Episode 18: COVID-19 Conversation with Hamilton County Health Department

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 24:08


    On this episode of Inside the Rock, Interim Superintendent Chris Baldwin discusses the decision to remain on the hybrid plan with Jim Ginder of the Hamilton County Health Department, WWS Nurse Coordinator Teresa Layton, WMS Principal Mike Hall and WHS Principal Alicia Denniston. There is lots of insight into what goes into the decision and how many factors are considered and we hope you gain new perspective on the decision.

    Episode 17: School Board Appreciation Month - Rebecca Ogle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 17:03


    As we continue to highlight our school board members, this week's interview comes from the school board's vice president, Rebecca Ogle. Listen as she talks about how she loves giving back to the community and how she brings her keen sense of finances to Westfield Washington Schools.

    Episode 16: School Board Appreciation Month - Bill Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 23:02


    Our next school board interview is with Bill Anderson, current board secretary. We have a great conversation about how growing up with a family of educators shapes his approach to WWS, his achievements on the board and his desire to make this an efficient school district.

    Episode 15: School Board Appreciation Month - Jimmy Cox

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 19:11


    Our next interview for School Board Appreciation Month comes from Jimmy Cox, the recently-sworn-in board member and newly elected board president. Listen as we talk about his background, his education and his goals for the schools.

    Episode 14 - School Board Appreciation Month: Mike Steele, district 3 representative

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 13:19


    January is School Board Appreciation Month so we will be getting to know the WWS members a little bit more! Listen and learn a little more about each board member, their education, their family and what they are looking forward to getting accomplished in Westfield Washington Schools.This week, we interviewed one of the two new members, Mike Steele, district 3 representative.

    Secret episode: Farewell Dr. Grate

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 25:07


    As Dr. Sherry Grate prepares to transition to her new role and to the life of grandparenthood, WWS leadership sent her well wishes and shared some of their favorite memories of her.I'm not crying... YOU'RE crying!

    Episode 13 - The Neighborhood Project at WHS with Kurt Frederick and Mark Ewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 19:57


    Every students wants to know that they are being seen, heard and valued. That's exactly why Kurt Frederick, Mark Ewing and others in WWS created the Neighborhood Project. On this episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate took a deep dive into this project to understand how Westfield High School is getting to know their students and their culture on a more personal level.

    Episode 12: AVID with Heather Kirkley Johnny Payne Lydia Benner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 19:33


    In school, we're used to high-achieving students getting attention and low-achieving students getting attention. But, how much achievement could those kids in the middle have with a few more academic tools in their toolbox? That's exactly what AVID focuses on and Westfield Washington School introduced it to our district this year. Listen as Dr. Sherry Grate talks to the AVID teacher, instructional coach and a student about the benefits and impact of Advancement Via Individual Determination.

    Episode 11: The Shamrock Project with Melissa Rhodes and Beth Becher

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 21:32


    In this heartwarming episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with the two people who are engine behind The Shamrock Project, a program for our special needs students to help them transition from high school to independent living.

    Episode 10: Digital Wellness with Ashley Knott

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 13:01


    With COVID-19 driving our social media use through the roof, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Parent University's Ashley Knott have a great discussion about how to be mindful with our internet usage and how to engage with your family outside of your devices.

    Episode 9: C.L.A.S.S. Campaign with WHS students Sarah Weglarz and Peighton Isley

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 15:14


    Westfield High School Students Sarah Weglarz and Peighton Isley have jumped onto Hamilton County's C.L.A.S.S. campaign to help promote proper mask wearing in schools to increase the chances that they get to experience all of the great things that come along with the senior year experience. Both of them join Dr. Grate to discuss what they are doing for the C.L.A.S.S. campaign and what it's like being seniors in a global pandemic.

    Episode 8: National Principals Month with WWES principal Tom Hakim

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 24:40


    Dr. Grate and Tom Hakim, principal of Westfield Washington Elementary School, has a fun and lively conversation about the importance of a principal and how he brings his creativity to his approach to education and leadership.

    Episode 7: National Principals Month with Dana Dietz

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 17:23


    In celebration of School Principals Month, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate had a great conversation with Dana Dietz, principal of Monon Trail Elementary School. Listen as they discuss her time at Monon Trail Elementary, connecting with students and what it's been like to lead a school during a pandemic.

    Episode 7: National Principals Month with Dana Dietz

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 17:23


    In celebration of School Principals Month, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate had a great conversation with Dana Dietz, principal of Monon Trail Elementary School. Listen as they discuss her time at Monon Trail Elementary, connecting with students and what it's been like to lead a school during a pandemic.

    Episode 6: New WHS Principal Alicia Denniston!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 22:26


    Dr. Sherry Grate and newly-named WHS principal Alicia Denniston have a great conversation about Denniston's the road to becoming the WHS principal and her bold vision for the future of all Shamrocks who pass through those doors.

    Episode 6: New WHS Principal Alicia Denniston!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 22:26


    Dr. Sherry Grate and newly-named WHS principal Alicia Denniston have a great conversation about Denniston's the road to becoming the WHS principal and her bold vision for the future of all Shamrocks who pass through those doors.

    Episode 5: How to Plan for a 5-12 Return to the Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 25:28


    Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate speaks with Mike Hall, principal at Westfield Middle School, about the silver linings and lessons learned during this unique school year. They also take some time to discuss what a full return to class might look like.

    Episode 5: How to Plan for a 5-12 Return to the Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 25:28


    Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate speaks with Mike Hall, principal at Westfield Middle School, about the silver linings and lessons learned during this unique school year. They also take some time to discuss what a full return to class might look like.

    What the Updated Hybrid Model Will Look Like at Maple Glen Elementary

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 26:42


    This week, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with Maple Glen's principal, Mary Beth Riley as well as long-time MGES teacher and current virtual instructor Sarah Fritzsche about how Maple Glen has thrived during this school year like no other. They talk about lessons learned, how the young learners are taking to the hybrid model and what it will look like when students are in-person 4 days a week!

    What the Updated Hybrid Model Will Look Like at Maple Glen Elementary

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 26:42


    This week, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with Maple Glen's principal, Mary Beth Riley as well as long-time MGES teacher and current virtual instructor Sarah Fritzsche about how Maple Glen has thrived during this school year like no other. They talk about lessons learned, how the young learners are taking to the hybrid model and what it will look like when students are in-person 4 days a week!

    Episode 3 - Before and After Care with Marci Derado

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 12:15


    Westfield Washington Schools superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs discuss how BAC will be effected by the updated hybrid plan, additional benefits parents can expect from the program and much, much more!

    Episode 3 - Before and After Care with Marci Derado

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 12:15


    Westfield Washington Schools superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs discuss how BAC will be effected by the updated hybrid plan, additional benefits parents can expect from the program and much, much more!

    Brooke and Carrie Sept 2 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2020 24:23


    Brooke and Carrie Sept 2 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2020 24:23


    Baldwin Layton Aug 28 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 20:39


    On this week’s episode, Dr. Grate talks with Chris Baldwin, Director of HR & Safety, and Teresa Layton, WWS Nurse Coordinator about how COVID-19 is impacting our district. Listen to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

    Baldwin Layton Aug 28 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 20:39


    On this week’s episode, Dr. Grate talks with Chris Baldwin, Director of HR & Safety, and Teresa Layton, WWS Nurse Coordinator about how COVID-19 is impacting our district. Listen to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

    Joel Bruns 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2020 17:28


    The awesome Mr. Joel Bruns, Innovation Specialist at WHS, was the guest on Inside the Rock. While your families are home for the next few weeks, take some time to listen and learn about all of the amazing things Mr. Bruns is doing in terms of innovation at WHS. Super exciting stuff!!

    Joel Bruns 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2020 17:28


    The awesome Mr. Joel Bruns, Innovation Specialist at WHS, was the guest on Inside the Rock. While your families are home for the next few weeks, take some time to listen and learn about all of the amazing things Mr. Bruns is doing in terms of innovation at WHS. Super exciting stuff!!

    Jody Dedon March 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 10:38


    Meet the new Executive Director of the Westfield Education Foundation - Jody Dedon! On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr Grate talks with Jody about her experience, her vision for WEF and about the big Top Golf fundraiser coming up this weekend!

    Jody Dedon March 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 10:38


    Meet the new Executive Director of the Westfield Education Foundation - Jody Dedon! On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr Grate talks with Jody about her experience, her vision for WEF and about the big Top Golf fundraiser coming up this weekend!

    WIS 2 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 21:26


    Dr. Grate talks to the WIS leadership team, Annette Patchett, Carmen Carnes and Mike McKinney. They gave a great overview of their new construction features, talked about the intense curriculum work happening with teachers, and how they are working hard to ensure ALL students have a sense of belonging!

    WIS 2 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 21:26


    Dr. Grate talks to the WIS leadership team, Annette Patchett, Carmen Carnes and Mike McKinney. They gave a great overview of their new construction features, talked about the intense curriculum work happening with teachers, and how they are working hard to ensure ALL students have a sense of belonging!

    Assistive Technology2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2020 18:16


    Dr. Grate talks to our Assistive Technology (AT) folks, Beth Becher and Anne West! They had an interesting conversation about the strides we’ve made with AT, how they are working with teachers to help define needs, and how AT is helping provide assistance to ALL students! Video link: https://vimeo.com/389028749/4ae095e818

    Assistive Technology2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2020 18:16


    Dr. Grate talks to our Assistive Technology (AT) folks, Beth Becher and Anne West! They had an interesting conversation about the strides we’ve made with AT, how they are working with teachers to help define needs, and how AT is helping provide assistance to ALL students! Video link: https://vimeo.com/389028749/4ae095e818

    Marci Derado 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 18:19


    Dr. Grate talks to Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs! They discussed the latest and greatest happenings with BAC, All Aboard, TOTS and Summer Camps and some upcoming registration deadlines you’ll need to know!

    Marci Derado 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 18:19


    Dr. Grate talks to Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs! They discussed the latest and greatest happenings with BAC, All Aboard, TOTS and Summer Camps and some upcoming registration deadlines you’ll need to know!

    WWES 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2020 17:26


    Dr. Grate talks to Washington Woods Elementary School Principal Tom Hakim! They talked about their upcoming fundraiser featuring the Harlem Wizards on 2/9 which will help fund a learning garden and outdoor classroom! They also talked about their upcoming Leader In Me Leadership Day and a special award Mr. Hakim recently received which will also help fund some cool projects at WWES!

    WWES 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2020 17:26


    Dr. Grate talks to Washington Woods Elementary School Principal Tom Hakim! They talked about their upcoming fundraiser featuring the Harlem Wizards on 2/9 which will help fund a learning garden and outdoor classroom! They also talked about their upcoming Leader In Me Leadership Day and a special award Mr. Hakim recently received which will also help fund some cool projects at WWES!

    Brian Tomamichel 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2020 12:34


    Dr. Grate talks to frequent podcaster Brian Tomamichel, WWS CFO. They talked about how we finished 2019, what to expect in 2020, and how our current tax rate is the lowest it’s been in a decade!

    Brian Tomamichel 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2020 12:34


    Dr. Grate talks to frequent podcaster Brian Tomamichel, WWS CFO. They talked about how we finished 2019, what to expect in 2020, and how our current tax rate is the lowest it’s been in a decade!

    Maple Glen 2020 (1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 21:20


    On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Maple Glen Principal, Mary Beth Riley, and Counselor, Nicole Newman, about Global Play Day! Global Play Day will take place around the world on February 5th and this year, MGES is participating! It’s an entire school day of unstructured and self-directed play time for all students - which is so important to the development of children. Listen to hear details!

    Maple Glen 2020 (1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 21:20


    On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Maple Glen Principal, Mary Beth Riley, and Counselor, Nicole Newman, about Global Play Day! Global Play Day will take place around the world on February 5th and this year, MGES is participating! It’s an entire school day of unstructured and self-directed play time for all students - which is so important to the development of children. Listen to hear details!

    Purposity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2020 11:11


    Dr. Grate talks to frequent podcasters Ashley Knott and Kyle Miller about Purposity! They discussed how Purposity allows users to make a difference for our students, right from your phone! With Purposity, you’ll get a weekly notification, read the story of a student in need, and decide if you want to help - all from your phone in under a minute.

    Purposity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2020 11:11


    Dr. Grate talks to frequent podcasters Ashley Knott and Kyle Miller about Purposity! They discussed how Purposity allows users to make a difference for our students, right from your phone! With Purposity, you’ll get a weekly notification, read the story of a student in need, and decide if you want to help - all from your phone in under a minute.

    Student Impact 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2019 22:11


    Dr. Grate talks to Student Impact Executive Director, Danyele Easterhaus. Danyele talked about how Student Impact is developing students to be leaders in our community while providing connections and building their “web of support” - which is key to success.

    Student Impact 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2019 22:11


    Dr. Grate talks to Student Impact Executive Director, Danyele Easterhaus. Danyele talked about how Student Impact is developing students to be leaders in our community while providing connections and building their “web of support” - which is key to success.

    Oak Trace 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 15:44


    Dr. Grate talks to OTES principal, Robin Lynch, and students Hallie Walther and Reed Barton! These special guests talked about the Oak Trace Gives Back program and how this program is teaching students the importance of giving back to the community. Listen for details!

    grate robin lynch
    Oak Trace 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 15:44


    Dr. Grate talks to OTES principal, Robin Lynch, and students Hallie Walther and Reed Barton! These special guests talked about the Oak Trace Gives Back program and how this program is teaching students the importance of giving back to the community. Listen for details!

    grate robin lynch

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