Midland Public Schools - Michigan Podcast

On this episode, we spoke with students about the Space Farmers Club. Jackson Post-Vasold, Gabe Nix, and Russell Kalcec from Jefferson, and Margaret Hitt from Dow High. Margaret is actually the originator of the club back when she was a Huskie herself. As a member of the robotics program, the question was posed “can sustainability take place in space?” Which clued her into similar “space farmer” groups around the country, and inspired her to start one at Midland Public Schools. The group has been thriving ever since, and Margaret can say she left something behind during her K-12 career. Recorded 3/12/2024 Released 6/27/2024 Scheduled Guests Jackson Post-Vasold Gabe Nix Russell Kalcec Margaret Hitt MPS Connections Producer and Host AJ Hoffman Equipment and Sound Tech Abby Young Watch the video version here

This week, our Chief Science Officers from Dow High talk about their action plans and the overall responsibilities of a CSO. Sahiba Kaur (Junior), and Preston Komara (Freshman) tell us their story and how they embraced their roles. Record Date 2/16/2024 Release Date 5/23/2024 Scheduled Guests Sahiba Kaur Preston Komara Host and Producer - AJ Hoffman Equipment Tech and Producer - Abby Young Video Podcast https://youtu.be/eWkTFv0DB7Q

On this episode, after collaborating a year ago, students Keara Banks and Ella Karbowski (Midland High), and Francis Borden (Dow High) sit down with Jacob Kain, Assistant City Manager for Development Services with the City of Midland. They revisit some of the conversations from those initial classroom visits and discuss the benefits of involving young people in city planning. Guests: Keara Banks Francis Borden Ella Karbowski Jacob Kain Recorded:4/19/24 Released: Host: A.J. Hoffman Producer: A.J. Hoffman Equipment and Operations: Abby Young

On this week's episode, we feature our Chief Science Officers from Midland High. Brooklyn Jones and Sophia Knarr discuss their positions as CSOs for their school and how this can help them after high school. Jones aims to be a computer scientist, while Knarr discusses her future as an environmental scientist, as well as the recent sustainability fair they brought to life through the process of one of their action items as acting CSOs. View the video version of this podcast here on Youtube https://youtu.be/2JZ3EbSEdh0 Guests: Sophia Knarr Brooklyn Jones MPS Connections Producer and Host: AJ Hoffman Equipment Support: Abby Young

On this episode, we invite the managers from Midland High's Chemic Corner store to discuss their experience as managers and what it takes to create a successful team and popular destination for fellow classmates and staff. Recording Date: September 20, 2023 Release Date: November 16, 2023 Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/pKTUqHUo0ds Scheduled Guests: Elly Black Ben Overzet Graham Plishka Cayden Wood Sarah Iqbal Jillian Monterosso MPS Connections Host AJ Hoffman Production AJ Hoffman Abby Young

On this episode, we explore a new program being developed at our high schools. Teachers of Tomorrow is an initiative to recruit students into the field of education. We speak with teachers and advisors of the program, Katy Stearns and Chelsea Berg, Curriculum Specialist Tracy Speaker-Gerstheimer, and students Ava Good and Lauren Vansumeren about where the program is heading. Recording Date: 9/19/2023 Release Date: 10/26/2023 Video version: https://youtu.be/0F9X2iohQLs Scheduled Guests: Tracy Speaker-GerstheimerChelsea BergKaty StearnsAva GoodLauren Vansumeren. MPS Connections Host AJ Hoffman Production AJ Hoffman Abby Young  

On this episode, we hear from Kim Funnell (State/Federal Program Coordinator), Margaret Doan (Principal of Plymouth Elementary), Kara Stark (Principal of Central Park Elementary), and Chelsea Sauve (Asst. Principal of Central Park Elementary) about Title I funding. Title I funding is used to offer support services to students who need extra time and instruction to master grade level curriculum. Title I schools are identified through a state formula each year that is based on the number of students from economically disadvantaged homes. Recording Date: 8/7/2023 Release Date: 10/12/2023 Video Podcast Version: https://youtu.be/i5x1ydW-67s Scheduled Guests: Kim Funnell Chelsea Sauve Kara Stark MPS Connections Host AJ Hoffman Production AJ Hoffman Abby Young

Recorded: 08/28/2023 Scheduled Guests: Chief Nicole Ford Lt. Jai Mahabir Keith Seybert Matt Wenzell Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Media and Productions: AJ Hoffman and Abby Young Watch Video Version Here - https://youtu.be/HrEZpYVqMf0

Bridgit Sova - Region 4 Michigan Teacher of the Year Host AJ Hoffman sits down with Region 4 Michigan Teacher of the Year Bridgit Sova from H.H. Dow High School on this week's episode.  Recorded: 08/14/2023 Released: 08/24/2023 ⁠Released Video: https://youtu.be/SkegAGOG4sw⁠ Scheduled Guests: Bridgit Sova Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Media and Productions: AJ Hoffman and Abby Young

On this week's episode, MPS Connections spotlights Foreign Exchange Students at Dow High Recorded: 05/12/2023 Released: 05/25/2023 Released Video: 05/25/2023 ⁠https://youtu.be/w65Kf4nguHY⁠ Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Media and Productions: AJ Hoffman and Abby Young Scheduled Guests: Vladyslav (Vlad)V. and Emma K.

On this week's episode, MPS Connections spotlights Jefferson's MathCounts Team Recorded: 04/24/2023 Released Video: 05/04/2023 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Jefferson MathCounts Head Coach - Andrew Zimmer  Jefferson MathCounts team members - Katie C, Raymond C, David H, Vettel X Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuSz45La37I⁠

On this week's episode, MPS Connections spotlights Dow High's school store. The Charger Shoppe took a brief hiatus during the pandemic. Mr. Baczewski explains the comeback and some of the obstacles the business has faced since then. Student Manager Natalie Marinik talks about the importance of her role and why it matters that students get involved, and learn about retail and entrepreneurship in high school.  Recorded: 03/16/2023 Released Audio: 03/23/2023 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Dow High School Charger Shoppe Advisor Mark Baczewski and Student Manager Natalie Marinik Video Version: https://youtu.be/W8VBLgIwquI

Recorded: 03/06/2023 Released Audio: 03/09/2023 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Project Lead The Way Teachers from Central Park and Adams Elementary - Nicole Billette, Sarah Cooper, and Jillian Seamster Video Version: https://youtu.be/pXVrHfWt1HI

Recorded: 01/16/2023 Released Audio: 01/19/223 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: MPS Employees and ALPS coordinators and educators, Kara Stark, Christina Weihl, Leeann Rielle, Jen Servoss ALPS stands for Advanced Learning Program for Students

Recorded: 12/01/2022 Released Audio: 12/15/22 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: MHS BPA students Steven Hackbarth and Andrew Steger

Recorded: 11/14/2022 Released Audio 12/01/22 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Alexandra Price James Toole Danny Safadi

Recorded: 11/3/2022 Released Audio 11/17/22 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Traci Speaker-Gerstheimer, Curriculum Specialists

Recorded: 10/5/2022 Released Audio 11/03/22 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Jeffrey Jaster, Associate Superintendent Tracy Renfro, Chestnut Hill Elementary Principal Keith Seybert, Northeast Middle School Assistant Principal

Recorded Over the month of September 2022 Released Audio 10/20 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Guests: De'Ondre Hogan Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jenna Dulude Elementary School Teacher Leora, Student Madison, Student

Recorded 09/15 Released Audio 10/06 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Nicole Ford, Chief of Police Jairam Mahabir, Patrol Lieutenant Special Thanks: Kenny D. MPS Communications

On today's episode, we talk to Social Emotional Learning specialists Zoe Ferguson (Adams) Deborah Winstone (Chestnut Hill) and Karen Muma (secondary schools). Recorded 09/06 Released Audio 09/22 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Zoe Ferguson Karen Muma Deborah Winstone Special Thanks: Kenny D. MPS Communications

We thank Brian Brutyn for all of his hard work and introduce the new host of MPS Connections, A.J. Hoffman! A.J. comes to us from within the ranks of MPS. With a background in podcasting and a degree in journalism, he and Brian talk about telling the district's stories with a fresh perspective. Recorded 08/30 Released 09/08 Host of MPS Connections: AJ Hoffman, Web and Communications Specialist Scheduled Guests: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Special Thanks: Brian Brutyn Kenny D. Susi Sudek MPS Communications

Host of MPS Connections: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Order of Events and Presentations: Introduction from Associate Superintendent and host Brian Brutyn Performance of Pomp and Circumstance - H. H. Dow High School Orchestra DHS's Principals Message - Principal Ted Davis DHS's Graduate - Katie Hagen “On to Victory” / Ellyana Tierney “Community” "The Road Home" - H. H. Dow High School Chamber Singers MHS's Principal's Message - Principal Tiela Schurman “What is Your Legacy” MHS's Graduate - Brendan Granzo “So What”/ Joey Pellitier “Present” Alma Mater Vocals from each school Dow High School - H. H. Dow High School Chamber Singers Midland High School - MHS Meister Singers & Chorus Seniors Recessional - Midland High Symphonic Band Click here for details on how to purchase graduation DVDs Click here to watch H.H. Dow High School's Graduation Ceremony Click here to watch Midland High School's Graduation Ceremony Click here to watch the video version of this podcast with footage from the Graduation Ceremonies Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist Email Suggestions to podcasts@midlandps.org *MPS Connections will be premiering season two in late August or early September, thank you for tuning in!

Recorded 03/24 Released 04/07 Host of MPS Connections: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Annette Murray, H. H. Dow High School Coach/District Robotics Coordinator Sean Murray, H. H. Dow High School Coach Travis Miller, Midland High School Coach Student Guests Emily, H. H. Dow High School Mary-Belle, Midland High School Thanks to our Sponsors Michigan State University Dow Nexteer DuPont Michigan Department of Education Helpful hints FTC - FIRST Tech Challenge - Junior High School FRC - FIRST Robotics Competition - High School Want to get involved? Local - https://www.first-glbr.org/ Nonlocal - https://www.firstinspires.org/ Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 03/18 & 03/22 Released 03/24 Host of MPS Connections: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Penny Miller-Nelson: Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment De'Ondre Hogan: Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Special Guests: Mrs. Potts: Enchanted Teapot Lumiere: Enchanted Candelabra Cogsworth: Enchanted Clock Special Thanks: Megan Cummins: MHS Drama Director Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist View links to the Equity Audit Report and March 2022's Board of Education Meeting here https://www.midlandps.org/news/dei-equity-audit#sthash.siu7tG0Q.dpbs Purchase your tickets for Beauty and the Beast Here https://centralauditorium.ludus.com/

Recorded 03/16 Released 03/21 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Melissa Toner: Instructional Technology and Media Curriculum Specialist Paul Schroll: Siebert Elementary Principal Margaret Doan: Plymouth Elementary Principal Chelsea Sauve: Central Park Assistant Principal Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 03/03 Released 03/10 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Steve Poole: Auxiliary Curriculum Specialist Kevin Dodick Students Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 02/22 Released 02/24 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Steve Poole: Auxiliary Curriculum Specialist Hayley Stepaniak: MHS Counselor Lori Hallberg: HHD Counselor Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 02/03 Released 02/10 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Jenn Servoss, Elementary Curriculum Specialist Kara Stark, Central Park Elementary Principal Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 01/13 Released 01/20 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Jeff Jaster, Associate Superintendent of Administrative and Student Services Eddie Hinson, Midland Police Department, and MHS School Resource Office Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 12/16 Released 01/06 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Jenn Servoss, Elementary Curriculum Specialist Tricia Clancy, Literacy Coach Shannon Pnacek, Literacy Coach Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 12/1 Released 12/9 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Kyle Kowalski, Director of Human Resources Jackie Lamont, Manager of Human Resources Extras: Available Careers! https://midlandps.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 11/9 Released 11/18 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Tielannette Schurman, MHS Principal Lindsey Timmerman, JMS Counselor Extras: Restorative Practices Presentation from January 2021 PIC meeting https://youtu.be/HP6wEqWVSCE Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 10/26 Released 11/04 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Eric Albright, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director MHS De'Ondre Hogan, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion MPS Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 10/12 & 10/15 Released 10/21 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Student Leadership Representatives from H. H. Dow High School Student Leadership Representatives from Midland High School Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Engineer: David Dziedzic, Director of Technology Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist Thank you to Monique Albright, Chelsea Berg, and Kim Outinen

Recorded 9/29 Released 10/07 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Brooklyn Sniegocki, Health Resource Assistants Lindsy Sanford, Health Resource Assistants Jeff Jaster, Associate Superintendent Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 9/13 Released 9/23 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Luna & Shannon Blasy: Jefferson Middle School Principal Nellie & Kara Stark: Central Park Elementary School Principal Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 9/01 Released 9/09 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Allison Cicinelli, Secondary Curriculum Specialist Jenn Servoss, Elementary Curriculum Specialist Jackie Warner, Youth Intervention Specialist, Community Mental Health Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 8/09 Released 8/16 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Scott Cochran, Adams Elementary Principal Ted Davis, H.H. Dow High Principal Keith Seybert, Northeast Middle School Principal Matt Wenzell, Midland High Assistant Principal Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 7/22 Released 8/05 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Eric Albright, MHS Athletic Director and Assistant Principal John Streeter, HHD Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Recorded 7/19 Released 7/22 Your host: Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Scheduled Guests: Penny Miller-Nelson, Associate Superintendent Jeff Jaster, Associate Superintendent Producer: Cynthia Young, Communications Manager Editor: Abby Young, Web and Communications Specialist

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 10 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. This week's challenge: Microaggressions To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. The window to nominate a colleague for the DSA Awards is now open through May 28th. You can find all information here https://www.midlandps.org/News/2021-dsa#sthash.fw7bXfGr.iX3qeb7L.dpbs Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 9 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. This week's challenge: Racial Equity Change Process To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. The window to nominate a colleague for the DSA Awards is now open through May 28th. You can find all information here https://www.midlandps.org/News/2021-dsa#sthash.fw7bXfGr.iX3qeb7L.dpbs Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 8 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. This week's challenge: Building a Race Equity Culture To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. The window to nominate a colleague for the DSA Awards is now open through May 28th. You can find all information here https://www.midlandps.org/News/2021-dsa#sthash.fw7bXfGr.iX3qeb7L.dpbs Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 7 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you for all you do! Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. The window to nominate a colleague for the DSA Awards is now open through May 28th. You can find all information here https://www.midlandps.org/News/2021-dsa#sthash.fw7bXfGr.iX3qeb7L.dpbs Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 6 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, How can you be involved? Remember to wear your blue on Fridays, use the hashtags #wearbluemidland tag "Safe and Sound" in social media posts. Look for blue ribbons and drop your spare change in any "Piggies and Pinwheels for Prevention" banks located around Midland. Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. The window to nominate a colleague for the DSA Awards is now open through May 28th. You can find all information here https://www.midlandps.org/News/2021-dsa#sthash.fw7bXfGr.iX3qeb7L.dpbs Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 5 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, How can you be involved? Remember to wear your blue on Fridays, use the hashtags #wearbluemidland tag "Safe and Sound" in social media posts. Look for blue ribbons and drop your spare change in any "Piggies and Pinwheels for Prevention" banks located around Midland. Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 4 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge. We will become familiar with the work of Dr. Robin DiAngelo and her coined term, "White Fragility." And hear different perspectives on what to do about race in America. To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, How can you be involved? Remember to wear your blue on Fridays, use the hashtags #wearbluemidland tag "Safe and Sound" in social media posts. Look for blue ribbons and drop your spare change in any "Piggies and Pinwheels for Prevention" banks located around Midland. Nominate a teacher today to receive a much-deserved Gerstacker Award here! The nomination window closes on April 16th. https://www.midlandps.org/Content2/gerstacker-awards Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. We are looking for input on starting a 3 yr old Preschool Program, the survey can be found and filled out here - https://forms.gle/g4MobGh76YgFV6vZA Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing Week 3 of the MPS' Racial Equity Challenge We will work to understand the different types of privileges we have. And see how privilege shows up for groups of people. To participate in MPS' 10-week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, How can you be involved? Remember to wear your blue on Fridays, use the hashtags #wearbluemidland tag "Safe and Sound" in social media posts. Look for blue ribbons and drop your spare change in any "Piggies and Pinwheels for Prevention" banks located around Midland. Nominate a teacher today to receive a much-deserved Gerstacker Award here! The nomination window closes on April 16th. https://www.midlandps.org/Content2/gerstacker-awards Administration building staff members, including the helpdesk, are temporarily working out of Central Auditorium. Look for the signs to direct you where to go. We are looking for input on starting a 3 yr old Preschool Program, the survey can be found and filled out here - https://forms.gle/g4MobGh76YgFV6vZA Have a wonderful wonderful week, thank you for all you do!

Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing MPS's 10 Week Racial Equity Challenge To participate in MPS's 10 week Racial Equity Challenge find your invitation from Canvas. It came from notifications@instructure.com with the subject "Course Invitation" To watch our last Board of Education Meeting where our Dow High and Midland High Leadership groups were highlighted visit our YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/MidlandPublicSchools Nominate a teacher today to receive a much deserved Gerstacker Award here! https://www.midlandps.org/Content2/gerstacker-awards

Enjoy listening to the newest installment of the staff podcast where we update you on whats to come this week! Featuring De'Ondre Hogan discussing MPS's 10 Week Racial Equity Challenge