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Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, August 13, 2025. #1 – From WV Explorer – Waterfall Trail Celebrates 125,000 Check-Ins West Virginia's first-ever statewide Waterfall Trail is making waves, with over 125,000 check-ins counted since its launch in 2022. Featuring more than 40 scenic falls—ranging from easily accessible roadside gems to remote cascades reached via hiking—it offers incentives like stickers, water bottles, shirts, and a limited-edition print through digital passport check-ins. Nature lovers, it's time to explore. Discover: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/08/07/west-virginia-waterfall-trail-2025/ #2 – From WV Forestry – Project Learning Tree Inspires Through Environmental Education Project Learning Tree has been shaping environmental education in West Virginia since 1976. This award-winning program equips educators with hands-on lesson plans and training to help students—from PreK through 12th grade—learn about forests, critical thinking, and sustainability through outdoor engagement. It's where green spaces grow great minds. Read more: https://wvforestry.com/project-learning-tree-program/ #3 – From WV Department of Economic Development – Free Job Posting for WV Employers West Virginia employers—take your jobs online with West Virginia Economic Development and Jobcase.com/wv. Whether your hiring needs are occasional or less than one open position per month, you can post for free and reach qualified in-state candidates. Start with one of the recommended packages based on your advertising needs and budget—and start hiring the today. Learn more: https://hirenow.westvirginia.jobcase.com/purchase/post-now/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
Should we teach students to write upper or lowercase letters first? What's the best routine for practicing handwriting? How much time should students practice handwriting each day? Dr. Shawn Datchuk shares what the research says (and doesn't say) about these questions and more!Click here for the show notes from this episode.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
Send us a textAmir Nathoo is CEO of Outschool, a marketplace for live online classes for K-12 learners, and an advocate for expanding education access. Previously, he led product development at Square and co-founded Trigger.io, a platform for creating native mobile apps. Amir holds an MEng in Electrical and Information Sciences from The University of Cambridge and lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children.Justin Dent is the founding Executive Director of Outschool.org. Justin was previously the Founder and Executive Director of Ethos, a nonprofit that provided career education to 18,000 low-income, first generation, or minority students annually. An active voice in the dialogue around education equity, Justin's writing has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and he's appeared on Fox Business, CNBC and Cheddar.
A recent Bankrate survey shows that nearly one in five back-to-school shoppers say the costs are putting significant pressure on their household budgets.Intuit Credit Karma reports that 39% of parents say they simply can't afford back-to-school shopping this year, while more than half (56%) are scaling back nonessential spending to cope.According to Deloitte, 52% of parents are worried about rising prices on school supplies and plan to cut back on things like eating out and entertainment to compensate.Paper costs have soared by 120% and could double again, while the Consumer Technology Association projects laptop and tablet prices could increase by as much as 68%.On Wednesday, August 6, NEA President Becky Pringle is available to discuss:How are tariffs and tight budgets impacting back-to-school spending?What does the new data tell us about how educators are making sure their students have what they need to begin the school year?Why are so many teachers and school support staff paying for supplies out of pocket?What impact does the delay or disruption in federal preK-12 education funding have on students and schools?How can parents and communities do to support their local educators and public schools?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.
Send us a textThis week we're turning our attention to one of the most important milestones in early childhood education: preparing for Georgia's Pre-K Program. We have assembled a panel of experts to explore what families, educators, and communities can do to ensure children are ready for a successful year of learning and growth. Joining us this week are Georgia's Pre-K Program Specialists Alice Lasseter, Rokeya Stone, and Perri Walden. Meghan McNail is Director of Georgia's Pre-K Program Instructional and Regional Operations, and Devon Porter is Manager of Outreach and the Summer Transition Program. Support the show
(Aug 5, 2025) With the school year quickly approaching, many families in Watertown don't know if their child will be able to attend pre-k after the city school district cut dozens of pre-k slots without explanation; Gov. Hochul says the days of nonpartisan redistricting in New York should be over as Republicans in Texas try to redistrict their state; and a conversation with the director of a museum in Saranac Lake about how a new, larger space will allow the museum to tell the village's broader cultural history.
(Aug 5, 2025) This summer, the Watertown City School District cut dozens of pre-k slots without explanation, even though community partners were willing to provide them. With the school year quickly approaching, many families don't know if their child will be able to attend Pre-K or not. Also: All of the North Country is still under an air quality advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to pollute much of the Northeast.
Obrambno ministrstvo je danes predstavilo strategijo razvoja obrambne industrije. Kot je pojasnil minister Borut Sajovic, je njen cilj, da čim več sredstev za obrambo in varnost ostane doma. Glede dilem, povezanih z nadzorom napovedanega obrambnega holdinga, je minister zagotovil, da bodo nabave na področju obrambe še naprej potekale prek ministrstva. Drugi poudarki oddaje: - Prebivalce Gaze zaradi omejene dostave hrane pesti vse hujša lakota. - Južna Koreja umika propagandne zvočnike z meje s severno sosedo. - Skupina slovenskih invalidov osvojila dva visoka vrhova Alp med Švico in Italijo.
This week the honks are joined by comedian and author Amy Silverberg to read listener submitted stories about the most embarrassing things they've been caught doing. Amy teaches a writing class and talks about men writing their fantasy's (which should be illegal) They read a story about a sleepover, nail biting, a stuffed Barney and so much more! Check out Amy's new novel “first time long time” and enjoy the episode.If you love the show and want to support us, join our growing community on Patreon to see what we're giving for $5 a month!JOIN OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/teatime42069Send your stories to TeaTimeStories42069@gmail.comWatch Harper-Rose's set here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eNpjjGZHLY&t=110sWatch Gabby Lamb's set here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7oOYWgK598
Sean Morrisey, former school psychologist turned fifth grade teacher, walks us through the many different literacy assessments teachers administer. Which are useful, and which are a waste of time? You'll love this practical episode!Click here for the show notes from this episode.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
The Moneywise Radio Show and Podcast Friday, August 1st BE MONEYWISE. Moneywise Wealth Management I "The Moneywise Guys" podcast call: 661-847-1000 text in anytime: 661-396-1000 website: www.MoneywiseGuys.com facebook: Moneywise_Wealth_Management LinkedIn: Moneywise_Wealth_Management Guests: Gabriel Alvarez, Lead Pastor & Jessica Villa, Office Assistant at Calvary Bakersfield website: https://ccbakersfield.com/ BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY Saturday, August 9th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM 4040 Niles St (East Bakersfield) School supplies and backpacks will be given out to students from Pre-K to 12th grade. Child must be present with a parent or guardian 18 years or older to receive item(s). While Supplies Last. Free Food and refreshments while supplies last
Bay Shore is a multi-campus, non-denominational church based in Millsboro, Delaware, with campuses in Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island — one church in multiple locations.Our mission is to connect to God, connect to people, and serve our community. We've created a culture where anyone can belong before they believe, offering a home of faith to those who don't have one.Rehoboth Campus:Address: 19331 Lighthouse Plaza, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Sunday Services: 8:30AM, 9:45AM, 11AM (each about an hour)Environments for babies (6 weeks–Pre-K) and kids (K–5th grade) are available during each service.• • Expect live music, practical messages, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere — come as you are!
Kokią istoriją pasakoja Merkinė ir ko trūksta šiam pasakojimui? Pokalbis su Merkinės krašto muziejaus direktoriumi Žygimantu Buržinsku ir Varėnos rajono savivaldybės vicemeru Alvydu Verbicku.Vincas Krėvė-Mickevičius ir Dzūkija. Kiek Krėvės kūryba aktuali šiandien? Pasakoja V. Krėvės-Mickevičiaus memorialinio muziejaus Subartonyse muziejininkė Laimutė Raugevičienė.Penktasis festivalis „Aritmija“. Šiuolaikinio meno projektas mažame miestelyje – vietiniams ar svečiams? Pasakoja festivalio organizatorius Algimantas Rokas Černiauskas ir žemaitis reperis Paulius Gadeikis.Ansamblio „Kukumbalis“ įkūrėjai ir vadovai Rita ir Vytautas Černiauskai – apie gyvenimą Merkinėje ir jaunimo veiklas mažame miestelyje.Kokia yra juodosios keramikos istorija Merkinėje? Ja dalijasi keramikos meistras Petras Pretkelis.Kaip šiandien gyvena prieš kelerius metus sudegęs, bendruomenės pastangomis atgaivintas ir beveik 100-metį veikiantis Margionių klojimo teatras? Pasakoja Margionių kaimo bendruomenės pirmininkė Vilija Šimkonytė ir Margionių klojimo teatro režisierė Rimutė Avižinienė.Prie Čiurlionio gimtinės prasideda festivalis „Vasaros sonata“. Jo vadovas ir sumanytojas Nerijus Bakula – apie profesionalios muzikos klaidą regione.Ved. Marius Eidukonis ir Gabija Narušytė
Join guest host Dr. Chrisna Perry for an insightful panel conversation with leading literacy experts — Dr. Pamela Mason, Dr. Ernest Morrell, and Dr. Lee Wright — as they explore the powerful shift in literacy instruction toward the Science of Reading. Together, they offer diverse perspectives grounded in research and practice.Whether you're an educator, curriculum leader, or edtech innovator, this expert roundtable delivers fresh thinking on transforming literacy education.Visit Savvas.com/Literacy to explore our high-quality PreK–12 literacy solutions.To keep the conversation going follow us @SavvasLearning on Instagram, Facebook, X, Youtube, or Linkedin. Visit Savvas.com today to learn more about our award-winning K-12 programs and to request curriculum samples for your school or district.
Missouri ranks 51st in Pre-K HR 4 full 2349 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:01:44 +0000 dwV0i9AP5WNHwkwVLmbpJdBz3BmIDAx7 news MIDDAY with JAYME & WIER news Missouri ranks 51st in Pre-K HR 4 From local news & politics, to what's trending, sports & personal stories...MIDDAY with JAYME & WIER will get you through the middle of your day! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A%
Bay Shore is a multi-campus, non-denominational church based in Millsboro, Delaware, with campuses in Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island — one church in multiple locations.Our mission is to connect to God, connect to people, and serve our community. We've created a culture where anyone can belong before they believe, offering a home of faith to those who don't have one.Rehoboth Campus:Address: 19331 Lighthouse Plaza, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Sunday Services: 8:30AM, 9:45AM, 11AM (each about an hour)Environments for babies (6 weeks–Pre-K) and kids (K–5th grade) are available during each service.• • Expect live music, practical messages, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere — come as you are!
The first day of school for students in the Nixon- Smiley Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is Thursday, Aug. 7. Before that, teachers on all campuses will welcome students at orientation and “Meet the Teacher” events taking place that week. Elementary school •Monday, Aug. 4 — Pre-K meeting in the gym, 5-5:30 p.m.; Meet the Teacher, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Middle school •Tuesday, Aug. 5 — Meet the Teacher, 5:30-6:30 p.m. •Tuesday, Aug. 5 —5:30 p.m., cafeteria, parent meeting, for fifth and sixth grades; 6:15 p.m., cafeteria, parent meeting for seventh and eighth grades, High school •Monday, Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m. —...Article Link
Falls City Independent School District (ISD) students and parents are invited to Meet the Teacher on Monday, Aug. 11. Meetings will start at 6 p.m. for students in Pre-K through second grade; 6:30 p.m. for third through sixth grades; and 7 p.m. for seventh through 12th.Article Link
221: What should K-2 teachers know about teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, and more? Teacher and author Amie Burkholder gives us practical tips in this quick and powerful episode! Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
A spokesman for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo pointed to a pilot program he announced in 2013 that invested $25 million to add 5,000 Universal pre-K seats. Plus, the New York City Health Department is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires' disease in central Harlem. Also, 311 complaints about dog waste on sidewalks have gone up every year since the pandemic. And finally, a mid-season check in on the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty.
EU-Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen und Ratspräsident Antonio Costa sind zum Gipfel in China. "Beide Seiten sehen das Treffen als eine Wegmarke", sagt Mikko Huotari, Mercator Institute for China Studies. Für Europa stehe "einiges auf dem Spiel". Von WDR 5.
I've been connecting with many new and nearly new APs recently and my conversations inspired me to put together a diverse panel of assistant principals to have a conversation specifically for those of you just beginning your administrator journey. And of course, there are some great tips here for experienced leaders as well.Sponsor Spot 1:I'd like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today's show. Being an assistant principal means that safety is a quadrant 1 activity – in your building and beyond its walls. So, when it's time for the school trip, choosing the right planning partner is absolutely critical! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning travel beyond expectations since 1993. The Kaleidoscope team of experts has a robust understanding of what it takes to travel with students – including safety, liability, and parent concerns. When you travel with Kaleidoscope Adventures, you can trust that your students are in good hands. If you want to learn more about Kaleidoscope Adventures, check the link in the show notes Kaleidoscope Adventures…. travel beyond expectations! Show IntroGuest Bios:Trish Thomas is a dedicated educator with 22 years of experience, including 21 as a 4th-grade teacher and 9 as a head teacher. Trish recently completed her first year as an assistant principal at a career magnet high school in Pennsylvania. Proud wife of 21 years and mom to two sons—one in high school, the other starting at Temple University this fall.Dez Caldwell is an award-winning Massachusetts educator who's held every role from paraprofessional to principal with leadership experience ranging from Pre-K to grade 12. He's co-host of the After School with the Admin podcast. He describes himself as an ordinary guy who wants to help others do extraordinary things.Marco Tirillo is a Connecticut based teacher and leader with 21 years in education. He's served as a teacher and assistant principal in urban and suburban schools, grades 5–12. Marco is passionate about equity, SEL, and restorative practices, striving to create inclusive environments, empower students and staff, and build thriving school communities through advocacy, collaboration, and transformative leadership. Marco co-hosts the After School with the Admin podcast. Mitchell Hall has spent his entire educational career in Maryland - 8 years on the Eastern Shore and the last 10 in Garrett County. He taught special education, social studies, and gifted and talented before becoming an Assistant Principal last school year. He's beginning his first year as principal at Grantsville Elementary School.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsI will also solicit my audience for questions about being a year-one AP, but our discussion will roughly follow this outline:Clarifying the role of the APBuilding a relationship with the PRelationships with teachersVeteransEarly-careerStaying true to your purposeGetting supportIt's a tough time out there. What do we need to be especially mindful of in taking care of (a) others and (b) ourselves?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Summary/wrap upSmoky the Bear (Trish)Dez' pro tip: learn when to “just walk by” teachers' rooms during their planning so you can connectAsk for help!Know where the walls came from (Marco)Belonging and acceptance (Mitchell)Presence => trustThank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Marco Tirillo's links: After School With The Admins PodcastAfter School With The Admins FacebookAfter School With The Admins InstagramLinkedIn ProfileFrederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
220: I take every opportunity I can to learn from Lyn Stone, so I was thrilled to sit down and "rapid fire" questions I had after reading the wonderful second edition of her book, Language for Life. I promise you'll be entertained and come away with new understandings after listening to this episode! Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
Let's pray for the 25-26 school year
Kristen is the author of Happy Clouds Coloring Book and Happy Clouds, which teaches children 12 affirmations like “I am loved,” using bright imagery and a heart symbol. She also wrote Happy Words: 72 Words for Kids to Read, designed to help beginning readers recognize objects in a cheerful way.Along with her books, Kristen designs patent-pending plushies, custom pencils and pens, and has released two children's music albums. Her YouTube channel, Happy Happy Everything, shares fun and educational music and videos for children.We discussed her childhood dream of becoming a Disney animator, her passion for Disney, and how she created a vision board to guide her path toward building products that inspire happiness in children. Kristen shared how she launched Happy Happy Everything, Inc. with the desire to bring joy and inspiration not just to kids, but also to adults who may have lost their sense of creativity.Betsy and Kristen talked about how children are naturally creative, but often face discouragement in structured settings like school. Kristen emphasized how important it is for children to feel loved and supported—because when kids feel good about themselves, they're more likely to want to learn.Kristen also spoke openly about the fear many people have around chasing their dreams. She believes that not trying at all is the real failure, and that making mistakes is simply part of the learning process.Kristen shared her recent experience doing her first book signing, meet-and-greet, and reading at a local Barnes & Noble—something that brought her work to life in her own community.Kristen has a deep commitment to giving back and has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to donate her books and materials, including:Books for Collier Kids, which purchased books for every Pre-K and Kindergarten student in her countyRoom to Read, who partnered with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi in Pakistan to distribute her materialsSalty Life Foundation, which sent her books to an orphanage in KenyaWomen's Shelter in Naples, FloridaMake-A-Wish Southwest FloridaGolisano Children's HospitalBetsy also shared how much she enjoyed the music from her YouTube channel. Personally, she would have loved to use it in the preschool where she once worked as a Teacher's Aide—it's that uplifting and fun.If you're looking to inspire the children in your life, Betsy highly recommends exploring the Happy Happy Everything books and resources Kristen offers. Kristen's passion is contagious, and her work is truly making a differenceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chatting-with-betsy--4211847/support.
Many longtime educators understand that the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to teaching is not always effective. There are different types of learners with unique needs.Landmark College in Putney is designed for students who learn differently, like those with dyslexia, autism, or ADHD. The college marks its 40th anniversary this fall, and its new president Jim Dlugos is optimistic about its future.The Willowell Foundation runs outdoor learning programs in Addison County that let young students chart their own paths. Founder and executive director Matt Schlien discusses his efforts to revive the Walden Project, a high school program focused on ecology, wellness, civic engagement and time outdoors.Broadcast live on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.
219: Advanced readers often get overlooked. Dr. Amanda Nickerson helps us understand how we can nurture these students and help them reach their fullest potential within the MTSS framework. Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
Get the book, The Scientific Principles of Teaching: Bridging the Divide Between Educational Practice and Research Visit Nate's Website www.PedagogyNonGrata.com Follow Nate on X @Natejoseph19 About The Guest Nathaniel Hansford has taught every grade from preK to 12th, in places as diverse as South Korea, the United Kingdom, the subarctic of Quebec, and Ontario, Canada. In 2022, he won the Literacy Leader of the Year award from the Ontario International Dyslexia Association. Nathaniel has written hundreds of articles on the science of teaching. He is most interested in using meta-analysis research to help teachers implement methodologies that have been proven to work. To learn more about Nathaniel's work in education, visit teachingbyscience.com, or follow him @Natejoseph19 on X (formerly Twitter).
183: Irene's kindergarten son was attending a prestigious Manhattan public school. When he told her that the school wasn't teaching him to read, she didn't believe him. When she finally realized he was right, she set out on a challenging journey to save his academic life. You won't want to miss this one!Click here for the show notes from this episode.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
What if the student who "won't sit still" or "never starts their work" isn't trying to misbehave—but is quietly asking for support? In this episode, veteran educator Cheryl Agrawal helps us rethink ADHD in the primary classroom. You'll walk away with fresh insights and game-changing strategies that make your school days smoother—for you and your students.In this episode, we'll talk about:What ADHD really looks like in PreK–2 students (it's not just hyperactivity).The overlooked link between reading struggles and inattentive ADHD.Movement and “sensory snacks” that support regulation without disrupting class.How to team up with families and paraprofessionals without feeling overwhelmed.Why small shifts in seating, check-ins, and routines can transform your day.Show LinksPulsehiveCheryl on LinkedIn / InstagramADHD 2.0 Book on AmazonJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!
In this episode, Jethro Jones introduces a special conversation between Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, and Barb Solish, the NAMI National Director of Innovation. They discuss the partnership between Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supported by Macy's, to provide books and mental health resources to children nationwide. The conversation dives into the youth mental health crisis, the literacy crisis, and how these two organizations are working together to support children's mental and emotional well-being through literacy and other resources.NAMI and RIF joining together with the support of Macy'sBeing next to someone is powerfulName it to tame it. Identifying emotions for kids is powerfulLiteracy for skills in both areas. The power of a mother reading aloud to her children. NICU mothers reading aloud to kids every day lowered rates of post-partum depression and stress. Routine and trust are built together. Early intervention The Presence and the connection is what really matters. Barb Solish: Link to headshot - National Alliance on Mental illnessBarb Solish is NAMI's National Director of Innovation. She is passionate about mental health awareness, education, and advocacy, especially after the loss of a friend to suicide. Barb's lived experience developing a mental health condition as a young person also motivates her work improving outcomes for young people with mental health concerns.In her time at NAMI, Barb has led NAMI's Youth and Young Adult Initiatives team, developing new resources for kids, teens, young adults, educators, and caregivers. She also led the creation of new initiatives, including the virtual version of the NAMI Ending the Silence presentation program for middle and high school students and NAMI Next Gen, NAMI's young adult advisory group. In addition to youth and young adult work, Barb oversees NAMI's Workplace Mental Health Initiatives, including NAMI StigmaFree Workplace. Barb believes strongly that not only is creating a mentally healthy workplace the right thing to do, it's an economic imperative.Erin Bailey, Vice President, Literacy Programs & Research, Reading Is FundamentalErin Bailey, Ed.D., joined Reading Is Fundamental in 2021 and currently serves as the Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research. Dr. Bailey brings deep curriculum and instructional expertise to her position, which includes serving as the subject matter expert and developing, curating, and managing content and professional learning for educators and families on literacy.She has played a pivotal role in shaping high-quality, research-based content that supports Pre-K through Middle School students nationwide. With a strong command of literacy best practices, she leads cross-functional efforts to ensure RIF's resources spark reading joy while aligning with effective instructional strategies. Passionate about empowering educators, Dr. Bailey has spearheaded RIF's professional development initiatives—designing and delivering hands-on, relevant learning experiences that build lasting capacity and support classroom success.Dr. Bailey has been an educator in U.S. and international classrooms. Her teaching experience spans from PreK-8 including roles as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, English language learning specialist, and university instructor. Her interests include professional learning for teachers on family and community engagement, instructional strategies for multilingual learners, and literacy instruction. She is interested in the ways that partnering with families and communities, particularly for children from historically marginalized communities, can transform literacy instruction. Additionally, she designs curriculum and professional development for utilizing play-based learning to teach language and literacy to young children.Dr. Bailey has a robust and interdisciplinary research repertoire including learning through informal spaces such as public gardens, art museums, and social movements. She takes up art processes such as film, photography, and sound mixing to expand approaches to qualitative inquiry. She has presented her work at several major conferences including the American Education Research Association (AERA) and the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) and has published in academic journals including Qualitative Inquiry, Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, and Journal of Literacy Research. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments
151: What an honor to speak with Dr. Louisa Moats about the English language! She explains why it's so important to teach spelling, why English isn't as irregular as some think, the usefulness and limitation of syllable types, and how to help students who struggle with spelling. Dr. Moats is a treasure!Click here for the show notes from this episode.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
Today our guest is Joanna Frankel the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate at Portland Public Schools. We talk to Joanna about how her team led a deeply collaborative curriculum selection process—gathering input from over 300 staff members, conducting a community listening tour with families, and piloting options with 37 educators. She reflects on the power of stakeholder voice, and how this inclusive approach not only informed their final decision but also built trust and ownership across the district. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Joanna Frankel serves as the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate for Portland Public Schools in Portland, Maine (the "other" Portland!). Her role serves as a bridge between Portland's ten elementary schools and Central Office departments and staff, working in the areas of social, emotional, and behavioral systems of support for students, in addition to helping to ensure positive relationships and experiences for staff and families. Previously Joanna was an Elementary Assistant Principal in Portland, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning in Gray, Maine, and for nearly two decades taught all grades Pre-K through 5th in Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. A native of Philadelphia, Joanna holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College (NY) and an MEd from Smith College (MA), where she was a Graduate Teaching Fellow. Joanna is a PBIS trainer in the state of Maine and holds a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports from the University of Maine. She is a proud product of public schools and a proud parent of a public school high school junior. In her spare time Joanna goes on frequent "rides to nowhere" in spin class, is a certified yoga instructor and longtime yoga practitioner, loves sitting on Maine beaches with a good book, and is an obsessive fan of the band Wilco. At work she's known as "the feelings lady.”
Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the intersection of mental health awareness and early risk detection in school safety. This session will focus on equipping educators, administrators, and safety professionals with the tools and insights necessary to identify and address early signs of at-risk behaviors. By integrating mental health frameworks with threat assessment strategies, we aim to create proactive approaches to school safety that prioritize student well-being while preventing harm. Our panel of experts share actionable insights, real-world examples, and innovative practices to enhance the safety and security of our schools.GuestsMelissa KreeSchool Psychologist·Oxford Community SchoolsMelissa Kree has been a School Psychologist with Oxford Community Schools for the last 12 years. She has worked at all levels from PreK through high school. She coordinates building level MTSS teams and special education evaluations and is a district level IEP Coach. She serves on the district's crisis team as well as building level threat and suicide risk assessment teams, following both BTAM and PREPaRE models. She has been an ongoing part of Oxford's response to the tragedy on November 30th, 2021, and works closely with the Executive Director of School Safety, Operational Technology, and Student Services to regularly review and implement policies and procedures, as well as lead building level teams in the implementation as situations arise. She serves on the district mental health/SEL committee and participates in county level PREPaRE community of practice groups. Melissa serves on the Mental Health subcommittee of the Michigan Association of School Psychologists and is an advocate for the mental health involved in all aspects of school safety before, during and after an event. Melissa lives in Oxford with her husband and two children (2nd and 5th grade)Randolph MercedExecutive Director of Public Safety & Emergency Management·Seattle UniversityCareer university public safety professional with extensive experience supporting student well-being and campus safety. Currently serving as Executive Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management at Seattle University. An active member of the university's CARE Team and contributor to the development of student support strategies. Previously held a leadership role at the Community College of Philadelphia, where I established the institution's first BITA/CARE Team. Also provided instruction to graduate counseling students, bringing a public safety lens to student behavioral intervention and support.Rick ShawFounder·First PreventersRick Shaw founded Awareity in 2004 and is the CEO. Rick also founded First Preventers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 2019. Rick is a Pre-Incident Prevention Expert, author of The First Preventers Playbook, and Prevention Coach to forward looking leaders of schools, universities, organizations, and communities. Rick Shaw has been researching failed preventions for over 25 years and has identified dangerous gaps, silos, disconnects, and blind spots that are common in nearly every failed prevention. Rick's visionary pre-incident prevention innovations offer a new category of solutions that have been recognized with the Risk Innovator award from Risk & Insurance Magazine, Responsibility Leader award from Liberty Mutual, Business Innovation award from Business Insurance, Campus Safety BEST Award from Campus Safety Magazine, and MVP Award from Security Sales & Integration Magazine. Rick also created the First Preventers Framework, a different category of solutions to deliver different and better results, which has been delivering impressive successes and safer schools, workplaces, and communities since 2016.
218: Are you concerned about your child's lack of progress in learning to read? Michelle Henderson, reading specialist and parent coach, explains what rights you have and offers advice for gently (and firmly) addressing the issue with your child's teacher. This episode is for any parent who has concerns about their child's reading progress.Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
What if the key to better decoding, spelling, and vocabulary was hidden in the very structure of words? In this episode, we're diving deep into how morphology can transform literacy instruction—starting as early as PreK. Our guest, Sarah from Snippets by Sarah, shares how she helps students understand meaningful word parts and why it's never too early to start.In this episode, we'll talk about:How to teach morphology in PreK–3rd grade classrooms.Why even young students are ready for prefixes, suffixes, and bases.Easy ways to introduce morphemes through word sums and read-alouds.The difference between roots, bases, and affixes (and how to explain them to kids).How morphology builds a foundation for stronger decoding and spelling skills.Show LinksSarah Paul- Website / InstagramShine Learning ServicesJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
Edie Perkins was a 46-year-old elite runner and cyclist when a catastrophic accident left her paralyzed from the chest down—just as she was entering menopause. In this candid conversation, Edie reveals how her hormonal changes intersected with her spinal cord injury recovery, leaving her with misdiagnosed UTIs, sheet-soaking night sweats she blamed on her injury, declining bone density, and a huge struggle to sort through her challenges and get quality care. Yet, through all of it, Edie continues to race (finishing second place in the handcycle division of this year's Boston Marathon), ski, and live an active life. We talk about it all and more this week. Edie Perkins served as Executive Director of the Kelly Brush Foundation from 2021 to 2025. She previously spent over twenty years managing businesses and developing curriculum products for Pre-K-12 schools. In 2017, Edie was struck by a driver while riding her bike and suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). She is now paralyzed from the chest down. Always an athlete and active in the running and cycling communities, she sought out support after her injury and is now a competitive handcyclist and finished second at the 2025 Boston Marathon. She is thrilled to bring together her professional background, passion for sports, and new experience living with an SCI to help others thrive.Resources:The Kelly Brush FoundationGet 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy
Are you in a season where homeschooling just feels… well, impossible? Juggling toddlers, moving houses, job changes—or maybe even facing heart surgery for your baby? Deep breath—friend, this episode is proof you really can keep going, even in the crazy!Today I'm joined by my friend, marketing pro, and veteran homeschool mom Tracey Matney. Tracey's not only teaching her 8-year-old son (since Pre-K!)—she's also wrangling a busy toddler after a wild couple of years filled with moving, house fires, a not-quite-soon-enough home build, having a newborn in a borrowed back-house, and that earth-shaking moment when her baby needed open heart surgery at just four months old.If you've ever thought, “How am I supposed to homeschool through THIS?”—Tracey's story will encourage you and give you a good reality check on what truly matters. (Spoiler: Perfectionism is out, “the main things” are in.)What You'll Learn About Homeschooling While Under PressureThe only subjects that really matter during a crisis season (and what to ditch)How to build resilience—even when chaos reigns at home (hint: Bible, breakfast, and deep breaths)The power of homeschool community and leaning on others when you simply can't do it allPractical ways to pivot your plans, release perfection, and keep going—even when you want to quitHow Autopilot planning (and a clear homeschool vision) transforms your confidence and sanity—not just your lesson listsWhy letting your kids see you grow is its own kind of homeschool winLinks and Resources From Today's ShowPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotBeast Academy math (for independent/gifted math)IEW Fix It GrammarStory of the World (history)Tracey's InstagramFree Homeschool CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today's episode, head to
217: What does it mean when we say that research supports a specific practice? And what DOES research say about decodable text, comprehension strategies, phonemic awareness, and more? Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer and Dr. Katie Tilden join us to discuss their new book, There's Research for That, and how research can answer common questions teachers ask as they work to implement the science of reading. Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Mayor Ron Nirenberg as he prepares to leave office after serving eight years as mayor and a total of twelve years in San Antonio's city government. Bob and Mayor Nirenberg review major initiatives, including the expansion of Pre-K 4 SA, the $1.2 billion municipal bond dedicating unprecedented resources to affordable housing, and the launch of the Ready to Work workforce development program. The discussion also delves into the city's approach to protecting the Edwards Aquifer, supporting immigrants and asylum seekers, and guiding San Antonio through the COVID-19 pandemic.They discuss:The evolution of San Antonio's housing strategy and the impact of recent bond investmentsThe complexities and outcomes of workforce development and the Ready to Work programCity leadership during the pandemic and what it revealed about generational povertyEconomic development, from global recruitment to the realities of competing with other Texas citiesThe ongoing tension between local and state governments, especially around immigrationThe city's climate initiatives and the role of public utilities in environmental stewardshipReflections on civic participation, local elections, and what it means for San Antonio's futureAs Mayor Nirenberg hands off the reins to a new administration, he shares insights on unfinished work, the importance of systems thinking in local government, and the values that have guided his public service.You can subscribe to Monday Musings, our weekly newsletter, by visiting bigcitysmalltown.com.-- -- CONNECT
Robert Fico lieta za agresorom Putinom do Moskvy a našich spojencov považuje za vojnových štváčov. Hrozí zablokovaním európskych sankcií proti Moskve. Chváli autoritatívne a komunistické režimy, a napriek tomu, že jeho vláda má len tesnú väčšinu v parlamente a za sebou polročnú vládnu krízu, chcel by meniť politický systém na Slovensku. Prekáža mu, že máme veľa politických strán a že v takej Číne či Vietname si tamojšie režimy veci môžu plánovať, no u nás musia byť každé štyri roky slobodné voľby, ktoré vraj prerušia kontinuitu.Čo chce premiér povedať ak hovorí, že liberálna demokracia zlyhala? Znamená jeho politika na všetky štyri svetové strany hlavne inšpiráciu totalitným východom? Čo sú to vlastne za režimy v Číne, Vietname či Uzbekistane, kam rád cestuje a ako fungujú? Ako môže Robert Fico zmeniť Slovensko a aké na to má nástroje? A čo na to Európska únia, ktorej sa teraz vyhráža, že nepodporí protiruské sankcie? A čo znamenali odkazy šéfky európskej diplomacie Kallas či nemeckého kancelára Merza pre premiéra a pre Slovensko?Braňo Závodský sa rozprával s politológom Filozofickej fakulty UK profesorom Jozefom Bátorom.
We're thrilled to be in our brand-new series, Milestones, a month-long journey designed to help ministry leaders and parents celebrate and support the spiritual milestones that shape a child's faith journey. In this second episode, we're diving into one of the most foundational stages: the preschool years.Join preschool ministry experts Delanee and Kimba as they unpack the key transitions that happen in early childhood—moving from nursery to preschool, and eventually to “big church.” Through engaging stories and practical advice, they remind us that spiritual growth is just as essential as physical and emotional development. Whether you're a kids ministry leader or a parent, this conversation will help you walk alongside families with intentionality and grace during these early, formative years. If this episode encouraged you or gave you practical next steps for your ministry or parenting, we'd love for you to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps others discover the podcast and join in the journey. And be sure to share this episode with fellow leaders, volunteers, or parents who are navigating the preschool season.SHOW LINKS:Ages and StagesLevels of Biblical Learning Bible Studies for LifeFlip the ScriptBible Skills for KidsConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
Nic talks with Brett Russell on what he did and does to build a strong culture. In this episode, they discuss what destroys a culture. And they agree that life is life—and so work is both professional and personal. There's no division.Jumping in where they left off from Episode 68 (start there), Nic and Brett talk about the difficulties and opportunities to sow the right seeds to build strong leaders and a strong leadership culture. Brett identifies the importance of recognizing just how hard good leadership is.The reality is a strong culture is the result of well-trained and strong leaders.Brett Russell is the Fire Chief for the City of Clinton, Oklahoma, where he has served since 2017. With a fire service career that began in 1998, Brett brings over 25 years of experience in emergency response and leadership. He is also the founder of Classic Marble Design, a kitchen and bath company he started with his wife and parents in 1997.Brett's passions are faith, family, and leadership—in that order. His relationship with Christ shapes every area of his life and leadership. A strong believer in servant leadership, Brett also serves as Chairman of the Board for Western Oklahoma Christian School, a PreK–6th grade elementary school dedicated to Christ-centered education.As Nic quotes Cruze, “There is going to be a hard in your life.” So, choose your hard. It's hard to go to the gym every day or hard at the pool and be out of shape. It's hard to build a business and it's hard to be broke. “Which hard do you want?”Final thought: “I need to be less concerned to seeing what the seeds produce,” says Brett. “Instead, I ask what am I committed to?” We are all called to something, and you got to find what that is for you.If you enjoy Nic and Tarina's podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.Also if you have questions that you want Nic and Tarina to answer, email them at info@nicbittle.com.---
216: Have we overcorrected in our enthusiasm for structured literacy? Dr. Kearns challenges teachers to find the right balance between what students need to know versus what technical knowledge belongs solely in a teacher's toolkit. A thought-provoking listen! Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
Democratic State Representative Adam Moore joins the show to talk about Pre-K, MAHA, and his experiences as a Freshman legislator. It turns out he and Majority Whip Jason Nemes have unknowingly formed an anti-8 bit Podcast theme music caucus in the General Assembly
Nic talks with Brett Russell on what he did and does to build a strong culture. While Brett's experience is in the fire service, he and Nic agree on how it applies to the trades. They discuss how to keep momentum, build a culture of high performers, and doing what you say you're going to do.Brett emphasizes how he wants his guys to feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. He wants everyone to feel like they are making an impact. It's about doing all the little things well, even the things they don't like to do like truck checks.Brett Russell is the Fire Chief for the City of Clinton, Oklahoma, where he has served since 2017. With a fire service career that began in 1998, Brett brings over 25 years of experience in emergency response and leadership. He is also the founder of Classic Marble Design, a kitchen and bath company he started with his wife and parents in 1997.Brett's passions are faith, family, and leadership—in that order. His relationship with Christ shapes every area of his life and leadership. A strong believer in servant leadership, Brett also serves as Chairman of the Board for Western Oklahoma Christian School, a PreK–6th grade elementary school dedicated to Christ-centered education.Whether leading in the firehouse, the business world, or the community, Brett is committed to serving others with purpose, integrity, and humility.Final thought: Brett believes reading is one of the biggest attributes of a leader—even though it wasn't one of his favorite things to do at first.If you enjoy Nic and Tarina's podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.Also if you have questions that you want Nic and Tarina to answer, email them at info@nicbittle.com.---
215: Dr. Zach Groshell explains what direct instruction is and why it's so effective for student learning. He also shares specific classroom strategies teachers can start using right away.Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
SORE LOSERS: In this episode Lunchbox talks about all the emotions he's feeling with BabyBox2 graduating from Pre-K and how sickness is trying to get in the way of it. Is it nerves or is it sickness that has kept BabyBox2 awake all night throwing up? Plus Ray has an update on Justin's life and his new nickname that he wants to be called from now on. Also Lunchbox's soccer team had the playoffs on Wednesday night with a win or go home scenario so we find out what went down. Anyone else disappointed with the Survivor 50 cast or is it just Lunchbox? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
214: Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar join me to talk about implementing the science of reading through the MTSS framework. We define MTSS, discuss practical tips for implementation, and address things to avoid. Be sure to get their new book, MTSS for Reading Improvement.Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
We wrap up the exciting Blues hockey season with Chris Kerber.Crap On Celebrities.Which member of the show got suspended from school because their friend could toot on command?Her daughter's Pre-K graduation is the same day that her sister is graduating with her PhD. Which ceremony are you going to?Released balloons causing power outages according to AmerenTypical Behavior Of An Average OnlyFans Model Who Allegedly Poops on Car in Road Rage Incident Caught on Viral VideoCharges made public Monday in case of Hazelwood bus driver accused of assaultMan arrested after sitting naked in St. Louis Airport terminalFlying without a Real ID? Here's what to know at the airportSkype for consumer and business enterprise will be shut down on Monday, May 5, 2025An elderly woman in Zurich faced court this week, accused of “systemically feeding” her neighbor's catSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.