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The official podcast of Grand Island Public Schools in Nebraska. The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s...
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The official podcast of Grand Island Public Schools in Nebraska.
The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s largest, most diverse school districts.
#WeAreGIPS
show less
The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s largest, most diverse school districts.
#WeAreGIPS
19 NOV 2024 · "I really believe that we can change the world one child at a time."
34 years deep in public education and Mrs. Thorne still lives that truth every day.
Mrs. Michelle Thorne, Academic Support Coach at Wasmer Elementary, joins The GIPS Cast to share why teaching is the best way to change the world. She speaks to the importance of welcoming all students while also providing consistent expectations and how she's seen that approach impact thousands of scholars. Thorne also reflects on how her unique role allows her to take part in the daily passion of collaborative teaching and mentor staff all throughout the school. And what the honor of being named 2024 GIPS Specialist of the Year means to her.
Because it's all about daring to believe that students — thru the influence of dedicated teachers — can achieve great things.
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GUEST:
Michelle Thorne, Academic Support Coach at Wasmer Elementary School
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
5 NOV 2024 · "My hope for my kiddos is to jump out for those dreams. Don't give up hope when things get tough. Keep going, keep trying."
Nicole Hicken (GISH Class of 2006), has found a way to make a positive impact across a community through the power of dance.
Nicole sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journey of teaching summer dance lessons as a teen in her parents' basement to launching Studio N Dance Center which serves 280 students. Along the way, she salutes the GIPS teachers who inspired her and speaks to the power of self-expression through the Fine Arts.
Because it's more than just dance — it's about discovering who you are and what you love.
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GUEST:
Nicole Hicken, (GISH Class of 2006) Owner - Studio N Dance Center
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
22 OCT 2024 · "Opportunity and chances. That's what we're here for. We're here to remove obstacles; we're here to provide opportunities."
Dr. Ken DeFrank is more than an educator, he's an advocate for students.
Dr. DeFrank, Principal of Success Academy, joins The GIPS Cast to share his philosophy of education and why alternative learning programs are vital to any public school system. He shares his experiences of more than 20 years in public education dedicated to building systems and leanring environments for students in need. He also unpacks his passion for personalized learning, the rise of student anxiety, the power of compassion, and playing the long game for building relationships with every student.
Because it's all about planting seeds and fostering healthy learning environments.
* TRIGGER WARNING *
The conversation you’ll hear on this episode touches briefly on a few topics that may be triggering for some listeners. This episode contains conversation on things such as anxiety, suicide ideation, psychosis, emotional trauma, and seeking support for those struggles.
Please know it is our intention to discuss these topics with sensitivity and empathy. We at GIPS want to do our part to normalize empathetic conversations around mental health and wellness.
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GUEST:
Dr. Ken DeFrank, Success Academy Principal
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
10 OCT 2024 · "My teachers really created that support, that backbone, support for me, and encouraged me to know, it's okay to make mistakes. So for that, I really thank my elementary teachers."
Ashley Parra Valencia (GISH Class of 2020), recently return to Grand Island for one reason: To make a positive impact in the community that gave so much to her.
Ashley sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journey of EL student, to high school student athlete and performer, to Advertising major at UNL, to Community Outreach Coordinator at the Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity. Along the way, she shares her passion for community, shout-outs her favorite teachers, and affirms why public education is vital to Grand Island.
Because the journey of becoming a lifelong learner starts at school.
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GUEST:
Ashley Parra Valencia, GISH Class of 2020
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
Transcribed
26 SEP 2024 · "Here within the walls of this public school is where the American dream can really begin for people."
That's why Mr. Balcom believes in the power of public education.
Mr. Nate Balcom, Principal at Newell Elementary School, joins The GIPS Cast to share his committment to cultivating a positive culture for all – students, staff, and families. He shares his experience going from Media Integration Specialists to a Building Principal. Balcom also reflects on how staff and students came together after losing their school playground to an unfortunate fire. And what the honor of being named 2024 GIPS Administrator of the Year means to him.
Because it's all about doing what we can every day to bring our best for our students.
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GUEST:
Nate Balcom, Principal at Newell Elementary School
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
10 SEP 2024 · Another school budget season is here!
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, and Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO, join The GIPS Cast again to share an in-depth look at the 2024-25 district budget.
Throughout the conversation they share how nearly 80% of the general fund budget is dedicated to our staff, why GIPS will be lowering its tax levy for the second-straight year, and why school budgeting looks differently from year to year.
Because it's about ensuring we're honoring our committment to our students.
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GUESTS:
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent
Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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WEBSITE: https://www.gips.org/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
#WeAreGIPS
27 AUG 2024 · "I want you to love learning when you leave my class."
That's Mr. Madison's philosophy — sparking curiosity so the learning continues long after you've walked out of his classroom.
Mr. Tyler Madison, U.S. History Teacher (8th Grade) at Walnut Middle School, joins The GIPS Cast to share his passion for bringing history to life for students. He recounts how the Walnut D.C. Diplomats program has grown to a year long community-based endeavor focusing on student leadership development. Also, he reflects on the recent honor of being named 2024 GIPS Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Because it all comes back to one thing each day... giving students an opportunity to be great.
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GUEST:
Tyler Madison, U.S. History Teacher at Walnut Middle School
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
31 JUL 2024 · How do we support teachers to teach students?
Three of our Educators, Megan Ahrens, Jocelyn Bloom, & Irene Cuellar, joined the podcast to unpack that huge question. Specifically for Early Childhood Literacy.
Throughout the conversation, they share about the important work they're doing with the Kindergarten - 2nd Grade English Language Arts Summer Task Force. As part of the task force, these Educators work alongside about 20 of their colleagues to map out Literacy efforts for all Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade classrooms at GIPS.
They shared their passion for teaching, highlighted understanding the difference between Reading and Literacy, why we keep showing-up every day for our students, and how much work goes into planning curriculum resources and support for hundreds of teachers across 14 Elementary schools.
Because every student deserves access to high-quality learning.
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GUESTS:
Megan Ahrens, GIPS PK-5 ELA Curriculum & MTSS Coordinator
Jocelyn Bloom, 1st Grade Teacher at Shoemaker Elementary
Irene Cuellar, Kindergarten Teacher at Gates Elementary
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
9 JUL 2024 · How do we prepare for a new school year?
Two of our school Principals, Jessica Schroeder from Howard Elementary and Kayla Wichman from Westridge Middle School, joined the podcast to answer that very question.
Throughout the conversation, they share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the large number of details, tasks, and plans that a school Principal tackles before kicking-off another year of learning.
Whether it is lunch period times, class schedules for students, school culture initiatives, improvement plans, or updating posters for common areas – no job is too small for our building leaders.
Because every student and family deserves to feel like they belong at school.
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GUESTS:
Kayla Wichman, Westridge Middle School Principal
Jessica Schroeder, Howard Elementary Principal
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
--
Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
20 JUN 2024 · Before we close the book on the year, it's good to take a moment and reflect.
Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, joins The GIPS Cast to do just that. Along the way he shares insight on how the district came together throughout the necessary budget reduction process, important takeaways from our five-year state accreditation visit, and how our people remain the anchor for all we do.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year, he forecasts a season of simplified focus and continuous growth for our students.
Because kids can.
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GUEST:
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent
HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director
--
Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools
https://www.gips.org/
The official podcast of Grand Island Public Schools in Nebraska. The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s...
show more
The official podcast of Grand Island Public Schools in Nebraska.
The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s largest, most diverse school districts.
#WeAreGIPS
show less
The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s largest, most diverse school districts.
#WeAreGIPS
Information
| Author | Grand Island Public Schools |
| Organization | Mitch Roush |
| Categories | Education |
| Website | www.gips.org |
| communications@gips.org |
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