Behind the Scenes at Pleasant Grove High School

Season 2 Ep 9- CTE- An Opportunity EVERY Student Should Know About

In this episode of Behind the Scenes at PGHS, I’m joined by PGHS CTE Specialist Taffy Lovell to break down what Career & Technical Education (CTE) is and why it matters for every student. We talk about the big benefits of taking CTE classes, especially the advantages of becoming a pathway completer, and how those experiences can open doors after high school. Taffy also explains why CTE pathways is one of PGHS’s most underutilized opportunities and how students can learn more and get involved. We wrap up with a look at the wide range of CTE course options and how internships work, including why they’re valuable and how students can land one.

Season 2 Ep 8- When Grades Slip: How Parents and Teachers Team Up

In this episode, science teacher and instructional coach Skipper Coates joins us to talk about what parents can do right when grades start to slip. We break down how to stay current in Skyward, what early warning signs to watch for, and how to reach out to teachers in a way that builds a real team around your student. We talk about aligning efforts, finding solutions together, and why teachers genuinely want to partner with parents. We wrap up with a look at Battle Hour: what it is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful tools PGHS offers for helping students get back on track.

Ep 7- The PG Athletics Playbook: Culture, Logistics, Success

In this episode, Athletic Director Kyle Sanderson joins us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run athletics at PGHS. From the number of sports we offer to the nonstop logistics that make each season work. Most of our conversation focuses on the true value of athletics: the connection it gives students, the confidence it builds, and the life lessons it teaches far beyond the field. We also talk about what a genuinely successful program looks like, and the kind of culture we hope every Viking athlete experiences.

Season 2 Ep 6. “When Will I Use This?” Math at PGHS- Myths, Tips and College Credit

PGHS math chair Amy Smithson joins us to tackle the classic “When am I going to use this?” We dig into why math in high school matters, how parent talk like “I was never good at math” can hold kids back and what to say instead. And finally, the smartest ways to earn college credit (AP, CE, and more).

Ep. 5- Safety, Threat Prevention and Response Protocols

How does Pleasant Grove High School prepare for the unthinkable? In this episode we talk with School Resource Officer Detective Chris Ruiz about the proactive steps PGHS takes to prevent and respond to potential threats. From locked classroom doors and emergency drills to staff training and officer presence, we break down the safety systems that protect our students every day. A candid look at the planning, practice, and teamwork behind keeping PGHS safe.