Pony Voices

Episode 401: School's Back (And It's Different)

We’re kicking off the 2025-26 school year with some big changes—and they’re all designed to better support your child’s learning, well-being, and success. In our latest Pony Voices podcast, Superintendent Mike Funk covers three major updates for Stillwater Area Public Schools: a new no personal device policy for students, adjusted school start times based on sleep research, and an earlier start to the school year. Tune it to get the facts, hear the why behind each change, and learn where to go for more info.

Episode 301: Sticks and Stones

Stillwater Area Public Schools is introducing a new Identity Harm Protocol to help create a safe learning environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In our latest podcast, we explore this protocol through the voices of those it impacts most—our students. Through candid conversations and real-life examples, we unpack what identity harm looks like in our schools and how this initiative is designed to address and prevent it.

Episode 204: Inclusion Revolution

The inclusion revolution is spreading across our district and it’s giving kids with special needs the opportunity to shine. Tune in to the latest Pony Voices podcast to hear how our school community isn’t just accepting kids who are different, but actually cheering them on in big and small ways. Hear first hand from students, staff, and parents about the profound impact of inclusion on their lives. These inspiring stories might just make you feel all tingly with Pony Pride!

Episode 203: That Rings a Bell

For years we’ve heard that our current high school schedule limits the number of electives our students can take. With only 6 periods in a day and two semesters there are only 12 opportunities in a year. And a lot of those classes are required for graduation. There just aren’t many options left in the schedule for students to explore something new.  In our latest Pony Voices podcast we talk with staff who are taking a deeper look at how we might change our schedule to give kids more options and maybe reduce the number of transitions and number of classes that students have in one day.

Episode 202: Sleep on It

Getting kids out of bed in the morning and ready to learn can be a challenge. But will it be easier if the district were to flip elementary and secondary school start times? Check out the latest Pony Voices podcast for a discussion about why district leaders are considering a change and how it could impact kids - and families - at all levels.