Building Belonging One Spirit Award at a Time

Building Belonging One Spirit Award at a Time

What happens when schools focus on recognizing what students are doing right? In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with South Middle School educator Stacy Cole and Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings teacher Marie Herbert to discuss the impact of the Spirit Awards program. Supported through a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, the program celebrates students who demonstrate self control, perseverance, integrity, respect, initiative and teamwork. The conversation explores how positive reinforcement can build confidence, strengthen relationships between schools and families, and help students develop the skills needed for success both inside and outside the classroom. Stacy shares inspiring stories of student growth, while Marie explains how the values behind the program connect to the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and create a stronger sense of belonging for all students. From recognizing small victories to creating lasting change, this episode highlights how a simple certificate and a few words of encouragement can make a powerful difference in a student's life. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Student Photographers Finding Their Future

Photography is more than taking pictures. It is about telling stories, capturing emotion, and seeing the world from a different perspective. In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School photography teacher Roxanne Rathbun and graduating senior Kennedy Block to talk about the power of photography in public education. The conversation explores how students develop creative skills through photography, the importance of perspective, and how a partnership with the Rapid City Post is giving students real world journalism experience. Kennedy shares how her work photographing sports led to published articles and a new role as a freelance photographer and journalist after graduation. From double exposure photography and dream photo destinations to the impact great teachers have on students' lives, this episode highlights how public schools help students turn their passions into future careers. It is a story about creativity, mentorship, and the opportunities that happen when educators believe in their students. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Brewing Confidence One Cup at a Time

This episode of the Public School Podcast shines a spotlight on the Raider Coffee House at Stevens High School, where students are learning far more than how to make coffee. Hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with students Roberta and Devin, along with teacher Peggy Bias, to talk about the student run coffee shop that has become a place for confidence, teamwork and growth. From learning customer service and handling money to presenting at a statewide conference, the students share heartfelt and funny stories about what the Raider Coffee House means to them. The conversation includes memorable moments, lessons learned from mistakes, the importance of supportive teachers, and how public schools help students discover their strengths. The episode is packed with laughter, honesty and powerful reminders that every student is capable of success when given the opportunity and support to thrive.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Thrifted with Purpose

Central High School students are proving that a great idea can turn into something that truly changes lives. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High science teacher and Thrift Club advisor Heather Kiplinger to talk about the student led club bringing free clothing, creativity, and confidence to students across the school. From professional clothes for job interviews to upcycled fashion projects and lunch hour “shopping days,” the Thrift Club has quickly become more than just a place to grab clothes. It has become a space where students connect, support one another, and build community. The conversation also dives into favorite thrift finds, fashion challenges, flower crowns, and why public schools continue to matter for every student. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Healthcare Without Borders

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School healthcare teacher Brendon Sato to talk about the growing opportunities for students interested in the medical field. From hands on healthcare training and the district’s Certified Nursing Assistant program to plans for an international healthcare tour through Great Britain and Scotland, Sato shares how real world experiences can shape a student’s future. The conversation explores the importance of exposure, travel, and practical learning in helping students discover whether healthcare is the right path for them. Sato also reflects on his own journey from laboratory scientist to educator and why preparing students for life beyond graduation is at the heart of public education. The episode also includes stories about classroom experiences, memorable teachers, school lunch favorites, and why public schools continue to make a lasting impact on students and communities. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.