Brunswick Buzz

Episode 30 - Therapy Dogs

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil talks about some of the most popular members of the Brunswick School Department staff — our therapy dogs — and the powerful role they play in supporting students every day. Therapy dogs bring smiles… and much more to students across our schools. The Brunswick School Department offers many resources to support students, especially during challenging moments. Some of the most effective supports we have come with four legs and a wagging tail. Ru, short for Arugula, and Elmer Glue are among the therapy dogs helping students throughout the district. They have quickly become some of the most beloved members of our school community. Ru, a five-year-old miniature schnauzer, works alongside his owner, Deb Belaire, a special education teacher at the junior high school. Ru joined the staff in September 2025 after completing his Canine Good Citizen classes and earning his Certified Therapy Dog title. Whether visiting classrooms or providing a calming presence during a difficult day, Ru helps students relax, refocus, and feel supported. Elmer Glue, a four-year-old golden retriever, has been on the job for three years. He works with Mary Kunhardt, a special education social worker at the high school. Like Ru, Elmer is trained and licensed to serve as a therapy dog, helping students manage stress, regulate emotions, and build positive connections. On this episode of the Brunswick Buzz, Phil shares how therapy dogs are making a difference in our schools, why programs like this matter for student well-being, and how these furry staff members help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. Sometimes the best support doesn’t come from a textbook or a lesson plan — sometimes it comes from a wagging tail and a friendly paw.

Episode 29 - Brunswick Cares

🎧 New Episode Alert on the BrunswickBuzz! In this episode, Phil sits down with Shawn Lambert, Assistant Superintendent, and Elizabeth Sokoloff, School Board Vice-Chair, to discuss the Brunswick School Department. Tune in to hear about: ✨ Brunswick Cares — how it helps students participate in school-sponsored activities through financial support and the positive impact it has on our students and community. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the essential work supporting Brunswick Schools!   🎙️ Listen now on the BrunswickBuzz — sharing the voices and stories that make our schools extraordinary! Youtube Link - https://youtu.be/pETVh8UMLZA

Episode 28 - Facilities

🎧 New Episode Alert on the BrunswickBuzz! On this episode, Phil sits down with Scott Smith, Director of Facilities for the Brunswick School Department. Tune in to hear about: ✨ The incredible work our facilities and grounds crew do every day to keep our schools looking fresh, clean, and in top-notch condition. ✨ How Scott and his team work behind the scenes to ensure our buildings not only look great but function smoothly for students and staff. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the essential work supporting Brunswick Schools! 🎙️ Listen now on the BrunswickBuzz — where we share the voices and stories that make our schools extraordinary!

Episode 27: Food Service

New Episode Drop on the BrunswickBuzz! This time, Phil sits down with Scott Smith, Food Service Director of the Brunswick School Department, for an inside look at what's really happening in our school cafeterias. What You'll Discover: * The nutritious meals being served to our students daily * How we balance healthy eating with environmental responsibility * The impressive scale of our meal service operations * Behind-the-scenes insights into how our dedicated team delivers quality food with care From farm-to-table initiatives to managing thousands of meals, Scott shares the challenges and successes of feeding our Brunswick students well.  Listen now on the BrunswickBuzz — where we highlight the voices and stories that make Brunswick Schools extraordinary!

Episode 26: Athletic Training

🎧 New Episode Drop on the BrunswickBuzz! This time, Phil is joined by Kaili Phillips, Brunswick High School Athletic Director, and Christa Hendley, BHS Athletic Trainer. Tune in to hear: * Why athletic trainers are an essential part of today’s school athletic programs * How Christa supports our students, coaches, and families behind the scenes * What goes into keeping our student-athletes safe, healthy, and game-ready * How return-to-play decisions are made when a student is injured Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the critical work being done to support Brunswick High School athletics — on and off the field! 🎙️ Listen now on the BrunswickBuzz — where we highlight the voices and stories that make Brunswick Schools extraordinary!