Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School

Technology with Intention: Building Thoughtful Digital Citizens Together

In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, and Marie Unanue, Rossman's Librarian, explore digital literacy and healthy technology use as a shared responsibility between school and home. They explain why digital well-being is no longer a standalone unit, but a lifelong skill that Rossman begins teaching as early as kindergarten. As students grow, the curriculum evolves from foundational lessons in device care and understanding total screen time to deeper conversations about mindful consumption versus creation. Hear reflections from sixth-grade students and learn about the trusted resources that guide Rossman's approach in teaching them. Reserving time to be unplugged is more important than ever and Rossman remains committed to preserving low-tech, hands-on spaces that encourage balance and meaningful connection. Above all, this episode highlights partnership in raising thoughtful, responsible digital citizens.

Feeling at Home: Inside the Admission Experience at Rossman

In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of the first people who makes Rossman feel like home: Sarah, our Director of Admission. Known for her genuine warmth and the way she effortlessly puts families at ease, Sarah shares a beautiful look inside the admissions journey.  With a background as a classroom teacher, Sarah brings a unique lens to her work. She talks about the joy she finds in connecting with families, the importance of partnership, and why independent school education can be so transformative for children. Along the way, she breaks down the Rossman process, offers a glimpse into student visit days and shadow experiences, and explains how our unique approach to teaching ensures every child is known, challenged, and loved. If you're interested in connecting with Rossman about admission, you can learn more on our website [https://www.rossmanschool.org/admission].

The Essential Skills: Dr. Peg Dawson on Building Executive Function in Kids

In this episode, Rossman’s Jess Baker and Jess Fletcher, from our Learning Effectiveness Team, sit down with Dr. Peg Dawson, an internationally recognized school psychologist and co-author of the Smart but Scattered series.  Her work has helped parents and educators around the world better understand executive functioning skills—the brain-based abilities we all use to manage daily tasks, stay organized, and get things done. She explains why developing these skills is essential for children’s success both in and out of the classroom. Together, they discuss which executive skills are most important during the elementary years, how parents can nurture independence through everyday routines, and simple ways to problem-solve when strategies don’t seem to work. Dr. Dawson also offers insight into how to recognize when a child might simply be “smart but scattered” versus when anxiety or another concern may be at play. Ultimately, she offers reassurance that these skills take time to develop and that small, consistent steps make a big difference.

Beyond the Notes: How Music Shapes Learning

In this episode, we hear from Amira, a Rossman alumna and faculty member, whose life has been shaped by music. From starting violin at age 3 to singing her first solo at the Rossman holiday program, to performing at places like Carnegie Hall in her early 20s, Amira has never stopped making music. She shares how Rossman first nurtured her passion—through a community that made her feel at home and the powerful influence of her former music teacher, Jane Brader. Today, she passes that joy on to her students, teaching them not only to sing but also to collaborate, support one another, and gain confidence through performance. Amira has always valued how music connects people and creates lasting memories, and she feels honored to be part of so many treasured experiences at Rossman.

Safe, Known, and Celebrated: The Heart of Lower School

In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, sits down with Rachel Fowle, Rossman's Director of Lower School and a lifelong educator. Rachel shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her belief that a safe, nurturing community is the greatest gift we can give a child. With a career spanning three decades, she reveals her unique ability to tell when a child needs a little extra care and emphasizes the importance of unstructured play over screen time. Rachel also discusses her passion for supporting teachers and her joy in partnering with mission-aligned families. The conversation is a testament to her deep commitment to both students and educators.