Springdale Today Podcast

Springdale Today Season 2, Episode 31 | Graduating Springdale 2

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399855/fan_mail/new] Springdale Today host Mary Jordan sits down with an inspiring group of local seniors as they stand on the cusp of graduation, preparing to take their next big steps into the future.  Joining the conversation are Sepesim Francis-Mongkeya from Springdale High School, Dara Cuenca from the Don Tyson School of Innovation, and Reagan Bell from Har-Ber High School. Together, they share their personal journeys through high school, the excitement and nervous energy of their final year, and the diverse array of opportunities waiting for them after they cross the stage.  Tune in to hear these bright young voices discuss their ambitions, the lessons they've learned, and what it truly feels like to get ready for the real world.

Springdale Today Season 2, Episode 30 | Iawke: Hello, Goodbye.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399855/fan_mail/new] Springdale Today welcomes Springdale High School teacher Rachelle Nichols; Bulldog Media Program students Angel Kumtak and Yulissa Martinez-Fuentes; film director Nathan Fitch; and creative director and designer Jacob Hawkes, whose story inspired the film “Iawke: Hello, Goodbye.” Hawkes, who was adopted from the Marshall Islands as a child, unexpectedly reconnected with his biological relatives after knocking on the door of his aunt’s Springdale home in 2019 while working as a door-to-door salesman. The encounter sparked a deeper journey into his heritage, culminating in his first visit to the Marshall Islands in 2024. Fitch, known for his documentary work with Marshallese communities, collaborated with screenwriter Russell Sharman to adapt Jacob’s story into the short, narrative film. Hawkes stars as himself in the film, which was produced in Springdale with support from Springdale High School’s Bulldog Media Production students, who gained hands-on experience and pay through the experience.

Springdale Today Season 2, Episode 29 | Heavy Stuff

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399855/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking shift in vocational education through a heavy equipment operations training program that is breaking the traditional mold. While most specialized technical training is typically managed by colleges or private trade schools, this initiative is uniquely owned and operated by Springdale Public Schools, putting the power of career readiness directly into the hands of the district. The conversation features a dynamic panel representing the full ecosystem of the program: Dewayne Ellison of Garret Excavating provides the industry perspective on the vital need for skilled operators, Springdale High School teacher Chad Burkett discusses the hands-on instructional side of the curriculum, and student Shem Paul shares his firsthand experience navigating the transition from the classroom to the cab of a bulldozer. Together, they discuss how this direct-to-work pipeline is bypassing conventional hurdles to provide students with high-demand skills and immediate career opportunities straight out of high school.

Springdale Today Season 2, Episode 28 | Showcase of the Arts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399855/fan_mail/new] In this special episode of Springdale Today, we packed up the microphones and cameras and headed to beautiful Downtown Springdale to capture a historic night for our schools! We are bringing you all the highlights from the first-ever Showcase of the Arts and EAST Night Out for Springdale Public Schools. The district activated three vibrant locations across the downtown area, and we went on the move to visit them all. Join us as we chat with the incredibly talented student artists, inspiring educators and innovative EAST students who made this massive community event a success.

Springdale Today Season 2, Episode 27 | Engineering Empathy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399855/fan_mail/new] Springdale Today visits J.O. Kelly Middle School to spotlight a powerful story of empathy and innovation. The episode features an inspiring conversation with sixth-grader Yosseph Lakhal, who is engineering a specialized tool for his classmate, helping him overcome barriers to classroom participation.  Joined by parent Ekaterina Gaisina, EAST facilitator Abby Farrell and art teacher Pamela Lock, the group discusses the collaborative effort required to bring this project to life and the profound impact it’s had on student learning.  From the technical challenges of the design to the heartwarming motivation behind it, this episode celebrates the spirit of inclusion and the incredible things that happen when students use their creativity to serve others.