BPD3 Beyond The Bell Ep. 19: Cindy Smith 5th Grade Gifted Teacher at Newport Elementary

BPD3 Beyond The Bell: H.R. In The C.A.R. Ep.5: Kellie Ropers Board of Education Member and Parent

The conversation covers a range of topics including parenting, school safety, family background, involvement in the school board, children's school experience, teacher appreciation, parental involvement, balancing parent and board member roles, dedication of school staff, transition to middle school, community character and engagement, community features and collaboration, and school district objectives and motivation. Kellie Ropers, Board of Education Member and Parent, shares insights on community engagement and the collaborative efforts of school districts. The conversation covers the legacy of doing right by the kids, the broadened perspective through board service, the construction background and cost-saving initiatives, the collaborative culture and open communication, and the involvement in school spirit days. Kellie Roper shares insights on these topics, providing valuable perspectives on her experiences and contributions to the school district. Takeaways * Community Engagement * School District Collaboration Legacy is about doing right by the kids * Broadened perspective through board service * Construction background and cost-saving initiatives * Collaborative culture and open communication * Involvement in school spirit days Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Community Connection * 06:39 Involvement in the School Board * 13:12 Parental Involvement and Communication * 21:17 Transition to Middle School * 28:33 Community Features and Collaboration * 35:17 School District Objectives and Motivation * 53:33 Involvement in School Spirit Days #bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3family #bpd3district #bpd3podcast

BPD3 Beyond The Bell: H.R. In The C.A.R. Ep. 4: Alexa Young Assistant Principal Oak Crest Elementary

The conversation covers Alexa Young's journey from teaching to educational leadership, her experiences in inclusive and special education, and the transition to principalship. It highlights the resilience and adaptability of students in the face of challenges. The conversation with Gabriel Cappozzo covers topics related to building a thriving culture, supporting teachers and staff, creating a safe and inclusive environment, balancing academic and social-emotional data, and creating a resource-rich environment. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of leading by listening, fostering a collaborative and welcoming culture, and providing support for teachers and staff. He also discusses the significance of balancing academic and social-emotional data and creating a resource-rich environment for students and educators. Takeaways * Transition from teaching to leadership * Inclusive education and special education * Resilience and adaptability of students Lead by listening * Building a thriving culture * Balancing academic and social-emotional data * Creating a resource-rich environment Chapters * 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:30 - Alexa Young's background and career journey 02:20 - Transition from interior design to education 03:17 - Experience with turnaround schools and Chicago public schools 04:46 - Move to Las Vegas: teaching experiences and challenges 06:08 - Returning to Illinois and exploring Beach Park 07:29 - Insights on district size, resources, and community impact 08:53 - Role as instructional coach and transitioning to leadership 09:22 - Current role as assistant principal at Oak Crest Elementary 10:19 - Fun interactions and favorite treats 11:37 - Leadership journey and readiness for principalship 14:10 - Comparing elementary and middle school experiences 15:47 - Supporting students with special needs and inclusion 16:57 - Science activities and STEAM involvement 17:25 - Navigating resources from large districts to small district dynamics 19:06 - Biggest differences from middle school to elementary leadership 20:32 - Background in special education and IEP processes 22:26 - The importance of collaboration and trusting experts 24:47 - Transitioning students and inclusion at Oak Crest 26:12 - Alexa’s thoughts on readiness for principalship 28:38 - Exciting initiatives and vision for Oak Crest 29:33 - School culture and community engagement 30:27 - Supporting teachers through balanced social-emotional and instructional support 33:07 - Defining a thriving school culture 34:03 - Building trust and recognition among staff 36:49 - School-parent collaboration and community support 38:10 - Challenges as an assistant principal and navigating responsibility 39:27 - Growth through experience and learning from mistakes 40:26 - Balancing academic and social-emotional data 41:24 - District supports for mental health and inclusion 42:49 - Advice for struggling teachers: building relationships with students 44:42 - What makes Beach Park district unique 48:28 - Resources evolution in schools and current strengths 49:27 - Fun questions: walk-up songs, music genres, concerts * 51:49 - Binge-watching guilty pleasures and hobbies 52:48 - Unexpected hobbies: gardening and plant collection 54:33 - Closing remarks, gratitude, and district pride * #bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3oc #bpd3family #teachers

BPD3 Beyond The Bell Ep. 19: Cindy Smith 5th Grade Gifted Teacher at Newport Elementary

The conversation with Cindy Smith covers her journey as an educator, her transition to Beach Park District, the changes in education, teaching gifted learners, the impact of technology in education, defining success in teaching, and memorable teaching experiences. Cindy's passion for teaching and her use of AI in education are key takeaways from the conversation. The conversation covers the impact of teaching, the power of vulnerability, support and growth in education, building a supportive community, personal growth and development, hobbies and personal interests, travel and cultural experiences, and gratitude and dedication in the education field. Takeaways * Passion for Teaching * Impact on Students * Evolution of Education * Use of AI in Education Teaching impact * Importance of vulnerability Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Early Life * 07:55 Teaching Gifted Learners * 19:06 Impact of Technology in Education * 26:52 Defining Success in Teaching * 34:05 The Power of Vulnerability * 41:58 Personal Growth and Development * 48:06 Hobbies and Personal Interests * 53:38 Travel and Cultural Experiences * #bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3family #bpd3newport #teachers

BPD3 Beyond The Bell Ep. 18: Nate Robinson Technology Specialist

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Nate Robinson — from a finance graduate and substitute teacher to a tech specialist and championship wrestling coach within the Beach Park District 3. Nate’s story highlights the diverse paths to success in education and the power of perseverance, community, and passion. MAIN TOPICS COVERED: * Nate’s transition from finance to education through substitute teaching * The impact of classroom experience on tech support roles * How coaching wrestling has influenced Nate’s approach to his work * The importance of community, collaboration, and continuous growth in district culture * Navigating the unpredictable realities of school technology and maintaining a solution-oriented mindset TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome and overview of Nate Robinson’s diverse journey 01:05 - Nate shares his background and college experience in Eau Claire, Wisconsin 02:29 - How the pandemic led Nate to substitute teaching in Beach Park District 03:19 - The surprising flexibility of bachelor’s degree holders to become substitutes 04:07 - Nate’s first experience in the classroom and initial thoughts on teaching 05:10 - Transition from teaching to technology support roles within the district 06:34 - The value of classroom experience informing tech support and advocacy 07:24 - The collaborative nature of the tech department and Nate’s specific role 08:26 - The importance of community within the district and support systems 09:40 - Mentorship and learning environment specific to Beach Park 10:14 - The connection between classroom experience and technological support 11:50 - The reasons Nate loves working in Beach Park and his career growth 12:34 - How coaching wrestling shaped Nate’s perseverance and leadership 13:14 - Navigating the balance of coaching, work, and personal life 14:22 - The fulfilling nature of coaching and giving back through athletics 16:16 - The excitement of coaching a state champion wrestler and its impact 18:53 - The camaraderie and supportive environment at Beach Park District 19:36 - Staying aligned with district’s mission amidst technical challenges 20:16 - The satisfaction of problem-solving and supporting staff and students 21:12 - The controlled chaos of school technology operations 22:20 - The collective family feel within the district community 23:34 - Long-term growth and the district’s role in nurturing talent 26:02 - Encouragement for college students to try substitute teaching 26:31 - The support and opportunity for growth in Beach Park District 29:40 - Personal fun facts: hobbies, surprising tech possessions, and favorite concerts 32:24 - Binge-watching habits and entertainment choices 33:31 - Aspiring to master speed reading and other skills 34:32 - The best advice Nate received from his dad: strive to be the best at whatever you do 35:22 - Encouragement for young teachers: reach out and lean on support networks 36:13 - Recognizing the contributions of all district staff, from educators to tech specialists 37:09 - Join the Beach Park family and call to action for prospective staff 37:38 - Final thoughts and gratitude; encouragement to keep striving in education Thank you for tuning in! For more inspiring stories from educators and staff at Beach Park District 3, subscribe and share. #bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3family #bpd3podcast #bpd3district #bpd3technology

BPD3 Beyond The Bell Ep. 17: Beatriz Bahena District Registrar

In this episode, we explore the journey of Beatrice Bahina from a school bus driver to a vital member of our district’s registration team. Discover her insights on community engagement, the registration process, and how her background has shaped her approach to service in our district. KEY TOPICS: * Beatrice’s career journey from bus aide to district registrar * The importance of relationship-building in handling student transportation and registration * How online registration tools simplify the parent experience * The top documents needed for registration and tips for a stress-free process * The support system within District 3 and teamwork culture * Personal interests: volleyball, music, and favorite local eats * The significance of family and community in her professional and personal life #bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3district #bpd3family #teachers #bpd3podcast #bpd3registrar Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Beatrice Bahina and her role at Beach Park District 3 02:02 - Transition from school bus driver to district registrar: her story 04:04 - Building relationships with students as a bus driver 09:17 - Comparing bus driving chaos versus registration’s daily pace 10:07 - Registration season timeline and important dates 11:16 - Key documents required for student registration 12:11 - How online registration platforms work and benefits for parents 14:23 - The registration in-person experience and what families should expect 15:43 - Common questions from new families and tips for stress-free registration 16:26 - Beatrice’s feelings about supporting families through transitions 17:21 - The importance of familiarity and warm welcomes for district’s culture 18:47 - Recognitions and community appreciation for Beatrice’s dedication 20:07 - Supporting the district’s broader technology and administrative efforts 21:45 - Celebrating three years at Beach Park District 3 22:58 - Advice for those considering a career at Beach Park District 3 27:25 - Beatrice’s alternate dream job in healthcare 30:36 - Personal hobbies: volleyball, music, and favorite foods 36:14 - How she unwinds and her approach to continuous learning 37:43 - Closing thoughts and appreciation for supporting families and staff