Getting to Know Our New Middle School Head: Mr. Adler

Preventing the Summer Slide

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2553776/fan_mail/new] 🎧 EPISODE SHOW NOTES Preventing the Summer Slide (Without Turning Summer Into School) In our final episode of Season 1, Becky and Lauren talk about one of the most common summer concerns for families—the “summer slide.” If you’ve ever worried about your child losing skills over the summer, this episode is here to reassure you: summer doesn’t need to feel like school to support learning. Instead, it’s about keeping things simple, consistent, and engaging—especially for students with learning differences. 🌟 What We Cover * What the “summer slide” really means (hint: it’s about routines, not ability) * What actually counts as reading (it’s more than you think!) * Why audiobooks are a powerful tool for confidence and comprehension * Easy, everyday ways kids keep learning without it feeling like school * Simple, low-pressure tips for reading and math over the summer 💡 Key Takeaways * A little consistency goes a long way * Reading doesn’t have to look traditional to count * Confidence and enjoyment matter most * Learning happens in everyday moments 🎯 Closing Thought A little reading, a little math, and a lot of joy go a long way. 🎙️ Coming Up Next Tune into our summer series, Hootie’s Story Nest, where our teachers and staff share favorite books and read-alouds to keep students connected to stories all summer long.

Getting to Know Our New Middle School Head: Mr. Adler

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2553776/fan_mail/new] In this episode Becky and Lauren sit down with Mr. Adler to learn more about his journey in education and what excites him most about leading the PHPS Middle School. This episode takes a fun and engaging turn as some of our amazing 5th grade students join the conversation, putting Mr. Adler in the hot seat with thoughtful and creative questions. From his favorite books growing up to the experiences that shaped him as an educator, listeners get a glimpse into both the leader and the person behind the role. 🧠 What We Discuss * Mr. Adler’s path into education * His vision and excitement for PHPS Middle School * What middle school was like for him * The importance of relationships and student connection * Student-led questions that bring out personality and perspective 🎬📚 Mr. Adler’s Favorites & Influences * Favorite film: The Natural [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087781/] * Favorite books as a kid: Matt Christopher sports book series [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-Christopher/author/B000APFXQQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1778004747&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=6c18739d-5751-47a5-8672-2c340d115d85] * A meaningful recommendation from his grandmother: The Lords of Discipline [https://www.amazon.com/Lords-Discipline-Novel-Pat-Conroy/dp/0553381563/ref=sr_1_2?crid=17ZPEGG8FOCSV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NG2HT-15YRQNqJe3A3xPTOP_LUtX_9GbQt7mlBmj2NYZfcjKC9ZFMEvRCLDI4r-aWpj5QjqjpJWu-P-iGHKSfmmg-1SHl4YNMQicr7OqlfDAUYMdjLHDZ8G0NRQYUGLkg9nBUhb6pRP6b568Jc1p2uKAPg3j3d_tLsBvYuKiDt6g-JXO7HM3eRZwiEvjpexXjr9QFMC0C4chMhDJQncLyFR8i07ygH3xRvb5RQofHLo.-ZqweDj50uisZGdWR9fDXTRlzRZU8oDe16dMKAcvSOI&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+lords+of+discipline&qid=1778004947&sprefix=the+Lords+of+Disc%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-2] * A book on education: The Teenage Brain [https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Brain-Neuroscientists-Survival-Adolescents/dp/0062067850/ref=sr_1_2?crid=66TMDM3GCXXA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.54LOXs1iSI3BrZUHKsyNTjDgtOhj1MGiZMiTkBeQjtY8Q5iI1JQeJEAIzqtM_IsVcO9EaNsjt44-yidj2GItg0hJymL96YswvSVLAcRUnUqP_T4tZUudSIgDFUaHnOravSnkSswF8m5Mq9QZpJgvurlQjCk9av-4CK5IJEBXG0k8IiAx6ozhvZG4VO8Gw3gRbtmBh1iBTrMo8DEL4wD9hW3jO7yd4zkUUHGFidTH5OI.gaQMKqPOL8cGz69hPLkqN-t42iBk383A2BVzHyxIggQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+teenage+brain&qid=1778004973&sprefix=the+teenage+brain%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-2] Coming Up Next Coming up next: Preventing the Summer Slide - simple, practical ways to keep reading and math skills strong without turning summer into school.

Student Takeover with Drew Daywalt

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2553776/fan_mail/new] 🎧 EPISODE SHOW NOTES Student Takeover with Drew Daywalt In this special episode of the PHPS Difference Podcast, we’re handing the microphones over to our students for a Student Takeover! Fifth graders Penny and Wells lead the conversation as they interview bestselling children’s author Drew Daywalt, known for beloved books like The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Joined by fellow students James, Mila, Caroline, and Allie, this episode is filled with curiosity, creativity, and plenty of fun as students take the lead in asking thoughtful—and sometimes surprising—questions. 🧠 What We Discuss * How Drew Daywalt comes up with ideas for his books * His experiences growing up with dyslexia and dyscalculia * What school was like for him as a student * The role of creativity, imagination, and humor in storytelling * A behind-the-scenes look at writing and being an author ⚡ PHPS Speed Round Our student readers jump in with a fast-paced round of questions, including: * Favorite color, snack, and writing spot * Morning vs. night writing * Dogs or cats * And even… what animal would make the best writing buddy 📚 Books & Authors Mentioned * The Day the Crayons Quit * The Day the Crayons Came Home * They Call Me No Sam * Forty the Fortune Teller * Tony DiTerlizzi * Rutgers and the Water-Snouts 🌱 A Moment That Stands Out Drew shares openly about his own experiences with dyslexia and dyscalculia, offering a powerful reminder that learning differences can shape creativity, perspective, and success in meaningful ways. 🎙️ Why This Episode Matters At PHPS, we believe in creating opportunities for students to use their voice, ask questions, and engage with the world around them. This episode is a joyful example of what happens when students take the lead—and a meaningful reminder that different learners can grow into creative, confident adults.

Understanding ADHD & Executive Function

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2553776/fan_mail/new] 🎧 EPISODE SHOW NOTES Understanding ADHD & Executive Function In this episode of the PHPS podcast, we wrap up our three‑part series on learning differences with Leda Owens of the Housson Center. In this conversation, we explore ADHD through the lens of executive function — helping families better understand how attention, organization, working memory, and self‑regulation impact students both in school and in daily life. Dr. Owens offers clear, practical insight into how these challenges show up and how supportive environments can make a meaningful difference. 🧠 What We Discuss * How to understand ADHD in clear, everyday language * What executive function skills are and how they develop over time * How ADHD impacts learning, attention, and consistency in school * Common misconceptions about ADHD, including attention and hyperfocus * Practical ways to support students at home and in the classroom * The importance of scaffolding, patience, and reducing overwhelm * Strengths often associated with ADHD, including creativity and adaptability 📚 Resources Mentioned * Leda Owens [https://thehoussoncenter.com/clinicians/leda-owens/] – Learn more about Dr. Owens’ work with students and families through the Housson Center, including support for ADHD and executive function. * Theo of Golden [https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Novel-Allen-Levi/dp/1668236516]– A book Dr. Owens is currently reading and recommends! 🌱 A Message of Encouragement Dr. Owens reminds us that ADHD is not simply about attention — it’s about how the brain manages and organizes tasks. She emphasizes that while there are real challenges, there are also meaningful strengths, including creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and out‑of‑the‑box thinking. With understanding, patience, and the right support, students with ADHD can build confidence, develop their skills over time, and thrive in ways that reflect their unique strengths. 🎙️ Series Wrap‑Up This episode concludes our three‑part series on learning differences. Our hope is that these conversations have provided clarity, encouragement, and practical insight for families and educators supporting students every day. 🎧 Coming Next We’re handing the microphones over to our students for a special student takeover episode, featuring an interview with visiting author Drew Daywalt [https://www.drewdaywalt.com/], best known for The Day the Crayons Quit — a joyful and creative conversation you won’t want to miss.

Math Learning: Visual‑Spatial Processing & Working Memory

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2553776/fan_mail/new] 🎧 EPISODE SHOW NOTES Math Learning: Visual‑Spatial Processing & Working Memory In this episode of the PHPS podcast, we continue our three‑part series on learning differences with Leda Owens of the Housson Center. Together, we explore how visual‑spatial processing and working memory influence math learning and why some students may struggle with math even when they are trying hard. Dr. Owens helps us better understand the thinking skills behind math, how challenges can show up in the classroom, and how thoughtful instruction and support can help students build confidence. 🧠 What We Discuss * How visual‑spatial processing supports understanding numbers and solving math problems * The role working memory plays in holding and organizing information during math tasks * Signs a child may be struggling with these skills * Why “more practice” doesn’t always solve math challenges * Instructional approaches that help reduce cognitive overload in math learning * How teachers and families can support students as they build confidence and problem‑solving strategies 📚 Resources Mentioned * Dyscalculator [https://www.dyscalculator.app/] – A calculator designed to support students with dyscalculia by reducing cognitive load and making math tasks more accessible. * Leda Owens [https://thehoussoncenter.com/clinicians/leda-owens/] – Learn more about Dr. Owens’ work supporting students with ADHD, dyscalculia, and executive function challenges through the Housson Center. [https://thehoussoncenter.com/] 🌱 A Message of Encouragement Dr. Owens reminds families that math struggles are often connected to underlying cognitive processes — not effort or motivation. With the right supports and instructional approaches, students can develop strategies that help them succeed and feel more confident in their learning. 🎙️ Coming Next In the final episode of our learning differences series, Dr. Owens returns to talk about ADHD and executive function, exploring how attention, organization, and regulation impact learning and what supportive environments look like for these learners.