Best West Ada School District Podcasts (2024)

1
What are the challenges that teachers face in the Treasure Valley? 1:02:22

16d ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Mental health and teacher retention have been topics of conversation across the country the past few years. We’re joined by a father and son teaching duo to discuss what they see in the profession and why they do what they do. Alan Heikkila is in his 37th year of teaching. He’s a West Ada Ag instructor focusing mainly on small engines. His son, Dan…

1
Leadership in Action: Norm Stewart's insights on the Community School Strategy in Marsing 1:11:23

8d ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Send us a text Join me for an inspiring conversation with Norm Stewart, the superintendent of the Marsing School District, as he discusses the successful implementation of the Community School Strategy in his district. Collaborating closely with the school board, Norm has witnessed firsthand the positive effects of this model on the school communit…

1
Heartbeat of Music Education in Idaho with Mr. TJ Eriksen 1:41:43

22d ago1:41:43

1:41:43

Send us a text Join Alexis as the interviews T.J. Eriksen, Band Director at Eagle High School, as they dive into the vibrant world of music education in Idaho! T.J. is an inspiring band teacher who has transformed the music program into one of the finest in the state. We'll explore the joys and challenges of being a music educator in 2024. Get read…

1
How well do you understand school district budgets that influence your child’s education? 56:03

1M ago56:03

56:03

We all pay taxes. But are you aware of how our tax bill has gone down over the past 20 years, while the quality of education has improved in West Ada? It’s phenomenal! We’re joined in this episode by Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Gillen and Zone 4 Trustee David Binetti. If you’ve never gotten excited about spreadsheets, today is your day! 😀 In a…

1
Facing the Future: Funding, Attendance, and Teacher Retention with Debbie Critchfield 1:12:08

1M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Send us a text Alexis sits down with Debbie Critchfield, the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Idaho, to explore what she is doing in her pivotal role in shaping the state’s education landscape. As the primary education leader, Debbie delves into her four key priorities which surround the ideas of: improving student literacy and math skills,…

1
How have you helped your child navigate high school and their senior year? 1:00:32

2M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

The task of helping your student become career or college ready can seem overwhelming. There is A LOT to know and consider. Thankfully, we’ve got outstanding College and Career Counselors throughout West Ada. We’re joined in this episode by two of them; Anna Bemis from Eagle High School and Rae Peppley from Owyhee. We discuss everything from career…

1
Buses to Books: West Ada Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub shares what's in store for the district 1:15:54

2M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

Send us a text In the exciting season opener, host Alexis Morgan sits down with Dr. Derek Bub, the superintendent of the West Ada School District, the largest district in Idaho, serving nearly 40,000 students. This engaging conversation covers essential topics relevant for parents and staff, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the district's …

1
Where Do You Get Your Information? - A conversation with Idaho Education News 47:20

2M ago47:20

47:20

Season two of the West Ada School District Podcast has arrived! We’re joined by Jennifer Swindell and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News. If you’re not familiar with their work, Ed News is a nonprofit covering public education in Idaho. These two veteran journalists chat with us about everything from what it’s like covering the legislature to th…

1
Summertime Fun at Roaring Springs – A Conversation with West Ada Ready Students 56:38

3M ago56:38

56:38

For the first time ever, the West Ada Podcast is on location! Thank you to our friends at Roaring Springs for hosting us. For many West Ada students, Roaring Springs serves as their first foray into employment. Parents, how did you help your kids navigate landing that first job? What advice do you have for other parents? Join the conversation, resp…

1
Kids, Conversations, and the Future: Highlight Reel of Our First Season 1:09:16

3M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

Send us a text Join us for the season finale as Alexis sits down with her friend and producer, Matt, to reflect on an incredible first season. In this episode, Alexis shares six profound takeaways from this journey, fittingly concluding the season with insights from the past year, echoing the takeaways presented at the end of each episode. Highligh…

1
Navigating Tough Choices: The Impact of Caldwell School District's Failed Supplemental Levy 1:49:22

4M ago1:49:22

1:49:22

Send us a text In this episode, Alexis sits down with Marisela Pesina, the School Board Chairwoman for the Caldwell School District, to explore her journey from being the daughter of migrant workers to becoming a powerful advocate for her community. Marisela speaks about how she discovered her voice and turned it into a force for change, translatin…

1
Great People, Great Environment, Great Leaders - A Conversation with Dr. Bub 1:01:15

4M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Another amazing school year recently ended. Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub joins us for a look back at the year that was and discusses what’s next for West Ada. We talk through the sheer size of the school district – we’re the 9th largest employer in the state! We discuss the levies that passed and failed, and we dig into what cell phone use will loo…

1
Creating Bright Futures for Kids under 5 50:31

4M ago50:31

50:31

Send us a text Join Alexis in an enlightening conversation with Nicole Criner, the Director of External Relations and Development at the Idaho Association for Education of Young Children (ID AEYC), an organization that has been dedicated to supporting early childhood development for over 25 years. Founded by educators with a mission to help parents…

1
Tackling Social Media's Effects on Gen Z: Insights from "The Anxious Generation" Part 2 1:17:29

5M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Send us a text This week on the Our Kids Our Schools podcast, you get a PART 1 and PART 2, and you've made it to part 2. This episode is jammed packed full of what parents, school teachers and administrators, tech companies, and lawmakers can do to help with combating the impacts of the social media and technology on Gen Z. ...and the acknowledgeme…

1
Tackling Social Media's Effects on Gen Z: Insights from "The Anxious Generation" - PART 1 1:15:33

5M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Send us a text This week on the Our Kids Our Schools podcast, you get a PART 1 and PART 2, so be sure to listen to both as they are both being released TODAY. For the episode, Alexis welcomes back Matt Todd, the host of The Ranch podcast, for an enlightening discussion on the recent New York Times Best Seller, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Hai…

1
We're Asking the Wrong Question - A Social Media Conversation and Warning 1:05:06

5M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Cell phones and social media are impacting all of us – especially our children. Two leading experts in the field join us in this episode to break down what that affect is from a neurological aspect, and how criminals are utilizing cell phones for the sexploitation and manipulation of our children. Dr. John Condie is a medical doctor practicing at S…

1
Modernizing Schools: How the Community Schools Strategy is Changing the Education Landscape 53:53

5M ago53:53

53:53

Send us a text Join host Alexis Morgan as she dives deep into conversation with Haley Regan, the assistant director of Community Schools. Since its inception in Idaho in 2016, the Community Schools strategy has been at the forefront of reimagining educational leadership and school-community integration across the United States. With the United Way …

1
Soapbox for Parents - How to Keep Our Students Engaged This Summer 45:51

6M ago45:51

45:51

Ready or not, it’s time to start planning for summer break. Unfortunately, summer learning loss is real, but we’re joined by a couple of experts to help us brainstorm ways to keep our students happy, healthy, and engaged. Monique Bosse is West Ada’s Student and Family Engagement Liaison and Andrew Fletcher is the Executive Director of Child Develop…

1
Kids & Tech: Navigating Challenges in a Digital World 1:34:41

6M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Send us a text In an intriguing twist to the ongoing dialogue about technology’s impact on children, special guest, Matt Todd, host of The Ranch podcast, sat down for an in-depth interview with Alexis. Their conversation took a hard look at a critical aspect of today's landscape—Kids and Tech: Balancing Kids' Safety and Digital Freedom. Matt, known…

1
"The Sky is the Limit" - A Conversation Concerning the Future of Artificial Intelligence in West Ada 49:43

6M ago49:43

49:43

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world around us in what feels like real time. For educators, the technology is both challenging and exciting. Gina Kwid is one of our guests. She teaches second grade at Galileo Stem and is one of the teachers leading the AI charge in West Ada. She’s a doctoral candidate at BSU in the Educational Technology …

1
Blueprint for Success: The School Board Case Study on Securing a School Bond Through Strategic Leadership and Community Engagement 1:06:07

7M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Send us a text Alexis, along with her guest Brad Cuddy, current school board member of the Lewiston School Board, takes an in-depth look at the strategic processes and the power of unified community engagement that led to the successful passage of a crucial school bond. This episode sheds light on the meticulous planning, leadership excellence, and…

1
Empowering Youth: The Idaho Teen Behind a Nationwide Motivational Movement 43:39

7M ago43:39

43:39

Send us a text In this inspirational episode, host Alexis engages in a heartfelt conversation with Luc Swensson, a dynamic Idaho teenager who has transformed his struggles into a source of strength not only for himself but for countless others across the nation. With a history of racing cars for kids with cancer, facing bullying for defying stereot…

1
“True Success to Me” – A Conversation with BSU Head Football Coach Spencer Danielson 52:46

7M ago52:46

52:46

Boise State head football coach Spencer Danielson joins us for a wide-ranging interview. Seriously, we talk about A LOT...everything from what it’s like to be a #GirlDad, to his faith, to the leadership principals that drive him. Promise, you don’t need to know the definition of “cover 2” or a “hook and ladder” to enjoy this one. Whether you lead a…

1
The Pulse with Owyhee High School Basketball 24:44

7M ago24:44

24:44

We’re doing something new with the podcast, West Ada. Join us for “The Pulse,” which is a special pop-up edition. We’ve got our finger on the pulse of the district and when something great happens, we’re going to bring that to you right away. To that end, the Owyhee basketball team won their 2nd state championship in three years over the weekend! H…

1
Rural Beginnings to Community Leadership: The Value of Helping our Students Dream about Their Future 1:08:26

7M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Send us a text Join Alexis in this inspiring episode as she sits down with Dr. Jared Talley, a professor at Boise State University with an extraordinary story of resilience and determination. Born and raised in the rural landscapes of Idaho, Dr. Talley shares his unique journey from dropping out of high school to eventually finding his passion and …

1
Just Be Patient - A Conversation with West Ada Students 59:19

8M ago59:19

59:19

For the first time, two of our outstanding students join the West Ada Podcast! Rylee Chung is the ASB President at Centennial High School and Colby Bond is the Junior Class Vice President at Renaissance High School. These two are extremely involved in their schools and communities. You’ll be impressed by their leadership and academic accomplishment…

1
Advancing Idaho's Education with State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield 45:44

8M ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text Alexis sits down with the state's education frontrunner, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield, to delve into the intricacies of her approach to leading Idaho's education system. Listen in as Superintendent Critchfield discusses her strategic plans for enhancing educational outcomes, her initiatives supporting educator excellence, and he…

1
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable – A Conversation with West Ada Counselors 1:00:11

8M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

West Ada’s school counselors make a positive impact on our student’s lives every day! Lisa Hale and Sarah Everett are two of them. They join us for a wide-ranging conversation concerning everything from navigating friendships to the mental health challenges facing our kids. Lisa is a counselor at Paramount Elementary and Sarah is a counselor at Owy…

1
Capital to Community: How Education Policy is formed and directly impacts local communities PLUS Hot Topics for 2024 1:31:17

8M ago1:31:17

1:31:17

Send us a text In today's enlightening episode of "Capitol Conversations," Alexis and her guests delve into the heart of educational legislation with seasoned experts, Represenatives Sonia Galaviz and Chris Mathias, both of whom have diverse expertise in their educational and professional backgrounds. Our guests, instrumental in shaping Idaho's edu…

1
The Heart of Idaho Fine Arts Academy with Chris Housel 57:02

9M ago57:02

57:02

Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) Principal Chris Housel joins Katie and Ken for an extension of our conversation concerning The Arts in West Ada. Housel is a lifelong educator, but he’s also been a working piano player and composer for decades. He addresses everything from IFAA’s audition process to some of the misconceptions concerning the free, pub…

1
The roles of School Board Members in the Idaho Education System 1:23:49

9M ago1:23:49

1:23:49

Send us a text In this episode, host Alexis Morgan is joined by Quinn Perry, Deputy Chief and Government Affairs for the Idaho School Board Association. Alexis and Quinn delve into the pivotal role that school board members play in shaping the Idaho education system. They break down the essential duties of a school board member and provide insight …

1
Finding Pathways Through The Arts 59:38

9M ago59:38

59:38

Camilla Boylan and T.J. Eriksen join us for the first podcast of 2024! Both are massively decorated West Ada teachers in The Arts. Camilla teaches acting at Mountain View High School and was West Ada’s Teacher of the Year and the Velma V. Morrison Performing Arts Educator of the Year award winner last year. T.J. is a past Music Educator of the Year…

1
Teens & High School 1:21:14

10M ago1:21:14

1:21:14

Send us a text In this special episode, Alexis has an in-depth conversation with her oldest son, Carter, a recent high school graduate of 2023. Carter shares his insightful perspective on important topics such as adjusting as a new kid at school, the dynamic student-teacher relationship, teenage stereotypes, and what it means for a teenager for adu…

1
School Type Options: a Guide to understanding the 9 different types of school options for K-12 students 41:07

10M ago41:07

41:07

Send us a text In today's episode of Our Kids Our Schools, Alexis unravels the tapestry of school options available for K-12 students. Open enrollment is currently underway, making this a timely and critical conversation. Alexis brings her knowledge, hands-on experience, and unique insights to guide us through the nine different types of schooling …

1
“Cutting Through the Noise” with Bri Eggers 51:58

10M ago51:58

51:58

With the holiday season upon us, how do you juggle it all? Bri Eggers is a parent and someone who knows a thing or two about navigating obligations both at work and home. The former KTVB meteorologist joins Katie and Ken for a wide-ranging conversation. Bri left Channel 7 last spring. She talks about the joys of being a mom, and her passion for int…

1
Beyond Detention: Understanding Teenagers through "The Breakfast Club" 1:12:34

10M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Send us a text Alexis welcomes guest Amy Curtis, a local Boise therapist, to explore the timeless stereotypes that teens face, framed through the lens of the cult classic, 'The Breakfast Club'.🎞️ It's a riveting and insightful discussion that sheds light on trends that have persisted for decades. This conversation contributes to the overall underst…

1
Story or Stats: Exploring Parents' Information Preferences in Public Education 35:46

11M ago35:46

35:46

Send us a text In this informative episode, Alexis dives into a fascinating research study on how parents and community members prefer to receive information about schools. The study critically examines whether data from government bodies or narratives from parents and nonprofit organizations are most influential. The findings revealed a clear pref…

1
Schools of Choice in West Ada…”We gotcha” – A Conversation with the Experts 46:51

11M ago46:51

46:51

Our Schools of Choice application deadline is November 30. To learn more about what’s best for your child, you’re in the right place. Meg McGroarty is the principal at Renaissance High School and David Jakious is the principal at Pioneer School of the Arts. No one knows more about West Ada’s Schools of Choice than these two experts! This conversati…

1
A Spotlight on Idaho's Advanced Opportunities Program: Funds available to YOUR student to use 29:58

11M ago29:58

29:58

Send us a text In this captivating episode, Alexis delves into the intricacies of the Advanced Opportunities program available to all Idaho public education students. With a hefty sum of $4,125 at stake, Alexis dissects each aspect of the program to help parents comprehend how they can assist their students in accessing all the benefits available. …

1
“How Can I Help?” - A conversation with West Ada mom, substitute teacher and advocate Meghan Saboori 50:44

12M ago50:44

50:44

West Ada parent, substitute teacher, and advocate Meghan Saboori jumps in for this lively edition of the West Ada School District Podcast. Meghan has three sons that all attend West Ada Schools. She is a member of the district’s plant facilities levy advisory board and was also the chairperson for Yes for West Ada. And again, she’s a substitute tea…

1
Discover the Influence of Your Vote on Education: How to Select the Right School Board Members 43:17

12M ago43:17

43:17

Send us a text In this episode, Alexis delves into the critical importance of school board members and emphasizes why your vote truly matters. Here are the major points covered: The value of your vote in local elections, specifically school board elections, and how it affects your community. The pivotal role school board members play in defining th…

1
"A Shining Example" - A conversation with Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield 38:44

1y ago38:44

38:44

We’re pleased to have Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, join us for this episode of the West Ada School District Podcast. Superintendent Critchfield breaks down several topics with Katie and Ken, including her biggest surprise since taking office, the ins and outs of working with the legislature, and her parent bill …

1
Helping Kids Succeed in our Schools: Focusing on School Communities 31:25

1y ago31:25

31:25

Send us a text Welcome to the momentous first episode of Our Kids, Our Schools, a podcast that promises to challenge, inspire, and reshape your perspective on education. The curious spark that ignited this journey was an article from The Atlantic: "The One Parenting Decision that Really Matters." Alexis Morgan connects the dots between this article…

1
"It's Good to be West Ada" – A conversation with Marcus Meyers 52:14

1y ago52:14

52:14

Chief Academic Officer, Marcus Meyers, sits down with Katie and Ken in this episode of the West Ada School District Podcast. Marcus touches on several topics that will help you navigate the academic framework throughout the district; including the latest calendar change, late start Wednesdays and professional development, and what it’s like to deve…

1
“Being a Good Sport” with Activities & Athletics Director, Jason Warr 49:35

1y ago49:35

49:35

Activities & Athletics Director, Jason Warr, joins us for this episode of the podcast. He knows first-hand what it’s like to be a parent, a coach, and an administrator in West Ada. We hit on several different topics in this one including the ins and outs of this year’s West Ada Fundraiser, why we do it, and how it specifically benefits the programs…

1
Special Podcast Preview 9:05

1y ago9:05

9:05

Send us a text Welcome to the exciting preview episode of "Our Kids Our Schools"! In this exciting sneak peek, Alexis takes you on a journey to discover what lies ahead in the new podcast. Get ready to delve into the secrets of fostering a thriving school community and join us in this adventure of learning.As mentioned in the episode, this podcast …

1
Dear Parents, A Letter from a Teacher 56:08

1y ago56:08

56:08

Carmi Scheller joins us for this episode of the podcast. Carmi is a fifth-grade teacher at Star Elementary and has been a dedicated educator for over 34 years. In this conversation, Carmi delves into what we might not know as parents concerning all the responsibilities that our kids’ teachers are navigating. In addition, she gives us great tips on …

1
Dinner table conversation - how do I really communicate with my kids? 59:32

1y ago59:32

59:32

Shannon Garza joins us for this episode of the West Ada School District podcast. Shannon is a Detective with the Ada County Sherriff’s Department and she’s also the School Resource Officer at Lake Hazel Middle School. This conversation really runs the gamut…everything from how and when to go for a deep dive with your children, to navigating the pit…

1
Back to School 101 58:44

1y ago58:44

58:44

Welcome to the first ever edition of the West Ada School District Podcast! This episode is all about “Back to School 101.” We want to help you navigate getting your children prepared for a successful first day of school. We’re pleased to be joined by Hello Meridian’s Natalie Plummer. You can learn more about Natalie at Hello Meridian. Her three chi…