The School Connect Podcast

Overcoming the Mental Health Crises Impacting Education

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Thu, 2 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

How do you create spaces to make Mental Health issues less of a stigma and more of a normalized topic of conversation?

How do we help build mental health resiliency in our youth and the educators who pour into them daily?

Middle Schoolers Uplift Their Community

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 7 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0000

On today's season finale, we shine a light on voices that need to be heard. We hear from Emiliano Carranza and Gerardo "Tre" Chavez about what it means to be a leader and how leadership can uplift communities. They discuss the importance of working towards their dreams and how teamwork is vital in leadership. They express their belief that leadership in youth is beneficial to the future of communities. Tune in this fall for season 3 of The School Connect Podcast!

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona: Helping the Future Generation Through Mental Health and Eating Programs

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

The health of our future leaders is key to building a stronger community. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has provided health services across the state for years, all while giving back through programs that promote healthy living. In today's episode, they discuss the importance of talking about mental health and healthy eating and how their initiative and programs are helping make a change.

Adding Up To Success

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 3 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

How do we ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed? Our guest this week, Jason Catanese, shares the importance of taking initiative to build math skills in Arizona youth. Tune in to hear about the crucial role mathematics plays on our children's future.

Changing The Narrative, One Educational Story At A Time

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Our School Connect Champions of Education Awards Emcee, Danielle Lerner, has been a crucial part of education in the media. She believes storytelling plays a vital role in bringing a community together. Join the conversation as Danielle shares how we can all play a role in journalism and meet her in person at our Awards Breakfast.

Who's Sitting At Your Table?

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 5 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000

What does it take to lead a team? How can we ensure all hands are on deck in our community? Tune in to hear more about nurturing unexpected relationships and building support in neighborhoods.

Listening To Your Community's Needs

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

What can you find when you're willing to look and listen to your community? You get a front row seat into the needs, strengths and potential of the community. Tune in to hear more about Denis Parcells' experience as the Director of the Glendale Elementary System of Care and how understanding the community is key to leveraging support, solving problems and fostering success.

Serving The Community, One Connection At A Time

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 8 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

How can you take the first step into giving back? JustServe opens up connections, using a system that links a community's volunteer needs with helping hands. Tune in to hear more about the opportunities their organization provides locally and remotely.

Raising Rockstars in Community Centers

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Nurturing our children's creativity makes everyone a rockstar. Randy Spencer joins us to talk about how the Alice Cooper Teen Rock Center is a safe space for Arizona youth and how they help discover their talents and cultivate creativity.

Who Will You Invite To Your Table?

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 8 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Want to bring in more partnerships for your school's community but don't know how to start building those connections? Paradise Valley School District started to incorporate this and is leading to continuous collaborations and resources for their students.

The Impact of Dual Language in Education

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Being bilingual has become crucial in today's society. The 2021 Arizona Teacher of the Year, Sara Wyffels, has grown through the discovery of the Spanish language and culture. Tune in to hear from our School Connect Summit's emcee discuss her adventures abroad and how she is teaching the next generation of bilingual speakers.

Finding Common Ground for 2023

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

How do you engage an entire village to work alongside your school this year? Our model is seeing academic achievement and collaboration efforts increase. Learn more about how the seed planted in our partnering schools in 2022 has already had tremendous growth and success.

Culture Changes in Chinle

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Quincy Natay knows what it takes to change the culture of Chinle Unified School District in order to help it truly flourish. Tune in to hear how he engages his entire community, expands funding and multiplies leadership.

First in Nation: Franklin Police & Fire High School

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Franklin Police & Fire High School, the first of its kind in the nation, offers a rigorous physical and academic high school education and a head start to a career in public safety. Tune in to today’s episode to hear how Franklin partners with surrounding cities’ police and fire departments and other agencies to provide students with real world, hands-on opportunities that include internships, physical training, and special employment programs.

Strong Foundations Built In Arizona Schools

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

From grabbing his tools to construct classrooms across the state to mentoring an incoming generation in STEM, our guest is all hands on deck in helping build a better education for our children!

Small Community, Epic Support: Rural Districts Overcome

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Life outside the city can be rewarding when the communities find harmony and support between each other. But how do these cities find sufficient outside support for their students? Small but mighty connections are made like this...

Supporting Schools in the Lonestar State

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 2 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

It's another podcast Wednesday and Tracey begins the show with the story of her journey - from helping kids to starting School Connect and navigating its mission through every school we enter and get to be involved with. In today's episode, we invite a guest who was the first person to expand the School Connect model to another city - Margaret Judson, City Director for School Connect in San Antonio. Margaret explains what made School Connect different from any other non-profit organization and why she chose to introduce our mission to Texas. How has School Connect's mission impacted a new community? Incorporating School Connect before COVID brought many challenges, but also introduced new and different opportunities to help both students and teachers. One of the things that changed the game for them was establishing interactions and group meetings with other City Directors across the country. We are so excited about venturing in different cities across the country as we continue to see the power of connecting a village of community support to every local school, so that every child has the resources and connections needed to reach their potential!

Love Our Schools Day Is a Win-Win for Everyone

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year - Love Our Schools Day is here! Tracey and Tim have invited Dr. Jennifer Johnson and Doreen Zannis this week. Dr. Johnson works with Grand Canyon University for their Educational Alliances team and Doreen Zannis has worked as a school nurse for more than 15 years and started the Support Our Schools AZ organization.  This entire month, we have seen all the wonderful work that happens when a community joins our schools to work on projects on campuses across Arizona. Doreen talks about the passion and commitment of teachers and students when it comes to working on projects to improve their schools. She discusses what it takes to go from being a caring member of the community to actually taking the step to put it into action. Dr. Johnson talks about the importance of communities being part of the schools and vice versa. She describes how valuable it is when communities and schools get to know one another, becoming partners and enabling community members to come alongside schools in powerful and creative ways! When we show our educators that they are valued and show our students that we care for them, it is a recipe for a stronger community raising our future leaders.

Faith Community Partnerships Lift Up Our Schools

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 5 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, Pastor Dan Steffen, Senior Pastor at Pure Heart Church and Co-Founder of School Connect, takes the mic and is our host for the show. How do faith communities lift our schools and help be part of the change? To talk about how these communities come alongside campuses, he brings on special guests, Ryan Nunez from Palm Valley Church and Jake Hancock from Christ's Church of the Valley. Ryan and Dan discuss the importance of being involved with schools and how building trust and relationships with them will help shape future generations within our community. Coming together for families - whether it be reaching out during crisis situations, mentoring children going through mental or emotional health or aiding families who need food and clothes - schools anywhere should feel comfortable asking for help. How is School Connect’s integral role creating opportunities for these relationships to thrive? Learn all about the relationships that are built bring business leaders, city leaders, principals and superintendents coming together to make a better future for our next generation.

Bridge Building Between Faith-Based Organizations And Communities

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

For the first guest episode of season 2, Tracey and Tim welcome Maria Cristina Fuentes, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth Faith & Family in Arizona. She has worked with George W. Bush at the US Department of Labor, served in the White House Faith-Based Office and the Justice Department. Throughout her career, she has helped governors set up their own faith-based offices. In this episode, Maria explains the three major cornerstones the office faces in today's day in time. Maria praises School Connect for their work with communities and schools - especially recognizing work with trauma-informed schools and how they skillfully pair volunteers from all areas to schools in need. The group talks about the greater impact that churches can make by working together, sharing ideas and amplifying communication, while maintaining their own independence. Tracey closes out the show today by giving three concrete takeaways that organizations can follow to best serve those who need it.

Expanding The Village Across Arizona And Beyond

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 7 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to part two of the season 2 podcast launch! Today, Tracey begins by talking about participating in CAFE roundtables where a principal can speak to community partners about the goals for their school. Thanks to an exciting opportunity to participate in 'A Community Thrives' campaign, many schools across Arizona will be able to complete projects that are important to them. In this episode, Tracey discusses how there are always schools in need, but it works best when CAFEs are joined by community partners that help all across Arizona - whether it be a rural and tribal area to suburban and urban regions - no school is alone in this partnership! Thank you as always for listening! We appreciate you. Please share this podcast with a friend or colleague that wants to listen, learn or get involved. Rate, review and subscribe.

Reboot And Follow Your Geniuses

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome back!! School is back in session and so is the School Connect Podcast. Tracey and Tim are launching season 2 with a quick look back at what made season 1 so special and giving new and returning listeners all the important reasons to listen and get involved to help our kids. The discussion turns to an exciting new collaboration and work with the Table Group, They help to create smart, healthy organizations by discovering how a team functions at work. They use a short assessment process that allows your work team to pinpoint each person’s geniuses, competencies and frustrations. They then create processes on how to integrate all these points on a team for it to function at its highest potential. Thank you for joining us on this season 2 kickoff! We appreciate you tuning in. Please share this podcast with a friend or colleague that wants to listen, learn and get involved. Become part of the village with School Connect!

Future Leaders with Dr. Jennifer Cruz and Student Representatives

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Today Tracey and Tim have a very special show with not one, but three guests! Superintendent of Pendergast Elementary School District, Dr. Jennifer Cruz, is here with Keymora and Kelly who are members of the Eighth Grade Superintendent Student Council. The council began as a way to guide students toward higher education, particularly Ivy League Colleges. Over the years it has grown to become an incredible way to get students involved in leadership and policy decisions for their schools. Dr. Cruz believes it is vital to listen to the students they serve. She feels it’s impossible to make informed policy without actually interacting and getting their input. This is true bottom-up planning. Kelly and Keymora talk about their experience in the council and how enriching it has been to their time as students, and their lives. It has allowed them to have a seat at the table when it comes to things like dress code, school nutrition, and community service events. It also has been essential in learning leadership skills, consensus building, the ability to take criticism, listening to their peers, and feeling pride from being part of big decision-making processes.  Become part of the village with School Connect!

The Impact of Mentorship

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 25 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

The construction industry. The perception around that is one that often doesn’t include women. But today’s guest is one that has broken those barriers wide open. Antonya Williams, Executive Vice President at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and board member of ACE Mentor Program Phoenix joins today’s episode. Antonya shares her story of the lessons she learned from starting out working at her father’s construction company and the chance meeting with a life-changing mentor. This mentor challenged her in many ways, but one of the biggest for her was to write down her goals. A seemingly simple task, but can be daunting when faced with it. It was a relationship that changed her life. Knowing this impact, Antonya went on to pay this forward to others. ACE Mentor Program is an industry-sponsored program that teaches Architecture, Construction, and Engineering with intense hands-on projects, which leads to internships, scholarships, and long-term mentorship to those who wish to flourish in these fields. Listen to amazing success stories and the incredible transformations that mentors made in the lives of young people. School Connect has been pivotal in the connections, relationships and expedited timeline for ACE to be able to help those that want to be involved. This has been a partnership that allows young people to see positive and inspiring examples to follow into successful, groundbreaking careers. Find out more about ACE Mentor Programs Find out more about Antonya Williams and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Become part of the village with School Connect!

Bringing Structure In Stressful Times

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 11 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

On today's show... You may have heard the term 'The Great Resignation.' There's a sea change in the way people are viewing their work life and how it coexists with their personal life. Education is not immune from this, and today, Tracey and Tim look at some startling statistics and dive a bit deeper into this area. They have invited an exemplary guest to discuss this topic - Dr. Sarah Lindstrom Johnson, associate professor at the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at ASU. The conversation gets into the specific difficulties that both teachers and students are facing in the aftermath of remote learning and the present stressors from COVID, political pressure and the never-before-seen expectations that are bearing down educators. But this wouldn't be School Connect if they didn't bring solutions to the table. Dr. Lindstrom Johnson discusses the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Network, which gives educators a very clear framework of how to deter unwanted behavior and reward positive behavior in order to reintroduce kids back to school in a supportive and structured way. She also talks about the best ways that parents and those in the community can help those working in schools, so they know that what they are doing each day matters. 

The Power of Parent Engagement

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Today is a special show because we get to hear from an extraordinary teacher from Sunnyslope Elementary School. Patricia Wharton has a unique ability to connect with students and their families that have recently come from another country. From her pre-start of the school year parent-teacher conferences to text message groups to record-breaking fundraising to a simple Spanish greeting, it all is part of genuinely engaging parents. Creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that allows kids to transition more easily into a new school setting, let alone a new community and culture, is the foundation that Patricia builds with students and their families. Her passion comes from her own experience of coming to The United States not knowing the language. She's been in those parents' shoes, and she knows from her own kids how these new students feel as they first step onto the school campus. She also knows that engaged families result in dramatic differences in student behavior, grades, attendance, and so much more.

Appreciation – The Gift That Grows

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

How many gifts do you give that actually multiplies? This is the question that Tim poses to kick off this episode, and the answer is inspiring. He and Tracey have a special two-part interview discussing the importance of supporting and appreciating our educators, and how gifts of any size spread beyond just one teacher or staff member The first guest is Susie Smith, Principal of Desert Foothills Junior High. She recounts the struggles and unprecedented challenges that kids, teachers, and parents faced these past couple of years. She gives real-life examples, of how instructors in the classroom have to navigate social and emotional support for their students in order for them to learn at their best. This is just one illustration of what makes them so special, and why it is so important to celebrate them consistently throughout the year. The second half of the episode continues with Robin Blumenthal, Local Outreach Pastor for Pantano Christian Church. Robin brings the other side of the teacher appreciation equation. She stresses that there has never been a more important time to reach out and show love to teachers and staff because they are being stretched beyond any limits that they had imagined. Listen to her incredible story of showing educators that they are valued and recognized. The time, effort, outreach, networking, ingenuity, and money that her organization put forth is amazing. She explains how each gift raises a teacher up, which in turn promotes a better classroom, which means a better education for our kids.  Find out more about Susie Smith and Desert Foothills Junior High Find out more about Robin Blumenthal and Pantano Christian Church Become part of the village with School Connect!

Build With Them, Not For Them

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Here on the show, we often talk about community building. Today we are talking about community building by building in the community! Grenee Celuch, CEO of Concord General Contracting in Mesa, AZ, joins Tracey and Tim for a fun and informative episode that looks at outreach and education from a new angle. Concord approaches its business differently than most other large companies. Giving back comes first, and they want to team with their clients. They also engage with the culture of the organizations they work with. Sounds quite a bit like School Connect don't you think? Grenee starts off with an amazing story about a project for a new classroom building. They used this as a learning opportunity for the kids at the school and gave them an experience they may never receive anywhere else. You'll have to listen to find out just how far they went! They also discuss the reward that comes to employers by giving their employees pride and purpose in serving their community, and the exciting way that Concord is pairing with STEM education initiatives in the Tempe area. Building together creates strong relationships, strong communities, and strong kids. Find out more about Grenee and Concord General Contracting Become part of the village with School Connect!

All Hands On Deck

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

We've all felt the frustration this last year. Stores and restaurants are understaffed, with long wait times, long lines, not enough tables open to eat. Businesses can limit seats, hours, and checkouts but our schools can't! Today's guests know this very well. Dr. Jason Reynolds is the Superintendent, and Danielle Airey is the Communications Director of the Peoria School District. They are here to give the inside scoop on staffing issues at schools and how they are developing new and creative ways to continue serving and educating kids through it all. There's one thing that nearly everyone can agree on - kids learn and flourish better in the classroom. While it has been challenging, one of the major keys in bridging the gaps is improved communication. Being direct and consistent, showing both the needs and the rewards of getting involved. This results in improved awareness and network creation, which then leads to greater understanding, involvement, and participation from parents, businesses, and the community at large. The type of thing that School Connect specializes in. Support can come in many forms. It can be large business funding projects or sponsoring events. But a simple gesture or gift of time is just as valued and makes a big impact. After hearing today's show you will get a new depth of understanding and appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes to keep our schools and children performing their best. Become part of the village with School Connect!

A Simple Mistake Led to More Schools Becoming Great

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 2 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Today's episode begins with a story about how a mishap with a logo brought together an incredible partnership. Tracey and Tim welcome Dr. William (Kip) Schumacher, and Dr. Erica Ray of the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation for a fun and joy-filled episode. The Schumacher Family Foundation was already doing phenomenal work for local schools in Lafayette, LA. When the fortunate meeting between them and School Connect happened, Kip and Erica adopted School Connect's CAFE model and it pushed their outreach and school revitalization to new levels. Kip and Erica discuss all the ways that this alliance has helped their community, kids, and parents, and how the commitment of Tracey and the School Connect family helped to make it a reality. Dr. Schumacher sees the model as something that helps locally but feels that it is so vital and works so well, that it may in fact be important enough to save our country. It brings people together, rallies around kids, builds community, bridges divides, and helps people to raise each other up instead of tear each other down.  Find out how you can get involved with School Connect: http://www.schoolconnectaz.org Become part of the village with School Connect!

Finding Balance In A Digital World

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

It's been 15 years since the iPhone was released and made access to the internet and social media to everyone at any time a reality. With that has come a lot of growing pains, especially for parents on how best to balance technology and real-world activity with their kids. Tracey and Tim reached out to the experts in this subject and welcome Victoria Saylor From Common Sense Media and Stephanie Pletka from Motherhood Mindset to today’s show. They give balanced, thoughtful advice on how to navigate these choppy digital waters. They share their wisdom and experience on strategies that work with children, from the broad to the specific, from the beneficial to what can be counter-productive. They ask the serious questions. Do we see children's attitudes and demeanor change when using devices for extended periods of time? Are we as parents model good behavior with how we use our devices? It takes planning, example setting, building expectations, creating boundaries while giving space, bridging the home/school connection with digital citizenship curriculum, and fostering critical thinking to begin the journey towards smoother seas. Don’t miss this crucial and eye-opening episode that can change the digital dynamic in your household.   To receive great bits of advice on media balance in your house - just text the word KIDS  to 21555. Learn more about Common Sense Media and Motherhood Mindset. Become part of the village with School Connect!

Finding Treasures with Dr. Lupita Hightower

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 2 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

There are obstacles in everyone's journey. Some push through them, some may not. Some, like today's guest, not only plow through them but use their story to inspire others to overcome difficult times. Tracey and Tim welcome Dr. Lupita Hightower, Superintendent of the Tolleson School District, to the show. She tells the story of her upbringing, the influence of her parents, and several other key figures in her life along the way that made life-changing impacts. Dr. Hightower rejects the term "at risk," and views the kids she serves as "treasures." She strives to raise the bar for children by having high standards and expectations. They also discuss the power of affirmations, embracing adversity, and how the partnerships and support of School Connect have been the game-changer in being able to deliver outstanding resources to Dr. Hightower's students. Become part of the village with School Connect!

Trends in Mental Health

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Tracey and Tim talk to Scott Davis, Chief Clinical Officer at The Meadows, about the trends in mental health. The importance of connecting with patients, clients or students and giving them the sense of being heard and seen. The importance of recognizing the trauma students have gone through these last couple of years with COVID and understand that some of the student behavior is coming from a place of pain. Supporting educators and staff during this difficult time and making sure they receive restorative care so they can continue their work with their students and the community they serve.

Learning Differently

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

All children learn in different ways, but some kids may have extra challenges that can’t always be met in the general classroom. Special Education teachers are extraordinary people that specialize in leading these students to their full potential. There may be no one better to speak to this topic than today’s guest. Kareem Neal has worked in Special Education for over 25 years and was Arizona’s Teacher of the Year in 2019. Tracey and Tim enjoy a wide-ranging conversation with Kareem about his journey teaching children that learn differently. Kareem gives thoughtful perspective of this population and how engaged and motivated they are to learn. His passion and joy come through in all that he does. It’s a wonderful lesson for teachers and parents and community members to understand and appreciate every student no matter their differences. Kareem will also be the MC for the School Connect Summit on January 25th 2022.

Unexpected Gifts

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Tim and Tracey talk with their guests about the unexpected gifts they have received and how they’ve impacted SchoolConnect. Top of the list are the close friendships that are formed from working together on behalf of kids, connecting the community with resources and partnering with one another to help families and schools in need.

Finding Connection With Rural Schools

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 8 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Tracey and Tim welcome Wes Brownfield, Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association, to the show today. They talk about the challenges for these areas whether it be economic, geographical, technological or organizational. Tracey also discusses the qualities and lessons that can be taken from tight knit rural schools and communities that can be used in more urban areas. Wes stresses the incredible importance of schools to individual students, their families and the fabric of the surrounding population. He also explains an amazing initiative his organization is working on called The Final Mile Project, bringing quality affordable internet to families’ homes around their school. This was jumpstarted in the early days of the pandemic, but its benefits stretch far beyond kids and their schoolwork. All of this shines a light on School Connect and how they are using the success they have had in urban areas to start building strategic relationships with rural school district leaders and the communities they serve. Get involved with School Connect!

The Passion and Partnerships of Love Our Schools Day

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Each year School Connect holds Love Our Schools Day. It’s a time to celebrate and create connection with our schools, teachers, community partners and parents. Tens of thousands of volunteers do everything from planting gardens, to cleaning, to creating artwork and teacher care packages. Today Tracey and Tim welcome three special guests, Susie Smith, Andrea Worth, and Michelle Zahariades, to talk about the planning and the passion that goes into this event, and how the relationships and trust that are built are the seeds that grow into strong alliances for years to come.

Community Creates Belonging

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Today’s guest is so nice we asked her to be on twice! Dr. Betsy Hargrove, Superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District, is back on the show to talk about community building. Being a teacher has become much more complex than it once was. It isn’t just academics, but making sure that kids from all walks of life have the basic entry points in order to participate, learn and “pursue their future without limits” as Dr. Hargrove so eloquently says. The problem is that teachers, and even administrators, can only do so much on their own. This is where community comes in. Listen to heartfelt stories and examples of how community alliances begin to fill in the gaps to create a full and supportive structure for a school and its students. From backpacks to food to school supplies to uniforms to haircuts and beyond. The partnerships that come together with the help of School Connect create a momentum that continues to build. And the most important thing that is achieved for children – is a sense of belonging. Because only when a student feels they belong, can they learn with a sense of comfort and security.

Being a Leader in Traumatic Times

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Today’s show is about leading in stressful and traumatic times. But it’s not just for leaders, it’s also ultimately for the people that they lead. For nearly two years the amount of stress and traumatic events have been at a level we’ve never experienced before. So leaders are navigating their roles and how to adjust to it. Luckily, Tracey has a great friend, Pastor Dan Steffen, Senior Pastor at Pure Heart Church, and a partner in starting School Connect. He talks with Tracey and Tim about how these difficulties have effected people, his short-comings when first trying to find a new leadership style, and the success that he’s found having learned lessons along the way. Pastor Steffen discusses the difference between stress and trauma, how the extended pandemic has caused continued uncertainty, which leads to exhaustion and feeling out of control. He also stresses the need to be aware how the people you lead are effected, especially changes in their mood or behavior. He also explains that patience, listening, gentleness and vulnerability allows those around us to be able to express their frustrations and relieve some of the pressure that they are feeling. Don’t miss this important episode filled with powerful and practical advice, and share it with a friend that may need some guidance right now.

Exploring The Impact of Interrupted Learning

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

When Covid hit, it started to effect schools, parents and students dramatically. Today Tracey and Tim are honored to have Dr. Betsy Hargrove, Superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District, join the show to discuss the ingenuity, determination and maneuvering that took place during this time. And beyond that, what we have learned that will create positive change for the future. How do we get a Zoom account? That’s pretty much how Dr. Hargrove started when news hit that schools were closing and they had immense planning to get to. But she was determined to assure the children that they were still connected to their schools and teachers, and that engaging parents was instrumental in this process. They also talk about how community relationships made all the difference during this time, the long-term effects of remote learning on education, Avondale’s extraordinary collaborative structure, student-centered learning, listening to all viewpoints and much more. This inspiring, informative and emotional episode is one you don’t want to miss.

The Right People = The Right Change with Jill Hicks

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Nothing great can happen with some adversity. This is true in life and in the formative years of School Connect. Tracey has invited the perfect guest, Jill Hicks, Project manager with Avnet, and Tracey’s partner in the earliest stages of getting the program off the ground. Hear incredible stories of teamwork, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, learning invaluable lessons, creating win-wins for all those involved, and how each success creates enthusiastic ambassadors to other schools. This is the perfect episode for anyone interested in becoming a member of the village. Whether you are a school administrator, businessperson, faith partner or volunteer, the experience gained in these early years will make your partnership with School Connect a success from the start.

Post Traumatic Growth Syndrome

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 8 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

It’s been a long year and a half with all of the changes, anxiety, uncertainty and exhaustion that Covid has brought to our lives. Today’s show focuses on a few particular groups that faced some of the most difficult adjustments: teachers, school administrators, parents and kids. There’s no one better to give insight and perspective than Dr. Don Worcestor, psychologist, and owner of True North Consulting in Phoenix. Tracey and Tim have a wide ranging conversation about the experiences that so many of us have had to work through over this time period. Dr. Worcester reminds us that teachers are first responders. They are on the front lines of providing a safe place for children to learn and managing criticism and opinions from all sides. Kids are in a situation that they don’t always understand, and parents are in a position of trying to communicate difficult details to kids about something that is also trying for them. What is important to remember is that these groups need to be celebrated, and supported in any way we can in order for them to keep moving forward successfully. And that even through times of stress, we can find growth.

The School Connect Podcast: It Takes a Village

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

The time has come! Welcome to the very first episode of The School Connect Podcast. And what better way to start, then to hear from the person behind the passion, Tracey Beal, founder and Executive Director of School Connect. Tim Tiller gives an informative and fun interview with Tracey, discussing the beginnings of the organization, her motivation, inspiration, and some of the initial roadblocks and difficulties that arose in its infancy. School Connect is focused on our kids and schools, but it has a tremendous effect on the community as a whole, even to those without children. This podcast is a must-listen for educators, administrators, parents, business owners, faith leaders, community organizers, and so many more. Thank you for joining us and know that together we can make a difference.

Welcome to The School Connect Podcast

cmo@schoolconnectaz.org (School Connect) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 22:00:00 +0000

We are not powerless to build the world our children deserve. Join the School Connect Podcast to hear stories of the Village: local leaders who come together with passion and tenacity to fight for their communities. Whether it’s a business leader who gives truck-loads of furniture for teachers’ home offices, a faith leader who gathers parents together to help them weather the challenges of parenting, or a principal who kneels on the front lawn of a student’s home to remind them that they are not alone - their collective voice shows us how the power of connection can build hope and create change - not just for tomorrow, but for today.  The School Connect Podcast launches August 25th on all podcast platforms. For more info about School Connect, visit schoolconnectaz.org