Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff

The final episode of season one features a conversation between Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali and board member Anne Hill. As they explore the core value of kindness within District 65's strategic plan, they delve into its crucial role in fostering a safe and supportive environment for students. Anne shares personal anecdotes illustrating how acts of kindness from educators, such as personalized le...

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali and Tracy Roehrick, District 65's Director of Student Services, discuss the vital skill of adaptability. Tracy's extensive experience in special education brings depth to the conversation, highlighting the importance of preparing students for an ever-changing world. They explore how embracing challenges and learning from setbacks fosters resilience an...

Join Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali on Route 65 as she welcomes Lauren Hirsh, a deeply involved school board member and former educator, to discuss the role of responsibility in fostering community engagement and educational excellence in District 65. Lauren shares her journey from special education teacher to school leader and her current extensive volunteer work in Lake Bluff. This episode explor...

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali welcomes Nate Blackmer, principal of Lake Bluff Middle School, to discuss resilience on this episode of Route 65. Nate, who has transitioned from a seventh-grade science teacher to principal over his extensive tenure, shares insights into the strategic planning process and the integral role of resilience in education. They explore how resilience, strengthened by the c...

Join Superintendent Lisa Leali as she welcomes board member and architect Tim Penich on this episode of Route 65. They delve into the profound impact of kindness, empathy, and joy within Lake Bluff’s school community, illustrated by touching stories from Tim’s life and observations in the community. Highlighting his unique background, Tim discusses how his family's history in education shapes his...

Special guest eighth grader Tully joins Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali on this episode of Route 65 to discuss developing perseverance as a student. They explore how District 65’s strategic plan incorporates perseverance into the curriculum, encouraging students to tackle academic challenges. Tully shares personal strategies for overcoming obstacles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the '...

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali and Assistant Principal Kathleen Turner-Kwak agree empathy has a big impact on school culture at Lake Bluff Elementary, Illinois. They discuss the district's strategic plan, which prioritizes empathy, and share examples of how students and staff practice this crucial skill. Kathleen recalls her own experiences and emphasizes the transformational role of empathy in sha...

Special guest eighth grader Will joins Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali on this episode of Route 65 to explore the power of confidence in Lake Bluff Middle School. This episode delves into how longstanding friendships enhance trust and self-assurance among students. They also discuss the impact of strategic planning and extracurricular activities on student engagement and success. Join us as we uncov...

Part two of a two-part series where Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali is joined by a panel of dedicated District 65 staff. Together the group delves into the importance of empathy within our educational framework. The panel of four seasoned social workers and psychologists highlights how this core value is integral to student interactions and personal growth. From discussing empathy's role in strategi...

Part one of a two-part series where Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali is joined by a panel of dedicated District 65 staff. Together the group delves into the importance of empathy within our educational framework. The panel of four seasoned social workers and psychologists highlights how this core value is integral to student interactions and personal growth. From discussing empathy's role in strategi...

In honor of National Volunteer Week, Superintendent Lisa Leali welcomes Mary Scanlan-Hogan, a dedicated community member and avid volunteer, to discuss the District 65 strategic plan. Mary shares insights into her role in advancing our recycling and composting initiatives, illustrating the importance of responsibility—a core value deeply embedded in our school culture. This discussion not only hig...

Board member Amy Connell-Donohue joins Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali to discuss core values and how they are executed in the classrooms around Lake Bluff District 65. As a lifelong area resident, Amy shares how so much has changed and how education has adapted to meet students' needs today. Reflecting on the world today, the two dig into a conversation about learning, growth, parenting, and the ro...

Superintendent Lisa Leali and Technology Manager Kevin Kolcz discuss the fusion of technology and education in District 65. The pair focuses on how digital citizenship and innovative learning are tied to technology and student use in the classroom. Kevin shares his journey from law enforcement to tech, emphasizing experiential learning and the importance of adapting educational strategies for toda...

In this episode of 'Route 65,' Dr. Lisa Leali is joined by early childhood educators Kate Whitehead and Cassie Lettow for a fast-moving conversation on the transformative power of early childhood education in District 65, Lake Bluff, Illinois. The group discusses the benefits of a play-based approach and real-life learning experiences in pre-K settings, highlighting how these methods foster joy, g...

In this engaging episode, Superintendent Lisa Leali delves into cultivating "Confidence" within the nurturing environment of District 65 alongside Mr. Joe Jakcsy, the Assistant Principal at Lake Bluff Middle School. Jakcsy shares his experiences and insights on fostering confidence among students and staff alike through his role in the district. His journey from teaching to leadership encapsulates...

In this episode, Superintendent Lisa Leali explores the topic of "Active Learning" within the vibrant world of District 65, a community dedicated to fostering growth, joy, and purpose among its 850 students. From pre-K through 8th grade, our diverse group of students and educators unite to create extraordinary experiences that shape the future. Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Maestra Angel...

In this episode of Route 65, Superintendent Lisa Leali and board member Carrie Steinbach dive into the heart of District 65's educational journey in Lake Bluff, Illinois. They discuss the district's strategic plan, emphasizing core values like resilience and growth mindset, and how these principles guide their mission to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students. Carrie shares...

In this episode of Route 65, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali sits down with an exceptional eighth grader from Lake Bluff Middle School, Ottie, to delve into the heart of education: joy. This episode shines a light on the importance of joy as a core value in the strategic plan. Ottie, who played a pivotal role in our strategic planning committee, shares her insightful perspectives on how joy influenc...

In this episode, Superintendent Lisa Leali is joined by Jaclyn Tivador, the new curriculum coordinator for District 65. Together, they explore the vital role of communication in education, set against the backdrop of Lake Bluff, Illinois, where diverse backgrounds of students and teachers unite to foster exceptional learning experiences. This episode highlights the strategic efforts in District 65...

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Leali is joined by Mrs. Twohig, a 7th Grade Social Studies teacher and two 7th graders, Caroline and Eloise. The group delves into the power of engagement in learning. This episode showcases how dynamic classroom interaction, understanding diverse perspectives, and applying knowledge to real-world issues can transform education. Our guests share their experiences with pro...

In this inspiring inaugural episode of "Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff," Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali welcomes Board of Education member Laura Breakstone to explore the core value of respect within District 65. Serving a diverse community of learners in Lake Bluff, IL, they delve into how respect shapes our educational experiences, from ensuring safety and fairness in the classr...