Talk 122

Episode Summary: In the final episode for this school year, Dr. Yarborough wraps up an incredible Season 5 of Talk 122 with a highly anticipated guest: Scott Bloomquist, the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the Regional Office of Education (ROE) 4, serving Boone and Winnebago counties. If you've ever wondered what a regional superintendent actually does behind the scenes, this episode pu...

Go inside Harlem Middle School in Episode 507 of the Talk 122 Podcast! 🎙️ Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with an 8th grade student, a teacher, and an assistant principal to talk about what makes HMS a special place to learn and grow. From student advice on navigating middle school to building strong relationships and creating a positive school culture, this episode highlights the p...

In Season 5, Episode 5 of Talk 122 , Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough spotlights a powerful student-led project connecting classroom learning to real communities beyond Harlem. Social Studies teacher Kyra Newnam joins the conversation alongside Harlem High School seniors Kennedie Meyers and Kai Borgetti , who are participating in a statewide oral history project focused on coal communities and...

What happens when students step out of the classroom and into real communities? In this episode of Talk 122 , Harlem High School students work alongside educators and researchers to capture powerful oral histories from coal communities facing change. Through interviews, cameras, and curiosity, these students are preserving stories that matter—while gaining real-world experience in journalism, rese...

In Season 5, Episode 4 of Talk 122 , Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough breaks down school district finances, budget challenges, and long-term planning with Josh Aurand, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations . The discussion covers state and federal funding uncertainty, rising health insurance costs, facility upgrades, and how the district prioritizes transparency while protecting...

What does it mean to be a graduate of the Harlem School District? In this episode of Talk 122 , Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough dives deep into the new "Profile of a Graduate" initiative—a framework designed to give students direction, autonomy, and real-world skills before they ever leave the classroom. Dr. Yarbrough is joined by three special guests representing the teacher, stude...

In this HR-themed episode of Talk 122 , Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with the people who help keep the Harlem School District running smoothly behind the scenes — the Human Resources team! First, we meet Rachel Freeman , Harlem’s Human Resources Coordinator, who shares her decade-long journey with the district and how she’s helping make HR feel more human. From launching new mont...

Talk 122 is back for its fifth year! In this milestone episode, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough kicks off Season 5 by highlighting the incredible musical talent and creativity within Harlem School District. Joined by Harlem High School students Sierra Van Laeke and Gabriel Coletta, Dr. Yarbrough dives into their unforgettable experience performing on stage with the legendary rock band Foreign...

Behind the Lunch Line – How Harlem’s School Meals Come to Life In this episode of Talk 122 , Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with Jennifer Wagner , Administrative Assistant to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, and Jamie Carollo, SNS , Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Together, they give an inside look at how school meal programs are planned and executed at Harlem...

In this episode of Talk 122 , Dr. Yarbrough sits down with Harlem High School students and teachers to explore the importance of belonging and appreciation in education. First, students Junior Gallardo and Matt Spartz share their personal experiences with finding their place in the school community. From teachers reaching out to help, to the impact of a supportive counselor, they discuss how feeli...

In this episode, Dr. Yarbrough meets with the leadership team of Harlem Athletics to discuss the culture of hard work and academics within our sports program. First, Reed Allison, the Athletic Director, shares his experiences transitioning into this role, the challenges of being both a coach and the son of a coach, and how his staff contributes to making his job more manageable. Next, Athletic Sec...

In this engaging episode of Talk 122 , a podcast by the Harlem School District Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough dives into the vibrant world of arts education. This episode features three passionate guests: • Mary McNamara Bernstein, Executive Director of the Rockford Area Arts Council , discusses the transformative power of the arts in education and community engagement. •Ariana Cook, music t...

This week's episode of Talk 122 has been years in the making. Dr. Yarbrough sits down with Harlem leaders and discusses the opening of the Harlem 122 Employee Health Clinic! Guests include Shelly Wagner (Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources), Josh Aurand (Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations), Jason Blume (Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations),...

In this exciting episode of *Talk 122*, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough dives into the growing world of girls' flag football at Harlem High School! Joined by standout players Hari Young (running back) and Madison King (wide receiver), along with quarterback Giada Nowling and Coach Dodson, we hear about the explosive rise in popularity of flag football. The team shares their experiences, from...

Welcome to Season 4 of Talk 122 , the official podcast of Harlem School District #122! In this special premiere, the tables are turned as Dr. Terrell Yarbrough, Superintendent of Harlem School District, takes the guest seat for an insightful conversation. Joining him as co-hosts are Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations, Jason Blume, and Harlem High School senior, Asi...

Join Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough, Board President Michael Sterling, and Vice President Kurt Thompson in this sizzling summer edition of Talk 122. The trio dives into a fun and fiery hot wings challenge, sampling sauces from mild to the scorching Carolina Reaper, all while discussing important school updates. In this episode, they reflect on the successful transition of the sixth grade to...

On this compelling episode of Talk 122, Dr. Yarbrough engages in a thought-provoking discussion with the knowledgeable staff members from the YMCA of Rock River Valley, focusing on the crucial topic of nutrition. First, we speak to Kaela Wolfe, Nutrition Services Director at YMCA & Katie Saeger Nutrition Services Manager YMCA. They discuss serving kids snacks at the Kids Time after-care progra...

In this episode, Dr. Terrell Yarbrough interviews a special guest, Dustin Eckhardt , a mural artist and former Harlem graduate. They discuss Dustin's background, his journey into becoming a mural artist, and his plans to create a mural at Harlem Middle School. Dustin talks about his artistic process, involving research, sketching, and painting, and expresses his enthusiasm for involving studen...

In the latest episode, Dr. Yarbrough talked with two alums from Harlem High School. The first one is Bryana Travieso, who graduated in 2023. They spoke of her work on the documentary "Holmes County," which she started during her junior year. The project involved visiting towns in Mississippi to learn about different cultures and community dynamics. The second guest was Jailyn Charles, wh...

On this final episode of Talk 122 for 2023, Superintendent Yarbrough sits down with two Harlem High School sophomores who are sharing their creativity with the world! First, we sit down with Kennedie Meyers who just published her second book, “Let’s Walk Instead”. They discuss her writing progress and how she starts writing at a young age. Kennedie talks about how she learned to self-publish on he...

On this Veterans Day episode of Talk 122, Dr. Yarbrough discusses the Harlem Vet Doc Film “Take Your Own Notes” with a Harlem alumni and veteran Melissa Beckford about her experience in the military and at Harlem. Then we take a sneak peak of the film that is being shown at RVC on November 10 and in St. Louis this weekend. We then sit down with Kiara Newman about working on this powerful documenta...

In the first episode of season 3, we sit down with Ryan Reinecke (Rock Cut), Jerry Harris (HMS), and Dr. Bois (HHS) to discuss the many updates that our buildings are getting! From painted hallways to a new gym to the CTE addition.

On This final episode of season 2 of Talk 122, Dr. Yarbrough sits down with Brent Murray. Brent is the owner of Dairyhäus Ice Cream Shop in Rockton, Illnois. They talk about what it takes to run an ice shop, his work with the Harlem Vet Doc and more! Dairyhaus - 113 E Main St, Rockton, IL 61072 Order online at https://www.dairyhausrockton.com/

Dr. Yarbrough hosts Talk 122 Podcast featuring Jake Hubert, Director of Secondary Education, and Rebecca Logan, Director of Elementary Education at Harlem school district. Jake discusses his path to the school district, his passion for telling jokes, and the Career and College pathways at Harlem. He also talks about the upcoming addition at Harlem High School. Rebecca then joins the conversation a...

In this episode of Talk 122, host Dr. Yarbrough talks to Jill Mosher, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Jill discusses her experience working with the Harlem School District to provide meals to students. She also shares insights from her time in Harlem, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of working in food service.