Ruff Draft Podcast

Send us Fan Mail The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail What happens when massive data center projects move into our backyard? Mike and Saicy welcome Cameron Wiley, a community engagement representative with Vantage, for a candid conversation about the growth reshaping Abilene, Shackelford County, and surrounding communities. From traffic and housing to water, electricity, and construction timelines, we ask questions local residents ar...

Send us Fan Mail Catch up on the September Clyde CISD board meeting in this edition of Bulldog Board Briefs. We discuss district updates and the work underway to support Clyde students, staff, and schools. The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyd...

Send us Fan Mail Keeping students and staff safe requires preparation, strong partnerships, and a commitment to prevention. In this episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Mike and Saicy welcome Clyde CISD’s new Director of Safety and Security, Officer Dalton. Officer Dalton discusses his background, his approach to creating secure yet welcoming campuses, and what Clyde CISD’s new era of proactive prot...

Send us Fan Mail A long time ago—in a storage room not so far away—an idea began to take shape. In the Season 3 premiere of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Mike and Saicy unveil The STEMpire, Clyde CISD’s new immersive STEM learning space located in the district’s CAB. Designed as a full-day “mini field trip,” the STEMpire will give students hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineeri...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Superintendent Bryan Allen and CFO Rhonda Neal discuss what happened at the August 2026 Clyde CISD School Board Meeting. Listen in now! The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail What happens when professional development is designed around the tools educators actually have—and led by the people who use them every day? In this episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Mike and Saicy are joined by Clyde High School math teacher and experienced conference presenter Misti to look back at Clyde CISD’s second annual Tech Beach Retreat. They discuss the original vision...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Board Briefs, a new monthly segment from the Ruff Draft Podcast. Each month, Clyde CISD’s Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer will provide a clear, conversational recap of important topics, decisions, and updates from the latest Board of Trustees meeting. Board Briefs is designed to help district staff, families, and community members better understand what is ha...

Send us Fan Mail Should movies have a place in the classroom—or are they simply a way to pass the time? In this student-led episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Judah sits down with Coach Daniel to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of using movies as instructional tools. They explore how films and video clips can capture students’ attention, support different learning styles, make complex...

Send us Fan Mail Join Tyler, Cameron, and Cooper as they dive into "Would You Rather: Middle School Edition," tackling quirky dilemmas about school life and social situations. From wearing pajamas to school to choosing between close friendships and social media fame, they explore it all. Listen as they reveal surprising insights about themselves, proving that simple choices can lead to u...

Send us Fan Mail Most junior high students feel overwhelmed by challenges like popularity, grades, and the pressure to figure everything out. But what if understanding these struggles could actually help you navigate them—and even turn them into opportunities? This episode drops a truth bomb: being yourself and embracing the chaos of adolescence is more powerful than trying to fit in or having it...

Send us Fan Mail Most students have simple study routines—flashcards, short review sessions, snacks—yet few realize how tiny shifts can dramatically boost their focus and test scores. In this episode, Jackson, Mason, Beckham, and Tyler peel back the curtain on their unique study habits, revealing how a handful of simple strategies help them ace tests without burnout. From studying during lunch and...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets behind the galaxy’s most beloved space saga — from the timeless appeal of Star Wars’ story to the complex morality that blurs the lines between good and evil. Whether you're a diehard fan or new to the franchise, discover why Star Wars continues to captivate audiences for over 50 years — and what makes its characters, eras, and lore so endlessly fascinating...

Send us Fan Mail The transition is real! Building on last week's conversation, our 8th-grade panels are back to share their biggest hopes and "first-day jitters" about high school. From the freedom of new phone policies to the excitement of high school sports and extracurriculars, listen in to hear what the Class of 2030 is looking forward to most. The thoughts, opinions, and views...

Send us Fan Mail Most students admit their favorite part of school isn't the lessons—it's the small moments that make the day worth it. But what if understanding exactly what keeps students motivated could transform how schools engage youth? In this episode, we dive into the candid stories of middle schoolers sharing their favorite teachers, sports, and the quirkiest school policies. You...

Send us Fan Mail Most people think of Australia’s animals as cute or weird—and they are. But beneath the surface lies a world of evolutionary marvels that can only be described as otherworldly. From kangaroos that can pause their pregnancies mid-stride to the elusive platypus, Australia's wildlife is a living testament to nature’s creativity and resilience. And now, a viral seal named Neil —...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secret power of music that hundreds of students are using to boost their mood, focus, and productivity—without leaving their headphones. This episode reveals how diverse tastes—from Radiohead to country legends—can shape your day and even reflect your personality. Imagine having a playlist that helps you conquer stress before a big test, pumps you up during workout sess...

Send us Fan Mail Most school districts struggle to connect with students—until now. Our superintendent, Mr. Allen, drops into the studio to prove he's more than just a suit; he's got the vibe and the vocabulary to match. But can he keep up with Gen Z slang and slang-inspired school policies? Watch as he takes on our rapid-fire language challenge, trying to decode everything from "ri...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how hockey players dominate the game with just 30-second shifts? Curious about the rules behind those intense fights and the incredible speeds on the ice? This episode dives into the fascinating world of hockey, revealing behind-the-scenes insights and surprising stats. Join Madi and a co-host as they explore the raw rules, intense strategies, and hidden culture of hoc...

Send us Fan Mail Most students see their principal as just an authority figure—until you hear Mr. Odom’s story. With a background in small-town Texas, he shares why safety and connection are at the heart of great leadership, and how his life lessons can inspire even the most reluctant learners. This episode uncovers the real person behind the office—what drives him, how he balances being a parent...

Send us Fan Mail What do you think about school lunch? Is there more to the cafeteria menu than meets the eye? Join Cooper and Colin as they dive into a lively debate, ranking school favorites like pizza, tacos, and chicken nuggets. Discover why a simple cheese pull or crispy chicken sandwich can make a lunch legendary, and learn which foods students avoid. Our hosts compare comfort foods to healt...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, students discuss their field trip to KTAB in Abilene! Students got to meet several people who work in front of the camera and behind the scenes of the news—with a tour of the facility and lots of questions answered. What else would students like to know about working in the news? Listen to find out! The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are t...

Send us Fan Mail Learn about the complexities of the Holy Roman Empire, why it lasted so long, and its relevance in shaping modern Europe. In this episode, students navigate through the murky waters of the Holy Roman Empire, exploring its origins, structure, and the reasons behind its longevity. This exploration will help you understand the often-misunderstood historical entity that has left a las...

Send us Fan Mail Does your teacher know the latest trends, or are they stuck in a time capsule? In today’s episode, students share about the intersection of classroom learning and modern pop culture.  The Slang Struggle: Why hearing a teacher use current slang feels so... different. Pop Culture Gaps: The transition from classic cinema to modern streaming trends. Tech Literacy: How teachers are (or...

Send us Fan Mail It's testing season! How do students really feel about the STAAR test? In this episode, 8th-grade students share their honest opinions about state testing.  They'll talk: anxiety , insomnia , forgetfulness , and more . How do you feel about state testing? Listen to this episode and let us know your thoughts! The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are...