453 Fireside

Superintendent Dr. Kellen Adams and Director of Public Relations Jake Potter return to the microphones to talk with Leavenworth High's Principal James Vanek, discussing Summer workloads, CTE, PLCs, as well as other topics pertaining to the school's operation and future.

The Kansas Teacher of the Year Team, including Leavenworth's very own Kansas Teacher of the Year Liz Anstine, make a visit to the studio to discuss their experiences thus far and hopes for the future.

Dr. Adams and Jake discuss early February directives and actions specific to the U.S. Department of Education, and the potential impacts on Kansas public schools.

This week’s 453 Fireside is focused on the Accreditation process, with guest Mr. Ryan Bodensteiner, Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning.

Dr. Adams and Jake discuss all-things-SpEd with Director of Special Education, Dr. Cathy Redelberger.

Dr. Adams and Jake discuss various factors that impact the district's decision to cancel school during the winter weather season, and provide an update on ongoing budget reduction considerations in advance of the 25-26 school year.

Jake visits with Noah Brown (Class of 2025), Levi Hanlen (Class of 2024), and sound engineer Christian (Class of 2023) about educational impacts of AI usage in the classroom, as well as their more wide-ranging thoughts about the continued evolution of generative artificial intelligence.

Dr. Adams and Jake visit with Leavenworth High School's CTE Coordinator, Gelia Dodin, to discuss available career pathways for students, as well as internships and real-world job experiences.

Dr. Adams and Jake discuss the shared economic development goals and educational partnership opportunities between the school district and Leavenworth County Development Corporation (LCDC). Guests include Lisa Haack, Executive Director; Diana Dodd, Assistant Director; and Jeremy Greenamyre, LCDC Board President.

Dr. Adams and Jake discuss next year's budget outlook amidst declining student enrollment and increased operational costs.

Dr. Adams and Jake sit down with Earl Lawson Early Education Center's Principal, Stefanie Bourne, to discuss her career, the unique structure of Lawson, and the best roller coasters at Worlds of Fun.

Dr. Adams and Jake visit with Liz Anstine, Leavenworth High School business teacher and 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year about her professional recognition, and challenges and opportunities related to Career and Technical Education.

Dr. Adams and Jake visit with Johny Patwary & Meredith Fallert of Chartwell's, the contracted food service provider for Leavenworth USD 453. They discuss serving nearly 1,000 breakfasts each school day, and nearly 2,200 lunches, in addition to the USDA rules and regulations required for preparation, service, and distribution.

Mr. Kessler visits with Dr. Adams and Jake about the unique opportunities and challenges of serving a campus with approximately 900 students in grades 5th through 8th.

Dr. Adams reflects on key themes and highlights from the first quarter of the 24-25 school year.

Leavenworth County Attorney, Todd Thompson, joins Dr. Adams and Jake for a discussion surrounding legal implications of school threats, cyber crimes, vaping, and chronic absenteeism.

Dr. Adams and Jake visit with Safe and Civil Schools' Jacob Edwards. Mr. Edwards, a former classroom teacher and building principal, is supporting the district's implementation efforts to effectively address student behavior and classroom management to improve academic outcomes.

Jake visits with three cadets from this year's JROTC Raider program about the opportunities for leadership development and sustaining a winning culture. Featured guests are Josh Matcheck, Savannah Mora, and Kole Scott.

Jake visits with three seasoned educators that share a lifelong passion for learning and literacy. Julie Roth, Krystal Taylor, and Leilani Goodridge share their experiences and perspectives specific to teaching students how to read.

Jake visits with three high school seniors (Ruthie Longfellow, Juliet Kile-Wilson, and Alyssa Stenerson) for a wide-ranging conversation covering academics, time management, support systems, school pride, and post-secondary plans, etc.

The funding of public schools can be an incredibly complex topic to fully understand, as local, state, and federal guidelines and requirements are ever-changing. Dr. Adams and Jake visit with Leavenworth USD 453 Chief Financial Officer, Beth Mattox, about the district's annual budget development, identification of needs, and board review/approval process.

Nationwide, schools are increasingly concerned about escalating student behaviors that disrupt the learning environment. Dr. Adams and Jake are joined by Anthony Elementary principal, Kristy Tsen, and Assistant Director of Special Education, Dr. Rebekah Varvel, to discuss implementation of Safe & Civil Schools resources in Leavenworth USD 453 for the 24-25 school year.

USD 453 Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kellen J. Adams, and Director of Public Relations, Jake Potter, introduce the launch of the school district's new podcast "453 Fireside." This episode provides an introduction to Leavenworth Public Schools and summarizes the work leading up to the beginning of a new school year. Please direct feedback to ⁠ 453fireside@lvpioneers.org