Amazing Education Podcast

On this episode, we were joined by Anna Brooks, the Career and Technical Education Agriculture Teacher at Ames High. We had an amazing conversation about agriculture education, student’s evolving interest in agriculture, the FFA program, and shaping future leaders at Ames High.

On this episode, we were joined by Kathy Geis, Homeschool Assistance Program Coordinator for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about homeschooling in the District, her role as the HSAP coordinator, and the different options available to families in our community.

On this episode, we are joined by Scott Grimes, new Superintendent for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about his vision for the District, plans to engage students, families and the community, how he will measure success as superintendent, and his message for students and families as we go into a new school year.

On today’s episode, we were joined by Dan Rader, Director of Technology for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about K-12 technology, how it has evolved over the years and its impact on education, new tech advancements, and tips for student technology use. 

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High 9th grader, Ella Grail. We had an amazing conversation about being the Iowa winner for the Doodle for Google contest, how she became interested in art, and how she balances both her artwork and school work at the same time. 

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher, Ben Matthies. We had an amazing conversation about the Alternative Learning Program at Ames High, including what is ALP, how it is different from traditional education models, and the role teachers, students, and parents play. 

On today’s episode, we were joined by Ames High Principal Dr. Paul Numedahl. We had an amazing conversation about what inspired him to go into school leadership, the rewarding aspects of his role, and his hopes and aspirations for the future of Ames High.

On this episode, we were joined by Dan Walter, Commander at the Ames Police Department. We had an amazing conversation about our new anonymous reporting tool called P3 Campus, including how the system works collaboratively between the District and Ames PD, and the benefits of having such a system in place.

On this episode, we were joined by Matt Steffen, Ames High’s head girl’s wrestling coach. We had an amazing conversation about what it’s like to coach girl’s wrestling, the increase in participation at Ames High, and advice he would give to future athletes.

On this episode, we were joined by Deani Thomas, director of special education at the Ames CSD. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about the new AMES Center, what will be housed in this new space, how the needs of students directly informed the programming there, and when it will fully open.

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High students Karina Scott, Adalyn McKeag, and Julia Fuerst. We had an amazing conversation about Art Club, how they became involved in art, what influences their work, and how they run a busy club all while being Ames High students. 

On today’s episode, we were joined by Ames High School junior, Miles Peterson. We had an amazing conversation about the technical side of theatre, the skills he has gained both on stage and backstage, and his advice for getting involved at Ames High.

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School junior, Kaylee McClure. We had an amazing conversation about being a recipient of the Abigail Adams award, her involvement with American Heritage Girls, and how important it is for her to give back to her community.

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher and director for the drama program, Melissa Kaufman. We had an amazing conversation about theater aspects, her process for selecting and preparing shows to be performed at Ames High, and how theater helps in the overall education and personal development of students.

On this episode, we were joined by Ames Middle School Principal Boston Freilinger. We had an amazing conversation about his goals as a new principal, the challenges he might face, and how parents and the community can support educational efforts at Ames Middle School. 

On this episode, we were joined by Superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson. We had an amazing conversation about the District’s new attendance initiative, Every Day Counts. We talked about what it means to focus on attendance as a school district and why it’s so important in student success.

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School 2023 graduate, Ali Frandsen. We had an amazing conversation about her track and field success, perseverance, and what the future holds. 

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School students Grace Wu, Fatimah Naraghi, and Lilly Hauge. We had an amazing conversation about DECA, their trip to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, and their many accomplishments. 

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior, David Lee. We had an amazing conversation about being on the YSS Corporate Board of Directors, his training to complete a half Ironman Triathlon, and how being a dreamer led him to love of storytelling. 

On this episode, we were joined by Emily Lair, Career and Technical Education Agriculture teacher at Ames High. We had an amazing conversation about agriculture, changes in technology, and the FFA program. 

On this episode, we were joined by Mary Morton, the Principal at Northwood Preschool Center. We had an amazing conversation about what it's like to be a principal, what makes an effective preschool program, and why parents should choose Northwood. 

On this episode, we were joined by Kate Ringstad, the Transition Alliance Program Coordinator and had an amazing conversation about TAP, why transition planning and education is so important, what families and students need to know about these services, and most of all, how TAP helps students. 

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High Senior, Clara Fields, and had an amazing conversation about what goes into madrigal dinner, what it is like to play the jester, and how being part of this tradition has made her feel connected to her school. 

On this episode, we were joined by Ames CSD Communication Specialist Amy DeLashmutt and had an amazing conversation about the launch our new website, the incredible work that went into it, and how this website is integral with our other communications strategies.

On this episode, we were joined by Ames CSD Superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson and had an amazing conversation about his 100-Day Entry Plan, the importance of building relationships in the community, and some of the big rocks for this school year.