HCS Talks - featuring Superintendent, Dr. Raymond Haynes

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Kara Hart, school counselor at Bryan Elementary School, who was recently named the Virginia Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Hart shares her journey into school counseling, the importance of building strong relationships with students and families, and how counseling supports the academic, social, and emotional...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Col. Steven Dillenburger, Deputy Commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, to discuss the strong partnership between the military and Hampton City Schools. They explore how the division supports military-connected students and families, the importance of adaptability and resilience, and the shared commitment to student s...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Hampton High School freshmen Sheldon Wallace and Khyler Synaker about their student-led initiative, Cuts and Conversations . What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful program that provides free haircuts alongside meaningful conversations to support student confidence, mental health, and a sense of belonging....

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Dr. Dan Bowling, Chief Operations Officer, to discuss the many capital improvement projects happening across Hampton City Schools. They explore how renovations, upgrades, and long-term planning are transforming school facilities into modern, safe, and engaging learning environments. From infrastructure updates to futur...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Shawn Battle and Ava Tanner, students in Bethel High School’s Academy of Law & Public Safety (ALPS), about their experiences exploring careers in law, public safety, and leadership. They share how the program provides hands-on learning, real-world connections, and opportunities to build critical thinking and communica...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is interviewed by Sa'Mayah O’Neal, an eighth-grade student at Syms Middle School and member of the Spartan Times student newspaper, alongside advisor and English teacher Allisa Wyche. Sa'Mayah leads the conversation with thoughtful questions about Dr. Haynes’ journey, leadership, and vision for Hampton City Schools. From favorite tea...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is joined by Shameka Pollard, chief of secondary school leadership, and Dr. Sean Callender, director of secondary school leadership, to discuss how Hampton City Schools is expanding access to dual enrollment and career certification opportunities. They explain how partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College allow students...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes chats with Brandon Jones, senior director for school partnerships and outreach for Christopher Newport University and Dr. Veronica Hurd, director of the Academies of Hampton, about how Hampton City Schools is strengthening student leadership across grade levels. They discuss the partnership with CNU, which connects college students w...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Dr. Bruce Copeland, Hampton City Schools’ Coordinator of Social Work Services, about the critical role social workers play in supporting students and families across the division. Dr. Copeland shares how HCS social workers address mental health needs, remove barriers to learning, and connect families with essential resour...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is joined by Dr. John Caggiano, deputy superintendent and chief of staff, and Dr. James T. Harris, chief academic officer, to break down Virginia’s new accreditation and accountability model. They explain how the updated system measures student achievement, growth, and readiness for life after high school, while highlighting how Hamp...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Project SEARCH instructor Ashley Colon and graduate Tyree Fullerton. They share how Project SEARCH supports students with disabilities as they transition from high school to competitive employment. Tyree shares his powerful personal journey from uncertainty and loss to confidence, purpose, and meaningful work as a Hamp...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Emmanuelle Poulson, third-grade teacher and climate coach at Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology. Poulson shares her journey from Brooklyn to Hampton, her passion for elementary education, and the teachers who inspired her to enter the profession. This uplifting conversation celebrates the heart of teaching, mentorship, and t...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Jessica Hanthorn, English teacher and yearbook advisor at Kecoughtan High School. Hanthorn shares her unique journey from journalist to educator, including teaching across the world as a Navy spouse in places like Hawaii, Seattle, and Bahrain. She discusses how storytelling, writing, and real-world experiences shape her classroom, helpi...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Hampton City Schools’ student representatives to the School Board, Kaleb Lucas of Phoebus High School and Saige Holden of Bethel High School. They discuss student leadership, community service, and what it means to represent their peers across the division. From balancing academics and extracurriculars to inspiring future leaders, th...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Ashley Winfield, English teacher at Phoebus High School and Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 High School Teacher of the Year. A proud Bethel High graduate, Winfield shares her journey into education, her passion for supporting students with disabilities, and the teachers who inspired her along the way. She discusses how the Academies of...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Stacey-Ann Facey, Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 Middle School Teacher of the Year from Lindsay Middle School. Facey shares her journey from Jamaica to Massachusetts to Hampton, her passion for teaching English language arts, and the relationships she builds to help students see their value and potential. She reflects on her humble app...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Shante Jackson, Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 Division Teacher of the Year and first grade teacher at Bassette Elementary School. Jackson shares her journey from Georgia and Germany to Hampton, her passion for teaching young learners, and the joy she finds in their honesty and curiosity. She talks about creating engaging classroom tra...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Kristin Jennings, pharmacy manager, and Misha Hack, wellness coach, about the Hampton City Schools Employee Pharmacy and Health and Wellness Center. They share how these resources save employees money on prescriptions, provide affordable over-the-counter items, and offer vaccines on site. Heck discusses her work with stress management,...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Betsy McAllister, STEM Teacher Specialist for Hampton City Schools and Educator-in-Residence at the National Institute of Aerospace. McAllister shares how she connects classrooms with real-world science and technology through partnerships with NASA, environmental projects, and hands-on learning opportunities. She reflects on building a...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Andre Griffin, a Hampton native and graduate of Phoebus High School who has returned home to teach at Machen Elementary School. Griffin shares his unique journey from working in professional sports with the Houston Rockets to finding his passion in education. He reflects on the teachers and experiences that shaped him,...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is joined by Carrie Battista, director of student health services, and Carla Mahn, director of student development and counseling, to discuss strategies for a healthy and successful return to school. They share practical tips on managing stress, building routines, and balancing academics with self-care. The conversation highlights th...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with high school seniors as they reflect on their “last first day” of school. The students share their mix of emotions—from excitement and pride to a bit of nervousness—as they step into their final year. They talk about their goals for senior year, memories from their time in Hampton City Schools, and what they’re looking...

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes kicks off season 3 by visiting with elementary and middle school students on their very first day of school. The students share their excitement, nerves, and what they’re most looking forward to this year. From meeting new teachers to making friends and exploring new classes, their voices capture the joy and anticipation of a fresh st...

In this final episode of Season 2 of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes reconnects with Dr. Brittny Gainey, Hampton City Schools social worker and licensed clinical social worker, for a thoughtful wrap-up to the school year. Dr. Gainey shares insights on the emotions students and staff may be feeling as summer begins, offers practical tips for decompressing, and discusses ways families can...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Nirmani and Nishtha Brahmbhatt, twin sisters and co-valedictorians of the Hampton High School Class of 2025. They reflect on their academic journey, from elementary school through the IB Academy, and share what motivated them to succeed. The sisters discuss their sibling dynamic, the importance of staying focused, and their f...