HCS Talks - featuring Superintendent, Dr. Raymond Haynes

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Bethel High School seniors Nyssiah Rhodes and Matthew Coleman, both students in the Academy of Law and Public Safety. They share how the academy has shaped their goals of becoming attorneys and reflect on their growth through hands-on experiences like mock trials, courtroom simulations, and guest speakers. The students talk a...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Carl Francis, director of communications and strategic partnerships for the NFL Players Association and co-founder of the Hampton Roads Youth Foundation. A proud Hampton City Schools graduate, Francis shares his inspiring journey from aspiring athlete to national leader in sports and youth development. He highlights the found...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Michele Vinnie, K-12 mathematics curriculum leader for Hampton City Schools who was selected to be an Air Force Thunderbirds' Hometown Hero. A proud Hampton native and former Phoebus High and CNU basketball standout, Vinnie reflects on her journey in education and the leadership values that earned her this national recognitio...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Dr. Jennifer Thomason, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, to discuss the process behind creating the Hampton City Schools calendar. Dr. Thomason explains how the calendar committee balances instructional time, state requirements, and stakeholder input while coordinating with surrounding school districts....

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with two middle school students who had the unique opportunity to serve as pages in the Virginia General Assembly. Jones Magnet Middle School eighth-graders Sylvester Powell and Christian Mason were two of four HCS students who participated in the page program. They share their experiences assisting legislators on the House flo...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes chats with Phoebus High School seniors Robert Staton III and Destinee Jones about their experiences in the Virginia Peninsula Community College Academy of the College Experience. They share their journeys balancing high school and college coursework, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their plans after earning both an associate degree...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Col. Matt Altman about his leadership journey and the lessons he has learned throughout his career. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and service, as well as how these values shape both military and educational communities. They also highlight the upcoming Air Show at the end of April and recognize April...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Sharon Slater, principal of Jones Magnet Middle School, to discuss the unique challenges and rewards of middle school education. Slater reflects on her 14 years as a principal and how middle school has evolved to focus on whole-child development, social-emotional learning, and real-world problem-solving. She highlights the...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Hampton High freshman and standout wrestler Hayden Shelley. Shelley shares her journey into wrestling, inspired by her brother, and the challenges she faced competing against larger opponents. She reflects on her experiences at the state competition, the discipline and mental toughness wrestling has taught her, and her fut...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Dr. Jennifer Oliver, director of community and government relations for Hampton City Schools. Dr. Oliver shares how the district fosters strong partnerships with local businesses, government officials, and community organizations to support student success. She highlights key initiatives like the Community Priorities W...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Jasmin Royal, principal of Aberdeen Elementary, and Dr. Jarad Munroe, principal of Phillips Elementary, about their first year in leadership. They share their journeys into education, the lessons they’ve learned, and the surprises of stepping into the principal role. Both discuss the importance of building relationships with...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Brittany Branch, chief financial officer for Hampton City Schools, to break down the district’s $350 million budget. Branch explains how school funding works, key budget priorities, and the challenges of balancing financial needs while ensuring competitive salaries and safe learning environments. She also shares insights o...

In this special Throwback Thursday episode of HCS Talks , we revisit a fun and unforgettable moment when Dr. Haynes had the script flipped on him. Moton PreK students took over as interviewers, asking the superintendent some of their most curious questions—including plenty about his lack of hair! With humor and honesty, Dr. Haynes engages with these young minds, proving that kids really do say the...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Loranda Jenifer, an associate teacher at Mary T. Christian Elementary School. Jenifer shares her journey into education, which she describes as a calling rather than a career choice. She reflects on the importance of building relationships with students, fostering a positive classroom environment, and embracing the challenges...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Emma Freakley, a second-year eighth-grade science teacher at Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8. Freakley shares her journey from the University of Mary Washington to Hampton City Schools, reflecting on her experiences, mentorship, and the importance of building strong relationships with students. She discusses the impact of hands-o...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Phoebus High School seniors Kaleb Tillery and Markus Hopson, standout players from the 2024 state championship football team. They share their experiences leading the team to a historic fourth consecutive title, reflecting on the bonds they’ve built, lessons learned, and the support of their coaches and community. Kaleb an...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Carla Mahn, director of student development and counseling, about the essential role of school counselors. Mahn discusses how counselors support students' academic, social, and emotional growth at every grade level, from teaching emotional regulation in elementary school to preparing high schoolers for college, careers, a...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Darrin Wills, Director of Transportation for Hampton City Schools, to discuss the vital role of school transportation. Wills shares insights into the daily operations, safety measures, and the dedication required to ensure students arrive to and from school safely. They talk about the importance of teamwork, technology, an...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes welcomes the Honorable Jimmy Gray, newly elected Mayor of Hampton, to discuss his vision for the city. Mayor Gray reflects on his 32-year career in public service, his time as fire chief, and his transition into leadership roles within the city. He highlights the strong partnership between Hampton City Schools and local government, empha...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Eric Brown, head coach of the Hampton High School boys basketball team, to discuss their journey to winning the 2024 Virginia High School League Class 4 State Championship. Coach Brown reflects on the team’s togetherness, resilience, and the key moments that defined their championship season. He shares his coaching philoso...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Dr. LaTonya Russell, Director of Medical Operations for the Sentara Community Care Program. Dr. Russell discusses the new telehealth initiative at Hampton City Schools, designed to provide accessible healthcare services to students and staff directly within schools. She highlights the program’s goal to reduce absenteeism, sup...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes chats with Sharon Radford, Coordinator of Restorative Practices at Hampton City Schools. Radford discusses how restorative practices strengthen relationships, build community, and empower students and teachers to address conflicts collaboratively. She shares inspiring success stories and explains how these practices are reshaping school...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes chats with Francesca Conley-Mitchell, the 2024 Hampton City Schools High School Teacher of the Year from Hampton High. Conley-Mitchell shares her journey from Mississippi to Virginia, her philosophy of treating students with respect and love, and her commitment to making a difference. She reflects on building connections with students in...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes sits down with Sheryl McLaughlin, the 2024 Hampton City Schools Teacher of the Year from Jones Magnet Middle School. McLaughlin shares her journey as an educator, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, fostering a love for science, and creating a supportive environment for her students. She discusses how she inspires middl...

In this episode of HCS Talks , Superintendent Raymond Haynes speaks with Elda Garcia, Phillips Elementary Teacher of the Year and the 2024 Hampton City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year. Garcia, a music educator at Phillips Elementary, shares her passion for teaching, her journey from Texas to Virginia, and the impact of music on young learners. She highlights the importance of fostering crea...