Huskie Pack Podcast

Nobody likes taxes. It is one of the few things almost everyone can agree on. But behind every school bus route, classroom teacher, athletic field, robotics team, and learning opportunity is a funding system that many people rarely see or fully understand. In this episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast, Don pulls back the curtain on how school funding actually works and why conversations about taxes,...

🎙️ Huskie Pack Podcast: STEM Takes Flight In this episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck is joined by Director of Friendship, Tom Lockwood, and Director of the Lockwood STEM Center Laura Trombley to explore how Hemlock Public School District is redefining hands-on learning through drones, robotics, and STEM innovation. From the Lockwood STEM Center to new partnershi...

In this episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck and Director of Curriculum & Instruction Lindy Beckman pull back the curtain on why Hemlock isn’t your average school district. From a culture built on “Kids First” and #PullTheSled teamwork, to real-world learning pathways, upgraded facilities, and a relentless focus on student support, they share what it looks lik...

In this episode, we serve up the real story behind Hemlock Boys Tennis — and why now’s the perfect time to get in the game. Whether you’ve never picked up a racquet or you’ve been smashing forehands since middle school, there’s a spot for you on the court.   You’ll hear from current players, coaches, and students who’ve found confidence, community, and competition through tennis. We talk hustle, h...

Turning the Tide: What Now, What Next? In our final episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast series on The Anxious Generation, we shift from reflection to action. After exploring the rise in youth anxiety, the rewiring of childhood through screens, and the impact of culture and technology—we now ask the question that matters most: Where do we go from here? This episode is about solutions. We talk about...

Podcast Drop: Episode 3 of 4 – The Great Rewriting: Rise of the Phone-Based Childhood We’re diving into the third chapter of our 4-part podcast series on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—and this one hits close to home. In this episode, we explore what Haidt calls The Great Rewriting—the cultural shift that took place when smartphones moved from our pockets to our childhoods. We’ll unpack...

🎧 Podcast Drop: Episode 2 of 4 – Let’s Keep the Conversation Going We’re back with Episode 2 in our 4-part podcast series unpacking The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Listen in as we continue the conversation—exploring the impact of technology, culture, and how we can better support today’s youth. Whether you're deep into the book or just joining the discussion, there's something here for...

Our kids are facing challenges like never before, and as parents, educators, and a community, we need to understand why. That’s why our Huskie Pack Podcast is diving into The Anxious Generation, a powerful book that sheds light on the impact of today’s digital world on our children’s well-being. We’re inviting parents to read along with us and join this important conversation with our superintende...

On this episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast, Directors Haltom and Dowdell and Principal Green talk with Superintendent Killingbeck about E-Sports and what we are doing at Hemlock High School. The group talks about getting students involved and engaged in the greater school community. 

Watch this with visuals included to better understand the dialogue by clicking here.    The Essentials of School Finances: Understanding Non-Homestead Millage Join us on this informative episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast, where we dive into the vital world of school finances and taxes. Ever wonder how the money flows within our school district? Or what a "non-homestead millage" actually is? This...

In this insightful episode of "Huskie Pack Podcast," Superintendent Killingbeck sits down with Director of Business Operations Anna Wamack to discuss the upcoming ballot initiative on February 27th, 2024. The focus is the renewal of Hemlock Public School District's non-homestead millage, a key component of the district's annual operating budget, totaling over $1.8 million.   Key Points:   The epis...

Join Communications Intern Jacob Greer and student guests Ana, Luke, and Morgan as they delve into some of the things your kids want you to know about high school. This episode takes you behind the scenes of the Hemlock High School experience, offering valuable insights for parents and students. Tune in for an authentic glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding world of a high schooler.

Join the Huskie Pack Podcast this week as Communications Director Joy McMillan takes over! Hear first-hand stories from special guests Jeremiah Allen and Becky Killingbeck on the transformative effects of Dale Carnegie Leadership Training in their personal and professional development. Tune in now!

In this episode of the Huskie Pack Podcast, the Director of Business Operations and Human Resources hijacks the podcast and talks with Business Specialist Debbie Smith and Human Resource Specialist Wendy Anderson about what they enjoy about working at HPSD and more. 

Attention all eavesdroppers! The Communications Intern takes over the microphone to shed light on the mysterious world of HR. Join Superintendent Don Killingbeck and the sharp-witted Director of Operations and HR, Anna Wamack, as they welcome the Intern Jacob Greer to the show. Get ready for a fly-on-the-wall experience as they delve into HR's inner workings. Trust us; this one's a real buzz-maker...

HPSD Director of Innovation, Technology, and Media Services, Alex Haltom and Superintendent Killingbeck talk with a trio from Apptegy, HPSD communication partners. #huskietastic #bettertogether #since1863 #innovate_collaborate_educate #CommunityofLearners #FETC #EdTech #EdTechChat

HPSD Director of Innovation, Technology, and Media Services, Alex Haltom, talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about innovation. HPSD is the Innovative District of the Year, #MACUL22. This is the third and final episode as part of a multi-episode series in which the two share failures and successes and talk about the future of educational technology. #huskietastic #bettertogether #since1863 #inno...

Hemlock Public School District's Director of Innovation, Technology, and Media Services, Alex Haltom, talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about innovation.  HPSD is the Innovative District of the Year, #MACUL22. This is the second episode as part of a multi-episode series in which the two share failures and successes and talk about the future of educational technology. #huskietastic #bettertoget...

Hemlock Public School District's Director of Innovation, Technology, and Media Services down and talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about the district's recent award, Innovative District of the Year, #MACUL22. This is the first part of a multi-episode series that which the two share failures, and successes, and talk about the future of educational technology. #huskietastic #bettertogether #sinc...

Hemlock Elementary and K.C. Ling Dean Erica VanAlst sits down and talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about supporting students and helping them find their success. 

Hemlock Middle School Dean Noreen Zastrow sits down and talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about supporting students and helping them find their success. 

Hemlock High School Dean Kyle Boros sits down and talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about supporting students and helping them find their success. 

Athletic Report, Fall 2020. In this episode of the Huskie Pack PodCast, Principal/AD, Josh Chase (MS) and Keith Green (HS) sit down and talks with Superintendent Killingbeck about our fall season and things we are working on to improve. 

Do you ever wish you could be a fly on the wall? Well, here is your chance to listen in to a conversation between Motivational Speaker and Leader, Brian Pruitt and Superintendent Killingbeck.    

Superintendent Don Killingbeck talks about the Gladiator Principle and how we need to apply it to our circumstances today. We need to train and learn as our life depends upon it.