LFCS Talks

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with the Junior Academy’s newest Administrator Caleb Jappe, a familiar face who’s coming full circle after years of dedication to LFCS. Once a beloved math teacher, he’s now stepping into leadership with a deep love for the community that shaped him. From his early days as a young educator, to the lessons learned in the classroom, to lessons learned as a fath...

In this engaging episode of LFCS Talks, hosts Troy, Justin, and Gail explore the vital role of character development at LFCS. Discover how character forms the cornerstone of our educational approach, the specific traits and values we instill, and their profound impact on our daily program. This episode delves into the essence of LFCS’s mission and philosophy. Tune in for an insightful discussion y...

Tune in as Troy Beyer welcomes Andres Jimenez, a longtime LCHS teacher and the new Assistant Principal at Liberty Charter High School. In this engaging conversation, they explore Andres' background, values, and vision. We're thrilled to have Andres on the administrative team and can’t wait for you to learn more about him! Host:  Troy Beyer Guests:  Andres Jimenez  - LCHS Administrator

Join Troy Beyer, Danny Sanchez, and Andres Jimenez in an engaging podcast featuring three dynamic voices exploring the post-high school journey! In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of career paths and college options, offering practical insights for navigating life after graduation. A key focus is the role of AI in transforming the workforce, emphasizing why character, morals, and...

Join literacy experts Caralyn Blaker and Sarah Burmeister in this engaging podcast, Teaching Children to Read, as they explore evidence-based methods for fostering reading skills in children of all ages. Whether at home or in the classroom, Caralyn and Sarah share practical strategies, from phonics and phonemic awareness to comprehension-building techniques, tailored to support young readers at ev...

In this episode of the LFCS Talks podcast Troy sits down with two of LFCS's great teachers and discusses the very complicated topic of "What Do Kids Really Need". In this episode the team digs deep into the nuanced details of the topic. They discuss how much help to kids need, how much is too much or not enough, what does emotionally supporting kids look like, what kind of physical...

In this episode of LFCS Talks Troy has the opportunity to chat with two of LFCS team leads. Leslie Haas is our 4th grade team lead and Meagan Parnell is our 3rd grade team lead. Join the conversation to hear what 3rd and 4th grade is like at LFCS.  They also side track on several very valuable tangents about student performance, student success, parent involvement, and the relationship between stu...

In this episode of the LFCS talks podcast Troy brings in John Luzzi (Vice Principal LCHS) and Jon Abbas (PE teacher, LC Teacher, and lots more) to talk about many things LCHS.  The stories of both these men and their stories at LCHS are inspiring and insightful. There are so many great things going on at the High School we figured it would be a great topic for the podcast. We spend a lot of time t...

In this episode of the LFCS talk podcast, Troy interviews two of LFCS's bright starts, Kim Pepin and Allie Senterfitt, about the daily activities of an LFCS classroom. There are so many details and deliberate processes that go in to educating, nurturing, igniting, and equipping students for future success. This episode is a great time and today guests share invaluable information.  If you&apo...

Welcome Debbie Bailey to the podcast. Debbie is the President of the Parent Team Leadership Council (PTLC). In this episode we dig into the details of all things PTLC, what PTLC does, what events do they put on, how to volunteer with PTLC, and so much more. The PTLC is a huge part of why LFCS is a great place to be and there are ways for any parent who wants to be involved. Enjoy this conversation...

This episode of LFCS Talks is blazing a new path for the podcast. In this episode Debbie Beyer and Steve Robinson dive into the deep end of Charter School fundamentals. If you've ever wondered what it takes to start and run a charter, this is the episode that you've been waiting for. This episode should be a prerequisite for anyone wanting to send their child to a charter or work at a Ch...

In this episode we talk with Kim Pepin, the newest member of the LFCS Admin Team. She has held roles at LFCS ranging from Kindergarten Teacher to P.E. Teacher to 5th Grade Lead Teacher and more. This is another don't miss episode where Kim digs into why she does what she does. Her experience at LFCS will be a huge asset to our team.  Don't miss this opportunity to listen to insights from...

In this episode Troy sits down with Dr. Stacey Harrell and talks about her 23 years of experience with LFCS as a founding LFCS staff member. Dr. Harrell has served students at LFCS since the very beginning. She has taught 2nd grade, run our counseling program, been the lead for our math department, mentored many of our staff, and a great deal more. Don't miss this opportunity to listen to the...

Welcome back to the first episode of season two of the LFCS Talks podcast. In this episode Troy Beyer interviews our Freedom Academy Administrator, Amanda Icenhower. Amanda has been with LFCS for 13 years and has done everything from teach in a 1st grade classroom to be the first and founding member of the Freedom Academy Homeschool team. Troy and Amanda take a deep dive into what homeschool is, t...

Welcome to the long anticipated Part 2 of the Jerry Keough interview!!! Jerry Keough is one of our leading founders of Literacy First. Jerry is responsible for building the foundation that we still stand on. He taught 3rd grade in his first year, was the Chief Business officer for 21 years, managed the purchase of all the campuses we currently own, and has (and still does) mentored many those who...

Welcome to the long anticipated Jerry Keough interview!!! Jerry Keough is one of our leading founders of Literacy First. Jerry is responsible for building the foundation that we still stand on. He taught 3rd grade in his first year, was the Chief Business officer for 21 years, managed the purchase of all the campuses we currently own, and has (and still does) mentored many those who lead LFCS toda...

In this episode of the LFCS Talks podcast Troy sits down for an incredibly powerful interview with Thaiera Slim. Thaiera has been with LFCS since its inception and has the stories to prove it. Thaiera gets into some of the story of how she picked up her family and moved to the United States from Iraq, the value of LFCS to this community, and she even tells some real life stories of what students w...

In this episode Troy talks about all the big events that are coming the week of May 8th through 12th, there is a lot going one around LFCS.  The majority of the podcast includes an interview with 15 year veteran Victor Kempsey. Victor gets into his own story of living all over the world serving others and his passion for making sure safety is taken seriously around LFCS. Victor's commitment a...

Yet another fantastic interview with another long time LFCS Assistant Principal. Jamie Robinson has been at LFCS for 21 years and has the stories to prove it. We dig into Jamie's history with LFCS and the many, MANY roles she has filled here.  Jamie also digs into the specific things she has learned as an administrator of 7th and 8th grades students, including great advice for parents trying...

Today's episode includes John Luzzi, our Vice Principal at Literacy First's Liberty Charter High School. John shares an insight to his long history with LFCS and what drove him to being a teacher then Administrator at LCHS.  John also talks a lot about LCHS, who we are and what he loves about the high school and Alpine. Again this is a don't miss episode.  This podcast serves as a m...

Today's podcast includes a great interview with one of the two Assistant Principals of Liberty Charter High School. Danny Also talks in detail about his many other roles. Danny has been a key part of one of the most successful athletic teams LCHS has seen yet, has taught Spanish, been the academic counselor, and much more.  Danny digs into the high school's move to Alpine and how it &quo...

This week's podcast includes an interview with Justin Stinson. Justin has been with LFCS for 15 years and has taught at almost every campus in grades ranging from 2nd up to 8th grade. Justin is one of the LFCS magic makers. He has brought a dynamic element to the LFCS leadership team that is part of the puzzle that makes LFCS great. You will not regret listening to this fantastic interview. ...

Linn Dunton is the Athletic director for Literacy First Charter Schools. Her role includes responsibilities for students Kindergarten through 12th grade, however most organized sports are 4th grade and above. Listen to Linn describe how she has helped our little charter school athletics program from its infancy to one of the premier athletic programs in the county and in many ways state. She holds...

Welcome to the LFCS podcast, LFCS Talks. Today's episode includes updates on events happening this week such as the 8th grade Washington DC field trip, High School Open House, and more.   The majority of today's episode is an interview with LFCS veteran Gail Stroben. Gail is the Assistant Principal at our Liberty Academy. Prior to being in administration Gail spent many years at LFCS in...

Welcome to the LFCS podcast, LFCS Talks. This podcast will serve a means of consistent communication with our local LFCS family and potentially the outside world. We will be releasing weekly or every other week podcasts that will include updates on current events inside LFCS and interviews with our fantastic staff and other individuals that can add value for our families.  Today's episode inc...