NCWHS podCATS

Co-hosts Ben Jorczak and Zion Russell join the show to discuss several topics such as their future endeavors and  their most impactful classes and teachers (0:00-12:18) . Next, we are joined by Normal West Assistant Principal, Mr. Gliege to discuss his time at West and his future in education (12:19-36:36). We finish with a sports game called “Start, bench, cut” (36:37-54:19). Enjoy!

Please don't miss this opportunity to find out more about the Foreign Language Department and teachers Frau Higby, Senora Galvan and Madame Klieber.

Co-hosts Corinna Thomas and Sofi Benitez join the show to discuss several topics such as the eclipse, how they prepared for the SAT and our thoughts on cell phones in the classroom (0:00 - 23:14). Next, we interview Mrs. Karen Shaw, Seth Meyer and Faith Streily to discuss the upcoming Spring Musical, Shrek. (23:24 - 44:17).  We end the podcast with  “Random Trivia”. (44:28 - 59:36) Enjoy!

This week's department spotlight is with the Family and Consumer Sciences department. We are joined by Mrs. Lehr, Mrs. Suddarth and Mrs. Webster.  Take a listen and get to know more about how they became teachers, what they love about teaching Family and Consumer Sciences and what their hobbies are outside of school! Enjoy!

This week's department spotlight is with the English department. We are joined by Mrs. Gerard, Mrs. Mackinson and Mr. Kroesch.  Take a listen and get to know more about how they became teachers, what they love about teaching English and what their hobbies are outside of school! Enjoy!

Co-hosts Mallory Witzemann and Natalie Nenne  join the show to discuss all the clubs at NCWHS we have available, how to join them, and how to start one (0:00 - 13:04). Next, we interview Mrs. Natalie Spath, Voltaire Grant, and Leah Smolen to discuss the return of The Paw Print (13:10 - 34:26).  We end the podcast with a “Spring Trivia” and talk a lot about flowers! (34:32 - 48:36) Enjoy!

In this Department Spotlight, we interview Art teacher Ali Acuyz, Julie Hinman and Kailey Peterson. Don't miss this opportunity to get to know more about the Art Department, its teachers and what the department has to offer.

Co-hosts Zion Russell and Ben Jorczak  join the show to discuss how they’re dealing with senioritis and give their perspectives on it (0:00 - 9:22). Next, we have a friendly competition that revolves around the Super Bowl props and make our predictions for the big game (9:32-18:50).  Next, we interview cheer coaches Anna Peterson and Lily Givens along with Bode Reed, Charli Wright and Lindsey Stoe...

Every other week, on weeks that the traditional podCATS podcast is not dropped, we will spotlight one or two departments at Normal West. In these spotlights we will get to know some of the teachers, courses, and other important elements of that department. We are starting with the Business Department and are interviewing Mrs. Maynerich, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Piepenbrink. We hope you enjoy these spo...

Ms. Angie Codron, Ms. Becky Frangella, E-Learning Discussion and Pet Peeves Co-hosts Corinna Thomas and Sofi Benitez join the show to discuss what they like and dislike about e-learning (0:00 - 14:37). Next, we are joined by our Principal Ms. Angie Codron and our Associate Principal, Ms. Becky Frangella to talk about their new roles at West and get to know them a little bit more (14:50 - 40:51). ...

Co-hosts Natalie Nenne and Mallory Witzemann join the show to discuss growing up and what they notice about their transition into adulthood. (0:00 - 16:44). Next, we are joined by former Normal West Principal, Dave Johnson, to see how he is doing in his new role as Superintendent at Fieldcrest and find out what he misses about West (16:53-31:26).  We then finish with a game of “Disney Trivia” (31:...

New co-hosts Ben Jorczak and Zion Russell join the show to discuss school safety within the building. (0:00 - 19:12). Next, we are joined by Officer Cowley to discuss the school safety issue from his perspective and he gives important advice(19:20 - 37:10).  Mr. Burgess is then joined by Zion, Ben and Mr. Matthews to play some generational trivia. Who will come out on top? (37:20 - 49:39).

Sofi Benitez and Corinna Thomas join the show and discuss what it’s like to be a senior and how it’s different from last year (0:00 - 21:28). Next, we are joined by Coach Mueller, Ellie Rink and Reanne Cupples to discuss their super successful year so far (21:29-36:55).  The crew finishes up having a “favorite things about fall” draft. (36:56-49:18).

Natalie Nenne, Mallory Witzemann, and Mrs. Maynerich join the show for the 1st time and discuss how Homecoming went and what they enjoyed most.  The group also discusses their take on the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift “relationship” (0:00 - 14:14). Next, Mr. Franz is joined by Trey Frost and Sam Beirne to discuss their experiences as Homecoming Royalty and what it meant to them. (14:25-23:00).  The cr...

One this weeks episode we take a little behind the scenes interview with our producer and editor Carter Brown as well as music producer TJ Kelley. (0:00 - 12:09) Then we are joined by Miss Amy Copple and Lisa Tomlin to reflect on old times, say goodbye and wish them luck in their retirement, (12:19 - 46:57) finally we wrap things up by saying good bye to you all as this is the final Episode of sea...

On this weeks episode we are joined by Ian Jirk , Ashlyn Hicks & Sydney Sennett to reflect on the time spent and highschool and give some advice to the upcoming freshmen. Next we welcome on the two school psychologists, Kim Wilson and Lauren Goveia to talk about mental health. Make sure to tune in next week for the final episode of this season and of the school year!

On this weeks episode we’re joined by Sofi Benitez and Corinna Thomas to talk about news happening around the school(0:00 - 11:48) We’re then joined by Mrs. Ruff to discuss the prom planning process and the challenges involved with organizing such a big event. (12:02 - 18:50 stamp) Finally, We wrap up by playing a jeopardy style game and guessing fun facts with various degrees of confidence. (19:0...

Ian Jirik joins the show to discuss spring break and how students can keep their minds sharp over break as well as minimize “senioritis” (0:00 - 12:56). Next, Mr. Burgess is joined by head softball coach April Schermann and senior Katie Poehlman to discuss their expectations for the softball season (13:01 - 30:39). Following that, Mr. Franz and Mrs. Maynerich interview Sara Williams and Seth Meyer...

Our two new co-hosts, Tyler Piazza and Jack Rood join the show to discuss their plans after high school along with a quick discussion about the upcoming referendum (0:00 - 13:32). Next, Mr. Matthews & Mr. Burgess are joined by  Amaya Hursey to discuss her involvement as President of Black Student Union, “Not in Our School”, and Promise Council  (13:43 - 27:51). Lastly, Mr. Burgess, M...

Ashlyn Hicks co-hosts the podcast with Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess to go through “Celebrating the Cats” and all the accomplishments that have occurred the last month (0:00 - 9.00). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Kevin Pascal to discuss his battle with cancer and what the donation money has meant to him (9:10 - 19:54). Also, Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess are joined by the 2023 King of He...

Ian Jirk and Mallory Witzemann, join the podcast as co-hosts to discuss why more people should join school clubs and activities (0:00 - 9:12). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mrs. Condron to discuss her current job as an assistant principle and her promotion to principle next year (9:18 - 25:21)  Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Ian & Mallory have a very lively conversation...

Sofi Benitez & Corinna Thomas join the podcast as co-hosts to discuss what ultimately makes a good teacher in their eyes (0:00 - 14:07). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mr. Rumps and Josue Rojas to discuss how the boxing club got started and why it has been so impactful to those in it (14:17 - 35:00). Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Sofi & Corinna draft and debate the best...

Sydney Sennett & Ashlyn Hicks join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about their senioritis with Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess (0:00 -3:42). Next, Mr. Piepenbrink & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mr. Klokkenga and Braelyn Sauder to discuss what the Freshman Mentoring Program means to them (3:51 - 19:11). Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Sydney & Ashlyn discuss their thoughts on the recent changes...

Mallory Witzemann and Sofi Benitez join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about their thoughts on finals with Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz (0:00 -12:13). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Coach Hafermann and Kylen Smith to discuss the big Intercity basketball win and the upcoming season (12:23 - 33:36). Then, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Piepenbrink are joined by Coach Dunn, Meredith Bertsche and...

Ian Jirik & Corinna Thomas join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about what went on at West last week and what you have to look forward to next week throughout the school (0:00 - 3:40). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mrs. Traci Verdrey to discuss her Channel 25 award as well as her Thanksgiving favorites and recommendations (3:50 - 18:04). Mr. Burgess, Mrs. Maynerich & Mall...