Our School Matters

Mr. Dunn Matters! Mr. Ryden talks to retiring RCHS science teacher Martin Dunn about travel, having a child as a student, and his plans for an eventful retirement. Also discussed is their similar winding paths to becoming teachers after working at Walmart. Recovering Walmart workers UNITE!!!

Mrs. Pixley Matters! Mr. Ryden talks to RCHS art teacher Sue Pixley (a.k.a. Pickles) about her multiple career jumps before landing on teaching and cross-curricular projects. Also discussed is Mr. Ryden and Mrs. Pixley's similar circumstances leading to being raised by a single parent and how that shaped each of their lives.

Mrs. Borah Matters! Mr. Ryden talks to now former history department teacher Taylor Borah about her upcoming transition to Flora High School, teaching during her first pregnancy, and how she navigated some difficult life circumstances while on her journey to becoming an educator.

Ladies, gentlemen, THE PETS matter! Mr. Ryden interview the destined-to-be iconic Olney homegrown band before they perform live in the Richland County Performing Arts Center (in a separate video you should totally check out). They talk about the genesis of their band, their musical influences, and what actual pet each of them identifies with the most. Plus, there is a live performance of Mr. Ryden...

Mrs. Ginder (still) Matters! Mandy returns to kick off season 2 of OSM Mr. Ryden talks with Mandy Ginder about theater productions at RCHS and how AI has affected high school instruction since they last spoke about it on the podcast over a year ago.

Mrs. Winters Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Shannon Winters right before her final class before retirement about her plans for the future, how she feels about her career as she brings it to a close, and how to avoid conversations when you're stuck at a laundry mat. Also, Mr. Ryden tells the same story about theme parks to both Mrs. Winters and Sophia without realizing he did so until he edited the...

Coy Shipman and Maddox Dorn matter! This episode is a double-header with two interviews by Sophia of her now-former fellow students. Coy and Sophia discuss his Freshmen year, cell phones in classrooms, and "Jesus and peas." Then Maddox and Sophia talk about his Senior year, experiences with various sports at RCHS, and cheating on remote exams during COVID. NOTE FROM MR. RYDEN: WE ARE BACK!!! …afte...

Sophia Ranes Matters! In this special episode, Sophia and Jeff pretty much interview each other while they unpack how the Our School Matters project has went so far. Sophia talks about the importance of empathy for students and teachers, her fears about how AI will impact high school students in the future, and what her own future looks like post high school. Also, this episode features an importa...

Chris Simpson Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with outgoing superintendent Mr. Simpson about his long career serving the students of Richland County, overseeing the high school remodel, the challenges of navigating the response to the pandemic, his love of science, and the interconnectivity of all things. Also, Sophia and Jeff introduce the Richland County Community Billboard segment. For the first featu...

Bethany Robichaux Matters! Sophia talks with future rotorcraft pilot Bethany Robichaux about her college and career plans, how COVID affected her high school experience, and senioritis. Also, Sophia and Jeff talk about Sophia's last day of high school and make cool helicopter sounds.

Our Prom Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Amy Rusk and Sheri Grey about what goes into putting on a prom, dancing, orbeez, our own high school prom experiences, and BEES!!!!!!

Steve Rodgers Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Steve Rodgers, aka Captain America, aka The King of Crapper Land about career choices, teaching music, playing in bands for decades, quitting smoking, and, well, crappers! Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss the upcoming RCHS Drama 101 Play, Bedtime Stories (As Told by Our Dad) (Who Messed Them Up). The performance is Saturday May 13th at 6:30 PM in the RCPAC....

Trinity Hoskins Matters! Sophia talks with the main slayer or RCHS, Trinity Hoskins, about bullying, interpersonal relationships, AI, and listening to what students say when making decisions about their schools. Also, Sophia and Jeff reflect on the 2023 RCHS CEO Trade Show and remind high school students to return their library books before Friday, April 5th (or Wednesday the 26th for seniors).

Mrs. Eagleson Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Denyse Eagleson about banned books, classroom management, and a gloriously uncertain future after retirement. Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss the upcoming CEO Trade show and remind you to purchase your yearbook. Go to jostens.com/yearbooks and find RCHS to purchase your yearbook, or email Don't forget to make it out to the Richland County CEO Trade Show th...

Abby Atwood Matters! Sophia talks with Abby about clubs and sports she is active in at RCHS, military service, the SAT, and Choir Cats. Also, Sophia and Jeff talk about Disability Acceptance Week, which starts April 24th.

Mr. Cummins Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Bryan Cummins about responsibility vs. "I don't care" mentality, the pressure facing high school kids today, and his "last" summer break. Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss 2023 CEO Trade Show.

Genevieve Carrey Matters! Sophia talks with Vieve Carrey about dual credit classes, SAT Prep, and small towns. Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss the ERFAE milk jug contest and SPEECH!

Mrs. Ginder Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Mandy Ginder about drama (of the theatre variety), the importance of grace, and dropping dead at our school desks as a retirement option. Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss the Senior Seminar and how cool it sounds when I get really close to the microphone and whisper.

Haylie Roark Matters! Sophia talks with her good friend and fellow student Haylie Roark about (partially) transitioning from homeschool to public school, fitting in, and her future as a college student. Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss an update to a story about a notorious "incident" at a performance of Cinderella. A note about this episode - This was recorded before we updated equipment, and some o...

Profe Marriott Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Theresa Marriott about Spanish language education, the tech that interferes with our interpersonal communication with our students, the value of face-to-face-conversations, the interdogsonal relationships of RCHS teacher's pets, and... well... cancer. Also, Sophia and Jeff discuss Cinderella's musical, Cinderella's Threads, and try to figure out how to...

Sophia and Jeff discuss the creation of the Our School Matters podcast, what listeners can expect from the program, and preview some of the "matters" at RCHS that they will discuss with their guests.

Meet Mr. Ryden and Sophia Ranes, your hosts for season 1 of Our School Matters! - Theme music composed and performed by Evan Irvin.