The Frisco ISD Podcast

In this “Flourishing in Frisco” episode, we sit down with Carlos Sanchez, the head custodian at Rogers Elementary, to discuss the role of a custodian and what keeps him going each day.

In this episode, we’re joined by Meridith Manis from our Teaching and Learning Department and Valarie Edwards, a FISD parent, to discuss the District’s Parent Academy. From what it is to the biggest takeaways thus far, this is an episode you can’t miss!

In this episode, we’re introducing you to Brianna Hamilton, a junior at Centennial High School, who shares her experience as a student-athlete in Frisco ISD. As a standout volleyball player, she shares her favorite aspects of the sport and provides insight on how participation in athletics builds leadership skills.

You’ve likely heard the terms project-based learning, inquiry-based learning and standards-based practices, but do you know what they really mean? In this episode, two of Frisco ISD’s educational leaders define these terms and a handful of other buzzwords used in classrooms across the District.

In this episode, we’re joined by Frisco High School’s librarian, Mindy Purcell, to learn how she is “Flourishing in Frisco.'' Listen along as Mindy shares how she’s cultivating a library experience that spans beyond the books on the shelves.

With over 66,000 students in Frisco ISD, there are hundreds of ways our community members can make a difference with our students. In this episode, we're joined by Randall Ford, Kelly Hemenway and Allison Miller as we highlight the various ways the greater community can get involved at our campuses by signing up volunteer opportunities.

We’re kicking off a new installment of episodes within our usual podcast episode rotation where we introduce you to some of the people who make our District unique….students and staff who are “Flourishing in Frisco.” In this episode, we sit down with Angel Trevino, the cafe supervisor at Minett Elementary, who found the perfect fit with a job serving healthy breakfast and lunch to our students.

As we look forward to opening two new schools this month, our first episode of the school year provides a glimpse into our campus opening process, including the value of student input, how a name is selected and the excitement behind building traditions.

In our 14th episode, we’re joined once again by Kimberly Smith to dive into the compensation and retention plans included in the proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year.

In our 13th episode, we’re joined by KeVonna Scott, Frisco ISD’s alumni specialist, and Zakiyah Johnson, a 2009 graduate of Frisco High School, to discuss the purpose and benefits of the District’s Alumni Network.

In this episode, we’re joined by Frisco ISD’s Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Smith to discuss the District’s annual budgeting process, its evolving nature and the prioritization of needs across FISD.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Wes Cunningham, Donnie Wiseman and Lauren Haddox to discuss what HB 4545 requires of districts statewide, the implications of missing STAAR tests this year and the vast teacher burnout contributed by the new law.

In our tenth episode, we sit down with Bethany Birdwell, principal of the Early Childhood School (ECS), and Melissa Ellis, assistant director of early childhood instruction, to discuss the programs and resources available at ECS as well as the District’s full-day prekindergarten programming. The pair also provide details on how our community can identify a need for instructional support and servic...

In this episode, we’re joined by Pete Hazzard, managing director of fine arts, and Chris Cansler, assistant director of fine arts, to discuss the collaborative nature of our fine arts programs and the impact the arts can have on the educational experience of students.

In this episode, we’re joined by Frisco ISD’s Athletic Director Grace McDowell to chat about the recent UIL realignment, the District’s new swim facility and the impact athletic participation can have on the educational experience of students.

Frisco ISD’s Chief Academic Officer Wes Cunningham, Director of Innovative Learning Tiffany Carey and Managing Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning Meridith Manis joins us to discuss the FISD+ programming, application process and more.

Frisco ISD’s Director of Emergency Management Jon Bodie joins us to discuss the District’s emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Frisco ISD’s Deputy Superintendent of Business and Operations Dr. Todd Fouche joins us to discuss the rezoning process and what it means for families within our District.

In this episode, we’re joined by Allison Miller, director of the Frisco Education Foundation (FEF), who provides a look into how FEF supports the staff and students of Frisco ISD, and shares what the community can do to be more informed of their efforts.

Frisco ISD Managing Director of Guidance and Counseling Dr. Stephanie Cook joins us to discuss the meaning of social-emotional learning (SEL) and shares how parents can support their students through their SEL journey.

In our second episode, we’re joined by Board President René Archambault and Vice President John Classe to discuss the joys and challenges of being a member of the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees.

In our very first episode, Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip shares what the role of superintendent is like, dives into what it means to be future-ready and discusses his goals for the District this school year.