The GIPS Cast

"We're making an environment and creating an environment where collectively, we're lifting it together... It's not about wins and losses. It's not about the can or can't. It's about the hard decision to lift it up as a group." What’s next for Girls Basketball at Grand Island Senior High? Kathryn Langrehr, GISH Girls Basketball Coach, and Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director, join The GIPS Cast t...

"There's no shame in getting your hands dirty for your money.  I think the trades are great!  I don't want anybody to ever feel discouraged about being a tradesman or tradeswoman." Bryn Otto (GISH Class of 2022), has been making a splash in the welding arena and [around the world] on social media ever since high school. Bryn sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share his journey from "settling" for w...

"There is intentionality behind all of our activities."  How do students learn to learn? For a few hundred students at GIPS, it starts with Pre-School. Amber O'Hara, Howard Elementary, and Beki Piel, Starr Elementary, are two of the Pre-School Teachers at GIPS.  Both educators join the GIPS Cast to share about the fun taking place in their classrooms but, more importantly, how they empower 4 year...

Preparing graduates for their next chapter.   Grand Island Senior High (GISH) has developed a new Senior Launch Program to help support all graduating Seniors be more confident in venturing to their next chapters after high school. Specifically, how our dedicated staff at GISH and GearUp help Seniors and their families for complete the FAFSA form. Starting this school year, the state of Nebraska h...

Preparando a los graduados para su próximo capítulo.   Grand Island Senior High ha desarrollado un nuevo Programa de Lanzamiento para Estudiantes de último año para ayudar a que todos los estudiantes que se gradúan tengan más confianza para aventurarse en sus próximos capítulos después de la escuela secundaria. Específicamente, cómo nuestro personal dedicado en GISH y GearUp ayuda a las personas m...

"I really believe that we can change the world one child at a time." 34 years deep in public education and Mrs. Thorne still lives that truth every day.  Mrs. Michelle Thorne, Academic Support Coach at Wasmer Elementary, joins The GIPS Cast to share why teaching is the best way to change the world.  She speaks to the importance of welcoming all students while also providing consistent expectations...

"My hope for my kiddos is to jump out for those dreams. Don't give up hope when things get tough. Keep going, keep trying." Nicole Hicken (GISH Class of 2006), has found a way to make a positive impact across a community through the power of dance.  Nicole sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journey of teaching summer dance lessons as a teen in her parents' basement to launching Studio N D...

"Opportunity and chances. That's what we're here for. We're here to remove obstacles; we're here to provide opportunities." Dr. Ken DeFrank is more than an educator, he's an advocate for students. Dr. DeFrank, Principal of Success Academy, joins The GIPS Cast to share his philosophy of education and why alternative learning programs are vital to any public school system.  He shares his experiences...

"My teachers really created that support, that backbone, support for me, and encouraged me to know, it's okay to make mistakes. So for that, I really thank my elementary teachers." Ashley Parra Valencia (GISH Class of 2020), recently return to Grand Island for one reason:  To make a positive impact in the community that gave so much to her.  Ashley sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journ...

"Here within the walls of this public school is where the American dream can really begin for people."  That's why Mr. Balcom believes in the power of public education.  Mr. Nate Balcom, Principal at Newell Elementary School, joins The GIPS Cast to share his committment to cultivating a positive culture for all – students, staff, and families.  He shares his experience going from Media Integration...

Another school budget season is here!   Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, and Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO, join The GIPS Cast again to share an in-depth look at the 2024-25 district budget.  Throughout the conversation they share how nearly 80% of the general fund budget is dedicated to our staff, why GIPS will be lowering its tax levy for the second-straight year, and why school budgeting looks diffe...

"I want you to love learning when you leave my class." That's Mr. Madison's philosophy — sparking curiosity so the learning continues long after you've walked out of his classroom. Mr. Tyler Madison, U.S. History Teacher (8th Grade) at Walnut Middle School, joins The GIPS Cast to share his passion for bringing history to life for students.  He recounts how the Walnut D.C. Diplomats program has gro...

How do we support teachers to teach students? Three of our Educators, Megan Ahrens, Jocelyn Bloom, & Irene Cuellar, joined the podcast to unpack that huge question.  Specifically for Early Childhood Literacy. Throughout the conversation, they share about the important work they're doing with the Kindergarten - 2nd Grade English Language Arts Summer Task Force.  As part of the task force, these...

How do we prepare for a new school year? Two of our school Principals, Jessica Schroeder from Howard Elementary and Kayla Wichman from Westridge Middle School, joined the podcast to answer that very question. Throughout the conversation, they share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the large number of details, tasks, and plans that a school Principal tackles before kicking-off another year of learn...

Before we close the book on the year, it's good to take a moment and reflect. Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, joins The GIPS Cast to do just that.  Along the way he shares insight on how the district came together throughout the necessary budget reduction process, important takeaways from our five-year state accreditation visit, and how our people remain the anchor for all we do. Looking ahe...

There is power in student voices. What’s more, a handful of our GIPS 6th Grade Scholars found their voices showcased on our community’s biggest stage. Why? Because they leaned into their creativity and were bold enough to share their vision for our community. Earlier this Spring, The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grand Island approached us at GIPS asking if we’d be interest...

We write about tragic history so we don't repeat it. Owen Williams, a Junior student and football player at Grand Island Senior High, joins the GIPS Cast to reflect on why writing about the holocaust was an important assignment in Mrs. Butters' class.  Additionally, he shares how Irena Sendler, a social worker in the Polish Underground Resistance rescued 2,500 Jewish children from Warsaw, became t...

Animals, science, early childhood literacy, and writing a book! For the Starr Elementary 3rd Grade Teaching team, curriculum is just the starting point.  Breanna Salinas, Alison Zitterkopf, and Tonia Schmall join The GIPS Cast to share how they brought their collective creativity to the Animal Science unit for their students this year.  Along the way they share how CKLA curriculum connects to scie...

How do you capture a four decade career in a conversation? Mrs. Cindy Wells, Grand Island Senior High Activities Director, joins the GIPS Cast to reflect on the countless students and staff she's supported through 43 years in public education.  Set to retire at the end of this school year, Wells shares her favorite memories, the "day-in-the-life" of an Activities Director, and how it all comes bac...

Cell Phones. We’re addicted to them.  Well, at least most of us are. You’re probably already familiar with the conversation of cell phones at school.  That certainly has been a topic under the microscope this year at GIPS and at Grand Island Senior High. Earlier this school year – at the midway point, in fact – Grand Island Senior High made the intentional move of going “cell phone free” in the cl...

Girls Wrestling is more than a sport — it's a community. Carving her name into the history books, Anyia Roberts became Grand Island Senior High's first ever Girlst Wrestling State Champion this year.  She joins "The GIPS Cast" to share how she found her passion on the wrestling mat and why inspiring the next generation of girl wrestlers matters. Head Coach Jeff Evans joins the conversation as well...

Sharing yourself through music can be a powerful thing. Kevin Parra Vazquez is a Senior at GISH and an accomplished musician. He joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how music changed his life in school. In addition to playing saxophone in a number of brand groups at Senior High, he's recently begun arranging and reinventing old jazz music. His piece, "Stardust", was recently performed at the annual...

CONTENT WARNING: Please note this episode contains discussion about depression, suicide, and seeking support for those struggles. -- Wellness matters. Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Supt., and Rebecca Duran Meyer, Elementary School Social Worker, join The GIPS Cast hoping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. Whether it's breaking down barriers of access to support, or s...

"What is the best way to help our students grow and how can we best ensure student success?" Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, was invited to speak at the annual State of the City event held on February 9th, 2024. He shared insights into the growing academic performance across our schools, a budget reduction snapshot, and updates on the newly relaunched Academies of Grand Island Senior High. We're...

Success is defined by finding your passion and pursuing it. Angel Velasco (GISH Class of 2015), joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how Career Technical Education changed his life. Along the way, he speaks about the importance of finding construction opportunities in high school, how two teachers saw his potential, and how cool it is seeing the community enjoy his work in downtown Grand Island. Bec...