The GIPS Cast

More than just achievement — it's about something bigger. Sage McCallum (GISH Class of 2022), Sophomore & Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share her story of blazing new trails. Along the way, she salutes teachers who changed her life, speaks to her commitment to service, and vision for the future of life in the Navy after college. Because it takes a village t...

Teaching, Learning, and Leading. Bianca Ayala (GISH Class of 2005), Principal at Gates Elementary, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journey of classroom EL teacher to school Principal in the public school district that raised her. Along the way, she shares her passion for student advocacy, her experiences working with student immigrants, and why public education matters. Because every s...

How do you unlock creativity and critical thinking? Poetry might be the answer. Every year 5th Graders across the district explore a Poetry Unit as part of our English Language Arts Curriculum. And it’s really cool to see our students explore poetry — many of them for the first time. At Stolley Park Elementary, they take it to another level. For three years running now, the 5th Grade classes at St...

How do you build champions for life? By raising expectations. Jeff Tomlin, GISH Football Head Coach, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share his mission for inspiring student athletes. With over 30 years of coaching and education under his belt, he knows what it takes to build a team and it starts by choosing not to focus on wins and losses. As Coach T. puts it, "We're building young men, not just...

How do you change the world for the better?... One student at a time. Abel Covarrubias (GISH Class of 2010), Director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy through UNL, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share how his time at Grand Island Senior High changed his trajectory. Along the way, he shares his experiences as an early cohort member in NCPA at GISH, what inspiring first generation univ...

Students are capable of great things... all through the power of words. Joaquin Zihuatanejo, Dallas Poet Laureate & Educator, shares why he wanted to visit Grand Island Senior High to inspire students to find their voice through pursuing college. Amber High and Shalee Lindsey, GIPS GearUp program, join the conversation to unpack what it means to show-up every day and help high school students...

Budget season is here! Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, and Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO, unpack the notable updates and historic developments with the 2023-24 district budget. Along the way, they discuss the district's first lowering of the tax levy in over twenty years, why maintaining staffing support is important, and how the district will be strategic in spending going forward. Because it's about...

Teaching is an adventure. Jessica Whitmire, GISH Financial Management Pathway Teacher, shares her unconventional story of how she ended-up in the classroom with a bunch of teenagers. Along the way, she emphasizes the importance of seeing every student, why classroom creativity matters, and what it's like to be honored as a teacher of the year. Because the best teachers are the ones that connect wi...

It's all about the "why". The 2023-24 school year has arrived and we're hitting the ground running and welcoming students and families back into our schools. One thing we do at Grand Island Public Schools is we pick a theme for each school year. A phrase that helps set the stage for our 1,500+ staff to confidently step into another school year ready to engage our students as they learn, discover,...

Every student deserves to feel like they belong at school. Mrs. Selena Valentine, Principal at Starr Elementary School, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share why public schools are a place where everyone is welcome. Along the way, she shares how her counseling background fuels her approach to education, what supporting teachers actually looks like, and why it's important to celebrate students. Becaus...

For many students, high school is about finding your voice and discovering your passion. Jackie Ruiz-Rodriguez, GISH Class of 2023, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to talk about how she found herself exploring student journalism almost by chance. Along the way, she shares how she found her voice through writing, why everyone deserves to have their story told, and how she balanced writing for the Senior...

Creative expression can be a meaningful thing for a student. You’re going to hear from four Grand Island Senior High students. Specifically, student poets. Jayson, Analee, P.J., & Marissa These four high school students have discovered the power of poetry. Through the Senior High Poetry Club and other opportunities like our GearUp program’s annual poetry slam – these students have found their...

Investing in the next generation of leaders means providing opportunities. Mrs. Tamisha Rose-Osgood, Stolley Park Elementary, and Mrs. Tausha Jones, Wasmer Elementary, join the "The GIPS Cast" to share their expereinces with the Tri-City ASCEND school leadership training program. Along the way, both Tamisha & Tausha share the philosophies of school leadership; the underrated impact of everyday...

Why public education? Because there's meaning in the good work. Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Interim Superintendent, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to dive deep into where the district is headed and the state of public schools across the country. Along the way, he shares the "how" of GIPS is found in its people; why building trust is vital; and how our staff, students, and community can work together to eleva...

Why entrepreneurship?... Because you can make pretty much anything! Mr. Adam Zlomke, Entrepreneurship Pathway Teacher at Grand Island Senior High, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how creativity fuels both his students and his teaching. Along the way, he unpacks the innovative approach of IncubatorEDU, some of the unique ways his students are aiming to solve problems in the world, and why invest...

Why is literacy important? Because it's everything. Dr. Brittney Bills, GIPS K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Brianna Nelson, Gates Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher, join the "The GIPS Cast" to chat about literacy and how it shapes the lives of our students. Along the way, they unpack the difference between reading and literacy; how literacy curriculum contributes to all subject matter learnin...

Summer learning [and summer fun] has never looked like this before. Miss Bianca Ayala, Barr Middle School EL Teacher, and Miss Hannah Luber, Starr Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher, join the "The GIPS Cast" to share excitment for the upcoming Power Camp Summer 2023. Along the way they share what Power Camp looks like for 2nd - 5th Graders, the fun hands-on learning opportunities they'll experience, why...

Science time every day for students AND teachers? Mrs. Anya Covarrubias, GIPS Science Curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Sydney Hespe, Knickrehm Elementary Academic Support Coach, chat with the "The GIPS Cast" on how the district is seeing massive growth in Science proficiency across the board. Along the way, they share why Science is more about the "how's" and "why's"; the impact of dedicated daily...

Where would we be without the arts? Peter Palermo (GISH Class of 1983), Executive Director of the Sheldon Arts Foundation in St. Louis, joins "The GIPS Cast" to share his story of art, public education, and celebrating creativity. Palermo affirms the life-changing trajectory that arts opportunities bring to students and urges listeners to remember the power of tapping into our creative side. He al...

How do you make a difference in your community? Joseline Reyna (GISH Class of 2014), Community Organizer of YWCA and Community Engagement Coordinator for Leadership Unlimited, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her story of immigration, education, and advocacy. Reyna speaks to the challenges and opportunities she experienced as a student. She also shares her passion for building bridges in th...

How do you transform the internet AND empower students? Ben Pankonin (GISH Class of 1998), CEO & Founder of Class Intercom, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share how his time at GIPS shaped his journey to Silicon Prairie. Along the way, he expands on why Class Intercom exists and how it strengthens student opporutnities. He also shares a vision for what the future of educational storytelling...

SHow do you energize students and staff to celebrate Math? Dr. Danielle Buhrman, GIPS Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Danielle Dudo, Newell Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, sit down with "The GIPS Cast" to share how tackling standards starts by breaking the stigma around math. Along the way, they share the exciting growth in math we're seeing districtwide; how standards impact classroom...

How do you help students see their potential? Mr. Jacob Morrow, School Counselor at Westridge Middle School, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share how unlocking potential is key in the middle school. Along the way, he shares about taking 40 students to their first-ever college visit; the opportunity found in formational years; and the depth of dedication that teachers carry. Because the daily wo...

How do you unlock learning for every student? Mr. Kevin Butters, 5th Grade Teacher at Stolley Park Elementary, joins The GIPS Cast to share how he took the not-so-traditional path to teaching. Along the way, he shares stories of fascinating classroom chaos; helping students handle societal expectations; and sharing the wonders of poetry. Because in the expert profession of teaching every day bring...

What does it look like to champion every student? Miss Nichole Kraus, EL Teacher at Walnut, joins the GIPS Cast to share her story of encountering the world in her classroom. Along the way, she speaks to the strength found in cultural diversity; why teaching isn't a "one size fits all" sort of thing; and how traveling to South Korea through the Fulbright-Hays program made her a better educator. Be...