Best Adalyn Podcasts (2025)

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#080 - Shaeley Santiago - Supporting Multilingual Learners 24:35

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15d ago24:35

24:35

In this episode, we’re joined by Shaeley Santiago, our English Learner Coordinator, to talk about what effective coaching and support look like for multilingual learners. Shaeley shares how relationship-building, collaboration, and coaching create classrooms where every student, and every teacher, can thrive.…

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#079 - Andy Fecht - Ames High Boys' Wrestling 22:31

1M ago22:31

22:31

In this episode, we talk with Ames High boys wrestling coach Andy Fecht about the growth, culture, and goals of the wrestling program. He shares insights on developing student-athletes, building a strong team mindset, and what’s ahead for Little Cyclone wrestling.By Ames Community School District

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#078 - Adalyn McKeag - World Food Prize Global Youth Institute 26:09

2M ago26:09

26:09

In this episode, we’re talking with Ames High senior Adalyn McKeag, whose passion for food security and environmental sustainability has taken her many places outside the walls of AHS. Join us as Adalyn shares what drives her work, what she’s learned from these experiences, and how she hopes to make a lasting impact.…

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#077 - Anna Fagervik - Family Resources in the Ames CSD 20:39

2M ago20:39

20:39

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Fagervik, a Family Resource Support Advocate and the Homeless Liaison in our District, to learn how she helps families navigate challenges and access vital resources. By building trust and community connections, Anna shares how her work empowers students to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.…

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#076 - Mike Todd - New Science Course At Ames High 22:44

3M ago22:44

22:44

In this episode, Ames High science teacher Mike Todd shares his excitement about receiving a STEM BEST® Program grant. This grant launched a new course he hopes inspires students to see science as a tool for making real change in their communities by tackling issues such as food insecurity and sustainability.…

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#075 - Alex Grapp - Bringing Language Arts Education To Life 25:53

4M ago25:53

25:53

On this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Ames High teacher Alex Grapp. We’re talking about how to bring language arts to life by tapping into what students actually care about, why engagement and enjoyment are game-changers for retention, and the advice Alex has for fellow educators who want to make their classrooms more connected and dynami…

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#074 - Dr. Jeff Hawkins - Collaborative School Leadership 21:21

5M ago21:21

21:21

We’re sitting down with Associate Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hawkins for an amazing conversation on what summer really looks like in school leadership. We’ll dive into how collaborative leadership shapes the school experience for both staff and students, and how we can take that summer momentum and launch into a strong new school year.…

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#073 - Chantal Eulenstein - Amazing Ames High Senior 23:16

7M ago23:16

23:16

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior and class of 2025 graduate Chantal Eulenstein. We had an amazing conversation about the many honors she has received for writing, starting a student newspaper club at the middle school, and the importance of student voices.By Ames Community School District

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#072 - Ananya Balaji - Amazing Ames High Senior 18:57

7M ago18:57

18:57

On this episode, we were joined by Ananya Balaji, Ames High senior and 2025 Coke Scholar. We had an amazing conversation about the process of becoming a Coke Scholar, what impacted her most during her time at Ames High, and her plans for the future.By Ames Community School District

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#071 with Madie Fischer - Amazing Ames High Senior 25:09

8M ago25:09

25:09

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior, Madie Fischer. We had an amazing conversation about winning the Iowa Choral Directors Association composition competition, what it’s like to compose music, her love of fine arts, and her plans for the future.By Ames Community School District

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#070 with Jessica Sharp on Creating a Sense of Belonging 26:37

8M ago26:37

26:37

On this episode, we were joined by Jessica Sharp, principal at Edwards Elementary. We had an amazing conversation about what belonging means in elementary schools, how to support teachers and staff in building strong relationships with students and families, and the role student voice plays in shaping school culture.…

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#069 with Todd Klindt on School PTOs 24:05

8M ago24:05

24:05

On this episode, we were joined by Todd Klindt, former PTO president and engaged parent in our school district. We had an amazing conversation about being a parent volunteer, the role PTO organizations play in our schools, and how parent involvement can positively impact a child’s experience at school.…

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#068 with Eddie McEwan on Math Anxiety 31:12

9M ago31:12

31:12

On this episode, we were joined by Eddie McEwan, a 7th-grade math teacher at Ames Middle School. We had an amazing conversation about math anxiety, its common triggers, teaching strategies to help students, and how to develop a grown mindset when it comes to learning math.By Ames Community School District

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#067 with Eric Sackett on College and Career Readiness 24:52

9M ago24:52

24:52

On this episode, we were joined by Eric Sackett, a college and career transition counselor with DMACC. We had an amazing conversation about his role at Ames High with college and career transition, how he helps students overcome uncertainties, and programs or initiatives that can help students with their next step after high school.…

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#066 with Anna Metcalf about School Nursing 23:25

11M ago23:25

23:25

On this episode, we are joined by Anna Metcalf, school nurse at Ames High School and our nursing staff lead. We had an amazing conversation about her journey to being a school nurse, how her role has evolved, and how she supports the overall health and well-being of students.By Ames Community School District

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#065 with Dunkin Bearson about Being a State Thespian Officer 17:01

11M ago17:01

17:01

On this episode, we were joined by Dunkin Bearson a junior at Ames High School. We had an amazing conversation about his recent honor of becoming one of 5 state thespian officers for 2025, his favorite production and most memorable moments on stage, and how he sees theater shaping his future.By Ames Community School District

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#064 with Kate Engelkes and Chuck Ripley about AHS Speech Club 29:59

1y ago29:59

29:59

On this episode, we were joined by Kate Engelkes and Chuck Ripley, coaches for the Ames High speech program. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about speech at Ames High, what inspired them to become coaches, and the key skill students take away from this experience.By Ames Community School District

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#063 - with Bill Ripp, Founder of the Ames High Alumni Association 27:29

1y ago27:29

27:29

On today’s episode, we are joined by Bill Ripp, former teacher and associate principal at Ames High School, and founder of the Ames High Alumni Association. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about his journey to teaching, working in a school leadership role, and how the alumni association helps keep former students connected.…

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#062 - with Anna Brooks, Agriculture Teacher at Ames High 20:37

1y ago20:37

20:37

On this episode, we were joined by Anna Brooks, the Career and Technical Education Agriculture Teacher at Ames High. We had an amazing conversation about agriculture education, student’s evolving interest in agriculture, the FFA program, and shaping future leaders at Ames High.By Ames Community School District

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#061 - with Kathy Geis about the Homeschool Assistance Program 23:24

1y ago23:24

23:24

On this episode, we were joined by Kathy Geis, Homeschool Assistance Program Coordinator for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about homeschooling in the District, her role as the HSAP coordinator, and the different options available to families in our community.By Ames Community School District

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#060 - with Scott Grimes, New Ames CSD Superintendent 27:33

1+ y ago27:33

27:33

On this episode, we are joined by Scott Grimes, new Superintendent for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about his vision for the District, plans to engage students, families and the community, how he will measure success as superintendent, and his message for students and families as we go into a new school year.…

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#059 - with Dan Rader, Director of Technology 50:31

1+ y ago50:31

50:31

On today’s episode, we were joined by Dan Rader, Director of Technology for the Ames Community School District. We had an amazing conversation about K-12 technology, how it has evolved over the years and its impact on education, new tech advancements, and tips for student technology use.By Ames Community School District

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#058 - with Ames High Student & Artist, Ella Grail 21:44

1+ y ago21:44

21:44

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High 9th grader, Ella Grail. We had an amazing conversation about being the Iowa winner for the Doodle for Google contest, how she became interested in art, and how she balances both her artwork and school work at the same time.By Ames Community School District

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#057 with Ben Matthies about Alternative Learning Program (ALP) 31:58

1+ y ago31:58

31:58

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher, Ben Matthies. We had an amazing conversation about the Alternative Learning Program at Ames High, including what is ALP, how it is different from traditional education models, and the role teachers, students, and parents play.By Ames Community School District

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#056 - with Dr. Numedahl, Ames High Principal 39:28

1+ y ago39:28

39:28

On today’s episode, we were joined by Ames High Principal Dr. Paul Numedahl. We had an amazing conversation about what inspired him to go into school leadership, the rewarding aspects of his role, and his hopes and aspirations for the future of Ames High.By Ames Community School District

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#055 - with Commander Dan Walter about P3 Campus 26:27

1+ y ago26:27

26:27

On this episode, we were joined by Dan Walter, Commander at the Ames Police Department. We had an amazing conversation about our new anonymous reporting tool called P3 Campus, including how the system works collaboratively between the District and Ames PD, and the benefits of having such a system in place.…

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#054 - with Matt Steffen about Ames High Girl's Wrestling 27:33

2y ago27:33

27:33

On this episode, we were joined by Matt Steffen, Ames High’s head girl’s wrestling coach. We had an amazing conversation about what it’s like to coach girl’s wrestling, the increase in participation at Ames High, and advice he would give to future athletes.By Ames Community School District

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#053 - with Deani Thomas About The AMES Center 28:57

2y ago28:57

28:57

On this episode, we were joined by Deani Thomas, director of special education at the Ames CSD. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about the new AMES Center, what will be housed in this new space, how the needs of students directly informed the programming there, and when it will fully open.…

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#052 - with Karina, Adalyn, and Julia about Art Club at Ames High 27:18

2y ago27:18

27:18

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High students Karina Scott, Adalyn McKeag, and Julia Fuerst. We had an amazing conversation about Art Club, how they became involved in art, what influences their work, and how they run a busy club all while being Ames High students.By Ames Community School District

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#051 - Miles Peterson and Behind the Scenes with Theatre 22:46

2y ago22:46

22:46

On today’s episode, we were joined by Ames High School junior, Miles Peterson. We had an amazing conversation about the technical side of theatre, the skills he has gained both on stage and backstage, and his advice for getting involved at Ames High.By Ames Community School District

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#050 - Kaylee McClure and the Abigail Adams Award 17:23

2y ago17:23

17:23

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School junior, Kaylee McClure. We had an amazing conversation about being a recipient of the Abigail Adams award, her involvement with American Heritage Girls, and how important it is for her to give back to her community.By Ames Community School District

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#049 - Ames High Theatre with Melissa Kaufman 31:15

2y ago31:15

31:15

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher and director for the drama program, Melissa Kaufman. We had an amazing conversation about theater aspects, her process for selecting and preparing shows to be performed at Ames High, and how theater helps in the overall education and personal development of students.…

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#048 with Boston Freilinger, Ames Middle School Principal 23:00

2y ago23:00

23:00

On this episode, we were joined by Ames Middle School Principal Boston Freilinger. We had an amazing conversation about his goals as a new principal, the challenges he might face, and how parents and the community can support educational efforts at Ames Middle School.By Ames Community School District

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#047 with Dr. Julious Lawson about Every Day Counts 18:28

2y ago18:28

18:28

On this episode, we were joined by Superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson. We had an amazing conversation about the District’s new attendance initiative, Every Day Counts. We talked about what it means to focus on attendance as a school district and why it’s so important in student success.By Ames Community School District

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#046 with Ali Frandsen 12:26

2+ y ago12:26

12:26

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School 2023 graduate, Ali Frandsen. We had an amazing conversation about her track and field success, perseverance, and what the future holds.By Ames Community School District

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#045 with AHS DECA Students Grace, Fatimah, and Lilly 31:53

2+ y ago31:53

31:53

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High School students Grace Wu, Fatimah Naraghi, and Lilly Hauge. We had an amazing conversation about DECA, their trip to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, and their many accomplishments.By Ames Community School District

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#044 with David Lee, Ames High Senior & Storyteller 44:47

2+ y ago44:47

44:47

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior, David Lee. We had an amazing conversation about being on the YSS Corporate Board of Directors, his training to complete a half Ironman Triathlon, and how being a dreamer led him to love of storytelling.By Ames Community School District

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#043 with Emily Lair and the Agriculture Program at AHS 30:51

2+ y ago30:51

30:51

On this episode, we were joined by Emily Lair, Career and Technical Education Agriculture teacher at Ames High. We had an amazing conversation about agriculture, changes in technology, and the FFA program.By Ames Community School District

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#042 with Mary Morton and the Northwood Preschool Center 24:56

2+ y ago24:56

24:56

On this episode, we were joined by Mary Morton, the Principal at Northwood Preschool Center. We had an amazing conversation about what it's like to be a principal, what makes an effective preschool program, and why parents should choose Northwood.By Ames Community School District

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#041 with Kate Ringstad and the Transition Alliance Program 30:58

3y ago30:58

30:58

On this episode, we were joined by Kate Ringstad, the Transition Alliance Program Coordinator and had an amazing conversation about TAP, why transition planning and education is so important, what families and students need to know about these services, and most of all, how TAP helps students.By Ames Community School District

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#040 - Being the Madrigal Dinner Jester with Clara Fields 18:16

3y ago18:16

18:16

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High Senior, Clara Fields, and had an amazing conversation about what goes into madrigal dinner, what it is like to play the jester, and how being part of this tradition has made her feel connected to her school.By Ames Community School District

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#039 - New Ames CSD Website with Amy DeLashmutt 28:25

3+ y ago28:25

28:25

On this episode, we were joined by Ames CSD Communication Specialist Amy DeLashmutt and had an amazing conversation about the launch our new website, the incredible work that went into it, and how this website is integral with our other communications strategies.By Ames Community School District

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#038 - 100-Day Entry Plan with Dr. Julious Lawson 28:43

3+ y ago28:43

28:43

On this episode, we were joined by Ames CSD Superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson and had an amazing conversation about his 100-Day Entry Plan, the importance of building relationships in the community, and some of the big rocks for this school year.By Ames Community School District

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#037 - Creating Meaningful Art with Lindsay Wede 39:55

3+ y ago39:55

39:55

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High art teacher Lindsay Wede. We had an amazing conversation about how she approaches projects, getting students to engage with the art community, and whether art should be judged.By Ames Community School District

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#036 - Being a Kid Magnet with Laura Clausen 29:39

3+ y ago29:39

29:39

On this episode, we were joined by elementary teacher Laura Clausen. We had an amazing conversation about building relationships with students and what it means to be a kid magnet.By Ames Community School District

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#035 - A Championship Tradition with Vance Downs 34:05

3+ y ago34:05

34:05

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High boys basketball coach, Vance Downs. We had an amazing conversation about this year’s state championship, coaching in general, and then take time to walk down memory lane to revisit some of the most storied teams.By Ames Community School District

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#034 - National Board Certified Teacher with James Webb 46:09

4y ago46:09

46:09

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High teacher James Webb. We had an amazing conversation about the process that he went through to be a National Board Certified Teacher and how it reignited his passion for teaching.By Ames Community School District

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#033 - Educational Leadership with Dr. Julious Lawson 26:13

4y ago26:13

26:13

On this episode, we were joined by the incoming superintendent of Ames Public Schools, Dr. Julious Lawson. We had an amazing conversation about the role of the superintendent and what he is most excited about heading into next year.By Ames Community School District

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#032 - Designing a High School with Kristin Lewis 24:52

4y ago24:52

24:52

On this episode, we were joined by Kristin Lewis, Associate Principal at OPN Architects. We had an amazing conversation on what it takes to design a large high school from concept to completion.By Ames Community School District

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#031 - Budget Season with Dr. Paula Vincent 23:07

4y ago23:07

23:07

On this episode, we were joined by Ames Superintendent Dr. Paula Vincent. It’s school budget season and we had an amazing conversation about the process and considerations that are needed to set the fiscal budget for next school year.By Ames Community School District