We’ll discuss what makes this opportunity exciting and how this selection affects students’ choice of classes. Topics covered include:
- Careers in each pathway
- Incorporating coursework into pathway learning
- Real-world experiences
- Am I locked in after I choose a pathway?
Host, Susan Hiland, speaks with Dr. Eric Johnson, principal at Winnetonka High School, and Susie Helwig, a Staley science teacher, about the advantages for students as they choose a school and a pathway.

Teachers face many challenges during a pandemic. How do you keep students engaged? What can band classes look like? Host, Susan Hiland, discovers how this year is forcing two teachers to reevaluate their approach to educating students. Meara Mitchell, NKC Schools’ Coordinator of Instrumental Music and Kristin Bundy, English Language Arts teacher at New Mark Middle School, explain the changes they believe are making them better teachers. Hear what they plan to continue doing even after the pandemic is over, based on all they’ve learned.

How is the pandemic impacting the way we teach? How are teachers managing all the changes? Two elementary teachers discuss what's working and how they are overcoming the challenge of teaching in-person and virtually at the same time. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with two teachers from Meadowbrook Elementary; Ambra Robinson, 5th grade and Emily Lynch Deegan, 3rd grade.

CONNECT-ED
NKC Schools works to redesign high school so students are more engaged and successful. Learning pathways have been designed to benefit all students no matter their area of interest. Ensuring all classes have practical, real-world experiences is the cornerstone of the program developed by ConnectEd. Susan Hiland delves into the new initiative with ConnectEd CEO and President, Dr. Gary Hoachlander, and NKC Schools' Mark Maus, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness.

Parents as Teachers has turned virtual this year, but connecting with our community is more important than ever during the pandemic. NKC Schools Parent Educators assist new parents with resources, advice and evaluate their children for important benchmarks. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Early Learning Coordinator, Courtney Holt, and Lead Parent Educator, Jennifer Hansen, about what services Parents as Teachers provide and a recent national honor.

You see a lot of construction throughout NKC Schools and a major project underway at Gladstone's old Hobby Lobby. What's being built? We have the answers! New schools, and updates to existing schools. Some projects were a long time coming. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Katie Lawson, Director of Early Education, and Jeff Vandel, Executive Director of Facilities, who provide an overview of the projects, the timeline and how these updates will benefit students by creating a better learning environment.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Jenna Knuth, NKC Schools’ Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Jenna discusses meal options for students, a possible free meal extension and why parents applying for free and reduced meals may be eligible for even more discounts. Preparing safe meals for thousands of students, some in school and some learning virtually, is a daunting task. Jenna explains the safety protocols in place and why parents should feel good about the nutritious meals the district provides.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens, about how students, teachers and staff are managing during a pandemic. With virtual, in-class and hybrid learning models in place, the district remains dedicated to serving students and staff in a safe environment.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with North Kansas City Schools leaders about a new learning initiative to benefit students. Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens, explains the Board of Education goals for this year. Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services, Dr. Chad Sutton, talks about the North Kansas City Schools Portrait of a Graduate and its role in transforming the learning experiences for PK-12 students. The program will be implemented in several phases and is designed to instill specific characteristics in students which will give them an advantage or edge over other students once they graduate.