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.

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.