🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show NotesS01 E02: Ice, Ice, Bryan: The Science of a Snow Day

Hosts: Chris Malanga and Superintendent Mark Rairigh

Special Guest: Ryan Eberly, Director of Transportation

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into the "January Grind." From the science behind snow day cancellations to the massive logistics of moving 800+ students daily, we explore how the district stays mobile during an Ohio winter. Plus, we celebrate School Counselor Appreciation Week, get the latest construction updates, and put Superintendent Rairigh in the hot seat for a winter-themed musical challenge.

❄️ The Deep Dive: The Science of a Snow Day

Director of Transportation Ryan Eberly pulls back the curtain on the district's 59-square-mile transportation web. We discuss:

• The 5:30 AM Decision: How the "Go/No-Go" call is made during a storm.
• Safety First: The reality of "red light violators" and the tech keeping students safe.
• By the Numbers: Our buses have already traveled over 93,000 miles this school year!

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 🪝️ Show Intro: Trading holiday cheer for snow plows and 5:00 AM alarms.

01:28 📢 The News Feed:

• Construction Update: Machinery is moving into the Career Tech classroom; gym floor installation is set for March; and the final phase for the Arts & Ed building begins March 1st.
• Counselor Appreciation: Honoring the "unsung heroes" across the district during School Counselor Appreciation Week – at Bryan Elementary, Mrs. Huard and Mrs. Schroeder; at Bryan Middle School Mrs. Ruffer; at Bryan High School, Mrs. Bassett, Mr. Glecker and Mrs. Meister.
• #BryanBuilt License Plates: Nathan Gilbert’s petition drive for official Bryan plates is nearing its goal—$25 of every plate sold will go to the Student Assistance Fund.
• Hometown Sweethearts: A special social media highlight for local couples starting February 1st.

09:46 🚌 The Deep Dive: The Science of a Snow Day. Ryan Eberly breaks down the "puzzle" of managing 40+ routes, the specific criteria for delays and closings, and exactly how the 5:30 AM "Go/No-Go" call is made when the snow starts falling.

32:35 🎵 The Fun Segment: Name That Tune, Winter Edition! Mark tries to identify winter classics from Frozen to Vanilla Ice.

41:42 📬 Community Q&A: Will we be in school until June? Mark explains the state’s hourly requirements and where Bryan currently stands.

48:47 🐻 Golden Bear Standout: Honoring the entire Custodial Crew led by Ned Ruffer for their relentless work keeping lots and sidewalks clear.

🗓️ Important Dates to Circle:

• February: Hometown Sweethearts social media highlights.
• Feb 2–6: School Counselor Appreciation Week.
• Mid-February: Career Tech machinery installation.
• March 1: Expected start date for Arts & Ed demolition.
• May 22: Scheduled last day of school.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Podcast Website & Question Form: podcast.bryanschools.net
• Sign the License Plate Petition: https://form.jotform.com/260205021127136) 
• Bryan License Plate Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AaGrQvnJx/ 
• District Calendar: https://www.bryanschools.net/calendars/district-calendar 
• Feedback: Email Chris Malanga at [email protected]
• Episode Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DU7T9dBkW-m3HHCscqlC0aBdyDsbxdMb1u8HSqVa3AQ/edit?tab=t.0

Golden Bear Standout: A massive thank you to our Custodial Staff. You are the reason we can safely get back into the buildings after a storm. We see your hard work in the cold and the dark! 

Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ

Closing Thought: Remember, greatness isn't born, it’s #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆 

🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes

S01 E01: The State of the Golden Bears

Host: Chris Malanga

Guest: Superintendent Mark Rairigh

🎙️ Episode Summary

Welcome to the premiere of the #BryanBuilt Podcast! This show was created to give the Bryan community a direct line to the "why" behind district decisions. In our debut, Superintendent Mark Rairigh defines the #BryanBuilt philosophy—grit, service above self, and a commitment to getting the job done right.

🤿 The Deep Dive: Building for 2026 We spend a significant portion of this episode discussing the physical transformation of our district. Mark provides updates on the $2.5 million Career Tech Center grant, the pace of the new Junior High Gym construction (set for a June 1st finish!), and the "Art Connects Us" auditorium renovations. If you want to know how these changes will impact your student's daily experience, this is the segment for you.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 🎬 Show Intro: Welcome to the premiere of the #BryanBuilt Podcast.

00:50 🪝 What is #BryanBuilt? Mark explains the philosophy behind the hashtag and why it’s about character, not just bricks and mortar.

02:03 📣 The News Feed

• Student Spotlight: Nora Kunsman's incredible run, holding five school swimming records.
• Policy Update: How Bryan students are leading the way with the new state-mandated cell phone policy.
• Guidance Nights: Important dates (Jan 26/27) for choosing 2026-27 classes.

08:00 🤿 The State of the Golden Bears: A status report on the Career Tech Center, the new weight room, and the demolition start date (March 1st) for the central building area.

18:59 🐻 The Fun Segment: This or That! Rapid-fire questions where we reveal our preferences on:

• Purple vs. Gold
• Dum Dums vs. Bit O’Honey
• Snow Days vs. 2-Hour Delays

25:45 📬 Community Q&A:

• Why we started this podcast.
• Understanding the new state law regarding the Kindergarten age cutoff (August 19th).

31:58 🎬 Outro & Final Word: Honoring our "Golden Bear Standout," Rob Goodlive, and a look ahead to Episode 2.

🗓️ Important Dates to Circle:

• Jan 24 10:00 am: Auction at the A&E/Central Building.
• Jan 26/27: MS & HS Guidance Nights (Learn about the new STEM and CTE courses).
• Feb 13-16: No School (Teacher Workday & Presidents’ Day).
• March 9-12: Right to Read Week at the Elementary.
• March 16-20: Spring Break.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.net

More Calendars and Important Dates: Visit our website at bryanschools.net.

Athletics: Schedules and live streams at BryanSports.com.

Art Connects Us: See the renderings for the new Arts & Education at bryanarts.org.

Bryan Elementary Viral Video: 500,000 views and counting - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSS7Dn3FY21

Feedback: Have a question for the next episode? Email us ([email protected]) or visit our Podcast Website.

Weekly Standout: A huge thank you to Rob Goodlive for being the backbone of our Middle/High School custodial team. We appreciate your hard work and your dad jokes!

Full Transcript

Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos

License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ

Artist: : Dollshade

Closing Thought: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆