Bucks Blast Podcast

In this episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we take a look inside Ottawa Elementary, where education is about much more than just academics—it's about belonging.

Ottawa prides themselves about building a school community where every child feels they have a place.

Listeners will hear how a child's success begins with the building of a strong school community, including meaningful connections between staff, students, and families. Proving that when a school supports the "whole child" and fosters a true sense of connection and belonging, students are capable of incredible growth.

We will hear why Ottawa uses the motto, Amazing Happens Here!

Guests: Ottawa Elementary Principal Stacey Denison

Instructional Coach Kelly Smith

Ottawa Aprent Emilee Foster

In this episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we highlight the energy and growth happening at Moccasin Elementary School. The conversation explores how intentional programs and positive school culture support both academic success and personal development.

Listeners will hear about the vision behind initiatives like Running Club, Girls on the Run, PBIS, and life skills instruction, and how these efforts help students build confidence, responsibility, and a love of learning. The episode also highlights exciting additions like the new book vending machine and discusses how tools such as NWEA help track academic growth and guide instruction.

From celebrating positive behavior to encouraging movement, reading, and growth, this episode showcases the momentum at Moccasin Elementary—and the educators and students who make it a place where young Bucks thrive.

Guests:

Moccasin Principal - Mike Babcock

Teacher - Lisa Gregory

Student - Lainey

In this episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we shine a spotlight on the vibrant performing arts programs at Buchanan Community Schools. Joined by Director of Bands Matthew Orsillo and Choir Director Katie Persak, the conversation explores how music, theater, and performance play a vital role in student growth and school culture.

Listeners will hear about the vision behind Buchanan's band, choir, and drama programs, the dedication it takes to build strong ensembles, and the ways performing arts foster confidence, teamwork, and creativity. The episode also features student voices, offering firsthand perspectives on what it means to perform, collaborate, and represent Buchanan on stage.

From rehearsal rooms to performances, this episode celebrates the passion, talent, and impact of the performing arts—and the educators and students who bring them to life at Buchanan Community Schools.

Guests:

BCS Choir Director Katie Persak

BCS Band Director Matthew Orsillo

Performing Arts Students: Emma, Esme, & Reagan

In this episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we head behind the scenes with the talented students and dedicated staff who bring the WBMS Morning News to life at Buchanan Middle School.You'll meet the creative minds behind the cameras and microphones—learning how each broadcast is planned, produced, and delivered to the entire school each day.

From scripting and filming to editing and anchoring, the WBMS crew shares what it's like to run a real newsroom inside a middle school. Hear firsthand how this program builds confidence, teamwork, and technical skills while giving students a voice and a platform to tell the stories of Buchanan Middle School.

Guests

BCS Superintendent - Patricia Robinson

BMS Media Assistant/Librarian - Trinity Young

WBMS News Crew

In this episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we shine a spotlight on the exciting updates happening across Buchanan High School Athletics. From a brand-new competition gym floor following spring storm damage, to a meaningful wall wrap project honoring the late Coach Jim DeVlaminck, the Bucks' facilities and programs are growing stronger every day.

Listeners will also hear about generous community donations, including a Kubota utility vehicle and ongoing efforts to upgrade the baseball field. Safety and security improvements are nearly complete, with fencing upgrades and new window screens underway. Plus, booster groups are hard at work raising funds for a new tennis shed and soccer nets, ensuring that student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed.

It's an inspiring look at how teamwork, resilience, and community support are shaping the future of Buchanan athletics.

Guests:

BCS Superintendent - Patricia Robinson

BHS Athletic Coordinator - Reid McBeth

Varsity Football Coach - Mark Frey

Student Athlete - Owen Thompson

In this exciting episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we dive into the high-tech world of the Megahurtz Robotics Team! Hear from students and their mentors as they share what it takes to design, build, and compete with their custom-built robots. From teamwork and troubleshooting to competing, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and precision driving this impressive crew. Whether you're a STEM enthusiast or just curious about the future of technology, this episode is one you won't want to miss!

Guests:

MegaHUrtz Robotics Team Members:

Sylias & Madelyn

Team Mentors:

Phillip Place & Jesse Layne

In this episode of the Bucks Blast Podcast, we sit down with members of the Class of 2025 to reflect on their high school journey, celebrate their accomplishments, and look ahead to what's next. From favorite memories and biggest lessons learned to hopes for the future, these graduating seniors share honest and heartfelt insights as they prepare to turn the page to a new chapter. Don't miss this inspiring send-off for some truly remarkable Bucks!

Class of 2025 Members Evyn Pruett, Grant Waggone,r Caitlyn Horvath, and Oliva Kutemeier

In this special episode of Bucks Blast, we shine the spotlight on our brilliant Bucks Science Olympiad team as they gear up for the state tournament! Join us as we chat with team members and coaches about the journey so far—from intense preparation sessions to standout moments at regionals. You'll get an inside look at the passion, teamwork, and problem-solving that fuel their success. Whether it's building balsa wood towers, solving chemistry challenges, or coding on the fly, these students are proving that science truly rocks! Tune in to cheer them on as they represent our school at the state level and inspire the next generation of STEM stars.

Host: Superintendent Patricia Robinson

Guests: Science Teacher and Coach Byron Cribley, Science Olympiad Team Member Charles Spencer, and Science Olympiad Team Member Cam Carlson

Synopsis

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Buchanan School Farm, a unique educational resource where students gain hands-on experience with agriculture and environmental science. With over 600 elementary students involved in activities like pumpkin picking, cider making, and maple syrup production, the farm provides a rich, outdoor learning environment. We explore the farm's diverse offerings, from prairie grasses to a historic one-room schoolhouse, and discuss how it connects students to their local history and the future of sustainable farming. Learn how this farm nurtures both young minds and the land, shaping future leaders in environmental stewardship.

Host - Superintendent Patricia Robinson

Guests: BHS Science Teacher and Farm Liaison Melissa Frost and Outdoor Education Coordinator Jared Huttenstine

In this episode of Bucks Blast, we dive into the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pro- grams at Buchanan Community Schools, offering a closer look at how these programs are shaping students' futures.

We sit down with CTE Director Mark Frey to discuss the range of hands-on learning opportunities available to students, from trades to tech careers. We also hear from a few students who share their personal experiences and the skills they've gained through the CTE programs.

Whether it's getting their hands dirty in automotive tech or mastering the ins and outs of healthcare, these students are getting real-world skills that set them up for success.

Host - Superintendent Patricia Robinson Guests - BHS Assistant Principal and CTE Director Mark Frey, BHS Student Emmie McBeth, BHS Student, Jaret Seddon, and BHS Student Owen Thompson.