Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast

Join us for a special episode of Elevated Insights as we take a break from our usual format! This week, Communications Director Brett Valdez steps in for Superintendent Ernst to share some of the funniest and most memorable outtakes from our first 39 episodes. Get ready to laugh and reflect on the wonderful things our teachers and students say. Don't miss these behind-the-scenes moments that showcase the lighter side of our podcasting journey!

As the holidays approach, we hit the schools this week to ask students and teachers about their Christmas favorites! From beloved songs and movies to tasty treats and special traditions, this episode is packed with classic holiday cheer, unique perspectives, and answers that will keep you smiling.

Whitney Wallace, Terra Sherwood, and Brett Valdez visited elementary schools in Dugway, Grantsville, Stansbury, and Tooele to capture the magic of the season. Take just ten minutes to get into the holiday spirit, enjoy a few laughs, and even hear some impressive on-the-spot singing.

From all of us at Tooele County School District... Happy Holidays!

In this special episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, we celebrate the incredible legacy of Coach Mel Roberts, who dedicated nearly five decades to building the Tooele High School swim program and shaping the lives of countless athletes. Superintendent Ernst is joined by an inspiring lineup of guests: former swimmers Staci Smith, Denise Manzione, and Stuart Smith, as well as Holly Tate, the current Tooele High School swim coach, and Terra Sherwood, a program volunteer whose children swam for Coach Roberts. Together, they share heartfelt memories, motivational messages Coach Roberts instilled in his swimmers, and the life lessons that still resonate today.

Whether you’re a swimmer, a sports enthusiast, or someone who values the power of mentorship, this episode is filled with stories, wisdom, and inspiration that extend far beyond the pool. Dive in with us and celebrate a true coaching legend!

Join us on this inspirational episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, where Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with an amazing group of guests to celebrate the remarkable journey of Connor McInnes, a standout student at Tooele High School. Connor, along with his mother Chantel, and adaptive PE teachers Kenzie Green and Nate Pollmann, share heartwarming stories of inclusion, perseverance, and community support.

From winning Unified Sports championships to shining in the Mr. and Miss Amazing Pageant, Connor’s experiences at Tooele High exemplify the inclusive practices being implemented throughout the Tooele County School District. Tune in to hear how TCSD is making a difference for all students and join us in celebrating Connor’s achievements and the supportive network that has helped him thrive.

Get ready for a special on-the-road edition of Elevated Insights! This week, we’re switching things up and bringing you one of our most entertaining episodes yet. We stopped by Mrs. Allen’s 4th grade class at Settlement Canyon Elementary, where the students took over as interviewers. With no advance notice of the questions, Dr. Ernst was put on the spot to tackle everything from “Is your job hard?” to “How strong are you?”

This episode is packed with fun insights, lots of laughs, and a glimpse into what 4th graders are most curious about when it comes to our superintendent. Don’t miss this unforgettable listen!

Welcome to another exciting episode of ‘Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast’! Dr. Mark Ernst and guests explore the journey of high school athletes with dreams of playing at the collegiate level. Our fantastic lineup of guests includes:

• Avery Allred, a senior basketball player from Grantsville High School
• Boston Valdez, a senior soccer player from Tooele High School
• Paige Allred, Avery’s mother, who provides a parent’s perspective
• Andee Bouwhuis, the athletic director at Deseret Peak High School and former AD at Bingham High School

They dive into the experiences of Avery and Boston, discuss the different options available for athletes, and explore the evolving ways colleges communicate. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion!

Following up on last week’s episode about Deseret Peak High School, this week we bring you an update on Stansbury Junior High School. Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with Krista Sparks, the future principal, and Kayden Calder, the "likely" future assistant principal, to discuss the latest construction progress and their dual responsibilities this year. They also highlight the collaborative learning approaches and exciting features like the learning stairs and outdoor amphitheater. Tune in to hear how they are preparing for the school’s opening in Fall 2025 and ensuring a smooth transition for the Stansbury Park community.

Join Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst on this episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast as he talks about the progress at Deseret Peak High School. Dr. Ernst sits down with Principal Matt Parker, Athletic/Activity Director Andee Bouwhuis, and Finance Secretary Melanie Wiley to discuss everything from construction progress to sports programs and unique course offerings. Discover what’s in store for students, staff, and the community as Deseret Peak prepares to open its doors. Whether you’re a future student, a curious parent, or a community member, this episode gives you an exclusive look into Tooele County’s newest high school!

This week’s episode is a fun and quick listen that dives into the story behind the catchy intro music you hear at the start and end of every Elevated Insights episode. Superintendent Ernst finds himself in a bit of hot water as he reveals the composer behind the music—his talented wife, Julie Ernst! Also a counselor at Dugway Schools, Julie shares how her love for music inspires her and the creative process behind this particular piece.

Tune in for this special episode that’s sure to hit all the right notes!

In this episode of ‘Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast,’ Dr. Ernst sits down with Kristin Cavey, Scholarship Coordinator at Stansbury High School, and Rose Van Moorlehem, a parent and educator with firsthand success navigating the scholarship application process. They discuss the ins and outs of finding and applying for scholarships, share personal success stories, and offer practical advice for students and parents.

For anyone planning to go to college, trade school, or any kind of post-secondary education, this episode is a must. Tune in to learn about local opportunities, the importance of tools like FAFSA, and how to maximize your chances of securing financial aid.