🎙️ Episode Title:
Community First: Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
💭 Episode Description:
In this episode of the Epic Voices Podcast, host Tristan sits down with Helen Tracy, Parent Facilitator and Homeschool Coordinator, and Brandon Pelkey, Superintendent of Schools for the Malone Central School District. Together, they explore how schools can serve as the heartbeat of a community—connecting families to resources, addressing real-world challenges like employment and food insecurity, and preparing students for a rapidly changing future. From community partnerships and parent engagement to resilience, social-emotional learning, and navigating technology, this episode highlights the powerful impact of education that goes far beyond academics.
👤 Guest Information:
Name: Helen Tracy
Title: Parent Facilitator & Homeschool Coordinator
Organization: Malone Central School District
Background:
- Serves as Parent Facilitator at Franklin Academy (high school level)
- Focuses on parent, student, and community engagement
- Connects families with food, clothing, housing, fuel, and community resources
- Coordinates grant-funded initiatives and donation programs
- Strong advocate for removing barriers to student success
Name: Brandon Pelkey
Title: Superintendent of Schools
Organization: Malone Central School District
Background:
- Superintendent overseeing Malone Central School District
- Former high school principal
- Nearly three decades in education
- Strong focus on community engagement, student well-being, and district-wide consistency
- Advocate for resilience, social-emotional learning, and future-focused education
⏱️ Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
Tristan introduces Helen Tracy and Brandon Pelkey and sets the stage for a discussion on education, community, and student support.
[01:30] The School–Community Relationship
How Malone Central School District works with surrounding communities to support families beyond the classroom.
[03:20] The Role of the Parent Facilitator
Helen explains how her role connects families to food, housing, clothing, fuel, and other critical resources.
[05:40] Meeting Basic Needs to Unlock Student Potential
Why students can’t learn at their best if basic needs like food, warmth, and stability aren’t met.
[07:45] Community Partnerships That Make an Impact
Examples of collaboration with Adirondack for Kids, local churches, medical centers, and nonprofits.
[10:30] Economic Challenges Facing Families
A discussion on employment struggles, rising costs of living, and how these issues affect students and family life.
[13:15] The Importance of Family Time
How long commutes and economic stress reduce family connection—and why schools try to ease that burden.
[16:40] Defining Community Impact in Education
Why parent involvement and community engagement directly influence student success.
[19:20] Engagement Challenges at the Secondary Level
How family involvement often drops in middle and high school—and why it matters more than ever.
[23:10] Bridging Parents, Teachers & Administration
Helen shares how communication, trust, and persistence help break down barriers.
[26:30] Success Stories & Lasting Connections
Powerful reflections on former students returning years later to share the impact educators had on their lives.
[30:40] Preparing Students for Life Beyond Academics
The importance of financial literacy, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
[34:10] Social Media, Technology & Student Well-Being
A candid conversation about the challenges of social media, AI, and digital pressures on today’s youth.
[38:20] Building Resilience Through Positivity Programs
An overview of district-wide initiatives like the Positivity Project (P2), Wellness Wednesdays, and consistent K–12 culture-building.
[41:50] Life Skills, Career Readiness & Soft Skills
Why kindness, communication, and adaptability are just as important as academic achievement.
[45:30] What Today’s Students Are Facing
How constant access to global issues and online pressures impacts students differently than past generations.
[48:40] Reasons for Hope
Despite challenges, both guests share why today’s students give them optimism for the future.
[52:10] Final Advice for Families & Communities
Encouragement to work together, embrace change, support students, and focus on compassion and resilience.
💬 EPIC Quotes:
“If a child doesn’t have food, heat, or stability at home, they’re not coming to school with their full potential.” — Helen Tracy
“We’re not just educating students — we’re helping raise entire generations.” — Brandon Pelkey
“It’s okay to fail. Fail forward, learn from it, and keep moving.” — Brandon Pelkey
“There’s still so much good happening in our community. There’s still hope.” — Helen Tracy
📣 Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to EPIC Voices for more conversations with educators, leaders, and community advocates making a real difference. Follow us on social media, stay engaged with your local schools, and remember—strong communities start with supporting our kids.
