FORTiTUDE

The three-time state champion South High Boys Soccer team stops by to discuss the pressure that comes with success, advice to younger players and the power of #UnityandTradition.

S/O and Thanks to our musicians, their teachers and our auditorium managers for making this epidemic possible. Concert season has wrapped up across the district and on this FORTiTUDE podcast, we bring just a few sounds from an amazing season. Available when you download FORTiTUDEonair on one of these podcast apps:

Tune in to hear: WMS Band, Emge Choir, SMS Choir,FZE Orchestra, SHS Choir, WHS Choir, NMS Orchestra and FZN Band

Preparing Workforce 2030 means providing hands-on coursework rooted in collaboration and problem solving. Since it was first implemented in FZSD in 2014, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses have brought high school students hands-on learning in computer science, health science and engineering that lead to college credit and an understanding of possible career pathways. Hear from an East High senior about how her four years of study in the Health and Biomedical strand have not only shaped her goals for the future, but how she takes on the work of each day. Special thanks to East High teacher Carrie Stowers for sharing what it means for a teacher to meet the PLTW challenge, and to Dr. Patrick Brown for some insight students and parents can use as they begin discussing class schedules for next school year.

The district opened its new 22,000-square foot Professional Development and Technology Center earlier this year. Made possible by voter approval of a no-tax-increased bond issue in 2018, the PDTC is home to the Curriculum and Instruction department, which also oversees professional development, as well as the Technology Department. Tune in to learn how creating collaborative space for these two departments, previously housed in separate buildings, benefits students and staff.

“What’s so thrilling about our new Professional Development Center is that you are really dedicating yourself to having your entire staff, not just your newest staff, but your entire staff, the best prepared to go forward with our students.” #FZSupt Dr. Bernie DuBray says in this episode. He also shares the district’s facilities needs for the future, including general maintenance, building additions at two schools, storm shelters and more, that could be included in the district’s next bond issue.

The Seven Habits of Happy Kids have taken hold in the Fort Zumwalt School District. In this FORTiTUDE podcast, hear from parents, teachers and administrators about the power of common language. It's a tool that has spread across the district, leading to stronger connections for students and helping them reach their full potential. #edchat #K12

We check in with Superintendent Dr. Bernie DuBray and catch up on the many achievements being celebrated across Fort Zumwalt School District.

We'll spend some time with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Paul Myers and hear from them both regarding the announcement at the October Board of Education meeting that Dr. DuBray will retire after the 2022-2023 school year. The Board named Dr. Myers Superintendent Elect, beginning 2022-2023.

Preparing Workforce 2030 means providing hands-on coursework rooted in collaboration and problem solving. Since it was first implemented in #FZSD in 2014, @PLTW courses have brought high school students hands-on learning in computer science, health science and engineering that lead to college credit and an understanding of possible career pathways. Last year, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) was introduced at FZ middle schools, where every sixth grader now takes an introductory coding class. Hear from Computer Science teachers about the skills students are carrying beyond the PLTW classroom and see why FZSD high schools are recognized as PLTW Distinguished Schools in this FORTiTUDE podcast.

#FZSD has been growing our own teachers since the early 2000s. In this #EdChat, learn more about the application process for seniors who are interested in becoming teachers in high needs areas. The deadline to apply for the $32,000 tuition assistance program is Oct. 15, 2021. Tune in to hear from veteran teacher Kelsie Ballmann, who is celebrating her tenth year as a Rock Creek Elementary special education teacher and from Nicole Orf, in her first year as a math teacher at West High School, about the process, the rewards, and their passion for teaching and learning.

There are lots of ways to Keep Up With Fort Zumwalt. Check out these channels to help you strengthen the connection between your home and your child's school, or to learn more about the achievements and initiatives of the Fort Zumwalt School District.

Parents and staff: Be sure to text YES to 68453 to opt in for texts

And check out the Canvas Parent Observer instructions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MzmN9GruQ9ARBPJbI_zjifeHGHUWIgzQbqpPgs0m9lo/edit

In his monthly update, #FZSupt Dr. Bernie DuBray recaps his annual First Day Tour, when he visits each of our 27 schools to check-in on students and staff as the new year gets underway. Learn more about the district’s Covid dashboard, transportation department and plans for future facilities maintenance and upgrades in this FORTiTUDE podcast.