Inside the Rock

In school, we're used to high-achieving students getting attention and low-achieving students getting attention. But, how much achievement could those kids in the middle have with a few more academic tools in their toolbox? That's exactly what AVID focuses on and Westfield Washington School introduced it to our district this year. Listen as Dr. Sherry Grate talks to the AVID teacher, instructional coach and a student about the benefits and impact of Advancement Via Individual Determination.

In this heartwarming episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with the two people who are engine behind The Shamrock Project, a program for our special needs students to help them transition from high school to independent living.

With COVID-19 driving our social media use through the roof, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Parent University's Ashley Knott have a great discussion about how to be mindful with our internet usage and how to engage with your family outside of your devices.

Westfield High School Students Sarah Weglarz and Peighton Isley have jumped onto Hamilton County's C.L.A.S.S. campaign to help promote proper mask wearing in schools to increase the chances that they get to experience all of the great things that come along with the senior year experience. Both of them join Dr. Grate to discuss what they are doing for the C.L.A.S.S. campaign and what it's like being seniors in a global pandemic.

Dr. Grate and Tom Hakim, principal of Westfield Washington Elementary School, has a fun and lively conversation about the importance of a principal and how he brings his creativity to his approach to education and leadership.

In celebration of School Principals Month, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate had a great conversation with Dana Dietz, principal of Monon Trail Elementary School. Listen as they discuss her time at Monon Trail Elementary, connecting with students and what it's been like to lead a school during a pandemic.

Dr. Sherry Grate and newly-named WHS principal Alicia Denniston have a great conversation about Denniston's the road to becoming the WHS principal and her bold vision for the future of all Shamrocks who pass through those doors.

Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate speaks with Mike Hall, principal at Westfield Middle School, about the silver linings and lessons learned during this unique school year. They also take some time to discuss what a full return to class might look like.

This week, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with Maple Glen's principal, Mary Beth Riley as well as long-time MGES teacher and current virtual instructor Sarah Fritzsche about how Maple Glen has thrived during this school year like no other. They talk about lessons learned, how the young learners are taking to the hybrid model and what it will look like when students are in-person 4 days a week!

Westfield Washington Schools superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs discuss how BAC will be effected by the updated hybrid plan, additional benefits parents can expect from the program and much, much more!