On today's episode, I sit down with Iola's Junior High & High School leadership team: High School Principal - Brian Fowler, High School Assistant Principal - MISS, Junior High Admin & Teacher - Mandy Schwanke, Junior High History Teacher - Cathy Oliver, and High School Math Teacher - Debbie Lero. This crew shares their diverse paths into education, from former jocks to psychology majors who took math classes for fun, to late bloomers who found their calling in their thirties.

The team discusses how they define student success, the importance of getting involved in activities, and how they support teachers to create positive school culture. They also reveal favorite go-to meals and dream jobs if they weren't in education.

Then Spike's Top Dog Trivia gets intense with Sports, History, Entertainment, and General Knowledge categories. After three tied rounds and fierce competition, a winner emerges!

Bonus Alert: We had to reconvene for a trivia correction after MISS challenged an answer. ChatGPT vs. Google debate ensues. You'll want to hear how this one ends!

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We spend time with Iola's 1st grade teaching team: Steven McGuire, Leighton Brackin, and Denise Frazier. These teachers share what makes first grade so special - the incredible growth students make in reading and writing, those "light bulb moments" when concepts finally click, and how they create a classroom community where kindness is practiced daily.

Mr. McGuire talks about keeping learning fast-paced and hands-on with brain breaks and dance parties. Ms. Brackin shares how her students have taught her about fresh starts and new mercies every day. Ms. Frazier reminds us about the power of flexibility when plans don't go as expected. They also open up about what matters most to them, from faith to family to growing up in small towns just like Iola.

Then it's Spike's Top Dog Trivia time! With categories including Science & Nature, Pop Culture, Movies, and Geography, Ms. Frazier plays "phone a friend" for both teams. After questions about Beyonce, shark-hunting boats, sunscreen, and Forrest Gump's famous chocolate quote, Team McGuire takes the trophy with a clutch photosynthesis answer!

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We sit down with the powerhouse team from Iola Elementary: Principal - Hollie Guilbeau, Assistant Principal - Lauren Sanders, School Nurse - Saundra Elliott, and GT Teacher - Kylie Hammack. 

These ladies share what makes their campus special - the "grit, grace, and growth" motto, morning huddles that set the tone, and how relationships are at the center of everything they do.

They recap this week's successful grandparent lunch and look ahead to upcoming events like homecoming spirit week, a mobile STEM lab coming to campus, and their childhood cancer awareness fundraiser. The team talks about building a culture where students and staff thrive, and how everyone truly owns all the kids.

Then, we debut "Spike's Top Dog Trivia" with Texas Pride, Pop Culture, and Entertainment categories. After fierce competition involving state birds, Disney characters, and sports trivia, Team Elliott & Hammack claims the first trophy!

Bonus: We solve Mr. Dyer's NBA challenge - Chris "Birdman" Anderson is Iola's basketball alum!

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Welcome to the very first Bulldog Pride Podcast! We kick things off by getting to know the folks steering the ship at Iola ISD. Superintendent, Jeff Dyer, shares his unique story of being a hometown kid who came back home after 20+ years to lead the district where he grew up. Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Eric Blenden, talks about finding his perfect fit in Iola after 16 years in education - a place where he's excited to raise his own kids.

We dive into what makes Iola special: the Friday night lights tradition that brings the whole community together, how athletics and academics work hand-in-hand to develop well-rounded students, and the small-town values that create lifelong bonds between teammates. Coach Blenden gets pumped talking about this year's football team with a record 50 kids out for the program, while Mr. Dyer highlights all the other fall activities from volleyball and cross country to band, robotics, and ag programs.

Oh, and there's some big news - Iola just got brand new turf for their football field, which they'll be showing off at their home opener against Normangee on September 5th at 7:30pm.

We wrap up with both leaders sharing why Iola ISD is a "hidden gem" that welcomes new families and challenges kids to be their best in everything they do. Plus, we tease our upcoming "Spike's Top Dog Trivia" segment coming in future episodes and Mr. Dyer leaves listeners with a challenge: Can you name the Champion NBA player who graduated from Iola High School?

Next time: More stories from the Bulldog family and some friendly trivia competition!

Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE

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Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]