Let’s Be Here For It

One this episode of "Let's Be Here For It", Dave and Allie are at Jerling Jr High, the newest school to receive the Apple Distinguished recognition. They sit down with two teachers who had roles in achieving this great accomplishment, and they also talk with Mr. Prorok about the great achievements happening within the classrooms. It's an episode you don't want to miss!

The 2025-2026 school year has officially begun, and Dave and Allie are looking forward to another great school year! On this episode of "Let's Be Here For It", they discuss all of the exciting events that the first week of school brought and what they are looking forward to this year with Liberty Principal and Assistant Principal, Kristin Beeler and Mike Hawrysio. They are also joined by Board President, Nichole Browner, to talk about what she is looking forward to this year! 

On this episode of "Let's Be Here For It" Dave and Allie talk to three 8th grade students before they graduate and leave Orland School District 135. Jude, Josh and Narjess discuss their favorite memories from being a student as well as what they are looking forward to for next school year. 

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie recognize the numerous staff members retiring at the end of this school year and thank them for their hard work and dedication to D135. They also talk about the upcoming events and activities students can look forward to as we near the end of another school year. 

This episode of "Let's Be Here For It" is all about the IAR test. Dave and Allie break down exactly what it is and how the District uses the data behind the tests. Mrs. Lauren Bushwaller, Principal at Orland Jr High, stops by the podcast and talks about how OJH prepared the eagles for the IAR test with an exciting assembly full of surprises! 

On this episode of "Let's Be Here for It", Dave and Allie discuss all of the events that took place during the month of February, including the District Spelling Bee, PFE Volleyball Tournaments, and ISBE Those Who Excel Recognitions. They also took a look forward to the month of March and previewed all of the exciting events and activities that will be taking place. 

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie learn all about Apple Distinguished Schools. Meadow Ridge and Liberty School received this designation this school year and recently held school site visits for other educators to learn from them. Fourth Grade Teacher, Ms. Ashley Bobak, and two students, Rafeek and Zoey, were on the podcast to talk all about ADS and the school visit. 

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie sit down and talk with Jerling 8th grader Ainslee Beaty, who became a published author at 13! Ainslee is heavily involved at school but also enjoys writing a lot and took that passion and published a collection of poems called "Words From the Heart". 

Words From the Heart can be purchased on Amazon.

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie talk about all the activities and events taking place around the District! Some activities are student specific in their classrooms and others are school and even District-wide! 

On this episode of "Let's Be Here For It," Dave and Allie have two guests on the podcast who eat, sleep, and breathe curriculum: Dr. Jen Nichols and Dana Karczewski, the Director and Assistant Director of Curriculum!