Our School Matters

Our School Matters

By Richland County VoicesEducation
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Our School Matters episodes

  • Martin Dunn

    Mr. Dunn Matters! Mr. Ryden talks to retiring RCHS science teacher Martin Dunn about travel, having a child as a student, and his plans for an eventful retirement. Also discussed is their similar winding paths to becoming teachers after working at Walmart. Recovering Walmart workers UNITE!!!

    49 min
  • Sue Pixley

    Mrs. Pixley Matters! Mr. Ryden talks to RCHS art teacher Sue Pixley (a.k.a. Pickles) about her multiple career jumps before landing on teaching and cross-curricular projects. Also discussed is Mr. Ryden and Mrs. Pixley's similar circumstances leading to being raised by a single parent and how that shaped each of their lives.

    1 hr 23 min
  • Taylor Borah

    Mrs. Borah Matters! Mr. Ryden talks to now former history department teacher Taylor Borah about her upcoming transition to Flora High School, teaching during her first pregnancy, and how she navigated some difficult life circumstances while on her journey to becoming an educator.

    1 hr 5 min
  • The Pets!!!

    Ladies, gentlemen, THE PETS matter! Mr. Ryden interview the destined-to-be iconic Olney homegrown band before they perform live in the Richland County Performing Arts Center (in a separate video you should totally check out). They talk about the genesis of their band, their musical influences, and what actual pet each of them identifies with the most.

    Plus, there is a live performance of Mr. Ryden's current favorite song "Gumby" right at the beginning!

    Buy their Album at America's Groove Record Store in Effingham, IL and many other local establishments.

    Stream The Pets' album What This Is? on Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get great Olney sounds online.

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nJUW9Dk7GHimBp781NVEm?si=hqEosh4XRxu9yN6q0jMWPA

    https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC5qpeOAt4idMxIKuxriaNFQ?si=lU4dyYXLZiM0sa8E

    37 min
  • Mandy Ginder Returns

    Mrs. Ginder (still) Matters! Mandy returns to kick off season 2 of OSM Mr. Ryden talks with Mandy Ginder about theater productions at RCHS and how AI has affected high school instruction since they last spoke about it on the podcast over a year ago.

    53 min
  • Shannon Winters
    Mrs. Winters Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with Shannon Winters right before her final class before retirement about her plans for the future, how she feels about her career as she brings it to a close, and how to avoid conversations when you're stuck at a laundry mat. Also, Mr. Ryden tells the same story about theme parks to both Mrs. Winters and Sophia without realizing he did so until he edited the episode.
    56 min
  • Coy Shipman and Maddox Dorn

    Coy Shipman and Maddox Dorn matter! This episode is a double-header with two interviews by Sophia of her now-former fellow students.

    Coy and Sophia discuss his Freshmen year, cell phones in classrooms, and "Jesus and peas." Then Maddox and Sophia talk about his Senior year, experiences with various sports at RCHS, and cheating on remote exams during COVID.

    NOTE FROM MR. RYDEN: WE ARE BACK!!!

    …after an unplanned delay over the summer. To be honest, I just needed a break to actually enjoy being at home with my family for a bit of sweet summertime fun times, I really appreciate all of you that have been listening, and I will get the final episodes of this season released on a (fairly) regular schedule each week.

    If you have read this far, thank you and I LOVE YOU!

    56 min
  • Sophia Ranes
    Sophia Ranes Matters! In this special episode, Sophia and Jeff pretty much interview each other while they unpack how the Our School Matters project has went so far. Sophia talks about the importance of empathy for students and teachers, her fears about how AI will impact high school students in the future, and what her own future looks like post high school. Also, this episode features an important guest host you might remember from a past interview, Vivi Carrey! Vivi is the planned successor for Sophia next year, so she jumped in for the intro and outro for this episode. Sophia and Vivi also update the Richland County Community Billboard with a shout out to the Richland County Recreation Council. The RCRC "is a local, not-for-profit organization which was formed in 1994. Its mission is to develop and promote year-round recreation program and recreation facilities for the citizens of Richland County." Learn more at https://rcrcolney.com/ YIPPEE to you and yours!
    50 min
  • Chris Simpson
    Chris Simpson Matters! Mr. Ryden talks with outgoing superintendent Mr. Simpson about his long career serving the students of Richland County, overseeing the high school remodel, the challenges of navigating the response to the pandemic, his love of science, and the interconnectivity of all things. Also, Sophia and Jeff introduce the Richland County Community Billboard segment. For the first featured place, event, etc. from Richland County is Galactic Games and Things! GG&T is located in the main street buildings in downtown Olney, 104 E Main. Drop in and grab some comics, books, tabletop games, board games, toys, Funko Pops, and tons more. They also host tabletop and other tournaments. Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/galacticgmzHave a great week, and YIPPEE to you and yours!
    1 hr 28 min
  • Bethany Robichaux
    Bethany Robichaux Matters! Sophia talks with future rotorcraft pilot Bethany Robichaux about her college and career plans, how COVID affected her high school experience, and senioritis. Also, Sophia and Jeff talk about Sophia's last day of high school and make cool helicopter sounds.
    32 min

About Our School Matters

From the publisher's feed

Our school district is Richland County CUSD #1, located in Olney, a rural community in Southern Illinois. Our mission is to explore why public education matters by talking to the people who live it…