Step inside a joyful Pre-K classroom, where storytime is more than just books and giggles—it’s the foundation of serious learning. 

Join us as a veteran teacher reads aloud, and then hear from district literacy experts who unpack the brain-building power of reading to children. 

The first episode of Believe It, Be It features Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall, who walks listeners through her four strategic focus areas designed to propel the district forward:

•         Early Literacy: Read to Believe

•         Middle School Transformation: Joyful Journeys; Reimagining Middle School 

•         College and Career Readiness: Your Future, Your Choice

•         Post-Secondary Success: Beyond Graduation – Beyond Graduation; Staying Connected

These priorities are rooted in the district’s Portrait of a Graduate, a community-driven vision that defines the essential skills and attributes students need to succeed in school, career, and life.

​The latest episode of POG the Podcast features the voices, experiences, and leadership of three students at the Springfield Renaissance School, who along with their classmates, are taking the district's sustainability efforts to the next level. 

Featured:

Jocelyn Peña

Makaila Tete-Donkor

Kaylee Buzzell

John Donovan, 9th Grade Environmental Science

Host: Azell Cavaan

We learn about the remarkable achievements of Balliet and Boland Elementary Schools, which were honored by the state as Schools of Recognition for having the most improved MCAS scores. In this episode, you will m​​eet Jayvien and  David,  two fifth-grade students at Balliet​ and Boland elementary schools, respectively, who share with us what classroom strategies help them become the best students they can be. 

Featured:

Lisa Bakowski, Boland Principal

Desiree Dempsy, Boland Science Teacher

David Lopez DeJesus, Boland 5th Grade Student

Sharon DaSilva, Balliet Teacher

Jayvien DeJesus, Balliet 5th Grade Student

Host: Azell Cavaan

We have a conversation with Superintendent Dr. Dinnall to discover her family's arrival in Springfield, her educational journey through Springfield Public Schools and higher education, and the route that brought her back to her community. Learn more about her vision for our schools, key priorities moving forward, and the distinctive qualities that define her leadership.​​

We're thrilled to wrap up our second season by taking our listeners on a journey to the 2024 Family Expo. This special live episode captures the essence of community connections, a vital element of our Portrait of a Graduate initiative. If you couldn’t attend the event on May 4th, now's your chance to catch up and discover the wealth of resources available to our community. Join in as we embrace the spirit of creativity, connection, and celebration at the Family Expo 2024 Live!

2:57 - Jose Escribano

3:30 - Tech Foundry

5:29 - Trickstar Gymnastics Gym

6:41 - It's Your Turn, Take the Mic

7:57 - Hope for Youth and Families

9:12 - Beat the Odds, More Than My Mood

10:45 - Western Mass Moms Partnership1

1:30 - MLK Services

12:35 - Hospital for Special Care, Autism Outpatient Services

13:49 - A Caring Heart

16:01 - Union Capital

Springfield Public Schools has been distinguished as a model POG district and selected as the host site for the Spring 2024 POG Convening. With All Eyes on Us for Good, five schools will represent the innovative work taking place districtwide during the convening, which will take place March 18 – 20. Dryden Elementary, STEM Middle Academy, the Springfield Renaissance School, the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts, and the High School of Science and Technology will serve as host schools to the more than 100 students and administrators coming to Springfield Public Schools from districts throughout the region. We sat down with students, teachers, and principals from three of those schools to find out what is happening in their schools that they are most excited to share with guests. Stay abreast of all the Spring 2024 POG Convening highlights and activities by liking SPS on Facebook, following us on IG, or visiting the SPS website.

Murals inspired by our student's Portrait of a Graduate Art will be in full display this Spring. We spoke with the community leaders, teachers, and SPS administrators involved in bringing the project to the walls of our city, and were able to speak with one of the student artists being featured.

In this episode, SPS students share their remarkable stories of connection and growth. From meaningful friendships to impactful mentorships, these narratives celebrate the transformative power of school connections.

Special Guests:

The final episode of POG-The Podcast for 2022-2023 brings a breath of fresh air as Springfield Public Day High School senior Je'Vonte West hosts the show. Je'Vonte was a guest on our Joyful Learning episode, where he told us how an assignment at school sparked an interest in journalism. Preparing for and executing this episode as a guest host and interviewer provided him another opportunity to work as a journalist does. He does a superb job!

Special Host:

- Je'Vonte West

Special Guest:

- Azell Cavaan