ROE #33: Piecing the Puzzle Together

In this special episode of the ROE #33 podcast, we share our interview with retired educator and wife of the late Ken Russell, Janet Russell.

Janet shares the history of the ROE #33 Ken Russell Outdoor Education Day, anecdotes and stories from Ken, and what it means to see the event still happening forty years later.

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In ROE #33’s latest podcast episode, Regional Superintendent Kathryn Jennings was joined by Julie Lant, Director of Finance and Payroll.

Katie and Julie discuss the growth of Regional Office of Education #33 over the years. They talk about what it means to effectively manage a good bookkeeping team and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the processes and procedures involved in grants at ROE #33.

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In the July episode of the ROE Podcast, Assistant Regional Superintendent Emily Adolphson sits down with Adult Education’s Becky Wade.

Becky and Emily discuss Adult Education’s recent growth, local success stories, how ROE #33 is preparing for the year ahead, and information about upcoming registration dates.

Share the ROE #33 podcast with a friend!

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In this episode of the ROE Podcast, Assistant Regional Superintendent Emily Adolphson gets the summer scoop on one of our most popular events, SummerFEST! She is joined by Assistant Director of Early Childhood Preschool, Emily Henry, and Early Childhood Prenatal-Age 3 Center-Based Supervisor, Rhonda Hillyer.

Emily and Rhonda share how the SummerFEST event started, its impact on community partnerships in the four counties we serve, and what families who join us can expect!

SummerFESTs are free events for families in Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren Counties!

Click here to join our SummerFEST Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3xjUFgK 

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In this episode of the ROE Podcast, Regional Superintendent Kathryn Jennings sits down with Professional Learning Specialist Jessica Donaldson to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month and the many ways ROE #33 supports the well-being of staff, educators, and community members across the region.

Jessica shares insights on the Community Action Poverty Simulation, the ROE Wellness Fair, and other initiatives designed to promote mental health awareness, connection, and support both inside and outside the workplace.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, please remember: you are valued, supported, and not alone. Reach out for help today.

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In this episode of the ROE #33 podcast, RAES students take over!

Students created a podcast episode from start to finish with Professional Learning Specialist Jessica Donaldson.

RAES student Saybian talked to Jessica Donaldson about dealing with mental health challenges, speaking with guardians about difficult topics, and played a game of myth vs. fact about mental health.

The marketing team comprised the following RAES students:

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In our March episode, Assistant Regional Superintendent Emily Adolphson speaks with Early Childhood Preschool Family Educator Ashley Hinkle to discuss the First Five Event.

They explore what it takes to organize the free community event and acknowledge the partners and volunteers who make it possible. Tune in to discover why sensory exploration is so important for growing littles, and why the First Five Event is the perfect space to learn more and explore.

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In our February episode of the ROE Podcast, Regional Superintendent Kathryn Jennings sits down with RAES Teacher Ivy Engebretson and RAES Instructor Sarah Hubbard for an inspiring and honest conversation about working in an alternative school setting.

Mrs. E and Mrs. H share what a typical day looks like at Regional Alternative Education Services (RAES), the challenges and successes they experience, and what motivates them to show up every day for their students. They also discuss the impact of alternative education, the importance of relationships, and making students feel like they belong.

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In our January episode, Assistant Regional Superintendent Emily Adolphson is joined by Early Childhood leaders Tara Case and Amy Fullerton, along with Director of Strategic Planning and Operations Jodi Scott, to discuss the Head Start programming now available through ROE #33.

They share key lessons learned, challenges overcome, and the behind-the-scenes work involved in expanding early childhood services at the Regional Office of Education #33 to better support local children and families.

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In our December episode of ROE #33: Piecing the Puzzle Together, Regional Superintendent Kathryn Jennings welcomes back Assistant Regional Superintendent Emily Adolphson to reflect on the work of 2025 and look ahead to 2026.

Emily shared insights from her first months in the role, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships across districts, strengthening internal systems, and celebrating growth at RAES, and the integration of the Head Start program.

The conversation also spotlighted how ROE #33 has supported school leaders and staff this year through superintendent meetings, principals’ meetings, and the launch of an Admin Academy focused on AI. Emily emphasized thoughtful growth in staffing as an investment in stronger support for students, educators, and families across the region as ROE #33 moves forward into 2026.

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