Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff

Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff

By Lake Bluff School District 65EducationKids & Family
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Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff episodes

  • Mile Marker 25: Parent Partnership with Community Member Laura Peace

    Join Dr. Lisa Leali as she talks with dedicated Lake Bluff parent Laura Peace about building strong parent-teacher partnerships. With parent-teacher conferences coming up, Laura shares how open dialogue with teachers fosters proactive and creative support for her children. Laura emphasizes the power of asking for candid feedback and reminds us that it takes collaboration between parents and teachers to see the whole picture. Tune in for insights on supporting students’ success through teamwork, flexible communication, and building a network of parents who can help along the way.












    17 min
  • Mile Marker 24: Innovation in the Art Room with Mrs. Glover

    Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali is joined by mom, community member, and elementary art teacher Mrs. Jamie Glover to discuss an exciting 5th-grade legacy project. In partnership with the Chicago Mosaic School, Mrs. Glover is leading fifth-grade students in creating a stunning mosaic featuring Illinois prairie plants to be permanently displayed in the school’s courtyard. Tune in as Dr. Leali and Mrs. Glover discuss the powerful lessons in resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness woven into this artistic endeavor. Plus, learn how grants and community support from the Alliance are making this "above and beyond" project possible—leaving a lasting impression for generations of students to come. 

    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you are enjoying Route 65!












    12 min
  • Mile Marker 22: Meet Our New Director of Safety and Security, Austin Johnson

    In this episode of Route 65, Dr. Lisa Leali and Austin Johnson, new director of school safety and security, take a deep dive into what District 65 is actively doing to keep students and staff safe. While sharing practical steps, the two discuss the growing importance of school safety as well as the shared responsibility for ensuring safety with staff and families. 

    Mr. Johnson shares how his career led him to becoming an expert in school safety, including how he learns from incidents in other schools. The two also discuss the benefits of the unique partnership of his security role with Libertyville District 70 which has made it possible for the two smaller elementary districts to give safety the focus it deserves. 

    Episode Correction: At the end of this episode, Dr. Leali previews next week's episode on Community Engagement. The guests on that episode are Cristine Winston and Josh Fox.

    14 min
  • Mile Marker 21: Welcome Back!

    In the first episode of season two, Dr. Lisa Leali is joined by District 65 principals, Mr. Nate Blackmer and Mrs. Kellie Bae. They talk about the beginning of the 24-25 school year, the preparations that the district made this summer to welcome back students, and their hopes for the new year.

    12 min
  • Mile Marker 20: Community Kindness
    The final episode of season one features a conversation between Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali and board member Anne Hill. As they explore the core value of kindness within District 65's strategic plan, they delve into its crucial role in fostering a safe and supportive environment for students. Anne shares personal anecdotes illustrating how acts of kindness from educators, such as personalized learning approaches and empowering boundaries, can profoundly impact a student's educational journey. They emphasize that kindness extends beyond mere niceties, encompassing firm yet compassionate guidance and creating space for growth and resilience. This insightful dialogue highlights the transformative power of kindness in education, shaping not only academic success but also lifelong learning and adaptability. Thanks for listening to season 1, we’ll be back in the fall for season 2! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help us continue to grow.
    21 min
  • Mile Marker 19: Adaptability
    In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali and Tracy Roehrick, District 65's Director of Student Services, discuss the vital skill of adaptability. Tracy's extensive experience in special education brings depth to the conversation, highlighting the importance of preparing students for an ever-changing world. They explore how embracing challenges and learning from setbacks fosters resilience and growth and the inclusion of flexible learning environments and differentiated instruction. Join us as we uncover how nurturing this essential trait equips students to navigate life's twists and turns with confidence. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you are enjoying Route 65!
    20 min
  • Mile Marker 18: Our Responsibility
    Join Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali on Route 65 as she welcomes Lauren Hirsh, a deeply involved school board member and former educator, to discuss the role of responsibility in fostering community engagement and educational excellence in District 65. Lauren shares her journey from special education teacher to school leader and her current extensive volunteer work in Lake Bluff. This episode explores how the strategic planning process, including significant student input, shapes the district’s approach to education, emphasizing the value of collective responsibility and the impact of community support on student success. They delve into challenges and future goals for enhancing responsibility, such as new partnerships and educational programs aimed at promoting civic engagement and personal growth among students. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you are enjoying Route 65!
    20 min
  • Mile Marker 17: Resilience
    Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali welcomes Nate Blackmer, principal of Lake Bluff Middle School, to discuss resilience on this episode of Route 65. Nate, who has transitioned from a seventh-grade science teacher to principal over his extensive tenure, shares insights into the strategic planning process and the integral role of resilience in education. They explore how resilience, strengthened by the challenges of COVID-19, is crucial for student development, emphasizing learning through struggle and the power of overcoming obstacles. Nate's personal anecdotes underscore the supportive community and deep commitment to student growth at Lake Bluff, highlighting how returning staff members enhance the school's nurturing environment. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you are enjoying Route 65!
    21 min
  • Mile Marker 16: Our Core Values
    Join Superintendent Lisa Leali as she welcomes board member and architect Tim Penich on this episode of Route 65. They delve into the profound impact of kindness, empathy, and joy within Lake Bluff’s school community, illustrated by touching stories from Tim’s life and observations in the community. Highlighting his unique background, Tim discusses how his family's history in education shapes his views on the school board. They explore the importance of core values in fostering a supportive environment, particularly through Tim's stories about his son’s inclusive experiences at recess. The conversation also covers the significance of empathy in understanding diverse student backgrounds and preparing students for future careers, tying in Tim’s professional experience. This insightful dialogue underscores the essential role of the district's strategic plan. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you are enjoying Route 65!
    20 min

About Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff

From the publisher's feed

"Route 65: A Podcast about Education on the Bluff" celebrates the learning journey of Lake Bluff's community, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali. Each episode dives into stories of a guest -…