Ruff Draft Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when massive data center projects move into our backyard? Mike and Saicy welcome Cameron Wiley, a community engagement representative with Vantage, for a candid conversation about the growth reshaping Abilene, Shackelford County, and surrounding communities.

From traffic and housing to water, electricity, and construction timelines, we ask questions local residents are raising. Cameron shares his perspective on the industry’s communication challenges, efforts to be a better neighbor, and opportunities for local businesses, schools, and students pursuing careers in technology and skilled trades.

Join the Ruff Draft Podcast as we explore what these projects could mean for West Texas—and why asking questions and keeping the conversation open matters.

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

Catch up on the September Clyde CISD board meeting in this edition of Bulldog Board Briefs. We discuss district updates and the work underway to support Clyde students, staff, and schools.

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

Keeping students and staff safe requires preparation, strong partnerships, and a commitment to prevention. In this episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Mike and Saicy welcome Clyde CISD’s new Director of Safety and Security, Officer Dalton.

Officer Dalton discusses his background, his approach to creating secure yet welcoming campuses, and what Clyde CISD’s new era of proactive protection means for the school community. The conversation explores layered campus security, early intervention, staff training, student support, emergency preparedness, and collaboration with local first responders—without revealing sensitive security procedures.

Parents and students will also learn how they can support campus safety, recognize potential concerns, and use “See Something, Say Something” reporting channels responsibly.

For district safety updates or information about contacting the Safety and Security team, visit https://www.clydeisd.org/.

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

A long time ago—in a storage room not so far away—an idea began to take shape.

In the Season 3 premiere of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Mike and Saicy unveil The STEMpire, Clyde CISD’s new immersive STEM learning space located in the district’s CAB. Designed as a full-day “mini field trip,” the STEMpire will give students hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through coding, design challenges, prototyping, and collaborative problem-solving.

The episode also takes listeners inside the adjoining Makerspace, where students and teachers will have districtwide access to 3D printers, a Glowforge laser cutter and engraver, vinyl cutters, and other creative technology.

Learn how teachers will reserve the space, what students can expect, and why the STEMpire is about much more than equipment. The space isn’t fully operational yet—but it will be soon.

May the STEM be with you!

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Superintendent Bryan Allen and CFO Rhonda Neal discuss what happened at the August 2026 Clyde CISD School Board Meeting. Listen in now!

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when professional development is designed around the tools educators actually have—and led by the people who use them every day?

In this episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Mike and Saicy are joined by Clyde High School math teacher and experienced conference presenter Misti to look back at Clyde CISD’s second annual Tech Beach Retreat.

They discuss the original vision behind TBR, the value of learning from trusted colleagues, and why presenting to coworkers can be both more intimidating and more rewarding than speaking at a statewide conference. They also highlight the decision to repeat sessions so teachers could attend more of them, and the food, prizes, and personal touches that made the day feel like a true staff celebration.

Whether you attended TBR 2026, missed this year’s event, or might have something to share in 2027, this episode offers an encouraging reminder: You don’t have to be a “tech guru” to help another educator—you just need one useful idea and the willingness to share it.

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Board Briefs, a new monthly segment from the Ruff Draft Podcast.

Each month, Clyde CISD’s Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer will provide a clear, conversational recap of important topics, decisions, and updates from the latest Board of Trustees meeting. Board Briefs is designed to help district staff, families, and community members better understand what is happening across Clyde CISD—and why it matters.

Subscribe to the Ruff Draft Podcast to hear a new Board Briefs episode each month.

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

Should movies have a place in the classroom—or are they simply a way to pass the time?

In this student-led episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast, Judah sits down with Coach Daniel to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of using movies as instructional tools. They explore how films and video clips can capture students’ attention, support different learning styles, make complex topics easier to understand, and encourage classroom discussion and critical thinking.

They also consider the risks, including historical inaccuracies, age-inappropriate content, oversimplified topics, and movies that are not meaningfully connected to instruction. From Night at the Museum and Peabody & Sherman to documentaries and educational videos, Judah and Coach Daniel examine what separates a valuable learning experience from simple entertainment.

Their conclusion: Movies can be effective instructional tools when teachers choose them carefully, connect them to learning objectives, verify their accuracy, and give students opportunities to discuss and apply what they watched.

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD. 

Send us Fan Mail

Join Tyler, Cameron, and Cooper as they dive into "Would You Rather: Middle School Edition," tackling quirky dilemmas about school life and social situations. From wearing pajamas to school to choosing between close friendships and social media fame, they explore it all. Listen as they reveal surprising insights about themselves, proving that simple choices can lead to unexpected revelations. This fun-filled episode challenges you to think about your own decisions. Tune in for laughter and thought-provoking moments!

The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Clyde CISD.