Talk 122

Special Olympics is about more than medals. It's about teamwork, friendships, opportunity, and being part of the Harlem community.

In Season 6, Episode 2 of Talk 122, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with Gary Hill, Stacy Shahamet, Trent Geiger, and Dawn Vanderhoof to discuss the impact of Special Olympics on our students and the people who make it possible.

Hear about Harlem's student-athletes, the importance of volunteers, and efforts to bring Special Olympics opportunities to even more students.

Watch or listen to the new episode of Talk 122.

Season 6 of Talk 122 is here!

Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough kicks off a new season by sitting down with members of Harlem School District 122’s Instructional Services Department to learn more about the important work happening behind the scenes to support students, staff and families.

In this episode, Dr. Yarbrough talks with Heidi Lange, Director of Student Support Services; Rebecca Logan, Director of Elementary Education; Leandra Hudson, Students and Families in Transition Coordinator (SAF-T) & Youth in Care; and Dr. Michelle Erb, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

The conversation explores the district’s focus on explicit instruction, supporting students experiencing housing instability and other transitions, creating greater consistency across the district, preparing for changes to the student information system and the countless hours of work that go into preparing our schools for a successful year.

Plus, get to know the people behind the titles as they share their journeys to Harlem, their goals for the 2026-27 school year and what makes the Harlem community special.

I am Harlem. You are Harlem. We are Harlem.

#Harlem122 #Talk122 #OnePackOneGoal

Episode Summary:In the final episode for this school year, Dr. Yarborough wraps up an incredible Season 5 of Talk 122 with a highly anticipated guest: Scott Bloomquist, the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the Regional Office of Education (ROE) 4, serving Boone and Winnebago counties.

If you've ever wondered what a regional superintendent actually does behind the scenes, this episode pulls back the curtain. From the extensive administrative and safety protocols keeping schools running smoothly to student-facing support programs, Superintendent Bloomquist shares how ROE 4 champions the local educational community.

Dr. Yarborough and Superintendent Bloomquist also dive into the transformative impact of Summit Academy—now wrapping up its sixth year—and celebrate the soaring graduation and student engagement rates achieved through local collaboration. Plus, stick around for a candid conversation about the post-COVID landscape of public education, the rise of career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and a fun, lightning-round look at their favorite summer traditions.

Thank you for tuning in and engaging with us all season long! Have a safe and happy summer, and remember: I am Harlem, you're Harlem, we are Harlem

📬 We Want to Hear From You!

As we look ahead to Season 6, we want to make sure we're sharing the stories you care about most. If you have any topic suggestions, guest recommendations, or stories you'd like to hear when the podcast returns next school year, please reach out to us via the link on our website!

Go inside Harlem Middle School in Episode 507 of the Talk 122 Podcast! 🎙️

Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with an 8th grade student, a teacher, and an assistant principal to talk about what makes HMS a special place to learn and grow. From student advice on navigating middle school to building strong relationships and creating a positive school culture, this episode highlights the people and connections that make HMS stand out.

Hear real perspectives from:

• Brilliance Tarver (8th Grade Student)
• Drew Colcalsure (Teacher)
• Jason Ware (Assistant Principal)

Topics include:

• Transitioning to middle school
• The importance of relationships and involvement
• Supporting students through challenges
• Building a strong school community

👉 Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, this episode gives you a closer look at why HMS is a great place to be.

In Season 5, Episode 5 of Talk 122, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough spotlights a powerful student-led project connecting classroom learning to real communities beyond Harlem. Social Studies teacher Kyra Newnam joins the conversation alongside Harlem High School seniors Kennedie Meyers and Kai Borgetti, who are participating in a statewide oral history project focused on coal communities and economic transition.

The episode explores how students are capturing firsthand stories through interviews, journalism, photography, and video, working in collaboration with the Climate Jobs Institute and university researchers. Kennedie and Kai share what it’s like to conduct interviews, document community life, and preserve voices that are often overlooked, while gaining hands-on experience in journalism, storytelling, and research.

This episode highlights how Harlem students are applying empathy, curiosity, and technical skills to real-world issues—demonstrating the impact of project-based learning, student internships, and authentic community engagement.

What happens when students step out of the classroom and into real communities?
In this episode of Talk 122, Harlem High School students work alongside educators and researchers to capture powerful oral histories from coal communities facing change. Through interviews, cameras, and curiosity, these students are preserving stories that matter—while gaining real-world experience in journalism, research, and storytelling.

In Season 5, Episode 4 of Talk 122, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough breaks down school district finances, budget challenges, and long-term planning with Josh Aurand, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. The discussion covers state and federal funding uncertainty, rising health insurance costs, facility upgrades, and how the district prioritizes transparency while protecting student programs.

The episode also highlights college and trade scholarships for Harlem students, featuring Kiley Fry (Class of 2023) and Carol Johnson of the Harlem Scholarship Foundation. They share real-world advice on applying for scholarships, why so much money goes unclaimed, and how students can reduce or eliminate college debt through smart planning.

This episode connects district budgeting to student opportunity—showing how financial decisions today shape futures tomorrow.

What does it mean to be a graduate of the Harlem School District? In this episode of Talk 122, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough dives deep into the new "Profile of a Graduate" initiative—a framework designed to give students direction, autonomy, and real-world skills before they ever leave the classroom.

Dr. Yarbrough is joined by three special guests representing the teacher, student, and administrator perspectives. Together, they discuss how the district is moving away from a one-size-fits-all education model to one offering a "plethora of choices," internships, and personalized pathways.

In this episode, we cover:

• Real-World Experience: Work-Based Learning Coordinator Melissa Hagerman shares why today’s students have more opportunities than ever before—and shares a hilarious success story about a nursing student who found her calling at the county coroner's office.

• Student Voice: 8th-grade student and committee member Brilliance Tarver explains why "resilience" is the most critical attribute for high schoolers and how extracurriculars prove dedication to future employers.

• The Strategy: Director of Secondary Education Jake Hubert breaks down the "soft rollout" of the program and what the district wants future employers to know about Harlem graduates.

Join us to learn how we are preparing the next generation of Huskies for a rapidly changing world. I am Harlem. You are Harlem. We are Harlem.

In this HR-themed episode of Talk 122, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with the people who help keep the Harlem School District running smoothly behind the scenes — the Human Resources team! First, we meet Rachel Freeman, Harlem’s Human Resources Coordinator, who shares her decade-long journey with the district and how she’s helping make HR feel more human. From launching new monthly orientations to supporting staff with benefits and pay questions, Rachel gives insight into how people skills make all the difference in her role — and yes, even a little talk about her love for body combat and boxing!

Then, Dr. Yarbrough welcomes Dana Russell, the new Principal Secretary at Parker Center, and Dr. Shelley Wagner, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Dana shares how she’s settling into her new role, her family’s deep Harlem roots, and why she treats the Parker team like family. Dr. Wagner closes out the episode by talking about people-first HR, the importance of visibility across the district, and her journey from special education teacher to administrator. Plus, you’ll hear how she recently became a proud “Grand Pet Parent” — and the hilarious story of her first day as an administrator!

Talk 122 is back for its fifth year! In this milestone episode, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough kicks off Season 5 by highlighting the incredible musical talent and creativity within Harlem School District. Joined by Harlem High School students Sierra Van Laeke and Gabriel Coletta, Dr. Yarbrough dives into their unforgettable experience performing on stage with the legendary rock band Foreigner. Choir Director Jeremy Toledo also joins to share what it took to make that once-in-a-lifetime moment happen and how the community’s support made it possible.

In the second half, Dr. Yarbrough welcomes back Mary McNamara Bernsten, Executive Director of the Rockford Area Arts Council, to discuss the newly completed Rockford Area Culture Plan and how art continues to shape and strengthen the region. From student performances to city-wide collaboration, this episode celebrates the powerful connection between education, art, and community.