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.

Behind the Lunch Line – How Harlem’s School Meals Come to Life

In this episode of Talk 122, Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough sits down with Jennifer Wagner, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, and Jamie Carollo, SNS, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Together, they give an inside look at how school meal programs are planned and executed at Harlem School District 122.

✅ How do schools decide what’s on the menu?✅ What are the biggest challenges in food service, and how are they tackled?✅ Fun facts about what students love (and don’t love!) in their lunches.

Tune in for a fascinating discussion about the logistics, creativity, and passion behind feeding thousands of students every day!

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In this episode of Talk 122, Dr. Yarbrough sits down with Harlem High School students and teachers to explore the importance of belonging and appreciation in education.

First, students Junior Gallardo and Matt Spartz share their personal experiences with finding their place in the school community. From teachers reaching out to help, to the impact of a supportive counselor, they discuss how feeling noticed and valued can drive success. They also introduce their upcoming podcast and ask Dr. Yarbrough for advice on how students can foster a sense of belonging.

Later, teachers Alaina Mach and Kyra Newnam join the conversation to talk about their work on Harlem High’s Social Justice Committee. They share how creating inclusive spaces and engaging in meaningful conversations help students feel seen and heard. They also highlight the role of Career and Technical Education pathways in helping students discover their passions and build their future.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on connection, support, and the impact of belonging in Harlem School District #122!

In this episode, Dr. Yarbrough meets with the leadership team of Harlem Athletics to discuss the culture of hard work and academics within our sports program.First, Reed Allison, the Athletic Director, shares his experiences transitioning into this role, the challenges of being both a coach and the son of a coach, and how his staff contributes to making his job more manageable.Next, Athletic Secretary LaWanda Cooper talks about her experiences volunteering and eventually taking a position in Harlem. She reflects on her six students who have passed through Harlem Athletics and the significant impact they have had on her life. Then she talks about having an impact on students no matter if they are part of sports or not.

In this engaging episode of Talk 122, a podcast by the Harlem

• Mary McNamara Bernstein, Executive Director of the Rockford Area Arts Council, discusses the transformative power of the arts in education and community engagement.

•Ariana Cook, music teacher at Maple and Parker Center, shares her enthusiasm for connecting young learners to music and how it bridges cultural and linguistic divides.

• Allison Turner, veteran art teacher at Harlem High School, reflects on her 27 years of experience and the incredible impact of visual arts on students.

Join us as we explore how the arts foster creativity, enhance academic success, and inspire students to connect with their communities.