The GIPS Cast

It's all about the "why".

The 2023-24 school year has arrived and we're hitting the ground running and welcoming students and families back into our schools.

One thing we do at Grand Island Public Schools is we pick a theme for each school year. A phrase that helps set the stage for our 1,500+ staff to confidently step into another school year ready to engage our students as they learn, discover, and grow.

This year’s theme is: “Our Today; Their Tomorrow”.

A simple encapsulation of what it is we do at our public schools – making each day count in the moment while empowering future generations to achieve.

We couldn’t think of a better way to start the 2023-24 school year here at "The GIPS Cast" than by sharing voices from our everyday heroes – our staff. So, we sat down with thirteen GIPS teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff and we asked them the same two questions:

• What does “Our Today; Their Tomorrow” mean to you?
• And what is your hope for your students?

And the answers… well, the answers were pretty remarkable.


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GUESTS:

• Jason Weseman, 5th Grade Teacher - Howard Elementary
• Jen Kramer, Social Studies Teacher - Westridge Middle School
• Pat Doyle, Strength & Condition Coach - Grand Island Senior High
• Lacy Biberos, 6th Grade Math - Barr Middle School
• Roger Fisher, Head Custodian - Starr Elementary
• Mike Persampieri, Assistant Principal - Walnut Middle School
• Emerald Tolles, 1st Grade Teacher - Wasmer Elementary
• Kaylee Cellar, English Teacher - Grand Island Senior High
• Rob Bishop, GIPS Positive Supports Coordinator
• Marty Markvicka, School Psychologist - Gates Elementary
• Micki Nuss, Art Teacher - Grand Island Senior High
• Seung Yeon Lee, Science Teacher - Grand Island Senior High
• Dawn Duel-Rutt, Social Worker - Success Academy

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.


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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools


https://www.gips.org/

Every student deserves to feel like they belong at school.

Mrs. Selena Valentine, Principal at Starr Elementary School, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share why public schools are a place where everyone is welcome. Along the way, she shares how her counseling background fuels her approach to education, what supporting teachers actually looks like, and why it's important to celebrate students.

Because public education shapes both today and tomorrow.
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GUEST: Mrs. Selena Valentine, Starr Elementary - Principal

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

For many students, high school is about finding your voice and discovering your passion.

Jackie Ruiz-Rodriguez, GISH Class of 2023, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to talk about how she found herself exploring student journalism almost by chance. Along the way, she shares how she found her voice through writing, why everyone deserves to have their story told, and how she balanced writing for the Senior High newspaper, city newspaper, and the GIPS Foundation Newsletter.

Because finding a way to tell your community's stories is a meaningful thing.
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GUESTS:
Jackie Ruiz-Rodriguez, GISH Class of 2023

HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

#WeAreGIPS

Creative expression can be a meaningful thing for a student.

You’re going to hear from four Grand Island Senior High students. Specifically, student poets.

Jayson, Analee, P.J., & Marissa

These four high school students have discovered the power of poetry. Through the Senior High Poetry Club and other opportunities like our GearUp program’s annual poetry slam – these students have found their voice.

You’re going to hear their words.
Words of inspiration; words of hope; words of emotion; words of pain; words of resolution; words of discovery. And all of them honest; true to their experiences. These are 100% original works written and performed by the students featured.

Because student voices matter.
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STUDENT POET GUESTS:
Analee Adams, GISH
Jayson Shelton, GISH
P.J. De la Torre, GISH
Marissa Crosby, GISH

HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

#WeAreGIPS

Investing in the next generation of leaders means providing opportunities.

Mrs. Tamisha Rose-Osgood, Stolley Park Elementary, and Mrs. Tausha Jones, Wasmer Elementary, join the "The GIPS Cast" to share their expereinces with the Tri-City ASCEND school leadership training program. Along the way, both Tamisha & Tausha share the philosophies of school leadership; the underrated impact of everyday decision making; and why relationships matter whether your teaching in a classroom or leading a building.

Because leadership is more than a title — it's about making an impact where you are.
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GUESTS:
Mrs. Tamisha Rose-Osgood, Stolley Park Elementary
Mrs. Tausha Jones, Wasmer Elementary

HOST:
Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

#WeAreGIPS

Why public education? Because there's meaning in the good work.

Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Interim Superintendent, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to dive deep into where the district is headed and the state of public schools across the country. Along the way, he shares the "how" of GIPS is found in its people; why building trust is vital; and how our staff, students, and community can work together to elevate public education above the political noise.

After all, one thing in education hasn't changed... we are here to take care of students.
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GUEST: Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Interim Superintendent

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

Why entrepreneurship?... Because you can make pretty much anything!

Mr. Adam Zlomke, Entrepreneurship Pathway Teacher at Grand Island Senior High, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how creativity fuels both his students and his teaching. Along the way, he unpacks the innovative approach of IncubatorEDU, some of the unique ways his students are aiming to solve problems in the world, and why investing in high school students is about as meaningful [and fun] as it gets.

Because students have the capacity to change the world.
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GUEST: Mr. Adam Zlomke, Grand Island Senior High - Entrepreneurship Pathway Teacher

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

Why is literacy important? Because it's everything.

Dr. Brittney Bills, GIPS K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Brianna Nelson, Gates Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher, join the "The GIPS Cast" to chat about literacy and how it shapes the lives of our students. Along the way, they unpack the difference between reading and literacy; how literacy curriculum contributes to all subject matter learning; and why students deserve to dream big.

After all, it's more than just reading... literacy is liberation.
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GUESTS: Dr. Brittney Bills, GIPS K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator
Mrs. Brianna Nelson, Gates Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

Summer learning [and summer fun] has never looked like this before.

Miss Bianca Ayala, Barr Middle School EL Teacher, and Miss Hannah Luber, Starr Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher, join the "The GIPS Cast" to share excitment for the upcoming Power Camp Summer 2023. Along the way they share what Power Camp looks like for 2nd - 5th Graders, the fun hands-on learning opportunities they'll experience, why investing in students brings them back every year.

Because fun and learning can go hand-in-hand.
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GUESTS: Miss Bianca Ayala, Barr Middle School EL Teacher
Miss Hannah Luber, Starr Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/

Science time every day for students AND teachers?

Mrs. Anya Covarrubias, GIPS Science Curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Sydney Hespe, Knickrehm Elementary Academic Support Coach, chat with the "The GIPS Cast" on how the district is seeing massive growth in Science proficiency across the board. Along the way, they share why Science is more about the "how's" and "why's"; the impact of dedicated daily Science time; and how teachers are experts at what they do.

Because it's more than just learning facts... it's learning how to think.
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GUESTS: Mrs. Anya Covarrubias, GIPS Science Curriculum Coordinator
Mrs. Sydney Hespe, Knickrehm Elementary Academic Support Coach

HOST: Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Dir.

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Twitter: @GIPublicSchools
FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools

https://www.gips.org/