The GNSF ”We Belong Here” Podcast

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re talking about the power of giving back and the many ways our community comes together to support the organizations and causes that make Poweshiek County a special place to call home.

Joining us are Julie Gosselink, from the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and Nicole Brua-Behrens, with the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation. They’re here to tell us all about the “We Give” campaign, happening throughout the month of October.

We’ll learn more about what the campaign is, how local organizations and donors can participate, and the impact that giving locally can have right here in our community.

Whether you’re already involved with We Give or are hearing about it for the first time, this is a great opportunity to learn how you can be part of supporting the organizations that help make our communities stronger.

Let’s welcome Julie and Nicole to the We Belong Here Podcast!

🎙️ 2026 GHS Homecoming Candidates

These students didn’t shy away from the tough questions and delivered thoughtful, high-quality answers. Of course, there were plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments along the way!

The Homecoming Court is a shining example of the spirit, leadership, and character we’re proud to celebrate at GHS. They truly embody what it means when we say: "We Belong Here!"

🎙️ This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our newest teachers!

Meet Hanna Schulte, Kindergarten; Kyla Daniel, 1st Grade; & Maleah Jones, 3rd Grade teachers.

Sit back and get to know our newest educators as they share where they came from, some of their favorite activities growing up, and what inspired them to become teachers. 💙

Tune in, stay connected, and get to know the people helping our students learn, grow, and thrive.

Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here. 💙

🎙️ This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our newest teachers!

Meet Hannah Bellis, MS Special Education; Joanna Leston, 4th Grade Music and 5th & 6th Grade Band; Olivia Degeeter, 4th Grade; Janae Workman, 4th Grade; Ava Kana, 4th Grade; Anastasia Muel, 7th Grade Math; and Caleb Wirtz, 4th Grade.

Sit back and get to know our newest educators as they share where they came from, some of their favorite activities growing up, and what inspired them to become teachers. 💙

Tune in, stay connected, and get to know the people helping our students learn, grow, and thrive.

Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here. 💙

🎙️ This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our new Grinnell-Newburg Superintendent, Ken Kasper!

Ken shares his enthusiasm about joining the Grinnell-Newburg community as Superintendent and visits with host Dan Walker about his years of experience as an administrator in other school districts.

Tune in to hear more about Ken’s journey, his excitement for the future, and his vision for serving the Grinnell-Newburg community.

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

🎙️ This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our newest high school teachers: Maria Gomez Patino, HS Spanish, and John Rohde, HS Science!

Sit back and get to know our new teachers as they share where they came from, some of their favorite activities growing up, and what inspired them to become educators.

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome new Preschool Teachers- Kaylin Meck, Megan Polzin and Koryn Bakken;  new Kindergarten Teacher- Emily Hertel and new 1st Grade Teacher Kristie Dana.

Sit back and find out where are new teachers came from and some of the favorite activities growing up and why they wanted to become teachers.

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

Episode #48 features special guest Lisa York, instructional coach at Grinnell-Newburg School District. A Grinnell High School alumna, Lisa returned to Grinnell after college to begin a career in education that has spanned more than 31 years.

In this episode, we look back on her remarkable career, sharing stories and memories from her decades of service at Fairview, Davis, and Bailey Park schools. With Lisa set to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the lasting impact she has had on generations of Grinnell students and families.

Lisa truly embodies what it means to say, “We Belong Here,” having been a part of the earliest learning experiences for so many Grinnell students throughout the years.

Episode #47 features special guests Jan Phifer and Andrea Zhorne—better known to many students and families as Miss Jan and Miss Andrea. As Early Childhood Special Education teachers at Fairview Elementary, they’ve spent more than 30 years shaping the earliest learning experiences of Grinnell students.

In this episode, we take a look back at their remarkable careers, sharing stories and memories from decades of teaching preschool in Grinnell. With both educators set to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, it’s a fitting time to celebrate the lasting impact they’ve had on generations of learners.

Jan and Andrea truly embody what it means to say, “We Belong Here,” having laid the foundation for countless students’ educational journeys.

Episode #46 of the We Belong Here Podcast features special guest Josh Smith, Principal of Fairview Elementary. Josh has strong roots in the area—he grew up just down the road in Victor and made his way to Grinnell in 2018 as a first-year administrator after many years of teaching in the HLV Community School District and other districts.

In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, including exciting developments like the new elementary school. Josh’s journey and connection to the community make him a perfect example of what it means to say, “We Belong Here.”