The INK! Podcast

Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, and in this episode of The INK! Podcast, hosts Ian MacDonald and Jim Wheeler sit down with Mary Alice Hayes, Program Director of INK!'s Five Learning Years (FLY) Program.

Learn how FLY is helping students across St. Johns County Schools develop essential reading skills through targeted intervention, personalized support, and the expertise of retired teacher tutors. Mary Alice shares the story behind the program, its mission, growth, and impact on hundreds of students, including specialized support for children with dyslexia.

The conversation also explores why early literacy matters, how community partnerships help expand opportunities for young learners, and the important role donors such as the PNC Foundation and other community supporters play in helping students succeed.

Plus, hear the latest INK! Happenings, including the upcoming Jail Break 5K and the New Worlds Reading Initiative event at Patriot Oaks Academy.

If you're passionate about education, literacy, and student success, this episode offers a powerful look at how community investment is helping young readers thrive throughout St. Johns County.

Join Ian and Jim as they welcome St. Johns County School District Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen for a conversation about the 2026-27 school year. Dr. Asplen discusses the district's priorities, continued growth, new schools, the impact of school choice and vouchers, student achievement trends, and what's ahead for one of Florida's top-performing school districts. He also shares why community partnerships, including INK, remain vital to student success.

Plus, learn how you can support INK and help make a difference for St. Johns County students and teachers.

In this episode of the INK! Podcast, host Ian MacDonald and INK!’s Student Programs Director Jim Wheeler sit down with longtime Take Stock in Children mentor Danny Gurr to explore how mentorship can shape a student’s future in powerful, lasting ways.

The conversation highlights INK!’s role as the St. Johns County partner for Take Stock in Children since 1998 and the program’s exceptional outcomes—including 90%+ of students enrolling in college and three times the college degree attainment compared to peers from similar backgrounds. Danny and Ian share their personal journeys as mentors, offering insight into how relationships begin, how they grow throughout high school, and where they’ve seen the greatest impact on students’ confidence, goals, and long‑term success.

This episode also features updates on current INK! Happenings, including the Stuff the Bus school supply drive, Davidson Cares Clay Day, and the 10th Annual Jail Break 5K.

Listeners will learn how to support INK!’s mission, get involved in upcoming events, and even become a mentor themselves through Take Stock in Children.
A heartfelt, community‑driven conversation that celebrates the difference one committed adult can make in a student’s life.

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In this episode of The INK! Podcast, Executive Director Cathy Newman joins Ian & Jim to reflect on INK!'s impact during. We celebrate the St. Johns County School District's #1 ranking in Florida, highlight INK!'s support for literacy, teachers, and students, and share how you can get involved through Stuff the Bus, Jail Break 5k, and other community initiatives.

Get an inside look at how the St Johns County School District is helping students reach higher levels of success through accelerated learning opportunities. In this episode of The INK! Podcast, we sit down with Deputy Superintendent Dawn Sapp and Career & Technical Education Director Emily Matthews to break down what "acceleration" means, why it matters for student achievement, and how the district is expanding access to advanced coursework.

From middle school math pathways to dual enrollment, early college programs, and career academics with industry certifications, learn how the St Johns County School District is creating more opportunities for students to get ahead and prepare for their futures. Plus, hear the latest INK! happenings and find out how you can support local education through upcoming events and community involvement.

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In this episode of The INK! Podcast, Ian and Jim sit down with Sabina Atic, the 2026-2027 St Johns County Teacher of the Year from Beachside High School. Sabina shares her journey in to teaching, how she keeps students engaged in today's distraction-heavy world, and what the Teacher of the Year means to her as an educator.

We also highlight St Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year, celebrate the impressive finalists, and give listeners updates on upcoming INK! events - from the INK! Golf Tournament to scholarship deadlines and Birdies for Charity with The Players Championship.

A fun bonus: Sabina tells us what it was like to drive away in her brand-new car donated by Beaver Toyota! Tune in and be inspired by one of St Johns County's finest educators.

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Missy Peters and Sabrina Papovitch share how Community First Credit Union partners with INK! to fuel innovative classroom projects across St. Johns County Schools through the Champions for Children Teacher Grants - helping teachers bring big ideas to life.

Deputy Superintendent Dawn Sapp shares insights on how literacy and early reading skills prepare students to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Discover how St Johns County Schools and community partners are working together to ensure every child starts school ready to learn and ready to succeed.

The INK! Podcast kicks off the school year with St Johns County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen. Hear how the district is preparing for more growth, new schools, and fresh opportunities for students and teachers. Whether you are a parent, educator, student, or community member, this is your opportunity to hear directly from the district's top leader about where we're heading and how you can stay informed and involved.

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In this episode of The INK! Podcast, hosts Ian and Jim are joined by David Chatterton, General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours, to talk about the upcoming Jailbreak 5k - a entertaining, themed race that brings the community together for fun, creativity, and a great cause. Whether you're running in stripes or superhero capes, this event is all about energy and support for the St Johns County School District.

Later, Cathy Newman, INK!'s Executive Director, joins us to discuss Tools 4 Schools - our year-round resource providing free supplies for teachers throughout the district. While the collection of donations is in full swing right now, the need never stops. Learn how you can help stock the shelves and support our educators all year long.

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