The LET's Talk Podcast

What's new in Mesquite? City Manager Cliff Keheley shares that plus what he credits for the area's fast growth and exciting future. The city's strong partnership with Mesquite ISD, he says, supports his goal of "ensuring people have a good quality of life." For one, he's proud that there is a playground less than a mile from every home. Learn how the city works to be inclusive of all resident perspectives--gaining input from multiple age ranges, cultures and backgrounds--to build Mesquite's v...

In this week's episode, learn why Porter Elementary Counselor Melina Ontiveros--an Asian raised in the Philippines--is a proud American and Mesquite resident. Living with just younger siblings at age 15 after her mom died, she's also proud to now serve in a role she refers to as 'the person I needed' during her childhood struggles. The former teacher with 30 years of experience in education loves to impress upon her students through her example that 'nothing is impossible' if you work hard an...

In his 29th year working in the DFW area in education and first with Mesquite ISD, meet Mike Jasso, our assistant superintendent-administrative services. Hear about his first impressions, wide-ranging job duties, leadership philosophies that align with LET's, aspirations for the district and more. His high school football coach's advice as his team aspired to make the playoffs guides him professionally and personally: 'Is anyone working harder than you? No. Then why can't it be you.'

In his 29th year working in the DFW area in education and first with Mesquite ISD, meet Mike Jasso, our assistant superintendent-administrative services. Hear about his first impressions, wide-ranging job duties, leadership philosophies that align with LET's, aspirations for the district and more. His high school football coach's advice as his team aspired to make the playoffs guides him professionally and personally: 'Is anyone working harder than you? No. Then why can't it be you?'

In today's episode, hear from an impressive duo from Mesquite ISD: Director of Counseling Kristy Davis and Family Support Facilitator Kem Edwards. Learn more about the hearts and minds behind MISD's award-winning counseling staff working diligently to help students feel connected to their teachers and schools. Learn also how counselors follow LET’s mission to help students maximize their potential. Find out about the free support MISD offers student families and staff. If you need help for a ...

In this week's episode, meet West Mesquite High School coach and teacher Jeremiah Villareal. The third-generation Hispanic has served as the Wranglers' head soccer coach for the past five years, and this school year began teaching a new elective called Mexican-American Studies. Hear how he credits support from MISD staff and students and his faith to help him overcome an acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis at age 16. You'll also learn his philosophies on life, teaching and coaching that seem wis...

In this week's episode, School Board President Eddie Rose shares his interesting path to Board service. The 26-year Mesquite firefighter, who has spent the past 13 years as an arson investigator, is no stranger to education. The son of a former principal (dad) and piano teacher (mom) and husband of a Poteet High School assistant principal believes that "schools are the center of the community." The father of two MISD graduates and one current Kimbrough student is especially proud that the Mes...

The confidence and positivity coming from guest Dr. Lauren Chism can easily put your mind at ease about Mesquite ISD students making it through these tough times of a pandemic. The principal of Cannaday Elementary, who has also served Kimball and Shands elementaries and Terry Middle School, earned her doctorate in educational leadership at SMU with podcast co-host Dr. LaDonna Gulley. Hear how Dr. Chism uses her leadership role with educators and students to infuse the joy of learning into the...

Jean Pricer is the podcast's first tricultural guest. She shares her experiences as a Filipino-American born and raised in Garland, Texas, and the challenge to acclimate to the people who she said didn't "look like me." Hear why she is familiar with the Tagalog language but has better mastered Spanish and English. Learn what is new about Mesquite ISD's pre-K programs and how powerful they can be to 3- and 4-year-olds.

Carolina Portillo came into her role as MISD's director of bilingual and ESL (English as a second language) services with what seems like the perfect background. Coming to America 14 years ago from Venezuela for a better life, she is an English learner and also a parent of two English learner daughters. The former accountant, who taught elementary school in MISD before moving into administration, says becoming bilingual can be "exhausting" because it takes much more than learning the language...