🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes

S01 E05: “Under the Sea” and Into Slang School

Hosts: Chris Malanga & Superintendent Mark Rairigh

Special Guests: Cast of The Little Mermaid

🎙️ Episode Summary

This week, the podcast dives into the performing arts. While the demolition of the old Central building continues to change our landscape, the spirit of BHS musical theater is stronger than ever. We are joined by the cast of The Little Mermaid to discuss a historic milestone: this year marks the first time since the 1988–1989 school year that a BHS musical will be performed at a venue other than the Arts & Education building.

In this episode, we explore the grit required to adapt a massive Disney production to the stage at New Hope Church and the teamwork fueling our student performers. We also provide critical district updates in the News Feed regarding busing and retirements, and then put Mark and Chris to the ultimate test in our brand-new segment, "Slang School." It’s an episode full of laughter, district history, and a firsthand look at how our students are maintaining excellence, no matter the venue.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 🏁 Show Intro

01:20 📢 The #BryanBuilt News Feed

14:20 🧜‍♂️ The Deep Dive: Cast of "The Little Mermaid"

37:22 🎒 The Fun Segment: Slang School with Gabi & Bree

53:20 🏗️ Community Q&A: Construction Progress

57:30 🍎 Golden Bear Standout: Sara Nowaczyk & Niki Minor

🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News Feed

Superintendent Mark Rairigh breaks down "The Big Three" updates:

• Busing Expansion (2026-27): Reducing the "no-bus zone" from 1 mile to 1/2 mile, opening service to 130 new students. Mark explains the planning for the upcoming school year.

• Legacy of Service: We honor three pillars of BHS: Steve Alspaugh (HS Principal, 21 years), Julie Taylor (Special Ed Director, 25 years), and Karen Meister (Guidance Counselor, 31 years) as they are all retiring at the end of the school year. Mark discusses the upcoming office restructuring as a result.

• Mitchell Owens - OTCA Coach of the Year: Celebrating Coach Owens' milestone! With Bryan since 2008 and 457 career wins, his state recognition highlights our tennis program's excellence in the NWOAL.

🧜🏼‍♀️️ The Deep Dive: The Little Mermaid

We welcome Emma Schlade, Noah Mills, Elleah Davis, and Director Mr. Ben Lupo to the studio.

• The "Road" Production: For the first time in over 35 years, the BHS musical moves to a new venue. The cast discusses the grit required to adapt to a new location.

• Event Details:

  📅️ April 9 & 10 (7:00 PM) | April 11 (2:00 PM)

  📍 New Hope Church

  🎟️ Tickets available at BHS, the public library, or the door!

• Legacy on Stage: Mr. Lupo shares how the cast has stepped up to meet the challenge of a new environment while maintaining the high standard of Bryan theater.

🎒 The Fun Segment: Slang School

Class is in session! Junior High correspondents Gabi Malanga and Bree Herman join the show via video to see if the hosts are actually "locked in." Can they decode the modern-day dialect of the middle school hallways, or are Mark and Chris headed for a "Total Cheugy" failing grade? 🔔

📬 The #BryanBuilt Mailbag: Construction Progress

We address a frequent community question: "Is the construction at the MS/HS still on track to be done within the year?" Mark provides a transparent update on the physical transformation of our campus and the timeline for completion.

Submit your own questions at podcast.bryanschools.net

🏆 Golden Bear Standout: Sara Nowaczyk & Niki Minor

We wrap up the show by celebrating two of our incredible Kindergarten teachers. We discuss the vital role they play in starting the educational journey for our youngest learners and the passion they bring to the classroom every single day.

Connect With Us:

• Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.net

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X & TikTok

Remember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

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