IRSD Spotlight Podcast
The IRSD Spotlight podcast is produced by the Indian River School District and provides useful information about the programs, events and accomplishments happening throughout the district. It also highlights important topics impacting education in our community. A list of episodes is below. Episodes can also be accessed through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Sound Cloud, Spreaker, Podcast Addict and several other podcast platforms and mobile apps.
Episode 78: Kasey Revel, IRSD Teacher of the Year
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Posted May 19, 2023
To watch Kasey Revel teach is to watch someone who is in her element; who truly loves what she does. Her enthusiasm for the job is not only evident, but infectious. In this episode we speak with Kasey, who was recently named IRSD Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024. Click on the link below to listen.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Kasey Revel
Kasey Revel, Teacher of the Year
Kasey Revel, Teacher of the Year
Kasey Revel, Teacher of the Year
Group Photo – IRSD Teachers of the Year
Episode 77: Sussex Central IB Arts Exhibition
S8, E6.jpg "SCHS art exhibition poster")
Posted April 21, 2023
Sussex Central High School recently hosted its annual International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Exhibition. We speak with a student artist and two teachers who helped make the show a reality.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Daniella Robles
Little things that remind me of you
Imperfections Perfectas
Poster
Sarah Short
Kelly De Leon
Episode 76: National School Counseling Week
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Posted February 6, 2023
In honor of National School Counseling Week (February 6-10), we speak with two of IRSD’s best – Leslee Hazzard and Stephanie Wilkinson. Click on the link below to listen.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Leslee Hazzard
Stephanie Wilkinson
Episode 75: Georgetown Public Library
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Posted January 12, 2023
Located in the middle of the county seat a few blocks from The Circle, the Georgetown Public Library is a community gem. In this episode, Library Director Rachel Culver tells us why. Click on the link below to listen.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 74: Debby Dudley
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Posted December 16, 2022
Phillip C. Showell Elementary School music teacher Debby Dudley has 42 years of service in the Indian River School District, by far the most of any district teacher. Her remarkable career began in the late-1970s and has included stints at four IRSD schools. She consistently earns high praise from administrators, colleagues, parents and students. Debby joins us in this episode to talk about a distinguished career in education that has spanned more than four decades. Click on the link below to listen.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Debby Dudley 2022
Debby Dudley in the classroom
Debby Dudley in the classroom
Debby Dudley in the classroom
Episode 73: Remembering 9/11
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Posted September 16, 2022
Lori Smyth’s roots in the Indian River School District run deep. She is an Indian River High School graduate, a district parent and a local business owner. Her husband is also an Indian River graduate and her father was an IRSD employee for 32 years. Lori also has an incredible story of escaping Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. She shares that story in this episode. (“Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Lori Smyth 2022
Pete’s shirt
Dry cleaning tag
Lori Smyth presentation 2017
Lori Smyth 1987
Episode 72: Back to School, 2022-2023
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Posted August 22, 2022
With the start of the 2022-2023 school year only two weeks away, we speak with Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens about what’s happening around the district and what families can expect when schools open their doors in September. We also meet with two new members of the IRSD administrative team – Monica McCurry, principal of East Millsboro Elementary School, and Dr. Richard Evans, principal of Southern Delaware School of the Arts. (“Sleepwalker” courtesy of The Killers and Island Records, 2021. “Time Stand Still” courtesy of Rush and Mercury/Polygram Records, 1987.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Monica McCurry
Richard Evans
Episode 71: Jennah Truitt, IRSD Teacher of the Year
S7, E6.jpg "Jennah Truitt")
Posted May 17, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Jennah Truitt, IRSD Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Jennah Truitt - Teacher of the Year
Jennah Truitt
Jennah Truitt
Jennah Truitt
Episode 70: Mock Mailbag with Dr. Owens
S7, E5.jpg "Jay Owens")
Posted March 14, 2022
In this episode, Superintendent Jay Owens joins us to answer questions submitted by “residents” of the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 69: Girls on the Run
S7, E4.jpg "Girls on the Run logo")
Posted February 4, 2022
In this episode, we take a look at the Girls on the Run program, which has become extremely popular at elementary and middle schools throughout the Indian River School District
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Karinne Lemmon
Michelle Truitt
Ka’liyah Bautista
Gabrielle Baker
JMC Running for Ridge
JMC life skills lesson
JMC after-school hallway run
Georgetown team at 5K run
Georgetown team at 5K run
Georgetown team at 5K run
Episode 68: Rose Parade/Career & Trade Fair
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Posted January 28, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Sussex Central High School teacher Phoebe Walls about her experience at the Tournament of Roses Parade and with Greg Hockman about the upcoming Career & Trade Fair at Indian River High School.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Phoebe Marvel
Phoebe Marvel at Rose Parade
Phoebe Marvel with band members
Career & Trade Fair Flyer
Episode 67: SDSA, National Blue Ribbon School
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Posted December 7, 2021.jpg "Blue Ribbon logo")
In this episode, we celebrate Southern Delaware School of the Arts and its recent National Blue Ribbon School Award by speaking with Principal Travis Bower and teachers Mary Litchfield and Mary Caligiure.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
SDSA staff
Travis Bower
Mary Litchfield
Mary Caligiure
Episode 66: Gemma Cabrera
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Posted September 22, 2021.jpg "Gemma Cabrera")
In this episode, we celebrate Gemma Cabrera, a bilingual community liaison at North Georgetown Elementary School. We speak with Gemma about her life’s journey and hear from a few people who have had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Gemma Cabrera – 2020
Gemma Cabrera – 2008
Gemma Cabrera – 2005
Episode 65: A Year Like No Other
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Posted June 9, 2021
In this episode, we wrap up what has been an unusual, challenging and often difficult school year by celebrating our district’s many accomplishments in the classroom, in the community and on the athletic field. (“Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003; “Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of W.G. Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Cliff Toomey
David Clark
JMC Playground Ribbon Cutting
Gus Fadden
Vicky Chan
Haley Mears – Teacher of the Year
IRHS Boys Soccer State Champions
SCHS Football State Champions
Raychel Ehlers
Todd Fuhrmann
John Wells
IRHS Prom (Photo by Sam Ellis)
Episode 64: Growing Your Own
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Posted May 27, 2021
In this episode, we highlight the district’s yearlong teacher residency program. Guests are IRSD Teacher Recruiter Lori Hudson and yearlong teacher residents Samantha Whelen and Alexandra Kuck.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Lori Hudson
Samantha Whelen
Alexandra Kuck
Episode 63: Haley Mears, IRSD Teacher of the Year
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Posted May 13, 2021.jpg "Haley Mears")
In this episode, we speak with Haley Mears, the 2021-2022 Indian River School District Teacher of the Year.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Haley Mears, Teacher of the Year
Episode 62: Why Did You Become a Teacher?
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Posted March 9, 2021
In this episode, we speak with five district teachers about why they chose the teaching profession and the aspects of teaching that they find the most rewarding. We also find out if there was ever a time in their lives when they thought about doing something other than teaching. Their responses are both poignant and funny.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Chelina Tingle
Gretchen Pikus
Sarah Betlejewski
Brandon Gibbs
Joe Walls
Episode 61: Women of Will
S6, E6.jpg "Women of Will")
Posted February 11, 2021
In this episode, we highlight the Women of Will program at Indian River High School with Athletic Director Todd Fuhrmann, field hockey coach Jodi Stone and all-state volleyball player Raychel Ehlers. Sponsored by Under Armour and BSN Sports, Women of Will offers a robust support system for female athletes with the goal of changing lives and inspiring the next generation of women to strive for greatness. (“Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of W.G. Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Raychel Ehlers
Raychel Ehlers with Sophia Basler of Smyrna HS
IRHS field hockey team on Women of Will Day
Brynn Crandell
Episode 60: Wrapping Up 2020
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Posted December 17, 2020
In this episode, we wrap up 2020 with some important informational items for IRSD families and hear a special message of hope and gratitude from Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens. (“Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of W.G. Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Transcript of Dr. Owens' message
The PCS Post Oak
JMC Playground
Episode 59: Brandon McCabe, IRSD Teacher of the Year
S6, E4.jpg "Brandon McCabe")
Posted November 23, 2020
In this episode, we speak with Brandon McCabe, the 2020-2021 Indian River School District Teacher of the Year.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Brandon McCabe
The Sign
Episode 58: Countdown to Kindergarten
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Posted November 12, 2020
In this episode, we highlight Kindergarten Registration Awareness month with Audrey Carey, IRSD Supervisor of Early Learning.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 57: Meet Your Supers
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Posted October 13, 2020
In this episode, we speak with new IRSD Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens and new Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Karen Blannard about their careers, their philosophies on education and their vision for the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 56: Rewriting the Playbook
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Posted October 1, 2020
In this episode, we talk with Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens about the COVID-19 pandemic and the district’s reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 55: Youth Art Month.jpg "IRSD Spotlight")
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Posted February 27, 2020
In this episode, we highlight Youth Art Month in the Town of Selbyville and hear about a special art show featuring works from students at Phillip C. Showell Elementary School, Selbyville Middle School, Southern Delaware School of the Arts and Indian River High School. Special guest: Jackie Bates.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
2018 Art Show (1)
2018 Art Show (2)
2018 Art Show (3)
2018 Art Show (4)
2018 Art Show (5)
Episode 54: Referendum, February 13, 2020 .jpg "Referendum")
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Posted January 16, 2020
In this episode, we highlight the upcoming major capital improvement referendum on February 13. Superintendent Mark Steele talks about the importance of this initiative and its impact on the future of the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode
Episode 53: Homeless Students
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Posted December 16, 2019
In this episode, Walt Smith, Supervisor of Alternative Programs, discusses the issue of homelessness in the Indian River School District and the services provided to students who are in transition.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 52: Howard T. Ennis School
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Posted November 20, 2019
In this episode, we go inside the Howard T. Ennis School to get the staff's perspective on what it's like to provide services to students with moderate to severe disabilities on a daily basis. Guests: Angela Graham and Tom Spiezio.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Angela Graham
Tom Spiezio
Episode 51:Unified Sports
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Posted October 10, 2019
In this episode honoring national Disability Awareness Month and IRSD’s upcoming Special Education Week (Oct. 28 - Nov. 1), we explore Unified Sports, which brings together students with and without disabilities in the spirit of athletic competition, friendship and understanding. Indian River High School Athletic Director Todd Fuhrmann, unified basketball coach Steve Kilby and students Kaylee Hall and Clara Shepherd join us to talk about the Unified Sports program at their school. (“Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Clara Shepherd
Kaylee Hall
Todd Fuhrmann
IRHS Unified Basketball Team 2019
IRHS and Cape Henlopen Unified Basketball Teams - Jan. 24, 2019
Coach Steve Kilby with team
State Semifinal - March 5, 2019 (1)
State Semifinal - March 5, 2019 (2)
State Semifinal - March 5, 2019 (3)
Episode 50: The Story of Consolidation .jpg "School board - 1969-70")
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Posted September 9, 2019
In this special episode, we look back at the contentious issue of school consolidation and the formation of the Indian River School District in 1969. In Part 1, we review the history of consolidation and the merging of five small school districts 50 years ago. In Part 2, we speak with two people who were students at the time of consolidation and ask about its impact on their schools. In Part 3, we pay tribute to the man who was considered “The Father of the Indian River School District.” In Part 4, we discuss consolidation’s impact on high school athletics. In Part 5, we analyze the impact of consolidation during the past 50 years and look ahead to the future. Information for this episode was obtained from the archives of The News Journal and from James Marvel’s Indian River School District History of Consolidation. “Spirit in the Sky” courtesy of Norman Greenbaum and Reprise Records, 1969.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Indian River Board of Education, 1969-1970
James Proudfoot
Episode 49: Back to School, 2019-2020
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Posted August 26, 2019
In this episode, we provide some important information to parents and community members in advance of the 2019-2020 school year. We also speak with three gifted teachers about their careers in education and their expectations for the new year.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Photos
Dara Callaway
Christa Ferdig
Michael Williams
Episode 48: The Secret Life of David Warick .jpg "David Warick")
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Posted May 31, 2019
In this episode, we expose the secret life of Sussex Central High School drama teacher David Warick. (Jeopardy! footage courtesy of King World and Merv Griffin Enterprises, 1990.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 47: Art Henry, IRSD Teacher of the Year .jpg "Art Henry")
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Posted May 15, 2019
In this episode, we talk with Millsboro Middle School teacher Art Henry, who was named the Indian River School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Special Announcement: Referendum
Posted May 3, 2019
CLICK HERE to listen to this announcement.
Episode 46: The Sussex Central Shuffle
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Posted April 8, 2019
What is the Sussex Central Shuffle? In this episode, Principal Bradley Layfield, student Braeden Swain and teacher Shelby DiCostanzo attempt to answer that question while discussing the challenges they face on a daily basis in an overcrowded Sussex Central High School. Superintendent Mark Steele also discusses the importance of the district’s major capital improvement referendum on May 7.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 45: Student Profile – Kathleen Carter (IRHS) .jpg "Kathleen Carter")
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Posted March 1, 2019
In this episode, we visit with Indian River High School senior Kathleen Carter, a highly-decorated musician and honors student. IRHS band director Nathan Mohler also joins us to talk about one of his most gifted students.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Special Announcement: Referendum
Posted February 1, 2019
CLICK HERE to listen to this announcement.
Episode 44: Referendum, February 5, 2019
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Posted January 11, 2019
In this episode, Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele talks about the major capital improvement and current expense referendum scheduled for February 5, 2019.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 43: John Wells .jpg "John Wells")
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Posted December 14, 2018
In this episode, Sussex Central High School football coach John Wells discusses his team’s 2018 Delaware Division I state championship. He also talks about his highly-successful 23-year coaching career.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
John Wells career coaching record
SCHS 2018 State Football Championship
Episode 42: Community Spotlight – Ann Marie Dalton .jpg "Ann Marie Dalton")
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Posted October 23, 2018
In this episode, Ann Marie Dalton of the Ocean View Police Department talks about her career in law enforcement and her commitment to helping the students of Lord Baltimore Elementary School through mentoring and other activities.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 41: Special Education Week 2018
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Posted October 9, 2018
In honor of IRSD Special Education Week (October 22-26), we talk with two gifted teachers – Audra Mitchell of East Millsboro Elementary School and Jennah Truitt of Lord Baltimore Elementary School – about their careers, their classrooms and their philosophies on special education. We also highlight some of the activities happening in our schools during Special Education Week.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 40: Take II Drama Club Season Preview
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Posted September 14, 2018
In this episode, Sussex Central High School drama teacher David Warick discusses the Take II Drama Club’s upcoming season and reveals the name of the “Fall Mystery Play.”
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 39: Back to School, 2018-2019
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Posted August 28, 2018
This episode sets the stage for the 2018-2019 school year, which begins on September 4. First, Superintendent Mark Steele addresses the state of the school district and the important initiatives on tap for the coming months. Directors of Education Kelly Dorman and Renee Jerns then stop by to talk about the K-12 curriculum and what parents need to know entering the new school year. Finally, Supervisor of Early Learning Dr. Audrey Carey discusses preschool services in the district.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 38: The Year in Review, 2017-2018
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Posted June 13, 2018
A look back at the 2017-2018 school year.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 37: Major Capital Improvements and Other News
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Posted May 15, 2018
In this episode, Superintendent Mark Steele discusses the district’s future major capital improvement needs and we highlight the recent accomplishments of our students and staff. We also share some important information that parents will need as the 2017-2018 school year draws to a close.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 36: Courtney White, IRSD Teacher of the Year .jpg "Courtney White")
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Posted May 3, 2018
A conversation with Courtney White, 2018-2019 IRSD Teacher of the Year. Courtney discusses the Teacher of the Year award, her philosophy on classroom instruction and her interesting journey to becoming a decorated teacher.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 35: Indian River Glory Years, Part 2 .jpg "IR basketball 1980")
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Posted March 15, 2018
From 1979-1981, Indian River High School reached the pinnacle of athletic success in the State of Delaware. The accomplishments of the school’s football and boys’ basketball teams whipped the community into a frenzy and made Indian River a force to be reckoned with in Delaware high school athletics. A special guest who was member of all of these teams steps into the Spotlight to discuss the IRHS “glory years.” In Part 2 of our Indian River “Glory Years” retrospective, Chris Shelton visits the Spotlight again to discuss the success of the 1980 and 1981 IRHS boys’ basketball teams.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
State boys' basketball finals - 1980 and 1981
Chris Shelton
The Jacket
Wilmington Morning News article - March 15, 1981
Episode 34: Indian River Glory Years, Part 1 .jpg "IR football 1979")
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Posted March 7, 2018
From 1979-1981, Indian River High School reached the pinnacle of athletic success in the State of Delaware. The accomplishments of the school’s football and boys’ basketball teams whipped the community into a frenzy and made Indian River a force to be reckoned with in Delaware high school athletics. A special guest who was member of all of these teams steps into the Spotlight to discuss the IRHS “glory years.”
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
The 1979 season
The 1980 season
Episode 33: Social Worker at the Library
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Posted March 1, 2018
Selbyville Public Library Director Kelly Kline and social worker Dorian Baker talk about a unique partnership that is making social workers available to Indian River School District residents.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 32: “SuperBot” Saturday
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Posted February 6, 2018
Lord Baltimore Elementary School Assistant Principal Travis Bower and two district students – Addison Lane and Ruby DiSabatino – talk about the upcoming “SuperBot Saturday” VEX IQ robotics competition. The competition will be held on Saturday, February 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Georgetown Elementary School.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Special Announcement: A Special Message from Superintendent Mark Steele
Posted December 21, 2017
CLICK HERE to listen to this announcement.
Episode 31: Student Profile – Holly Williams (SCHS) .jpg "Holly Williams")
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Posted December 15, 2017
In this student profile episode, Sussex Central High School senior Holly Williams discusses the school’s mock trial team, the International Baccalaureate program and her interests outside of school. Holly is joined by teacher and mock trial coach Jordan Marvel.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 30: Sussex Central “Nerd Circle”
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Posted November 27, 2017
What happens when eight high school teachers get together to discuss their favorite comic book and superhero movies? You’ll find out in this episode as we go inside the Sussex Central High School “Nerd Circle,” where the discussions are passionate, funny and highly intellectual.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 29: News and Notes
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Posted October 16, 2017
In this episode, we highlight some of the district’s recent awards and accomplishments while passing along important information about school choice, Smart911 and the upcoming parent focus group meetings for special education.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 28: Pickleball, Harry K and Adult Education
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Posted October 5, 2017
Michele Murphy, IRSD Parent Center coordinator, stops by to discuss the adult and community education program, the Harry K Foundation food pantry, mentoring activities for district students and the various services offered by the parent center.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 27: Why Did You Become a Teacher?
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Posted September 18, 2017
Why did you become a teacher? That’s the question we’re posing to district teachers Laurie Hall, Angela Wilson, Rob Gibson, Sara Baker and Jesse Steele. We’ll also find out if they ever thought of pursuing a career other than teaching and what aspects of the teaching profession they find the most rewarding. Their responses are both funny and moving.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Special Announcement: WRDE Charity Golf Classic
Posted September 5, 2017
CLICK HERE to listen to this announcement.
Episode 26: Back to School, Part 2
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Posted September 1, 2017
In the second of our Back to School episodes, Dr. LouAnn Hudson discusses new instructional programs for the 2017-2018 school year while Dr. Jay Owens talks about special education services in the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 25: Back to School, Part 1
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Posted August 23, 2017
In the first of two Back to School episodes, Superintendent Mark Steele discusses the upcoming 2017-2018 school year while Tyler Bryan talks about bus transportation in the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 24: Meet Your Superintendent .jpg "Mark Steele")
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Posted July 17, 2017
IRSD Superintendent Mark Steele discusses his 36-year career as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Indian River School District. Mr. Steele was named district superintendent in January 2017 and also talks about the challenges he’s faced during his first six months on the job.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 23: “13 Reasons Why” .jpg "13 Reasons Why")
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Posted May 17, 2017
In this special episode, school counselors Erin Crooks and Marie Keffer give their impressions of the popular television series “13 Reasons Why” and discuss what parents and students can do to prevent teen suicide. Suicide prevention resources are available on the Indian River School District website at irsd.net. Go to the Parents & Students tab at the top of the page and click on “Bullying and Suicide Prevention Resources” in the drop-down menu.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 22: Erin Crooks, Delaware School Counselor of the Year .jpg "Erin Crooks")
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Posted May 12, 2017
Erin Crooks of Georgetown Middle School discusses her role as school counselor and her recent selection as Delaware's School Counselor of the Year for 2017.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 21: Lisa Richardson, IRSD Teacher of the Year .jpg "Lisa Richardson")
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Posted May 3, 2017
A conversation with Lisa Richardson, the Indian River School District's Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018. Lisa discusses her teaching career and her philosophies on education.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 20: Phil Shultie .jpg "Phil Shultie")
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Posted April 3, 2017
Phil Shultie discusses his 41 years as Sussex Central High School's wrestling coach and the Golden Knights' 2017 dual meet state championship.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 19: Student Profile – Erin Haden (IRHS) .jpg "Erin Haden")
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Posted March 27, 2017
A conversation with Indian River High School senior Erin Haden, who is ranked second in her class, is a three-sport varsity athlete and has performed numerous community service activities.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 18: Referendum, March 2, 2017
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Posted February 17, 2017
Interim Superintendent Mark Steele discusses the upcoming current expense referendum on March 2 and its importance to the future of the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 17: The 1983 Sussex Central vs Indian River Football Game .jpg "IR vs SC 1983")
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Posted February 13, 2017
In this episode, we revisit the controversial 1983 Sussex Central-Indian River football game. John Wells and Jim Smith share their recollections of perhaps the most bizarre chapter in this long-time high school gridiron rivalry. (“Smoke and Mirrors” courtesy of Gotye and Eleven Records, 2011. “Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Bonus Content
Media coverage - Sussex County Post
Episode 16: John Wells .jpg "John Wells")
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Posted February 8, 2017
John Wells discusses his more than two decades as a football and softball coach at Sussex Central High School. ("29" courtesy of the Gin Blossoms and A&M Records, 1992.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 15: Special Education Week 2017
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Posted February 3, 2017
Dr. Heather Statler and Dr. Jay Owens discuss the district's first-ever Special Education Week to be held February 27 through March 3.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 14: Student Profile – Adamari Rodriguez (SCHS) .jpg "Adamari Rodriguez")
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Posted December 7, 2016
Adamari Rodriguez is a senior at Sussex Central High School. She is an honors student who is ranked in the Top 10 of her class, she is senior class president for 2016-2017, she is captain of the cheerleading team and she is enrolled in the school’s International Baccalaureate program. She also has an impressive list of community service activities. Adamari is the featured guest in this student profile episode of IRSD Spotlight. (“Halo” courtesy of the Foo Fighters and RCA Records, 2002.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 13: SCHS Take II Drama Club Season Preview
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Posted October 12, 2016
Sussex Central High School drama teacher David Warick offers a preview of the Take II Drama Club's upcoming season, which includes productions of "Throne of Blood," "Cinderella" and "David Copperfield." (“Limelight” courtesy of Rush and Mercury Records, 1981.)
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 12: Student Profile – David Clark (IRHS) .jpg "David Clark")
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Posted October 3, 2016
Indian River High School senior David Clark is an honors student, a two-sport athlete and a state officer in Business Professionals of America. David also has the honor of being first student guest in the IRSD Spotlight.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 11: Referendum – November 22, 2016
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Posted September 27, 2016
Superintendent Susan Bunting discusses the district's upcoming current expense referendum on November 22, 2016.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 10: Back to School, 2016-2017
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Posted August 31, 2016
Superintendent Susan Bunting and Director of Instruction LouAnn Hudson discuss the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, which begins on September 6.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 9: School Nutrition Services .jpg "Cliff Toomey")
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Posted August 8, 2016
What does it take to feed more than 10,000 children on a daily basis from September through June? Clifton Toomey, Supervisor of Nutrition Services for the Indian River School District, talks about what goes into running food service operations at 15 school cafeterias.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 8: School Safety Monitors .jpg "School Safety Monitors")
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Posted July 12, 2016
Preston Lewis, district Administrator of Student Services, and Douglas Hudson, school safety monitor at Indian River High School, discuss the impact of the district’s groundbreaking school safety monitor program, which was implemented in 2013.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 7: Student Mental Health Services
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Posted May 26, 2016
Belinda Waples, Director of Special Education, and Kim Taylor, Special Outreach Services Coordinator, discuss student mental health services in the Indian River School District.
CLICK HERE to listen to this episode.
Episode 6: Melissa Grise, IRSD Teacher of the Year .jpg "Melissa Grise")
S1, E6
Posted May 4, 2016
A conversation with Melissa Grise, the Indian River School District's Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017.
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Episode 5: Audrey Carey .jpg "Audrey Carey")
S1, E5
Posted April 19, 2016
Audrey Carey, Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, discusses the district's Spanish Immersion program and its benefits to elementary school students.
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Episode 4: Mike League .jpg "Mike League")
S1, E4
Posted April 11, 2016
Instructional Technology Specialist Mike League discusses the district's use of Schoology and its impact on classroom instruction and teacher professional development.
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Episode 3: Lori Hudson .jpg "Lori Hudson")
S1, E3
Posted March 16, 2016
Lori Hudson discusses her role as a teacher recruiter and mentor in the Indian River School District.
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Episode 2: James Hudson .jpg "Jim Hudson")
S1, E2
Posted March 4, 2016
Board of Education President James Hudson discusses his career in education and how an increase in enrollment has impacted the Indian River School District.
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Episode 1: Dr. Susan Bunting .jpg "Susan Bunting")
S1, E1
Posted February 23, 2016
Dr. Susan Bunting discusses her role as IRSD superintendent and talks about the challenges presented by unprecedented enrollment growth in the district.
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