Inside the Rock is a podcast hosted by Dr. Sherry Grate created to share and spotlight the latest and greatest happenings at Westfield Washington Schools .
Listen to this fascinating conversation with Interim Superintendent Chris Baldwin and family physician, Dr. Annette Fearnot about how the COVID-19 vaccine impacts kids as young as 16 and what parents need to know when deciding on getting their child vaccinated.
On this episode of Inside the Rock, our Teresa Layton speaks with Dr. Annette Fearnot about the importance of getting the regular vaccines for our children and preteens (finally, something not related to COVID, right?!)!
On this episode of Inside the Rock, Interim Superintendent Chris Baldwin speaks to Joel Bruns and John Moore, the teachers who help Westfield High School students turn their passions into businesses in the Shark Tank Club. This is an awesome conversation that shines a light on the brilliance of our Shamrocks and the excellence of a WWS education!
On this episode of Inside the Rock, Interim Superintendent Chris Baldwin discusses the decision to remain on the hybrid plan with Jim Ginder of the Hamilton County Health Department, WWS Nurse Coordinator Teresa Layton, WMS Principal Mike Hall and WHS Principal Alicia Denniston. There is lots of insight into what goes into the decision and how many factors are considered and we hope you gain new perspective on the decision.
As we continue to highlight our school board members, this week's interview comes from the school board's vice president, Rebecca Ogle. Listen as she talks about how she loves giving back to the community and how she brings her keen sense of finances to Westfield Washington Schools.
Our next school board interview is with Bill Anderson, current board secretary. We have a great conversation about how growing up with a family of educators shapes his approach to WWS, his achievements on the board and his desire to make this an efficient school district.
Our next interview for School Board Appreciation Month comes from Jimmy Cox, the recently-sworn-in board member and newly elected board president. Listen as we talk about his background, his education and his goals for the schools.
January is School Board Appreciation Month so we will be getting to know the WWS members a little bit more! Listen and learn a little more about each board member, their education, their family and what they are looking forward to getting accomplished in Westfield Washington Schools.
This week, we interviewed one of the two new members, Mike Steele, district 3 representative.
As Dr. Sherry Grate prepares to transition to her new role and to the life of grandparenthood, WWS leadership sent her well wishes and shared some of their favorite memories of her.
I'm not crying... YOU'RE crying!
Every students wants to know that they are being seen, heard and valued. That's exactly why Kurt Frederick, Mark Ewing and others in WWS created the Neighborhood Project. On this episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate took a deep dive into this project to understand how Westfield High School is getting to know their students and their culture on a more personal level.
In school, we're used to high-achieving students getting attention and low-achieving students getting attention. But, how much achievement could those kids in the middle have with a few more academic tools in their toolbox? That's exactly what AVID focuses on and Westfield Washington School introduced it to our district this year. Listen as Dr. Sherry Grate talks to the AVID teacher, instructional coach and a student about the benefits and impact of Advancement Via Individual Determination.
In this heartwarming episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with the two people who are engine behind The Shamrock Project, a program for our special needs students to help them transition from high school to independent living.
With COVID-19 driving our social media use through the roof, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Parent University's Ashley Knott have a great discussion about how to be mindful with our internet usage and how to engage with your family outside of your devices.
Westfield High School Students Sarah Weglarz and Peighton Isley have jumped onto Hamilton County's C.L.A.S.S. campaign to help promote proper mask wearing in schools to increase the chances that they get to experience all of the great things that come along with the senior year experience. Both of them join Dr. Grate to discuss what they are doing for the C.L.A.S.S. campaign and what it's like being seniors in a global pandemic.
Dr. Grate and Tom Hakim, principal of Westfield Washington Elementary School, has a fun and lively conversation about the importance of a principal and how he brings his creativity to his approach to education and leadership.
In celebration of School Principals Month, Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate had a great conversation with Dana Dietz, principal of Monon Trail Elementary School. Listen as they discuss her time at Monon Trail Elementary, connecting with students and what it's been like to lead a school during a pandemic.
Dr. Sherry Grate and newly-named WHS principal Alicia Denniston have a great conversation about Denniston's the road to becoming the WHS principal and her bold vision for the future of all Shamrocks who pass through those doors.
Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate speaks with Mike Hall, principal at Westfield Middle School, about the silver linings and lessons learned during this unique school year. They also take some time to discuss what a full return to class might look like.
This week, Dr. Sherry Grate talks with Maple Glen's principal, Mary Beth Riley as well as long-time MGES teacher and current virtual instructor Sarah Fritzsche about how Maple Glen has thrived during this school year like no other. They talk about lessons learned, how the young learners are taking to the hybrid model and what it will look like when students are in-person 4 days a week!
Westfield Washington Schools superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate and Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs discuss how BAC will be effected by the updated hybrid plan, additional benefits parents can expect from the program and much, much more!
On this week’s episode, Dr. Grate talks with Chris Baldwin, Director of HR & Safety, and Teresa Layton, WWS Nurse Coordinator about how COVID-19 is impacting our district. Listen to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
The awesome Mr. Joel Bruns, Innovation Specialist at WHS, was the guest on Inside the Rock. While your families are home for the next few weeks, take some time to listen and learn about all of the amazing things Mr. Bruns is doing in terms of innovation at WHS. Super exciting stuff!!
Meet the new Executive Director of the Westfield Education Foundation - Jody Dedon! On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr Grate talks with Jody about her experience, her vision for WEF and about the big Top Golf fundraiser coming up this weekend!
Dr. Grate talks to the WIS leadership team, Annette Patchett, Carmen Carnes and Mike McKinney. They gave a great overview of their new construction features, talked about the intense curriculum work happening with teachers, and how they are working hard to ensure ALL students have a sense of belonging!
Dr. Grate talks to our Assistive Technology (AT) folks, Beth Becher and Anne West! They had an interesting conversation about the strides we’ve made with AT, how they are working with teachers to help define needs, and how AT is helping provide assistance to ALL students! Video link: https://vimeo.com/389028749/4ae095e818
Dr. Grate talks to Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs! They discussed the latest and greatest happenings with BAC, All Aboard, TOTS and Summer Camps and some upcoming registration deadlines you’ll need to know!
Dr. Grate talks to Washington Woods Elementary School Principal Tom Hakim! They talked about their upcoming fundraiser featuring the Harlem Wizards on 2/9 which will help fund a learning garden and outdoor classroom! They also talked about their upcoming Leader In Me Leadership Day and a special award Mr. Hakim recently received which will also help fund some cool projects at WWES!
Dr. Grate talks to frequent podcaster Brian Tomamichel, WWS CFO. They talked about how we finished 2019, what to expect in 2020, and how our current tax rate is the lowest it’s been in a decade!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Maple Glen Principal, Mary Beth Riley, and Counselor, Nicole Newman, about Global Play Day! Global Play Day will take place around the world on February 5th and this year, MGES is participating! It’s an entire school day of unstructured and self-directed play time for all students - which is so important to the development of children. Listen to hear details!
Dr. Grate talks to frequent podcasters Ashley Knott and Kyle Miller about Purposity! They discussed how Purposity allows users to make a difference for our students, right from your phone! With Purposity, you’ll get a weekly notification, read the story of a student in need, and decide if you want to help - all from your phone in under a minute.
Dr. Grate talks to Student Impact Executive Director, Danyele Easterhaus. Danyele talked about how Student Impact is developing students to be leaders in our community while providing connections and building their “web of support” - which is key to success.
Dr. Grate talks to OTES principal, Robin Lynch, and students Hallie Walther and Reed Barton! These special guests talked about the Oak Trace Gives Back program and how this program is teaching students the importance of giving back to the community. Listen for details!
Dr. Grate talks “giving” with Ashley Knott, Rocks Family Experience Facilitator. Listen to hear about some of our community needs and how you and your family can help during this season of giving!
Dr. Grate talks to School Board President, Duane Lutz! They discussed the role the School Board plays for our district and some of the changes Duane has seen over the years both in the district and our community!
Dr. Grate has a conversation with Kyle Miller, SEL Coordinator, and teachers, Jeni McAndrews, Mitzi Johnson and Kara Linton about the changing environmental landscape kids are facing and how SEL can help with pressures and anxiety and provide tools to deal with difficult situations.
On Inside the Rock this week - back by popular demand - CFO Brian Tomamichel! He and Dr. Grate discussed how WWS is financially planning for the growth of our community and shared some great progress made over the last couple years! Listen to learn details.
Dr. Grate talks to SSES Principal Robb Hedges, Teacher Jaima Kinsler, and Dir. of Elementary Curriculum, Carrie Alday. They had such an energizing conversation about literacy and what they’re doing at SSES to build relationships and develop a love of reading at every grade level!
On this week's episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to the amazing Carol Cramer, WWS Behavioral Specialist! Listen to learn how Carol listens, coaches, problem solves, and empowers teachers and students to be focused on their strengths and be the best version of themselves.
Dr. Grate talks to new Monon Trail Elementary School principal Dana Dietz! Dana talked about her transition into her new role and how they are making every moment count at MTES. She also talked about some exciting new initiatives and community partnerships on the horizon.
Dr. Grate talks to HR Dir. Chris Baldwin, and SRO Tyler Doughtery, about school safety! They talked about our great partnership with WPD, provided an informative safety update, and discussed how building relationships helps keep kids safe!
Dr. Grate talks to new WHS Athletic Director, Andy Tebbe. Andy talks about the transition into his new role and what WHS families can expect to see with athletics in the years to come!
Dr. Grate talks to Dr. Joe Montalone about construction! Listen to hear construction updates, challenges they’ve experienced along the way, and details on the timeline.
Dr. Grate talks to the Westfield Middle School admin team - new principal Mike Hall, and assistant principals, Doug Luce, Valerie Love and Molly Trambaugh. Listen to learn how the transition is going how they’re connecting with kids and building relationships in interesting ways!
On this episode, Dr. Grate talks construction with Dr. Joe Montalone, WWS Operations Manager, and Victor Landfair from Skillman Corp. Listen to learn what will be happening this summer and what changes to expect when we return!
This week’s episode of Inside the Rock is all about the Grand Summer Kick-Off! Dr. Grate talks to Jan Skinner and Ashley Knott with the Westfield Education Foundation, and Kelley Wells with the City of Westfield, about this amazing last day of school community celebration on May 24th at Grand Park. It includes a family adventure course, dodgeball tournament, food, music and much more! Visit www.grandsummerkickoff.com for registration information (on-site registration available).
Dr. Grate talks to our Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, Brooke Watkins, about the new requirements, the benefits, and what students and parents need to know!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Dr. Chase Stinson, WWS Director of Student Services. They discussed the wide variety of services WWS provides for children ages 3 to 22 and how social and emotional learning plays such an important role in those services.
Dr. Grate talks with WIS Innovation Specialist, Katie Belloli, and Science and Social Studies Teacher, Jaime Kircher! They talked about the Space Exploration Educators Conference, their SLED (Science Learning Through Engineering Design) framework, and how their co-teaching model is creating authentic learning experiences at WIS!
Dr. Grate talks to Westfield Intermediate School Principal, Annette Patchett, and Assistant Principals, Mike McKinney and Carmen Carnes. Listen to learn about the exciting initiatives happening at WIS and what they’re doing everyday to create collaborative communities in their building and better prepare students for life at Westfield Middle School.
In honor of National Public Schools Week, Dr. Grate interviewed our school board members on this week’s episode of Inside the Rock. Listen to learn about their backgrounds, what called them to be school board members, and what they wished every parent knew!
Dr. Grate talks school safety with Chris Baldwin, Director of HR and Safety, along with Assistant Principals, Alicia Denniston, Doug Luce and Krstin Parisi. The provided a comprehensive school safety update and talked about how school safety looks different at every building.
This week’s episode of Inside the Rock is all about the Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP). Guests include Christine Brown, WYAP’s Early Intervention Advocate, Edvin Cortez, formar WYAP student, and Chad Gross, Edvin’s mentor. They discussed how the program works, how it has benefited our community, and how the program positively impacts the lives of students and volunteers!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks summer camps with Marci Derado, Director of Student Support Programs. They discussed the wide variety of programming, field trip opportunities, transportation, cost and much more! Listen to learn about the awesome opportunities available to WWS families!
On this week's episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Doug Luce, Assistant Principal and AD at WMS, and Bill Davis, AD at WHS. They discussed the wide variety of sports we offer, how athletics is keeping up with our rapid growth, and what athletics will look like after construction is completed.
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Mary Beth Riley, Principal at Maple Glen, about their exciting partnership with Columbia University’s Teachers College. Listen to learn about how this professional development partnership is helping teachers build a joy for reading across all grade levels!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with WHS Dean of Wellness and Football Coach, Jake Gilbert! Listen and learn about their Life Ready initiative and how it is teaching kids the skillset to accomplish anything they set out to accomplish in life!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Lynn Schemel, Director of Organizational Systems, Assessment and Analysis, and Gracia Lane, Innovation Specialist at Oak Trace, about Digital Citizenship! Learn how they are teaching students how to behave in the digital world while making good choices using technology and creating their “digital footprint!”
WWS Chief Financial Officer, Brian Tomamichel, is back on Inside the Rock this week! Brian talks with Dr. Grate about the changes in budgeting and finance which became effective January 1st. Learn how these changes are impacting our district!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Mayor Cook about the new and exciting Wellbeing Coalition of Westfield.
Dr. Grate talks with Carrie Alday, Director of Elementary Curriculum, and Tonya Moody, Instructional Coach at MTES, about how Readers Workshop is growing readers socially, emotionally and academically and creating lifelong independent readers!
You won’t want to miss this week’s episode of Inside the Rock! Dr. Grate talks with WHS student Emerson Bostic about pursuing his passions and interests for the Colts and Captain Andrew Luck! He’s a true superfan!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Jan Skinner and Ashley Knott from Westfield Education Foundation. They talked about their exciting upcoming fundraisers, scholarship giveaways and some changes in the foundation that could help provide more scholarships for our teachers!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Dr. Joe Montalone and 2 of our on-site construction managers about how construction is going at WIS, WMS and WHS! Listen to learn details on what’s new and what to expect in the near future.
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate highlights some great things happening at Monon Trail Elementary School! She talked with Principal Mike Hall, counselor Stacy Krause, and teacher Sam Wilsker about their teacher leadership programs, community partnership initiatives and the awesome ways they’re building strong relationships within their building.
Dr. Grate talks with Ryan Haughey, WMS Principal. Mr. Haughey talked about some awesome new initiatives implemented at WMS, and also talked about alignment, performing arts, wellness and construction. Listen to hear the details!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Brooke Watkins, our Director of Secondary Curriculum. Brooke joined the WWS team in July and talks about some of the exciting things happening in grades 7-12!
Dr. Grate talks with Assistant Police Chief, Scott Jordan, about our new school safety initiatives!
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, CFO Brian Tomamichel returns to discuss updates from the state legislature on House Bill 1315 and how it will impact our school district.
Dr. Grate talks to Shannon Russell from the YMCA about the plans for the Westfield YMCA.
On this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Kyle Miller, Coordinator of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Kyle explains the importance of SEL and talks about some of our district’s SEL initiatives.
It’s budget season! Check out this week’s episode of Inside the Rock. Dr. Grate talks with Brian Tomamichel, WWS CFO, about school financing. It’s all about the numbers!
Dr. Grate talks to Carla Butorac, Student Support Programs, about the upcoming workshop “Practical Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills” featuring world-renowned speaker, Sarah Ward.
Dr. Grate talks with the amazing Danyele Easterhaus, Executive Director of Student Impact, about the incredible opportunities Student Impact provides our kids.
Dr. Grate talks with Dr. Joe Montalone about construction at WIS and WMS and about breaking ground at WHS this fall.
Washington Woods new principal, Tom Hakim, talks about adjusting to a new school, some new initiatives he's implemented and what parents can expect this school year.
Chris Baldwin, Director of HR and Safety, talks about school safety, the different levels of safety, and some of the new policies and procedures WWS has implemented.
On this week’s episode, Dr. Grate talks with the group from Collaborative Change about their Parent Cafe and how they plan to make a difference here in Westfield.
https://www.collaborative-change.com/
You won’t want to miss this week’s episode of Inside the Rock! Dr. Grate talks with Ashley Knott about the Parent University Workshop on August 1st. Listen and learn about this amazing parent workshop and find out how it can benefit your family!
In this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Sodexo’s Karen Ogden about the Summer Food Rocks program which begins at the end of this month! Great info for our Rocks families!
Dr. Grate’s guest on Inside the Rock this week is Middle School Art Teacher and Yearbook Advisor, Allison Staub! Listen and learn about Westfield Middle School’s yearbook awards and about how Allison won the Yearbook Advisor of the Year! We are so proud of our Rocks Family!
You won’t want to miss Inside the Rock this week! Dr. Grate talks to our school board president, Dan Degnan, about his role on the school board, projects their working on, and why he feels it’s so important to be involved in the community!
In this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Washington Woods Elementary School’s Robotics Team. This first year team is heading to the Robotics World Championship competition next month and they’re geared up to win!
Oak Trace Principal Robin Lynch, who has guided the school since its opening, talks about the CLASS (connecting learning assures student success) framework and their student ambassador program. Learn more about Mrs. Lynch, a Westfield High School graduate, and the awesome work happening at Oak Trace!
In this week’s episode of Inside the Rocks, Dr. Grate talks with Mike Hall, principal at Monon Trail Elementary. Listen and find out why Monon Trail's mantra this year is "Together is Better" and how that vision has been embraced in the classroom and guided their plan for this school year.
Dr. Grate talks with Carol Cramer, WWS Behavioral Specialist, about bringing social and emotional learning elements into her role and how that has made a huge difference in her students’ lives. She is a huge inspiration!
You won’t want to miss this week’s episode of Inside the Rock! Dr. Grate talks to HR and Safety Director, Chris Baldwin and Westfield High School Principal, Dr. Stacy McGuire about WWS safety protocols and the details surrounding next week’s awareness walks at WMS and WHS. Great information for our Rocks Family!
In this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with WMS Principal, Ryan Haughey, about moving from trimesters to quarters at WMS and maximizing student opportunities. He also talks about the WMS construction project which will get underway very soon!
Dr. Grate interviews 4 high school students about their experiences in Westfield Schools and their very different plans for after graduation!
Dr. Grate talks to Assistant Principal, Kristin Parisi, about the very special Bridge Program at Washington Woods. Listen and learn how the staff at Washington Woods engages the students at Westfield Intermediate School to help with the transition from 4th to 5th grade.
In this week’s episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Dr. Chase Stinson, Director of Student Support Services, about the amazing special education services our district provides for many students throughout our community.
Dr. Grate talks with Maple Glen Principal, Mary Beth Riley, about some fantastic things happening at Maple Glen!
Dr. Grate interviews Dr. Joe Montalone, WWS Director of Operations, about the upcoming construction and renovation projects at Westfield High School, Middle School and Intermediate School.
This week’s episode of Inside the Rock features the one and only - Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate. Directors of Communication Kate Snedeker and Carrie Cason interview Dr. Grate and provide an opportunity to get to know our amazing Superintendent.
Dr. Grate talks with Katie Conrad Belloli, Westfield Intermediate School Innovation Specialist, about the cool innovation happening in their Media Center. She is featured in the fall edition of Purdue’s Launch Magazine for her transformation of the Media Center and her involvement in the “Year in Space Education” program. Katie was one of 36 teachers nationwide to be selected to attend a conference held at the Space Center in Houston and participate is this year-long pilot program.
Dr. Grate talks with Carrie Alday, Director of Elementary Curriculum, about the new Instructional Coaches and how they’re making a huge difference in our schools!
In the episode, Dr. Grate talks to Jan Skinner, Westfield Education Foundation, about the teacher grants the Foundation provides and how fundraising efforts like Sunday’s Harlem Wizards game help our school community.
In this week's episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks with Westfield High School's Mark Ewing about the new We Are Westfield initiative and how it's motivating students to be better people through kindness, love, self determination and much more.
In this episode, Dr. Grate talks to WWS Chief Financial Officer, Brian Tomamichel about the ins and outs of school financing. Brian makes finances interesting - he’s that good!
Dr. Grate sits down with Craig Spinner, WMS Counselor, and Carroll Easterday, Director of College and Career Readiness for the district. Craig and Carroll discuss how they, and other district counselors, use mindfulness to help students and adults manage stress. Great resources for students and adults shared. They discuss why this is not a fad/trend and why all people, regardless of age, can benefit. Mindfulness Apps Discussed Stop Breathe Think: Excellent app geared towards students. https://www.stopbreathethink.com/ Calm: Geared for all ages. Sleep stories are an added bonus. Free lifetime subscription offered for educators. https://www.calm.com/
Dr. Grate talks with Mrs. Amy McClelland, STEM Teacher at Maple Glen, along with two Maple Glen students, about the benefits of teaching STEM at the elementary level.
In this episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate talks to Joel Bruns, Innovation Specialist at WHS about the Maker Movement and how Westfield is doing some Making of it's own.
Dr. Grate interviews Matt Putman, Dean of Career & Community Engagement at WHS. Matt and Dr. Grate discuss the new career initiatives at WHS helping to prepare students to be career ready. Other areas discussed: what is career readiness and the 3 areas of focus (Awareness, Exploration, & Preparation). Also, highlighted in the discussion were current career experiences for seniors - Career Exploration Internship Course, Cooperative Work Program, & Cadet Teaching. If any businesses or organizations are interested in the internship program, please contact Matt.
Contact Matt: putmanm@wws.k12.in.us
Follow WWS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wwsweb
Follow Dr. Grate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drgratewws
Contact the WWS Communications Team: comms@wws.k12.in.us
Download the District App: https://www.wws.k12.in.us/Page/1261
Dr. Grate spoke with Dr. Scott Williams and 4th grade student Gigi Gambrell from Washington Woods. Washington Woods has been a Leader in Me school since 2015. TLIM teaches the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to staff and students. The program emphasis is on student leadership and academic accountability.
Links
Follow Dr. Williams on Twitter: https://twitter.com/27swilliams27
Follow Washington Woods Leaders on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wwesleaders
Follow The Leader in Me on Twitter https://twitter.com/theleaderinme
Follow WWS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wwsweb
Follow Dr. Grate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drgratewws
Contact the WWS Communications Team: comms@wws.k12.in.us
Download the District App: https://www.wws.k12.in.us/Page/1261
This week’s podcast featured WWS School Board President, Duane Lutz. Dr. Grate and Duane discussed the upcoming construction projects at the Intermediate School, Middle School, and High School. They discussed the plans for each school including phases and timelines. Recorded on September 13, 2017.
Contact the WWS Communications Team: comms@wws.k12.in.us
Follow WWS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wwsweb
Download the District App: https://www.wws.k12.in.us/Page/1261
Westfield Growth and Construction Updates: https://www.wws.k12.in.us/domain/463
In this episode of Inside the Rock, Dr. Grate discusses the purpose of the podcast and the district's focus on using several methods of communication to reach parents and community members. She also introduces her communications team and talks about how listeners can give podcast topic ideas to her team.