Lee County Public Schools: Recent Episodes
LeeSchools TV
You asked, we listened. This edition of the Lee Schools TV Podcast features superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Cox, and Chief of Schools Colleen Timm answering some of the most common questions about the budget realignment process. #podcast #budget
As we get closer to graduation, we will hear from our top performing graduating seniors. Adam Wright talks with them about their achievements, what it took for them to perform at a high level, and where they're going to college. #leecounty #podcast
Executive Director of Transportation and Logistical Services Jarriad McKinney joins the podcast to talk about the improvements made in getting students to school safely and on time. #leecounty #podcast
District Chief Human resource Officer Dr. Shanna Johnston joins Adam Wright to talk about employment in the District. She also explains how we improved teacher vacancies and how we keep track of vacancies. #loveleeschools #podcast
New Lee Schools TV Podcast Host Adam Wright talks with Ed Mathews about new CTE Opportunities opening up across the District now and in the future. #leecounty #careertech
Open Enrollment starts on January 20th which means it's decision time for parents and students on where they want to go to school next. Rob Spicker sits with Assistant Director of Capital Planning Dr. Adam Molloy to talk about the process and some changes that could impact your decision. #podcast #leecounty
Jason Thomashefsky, Assistant Director for the Arts, Sports, and Activities, joins the podcast to tell us about what's going on in the arts world of the District. #loveleeschools #podcast
Rob Spicker sits with Donny Wolfe of BusPatrol to talk about a new partnership between BusPatrol, the District, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office to make sure students are safe when traveling to and from school. #leecounty #podcast
Kevin Beckman, Coordinator of Community Involvement and Volunteer Programs, joins Rob Spicker to talk about ways parents and community members can support a school in different ways.
Paul Milford, Coordinator of Social Work Services, joins host Rob Spicker for a conversation about why student attendance at school is so important, especially with recent changes to Florida Law.
Mary Lynn Rodriguez, Coordinator of School Counseling Services, joins host Rob Spicker for a conversation about steps both students and parents can take to set themselves up for a successful school year.
Rob Spicker talks with our top three seniors from each District zone about their accomplishments and academic future. Ivan Yu from Fort Myers High has the highest GPA in the District and one of the highest ever recorded in the county. Katrina Placencia from North Fort Myers High is considered one of the top club presidents in the state of Florida. Finally, Simpson Lin of Gateway High is the recipient of the single largest scholarship in School District of Lee County history.
In the April episode of the Lee Schools TV Podcast, Rob Spicker sits down with Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours to talk about how the District is working on spending it's money responsibly.
The March Edition of the Lee Schools TV Podcast is here!Tune in as Madison Franz and Amanda Mason join Rob Spicker to talk about the effort that goes into recruiting new teachers to the District and what it takes to be a teacher.
The February episode of the Lee Schools TV Podcast is here! Tune in as Dr. Nathan Shaker and Dave Newlan join Rob Spicker to break down the Safe Start Initiative, a proposed plan to boost student achievement by adjusting school times, increasing classroom time, and improving transportation.
On today's episode, Rob Spicker spoke with Cynthia Hernandez and Dr. Adam Molloy about the plans to rebuild Bonita Springs Elementary, focusing on how the project will serve students and the community for years to come!
Join Rob Spicker as he sits down with Dr. Denise Carlin, our newly elected superintendent. Hear about her inspiring background and her vision for the future of education in Lee County!
Today on the Lee School’s TV Podcast, Rob Spicker sits down with Jenn Robinson, Coordinator in the Superintendent’s Office, and Jeannine Joy, CEO of United Way, to explore the impact of Community Partnership Schools. Learn how these partnerships are creating new opportunities and resources for our community.
This year, middle schools switched to a seven-period schedule, and it’s already making a big impact on students and staff! Join Rob Spicker as he sits down with the principal of Oak Hammock Middle School, David Howdyshell, to dive into how this change is bringing more consistent class time and better teacher support.
It's time for the September edition of the Lee Schools TV Podcast! Our host, Rob Spicker, chats with the four new Regional Associate Superintendents about their commitment to supporting our schools.
The 2024-2025 school year is upon us! The Lee Schools TV Podcast is here to keep you up to date on what is happening in our schools. Listen to our host, Rob Spicker, discuss the upcoming year with Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Cupid-McCoy.
Meet our Class of 2024 top seniors! Get to know Andrew Chuang Saladin, Yabdielys Mejia Marzan, and Eli Perez as they discuss their achievements, future plans, and high school experiences.
Big changes ahead for the SAT! On Episode 74 of the Lee Schools TV Podcast, Rob Spicker sits down with Kim Sass to discuss the newly digital SAT test.
In Episode 73, Rob Spicker sits down with Cara Coble to discuss our Summer Enrichment Camp for high school students! The Support our Students program is a district and community partnership initiative that offers exceptional learning opportunities and career enrichment activities.
Meet Marliss Brockington, our Adult & Career Education Teacher on Assignment. On today's podcast she discusses Upskill Village, a program which provides adult learners with micro-credentials to help them in the workforce. Learn about other adult education opportunities as well!
Meet our Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher of the Year! On this episode of the Lee Schools TV Podcast, we sit down with Alex Dworzanski, Kristin Stevens, and Maria Rose. Find out what sets them apart and keeps them going!
Cadet Commanders Dayami Gonzalez from South Fort Myers High and Kenneth Mo from Lehigh Senior High School discuss opportunities in JROTC.
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours talks about the Half-Cent Sales Tax five years after it was passed by Lee County voters, how it has benefitted every school in the District, and what's next.
The Lee Schools TV Podcast sits down with three of our class of 2023 seniors to discuss their accomplishments throughout the past 4 years, as well as their plans for their bright futures!
Superintendent Dr. Christopher S. Bernier joins the podcast to talk about his first year on the job, where the District is now, and where he wants the District to be in the year ahead.
The Lee Schools TV Podcast sits down with Jason Thomashefsky to discuss the many arts programs offered throughout the district.
Dr. Joseph Restino, Principal of Middle School QQ, Lee County's newest middle school set to open in August 2023, returns to the podcast to discuss the challenges of starting a new school on an accelerated timeline, job openings, and what he's looking forward to the most.
The Lee Schools TV Podcast sits down with Dr. Adam Molloy to discuss the latest information on the newly School Board approved Elementary Enrollment Proximity Plan!
The Lee Schools TV Podcast sits down with Michelle Freeman, principal of Franklin Park Elementary, to discuss the breaking down and remodeling of her school!!
Meet our Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year!! On today's episode of the Lee Schools TV Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Macchia and Dr. Joseph Restino to talk about their journey in education and what keeps them going everyday!! #loveleeschools
The Lee Schools TV Podcast sits down with the school district's Chief of Staff, Michael Ramirez, to discuss the decision-making process behind schools reopening after the hurricane.
The School District of Lee County's new Superintendent, Dr. Christopher S. Bernier, sits down with Rob Spicker to discuss a wide variety of topics as we gear up for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.
LeeSchools TV talks to Dr. Jeff Spiro, Chief Academic Officer, and Candace Allevato, Director of Secondary Curriculum, to discuss the shift in the 2022-23 High School schedule from a 4x4 block to a 7-period schedule. If you have any questions regarding the schedule change, e-mail us at HighSchoolSchedule@leeschools.net. #LoveLeeSchools
For this episode of the Lee Schools TV Podcast, we spoke with Kandy Messenger, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, on our district putting peanut butter back in schools, the effects of COVID-19 on the food supply, and the dedication of our food and nutrition workers to our students. #LoveLeeSchools
For this episode of the Lee Schools TV Podcast, we spoke with 2022 Lee County Teacher of the Year Allison Kerner. Allison opened up about what inspired her to teach, what makes a great teacher, and how she goes above and beyond to serve her school. #LoveLeeSchools
Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage is the special guest host for this episode of the Lee Schools TV podcast. He speaks with his brother, Dunbar math teacher Phil Savage and Dunbar senior Carson Mulvey about what makes a successful teacher student relationship. Carson also opens up about how he finished second in the world in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Online Championships and what's next for him after Dunbar. #LoveLeeSchools
As we celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of the Change for Change Initiative getting passed, we sit down with Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours to discuss how much the Half Cent Sales Tax has benefited our students and what is next for upgrades and construction in the school district. #LoveLeeSchools #ChangeforChange
On this episode of the LeeSchools TV Podcast, we talk to Dunbar High School Lead Technology Teacher Denise Spence about the 30+ technology certifications that Dunbar students can earn, the tech academy programs offered at Dunbar High and how their students have proven so successful, even on an International level. #LoveLeeSchools
On this episode of the LeeSchools TV podcast, Director of Transportation Roger Lloyd discusses bus stop safety, the effects of COVID-19 on transportation and more.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to be a bus driver for the School District of Lee County, visit leeschools.net/careers/bus_drivers or call 239-590-4023. #LoveLeeSchools
Interim Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage discusses the importance of Service Minded Leadership, putting students, teachers and parents first, his climb up the ladder from student to leader in the Lee County School District and how his family's work in the school district has motivated him to put 100% into his work. #LoveLeeSchools
Cape Coral High School Pre-IB English teacher and published author Jamie Ayres joins us to discuss how she's helped reinvigorate a love of reading in students campus-wide, what inspired her to write a trilogy of young adult novels, and why she thinks the musical "Hamilton" is a watershed moment in pop culture.
Mariner High School grad Dwayne Jackson joins us to discuss his non-profit organization Hoops On Mission, how he's helping change the lives of Lee County's youth through basketball, and what it was like to try out for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lehigh Senior High School Student Services Secretary and 2019-2020 Support Person of the Year Davina Perez joins us to discuss important life lessons she tries to instill in students, why she left the Bronx for south Florida at age 18, and how she was able to retire at age 40.
Multimedia Communications Coordinator Jason Sill joins us to discuss important news for students interested in participating in the award-winning Lee County Student Film & Television Awards, the true purpose of Lee Schools TV, and how working for Disney helped him in his role at the District.
"Super Scientist" Glen Beitmen, former Edison Winter Estates Wild Wizard, joins us to talk about why you should bring the whole family to STEMtastic on February 8th and he shows us a few science experiments that are cheap, easy, and fun! We recommend you watch this one on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2Yl3H7NcL78
Ever wondered what a woolly mammoth tooth looks like? How about the claw of a giant ground sloth? Why did the megalodon go extinct? Gulf Middle School science teacher Dr. Charles O'Connor shows us his incredible collection of fossils, explains how he found them, and shares his knowledge of ancient animals.
Jeremy Ridgeo, Global Perspectives teacher at North Fort Myers High School, joins us to discuss why he wants to teach his students how to think and not what to think, why it's important for them to have face-to-face conversations about big issues, and we nerd out over the show "Mad Men".
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours explains why she returned to the School District of Lee County, she gives us an update on the revenue generated so far by the half-cent sales tax, and we discuss teacher pay.
Family & Community Engagement Specialist Kelly Harijono joins us to discuss how family engagement can help students succeed in both the classroom and in life, how to be more engaged in your child's learning, and how teachers can better engage with families.
Tammy Scott (Coordinator, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) joins us to discuss student attendance around the holidays, how being absent can negatively affect their future achievement, and why she loves a certain book the purplest.
Cypress Lake High grad Callie Atkinson ('17) joins us to discuss what it's like to be a featured singer on a cruise ship, why it's important for young people to explore the performing arts, and she gives an inexplicable answer to which character from 'The Office' is her favorite.
East Lee County High School U.S. and African American History teacher Charles Morrison joins us to discuss what it meant to be named the 2019 winner of the Dr. Theron Trimble Social Studies Teacher of the Year (high school), how he relates to his students, and what surprised him the most about teaching.
Former Teacher of the Year Matthew Kaye joins us to discuss how civics is taught in our schools, why it's important, and which Ninja Turtle would best represent Abraham Lincoln.
Dunbar High School cyber security teacher Mark Dunaway joins us to talk about his experience as a Navy Commander tracking Somali pirates, election interference tactics used by foreign agents, and how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Buckingham Exceptional Student Center helping teacher Trey Willoughby joins us to discuss how he's helping raise awareness about living with autism.
Environmental Education Resource Teacher Susie Hassett joins us to discuss the importance of getting kids outside to learn about nature, what it was like to be a dolphin trainer, and she shows us some animals!
Estero High School Senior Sarah Schwartz joins us to talk about the importance of preserving historic battlefield sites and we discuss the only major battle fought in Florida during the Civil War.
Adult & Career Education Director Rita Davis joins us to discuss the benefits of learning a trade and why vocational education is seeing a resurgence in popularity around the country.
Executive Director of Strategic Sustainability & Governance Ken Savage joins us to discuss how his new role with the District can help improve the impact schools have on students, why he left the Florida Department of Education to come back to Lee County, and how studying to be a movie director led him to become a teacher.
Allen Park Elementary School 5th grade science and social studies teacher Courtney Black joins us to discuss the amazing experience of students getting the chance to ask real-time questions to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, what she has in store for next year, and why her favorite subject in school growing up had nothing to do with science.
South Fort Myers High Principal Ed Mathews joins us to discuss the role a principal plays in leading a large high school, how to get both students and parents more engaged, and we debate: Is 'Die Hard' a Christmas movie?
Ida S. Baker High School Engineering & Design Teacher Mark Drew stops by to talk about life, how students can learn more from engineering than you might think, and the wonders of 3D printing.
Dunbar High School Reading Coach Patty Loverock joins us to discuss her experience as a member of the 1976 Canadian Women's Olympic Track & Field team, why she left a career as a Los Angeles health & fitness journalist to come to Lee County, and how she helps students from other countries make gains to meet graduation requirements.
Assistant Director of Recruitment Suzette Rivera joins us to talk about the upcoming Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair on April 13th, the benefits of working for the school district, and why Lee County is a great place to live.
Island Coast High School TV Production/Digital Media teacher Jeff Becker joins us to discuss the importance of teaching students video communication skills, YouTube's impact on traditional media and on the lives of young people, and what it meant to be named the 2018-2019 Lee County Teacher of the Year.
Kathy Wynne's job is to educate students and parents on the dangers of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and other negative life choices. She joins us to talk about the rising use of e-cigarettes and the effects they can have on young people.
Lori Brooks, Assistant Director of School Counseling and Mental Health Services for the School District of Lee County, joins us to talk about mental health resources available to students, new legislation, and the impact of social media.
School Board chairwoman Gwyn Gittens (District 5) joins us to discuss her thoughts on becoming the first African-American elected to the Lee County School Board, how her education in the field of psychology has helped shape the way she interacts with students, and her goals for the school district moving forward.
Diplomat Elementary School P.E. teacher and three-time American Ninja Warrior, Morgan "Moose" Wright, joins us to talk about nutrition and fitness, his experience competing on NBC's hit TV show, and his new endeavor to transform P.E. classes across the country (www.kidsninjafitness.com).
Ann Burnett is a 20-year teaching veteran who is now in charge of the Lifelong Learning Classes in the Adult & Career Education department at the School District of Lee County. She joins us to discuss the wide variety of nighttime courses the district offers to all adults in Southwest Florida looking to enrich their education.
Marshall Bower is the President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc., a non-profit charitable education foundation which enhances and enriches the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators. He joins us to discuss the upcoming Fort Myers STEMtastic Day of Discovery, the various programs and scholarships The Foundation offers to students and teachers, and what it takes to become a Golden Apple recipient.
Dahlia Dry is a senior at Fort Myers High School. She won the "Best of Fair" award at the 2017 and 2018 Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science & Engineering Fairs, and went on to place in both the state and international science and engineering fairs. She joins us to talk about astronomy, her favorite scientists, and space exploration.
North Fort Myers High School history teacher Adam Molloy educates us on the Battle of Fort Myers during the Civil War, details his unique way of teaching, and we debate creamy vs. crunchy peanut butter.
School District of Lee County CFO Greg Blurton joins us to talk about what the passage of the half-cent sales tax means for the budget moving forward, teacher salaries, and his experience serving in the United States Air Force.
Edison Park Creative & Expressive Arts first grade teacher Maria Rose joins us to talk about being at one school for 25 years, why reading is her favorite subject to teach, and her favorite Halloween candy.
Executive Director of Infrastructure Services Dwayne Alton joins us to talk about the technology used at our schools, artificial intelligence, and how the half-cent investment would foster even greater technological learning.
Lee County School Board member Chris Patricca (District 3) joins us to talk about the importance of the half-cent sales tax and her love of Tom Brady.
Executive Director of Transportation Services Robert Codie joins us to talk about busing students, the challenges of running the largest department in the district, and the 'Where's the Bus?' app.
Lee Hughes joins us to talk about all the amazing opportunities offered to students related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math!
Mariner Middle School Civics and U.S. History teacher Jim Kroll tells us about his unique philosophy on teaching, the time his students guilted him into applying for the Golden Apple (which he won, by the way), and his experience trying to make it in Hollywood as a comedy writer.
The head honcho himself, Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins, joins us to talk about the start of a new school year, the half-cent sales tax, and his experiences competing in multiple Ironman Triathlons.
Executive Director of Operational Planning and Project Management Marc Mora joins us to talk about the rapid growth our district is facing and the challenges that come along with it, as well as details on brand new schools currently in the works.
Shellie Taylor joins us to talk about the newly created position of Graduation Coordinator and the groundbreaking efforts she and her team are making to ensure success for students of all ages throughout the school year.
Food & Nutrition Services coordinator Lauren Couchois joins us to talk about exciting food-related news for the 2018-2019 school year and little-known facts about the healthy meal options offered to our students.
School District of Lee County Director of Safety & Security Rick Parfitt joins us to talk about what he and his team are working on to make sure students and staff are as safe as possible for the 2018-2019 school year.