Chatting at the C: Recent Episodes
Ben Boeckman
We are a Podcast series focusing on the great things happening at THE Central High School! We interview staff and the great things they do EVERYDAY!!
Thanks so much for tuning into Chatting at the C. While you're here hit that subscribe button on your app and then find us on any social media platform you prefer. We couldn't do this show without the support of the Central High Foundation. Visit the CHSF website to find information about reunions, archives, yearbooks, and opportunities to support current Central High students!
The name Cisco should be relatively familiar to those long term listeners. We interviewed Mr. Jeremy Cisco at Hardy Coffee shop for our first mobile episode. Lindsay Cisco is the new art department head at Central High, while she may be new to this role her experience in the art world is extremely long! We got a chance to sneak in a quick podcast before the first day of school.
Lindsay just started a studio with a friend called: Three23 Design Studio. If you'd like to see her work outside of the classroom visit the site below and support her passion for all things art!
Three23Design
This episode includes:
-What makes Central Special
-Husbands arrival at Central
-Moving from Central from Private Schools
-Art in her personal life
-Growing artists who need support
-Offering gentle criticism
-Plans as art department head
-Message to Central High
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Thanks for tuning into the show! Make sure you follow us on your favorite podcast platform and on social media. We're glad you're reading these notes and listening to the episode. If you'd like to continue to support the show consider becoming a 'Generation C' member with the Central High Foundation today! You can choose several different levels of donation, even free! Visit their website by following this link. (CHSF Site)
In this episode I sit down with Beth Wilson who's passion for students and Central High is contagious. Her love of Central is so good that through audio osmosis we've loved Central even more! We talk a little about the her legendary husband, but mostly about her career and love for all things in the library. This episode is like a timeline of her life with major events mixed throughout. We hope you enjoy and go take a tour of Beth's new library space sometime soon. Tell them Chatting at the C sent you!
Covered in the show:
-Her professional careers
-How Librarians are changing
-Moving to the new addition
-Technology transformation with Covid-19 Pandemic
-Central's Modern Library
-Politics invading Libraires
-Choosing Central for her boys
-Finding Love at Central
-Her message to Central High community
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/support
Thanks for tuning into another great episode of the show. Make sure you hit that subscribe button and follow us on any social media platform you'd like. We are rapping up our summer shows and gearing up for another great school year. Make sure you visit the Foundation Website to sign up for their newsletter where you can stay in the know of what's happening at Central and learn how to support current Eagles!!
The story of how Micah Ringlein became a teacher is truly fascinating. He will tell you teaching really gave him a home and that home has been Central High for the last 13 years. In this episode we reflect on learning a foreign language to teaching one. You'll learn a little bit of French along the way and even hear about his published children's book. We hope you enjoy every second. merci beaucoup!
Micah's Book: The Little Green Pea (Amazon)
In this show we discussed:
-What Makes Central Special
-What inspired him to be a teacher
-How to get over vocab in learning a second language
-Competing with Spanish for foreign language dept.
-Top three French words
-Why immersing yourself in another culture to learn a language is key
-Erika Meyer's world travels and leadership
-His unique dress
-Becoming a creator of all sorts
-Message to Central High
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/support
Thanks for tuning into the show! Make sure you subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app and on social media! We appreciate our continual sponsor the Central High Foundation for supporting the show and all of Eagle Nation! Visit their website to become a 'Generation C' member today! (CHSF)
Jon Franta is a second generation Eagle Educator and, while he's been here for only a year, he's already shaking up the Central landscape. From Esports to digital design Franta is making a HUGE impact on the Central community. In this episode he shares a ton of insight and goals for the future of Central. We hope you enjoy!!
Discussed on this episode:
- Becoming a teacher
- Teaching the Adobe suite
- Central's Esports team
- Impact of Esports
- His gaming Hobbies
- Impacting Central quickly
- His Goals
- Message to Central community
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/support
Thanks for tuning into the show! Make sure you follow us on this platform and on any social media you'd like. If you'd like to subscribe to our newsletter submit your email address to the Q&A section below.
Major thanks to the Central High Foundation for their support of this show. Head to their website to become a Generation C member and support Central students today!! (website)
Tigani is a huge team player for Central High. He builds relationships with staff and students alike. While teaching an arguably dull subject he injects life into his classroom with UNO games, discussions, and sometimes even food!! We are sure you'll laugh along as we assign Green Flags and Red Flags to scenarios at Central!
We covered:
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Why Central is Special
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Tripping over door stops
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Doing math homework with markers
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Email during the summer
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Using phone apps on homework
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Brent Larson's Greatness
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Being a team player
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How to work with a diverse and quiet class
Enjoy!!
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We've hit our one year anniversary show and we had to go BIG! So, we finally had legendary educator and world traveler Scott Wilson on the show. Thanks for tuning into the show and make sure you follow us on social media wherever you'd like! Leave us a five star rating so others around the world can find the show and experience the greatness of Eagle Nation!
Scott Wilson is as synonymous with Central as limestone pillars are. The Central community is tight nit and at the center you find Wilson. Not a alumni of Central, but has a enormous impact on his students for the rest of their lives. We asked listeners to submit audio questions for this show and we have a wide variety of questions from alumni, current students, teachers around the district, close friends, and much more. Our topics fit into three categories: teaching, traveling, and impact. We hope you enjoy the show!!
Shoutout to those who submitted questions:
-Chad Wilcox, Westview Educator
-Rod Mullen, former Eagle Educator
- Nichole Palfini, Class of 2027
-Vicky Deniston Reed, retired Eagle Educator
-Pat Venditte, Class of 2005
-Casey Bigby-Denton, Class of 2005 and Eagle Educator
-Lyndsay Rosenthal, Class of 2005 and former Eagle Educator
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Beth Wilson, Eagle Educator and spouse
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Abbey O'Brian, Class of 2016
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Kara Lambrecht, Class of 2007
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Dr. Becky Erbelding, historian
-Euan Milne, class of 2022
-Elizabeth Stienauer, Eagle Educator
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Thanks for tuning into the show! Make sure you share this episode and any other episodes with other Eagles alike. If you haven't yet found us on social media hit that follow button to stay up to date with Eagle news and newest episodes.
I named this show relationships above everything because that what Nick Webster stands for at Central High. He is a breathe of fresh air in the building and his advocacy for his student stands above others. Whether on the soccer field or in the classroom or around Omaha Nick is himself. He doesn't hide tattoos, chains or his thoughts. His students from King and Central adore him and are quick to give him a shoutout or some support. We're glad to bring you Nick Webster!
Discussed in this show:
-Central Special
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Being an alumni and now a teacher
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Starting his career at King Science
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Building relationships with students
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Transitioning from middle school to high school
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Being a role model for Black students are Central
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Coaching Boys Soccer
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His on field persona
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His message to the Central Community
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/support
You wont find a teacher with a bigger heart than Dani Brandt! She truly cares about Central High and all who work or learn there. She made change here for over 13 years as a teacher, coach, admin, and mentor! We want to wish her best of luck as she continues her journey at Lewis and Clark and we cant wait to see what she will do!
Make sure you visit the Central High Foundations website to become a 'Generation C' member and support programs like: OC Broadcasting, Eagle Beats club, and much much more. They have all sorts of levels of commitment, whether you donate time, talent or treasure Central High appreciates it! (CHSF Web)
Discussed in the show:
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What makes Central Special
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Juggling a family and being an Admin
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Early career as an English teacher
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Favorite topics to teach
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Fondest memories at Central
-How to make decisions with a diverse student body
- Keeping those we serve in mind
-Parts of Central being brought to Lewis and Clark
- Final message to Eagle Nation
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattingat-c/support
Thanks for tuning into this episode! Make sure you support Eagle nation by becoming a "Generation C" member with the Central High Foundation! While the school year is coming to a close, you can support during any month of the year. Visit the Foundation website today! (CHSF Website)
Martha Omar has a personality that quadruples her stature, she truly cares for each and every one of her students! We did this episode at The Mill Coffee shop on Leavenworth St. Follow the link below to see their menu and visit their shop. (The Mill)
Omar teaches Freshman English 1-2 and leads the entire Freshman Academy system at Central High. She has been teaching at Central for ten years and has experience around the US and even around the world. Omar believes Central is truly a family and she, like many other teachers, brings her real family to tons of Central events. They are featured in this episode.
We discussed:
01:19 What makes Central Special
02:46 Goals for Freshman in English
04:49 Relationships with Dept.
06:09 Great Quotes in English
09:17 Leading Freshman Academy
11:11 Public Transit and Field Trips
13:17 Sentence Stems Game
15:47 Family welcomed at Central
16:32 Teachers Kids at Central
18:36 Message to Eagle Nation
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Thanks for tuning in, make sure to find us on any social media you'd like and hit that follow button! We want to thank the Central Foundation for supporting this show and the teachers on it. We couldn't do what we do without their support and your support! If you aren't part of their "Generation C" membership visit the link below to sign up today! (CHSF Website)
You cant get more of a big personality and part of Central than Coach Matt Storm. As an alumni, Coach, and advocate he truly cares about his students and Central High. The son of legendary Dept Head Judy Storm, Matt grew up in the halls of Central and wants to share that message with anyone and everyone. We know you'll be beaming with purple pride after hearing this interview! #OOOSSS
Timestamps:
- 1:00 What makes Central Special
- 2:00 Family at Central
- 4:30 Appreciate as a staff member than a student
- 6:30 Openness to any student
- 8:30 Wrestling Team under Coach Foster
- 20:00 Teaching Style
- 23:00 ACP students in PE
- 26:00 Message to CHS community
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Thanks for tuning into Chatting at the C, make sure you follow us on your podcasting app and find us on social media wherever you have an account!
The Central High Foundation wants to thank everyone who supported the 'Rock the Nest' event on Sunday April 2! If you'd like to support the Foundation or learn more about them visit their website today! Foundation Web
Jon Flanagan is a staple part of the Central High English Dept. He cares deeply for his students and staff that are part of his department. Listening to this episode you get a great look into his mind on teaching and Central. Students expressed excitement that Flanagan would be our next guest, we hope you enjoy meeting him too!
Discussed on the Show:
- Becoming Dept Head
- Keeping Central's English Dept. dominance alive
- The Central Style Book: Role and Updates
- Calls for Style Book updates: Charlie Yale's Register Article
- Mentor Menten
- Sharing the Love of Reading and Poetry
- Membership in AYGAMG: Spotify Profile
- English vs Music career
- Performing at Maha 2015
- Becoming a Dad
- Message to Central Community
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Thanks for tuning into this episode make sure you share with anyone who would like to meet Mr. Berzins. Follow us on any social media platform you choose!!
There are only a few more weeks to sign up for the Central Foundations annual "Rock the Nest" trivia night. The night of April 2nd will be full of excitements, from performances to trivia you're bound to have a great time! If you'd like to participate in their silent auction you can do that leading up to the 2nd! Visit the Central High Foundation website for details on the event! Foundation Website
Kristoff Berzins bleeds purple and is extremely dedicated to the success of his students and the staff. Whether you know Mr. Berzins from class or the pool this episode has a ton of great stuff. You're bound to laugh and smile throughout this show!
Topics Covered:
- Returning to the Nest appreciation
- Learning from legendary Eagle Educators
- Pursuit of his doctorate
- A doctorate in the classroom
- Keeping science engaging
- Swimming and then coaching Central Swimming
- Practicing and competing off campus
- Magnolia Events and Creations
- Message to Central High Community
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We’re glad you made it! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chattingat-c/support
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Make sure you subscribe and follow us on social media on whichever platform you prefer! I'd appreciate it if you'd share this episode with those in the Central community or those who need to know the greatness that is Mr. Juarez!!
Francisco Juarez is a Mexican teacher who has a huge heart for Hispanic students and a insatiable appetite for culture. Juarez cares deeply for his students and wants them to see his classroom as a welcoming space for them to learn explore and learn more. You can't find Mr. Juarez at home on the weekends, he will travel to anywhere and everywhere! You'll hear about some of his travels in this episode.
We want to thank our sponsor the Central High Foundation! Don't forget to get your team together for 'Rock the Nest' on April 2nd. There's a ton of fun planned for all who attend and want to join. If you go make sure you tag us and use the hashtag #RockTheNest2023 so all Eagle nation can experience the event!
In this episode we discussed:
- Being apart from family in another country
- What he misses from Mexico
- Teaching in the Mexican public school system
- How he ended up in OPS despite other options
- The choice to come from the dark side to Central
- Goals and teaching Spanish for Spanish speakers course
- Writing in Spanish
- Traveling anywhere and everywhere
- Message to Central
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Thanks so much for tuning into the show, make sure to follow us any social media platform you use! We would really appreciate if you'd subscribe and leave a rating for the show too!
Chiyo Trauernicht or Mrs. T., as her students call her, has a huge passion for music. Being from Japan, music wasn't necessarily an option for her, but as she went through school music continually kept reminding her of what she really needed to do. Trauernicht takes us through a ton of her life story and experiences from working with the United Nations to working at a facility for people with disabilities in Beatrice, NE. She shares so much of her passion and love of music beyond just teaching it to students. As you listen you'll want to dust off that trumpet or open up that piano one more time to feel that passion of music again.
Thanks to the Central High Foundation for always supporting our show. On March 1st they're hosting a give-a-thon for Give Education day! We have two alumni that are matching all donations up to $25,000!!! That means any amount you donate to this cause will double automatically. Help support Central students and teachers programs such as: Eagles Beats club, Omaha Central Broadcasting, Athletic Tutoring, and much more! Follow the link to donate today! (Donate Here)
Topics discussed:
- Being an Female Asian Director in NE
- Music in her life
- Her time as NSBA President
- Being a lifelong learner
- Teaching the story behind music
- Describe your sections
- Keeping Central's excellence growing
- Shoutout to the Central Band Parent Organization
- Message to Central High!
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Thanks for listening to Chatting at the C! Make sure you follow us on social media and subscribe to the show!
If you'd like to set up your Generation C Subscription reach out to the Central High Foundation here! We appreciate you supporting Central students and staff in any capacity. If you set up your subscription with Josh, let him know that you learned about this program from us.
It's rare a podcast host gets to interview someone who is so eerily similar to themselves! Jordan Boyer is an AP American Government and Comparative Government teacher at Central. He is a beacon of professionalism, sacrifice and excitement in a subject that often bores people. He's been at Central for awhile, but has worn several hats. I'm excited to share this episode with you and I hope you challenge yourself in our edition of Boyer Trivia!
Some topics of the show:
- Growing up in a town of 100 people then moving to Omaha
- Co-teaching with Tim Hebert and his journey to Central
- Working with your wife next door to your classroom
- Teaching patience and level heads in AP Government
- Teaching a college course to high school students
- Chatting at the C trivia!
- Shirt and Tie attire
- Being a team player
- Boyer's Message to Central community
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Thanks for listening to Chatting at the C! Make sure you follow us on social media and subscribe to the show.
If you want to continue to support your Eagles and Central High School consider donating your time, talent, and/or treasure to support former, future, and current Eagles! Visit the Foundation website here
Brent Larson is the Mathematics Department chair, head Coach for Girls and Boys Golf, assistant Girls bowling coach, and a huge part of the Central community! He represents what it means to be truly downtown proud. This episode has tons of wisdom about life, school, math and much more.
Some topics of the show:
- Larson kids attending Central
- Teaching tons of varieties of Math
- Co-planning lessons in his Department
- Making math exciting
- The Central High Mathletes
- Coaching golf
- Working for Trek Bikes
- UNO Maverick Hockey
- His message to the Central Community
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Subscribe to Chatting at the C and follow us on social media!!
Let me introduce Lindsay Rosenthal an alumni and ACP teacher. ACP is a program that doesn't often get the love that it deserves and we wanted to chat with Rosenthal for a long time! She has a huge heart for these students who need support and patience.
Rosenthal shares about her journey from outside of teaching to educating some of the most challenging students in the building. She is an alumni so Central has a special place in her heart! Rosenthal is the assistant Coach for the Central Unified Bowling team and one of the head coaches for Unified Track. Her dedication to her students in inspiring and I hope it inspires you too!
We appreciate everyone for tuning in make sure you sign up for the Central High Foundation's Masterclass on January 28th with Mr. Scott Wilson, visit the Central High Foundation Website for registration!
This episode we discuss:
- What the ACP program is and how it serves students
- Role of Paraprofessionals in the program
- Starting education career in the Catholic School system
- First career as an accountant
- Coaching Unified Bowling
- Central Register Bowling Article by Shyla Youngs
- ACP Suit renovations
- Appreciation for Central as an Educator
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Subscribe to Chatting at the C and follow us on Twitter or Instagram!
We do our first whole group podcast bringing in the leaders of Team McClarnon. Team McClarnon is named after Central Alumni and Central Hall of Fame member Zahn McClarnon. Teachers help run one of the many Freshman Academies at Central that support incoming Freshman to be successful at Central. McClarnon is one of the many teams at Central, other academies include: Sayers, Townsend, and Crandell. You may recall, we discussed Freshman Academies in a previous episode with Matt Hamill. Matt is the team leader for Team Townsend.
We recorded this show during Holiday Break when the weather turned nasty. We had a ton of fun sitting together and reflecting on our teaching and things at Central. I hope you enjoy the show and share with others!
Guests on the show:
Martha Omar oversees all the academies at Central High while teaching Freshman English. She is the most tenured member of Team McClarnon and has taught in several schools and roles in her teaching career.
Sarah Lehne is the English Language Development teacher on the team. She exclusively works with students who qualify for services to become proficient in the English language. Lehne is one of the biggest advocates for EL students and continually challenges both the school and other teachers to improve their teaching to support students who qualify for EL service.
Elizabeth Preston, often referred to by her maiden name Zurfluh is the Physical Science teacher on the Team. Preston helped create the team alongside Omar, Mattison, and Boeckman. Preston loves all things science and is fascinated by the science that is all around us.
We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about Team McClarnon and meet these wonderful Central teachers!
Discussed on the show:
- Why Zahn was chosen as team namesake
-Zahn's visit in December 2021 to Central High
-How the team teaching model has impacted Central Freshman
-What it's like to run the Freshman Academy Program at Central High
-The addition to EL students into the academy system
-Starting your teaching career during the Pandemic
-How Science can be exciting, even without explosions
-Motivational words for Freshman to do amazing things
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Subscribe to Chatting at the C and follow us on Twitter or Instagram!
We made it to episode 10! We are so proud to hit this milestone. We've featured over ten educators from Omaha Central High School who are doing amazing things in and out of the classroom! We aren't even close to scratching the surface of greatness with this teaching staff.
We needed a legend for episode 10, so we brought on Social Studies educator Mrs. Casey Denton. We made this episode extra special by calling upon listeners to submit their own questions. We got a diverse range of responses from current teachers, alumni, and even a few surprise audio questions from important people in Mrs. Dentons life.
Denton exemplifies the concept that Central is one huge family. She is the daughter of former Principal Dr. Bigsby, married to alumni Will Denton, and an alumni herself! She is the assistant soccer coach for the girls team and the sponsor for Athletic Academic Tutoring. Listeners describe her as their second mom, an asset to the Central community, and the reason why I wanted to teach at Central.
We appreciate everyone who has tuned in throughout this process and cant wait to continue this work! Share this and any episode/s with people from the Central Family!
This episode we discuss...
- Starting Denton's teaching career in the middle level
-Plans of returning to Central
-Decision to commit to playing soccer at the collegiate level
-All things about how to be the best teacher you can be
-What Central means to her when she was student vs now as a Coach and Teacher
-Reflecting on the decision to attend Central High after pressure from other high schools
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We leave the confines of Central High to sample some amazing coffee at Hardy Coffee Co in Benson. My conversation with Mr. Cisco includes the sights and sounds of a coffee shop. We chatted about his transition to Central to the pride that Central carries. Enjoy this unique episode on location!
Thanks to Hardy Coffee Company for allowing us to record in their Benson shop!
Mr. Hamill has a true love for Central High and embodies the Eagle Spirit! Its hard to not be inspired by Hamill when he talks about his experiences at The Nest. This episode covers all sorts of topics from: Kansas Jayhawks to Freshman Jumpstart to amazing alumni of Central!
We get to sing along with alumni, Choir director, 2021 Central Teacher of the year, and CMA Teacher of Excellence winner Sara Cowan! I have to say I've never felt as much passion from a teacher as I did chatting with Sara. She shares details from the beauty of music to being part of the $22 million new addition to students finding something they love. I hope you enjoy this episode!
Mark your calendars for November 10 at 7:00 pm at First Central Congregational Church (36th & Harney) to catch the CHS Singers in concert!!
We get to sit down with the award winning Central DECA supervisors: Michaela Kavanagh and Taylor Sorensen to talk all things DECA. Tune in as they reflect on their award winning year, what it takes to be a successful team nationally, and some students who are going above and beyond at Central!
Finally got the chance to sit down with legendary teacher Menten!! We had a whole lot of fun recording this episode covering a range of topics from Star Wars to growing as a teacher to Mr. Flanagan's new leadership role! Thanks for sticking with us and I hope you enjoy!!
Meet Central High's new Dean Rob List! Mr. List has been all over Omaha and coached several sports in his career. We welcome him to The Nest and suggest every Eagle meet him!
When you teach at the same high school for 32 to years, you have a few stories. Tim Herbert, a Special Education teacher, is leaving The Nest to continue to support students in need at the Integrated Learning Program. Our interview ranges from Central's illustrious sports teams to Tim meeting his wife at a Blood drive, and finally about how teaching at Central makes you an Eagle for life. Enjoy!
Support research for Cystic Fibrosis in the Herbert Family name at: https://give.cff.org/give-today/Donate
I had a great time sitting down with Idaho Native, new teacher, and fellow Social Studies department member Mr. Drew Ruchti! Our conversation ranged from James Adams to the lack of Targets in small towns. I hope you enjoy this episode, like and share if you would!!
Enjoyed sitting down with Mahannah/Mattison after a long day of NLL! We had some great conversations ranging from a student throwing up on her first day, to co-teaching experiences, to a continued bright future for Central High. We hope you enjoy and subscribe for future episodes!
Welcome to Chatting at The C! This show is a Central High staff spotlight. We cover all the great things happening at Central High everyday!! Hope you enjoy the show!