Public School Podcast

What if the secret to helping struggling readers isn't getting them to read more, but changing how they're taught?On this episode of the Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome South Park Elementary literacy specialists Joelle Neutzling and Erin George to explore the science of reading and how it's transforming classrooms.The two educators share how a research-based approach to literacy has helped South Park Elementary increase the percentage of kindergartners reading at or above benchmark from 34% to 79%, while first graders improved from 39% to 76%. They explain the five building blocks of literacy, the challenges...

What happens when your kids graduate from public school? For Holly Knox, you keep showing up.Community advocate, nurse and parent of two former Rapid City Area Schools students Holly Knox joins Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to talk about why supporting public education doesn’t end when your own children leave the classroom.Holly shares what she learned while helping select the district’s Teacher of the Year, including the incredible work happening behind classroom doors and the innovation, creativity and dedication teachers bring to their students every day. The conversation also celebrates a remarkable year of recognition for RCAS staff and explores...

What does it take to build strong schools, strong kids and a thriving community? Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Jacqui Dietrich, president and CEO of the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, to talk about Education for Every Child, a community campaign built around the belief that when children succeed, the entire community succeeds.Jacqui shares how the foundation is investing in Rapid City families, from early learning and child care to workforce opportunities, basic needs and affordable housing. The conversation also explores the people and moments in public education that can change the direction of a child's life, sometimes...

What if students could try on a career before deciding their future?In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Colleen Bsharah, senior career development consultant with Sanford Health and a new Rapid City Public School Foundation board member, to talk about Aspire by Sanford and the opportunities it is creating for local students.From job shadowing and hands-on healthcare activities to high school internships where students become actual Sanford Health employees, Aspire is helping students discover what working in healthcare really looks like. And that means far more than becoming a doctor or...