All episodes

West Middle School is welcoming a new leader, and she's ready to bring energy, connection and a student-first mindset to the school community. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Executive Director Sara Hornick and Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with new West Middle School Principal Bobbie Morrison to talk about her journey from substitute teacher to principal, the lessons she's learned in nearly every role in education, and why building relationships is at the heart of effective leadership. She also shares how her own children attended West, her plans to collaborate with staff on the school's...

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Stevens High School Band Director George Dragoo to discuss an unforgettable 12-day journey through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. After a nine-year wait for another international tour, 68 students experienced the trip of a lifetime, performing in historic venues, exploring world history and discovering firsthand that music truly is a universal language. George shares how performing in centuries-old cathedrals, visiting historic landmarks, and connecting with audiences from around the world helped students grow not only as musicians, but as confident, independent young adults. He also...

While students and teachers enjoy summer break, construction crews are hard at work preparing Rapid City Area Schools for another successful year. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Construction and Planning Manager Jade Clement returns to discuss the major projects happening across the district, including the Rapid Valley Elementary addition and renovation, improvements at Stevens High School, and critical infrastructure upgrades at Grandview Elementary. Jade explains the planning, challenges, and long-term vision behind these projects, why many of the most important improvements happen behind the scenes, and how every investment is helping create safer, more efficient learning environments...

What makes a teacher unforgettable? For Rapid Valley first grade teacher Cassie Wood, it's creating experiences that inspire curiosity, kindness, and confidence long after students leave her classroom.In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Cassie shares how she unexpectedly found her calling in education, why she loves teaching first grade, and how lessons often extend far beyond reading and math. From rescuing an endangered monarch butterfly to creating a free community garden for her neighborhood, she shows how hands-on experiences can spark a lifelong love of learning.Cassie also discusses her "Wonder Wednesday" tradition, the importance of integrity, and why...

School may be out, but the work never stops! In this special catch-up episode, Sara and Bobbi pull back the curtain on what summer really looks like in Rapid City Area Schools. From preparing for a new school year and planning future grants to major facility projects, bond preparations, and getting classrooms ready for students, they share everything that happens while the halls seem quiet.They also talk about family adventures, favorite moments from the podcast, inspiring guests, behind-the-scenes stories, and wrap things up with a fun round of rapid-fire questions about coffee, the Black Hills, local restaurants, books, and more.Whether...

Ever wonder what it takes to feed thousands of students every single day?This week, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are joined by Christa Lechner, Student Nutrition Manager, and Assistant Manager Kayla Taylor for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest departments in Rapid City Area Schools.From serving more than 1.2 million meals during the school year to navigating power outages, food deliveries, staffing challenges, and summer meal programs, this team keeps students fed no matter what. They also share how school meals have evolved, why today's cafeteria food is healthier than many people realize, the surprising menu favorites students...

Behind every worksheet, yearbook, graduation program, and student certificate is someone making it all happen.This week on the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Angela Buskerud, the Rapid City Area Schools Print Shop Supervisor, whose work quietly impacts every classroom across the district. From producing nearly 2 million printed pages every month to creating more than 54,000 spiral-bound books each school year, Angela shares what it takes to keep 22 schools running behind the scenes.Hear how she balances constant rush requests, why teachers trust her with their biggest projects, and the heartwarming story of students...

What started as a simple idea to help students prepare for the school day has grown into one of Wilson Elementary's most impactful programs. In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Wilson Elementary Counselor of the Year Brittany Henry-James and recent Central High School graduate Melissa Saucerman to discuss the Morning Nest.Held twice a week before school, the Morning Nest provides students with hygiene supplies, hair care, self-care resources and, most importantly, a sense of belonging. Students gather to connect with friends, receive encouragement, build confidence and start their day in a supportive environment. The...

What happens when schools focus on recognizing what students are doing right? In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with South Middle School educator Stacy Cole and Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings teacher Marie Herbert to discuss the impact of the Spirit Awards program. Supported through a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, the program celebrates students who demonstrate self control, perseverance, integrity, respect, initiative and teamwork.The conversation explores how positive reinforcement can build confidence, strengthen relationships between schools and families, and help students develop the skills needed for success both inside and outside the classroom. Stacy...

Photography is more than taking pictures. It is about telling stories, capturing emotion, and seeing the world from a different perspective. In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School photography teacher Roxanne Rathbun and graduating senior Kennedy Block to talk about the power of photography in public education.The conversation explores how students develop creative skills through photography, the importance of perspective, and how a partnership with the Rapid City Post is giving students real world journalism experience. Kennedy shares how her work photographing sports led to published articles and a new role as a...