The 9th Grade Experience
By Chris Stuchko
The 9th Grade ExperienceSep 29, 2020
Tips on Getting Your First Job - S6E10
In this episode, we delve into the journey of securing employment as a young individual, exploring the experiences and insights of our guest, Dorney Park Recruitment Manager Katie Knopf. Katie began her work career at Dorney Park during her 9th-grade year as a seasonal employee and has advanced through the years to full-time management positions. Katie stresses the importance for young employees to understand the balance of fun and responsibility in the workplace emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism while embracing the enjoyable aspects of the job. She talks about the work-life balance for young individuals involved in extracurricular activities, offering valuable insights for prospective job seekers. The conversation also touches on safety measures implemented by the park, including a chaperone policy, metal detectors, and comprehensive training for employees to handle any situation effectively in order to promote employee safety. The conversation concludes with insights into the application process for prospective employees, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and readiness for the dynamic environment at Dorney Park. To apply for a job at Dorney Park, go to https://jobs.cedarfair.com/search-jobs?acm=ALL&alrpm=ALL&ascf=[%7B%22key%22:%22custom_fields.locationsNew%22,%22value%22:%22Dorney+Park%22%7D] For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Why You Should Be More Like a Coffee Bean with Damon West- S6E9
Damon West, author of "The Coffee Bean," shares his inspiring journey from a 9th grader wanting to make varsity football in Texas to eventually serving a life sentence in a Texas prison and his ultimate transformation into a keynote speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, college professor, and servant leader.
West reflects on his ninth-grade experience, highlighting the pressures of Texas high school football and struggling with math. Despite challenges, he excelled in sports to earn a college scholarship.
However, a career-ending injury derailed his plans, leading to a downward spiral of addiction and crime. In prison, Damon encountered a mentor who shared the story of the coffee bean, inspiring him to change his mindset and surroundings. He emphasizes the importance of being useful by serving others, avoiding negative influences like gossip, and seeking help when needed. Damon discussed the significance of fighting life's battles, acknowledging that everyone gets knocked down but stressing the importance of resilience and perseverance. He highlighted the connection between confidence and keeping promises to oneself, encouraging listeners to embrace change and continue striving for personal growth. Throughout the interview, Damon's message of hope and transformation resonated, offering valuable insights for listeners of all ages.
To purchase a copy of the Coffee Bean, visit Let's Play Books in Emmaus, Pa. and Allentown, Pa. or use the following link https://www.letsplaybooks.com/book/9781119430278.
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
9th Grade Experience Through the Decades Featuring Ruth Kemmerer, EHS Freshman Class 1945-46 - S6E8
In this episode we continue the 9th Grade Experience Through the Decades series in collaboration with the Emmaus Historical Society. Our second episode welcomes Ruth Kemmerer, a graduate of Emmaus High School from the class of 1949, whose freshman year dates back to the 1945-1946 school year. Listeners can expect to hear about the unique challenges, memorable moments, and the overall atmosphere of Emmaus High School during that era. Ruth's recollections offer a window into the past, allowing the audience to connect with the history of the school in a personal and engaging way.
As the host and Kemmerer navigate through the freshman year of 1945-1946, the episode uncovers intriguing anecdotes, share nostalgic reflections, and highlight the significant events that shaped the early experiences of students at Emmaus High School. This installment not only contributes to preserving the school's history but also provides a platform for listeners to connect with the shared experiences of past generations, fostering a sense of continuity and community within the Emmaus High School legacy. For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Emmaus Historical Society Thanks to Jeanne Harakal, President of the Emmaus Historical Society, for facilitating this podcast conversation and for the picture in the cover art. The society’s mission is “to collect, preserve and exhibit Emmaus artifacts, documents, histories, photographs and genealogy for displays and research and to offer educational programs and events throughout the year.” Look for more podcasting collaboration in the future as we highlight stories of Emmaus 9th graders through the decades. For more information about the Emmaus Historical Society, visit https://www.emmaushistoricalsociety.org/ Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Beyond the Mat with the New Girls Wrestling Program - S6E7
One of the fastest growing sports in the Lehigh Valley over the past few seasons has been girls wrestling. Emmaus High School becomes the latest school to add a a team in what the NCAA calls an Emerging Sport as it begins the 2023-2024 campaign.
For freshman Petra Perez and Kadence Yannotti it has been a steep learning curve to a brand new sport. Hear about their reasons for joining, what they have quickly learned about the sport and themselves during this process and what advice they have for girls who might also want join the fun!
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Attitude of Gratitude 2023 - S6E6
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it's a great time to look back and reflect on the many positives in our lives for the fifth annual Attitude of Gratitude special episode. Over 60 members of the Emmaus High School community took time during this busy period of the school year to share a little bit about what makes them #EastPennProud and thankful.
So before you fill your plate with food, once again fill yourself with an attitude of gratitude with the students and staff at EHS.
Previous Attitude of Gratitude Episodes
2022- https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-5-episode-6-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude-2022/
2021- https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-4-episode-12-attitude-of-gratitude-2021/
2020 - https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-3-episode-12-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude-2020/
2019 - https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-2-episode-10-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude/
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Advocacy, Gratitude and Remembrance - S6E5
As we prepare to enter the holiday season, our focus in this week’s episode is on three main topics: Remembrance, Gratitude, and Advocacy. Remembrance At the beginning of the episode, we take time to remember Emmaus High School junior Edwin Cortes, who was killed in a car accident on October 31. Edwin was a student in my 9th grade science class in 2021 and I shared some thoughts about him and how quickly life can change for anyone at any age. Gratitude We welcome Ms. Rosemary Lamparella back to the podcast to lead a discussion about the differences between gratitude and thankfulness. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday and the annual Attitude of Gratitude podcast, Ms. Lamparella shares the benefits we can attain from incorporating more gratitude practices into our lives. She even speaks to students who may feel that they may have very little to appreciate in their lives and ways to reframe that mindset. Advocacy We conclude the episode in a conversation with freshman Kris Emmer, who spoke about her adjustment from cyber school in 8th grade to a traditional high school environment here at EHS. She has participated in the principal’s advisory council during the first two months of school and wanted to share her thoughts about why advocacy is important and things that can be done to improve the school community. For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
9th Grade Experience Through the Decades Featuring Dorris Schaffer, EHS Freshman Class 1938-39 - S6E4
“I remember when …”
In our modern, technology-driven school world, adults will often get caught up saying that things were much better and different when they were back in school.
But for Dorris Schaffer, she truly means.
The 99-year old Emmaus resident was a freshman at Emmaus High School during the 1938-1939 school year. There was no fancy technology - just papers, books, and pencils. She selected her classes on the first day of school. She was able to go home for lunch and was trusted to come back!
In the first episode of this special series, 9th Grade Experience Through the Decades, Schaffer recounts her days as she attended off-campus field trips to see Shakespeare plays, played on the basketball team, and recalled all the subjects she learned. She vividly recalls details, including teachers and classmates' names.
She also remembers an Emmaus community in which everyone was friendly and got to know each other.
At the end of the episode, she shares her best tip for current 9th grade students about how to become better people and grow as listeners.
This is an amazing walk through living history and we are happy to share Schaffer’s story!
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.
Emmaus Historical Society
Thanks to Jeanne Harakal, President of the Emmaus Historical Society, for facilitating this podcast conversation and for the picture in the cover art. The society’s mission is “to collect, preserve and exhibit Emmaus artifacts, documents, histories, photographs and genealogy for displays and research and to offer educational programs and events throughout the year.” Look for more podcasting collaboration in the future as we highlight stories of Emmaus 9th graders through the decades. For more information about the Emmaus Historical Society, visit https://www.emmaushistoricalsociety.org/
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
The Importance of Freshman Mentor Programs - S6E3
On this episode, we focus on the re-emergence of the Emmaus High School Freshman Mentoring Program. The goal of the group is to establish a sense of community by having upperclassmen mentors meet with and guide the freshmen during monthly meetings. They will have an opportunity to learn about how to become a successful high school student from their upperclassmen peers.
Listen as the the mentors, as well as the building administrators in charge of the program, share their reasons for wanting to be mentors and offer tips and strategies for the ninth graders.
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Take It From The Experts! Student Advice on How to Turn Your 9th Grade Year Into a Success: S6E2
It's hard to believe but summer is quickly coming to an end! As you gather up your materials, finish up your last-minute summer must-dos, and attempt to find the charger for your Chromebook, tune into this episode that features students handing out practical, bite-sized information on how to best slay your 9th grade year. We asked students during the 2022-2023 school, ranging from 9th grade year to days before graduation and from Emmaus, Pa, to Mexico about what it takes to be successful in high school. For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Sharing My Own 9th Grade Experience - An Interview By Connor Miller: S6E1
It has taken over 100 episodes, but finally the tables have turned on me on my own podcast! Usually I am the one asking students, educators, and others about their time in the first year of high school, but on this episode, Emmaus High School student Connor Miller had the opportunity to ask me what it was like to be a 9th grader at Holy Ghost Prep in Bensalem, Pa., back in the 1990s.
We did this interview as part of a project in which he needed to find an expert in a field for his journalism class during the 2022-2023 school year.
He wanted to focus his podcast on podcasting and asked me to sit down with him and answer a few questions about my own 9th grade experience.
He was curious about class/school size, how I received extra help, the opportunities available to me and if I would go back to teach at my old high school. He did a great job getting me to reflect on parts of my own educational journey that I hadn't thought about in many years.
Hopefully this conversation shows that no matter when you attended high school that many of the issues students encounter as very similar.
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
What Happens After Your Band Gets 1.8 Million Views on TikTok? The Story of visionblur: S5E18
It seems the dream for so many high schoolers today is to become social media famous. With over 30 million videos posted daily to TikTok, the odds of more than just your friends seeing your latest creation is fairly slim. But what happens when a post beats the algorithm odds and breaks through? In February 2023, the members of the band visionblur had their viral moment as their cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in their first-ever live performance exploded on the social media app. As of July 2023, the video has garnered more than 1.8 million views and 320,000 likes. Band members Ez Alexander and June Conrad discuss what it was like to deal with the this quick hit of popularity while trying to build their band. They talk about the making of their band, getting the nerve to play that first gig and what it was like in the hours after the post started gaining momentum. To learn more about the band, follow them @visionblurband on TikTok For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode! Also thanks to Visionblur for the use of their logo and the audio clip taken from their TikTok page. Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
ISTE 2023 Insights to Navigate Your 9th Grade Year: S5, E17
In this special episode recorded live from the Pennsylvania Convention Center at the end of June 2023, we sat down with 37 attendees of the 2023 ISTE Conference, including educators, industry experts, and students, to gather their best tech tips, time management hacks and other strategies to assist with a successful 9th grade experience.
The guests on today's episode come from diverse perspectives from all over the world offering quick, innovative approaches and personal anecdotes about what they feel it takes to excel during your freshman year.
The final 10 minutes of the episode features a longer conversation with Shaurya Sinha and Joseph Tay, sophomores at Stanford University, talking about their 9th grade experiences in their home countries, the idea and dream of coming to college in the United States, and what they are hoping to do in the field of Artificial Intelligence.Here is a list of the guest on today's show (arranged by the order of their appearance)
Teachers Carl Hooker, Author Ready, Set, Fail and Keynote Speaker Rachelle Denne Poth, Riverview Junior/Senior High School Matthew X Joseph, CEO X-Factor Education Lauren Zeznanski - Chestnut Ridge School District, Fishertown, Pa. Gwynn Moore - Aurora, CO, Aurora Frontier P-8 Jen Dawson - CDW Chris Aviles - Spectrum Industries, Inc Christopher Eide - Trumbull High School Paige Littlefield - University of Oklahoma Danielle Cowden - Crosstown High Memphis TN Dr. Laura McCusker - Lincoln IU 12 @mccusker105 Alexis Albertie - The New School Atlanta, Ga. @tnsatlanta Andre Simon - The New School Atlanta, Ga. Erin Cummings - Chester County IU @ErinC_CCIU Lauren Young - Beloved Community New Orleans, La. Anthony Iacobucci - TRECA Digital Academy Marion, OH Stephanie Howell - Pickerington Local School District Carroll, OH Eric Guise - Hopewell Valley Central High, Newtown Pa Daniel Nemerow - Gainesville High School (Va.) Scott Nunes - Canva for Education Eric Verlander - USD 457 Garden City, KS Giovanna Salas-Wert, Abington HS Karima Chandler, Charter School of Wilmington Ariana Ciamaricone, Charter School of Wilmington Nicky Acevedo, Vivacity Tech PBC Brandon Main, Milwaukee Public Schools Kerry Parrish, Crystal Lake Central High School D155 Students Keerthi Viijay and Riya Shah, STEAM Team Co-creators Simone Sibley and Jacob Deysher, Brandywine Heights High School Ana Camila Lopez Jonguitud, Cumbres International School Cancun Mariela Casteleyro, Highlands International School Mexico Camila Zamora, Highlands International School Mexico Atara Goldstein, The Frisch School Ari Katz, The Frisch School Shaurya Sinha and Joseph Tay, Stanford University For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show. Musical Credit Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode! Education Podcast Network I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Cole Cast, Volume 4: Reflections on Freshman Year - S5E16
It has been almost six months since his last appearance, so we could not close out the 2022-2023 school year without having Cole Stuchko appear one more time on the podcast to reflect on his 9th grade campaign.
Cole has been busy since December finishing up the basketball season, taking midterm exams, trying out and making the varsity tennis team and completing the year with final exam preparation. In this episode he talks about the importance of starting the year off strong to make the end of your first year easier and making sure you complete each assignment that is assigned in class. He talks about the challenge of being the only freshman on the tennis team and how he was able to feel comfortable with established upperclassmen. We finish the episode with some great tips for upcoming freshman to make the most of their school year.
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences with Rosemary Lamparella - S5E15
Rosemary Lamparella, the current S.T.E.P. teacher at Emmaus High School, sees in her daily work the importance of helping students adapt, grow, and change to build the skills necessary to become members of a school and local community.
Even though May was Mental Health Awareness Month, she knows the social and emotional challenges high school students face can present throughout the year, even as we approach the summer vacation and strives to provide students the knowledge and support to assist them with their personal development.
In this episode, Ms. Lamparella explores the connection between Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and better outcomes. She describes the seven factors associated with PCEs and gives actionable steps to take incorporate them into your daily routine.
Topics from this episode include
- Her 9th grade experience in a small school with fewer than 100 students in her entire class
- Her career shift into education
- The definition of resiliency
- How Positive Childhood Experiences can shape your future success
- The importance of creating a good vocabulary around your feelings and emotions
- Identifying the need to practice and develop skills in different areas of your everyday life
- The connection between volunteering and gratitude
- Why a 15 minute conversation per day with a parent can make a big difference
To learn more about Positive Childhood Experiences, go to PACEs Connection https://www.pacesconnection.com/
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Season 5, Episode 13: Ashley Coleman - Activist, Advocate & EHS Class of 2003
As the Executive Director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Ashley Coleman is one of the lead advocates and activists for the LGBTQ+ community in the Lehigh Valley. But the work that has taken her all over the United States began as a member of the Emmaus High School graduating class of 2003. As one of the only black and openly gay members of her class, Coleman didn’t have the option of being quiet, but rather leaned into the role of fighting for herself and others like her at EHS.
Coleman takes this opportunity to recount her time at EHS, calling it “a wonderful place to come from” as she traces her development through high school.
Topics from this episode include:
- Ashley’s 9th grade experience at Emmaus High School
- The impact of a teacher (Mrs. Rita Cortez) and importance of being a good person in addition to being a good student
- Being an advocate for herself, especially at a time when they were not many people like her at EHS
- How the advocacy work she did in high school, including her senior graduation project, prepared her for her future career
- Advice to students on how to begin the own journey of advocacy and overcoming adversity
- How dealing with criticism never gets easier
- Expanded resources and programs available through the Bradbury-Sullivan Center
- The importance of trying new things to get out your comfort zone
For more information on all that Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides, please visit https://www.bradburysullivancenter.org/
Photo credits for Coleman headshot: Megan Keller Photography
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 12: Last Second Shot with Dylan Darville and Chase Muckey
In the first of our senior rewind episodes, we catch up with Emmaus High School basketball players Dylan Darville and Chase Muckey, two guests from one of our most popular episodes (Season 2, Episode 16). In February 2020, Darville and Muckey were members of a freshman team that finished with a 25-1 record and promise to restore Emmaus Boys Basketball tradition. Through many ups and downs, their high school careers culminated this year with a regular season league championship, a trip to the PPL Center for postseason action, and a trip to the state playoffs. Throughout this conversation, they exhibit the hallmarks of the EHS program, with a focus on teamwork, togetherness, and passion for the game.
Other topics from the episode include
- A look back at the highlights from their senior season
- Lessons learned from 9th grade basketball and how they applied to future seasons
- The importance of playing as a team and growing into a role
- Advice for upcoming 9th graders - both on and off the court
- The role basketball can potentially play in their lives after their EHS career is now complete
To listen to their first episode on the podcast, click here
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 11: Celebrating Culture From Around the World
For the first time since 2020, the EHS World Language Department hosted the EPSD International Fair on Saturday, February 25, 2023. A celebration of culture, food, music, and traditions, this event highlighted many of the unique backgrounds of EHS students and community members in a celebration of our school's diverse population.
In this episode, we talked to the students that created presentations to represent their chosen countries as well as Mrs. Babbitt and Mrs. Kalb, who organized the event.
The countries/organizations represented this year included
- Ghana
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Latin Club
- Germany
- Chile
- Siberia
- Pakistan
- Uzbekistan
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
The episode concludes with information about the 2024 trip to Spain led by Mrs. Ardito.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 10: Overcoming Struggle Moments with Chris Singleton
Chris Singleton’s personal story has a 9th grade year that isn’t much different than your typical student. He wanted to play varsity sports, found an interest in books, got a low grade in a class for the first time, and had a first relationship. The years that followed sent Chris on many different paths, eventually winding up at Kalahari Resorts on February 14, 2023, to give a Keynote speech at the PETE&C technology conference. He then stuck around for a brief chat recorded for the podcast.
Chris had a brief career in baseball, being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and playing in the minor leagues. After his playing days, he now uses his personal story of overcoming “struggle moments” to inspire others. Chris’s mother was among nine people killed at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, SC in July 2015. This moment forced Chris to become resilient while beginning the shift of focus on teaching love and unity and being the change needed in the world.
Topics we discussed during this interview included
- Chris’ 9th grade year and the importance of getting to know yourself and your values
- People who can be a generational curse breaker
- How to overcome a “struggle moment”
- Teaching Love and Unity and spreading the message of positivity
To learn more about Chris, check him out on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Be Real using the handle csingleton_2
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 9: Taking the Podcasting Plunge at PETE&C 2023
This episode is a wrap-up for the 9th Grade Experience Podcast’s appearance at the Pennsylvania Education Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Mountain, Pennsylvania, on Monday, February 13, 2023. This is the third time the podcast has been invited to present at the conference.
The conversation featured on this episode were taken from the session titled “Taking the Podcasting Plunge to Tell Your Story” which was held on the first day of the 4-day event “that provides quality programs focused on technology in the educational field.”
Guests on the panel included:
- Kim McBryar - Teacher - STREAM K-6
- Karen Leisey - Librarian - High School
- Allison Keefe - Instructional Coach - Agora Cyber Charter School; Co-host of the Cyber Sisters Podcast
Topics discussed in this episode
- 9th Grade Experiences and the technology from that year
- What students will need in order to be successful while using and implementing technology
- How to use technology in order to solve problems
- Skills that 9th graders will need to be successful in and out of the technology world
- What can educators take away from the conference in order to help students to become successful
To learn about PETE&C, visit https://www.peteandc.org/index.cfm or follow them on Twitter @peteandc. The 2024 Conference will be back in Hershey, so get those proposal submissions ready!
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 8: Midterm Exam Preparation Tips and Strategies
Midterms exams can be a stressful time for students. For all Emmaus High School students except for seniors, this year will be the first time they have taken a traditional middle of the year assessment while in high school.
In this episode, we hope to ease that anxiety with helpful tips and strategies to overcome the challenge. First, we hear from school counselor Mrs. Demchak about the importance of coming up with a plan of preparation, the importance of scheduling breaks and self care time during your studying and how to tackle the remainder of the school year.
We also talk with the Stinger student newspaper's Social Media Editor junior Emma Dela Cruz about an article she wrote in the December 2022 issue of the paper about myths and misconceptions about midterms. Emma dives deep into the mental approach in preparation, active studying processes, and the importance of sleep.
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
To view the Stinger, EHS student newspaper, go https://stingerehs.com/
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 7: The Cole Cast, Volume 3, featuring Cole Stuchko
It took until the first snow day of the 2022-2023 school year on December 15, 2022, but we are finally back with the latest edition of the Cole Cast, featuring Cole Stuchko. It has been several months since we last spoke and a lot has happened during that time. Topics we covered in the episode include the need to stay on top of classwork as the academic rigor increases, how to work back when you don't get the grades that you want in a certain class, highlights of the beginning of the school year, and what it means to represent your school as a member of an athletic team.
Also, just in time for the holidays, Cole gives his best gift ideas for 9th grade students!
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 6: A Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude 2022
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it's a great time to look back and reflect on the many positives in our lives for the fourth annual Attitude of Gratitude special episode. Members of the Emmaus High School community took time during this busy period of the school year to share a little bit about what makes them #EastPennProud and thankful.
So before you fill your plate food, once again fill yourself with an attitude of gratitude with the students and staff at EHS.
Previous Attitude of Gratitude Episodes
2021- https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-4-episode-12-attitude-of-gratitude-2021/
2020 - https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-3-episode-12-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude-2020/
2019 - https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-2-episode-10-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude/
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 5: Student Perspective on Mental Health with Zoe Gaumer
When students have been asked what topics they want to hear more about on the 9th Grade Experience, mental-health related conversation is at the top of the list. Zoe Gaumer hopes her story about overcoming her own mental health battles can allow students to feel that they are not alone in dealing with their own struggle.
Some of the topics Zoe covers in this conversation include
- The Reality of 9th grade versus what you see in the movies
- Her role and participation in Aevidum and her goal of presenting her message to middle school students
- Her journey with mental health
- The importance and definition of "self-care"
- How to talk to her peers about her own struggles and dealing with mental health
- The personal connection between physical activity and better mental health
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 4: Dr. Mykee Fowlin and No Place for Hate
As part of their on-going mission as an organization that allows students to facilitate diversity awareness and devise anti-bullying projects that affect the entire student body., the No Place for Hate club welcomed Dr. Mykee Fowlin to EHS on Friday, September 16, to perform his one-man show “You Don't Know Me Until You Know Me.” Dr. Mykee mixes psychology, performance, and poetry to, in his own words, “create an atmosphere of worldwide inclusion, not just tolerance, towards all people.”
In this episode, Dr. Mykee is joined by No Place for Hate co-advisors Steph Larkin and Brian Harkness, as well as around 50 students, for a conversation that occurred between his two performances. This is the second time this same group has appeared on the podcast to talk about diversity and inclusion. To reference the previous conversation, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com/s2e5.
Learn more about Dr. Mykee, visit his website: http://mykeefowlin.com/
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 3: The Cole Cast, Volume 2, Featuring Cole Stuchko
The first day of school presents challenges to all high school students, but especially to the newest members of the school community. To get the instant reaction to the first day of the 2022-23 school year for the Class of 2026, we catch up with Cole Stuchko for the August edition of the Cole Cast. We spoke about the benefit of walking through his schedule before the first day, what the lunch experience was like, and overall impressions of Emmaus High School. Stay tuned all the way through the episode for a special announcement about an opportunity for some free 9th Grade Experience swag!
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 2: Welcome Beth Guarriello, New Emmaus HS Principal
New school years often bring change, but the 2022-2023 school year begins with a new principal leading Emmaus High School. Beth Guarriello, previously the principal at Southern Lehigh HS and Saucon Valley HS, will look to create a safe, welcome and challenging environment for all EHS students. She is focused on helping students find their niche, create community, and have fun!
In this episode, we cover:
- Her freshman experience at Freedom High School
- The goals she has for students during their first year
- Orientation on August 17
- The changed to Hornet Homeroom and Hornet Huddle
- The need to create fun and community to help students find their niche
- Changes in assignment of assistant principals and school counselors to create a more cohesive 4-year experience for students and families
- First impressions of Emmaus High School after 1 month on the job
- One tip for incoming 9th graders to start off the school year
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 5, Episode 1: The Cole Cast, Volume 1 featuring Cole Stuchko
Welcome to Season 5 of the 9th Grade Experience!
In the summer kickoff of new episodes to gear up for the 2022-2023 school year and new season, the podcast is debuting a new feature: a regular interview segment with my son, Cole Stuchko, who will be entering 9th grade. He has agreed to come at least monthly to give us a first-hand account of the what life is like as an Emmaus High School freshmen. On this episode, we talk about his summer preparations for the new school year, seeing his preliminary schedule, and how he feels about having a parent currently teaching at the school he will attend. He also gives everyone a reminder at the end to complete your summer reading assignment!
For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 4, Episode 27: School's Out For Summer - A Look Back for the Class of 2025
The last day of school always brings mixed emotions. Mostly it is relief, for the students and the teachers, on the completion of another year. There is also opportunity for reflection by the members of the Class of 2025 on the transition from middle to high school.
In this episode you will hear from several students who were in person on the final day of the school year that wanted to share the highlights of their year and some tips for incoming 9th graders. We also had a chance to hear from those students who participated via the 9th Grade Experience message board but did not want to talk live on the episode.
The 9th Grade Experience will continue to produce episodes throughout the summer to share the stories of Emmaus High School alumni telling their 9th grade stories, experts in the field of education helping students prepare for their first year of high school, as well potential surprises to help grow and expand the podcast.
Thanks for listening during the 2021-2022 school year!
Special Shout Out
Thanks to Kyle from the Xhausted Educators Show for recently having me on a guest. On the episode, we chatted about my background in education, my role in the classroom and Philadelphia sports. To listen to the audio podcast, click https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/xhausted-educators/
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 4, Episode 26: What Can I Do After High School? Lessons from the 2022 EHS College Fair
As the 9th grade year is quickly coming to an end, it is only natural to think about what is ahead ...
A relaxing summer?
A first job?
A fun vacation?
College, trade school, military service, or an apprenticeship program?
It's never too early to think about what you might want to do after high school and on this episode, we recap the 2022 Emmaus High School College Fair, held Thursday, April 28, 2022. Representatives from over 120 post-secondary options were available to assist students in learning more about what they could do after high school graduation.
If you were not able to attend or did not get the chance to meet all of the representatives, we were able to ask 11 representatives the following three questions:
1. What advice do you have for 9th graders beginning the college/trade investigation process?
2. What is a misconception of parents and students during the college/trade investigation and application process?
3. What can you tell us about your college, university, trade school, military service or apprenticeship program?
Special thanks to following counselors and representatives that took the time to speak with the 9th Grade Experience during the event (representatives are listed in the order of appearance)
John Carreiro - Graduate/Field Force Member - USMA West Point
Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Treiber - PA Army National Guard
Rachael Toonder - Admissions Counselor - Northampton Community College
Robert C. Franklin III - Training Director - IBEW Local Union No. 375
Kathleen Stango - Admissions Officer - University of Connecticut
Izzy Ambrogio - Admissions Counselor - St. Bonaventure University
Emily Grady - Career Planning Specialist/CSC - Empire Beauty School
Carrie Puentes-Bornmann - Admissions Counselor - Elizabethtown College
Christine Gibble - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions - Neumann University
Chris Paul - Regional Recruiter of Central NJ/Eastern PA - University of Alabama
Layla Malewicz - Recruitment Liaison - St. Luke's School of Nursing
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality.
To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Season 4, Episode 25: #EHSCareerMonth - Jackie Bassett, Class of 2018, Founder & CEO of FD Market
We close out #EHSCareerMonth with a focus on Emmaus High School Class of 2018 graduate Jackie Bassett. She is the Founder and CEO of FD Market, which is a “a sustainable goods shop and zero-waste refillery. We're on a mission to make sustainable living obtainable and beautiful for everyone.” She does not have a linear path to business ownership, rather through a collection of experiences, both good and bad, established her values and ideas to create a thriving store, which is getting ready to open a second location in Easton.
Some of the topics discussed in this episode include:
- Jackie's EHS experience and how it didn't always work for her
- Inspiration for her business while on a trip with the National Parks Club
- The path Jackie took to business ownership
- Sustaining a business during the pandemic
- What people don’t know about owning their own business
- Satisfaction of giving back to your high school and the local community
- Career advice for current students
To find out more about Jackie and the FD Market, visit https://fdmarketco.com/ or check out the store at 348 Main St., Emmaus, PA 18049
Welcome to Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality.
To find out more information about all the great shows, visit https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/
Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Season 4, Episode 24: #EHSCareerMonth w/ Bob Rotruck, Radio Announcer of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms
As part of the #EHSCareerMonth series, we talked to Bob Rotruck, the radio announcer for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, a minor league hockey team based in Allentown that plays in the American Hockey League (AHL). In addition to his duties on the microphone, he coordinates media coverage on the Phantoms’ website and does videos for the team’s social media accounts.
During this conversation, Rotruck talks about his journey from carrying his own radio equipment to broadcast college hockey games on Friday and Saturday nights to being the only broadcaster in the history of the Phantoms. He stressed the importance of being versatile in the job, especially in aspects that have nothing to do with calling the action on the ice. He also gives advice for students on how to create their own opportunities to call games and get experience behind the microphone in whatever ways they can.
To learn more about other careers with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, listen to the episode featuring Creative Director Amy Keller on Season 4, Episode 23.
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Season 4, Episode 23: #EHSCareerMonth w/ Amy Keller, Creative Director of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms
As part of the #EHSCareerMonth series, we talked to Amy Keller, who is the Creative Director for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, a minor league hockey team based in Allentown that plays in the American Hockey League (AHL). She coordinates the in-game fan experience for those attending the action at the PPL Center.
She provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the production of a game discussing the long hours of preparation for the event. In addition to hearing about her duties, responsibilities, and how she arrived in Lehigh Valley, Keller, a Northampton High School graduate, shares that she is in charge of sounding the goal horn after the Phantoms score. She closed out the conversation giving students advice on how to get started now if they hope to pursue a career similar to hers.
To learn more about other careers with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, listen to the episode featuring radio announcer Rob Rotruck on Season 4, Episode 24.
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!
Season 4, Episode 22: EHS Shave for the Brave Honored Kid Sam Mackaravitz
We are privileged to share the story of one of this year’s EHS Shave for the Brave “Honored Kids,” current EHS freshman Sam Mackaravitz. At the time of the recording, Sam is two years cancer free in his battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
In this episode, Sam talks about
- His transition to EHS and participation in the marching band
- How did he become associated with Shave for the Brave and become an “Honored Kid”
- What does an event like Shave for the Brave mean to him
- What he wants people to understand about what he has gone through and the importance of being a fighter through tough times
Since its inception in 2010, the Emmaus High School Shave for the Brave event has steadily grown its size and ability in raising funds to donate to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in order to conquer childhood cancer. As of March 8, 2022, EHS has raised close to $500,000 through its current fundraising and six previous events!
In order to donate to the EHS Shave for the Brave, please use the links below
Donate to Sam: https://www.stbaldricks.org/donate/participant/1088427/2022?amount=50&donation_type=donate_once
Donate to Mr. Stuchko: https://www.stbaldricks.org/donate/participant/1088409/2022?amount=50&donation_type=donate_once
Thanks to freshman Eli Heckman for providing the intro and outro music for today’s podcast!
Season 4, Episode 21: #EHSCareerMonth2022
Where will your path lead?
Emmaus High School Counselor Mrs. Grim gives us all the important information to assist students, staff and parents on the road to answering that question as we kick off March Career Month. She assists everyone in where to go to find the calendar of speakers, biographies on each presenter, and how to sign up through Naviance to attend the sessions. She also talks about the importance of taking the time to learn about things that interest and excite students while gaining those foundational skills that are important in any job.
During the month of March, in addition to wearing the green career readiness t-shirt, the 9th Grade Experience will feature different members of our local community talking about their own careers and the things our students can do to prepare themselves to enter a particular field.
Please check out the links below for more information for Career Month and other Career-related activities here at EHS
Special thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the intro and outro music for today's episode!
Season 4, Episode 20: EPSD Mental Health Symposium 2022
While many of us hope the pandemic is beginning to finally come toward a resolution, the focus and attention on student mental health will not easily go away, as students will continue to face the challenges of the world around them. On this episode, we preview the 2022 EPSD Mental Health Symposium being held February 21 through March 6 which hopes to continue on previous work to help parents and members of the community understand more about this topic.
Co-chair Stephanie Cignarella, School Psychologist at Emmaus High School; details all of the amazing opportunities to learn about a variety of mental health tools and tips applicable to students of all ages.
For all of the information regarding the symposium and to access over 10 virtual asynchronous sessions on a wide-ranging variety of topics, go to https://sites.google.com/eastpennsd.org/virtuamentalhealthsymposim2021/home?authuser=0.
Highlights of the Symposium Include
Keynote In-Person Kickoff Event - Monday, February 21, 2022, at 6:30 pm at Eyer Middle School
- Dr. George DuPaul - Professor and Associate Dean of Research at Lehigh University will be speaking to participants on how to parent a child with a mental health condition, the epidemiology of these conditions, what parents can do, what has worked, what hasn't worked, how to be empathetic and relate to their children during these challenges and addressing the threshold for when to seek professional help.
- Mock Teen Bedroom - This interactive experience challenges parents and caregivers to find more than 100 hidden items including mock drugs/ drug paraphernalia, seemingly real containers that are actually "stash safes", and common household items that can indicate abuse.
- EPSD Therapy Dogs
A Survivor's Message: Parenting a Child with Disordered Eating - March 2, 2022 at 7 pm virtual Zoom session
After years of experiencing undiagnosed depression, coupled with a poor sense of self and family stress, Kirstin Day developed an eating disorder at the age of 13. Her disorder continued for the next 6 years taking her through several rounds of outpatient therapy finally culminating in inpatient treatment. She has spent the past ten years speaking about her experience sharing the message that "It's okay not to be okay."
Interactive Mini Panel Discussion - March 3, 2022 at 7 pm virtual Zoom session
Several of the Symposium's presenters will be available to discuss pertinent mental health topics and challenges and will be available to answer participant questions. Conversation topics will include the importance of sleep on the developing brain, parenting strategies, coping strategies, organizational strategies, and the effects of mental health on school performance.
Shave for the Brave Announcement
At the end of this episode, you will hear and see a commercial produced for the 2022 Emmaus High School Shave for the Brave event. To help support the fight to end childhood cancers, please donate at the link below. We will be featuring stories about the event in an upcoming podcast episode.
https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1088409/2022
Season 4, Episode 19: The Future of the 9th Grade Experience at the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) 2022
This episode is a wrap-up for the 9th Grade Experience Podcast’s appearance at the Pennsylvania Education Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Monday, February 7, 2022. Excerpts featured on this episode were take from the session titled “The Future of the 9th Grade Experience” which was held on the first day of the 4-day event “that provides quality programs focused on technology in the educational field.”
This is the second time the podcast has been invited to present at the conference. In 2021, the session was virtual, so it was nice to have an in-person audience this time to talk about ninth grade experiences for students throughout Pennsylvania.
Three brave educators - Beth, Nicole and Kayla - representing different sized high schools throughout the state joined the panel They gave us different perspectives on ninth grade students, their own ninth grade experiences, different things that students can focus on to be content creators and things they should know at the end of high school to ensure technology success in high school and beyond.
To learn about PETE&C, visit https://www.peteandc.org/index.cfm or follow them on Twitter @peteandc. The 2023 Conference will be held at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos, so get those proposal submissions ready!
At the end of this episode, you will hear and see a commercial produced for the 2022 Emmaus High School Shave for the Brave event. To help support the fight to end childhood cancers, please donate at the link below. We will be featuring stories about the event in an upcoming podcast episode.
https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1088409/2022
Season 4, Episode 18: Jimmy Casas - Culturize: Every Student, Every Day, Whatever it Takes
Special thanks to Pennsylvania Education Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) Day 1 Keynote Speaker Jimmy Casas for taking time after his sessions on Monday, February 7, 2022, to chat with the 9th Grade Experience Podcast about his own middle/high school time, how to encourage and teach students and educators how to ask for help, and what he would do if he were back in the role of principal attempting to work first-year high school students in a school’s culture.
According to his PETE&C bio, Casas strives to “Eradicate Average! CULTURIZE Your School. Average schools don't inspire greatness--and greatness is what our schools need if we are going to produce world-changing learners.”
To learn more about Jimmy, visit https://www.jimmycasas.com/ and to purchase his book Culturize, go to https://www.amazon.com/Culturize-Every-Student-Whatever-Takes-ebook/dp/B077QVXCRN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EZSQG9VLYWQV&keywords=culturize&qid=1644257697&sprefix=culturize%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-1
Season 4, Episode 17: Linus Sandin and Garrett Metcalf of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms
To help promote the upcoming Emmaus High School Night at the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on February 19, 2022, this episode features two members of the team talking about their unique 9th grade experiences while chasing the dream of playing professional hockey. Linus Sandin and Garrett Metcalf have both followed a long path to reach playing in the American Hockey League and look back on their experiences up to this point with special host, Phantoms radio announcer Bob Rotruck.
Sandin, originally born in Sweden, talks about how ingrained hockey was to his schooling experience while Metcalf shares how a decision made early in his high school career took him from home to pursue competitive hockey. Both interviews show the importance of focusing on a goal and doing everything possible in order to accomplish the desired outcome.
Additional thanks to Amy Keller, Senior Creative Director for the Phantoms, for helping to facilitate these interviews as well Rotruck, who stepped in to hold the conversations based on player media availability.
For more on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, visit www.phantomshockey.com
EHS Night at the Phantoms
We are having an Emmaus Phantoms Night!
The EHS Class of 2025 will be hosting an Emmaus Family/Friends Phantoms night open to all East Penn Families, Students, and Staff. The EHS Chorus will be performing the National Anthem and we have access to $40 tickets for just $25. If you order tickets before 1/21, you will be entered into a raffle for free future tickets, one of 8 spaces on the Fanboni during the game, and Phantoms swag. The more tickets we sell, the more raffle prizes we will have Use this link and share with anyone who you think would enjoy a fun night out at the Phantoms.
Contact Mrs. Kaunitz for more information.
Season 4, Episode 16: Branch, The Therapy Dog
On this episode we spotlight everyone's favorite Emmaus High School "freshman," Branch, the Therapy Dog. Branch has been present in hallways and classrooms since the beginning of the school year, offering students another layer of support and comfort as they have returned back to the halls of EHS. You will hear from Mr. Mihalik, the coordinator of the East Penn Therapy Dog program, staff and students about the impact that Branch has had on anyone who has come into contact with him.
Please consider participating in the #BettyWhiteChallenge in order to help fund this amazing program in our school district by donating at the link below in the show notes.
Episode Breakdown
:08 - Introduction
- Let's Learn a Little More About Branch
- Class of 2025 Phantoms Night - We are having an Emmaus Phantoms Night! The EHS Class of 2025 will be hosting an Emmaus Family/Friends Phantoms night open to all East Penn Families, Students, and Staff. The EHS Chorus will be performing the National Anthem and we have access to $40 tickets for just $25. If you order tickets before 1/21, you will be entered into a raffle for free future tickets, one of 8 spaces on the Fanboni during the game, and Phantoms swag. The more tickets we sell, the more raffle prizes we will have Use this link and share with anyone who you think would enjoy a fun night out at the Phantoms. https://fevo.me/emmaus
- EHS Shave for the Brave - March 11, 2022 Learn more and donate at https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1088409/2022
4:04 - Staff Reflections on Branch
9:50 - Comparing Branch to Other Therapy Dogs
15:05 - How Should You Approach Branch
16:06 - Why Do We Need Therapy Dogs in EPSD
- Hear from student directly impacted by Branch
25:22 - Help fund Branch and his buddies
- To learn more about all of the dogs and to make a donation, go to https://www.epsdeducationfoundation.org/therapy-dogs
Season 4, Episode 15: A First Welcome to the Class of 2026
Welcome Emmaus High School Class of 2026! Though we haven’t had our first major snow of the school year, thoughts are slowly beginning to turn to fall and the arrival of the next group of freshmen who will roam the halls of EHS. The first in-person introduction to EHS came on January 11, 2022, at the counseling department’s 8th to 9th grade guidance information night. On this episode, hear from current LMMS and Eyer students about what they are looking forward to at EHS and advisors/representatives from groups detailing the support and opportunities offered to first-year students.
To learn more about events discussed on this episode, please see the links below:
Phantoms vs Utica Comets - Class of 2025 Emmaus High School Night February 19, 2022
2022 EPSD and Communities in Schools Mental Health Symposium - February 21 - March 6
https://sites.google.com/eastpennsd.org/virtuamentalhealthsymposim2021/home?authuser=0
EHS Shave for the Brave - March 11, 2022
Season 4, Episode 14: Student Spotlight with EHS Field Hockey Players Autum Kernechel and Lauren Kushma
It’s normal for high school varsity athletes to put pressure on themself. Being a freshman on a varsity team only magnifies that intensity. Now, think about the expectations of being a first-year member of the nationally-ranked, defending state champion EHS field hockey team.
Autum Kernechel and Lauren Kushma cracked through and earned a spot on the varsity squad in what turned out to be a historic year for the program. The team celebrated a second-consecutive and 14th overall state championship along with coach Sue Butz-Stavin’s 46th year of coaching capped by her national-record 1,000th victory. On this episode, listen to Autum and Lauren talk about what it took to make the team, compete at a such high level, and transition to high school all in the same season.
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Emmaus High School Night at the Phantom
February 19, 2021
We are having an Emmaus Phantoms Night! The EHS Class of 2025 will be hosting an Emmaus Family/Friends Phantoms night open to all East Penn Families, Students, and Staff. The EHS Chorus will be performing the National Anthem and we have access to $40 tickets for just $25. If you order tickets before 1/21, you will be entered into a raffle for free future tickets, one of 8 spaces on the Fanboni during the game, and Phantoms swag. The more tickets we sell, the more raffle prizes we will have Use this link and share with anyone who you think would enjoy a fun night out at the Phantoms.
Contact Mrs. Kaunitz for more information.
Season 4, Episode 13: Reflection from Pre-Service Teacher Kayla Canning
During the course of the fall semester, Kayla Canning, a senior, pre-service teacher from Cedar Crest College, shadowed me in the classroom, which was one of my first experiences with.a pre-service teacher. On today's episode Kayla will give her impressions and thoughts of what it's like as somebody that's learning to become a teacher, especially with 9th grade students. She also honestly looks back on her own ninth grade experience and assesses some of her decisions during that year and how those influenced her choice to be a teacher.
We have a couple shout outs!
The East Penn Education Foundation. At the end of November, the 9th Grade Experience was awarded a grant to purchase some new video equipment for the podcast, so hopefully you will be seeing our video quality increase in the new year. The east Penn Education Foundation also gave the initial grant for the equipment to start the podcast so they've been there since the since the beginning. We thank the East Penn Education Foundation for their generous support of the podcast, and for supporting different projects throughout the school district as well.
Thanks to all of you!
We are almost to the goal of reaching 5000 total views on YouTube. We appreciate how YouTube has caught on with students and staff and people in the community, making it easier to experience the podcast. So if you haven't subscribed yet we're still trying to build that subscriber number up, go to 9th Grade Experience on YouTube, hit the subscribe button, watch the videos, and get us over 5000 views. We're coming close to 10,000 total views and listens to the podcast since it started so it's really exciting to reach such a big number. So we appreciate all the people that have listened, over the course of the podcast as well.
At the end of this episode, you'll see a commercial that we produced for ETV asking students to participate in our next challenge our next getting getting out there to give their new year's resolutions so we're
looking forward to see what you're going to improve upon in the new year so listen all the way to the end of the episode to see how you can participate in that next week here at the high school and in the world if you're listening electronically or anywhere
Season 4, Episode 12: Attitude of Gratitude 2021
Previous Attitude of Gratitude Episodes
2020 - www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-3-episode-12-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude-2020/
2019 - www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-2-episode-10-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude/
Season 4, Episode 11: Global Citizens Club
With over 2,800 students, Emmaus High School is a community of learners from many different cultural backgrounds. The focus of the Global Citizens Club is to assist students in learning about and becoming actively engaged in promoting a globally-minded consciousness and worldview. On this episode we hear from club members Britney Cordero, Cecilia Christ, Shiv Patel, and Ariana Ruiz describe the ways that the group strives to help expand student's understanding on the importance of celebrating the many cultures at EHS. They do this through different themed events, learning opportunities, and fundraisers to make connections to people all over the world.
The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in Room 230. For more information, please contact club advisor Mrs. Kita.
Season 4, Episode 10: Student Spotlight - Will Buck
When entering 9th grade, some students choose to ease into this transitional time to get their feet under them by limiting their activities and focusing on school.
Will Buck is not one of those students.
He is currently participating on two school sports teams during the fall season: varsity football as the kickoff specialist and JV soccer as a goalie. He is taking a demanding course load, full of upper-level honors classes. He is also one of the first students to reach out on his own to be interviewed on this podcast.
In this episode, Will shares how he was able to balance his busy fall season, the importance of time management, and why he is interested in podcasting.
Look for more from Will in the future as we look to incorporate him into future episodes of this podcast and prepare him to potentially host his own show.
Season 4, Episode 9: Pennsylvania Council of Teacher of English Language Arts Conference Recap
This recording is from a roundtable discussion during a session at the 2021 Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts Conference held October 22, 2021 in Harrisburg, Pa. This was a wide-ranging conversation about the impact that 9th grade English class can have on students during their remaining years of high school and beyond. Themes of connectivity, failure, and recovery came through many of the answers from four English teachers from across the state. The major questions addressed during the conversation included
- What was your 9th Grade English class experience?
- How can we encourage students during their 9th grade year to embrace the content, curriculum, and skills taught in their English class?
- At the end of a student’s 9th grade year, what should students have learned that will help to prepare them for success in high school and beyond?
Many thanks to the following educators who participated in the roundtable discussion
- Kristen Spangler, York Country Day School
- Kelly Jones, PA Cyber Charter School
- Sarah Wilt, Bridgeway HomeSchool Academy
- Jon Fogle, pre-service teacher studying at Lancaster Bible College
To learn more about the work of this organization and future conferences, please visit http://www.pctela.org/.
Season 4, Episode 8: Preparing for Homecoming and Taking Chances
It's time to get ready for Homecoming on this week's episode! It is hard to believe that we have just finished our 6th week of school and reached the halfway point of the first marking period. Listen in for strategies on finishing the grading period strong or even rebounding from a rocky start, the events and themes of homecoming week, and a reminder at the end that it is OK to change your mind and take chances. We are always looking for students to appear on the podcast, so if you are doing something awesome, reach out and tell us!
Season 4, Episode 7: The Counseling Suite with Mrs. Demchak and Mr. McInerney
It has been a month of great adjustments for the members of Emmaus High School's Class of 2025. In addition to the normal growing pains of entering high school, they have confronted a new block schedule, continued health and safety procedures due to Covid-19 and for many, reacclimating themselves to being in a school building for the first time since March 2020. To help us work through it all with helpful tips and strategies, our 9th grade school counselors Mrs. Demchak and Mr. McInerney join the podcast.
In addition to advice for dealing with current situations, the counselors highlight the upcoming Naviance Information Night for 9th grade parents to be held Tuesday, September 28, at 6:30 pm in the EHS Auditorium.
Previous episodes with Mrs. Demchak and Mr. McInerney include:
Season 3, Episode 13: The Counseling Suite with Mrs. Demchak and Mr. McInerney
Season 2, Episode 25: Coronavirus Update Week 6 - School Counselor Update Season 2, Episode 17: March Career Readiness Month with Mrs. Grim, Mrs. Demchak & Mr. McInerneySeason 2, Episode 10: A Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude
Season 2, Episode 4: The Counseling Suite
Season 4, Episode 6: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
For students at Emmaus High School and around the country, the events of September 11, 2001, are history experienced through other's stories and images. Students rely on these recollections to gain perspective to the tragic events that rocked the country on that the day and the weeks after. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9-11 we hear first-hand accounts from EHS staff members about how the events impacted the students in their classroom or themselves as high school students.
Listen to reflections from:
Mrs. Burk - School Counselor, who was a 9th grade student at Liberty HS (5:10)
Mrs. Augustin - Chemistry Teacher, who was working at a school in New York City (18:46)
Mrs. Horner - Learning Support Teacher, who was student teaching in Norristown, Pa. (35:14)
Ms. Bower - School Librarian, who was teaching 9th grade at Whitehall High School (50:10)
Mr. Gallagher - Social Studies Teacher, who was teaching at Eyer Middle School (59:20)
Previous Appearance By Today's Guests
Mrs. Horner appeared on Season 3, Episode 31: Teacher Appreciation Week 2021 and Season 2, Episode 10: An Attitude of Gratitude
Ms. Bower appeared on Season 2, Episode 26: Coronavirus Update Week 7 - A Read Into the Library and Season 2, Episode 10: An Attitude of Gratitude
For all previous episodes, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com or subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify
Season 4, Episode 5: Opening Week Student Reflections
It was a quite the first week back for the Class of 2025 at Emmaus High School. In addition to all of the first-week jitters that accompany entry into high school, a major, record-breaking storm caused a 2-hour weather delay. In this episode, hear from students Cyrus Mackey and Prince Scille as they give you a first-hand account on a memorable first week back to school.
For all previous episodes and to leave a comment or voicemail that can be used in a future episode, visit www.9thgradeexperience.com