Maclay School's Few Minutes for Families

Today we welcome Dr. Amber Farrington back to the Maclay Guidance Podcast to discuss strategies to best tackle EXAMS!  We are approaching our semester exams at Maclay and there are so many things we have in our control to set ourselves up for a successful exam week.  This podcast is targeted at students with some tips for parents at the end. 

Dr. Farrington is a “go-to” clinical psychologist for the Maclay team.  Her work is extensive in all adolescent ages and is always willing to lean into the work the school is doing.  Dr. Farrington is the Co-director of the Attention Disorder Clinic and Director of the School of Mental Health within the FSU Multidisciplinary Center and is a Licensed Psychologist.  

This podcast is the audio recording of a webinar that can be found on our website or media channels.

The contact Information for our Guidance Team is below.

Tammy Eubanks  teubanks@maclay.org

Jayme McIntyre  jmcintyre@maclay.org

Jeff VanSyckle  jvansyckle@maclay.org

Or call our main number to be directed to them, 850.893.2138.

The Guidance Team has great resources on their webpage:  www.maclay.org/guidance

Tool update:  On the Maclay Guidance webpage there is a new tool to request a conversation with one of our team members.  We want to minimize any barrier to connect with you to take great care of your child!

Stay Safe and Go Marauders!

Hosted by James Milford

Today we welcome Dr. Amber Farrington to the Maclay Guidance Webinar. Dr. Farrington is a “go-to” clinical psychologist for the Maclay team. Her work is extensive in all adolescent ages and is always willing to lean into the work the school is doing. Dr. Farrington is the Co-director of the Attention Disorder Clinic and Director of the School of Mental Health within the FSU Multidisciplinary Center and is a Licensed Psychologist. Our topic today revolves around the feelings of grief and loss this holiday season. This season can be hard for anyone who has lost a loved one or is not able to experience the traditions and relationships they are used to.  Therefore, grief and loss have expanded this year with COVID impacting our ability to gather.  

We all enjoyed this discussion on strategies we can all follow to make the most of this holiday season by being creative and reframing our own experiences.

This podcast is the audio recording of a webinar that can be found on our website or media channels.

The contact Information for our Guidance Team is below.

Tammy Eubanks  teubanks@maclay.org

Jayme McIntyre  jmcintyre@maclay.org

Jeff VanSyckle  jvansyckle@maclay.org

Or call our main number to be directed to them, 850.893.2138.

The Guidance Team has great resources on their webpage:  www.maclay.org/guidance

Tool update:  On the Maclay Guidance webpage there is a new tool to request a conversation with one of our team members.  We want to minimize any barriers to connect with you to take great care of your child!

Stay Safe and Go Marauders!

Hosted by James Milford

In today's podcast, Maclay School's Guidance Team discusses our approach to Mindfulness.  We learn what Mindfulness is and how it applies to students and parents.  You will leave this webinar well equipped with tools and a mindset of ownership of your own reactions and how to exercise your "green/red brain" as you do any other muscle.  This podcast is the audio recording of a webinar that can be found on our website or media channels.

The contact Information for our Guidance Team is below.

Tammy Eubanks  teubanks@maclay.org

Jayme McIntyre  jmcintyre@maclay.org

Jeff VanSyckle  jvansyckle@maclay.org

Or call our main number to be directed to them, 850.893.2138.

The Guidance Team has great resources on their webpage:  www.maclay.org/guidance

Tool update:  On the Maclay Guidance webpage there is a new tool to request a conversation with one of our team members.  We want to minimize any barrier to connect with you to take great care of your child!

Stay Safe and Go Marauders!

Hosted by James Milford

In today's Podcast, Maclay School's Guidance Team discusses “Balance” in our students.  This Podcast is FULL of great advice on what to look for and great strategies to help at any stage of life.    

The contact Information for our Guidance Team is below. 

Tammy Eubanks  teubanks@maclay.org 

Jayme McIntyre  jmcintyre@maclay.org 

Jeff VanSyckle  jvansyckle@maclay.org 

Or call our main number to be directed to them, 850.893.2138. 

The Guidance Team has great resources on their webpage:  www.maclay.org/guidance  

Tool update:  On the Maclay Guidance webpage there is a new tool to request a conversation with one of our team members.  We want to minimize any barrier to connect with you to take great care of your child!  

Also, a great website on the topic of balance is: www.challengesuccess.org   

Stay Safe and Go Marauders!

Hosted by James Milford

In today's podcast, Maclay School's Guidance Team discusses our approach to Stress and Anxiety for students.  They walk through the Green and Red Brain and how we can all manage our own mindsets and 'charge' our Green Brain!  This podcast is the audio recording of a webinar that can be found on our website or media channels.

The contact Information for our Guidance Team is below.

Tammy Eubanks  teubanks@maclay.org

Jayme McIntyre  jmcintyre@maclay.org

Jeff VanSyckle  jvansyckle@maclay.org

Or call our main number to be directed to them, 850.893.2138.

The Guidance Team has great resources on their webpage:  www.maclay.org/guidance

Tool update:  On the Maclay Guidance webpage there is a new tool to request a conversation with one of our team members.  We want to minimize any barrier to connect with you to take great care of your child!

Stay Safe and Go Marauders!

Hosted by James Milford

In this time of Distance Learning, Maclay has been able to progress exceptionally well and keep our students on track.  We do, however, realize there are thousands of students in the Big Bend Area unable to receive support or information regarding their upcoming Advanced Placement exams.  We hope sharing some insights on what our faculty know about the interworkings of the exams and how to prepare best for them will help students across the region be better prepared as they sit for the exams they have prepared for.  We will never be able to reproduce the education our AP students receive, but we do how these insights are beneficial to all who listen and put them into practice.  

The Video of this Public Service Release can be found at www.maclay.org/ap as well as our Distance Learning page at www.maclay.org/dl

The following writeup accompanies the video.

Maclay School is fortunate to have six faculty members who are AP exam readers (graders) and a robust AP program in the Upper School. With the recent closings of schools and College Board changing the format of the AP exams, our Upper School experts teamed up to present a 15-minute webinar offering an overview of the exam format, tips, and suggestions to prepare for the upcoming tests.  Join Charles Beamer, Director of Upper School, Dr. Paul Berk, AP Exam Reader, and History Department Chair, Lee Norment, AP English Teacher, and English Department Chair, Kristin Kline, AP Science Teacher, and Les Lundberg, Maclay AP Coordinator for an informative session to help prepare students for what's ahead.

Today's guest is Jeff Van Syckle, Lower School Guidance Counselor.  Jeff is only one part of a dynamic team that makes up the Maclay Guidance Office.  A master connector, Jeff shares some national and state-level conversations on best practices across Independent Schools on helping students find their best selves.  Topics such as self-regulation and strategies to use when transitioning between disparate activities are discussed and how they relate to helping our students succeed in our environment.  Enjoy your time with, by far, the most popular guy walking the halls of our Lower School.

Guests: Jeff Van Syckle

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low and Aaron Seiler for show music - Acoustic Guitar and Violin, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today's podcast features Mr. Matt Harmon.  If you have an ear toward music and value the impact it can make, you will love our guest today.  Mr. Harmon walks us through how other subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and History are explored in his music classroom.  Whether it is the xylophone, boomsticks, or the ukelele (clearly his favorite), this engaging and dynamic leader makes me want to be in his classroom and fall in love with music all over again!  This year, 2019-2020, the school has made significant investments of personnel, time, and resources to grow our performing arts program.  From our 3-year-olds to our graduating seniors, we have some of the most talented teachers in Tallahassee for guiding our budding and experienced performers get closer to their full potential.  I hope you enjoy your time with Mr. Harmon, I know I did!

Guests: Matt Harmon

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low and Aaron Seiler for show music - Acoustic Guitar and Violin, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

A fundamental belief we have at Maclay is the importance of the individual journey.  Within our Mission Statement, the words 'each' and 'balance' and 'fullest potential' echo throughout our programs.  As a school that cares about childhood development from 3-year-olds to 18-year-olds, we are mindful of the structure and flexibility it takes for all of our students to chase their interests and tackle problems worth solving.  We believe that the potential in each student drives their particular interest, and they are naturally drawn to those things that will fully expand them, their abilities, and guide them to their maximum impact.  Today's podcast shares one of the many stories of this potential turned into action and impact.  Sophomore Molly Johnson saw a need and wanted to make a difference.  In partnership with the Admission Office and 20+ Maclay students, the Student Ambassador program was born and is running strong.  It helps build the connections and deepen them throughout the admission and orientation process.

Molly is one of the many stories like these.  Making an impact as a student at Maclay is not only possible, it is an expectation of the full experience.  As individuals, we are not always skilled at specifying our goals, but as our vision sharpens through experiences, we learn how to adapt and thrive...and in the process, we grow.  Not everyone has to start a club; there are countless ways we try to live our mission to, "enable each student to develop their inherent ability to the fullest extent with a balance of discipline and freedom."

Go Marauders!

Guests: Molly Johnson '22, Michael Obrecht, Garret Robinson '95

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low and Aaron Seiler for show music - Acoustic Guitar and Violin, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

On today's podcast, we are joined by Bentley Harris and Janine Couch, both Academic Deans for the Lower School and Middle School, respectively. Over the last few years, Maclay School has been intently focused on fulfilling its mission to develop inherent ability in EACH of our students.  This requires a 'human system' that ensures no cracks for students to slip through, and the camouflage common in schools is combated at every level.  It is easy for schools to allow "good kids" (by the way, those are all of our students) to move through the educational system and because they don't make waves, and they are not noticed by the inattentive educator. They simply mark time and make it to graduation - fitting in, but never really belonging and getting the most of their Maclay experience.  At Maclay, we want to make sure we have people and systems in place to ensure each of our students is noticed, supported, challenged, and directed to find success as they define it.

Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Couch have hearts for all of our students and do an amazing job working a growth mindset into our culture and ensuring a positive feedback loop, so partnerships are possible...and ultimately, our students thrive because of it.  You will clearly hear how these two educators and professionals make an impact on our Maclay community and EACH student.

Guests: Bentley Harris & Janine Couch

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low and Aaron Seiler for show music - Acoustic Guitar and Violin, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today's podcast is one of the most fun and inspiring so far.  We are joined by Barbara Cairns, Fran Sandon, and Annie Bell, three members of our Kindergarten team.  These teachers share their belief in creating an environment that promotes an eagerness to learn so that students walk in the door excited every morning.  You will hear how learning through play, and free choice create a solid academic and social foundation which is so important in kindergarten.  Our classrooms are an extension of the family and making connections with not only the students but the parents is vital in creating a thriving and productive environment; Plus, there is advice for parents of children of any age!  

I would be remiss if I did not mention the aides who are heavily involved in each of these classrooms. All of our lower elementary grades boast two teachers in the classrooms.  I have the honor of working the car line each morning, so I get to see these smiling faces as they jump out, excited to be at Maclay - these professionals do amazing work!  The partnership is key, and the students benefit in the end!

Guests:  Barbara Cairns, Fran Sandon, and Annie Bell

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low on Acoustic Guitar and Aaron Seiler on the Violin for our show music of the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

On today's podcast, we are joined by master musician and orchestra director at Maclay School, Mr. Aaron Seiler.  Much of Seiler's time away from Maclay's campus is spent playing professionally with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Choral Society of Pensacola (as the concertmaster), and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.  He has been providing private music instruction to an average of 80 students annually in Tallahassee since 2002, and as you will hear, he understands how to best help students fall in love with playing music.

Maclay began, in earnest, in 2019 to expand its Performing Arts programs, and Seiler is only one member of the team in place.  In this podcast, you will hear his secret of how and how often to practice and great advice for parents to build life-long music lovers.  His advice is transferable to any other art, athletic, or academic skill...I can't wait for you to hear it.

Guests: Aaron Seiler

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low and Aaron Seiler for show music - Acoustic Guitar and Violin, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today's podcast features five of our 6th-grade teachers.  Each grade level team has its own personality and this team is full of pedagogical best practices...and corny jokes.  The 6th-grade team explores how they approach a collaborative experience for our students to ensure high levels of content knowledge along with exposure and development of communication, critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and collaboration skills. 

Guests: Cameron Barton, Paul Dickson, Emma Perry, Martha Kutter, Kolleen Metarko

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today's podcast features Martha Kutter.  Mrs. Kutter is our 6th grade Social Studies teacher.  Her collaboration with her peer teachers is both inspiring and a great model of best practices for independent school teachers nationwide.   Mrs. Kutter has the uncanny ability to engage her students in authentic inquiry and inspire them to truly care about the work they are doing.  When I talk about teachers making the difference, Mrs. Kutter is a perfect example.

Guests: Martha Kutter

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Mr. Milford works through strategic and day-to-day topics as he answers several top questions parents looking at Maclay School typically ask.  In this extended version podcast, he takes time to explore each question and explain the view from the Head's office, the top six are the following:

“My family is new to town and was recently introduced to your school from one of your parents, she was very complimentary of her child’s experience, but from your perspective, what is Maclay known for?"

“What communities does the school draw students from?"

 “How can parents get involved at Maclay?”

“How does the daily schedule support student learning and outcomes?“

“What extracurricular options are open to my son or daughter?”

“What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing education today?”

We hope you enjoy the podcast, and please send in more questions or topics you would like covered.  You can send them to podcast@maclay.org. 

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by James Milford

Today's guest is Gary Droze.  Gary has been with Maclay since 1993 and is considered a giant in the Florida High School Athletic Association world.  The winningest coach in Maclay School history and recently named to the FHSAA Hall of Fame; clearly,  Droze understands how physiology works to create peak performance.  Droze also is a master teacher in Anatomy and Physiology in our Upper School, and it only takes seconds to feel the passion he has for the subject when engaged in conversation.  In this podcast, Droze shares how the new Krafft Bio-Medical Lab is housing exciting new opportunities for students to explore research, physiological measurements, and new experiences like no other high school is doing.  Droze is our lead teacher for the Bio-Medical concentration, a program within the iTHINK initiative at Maclay School.

Guests: Gary Droze

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Frank McKeown is our Director for the Center for Learning.  Mr. McKeown has been with Maclay for over a decade and has a great handle on learning at Maclay. Fundamental to the functioning of the school is a conversation about ALL children and how ALL children learn differently.  Frank discusses how we build a support structure that helps all students reach their potential.  Frank discusses the tailored approach we have implemented and the communication channels we have established between faculty, academic deans, and the Center for Learning.  Maclay School had chosen to put students and student support first and it shows with the innovative and extensive support available.  The Center helps with everything from SAT/ACT support preparation, to free tutoring in the MS and US, and provides specialist support for students who may need those services.  This programming happens inside and outside the classroom and is used by every type of student at Maclay.  

The Center for Learning is an excellent example of how we work to fulfill our mission to reach “each” student.  McKeown also introduces the concept of executive functioning skills and how Maclay School has already started these conversations and how we are working these understandings into our program to make sure our formative assessments and projects are on-target in terms of where the students are and where we want them to go.

Guests: Frank McKeown

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Ms. Stephanie McCann and Justin VanTassel are the two main teachers/mentors in the Business & Entrepreneurship Concentration.  Combined, they teach classes on Economics, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Risk and Reward among others.  They, combined with some team teaching with Mr. Milford, have established an innovative component of the iTHINK Initiative in the Upper School.  

The iTHINK Initiative and the Concentrations in the Upper School provide a framework for an expanded curriculum for students with particular interests.  There are a handful of concentrations that provide access to leaders in the community, opportunities for collaboration with experts in the field, and practical hands-on experience and exposure that other traditional liberal arts model simply don't provide.  These concentrations are available to all upper school students but are not required of any.  Other concentrations in the Upper School curriculum are Art, Inspiration & Design, Core Sciences, Bio-Medical, and Computer Science & Engineering.

Key thoughts:  Financial literacy, Extensive use of guest speakers, Authentic and real-world experience, Developing essential skills for success beyond Maclay, 

Guests: Stephanie McCann and Justin VanTassel

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

The Notes from the Underground is an award-winner student led publication that creates a record for student writings and creative output. Dr. Beaven talks about the importance of showcasing the poetry, non-fiction, stories, plays, artwork, and paintings and the students’ role in editing and producing the journal twice a year.  This “literary force” is a central point of pride across all academic divisions that students are truly passionate about.

Guests: Dr. Craig Beaven

Hosted by: James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Stephanie Cornais, Director of Sustainability for Maclay School and Lower School Science teacher, talks about her passion for teaching students to think about making small choices in the world that can make a big impact on our environment. Stephanie’s work with sustainability is a One School effort to introduce a connection and love for nature and environment so that students Pre-K through 12 will share in the responsibility to protect the world around them.  Her work and partnership with Tall Timbers in creating the Long Leaf Pine outdoor classroom offers students an opportunity to experience a real-life slice of conservation and demonstrates nature in action.

Guests: Stephanie Cornais

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Joe Kupiszewski talks about leading the journey of introducing the Engineering program at Maclay School including the implementation of the curriculum from UT-Austin’s Engineer Your World program which provides our students with hands-on and project-based learning. Kup talks about the growth of the computer science and engineering courses through the iTHINK initiative, the new opportunities for our students, and what the future holds for our computer science program at Maclay School.

Guest: Joe Kupiszewski,  jokupiszewski@maclay.org 

Hosted by: James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Mrs. Barbara Rubio Gomez, Director of the Middle School, and Mrs. Janine Couch, Middle School's Dean of Academics, join the podcast to share the work they do with the students in the Middle School.  At Maclay, our Middle School contains grades 6th, 7th, and 8th and we work very hard to build student confidence and resiliency to ensure a smooth transitions from our Lower School and on to our Upper School.  As these leaders share, our Middle School is a safe place for a time in our students' lives where they are encouraged to embrace discovery, exploration, and failure as a part of their growth and journey on their path to become an unstoppable graduate.  It takes a special temperament, focus, and love to reach and inspire Middle School students...and our faculty do it well.

Guests: Barbara Rubio-Gomez & Janine Couch

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Dr. Paul Berk, Chair of the Upper School History/Social Sciences Department shares how our teaching methods have evolved from a history class where you learn the facts, to a focus on building critical thinking skills, problem solve in collaborative ways, and grow confidence in a positive, rigorous, and supportive classroom environment.  Dr. Berk is a great example of a renaissance man in an independent school. He teaches, tutors for SAT/ACT, leads class trips across the country, guides clubs, and sponsors countless students in their independent studies...and clearly thrives on how far his students go.  Dr. Berk also shares his unique insider's view of the College Board and how Advancement Placement (AP) classes fit into the Maclay experience and also their global reach for college readiness.

You will hear how the Maclay focus does not stop with guiding our students to be ready to go to college but prepares them to, "ride circles around their peers" in college.  Those outcomes are consistent and we love telling those stories!

Guests: Dr. Paul Berk

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Mr. Lee Norment is in his 14th year at Maclay School and is the English Department Chair in our Upper School.  Mr. Norment is a student and alumni favorite and took over the leadership of a strong English and Literature Department years ago and has only led it to greater heights.  His leadership of collaboration and helping students find their voices as writers is an excellent example of how we teach our students to become uncommonly good writers.   Key thoughts: 

• Writing as a process – generating ideas, drafting, revising with the notion you will never write the perfect essay, but it is worth the effort.  
• Similar to other disciplines, the only way to get better at writing is to write... a lot!  
• As teachers, we focus on valuable feedback and helping our students find their voice.  
• Understanding your own writing process is the most important lesson to learn.  

Mr. Norment discusses how we try to get our students to look beyond the grade to the feedback.  This way, we are able to help them grow as writers and learn how we set a tone of determination to achieve a level of writing that allows our students to outperform peers once they take the next step to college.

Guests: Lee Norment

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Kim Daniel, the Chair of the Visual Arts Department, joins us today and explores how her dynamic team teaches art but also uses it as a tool to teach empathy and responsibility through outreach to our community - on and off-campus.  If anyone believes the visual arts are hidden at Maclay, they are obviously not paying attention!

Guests:  Kim Daniel

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Links:  @maclayfinearts

David Low, head Librarian and media master extraordinaire, joins the podcast today to talk about the brand new Auction-Donor funded iTHINK Production studio and how the school is using it to re-define the function of the Marion Lawton Langford Library and the breadth of options we use as assessments at Maclay.

Guests:  David Low, Class of 2005

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today's visitor to the podcast is Stacey Houston, our Pre-Kindergarten Director.  I've often said it is hard to beat the joy and happiness you can find in the Pre-K.  It is a place of extreme potential and incredible excitement and love.  Maclay works very hard to make sure our Pre-K students have a smooth transition to our Kindergarten and fulfill one of the promises we, as a Pre-K through 12th-grade school, make to our families … a seamless educational journey.

Guests:  Stacey Houston

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today, Stephanie McCann joins us to share how Maclay has partnered with the Urban Land Institute to provide a unique experience generally reserved for college students.  In this innovative program, our students are stretched to create solutions and think critically in a way uncommon to secondary school students in other schools.

Guests:  Stephanie McCann

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

I was extremely excited to have Kaitlyn Dressel join us for this Podcast.  Kaitlyn has been at the epicenter of a lot of the growth and expansion of the Visual Arts Department at Maclay and along with the broader team, has done amazing work for our students.  Visual Arts at Maclay is truly pushing the boundaries of community involvement and utilizing social media as a tool of connection and expansion for the talent of our students in Tallahassee and beyond.  Dressel takes us through her classes’ collaboration with the Biomedical Concentration, working with Track and Football athletes in a creative way, and working with infographics and photography in real-world projects.  Partnerships with businesses in Tallahassee are also shared with Loli & the Bean and CaliFlow Yoga – a great example of ‘real-world’ work for our students.  Dressel also shares how we are focusing on making a positive impact on our campus and in our local community with the wellness program and the Tallahassee Hope Program.  The reach of the visual arts program is impressive and goes far beyond the amazing home of her classes in the Beck Family Research Center.

Guests:  Kaitlyn Dressel

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

Today’s guest to the podcast is Claudia Willis, Lower School Spanish teacher.  Willis has developed an amazing program and has launched hundreds of Marauders to the Middle School with a deep appreciation for and strong speaking proficiency in Spanish.  Her active and engaging methodology is key to her work and has built a great program at Maclay.  In this podcast, she introduces us to the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic touchpoints in her classroom.  Plus, how she uses plays and performance with familiar storylines to build confidence in her emerging speakers.

Guests:  Claudia Willis

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

“If that was not a convincing enough commercial for the computer science program...”

Today’s podcast features a 30+ year veteran Maclay alumni and faculty member, Mr. Dean Gargiulo.  Gargiulo is currently teaching Middle School Computer Science and Robotics and gives an insightful overview of how computer science is a great pathway into a strong and growing job market.  He also shares how he and teammates Lauren Holland and Joe Kupiszewski teach life skills in the computer science, robotics, and engineering curriculum.  Whether it is art, design, critical thinking, digital languages, social media, or the permanency of your digital footprint, Gargiulo discusses how we focus within the iTHINK Initiative and our Computer Science program and clearly shows how we work to develop Determined Marauders!

Guests:  Dean Gargiulo

Hosted by:  James Milford

Thanks to David Low for show music - Acoustic Guitar, the Maclay School Alma Mater

Production and Editing by David Low and James Milford

In this episode, I'm able to share with you what I want to accomplish by reaching out to our parents and community this way.  I know keeping up with emails and other media is a challenge.  This is simply another way we are trying to let you know how we work every day to make our students inspired, determined, and unstoppable!

Go, Marauders!