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205 VIBE

205 VIBE

By Rockford Public Schools

We discuss topics related to Rockford Public Schools and the larger Rockford Region.
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Episode 1 Part 1: School Board Member Anthony Dixon

205 VIBESep 24, 2018

00:00
22:44
Episode 45: Cherry Valley ISBE

Episode 45: Cherry Valley ISBE

Earl Dotson Jr. sits down with Cherry Valley Elementary Principal, Carolyn Timm, to discuss her school's improving ISBE scores and how the changes have impacted her students.

Mar 13, 202421:11
Episode 44: Snow Sculpting

Episode 44: Snow Sculpting

Earl Dotson Jr. learns all about snow sculpting from the Linda K. White Spirit Award winning team at Roosevelt comprised of Bazil Heaven Abbott, Dysen White, Kelsee Harris, and Marie Hanson. Also joining the conversation are team advisors and Roosevelt art faculty members Kyle Wolfe and Brian Hierstein.

Feb 28, 202431:11
Episode 43: Maria Montessori

Episode 43: Maria Montessori

Join Earl Dotson Jr. as he sits down with Maria Montessori Principal, Candice Collins, to discuss the school's teaching philosophy and how they have worked to improve their ISBE scores.

Feb 14, 202422:41
Episode 42: Coffee Chats

Episode 42: Coffee Chats

Earl Dotson Jr. talks to Board of Trustees member June Stanford about the first Coffee Chats event where Board members have the opportunity to connect with members of the community that they serve.

Jan 16, 202423:47
Episode 41: The Human Library

Episode 41: The Human Library

We catch up with Flinn Middle School teachers Cara Wolfe and Aubrey Barnett about the Human Library Project, narrative storytelling in the middle school classroom, and N'Sync.

Dec 01, 202328:47
2023 Athletics Hall of Fame

2023 Athletics Hall of Fame

Earl Dotson Jr. interviews the RPS 205 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees including the East High School 1989 Sprint Relay Team, bowler Megan Buja (Jefferson High School), and running back Ira Matthews (East High School).

Sep 05, 202329:33
Episode 39: School Safety Update

Episode 39: School Safety Update

We chat with Fred Diehl, RPS 205 Director of Security Services, and Jason Barthel, RPS 205 Chief Information Officer. Hear what the district is doing to continuously improve security.

May 02, 202346:02
5 Things to Know: International Baccalaureate in RPS 205
Jan 30, 202309:57
Episode 38: 2022 Education Outlook with Superintendent Ehren Jarrett

Episode 38: 2022 Education Outlook with Superintendent Ehren Jarrett

Education Outlook: Superintendent Ehren Jarrett was a guest on the Community Priority Series with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November. Dr. Jarrett shared insight about the district’s work in preparing students for the workforce and how the business community can support our students and schools.

Nov 30, 202245:52
5 Things to Know: Rockford Promise
Nov 09, 202212:27
Episode 37: Dr. Antoine Reed, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Episode 37: Dr. Antoine Reed, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Dr. Antoine Reed grew up in Chicago and experienced inequities that he didn’t realize existed until he saw other students’ opportunities. Hear about his motivation, his approach to education and learning, and why he thinks Rockford is innovative. “In education right now, equity has become a new catch phrase from the top down. We’re living that phrase. … So that’s what made Rockford a unique place.”

Sep 13, 202229:12
Welcome Back! 5 Things to Know
Aug 31, 202207:08
Episode 36: Dawn Williamson, RPS 205 Director of Athletics, Activities & Program Development

Episode 36: Dawn Williamson, RPS 205 Director of Athletics, Activities & Program Development

We get to know Dawn Williamson, who started in April as the Director of Athletics, Activities and Program Development. Hear how she became passionate about sports and why she is excited to serve Rockford Public Schools students and the Rockford community.

Jun 29, 202240:28
Episode 35: Kimberly Nelson, RPS 205 Executive Director of Early Childhood
May 03, 202255:55
Episode 34: Rockford University Partnership: Growing RPS 205 Graduates into RPS 205 Teachers

Episode 34: Rockford University Partnership: Growing RPS 205 Graduates into RPS 205 Teachers

We sit down with three Rockford Public Schools alumni enrolled in the Education Pathway program at Rockford University. Ryan Callahan, Jessica Pequena-Mendoza and Tony Ramirez are RPS 205 graduates who are now student teaching. Ryan, Jessica and Tony share insight on the importance of connecting with students and developing relationships to increase student engagement, being culturally sensitive to create a welcoming environment, and the impact the pandemic has had on teaching and learning.

Feb 14, 202254:24
Episode 33: 2021 Education Outlook with Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett
Dec 02, 202144:12
Episode 32: Dr. Tiffany Brunson, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Episode 32: Dr. Tiffany Brunson, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Dr. Tiffany Brunson, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, shares her passion for equity work and outlines the challenges district leaders are working to overcome.

Oct 28, 202101:17:59
Episode 31: Looking back on 50 years at RPS 205 with Principal Al Gagliano

Episode 31: Looking back on 50 years at RPS 205 with Principal Al Gagliano

We sit down for a formal goodbye with McIntosh Elementary School Principal Alfonso Gagliano as he retires after 50 years at RPS 205. Learn how his passion for education began and how his life experiences played into his successful career. Hear his retirement plans and his hopes for future students.

Sep 07, 202138:13
Episode 30: Teaching, Finding & Loving Art in Rockford

Episode 30: Teaching, Finding & Loving Art in Rockford

Three RPS 205 art teachers discuss teaching during the pandemic, plus finding art – and teaching others to love art – in Rockford and Rockford Public Schools. This podcast features art teachers Jason Judd from Auburn High School, Veronica Soria-Martinez from West Middle School, and Iga Puchalska from Cherry Valley Elementary and Maria Montessori. Listen LIVE on the 205 VIBE!
Jul 26, 202158:08
Episode 29: Student Engagement, Dad Jokes & New Teaching Strategies During Remote Learning

Episode 29: Student Engagement, Dad Jokes & New Teaching Strategies During Remote Learning

We chat with Scott Clark, fourth grade remote teacher at Johnson Elementary School, about his challenges and successes this school year. We hear how he builds relationships with families and keeps students engaged to create lifelong memories and make an impact beyond the classroom.

May 26, 202140:01
Episode 28: Remote Teachers Focus on Engagement, Creativity & Connection During Pandemic

Episode 28: Remote Teachers Focus on Engagement, Creativity & Connection During Pandemic

Hear candid conversation about remote teaching in RPS 205: “There is messiness to it. And it is hard. It’s hard to see what my kids are working on. But if you look at all of those negatives, and you don’t focus on what you can do, and what you’re going to do and what you’d like to do, and what the kids are able to do, then you’re going to be stuck in the messy.”

Feb 25, 202101:04:44
Episode 27: Rockford Police Assistant Deputy Chief Brings Experience to RPS 205 Classrooms

Episode 27: Rockford Police Assistant Deputy Chief Brings Experience to RPS 205 Classrooms

Assistant Deputy Chief Mike Dalke of the Rockford Police Department and RPS 205 Director of Career & Technical Education Reid Jutras join us on the podcast to talk about how providing real-world experiences both in and out of the classroom are important. Hear perspective from Assistant Deputy Chief Dalke about his criminal justice class he’s teaching in RPS 205, and how his practical experience translates to students in the classroom.

Jan 14, 202148:09
Episode 26: Education Outlook with Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett

Episode 26: Education Outlook with Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett

President/CEO Einar Forsman has a candid conversation with RPS 205 Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett. The conversation will focus on changes in the school system due to COVID-19, the District’s scorecard, and the future of education.

Dec 03, 202047:08
Episode 25: Learn About the 5 RPS 205 Special Programs

Episode 25: Learn About the 5 RPS 205 Special Programs

We sit down with Heather Psaltis, Executive Director of Schools & Special Programs at Rockford Public Schools, to learn more about what makes our Special Programs unique in RPS 205. Click here to learn more! 

Special Programs at RPS 205 include. Maria Montessori at Marsh, STEAM Academy at Haskell, Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour, The Gifted Academy and The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).

Nov 10, 202054:36
Episode 24: College & Career Academies: A Conversation with RPS 205 Academy Coaches

Episode 24: College & Career Academies: A Conversation with RPS 205 Academy Coaches

Learn About College & Career Academies in RPS 205 and what they are and why they are a unique approach to education in high school in an ever changing world. 

Jun 24, 202054:32
Episode 22: COVID-19 Conversation with Mayor McNamara & Superintendent Jarrett
Apr 24, 202046:24
Episode 21: School Resource Officer Curtis Sockwell

Episode 21: School Resource Officer Curtis Sockwell

We sit down with Rockford Police Officer Curtis Sockwell, a member of the Rockford School Liaison Unit. Officer Sockwell spends most of his time at Auburn High School as a School Resource Officer. He talks about what it’s like working at Auburn and how he makes a difference connecting with RPS 205 students.

Feb 26, 202033:05
Episode 20: Morgan Gallagher, Roosevelt Principal

Episode 20: Morgan Gallagher, Roosevelt Principal

Learn more about Morgan Gallagher, Principal at Roosevelt Community Education Center. 

Feb 05, 202036:48
Episode 19: School Safety

Episode 19: School Safety

A conversation with the Director of Security, Fred Diehl, about school safety at Rockford Public Schools.

Jan 08, 202043:60
Episode 18: Roosevelt Community Education Center

Episode 18: Roosevelt Community Education Center

Hear from Roosevelt students and staff and their ‘drive & passion to complete their education.’

Dec 05, 201936:32
Episode 17: What happened? RPS 205 Ransomware attack

Episode 17: What happened? RPS 205 Ransomware attack

Jason Barthel, Executive Director of Technology at Rockford Public Schools provides insight and details on the Ransomware attack that occurred in September and how his team worked to rebuilding the network and get systems back online.

Nov 13, 201954:16
Episode 16: Student Life with Aryan, Kerrigan and Jeff

Episode 16: Student Life with Aryan, Kerrigan and Jeff

A conversation with Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) featuring Jefferson Snedegar, from Guilford High School, Kerrigan Turek, from East High School and Aryan Arora, from Auburn High School.
Oct 23, 201941:59
Episode 15: Hon. P. Michael Mahoney

Episode 15: Hon. P. Michael Mahoney

 Judge Mahoney served as the only magistrate judge in the Western Division until he resigned his position in 2012 and accepted recall. Judge Mahoney remained on recall through 2014.  Judge Mahoney has done settlement conferences in literally thousands of cases during his tenure as magistrate judge. 

Jun 18, 201938:05
Episode 14: Wally Haas, Rockford Register Star Opinion Editor

Episode 14: Wally Haas, Rockford Register Star Opinion Editor

Wally Haas is the  Opinion Editor for the Rockford Register Star. We talk to him about what it is like working for the paper and his experiences with how Rockford counties to evolve. 

May 21, 201941:39
Episode 13: Jonathan Logemann, alderman, teacher and National Guardsman

Episode 13: Jonathan Logemann, alderman, teacher and National Guardsman

Jonathan Logeman, is a teacher at Auburn High School he is also alderman for the City of Rockford, and National Guardsman. Listen to him talk about serving his community and his country. 

Apr 29, 201943:28
Episode 12: Mayor of Rockford, Tom McNamara

Episode 12: Mayor of Rockford, Tom McNamara

Learn more about Mayor Tom McNamara and his vision for Rockford and what the City of Rockford is doing to achieve that vision. 

Apr 08, 201942:37
Episode 11: Taren Turner, Ellis Elementary School Principal

Episode 11: Taren Turner, Ellis Elementary School Principal

 Learn more about Taren Turner, Ellis Elementary School Principal. Listen to her perspective on what makes Ellis a special place.

Mar 21, 201941:20
Episode 10: Gary Griffin, East High School Athletic Director

Episode 10: Gary Griffin, East High School Athletic Director

East High School Athletic Director Gary Griffin talk about his experience with being a coach, an educator, and father. He explains why school comes first and why it is important to succeed in the classroom. www.rps205.com/205VIBE

Feb 27, 201937:54
Episode 9: School Board Member Jaime Escobedo

Episode 9: School Board Member Jaime Escobedo

 Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools District and the role of a board member. 

Feb 07, 201933:47
Episode 8: Don Rundall, Jefferson High School Principal

Episode 8: Don Rundall, Jefferson High School Principal

Learn more about Don Rundall, Jefferson High School Principal. 

Jan 24, 201933:43
Episode 7: A Teacher's Perspective, Deanna Lemcke

Episode 7: A Teacher's Perspective, Deanna Lemcke

We talk with Deanna Lemcke a 2nd grade teacher at McIntosh Elementary about being a teacher.

Jan 07, 201914:47
Episode 6: School Board Member Jude Makulec

Episode 6: School Board Member Jude Makulec

Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools District and the role of a board member.
Dec 13, 201856:44
Episode 5: Assistant Deputy Police Chief Carla Redd

Episode 5: Assistant Deputy Police Chief Carla Redd

A conversation with Assistant Deputy Police Chief Carla Redd
Nov 26, 201831:24
 Episode 4: Rockford Education Association President, Dawn Granath.

Episode 4: Rockford Education Association President, Dawn Granath.

A conversation with Dawn Granath, President of Rockford Education Association.
Nov 14, 201852:23
Episode 3: School Board Member Tim Rollins

Episode 3: School Board Member Tim Rollins

Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools District and the role of a board member.
Oct 29, 201838:33
Episode 2: Integrated Literacy with Mellissa Douglas, Dean of Elementary Literacy

Episode 2: Integrated Literacy with Mellissa Douglas, Dean of Elementary Literacy

Conversation around Integrated Literacy implementation for teachers and students.
Oct 17, 201826:14
Episode 1 Part 2: School Board Member Anthony Dixon

Episode 1 Part 2: School Board Member Anthony Dixon

Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools and the role of a board member.
Sep 24, 201817:14
Episode 1 Part 1: School Board Member Anthony Dixon

Episode 1 Part 1: School Board Member Anthony Dixon

Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools and the role of a board member.
Sep 24, 201822:44