Ahoy, Minnetonka!

Latest Episodes:

S4 E1: Start of the School Year Conversation with District Leaders Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to season four of Ahoy, Minnetonka! In this season premiere, Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty kicks off the new school year alongside Superintendent of Minnetonka Schools David Law and School Board Chair Kemerie Foss.

Together, they dive into the extensive behind-the-scenes preparation that powers the District through the summer, share their favorite back-to-school traditions, discuss key shifts in the district’s strategic goals for the upcoming year and offer exciting updates on capital improvements made possible by the community's support of last year's Building Bond Referendum. Tune in for a conversation on how Minnetonka Schools continues to empower, connect and inspire students for the year ahead!

S3 E16: End-of-Year Wrap-Up with District Leaders Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

In this school year’s final episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Superintendent David Law, School Board Chair Kemerie Foss and School Board Vice Chair Dan Olson for an end‑of‑the-school-year reflection. They talk about the District’s progress toward School Board goals, key outcomes from the legislative session and priorities for the year ahead.

The conversation highlights community engagement efforts, including the new Citizens Academy, and explores top of mind topics for families. The episode wraps with reflections on graduation and the many celebrations that mark the close of another successful school year.

S3 E15: What’s Ahead for Summer? May 19, 2026

Show notes

Summer is just around the corner, and Minnetonka Community Education is ready with hundreds of opportunities for students, families and community members. In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host and Executive Director of Communications Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Executive Director of Community Education Kim Carlson and Community Education Program Manager Anna Oasheim to talk about popular–and new–summer classes, community education programs, volunteering opportunities, employment opportunities and exciting upcoming events.

From unique summer classes for people of all ages–to Explorers child care and signature events such as the Tour de Tonka community bike ride coming up in August, the conversation offers a helpful preview of how to make the most of summer!

S3 E14: Conversation with Superintendent Law May 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law joins Executive Director of Communications Dr. JacQui Getty for a timely conversation about the final stretch of the school year. Hear about the School Board’s spring planning, upcoming community engagement opportunities, student representation on the Board, and key legislative issues affecting education.

Superintendent Law also shares highlights from presenting at a national conference with students and Board members, reflects on current conversations around technology and student tech use, and looks ahead to celebrations across the district, including the upcoming Celebration of Excellence awards event on May 14.

S3 E13: Employee Recruitment and Retention - Conversation with Executive Director of Human Resources and General Counsel Anjie Flowers and Director of Human Resources Robyn Klinker Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Recruiting and retaining outstanding educators and staff is essential to Minnetonka Schools’ long‑term success. In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Executive Director of Human Resources and General Counsel Anjie Flowers and Director of Human Resources Robyn Klinker for an in‑depth conversation about employee recruitment and retention.

Together, they discuss current staffing priorities and challenges, how the district attracts and supports high‑quality candidates and the strategies in place to build a welcoming, supportive workplace culture. The discussion also highlights partnerships, professional development, wellness resources and ways community members can learn more about employment opportunities in Minnetonka Schools.

S3 E12: Chinese Immersion Program - Conversation with Principals Nicole Snedden and Jennifer Smasal, and Department Chair and Teacher Yi Sun Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host Dr. JacQui Getty speaks with Scenic Heights Principal Nicole Snedden, Excelsior Elementary Principal Jennifer Smasal and Chinese Immersion Department Chair and Teacher Yi Sun about Minnetonka’s long‑standing Chinese Immersion program. They explore how the program began, what learning looks like in an Immersion classroom and how students grow academically, linguistically and culturally from Kindergarten through high school.

The conversation also highlights Minnetonka’s Chinese New Year celebration, international partnerships and the upcoming Chinese Bridge Competition, offering listeners insight into what makes this unique program so impactful.

S3 E11: 40 Years of Teaching! Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host Dr. JacQui Getty sits down with two remarkable educators—Clear Springs Kindergarten Teacher Lynn Bleeker and Scenic Heights Navigator Teacher Sandy Katkov—who are each celebrating 40 years of service with Minnetonka Public Schools. They reflect on what first brought them to the district in the mid‑1980s, how their teaching journeys have evolved, and the moments, students, colleagues and memories that have shaped four decades in the classroom.

The conversation highlights both what has changed and what has remained timeless about teaching, community and the joy of working with students. Listen in for a heartfelt tribute to two educators whose dedication continues to make an extraordinary impact.

S3 E10: VANTAGE Fashion - Conversation with Students and Instructor Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host Dr. JacQui Getty sits down with Minnetonka High School students Evelyn Passe and Poppy Moore, along with VANTAGE instructor Kaylee Wiens, to explore the new VANTAGE Fashion strand. They discuss what drew students to the program, the real-world projects they’ve taken on, the value of working with professional mentors and how the curriculum immerses students in authentic industry experiences.

The conversation also offers a look at upcoming projects (including a student-organized fashion show!) and what’s next for this growing pathway within Minnetonka’s VANTAGE Advanced Professional Studies program.

S3E9: Update on Minnetonka’s Districtwide Literacy Efforts Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Conversation with Associate Superintendent Dr. Amy LaDue, Literacy Coordinator Alyssa Rutherford and Grade 3 Deephaven Elementary Teacher and K-5 Language Arts Department Chair Jennifer Peters.

This episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka! features an update on Minnetonka’s districtwide literacy efforts. Listen in for a discussion about why literacy remains a central goal for the district, how Minnetonka’s literacy plan is implemented in classrooms and what the READ Act means for students and teachers. The conversation also highlights recent visits from state leaders, ongoing curriculum work, professional development for teachers, and the support in place for students when additional help is needed.

S3 E8: State of the District Update - Conversation with Superintendent David Law and Executive Director of Communications, Dr. JacQueline Getty Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Superintendent David Law joins Executive Director of Communications and this season’s Ahoy, Minnetonka! host Dr. JacQui Getty for a State of the District update covering early construction projects made possible by the voter‑approved building bond, Superintendent Law’s recent presentation at the national American Association of School Administrators conference, and priorities as the district moves into the second half of the school year.

The conversation also highlights the current legislative topics affecting schools and the advocacy work of the district’s CASE committee. As

February wraps up, the episode spotlights the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation’s Dream Makers event and reminds families to submit Celebration of Excellence nominations before the month ends.

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