Jordan Supercast

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Episode 232: A Lesson About Bugs as Grub, Are Students Eating It Up? Feb 15, 2024

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It is a lesson that can drive some student’s buggy, while others are literally eating it up. On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Mountain Creek Middle School where we find social studies teacher Kristina Meng bringing some creepy, crawly creatures into the classroom. It’s for a lesson on how bugs are considered a culinary delight in some cultures around the world. Join us for a classroom taste test like no other and a lesson students won’t soon forget. Audio Transcription [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. It is a lesson that can bug some students while others are literally eating it up. On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Mountain Creek Middle School, where we find social studies teacher Kristina Meng bringing some creepy, crawly creatures into the classroom. It's for a lesson on how bugs are considered a culinary delight in some cultures around the world. Join us for a classroom taste test like no other and a lesson students won't soon forget. [Music] We’re here at Mountain Creek Middle School with Ms. Meng, we're about to talk with her geography class. What are we in for today? Kristina Meng:So today we're talking about cultural relativism, how different cultures place different values on things. Just because different cultures all do things differently and if you're judging a culture, you have to judge it like off of what's normal for them, not what's normal for us. So sort of our case study, our example is eating bugs because here in the US, that's seen as like disgusting, gross, dirty, awful. But in a lot of the world, bugs are a viable food source. Anthony Godfrey:A great source of protein, as you say. Kristina Meng:Yeah. And it's also going to bring in cultural diffusion, spreading cultures around the world, looking at like global sustainability, how a lot of people in like sustainability efforts are trying to use more bug protein instead of like other livestock and things. So we're going to be, you know, introducing all those concepts to the students today, and then at the end, they get to try bugs. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. And have you done this with other classes previously? Kristina Meng:I have, yeah. Anthony Godfrey:What is the general reaction when students try bugs? How does that normally go? Kristina Meng:Well, it starts out, I have them take a poll, like, have you…? I don't tell them that they're going to have a chance at the end yet. I just say, “Have you ever eaten bugs before? Like would you ever?” And they're like, “Oh, no, disgusting, awful.” Some of them are like, “I don't know, it doesn't sound that bad.” But then we get to the end, like, “Well, you know, would you?” And I pull them out and they're like, “Oh, I don't know.” Anthony Godfrey:So now they’re faced with a real choice instead of just a hypothetical one. Kristina Meng:Yeah. Instead of hypothetically. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Kristina Meng:And there's some of them who just totally refuse to try. Some of them who try reluctantly and then hate it and regret everything that brought them there. Anthony Godfrey:They question all their life choices at this point. Kristina Meng:Yeah. And then there's a lot of them who are like, whoa, that's so cool. They're like, “That's way better than I thought it would be. Can I have another one?” We've got different flavors of crickets. So some of them ask to try like every flavor. So yeah. And there's ants too. Anthony Godfrey:Is there a particular seasoning that pairs better with bugs than others? Kristina Meng:I think that no seasoning pairs well with crickets. In my opinion, crickets are always bad. Anthony Godfrey:I did hear that ants are one of the options as well. Or is that not the case? Kristina Meng:So I tried them last–the ants are in the options. Yes. I tried them last year and I was really reluctant because they looked like ants. Anthony Godfrey:Too ant like. Kristina Meng:Except they are–Ants are naturally citrus-flavored. They have like they've got like– Anthony Godfrey:Wait a minute. They're naturally citrus-flavored? Kristina Meng:Yeah. It's like some acid that they have in their bodies. So they taste sort of like lemon zest. If you just like close your eyes and imagine that you're eating lemon zest, it's a lot more bearable. Anthony Godfrey:So in other words, you really do have certain spices that might pair better with certain insects based on their inherent flavor. Kristina Meng:True. Yeah. Yeah. I've seen ants in like–not restaurants that I've been to, but I've seen pictures online of ants used as like garnish in fancy sushi places. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. Yeah. I have not been to a place that fancy. I don't think. So it's interesting this point about cultural relativism and realizing that something is not inherently gross or bad or strange just because it's something that isn't common to you. Kristina Meng:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:It's interesting. I went to a training once for International Baccalaureate. To get us in that international sort of mindset the question was, what do you think kids eat most often? So what do you think the answers were initially? Kristina Meng:Chicken nuggets. Anthony Godfrey:Chicken nuggets, hot dogs, McDonald's, whatever. What is the actual answer? Rice. Because it's kids throughout the world that they were referring to. But what we do is we automatically think about the children in our own lives, when we were a child. So I think this is an extension of that kind of concept that there are things that other cultures do that would not occur to us, but that are a part of a sustainable, healthy, meaningful lifestyle. Kristina Meng:Yeah. And it's interesting. One of the other geography teachers, she did this lesson earlier this week here, and she brought home some extra crickets to her four and two-year-old daughters. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Kristina Meng:And she said they loved them. They were like getting all the legs to finish them. So without that, I guess, inhibition of being told, like, “That's gross. That's awful.” Like, they really enjoyed it. Anthony Godfrey:So the trick is to try to get crickets on the plate of children early. Kristina Meng:Yeah. That's how you trick them. Anthony Godfrey:I think there are some people who may be listening thinking, ‘I can't get my child to eat anything that's green, much less a cricket.’ So, you know, it's worth trying. Those listening out there, get a cricket in front of that four-year-old. Kristina Meng:See what happens. Anthony Godfrey:See if we can get some sustainable protein in front of them. See if they like it. Do you eat crickets or ants every time? Kristina Meng:I do. Yep. I have to, you know– Anthony Godfrey:And have you developed a taste for a favorite? Kristina Meng:Absolutely not. I think they are terrible every time. Anthony Godfrey:Which is okay. Kristina Meng:Which is okay. Although I will say I don't like just whole crickets, but I have tried cricket powder ground up in pancakes. You can't even taste it. It's like a normal pancake. It's delicious. Anthony Godfrey:I have heard that there's kind of a meal or a flour or something you can create. Kristina Meng:You know, whole bugs may not be for everyone, but it's surprising how many options there are out there that are bugs, but not in a way you may recognize. Anthony Godfrey:Can I ask you what your bug source is? Where do you get these bugs? Kristina Meng:Amazon. Anthony Godfrey:Amazon, ok. Kristina Meng:Which we have to search very carefully. Our incredible secretary orders them for us. And when you first search like dried crickets, it's all like snake food that you see. And so you have to search human food crickets nd then you find good stuff. It comes in all sorts of flavors. There's barbecue, there's chili lime, there's dill pickle. So there's a variety. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Well, so those listening can hop on Amazon and get two-day shipping and have crickets brought to their door. Kristina Meng:Just make sure they search for human food crickets. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. I think that's an important point. Kristina Meng:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:What are some of the student takeaways you're hoping for? Kristina Meng:So one of the big things I hope is I think it is a very memorable way to learn about cultural relativism and how different cultures place value on things. But also I think one of them is just broadening student's horizons and realizing the way that they've been told their whole life of this is how things are. Anthony Godfrey:Right. Kristina Meng:Realizing that that's like the world is a bigger place than just our experiences. And hopefully like across all of geography, hopefully one of the big things they're learning is how big the world is and that it doesn't have to be scary. That just because something is different doesn't mean you have to be afraid of it. Anthony Godfrey:The world is big. The world is different. And it doesn't have to be scary because of that. I love that. That's a great message. And actually, I think that's going to apply to the person sitting next to them too. Like this person next to me may value some different things. And I may be a little more comfortable with that than I was before I ate an ant. Kristina Meng:Yeah. And like we've got students from a lot of different cultures. So it's possible that like there are students at this school who have come from countries where it's normal to eat bugs. Anthony Godfrey:Right. Kristina Meng:And to have I guess students can start to realize like that they can accept that other people are different. Not just that like people in other parts of the world are different and that's okay. But like people here are different too. Like you were saying like you know even with this person sitting right next to me no two students have had the same life experiences to bring them here and just starting to open up that worldview and like it's okay that you're different. You can be different and still accept each other. Anthony Godfrey:I'm sure as a teacher of geography it's very rewarding for you to experience this to see this happen with students that their world gets larger because of you. Kristina Meng:Yeah absolutely. It's definitely one of the most gratifying things. Sometimes I even have students who will be like “Oh, I went on vacation to this place and I thought about this thing that you taught us” and I love that because I love that geography is just, it's the world. It's all around us all the time. And I love when they start making those connections. Anthony Godfrey:So their experience in your classroom impacts the way they view the world and the learning doesn't stop in the classroom. They're on vacation thinking about your class. That's one of the highest compliments you can have I think. Kristina Meng:Yeah, and hopefully you know that's the goal of like all education. That it doesn't stay in the classroom. The goal right is to prepare these students to go out in the real world. They are in the real world already and preparing them for life. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Well, I think it's fantastic. I love your enthusiasm. And I love the way that you make this learning very real. You don't forget either eating a cricket or an ant or having to choose whether to do it or not. And it says you learn about yourself, you learn about the world, and you learn that ants taste like citrus naturally. Now I'm not going to look at an ant the same way anymore. Kristina Meng:Now you know lemon zest in your backyard. Anthony Godfrey:OK perfect. Well thank you very much for taking time with us today and for providing such a unique and memorable experience for your students. Kristina Meng:Yeah it's been my pleasure. Anthony Godfrey:Stay with us. When we come back some of the students try some insects for themselves. Break:Does your student want to become a veterinarian, commercial pilot, programmer? Maybe they want to make a difference as a dental assistant, work in digital media, robotics, welding, or web design. These are just some of the programs offered as part of Career and Technical Education, CTE in Jordan School District. CTE provides the technical skills needed to prepare students for future employment and/or a successful transition to post-secondary education. Career and Technical Education provides work-based learning opportunities. We partner with industry experts to offer apprenticeships and internships with students working in the real world at real jobs while going to school. The CTE experience starts in our elementary schools with the Kids' Marketplace and grows through middle and high school. Our two Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers (JATC) campuses offer unique programs to fit your child’s dreams for the future. To explore all CTE has to offer in Jordan School District visit cte.jordandistrict.org today and let's get your child started on the pathway to a profession. Kristina Meng:So by the end of class today you guys are going to be able to define what is cultural relativism as well as giving examples of it. You're also going to be able to define cultural diffusion and explain how cultural relativism and cultural diffusion can be linked. Just for you guys we have bugs that you can try. We ordered them off Amazon. When you first search it's all like snake food, but these are human food-grade crickets for you as well as ants. So the crickets come in multiple flavors. There's fiesta. I don't know what that is. It's just what they call it. Fiesta flavored, dill pickle, smoky barbecue, chili lime, and hot and spicy. And the ants are naturally citrus-flavored. They taste like lemon zest. Like if you like close your eyes and like don't look at what you're eating. They're like pretty good. So, oh, and an allergy warning. If you're allergic to shellfish you may be allergic to insects. Please don't have an allergic reaction. So if you guys want to try them we've got a mega bag. So the ants are pretty small. I've got like a spoon to scoop them out. The crickets. If you're like, I don't know, maybe. I will say Miss Anderson did this lesson earlier this week and she brought some extras home to like her two and four-year-old kids who couldn't get enough of them. They were like, "This is the best snack I've ever had". And in case you're still thinking that it sounds disgusting and no way. Here's the reviews on Amazon. “Five stars. Delicious. These crickets are absolutely delicious. I just love the way they crunch between my teeth.” I don't think they're that crunchy for what it's worth. I don't think they're that crunchy. “Squirmed on the first two or three but after that they were a go-to snack. Even had trouble with the kids stealing them. Also, I think as an American we are sheltered from the fact that insects are really a normal and viable food source for most of the world. Glad I broke that barrier.” So if you guys try them you can be smug like this person. And my favorite one-star review. “One star failed to meet my gustatory expectations. This is my first time trying edible insects and so far I'm very disappointed in the taste.” So up to you. So if you want to try insects, now is your chance. Come on up. Let me know what flavor you want. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, so now you have a cricket in front of you. What flavor did you choose? Oliver:I think I got smoked barbecue. Anthony Godfrey:Smoked barbecue. Oliver:I thi…

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Episode 231: Aged to Perfection, First Graders Celebrate 100 Days into School Year Feb 08, 2024

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Recently many first-grade classrooms in Jordan School District looked a little more like lively senior centers because students and staff were celebrating the first 100 days of the school year by dressing up as if they were 100 years old. On this episode of the Supercast, we talk to some very impressive silver-haired students at Silver Crest Elementary School about their 100th day costumes. Find out what they say about the aging process and when someone is considered “old.” We’re going to start however, with some teachers who also look “aged to perfection” on the 100th day. Audio Transcription [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. Recently, many first grade classrooms in Jordan School District looked more like lively senior centers because students and staff were celebrating the first 100 days of the school year by dressing up as if they were 100 years old. On this episode of the Supercast, we talk with some very impressive silver-haired students at Silver Crest Elementary School about their 100th day costumes. Find out what they say about the aging process and when someone is considered old. We're going to start, however, with some teachers who also look aged to perfection on the 100th day of school. [Music] I'm here with the first grade teachers here at Silver Crest. I cannot stop smiling and laughing looking at them, but looking at you guys was pretty startling as well. Did you have to dig deep for these costumes or is this just a regular Friday? Teacher #1:I just went over to my mother's house who’s 96 next month. I just picked from her wardrobe. Anthony Godfrey:What is this referred to as? Is this a house coat? What is this exactly? Teacher:Yeah, like a house dress. Anthony Godfrey:A house dress? Teacher:She called them a house dress. She always wore a turtleneck with it because she didn't want her neck to be seen. She had wrinkles on her neck. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, because she didn't want her neck to be seen. I see, because that would be a sign of old age. Teacher:And to keep her warm. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, well you wear it well. Teacher:Thank you. Anthony Godfrey:How about for the rest of you? The Golden Girls. Teacher:The Golden Girls look. Teacher:This is just fun Friday for me. Anthony Godfrey:Is it a particular Golden Girl or? Teacher:I am the Golden Girls. Anthony Godfrey:You embody all of them. Yes, very nice. Well, I really have to come back because some of you I haven't met and I really need to meet you in your natural state rather than in your this advanced age. How about for you guys? Where did you find your outfits? Teacher:I just got a collection. First grade teachers always have to have a bin of fun things. So we collect things, we dress up, lots of fun things. Teacher:I stole my grandma's nightgown. Anthony Godfrey:Does she know that you stole her nightgown? Teacher:Maybe. Teacher:I hit the DI. Teacher:So did I. The DI is an awesome place. Anthony Godfrey:The makeup, I hesitate to say this, but the makeup is a key component. It really brings out the, well, and the stockings. I can't stop looking at the stockings. The ankle stockings with the low heels and the skirt. Really, it's quite an ensemble. Teacher:My makeup took me back to my 80s. Anthony Godfrey:I also love that not only are you wearing glasses, but you have glasses on a chain around your neck. Now, the key component to this would also say, where are my glasses? I can't find my glasses. Teacher:Exactly. I never can. Anthony Godfrey:When you have two of them on your person. Teacher:Exactly. Anthony Godfrey:Clearly, pearls are also... Teacher:Yes. I don't know if we all know you're right. Anthony Godfrey:Now, the 100 days of school, I really love that you are highlighting this. Because I think we're always looking at the next day, we're always moving forward. We forget to look back at the progress that we've made. And I would guess, I've never taught first grade, but I would guess that teaching first grade, you really get to see a lot of progress from the kids over those 100 days. Can you tell me about day one in comparison with day 100? Teacher:They wouldn't be sitting like this on day one. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, it's clear you have some very effective routines down. No question about that. Teacher:When they come to us, they're just really little kindergartners. They're really still kindergartners. And now they've blossomed into students, right? Teacher:Yeah, I was looking at their journals from first day to now. And just the growth, it's so fun. I don't think you've any other grade you can see the growth that you do in first grade. And they're reading, they're writing. It's awesome. Teacher:Another thing you notice is the confidence. They come in crying, they don't want to leave their moms. And now they can't wait to come into school. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, and I love that. That's such a key element of what you accomplish as first grade teachers, is teaching them to be at school, giving them that confidence, that sense of efficacy like, "Hey, I belong at school. I didn't know how to do this, and now I do." Because my teacher helped me learn how to do that. Teacher:Yeah, it's awesome. Anthony Godfrey:That's wonderful. Well, I'm super impressed. I love this activity. And I really should have busted out my readers. So I'll put my readers on for the rest of the time. I'm going to go do something this weekend to feel young. I've got to, maybe I'll go clubbing this weekend. Well, you're all fabulous. Thank you so much for letting me take time with you. Teacher:Thank you for coming. Teacher:Remember, we tell parents that we will only believe half of what we hear if they promised to only believe half of what they hear. Anthony Godfrey:I think that's a fair bargain. I really think it is. Teacher:That's our motto. Anthony Godfrey:Believe half of what you hear. Well, you heard it here first at Silver Crest. Thank you very much for creating such a wonderful environment and for letting me take some time this morning. Teachers:Thank you. Anthony Godfrey:Stay with us. When we come back students answer the age-old question, "When is a person really old?" Break:Hello, I'm Tracy Miller, President of the Jordan School District Board of Education. There are seven members on the Board of Education, one in each voting district. We are committed to listening and serving our constituents as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for the students we serve. As members of the Jordan Board of Education, we believe it is our duty and responsibility to: increase student achievement; provide parents with the choices they deserve and desire; recognize and reward quality in educators; empower school leaders through policy governance and professional development; and communicate with the public, legislators, business leaders, cities, and parents. We invite you to get to know the Board member who represents you in your voting district and to please join us at our monthly board meeting held on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Or listen from the comfort of your home, on our live stream. For more information and to find your Board member, visit jordandistrict.org. With parent and community input and support, we will continue our work to give students every opportunity to succeed in Jordan District schools and beyond. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you soon. Anthony Godfrey:As first grade students are assembling here, we're looking at people in housecoats and curlers. There are a lot of canes and glasses are a key component. Oh, and there's some gray facial hair too. Lots of gray facial hair. So you guys are celebrating a hundred days of school? Students:Yes! Anthony Godfrey:By dressing up to be a hundred? Students:Yes! Anthony Godfrey:Okay, so tell me, how do you like my old man costume? Students:[Applaud and cheer] Anthony Godfrey:Is it pretty good? Student:That’s not a costume! That’s your actual uniform. Anthony Godfrey:Raise your hand if you want to tell Doug something about my old man costume. What makes it an old man costume? Student:It has a tie. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, so wearing a tie kind of makes me look like an old man. Is that right? Okay. Student:White hair. Anthony Godfrey:My white hair. Oh, my white hair. Did the spray work? Can you see the real color of my hair? Students:Yes. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, my hair didn't always used to be white. It used to be a different color. That's right. Raise your hand and somebody tell me about the oldest person that you know. Who is the oldest person you know? Student:Great grandpa. Anthony Godfrey:And how old is your great grandpa? Student:Ninety-four. Anthony Godfrey:Ninety-four. And are there some things he does that only old people do? Student:Watch TV. Anthony Godfrey:He watches TV. Does he watch a lot of TV? Student:He does. Anthony Godfrey:So what kinds of shows does he like, you know? Student:Old movies. Anthony Godfrey:Old movies. Does he ever watch Matlock? No, Matlock. Okay. All right. How about you? Who's the oldest person you know? Student:My dad. Anthony Godfrey:Your dad? And how old is your dad? Student:47. Anthony Godfrey:Does he do some things that make him seem old? What are some things that he does? Student:He does push-ups, I think. Anthony Godfrey:He does push-ups. I think that makes him seem young. Are push-ups for old people, kind of? Student:No. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, okay. All right. That's all right. You tell me, how old is old? How old does a person have to be before you think, you know, that person's old. How old? Tell me, how old? Student:To be like 100 years old. Anthony Godfrey:If they're 100, they're old? If they're younger than that, they're not old yet? Okay, that's good. That makes me feel better. Okay. How about you? How old is-- does a person have to be before they're old? Student:60. Anthony Godfrey:60. Once you're 60, you're old. Student:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Well, I'm not there yet. That's good. How about you? How old? Student:200. Anthony Godfrey:200? Oh, I'll never be old. I will never be old. That sounds great. What is your name? Hudson:Hudson. Anthony Godfrey:And Hudson, how did you pick out your outfit? Hudson:I just looked at it and it seemed like it would be for an old man, so... Anthony Godfrey:What about it makes it seem like old man? Is it because it's gray? Hudson:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:And it matches the makeup that you have on. You have big, bushy, gray eyebrows and a big, bushy, gray goatee. Tell me about-- who did your makeup? Hudson:My grandma. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, your grandma did. And what did you think when you saw yourself in the mirror? Hudson:I thought I looked pretty old. Anthony Godfrey:You do look pretty cool. Hudson:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:You look pretty old. So tell me. You also sprayed your hair white? Hudson:Yeah, I used like a gray spray.. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, okay. So are you going to take a picture and then make sure you have a copy of that picture you can look at many years from now to see if this is what you actually end up looking like when you're older? The wrinkles. I just noticed the wrinkles. You also have wrinkles painted on. Oh, now wait a minute. Is that gray hair in your ears? Hudson:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. That is a nice touch. That really brings the whole thing together. Very nicely done. Student:You look like old people. Anthony Godfrey:I look like old-- what makes me look like an old person? Student:You have white hair. Anthony Godfrey:I have white hair. Yeah, I do. Student:And freckles everywhere. Anthony Godfrey:And freckles everywhere. So my skin, my hair-- but other than that, I look pretty young, right? Student:Mm-hmm? Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Tell me, how old do you think I am? Student:You're 25. Student:200? Anthony Godfrey:Well, if I were 200, wouldn't I talk a little bit more like this? Really, you think I'm 200? How do you think I am? Student:Um, 50? Anthony Godfrey:50? That's pretty close. Actually, I'm old enough that 50 sounds really good right now. Student:I know how old you are. Anthony Godfrey:I'm not the president. Student:56? Anthony Godfrey:But God bless America. Student:Are you the President of the United States? Anthony Godfrey:No, I'm not the President of the United States. Tell me, who is the oldest person you know? Student:My, um, Grandma Ruth. Anthony Godfrey:Your Grandma Ruth? How old is your Grandma Ruth? Student:I can't remember, because on her next birthday, she's going to be 100 years old. Anthony Godfrey:She's going to be 100 years old on her next birthday. Wow. So what are some things about your Grandma Ruth? What can you tell me about her? Student:She loves her dogs. Anthony Godfrey:She loves her dogs? Student:Mm-hmm. And she has grandkids. Anthony Godfrey:She has grandkids? Does she have some great grandkids too? Student:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. That's pretty awesome. Is there something that your Grandma does with you, or that she makes for you that you really like? Student:Yeah, cookies. She makes cookies. Anthony Godfrey:What kind of cookies does she make? Student:I kind of don't remember. Anthony Godfrey:Can you tell me your name? Student:It's squeaky. Anthony Godfrey:Can you tell me about your costume? It looks really great. What are you wearing, and what did you bring? Student:I have the same walking stick as my teacher. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, yeah. Your teacher does have that same walking stick. Tell me about the clothes you're wearing. Student:This. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, that's a hat with some gray hair attached to it. Student:And I have these kind of glasses. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, yeah. Look at those glasses. Where did you get those glasses? Student:Got it from, like, a costume that we found on our computer. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. And tell me about your outfit. Student:I have a hundred year old vest and this is a coat that my mom put on. And here's the "How DoYou Do World" scarf. Anthony Godfrey:I think you look fantastic. Even your shoes kind of look like old-person shoes a little bit. Yeah, I like it. If your old person that you're dressed up as had a name, what would his name be? Student:Um, I don't know. Paul. Anthony Godfrey:Paul? Okay. Very cool. Tell me the favorite thing you've learned or been able to do in those 100 days. What have you loved about the first 100 days of first grade? Right back here in the orange shirt. Student:Play Guess Who. Anthony Godfrey:Play Guess Who? Are you pretty good at Guess Who? Student:Yeah. Kinda. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Good. How about you? The suspenders here. Yes, sir. Student:Um, lunch. Anthony Godfrey:Lunch. You like lunch? Yeah. Which lunch? What do you like for lunch? Student:Macaroni and cheese. Anthony Godfrey:That's my favorite. I went to a school on Monday just so I could have macaroni and cheese. Okay. What's your favorite thing about the first 100 days of school? Student:Math. Anthony Godfrey:Math? What do you like about math? Student:That I count on and pick the bigger number. Awesome. That's great. I love that you love math. Student:Um, to be with friends. Anthony Godfrey:To be with friends. That's a really important part of school. How about you? Student:Math. Anthony Godfrey:Math? What do you love about math? Student:Um, so we can, um, everything. Student:I like reading. I like reading because I like reading books. Anthony Godfrey:What do you like, what type of books do you like to read most? Student:It was horror. Anthony Godfrey:Horror books? Yeah. Wow. Cool. [Mus…

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Episode 230: Not an Ordinary Elementary School Orchestra at Welby Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Take one listen and you will quickly discover that it is not your ordinary elementary school orchestra…this one is extraordinary. On this episode of the Supercast, we find out what makes the Welby Elementary School orchestra so amazing with students playing and performing at very high levels. Listen in as we learn about the young orchestra members and their love for musical instruments and making magical music. Audio Transcription [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. Take one listen and you will quickly discover that this is not your ordinary elementary school orchestra…this one is extraordinary. On this episode of the Supercast, we find out what makes the Welby Elementary School Orchestra so amazing with students playing and performing at very high levels. Listen in as we learn about the young orchestra members, their love for musical instruments, and making magical music. [Music] Anna Edgell:We're going to double-check our tuning with everyone. Chelsea, come on up. She's got our notes for us today. Play your A nice and loud. Everyone can hear. [Music] Anna Edgell:Okay, good. Let's hear your D. [Music] Anna Edgell:Okay, let's hear E. [Music] Anna Edgell:It's good. It sounds good. Energy. [Music] Anna Edgell:Very good. Sounds great. Can you max into a C for us? [Music] Anthony Godfrey:I'm here at Welby Elementary talking with four students in the orchestra program. Tell me your name and what instrument you play. Barbara:My name is Barbara and I play the viola. Matteo:My name is Matteo and I play the violin. Chelsea:My name is Chelsea and I play the violin. Alexa:My name is Alexa and I play the viola. Anthony Godfrey:What made you pick this particular instrument? What made you want to play the violin versus the viola versus the stand-up bass? Barbara:I just feel like the viola, like there are just a bunch of violins and I want to be like a little bit different, so I chose the viola. Matteo:I wanted to choose violin because I didn't have anything to do, and I just saw it and I wanted to play the smallest instrument. Chelsea:In my family, we have a tradition where we pass down old violins to our younger cousins or family. I love playing the violin and I love seeing people play the violin and I watch a ton of videos on it and I really wanted to be a violinist. Anthony Godfrey:So you've watched a lot of videos about it? Chelsea:Yeah, I've watched a ton of videos about it. Anthony Godfrey:That's awesome. Do you have a favorite violinist that you watch? Chelsea:Ray Chen. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, okay. Great. How about for you? Alexa:I want to play the viola because I thought that the viola was interesting. My parents didn't let me play the violin. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, okay. What made you want to be part of the orchestra program in the first place? You come early to school to be a part of this. Tell me what made you want to play an instrument here at Welby? Barbara:Because my family, all my family members except for my dad all play an instrument. Anthony Godfrey:What other instruments do members of your family play? Barbara:My mom, so everyone in my family used to play the cello but my brother. He quit very early playing the viola so I just wanted to do the viola. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Matteo:The reason I wanted to join the Welby Orchestra is I felt I was capable of doing a lot more than just going to lessons. So I started doing orchestra in second grade and I've been playing for about two years now. Anthony Godfrey:Have you been taking lessons as well on the side? Matteo:Yes, I've been taking lessons for seven months now. Anthony Godfrey:And do you feel like when you practice by yourself it's different from getting to play with other people? Matteo:Yes, I feel a lot better when I'm doing stuff with other people. Anthony Godfrey:And it's fun. You get to make friends and feel a part of something. What about you? Chelsea:So I actually started this because I watched the Harry Potter play where they would like do the background music and I thought it was really cool so I wanted to join. At my old school I did it too, because I'm new here. Anthony Godfrey:And is that the musical or the play that... Chelsea:The musical. Anthony Godfrey:And that came out. Remind me what that's called. Chelsea:It's called the Harry...it's for like the background music for Harry Potter. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, so did you go see the movie with the symphony playing in the background? Chelsea:Yes. So I thought it was really cool if I did. Anthony Godfrey:Oh wow, that's awesome. Alexa:I was just mainly really curious and I kind of needed a hobby to do. And then at the beginning of fourth grade I saw that orchestra was around so I tried orchestra to see what it was all about. Anthony Godfrey:I love that you guys have each found a different path that has brought you to this orchestra program. Tell me, what is it that you love about orchestra? Barbara:It’s that I get to play my favorite instrument. Matteo:Because I get to be around people and have some good times with some people and make new friends. Chelsea:So I can learn and play with my friends and show my family what I can do. Anthony Godfrey:And you said that you're new to the school so has this helped you make friends? Chelsea:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:In fact, the friend that you're standing right next to. Chelsea:Yes. Alexa:I honestly, I just thought the music that they did was incredible so I wanted to try seeing what this music felt like. And I think it's really beautiful how the music turns out. Anthony Godfrey:What would you say to students who are thinking about maybe getting up early during the week and being part of an orchestra program? What would you suggest? Barbara:I'd probably sleep in early so you're not tired. Anthony Godfrey:Go to bed early so you can get up and be part of it. Matteo:I always wake up when it's super dark in the morning because I'm just like, "Oh, it's dark. It's the darkness that it usually is at 7am. Just go. Go downstairs. Have some breakfast." Chelsea:So usually I'm tired at the start so actually my friends cheer me up. So that's how I wake up. Alexa:I would probably tell them to start getting used to the schedule. Waking up early. You've got multiple concerts coming up and I would say it's a great choice for them to choose being an orchestra. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me, are the days when you have orchestra, does the rest of the day feel different than the days when you don't? Alexa:Just Tuesday and Thursday’s for advanced. Honestly, I think it's not really a big difference. You wake up a little earlier, you might feel a little bit different. Just basically waking up early and practicing. Chelsea:It's actually way different because if I'm at an orchestra, not a lot of friends cover me up. And then when I'm outside, they surround me so it's kind of different. Matteo:It only makes... Yeah, there's a big difference between Tuesday, Thursday, and Wednesday because on Tuesdays and Thursdays I cannot miss school. And I do not like missing school at all because I cannot leave my friends at all. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, you gotta be here. I love that. Barbara:I kind of have to be here all the time except for Fridays because my mom kind of works here. So it doesn't really feel that different but whenever we don't have orchestra, it feels very different. It kind of feels good. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, okay. What's next for you as a musician? Are you going to keep playing here? Do you want to keep playing in the middle school and high school? What's next? Alexa:I think I'll probably still, but I know the high school is at like 6am so I might start fading out. But maybe come back in college when it gets to high school because it's really early in high school. But I'll probably do the middle school. Chelsea:Yeah, I'm probably going to play for the rest of my years because I think violin really helps me with stuff. Anthony Godfrey:Awesome. Matteo:I'm going to try and play. I'm going to try. I really like to, like, I'm really going to try and play until I'm like, past college. I'm going to really try and play. Barbara:I would definitely keep on playing. I would, I don't know why, but I really love playing instruments. So I would play through like all the years. Anthony Godfrey:I love that. I love your enthusiasm and most people who have played an instrument and get to be my age wish they had kept playing that instrument. So I love that you guys are going to keep playing. I'm really proud of you guys and the work that you're putting into this. I'm excited for your enthusiasm. Keep playing and I can't wait to see your performances. See you guys. Thank you. Anna Edgell:Warm-up tempo. One, two, ready, go. Three, four, one, two, three, four. Anthony Godfrey:Stay with us. When we come back more music with the extraordinary Welby Orchestra. Break:Does your student want to become a veterinarian, commercial pilot, programmer? Maybe they want to make a difference as a dental assistant, work in digital media, robotics, welding, or web design. These are just some of the programs offered as part of Career and Technical Education, CTE in Jordan School District. CTE provides the technical skills needed to prepare students for future employment and/or a successful transition to post-secondary education. Career and Technical Education provides work-based learning opportunities. We partner with industry experts to offer apprenticeships and internships with students working in the real world at real jobs while going to school. The CTE experience starts in our elementary schools with the Kids' Marketplace and grows through middle and high school. Our two Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers (JATC) campuses offer unique programs to fit your child’s dreams for the future. To explore all CTE has to offer in Jordan School District visit cte.jordandistrict.org today and let's get your child started on the pathway to a profession. Anthony Godfrey:We're here with Anna Edgell, the orchestra teacher from Welby Elementary. Thank you for letting us visit today. Anna Edgell:Thank you so much for coming. It's great to have you here. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me about your musical journey and what brought you to Welby. Anna Edgell:Well, so it started, if we go clear back, it started in sixth grade. I went to band and played the flute. Then in junior high, I played flute and saxophone. And then high school I played saxophone, just only saxophone. Then my band teacher started up an orchestra at our high school. And so that's when my journey on the violin started, in my high school. My mom noticed that that was an elective. And she said, "Oh, you should do that. It would be so awesome. You can play violin." I was like, "Yeah, let's try that out. I love learning instruments.” And so I took that up and then just fell in love with the violin and all the string instruments, I love and just have a great passion for it. And it just took off from there. Then I studied it in college and my minor is music. I continued taking private lessons through there and conducting classes that I took and the theory classes. And that was all really, really fun, and just continued on. I've continued to take lessons. I've taken from America's violinist, Jenny Oaks-Baker. She's amazing. She does not disappoint. She's so good at playing, but she's also a fabulous teacher. She's so good. So I've learned so much from her and she's so fun to learn with. My daughter goes here and last year when they, right before school started, they're like, "Oh, we have an opening we need to fill for orchestra teacher." And Kathy Worthen was before who did amazing, had been here 20 plus years. So I just applied for it. So it's my first year here. It's been amazing. The kids are so amazing. What a great group of kids. They work so hard and they come early before school twice a week. I leave every day with my heart so full because just making music together and being able to share that together and just their service that they serve to one another is amazing to see. They helped me set up the classroom with, you know, just jump in and they were so willing to help. And then to clean up the classroom and during class and to make sure that I have my stand and everything that I need. What a great group of kids that we have here at Welby. Anthony Godfrey:As I watched them this morning, it was obvious how much they are connected with each other and how much fun they're having as part of the orchestra program. Anna Edgell:Yes, yeah, we've been having a lot of fun. I think that's something that Kathy did when she was here is just to build just a love of music and to have fun with it. So my goal is to continue with that and hopefully we can just instill that love of music and continue on having fun and creating music together. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me about how it feels to just to watch their progress because I'm sure that when they come, when they start out, you have a beginning and an advanced band, by the way. So you're doing this four days a week. You're alternating. But with both groups, tell me how it feels to see where they start and where they end up based on the time they spend together with you. Anna Edgell:Oh, it's amazing. It is so incredible to see and it's so much fun because, you know, in our beginning one, we call it the Red and Black Orchestra, they come on Monday and Wednesday. And so they're here for 45 minutes, twice a week. And a lot of them have never touched an instrument before. And so, you know, it's just taking it from the very beginning and it's just all those little details of how to hold the bow, how to hold your instrument. And there's a lot that goes into it, the counting, the staff, learning the notes. It's incredible to see because, you know, at the start of the year, we go for a few months. And then here we are at Christmas time doing a concert and they've only been playing just a couple of months and learning twice a week for a couple of months. They haven't had, you know, a long time yet, but it was so incredible to see it all come together. I'm so proud of them and they should be so proud of themselves and all their hard work that they put in because it's really rewarding at the concert to see it all come together. And it's just we get to enjoy what we've been working on for months. It's so fun to see. Our advanced Wildcat, we call them the Wildcat Orchestra. And it's so fun to see them too because they've been there. We're all on our own different journeys. You know, some we're just all in our own different spot. But that is completely 100% OK. And I hope that everyone can feel welcome in the orchestra because it doesn't matter how long we've been playing for. You know, it's not a comparison. It's just we want to get together and make music. And they're so great at just coming together, playing music, helping one another out and seeing their progress. They did so good at the concert and they sounded so good. And I was just so proud of them and their progress as well. So it's so fun to see. Anthony Godfrey:Thank you for doing this. Anna Edgell:You're welcome. Anthony Godfrey:It means so much to the kids and it's such a great enrichment to their school experience and helps to find who they are. And more than anything, I'm just excited that they get this sense of efficacy. Like I try som…

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Episode 229: Falcon Ridge Elementary School Students Become Podcasting Pros Jan 25, 2024

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They are elementary school students who simply love storytelling and getting in front of the microphone to share their stories with anyone willing to listen. On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Falcon Ridge Elementary School where a student produced podcast called the Junior Falcon’s is giving everyone involved opportunities to tell stories in a way that is fun and educational, fostering new skills they can take into a future careers. Find out what happens when we show up to do a podcast, on the Junior Falcon’s podcast. Audio Transcription [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. They are elementary school students who simply love storytelling and getting in front of the microphone to share their stories with everyone who will listen. On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Falcon Ridge Elementary School where a student-produced podcast called The Junior Falcons is giving everyone involved the opportunity to tell stories in a way that is fun and educational, fostering new skills that they can take into future careers. Find out what happens when we show up to record a podcast during the Junior Falcons podcast. We're at Falcon Ridge talking with Principal Theresa Christensen. I'm about to go on your student podcast. Theresa Christensen:Yes, we're excited. Antony Godfrey:Tell me about the podcast. Theresa Christensen:Well, so it started three years ago. We had some students that were outside doing interviews on the playground and they wanted to do a podcast and came and said, "Can we do a podcast?" And I had no idea how to do it. Went to a training in St. George and they said, "Just do it." So I bought an old mic and we just started a podcast. So we've actually grown from there and it's been something we've done every year with our fifth and sixth grade students. Anthony Godfrey:So it began as an underground unauthorized podcast. Theresa Christensen:Yes, yes it was. And it grew into a fully endorsed podcast. Theresa Christensen:Yes, one where we can control a little bit more of what's happening. Anthony Godfrey:And what were the interviews about? Theresa Christensen:They were interviewing other students, asking what they were doing. I said, "Let's take this on a grander scale." And they started interviewing faculty. They've gone out and interviewed people in the community, things that they're fascinated about. They've had a couple of podcasts where they've had discussions over movies they've wanted to see or they did a poll about what kind of a lunchtime should we have? Should we have recess first? So it's really something that's grown from what the students want to talk about. Anthony Godfrey:I'm trying to remember whether we had a podcast at my elementary in the 70s. No, I don't think we did. Theresa Christensen:I didn't have one in mine either. Anthony Godfrey:No, it's really exciting and it's a great way for them to engage with other students, faculty members, and to have their voice be heard. Theresa Christensen:And do research. They've researched things out and they search for things to share in the community. Anthony Godfrey:Now how do students get the opportunity to be part of the podcast crew? Theresa Christensen:So in the beginning it was a group of boys that came to me. So that first year I said, "Hey, let's do it," and brought them in. And then the next year they wanted to really continue the podcast. They'd moved on to seventh grade and so we did interviews and we had applications come in. They did interviews with us and basically, they conducted a podcast of us and did interview questions. We kind of based it off of their ability to ask questions, to carry a conversation, and do research. So this year these four students are the ones that were chosen to be our podcast team. Anthony Godfrey:Is it pretty competitive? Theresa Christensen:Yeah, actually it was. It was really, it's really hard to narrow it down when you've got so many good candidates. Ashlin is the only one that was on last year as a fifth grader and she's on this year as a sixth grader and then the other three are all new. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me how frequently does the podcast get posted? Theresa Christensen:We try to do it once a week, but you know obviously with breaks and things in there, but we at least have two or three podcasts a month. Anthony Godfrey:That's awesome. That's frequent. I know personally that that takes a lot of work. Theresa Christensen:It does. And it's a lot of work on the kids part as well because they're the ones that have to come up with a podcast every single week and who are they going to interview and questions and that type of thing. So they've been awesome about it. Anthony Godfrey:Do you think I'm in for some tough questions? Theresa Christensen:I think you are in for some tough questions. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, I'm as ready as I'll ever be I guess. Theresa Christensen:Okay. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, awesome. Mariah Stout:Soundcheck just to make sure that our mics are on. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Am I in the right spot? Mariah Stout:Yep, go ahead and just start whatever you want to say. Anthony Godfrey:Care Bear, Care Bear, Care Bear. Mariah Stout:Perfect. So we're good to go. You guys already figured out who's doing your intro, who's doing your outro? Kambri:Yeah, so Ashlin's doing intro, he's doing outro. Mariah Stout:Okay, and Alex has got our outro. Fantastic. Okay, and we know the order where we're doing our quick intro, introducing ourselves and then going around the circle. Perfect. You guys ready? Three, two, Ashlin:Welcome, Junior Falcons. Today we are, we will be interviewing our superintendent, Mr. Godfrey. Let's get into it then. So Mr. Godfrey, how long have you been being a superintendent? Anthony Godfrey:This is my fifth year as superintendent. I started in 2019. We're talking now with the Junior Falcon podcasters who just put me through an excellent interview. Introduce yourselves and just say what grade you're in. Evodio:My name is Evodio, I'm in fifth grade. Alex:Alex and I'm in fifth grade. Kambri:My name is Kambri and I'm in fifth grade. Ashlin:My name is Ashlin and I'm in sixth grade. Anthony Godfrey:All right, we've got fifth and sixth graders here. I'm so impressed. You guys have a great setup here and you have great chemistry. You're able to play off of each other and kind of signal to each other and keep the flow of the podcast going. And I think we've been doing it. This is my fifth year podcasting but the school's been doing a podcast for about three years now and I think it's super cool that you guys do this. Tell me what made you want to be a part of this podcast. I know there's a whole tryout and everything. Tell me what made you want to be a part of the podcast. Ashlin:So what made me want to be a part of the podcast is I'm a huge talker. I love talking and I like to get to know people and that's pretty much it. I wanted to get to know like people in younger grades than me but not at the time. But now I get to know people in younger grades than me like these people, lovely people. Alex:I kind of came here for the same reason Ashlin did because I love talking and I just wanted to meet some new people. But another reason is because my parents thought it would be a good idea since when I get home I don't really do anything. So it's kind of like just an after-school thing for me to do but I love it and I'm kind of glad I did sign up and made it onto the team. Anthony Godfrey:Great. Kambri:I wanted to be on podcasts because I am a huge talker like they both said. But I also have like the kind of personality where you are curious about random things and you ask the randomest questions but not everyone has the answer to. But it's cool finding people that do have the answer too. Anthony Godfrey:Great. Evodio:The reason I joined podcast is because I was in a joint student council but they already empty other spots. That's why I joined podcast. Anthony Godfrey:So you thought 'well, student council is full I'm going with the podcast.' Okay great. What do you love most about being able to be on a podcast here at your elementary school? Ashlin:What I love about being on a podcast at my own elementary school- woah, I'm almost sang the ABCs- is like I don't know, I kind of want to have a podcast when I'm older and just like talk about stuff random topics that I'm curious about and this is where I can kind of start it and maybe carry it on. Anthony Godfrey:So this is maybe the start of something even bigger down the road. Kambri:So what I like most about podcast is probably when we get to have new people come in that I've never met before and I just have a lot of questions and you can kind of think of your own stuff rather than having someone really tell you what to do, and that's a really big part for me. Anthony Godfrey:Great because the conversation kind of flows naturally and you're able to just ask questions as they come. Alex:Yeah I really joined because I just I wanted to meet new people and make some new friends but it was also because I also kind of thought that maybe if I did this I could start my own podcast and maybe make it a little bit bigger. Evodio:I like podcast because I get to know new people like them and some kids in my class. Anthony Godfrey:So not just meeting the people that you get to make the podcast with but also the people that you get to interview. Students:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:Is it easier to talk to people now that you've been talking to people all year for the podcast? Is it easier to walk up and talk to people that you don't know? Ashlin:Well, I think it's easier sitting down and having a podcast because then you're like face to face like talking and you can ask them questions that you normally wouldn't ask about them when you just randomly walk up to them. So yeah. Anthony Godfrey:So it gives you an excuse to talk to new people. Ashlin:Yeah. Alex:It makes it so they can’t run away. Ashlin:That's true. Anthony Godfrey:What have you learned from being part of the podcast? Alex:I learned about conversation threads and how if you give just one idea for a conversation that conversation won't last that long. So you want to give more parts of the conversation, more like ideas for them to talk about with the conversation. Anthony Godfrey:Well, you did that with me and you did a great job of it. Evodio:My friend here stole all my ideas I was going to say. Anthony Godfrey:I know that does happen. Kambri:It's like thinking of new questions or questions to ask on this box. I wasn't here last week to plan. So I think it gives me like I can be more creative and go like out of the box that I'm usually in and like find different things to ask and follow-up questions are huge on our podcast. Anthony Godfrey:I like that. A good follow-up question is as important as an initial question sometimes even more so. But what is one of your favorite interviews? Ashlin:This was kind of a long time ago. I'm not really sure but I don't know if we were interviewing anybody. I think we were just like starting the podcast and there was this kid named Cole and there's this one episode that he opened the door to leave and it made this huge creaking sound and the mics picked it up and it was so funny. We all just like laughed. That's like one of my favorites. Anthony Godfrey:Did that make it a scary episode? Ashlin:No, it wasn't scary. Anthony Godfrey:It wasn’t like this creepy creak. Ashlin:He was trying to open it slow so it wouldn't make a noise but we found out opening it faster would not let it not make a noise. Anthony Godfrey:Science- you learn things. It's those unexpected moments it sounds like that have been really fun. How about for you? Alex:My favorite episode wasn't that long ago but was when we interviewed one of the newer teachers to the school. Her name was Mrs. Sarah and she just had a lot of really funny things to say and we talked about her dog. And she was a huge Swiftie, so we talked about that and just some of the things she was doing in her class. Anthony Godfrey:Great so you got to know a new teacher and her dog. Evodio:Mine is this one. I get to talk to you. Anthony Godfrey:I was hoping that one of you would say this was your favorite. Thank you for backing me up. Now this has been a blast for me to get to talk with each of you and you're naturals. You are all so good at this so whatever ambition you have beyond this I'm sure you're going to be successful at it. I love the idea that you just want to get to know other people through the podcast. That's really it. If you're curious about other people that's that's where you're successful as a podcaster I think. Kambri:I also think it like makes you step out of your comfort zone if you're not one that like really likes to talk to other people but you like to talk. It gives like it makes you step out of your comfort zone trying something new. Anthony Godfrey:You guys are awesome. I'm so impressed and thank you very much for having me on your podcast. It's an honor. If people want to listen to your podcast which I'm sure they do after hearing this one, where do they go? How do they find your podcast? Ashlin:So you can go on Spotify and just type up the Junior Falcons podcast. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Ashlin:Falcon Ridge Junior Falcons podcast. But you can just look up there and you can either search for each season. So you can either go to one of our older seasons or this season which is a newer season. Newest season. Alex:I'm just saying while you're there you should just like follow us on Spotify. You should. Anthony Godfrey:So don't just listen. Follow. Alex:You're so close. You're already playing it. You can just hit it one more time. Anthony Godfrey:Hit that follow button. Be part of the community. Alex:And you get you can get notified when we post our new episodes. Anthony Godfrey:You're all fantastic. I'm so impressed. And if I ever need a co-host I have a deep bench right here. All right. Thanks. Thanks a lot for spending time with me. I appreciate you staying after school and talking with me. Good luck with the podcast going forward and you've got at least one new listener. That's me. Stay with us when we come back. We talk with the advisor for the Junior Falcons podcast. Break:Hello, I'm Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications for Jordan School District, and we want to invite you to connect with us. So many exciting things are happening in your child's school, your neighbor's school, in every school here, every day. Don't miss out on following the fun or simply staying informed when there's important information we need to share. Join us at jordandistrict.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @jordandistrict. We can't wait to connect. Anthony Godfrey:We're talking now with Mariah Stout, one of the fourth-grade teachers here at Falcon Ridge and the podcast advisor. Thanks for giving us this opportunity. Mariah Stout:Yeah. Oh, thank you we're super excited to have this to talk with you and the kids were super excited. We're so glad that we were able to be on your podcast. Anthony Godfrey:Well, I loved being on theirs. They're very impressive. Tell me about the progress they've made since they first auditioned and were chosen. Mariah Stout:So huge gains. So what's…

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Episode 228: Wellness Day Fun for Families, “What Parents Need to Know” Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

It is a full day set aside for students, teachers, and staff in Jordan School District to prioritize their health and wellness at home and in school. The third annual Health and Wellness Day is Friday, February 9 and while there will be no in-person learning for students that day, they are encouraged to participate in Wellness activities with family and friends at home. On this episode of the Supercast, we explore the Wellness Day activities for your child appropriate to their age and grade level that support things like eating well, better sleep, exercise, and interaction. Join us as we get your family started on the road to a healthy, happy Wellness Day. Audio Transcription [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. It is a full day set aside for students, teachers, and staff in Jordan School District to prioritize their health and wellness at home and in school. While there will be no in-person learning for students on Health and Wellness Day, students are encouraged to participate in wellness activities with family and friends at home. On this episode of the Supercast, we explore the wellness day activities designed for your child. Activities are appropriate to their age and grade level and support concepts like eating well, better sleep, exercise, and personal interaction. Join us as we explore the activities available for Health and Wellness Day and every day of the year. [Music] We're talking today with McKinley Withers, our Health and Wellness Consultant in Jordan School District. Thanks for joining us once again on the podcast. McKinley Withers:So good to be back here on the Supercast. Anthony Godfrey:You've been in this role a number of years now. Is that six years? McKinley Withers:Six years, yep. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. And this is going to be the third year of our Health and Wellness Day for families and for employees. McKinley Withers:Yep. Yeah. Three years and time flies. I can't believe it. Anthony Godfrey:I remember the first time we were talking about trying to put this together. A lot of people have worked on this over the years and a lot of people have benefited, I think, from taking some time and really focusing on Health and Wellness. The key to this is that it's a day for employees to kind of catch their breath, catch up, reconnect with each other, and connect with some activities that are made available through the community and some generous donations. The work of the Foundation, the work of many employees who are on a committee to put together a lot of great opportunities for employees. There's also a huge focus on families, families reconnecting with each other, and being able to work through some activities and exercises that are created at the district level to help maybe focus on some skills and some activities that can really help everyone be at their best. McKinley Withers:Yeah, exactly. At the heart of Wellness Day is kind of what's at the heart of wellness in general, which is we make intentional time and space in our life for our wellness practices. And that looks different for every family, every person, every employee. So what we try and facilitate with a district-wide Wellness Day is options so that people can choose what most might benefit them and we give them the space and time to meet their unique wellness needs. Anthony Godfrey:That's an important point. There's a lot of choice and it does feel pretty amazing to have a day where you really get to make those choices. There aren't meetings. We don't allow any meetings on that day, and there isn’t additional homework assigned for those particular days, and teachers don't actually create the assignments that or the activities rather that are provided to families. Those are created at a district level and we're going to talk more about those. But that frees up employees and it frees up families. So it's not based on a grade. This isn't tracked so that students get a score, but it gives families an opportunity to choose activities, conversations that will help advance their own health and wellness. McKinley Withers:Exactly. Our theme with creating any of the content and opportunities with Wellness Day is everyday wellness because what really will be the best predictor of your long-term health and wellness is what you do today, tomorrow, and the next day. Not what you do just on Wellness Day or just what you do on January 1st. Anthony Godfrey:Sure. As I've heard you speak over the years, that message has come through loud and clear. First of all, you can't save up health and wellness. It's not like you get this deep store of health and wellness and now you don't have to take care of yourself for a long time. It's something you have to maintain. And so I'm very aware of when I'm doing that well and when I'm not doing that well based on the many conversations that we've had in the presentations that I've seen you give. McKinley Withers:Yeah. And that's so with the student and family content, all of it, it's designed for Wellness Day, but you could truly use any of it any day. So all of the activities are meant to be behaviors, plans, strategies, things that any student or family could implement on a regular basis. So even if you use a few resources for Wellness Day, you could continue to return to this resource bank for ideas if your child or you are just looking for some easy, fun ways to enhance your personal wellness. Anthony Godfrey:So this is a day set aside that allows us to focus on health and wellness in a way that can stretch through the coming year and maybe set up some routines or some habits or even some just some activities that we go back to here and there that allow us to not just focus on our health and wellness, but improve it. McKinley Withers:Yeah, exactly. So if we even in making that additional time and space available for families and employees on Wellness Day, if we continue to make just little bits of time for addressing our unique wellness needs and incorporate those into our everyday rituals, that's our best bet for long term health and wellness. Anthony Godfrey:You've had you've used an analogy in the past of a waterfall and maintaining your health and wellness over time. Talk about that. McKinley Withers:Wellness is a waterfall. It's more like a waterfall than it is a reservoir. It continues to flow. And my extension on this is that we're always upstream from our future self. So what we do today is creating our future self. So how much we sleep, if we're getting sunlight, if we're getting movement, all of those things are not just strategies. All of us struggle with different aspects of our personal wellness. And really, it's the simple things that matter most added up over time. So that flowing waterfall is our nutrition, our sleep, how we hydrate, whether or not we get movement regularly. All of those aspects are –kudos. The superintendent– Anthony Godfrey:I took a drink from my water bottle because when he said hydrate, I knew very well that I had not done that. McKinley Withers:Yeah. And yeah, so just trying our best to incorporate regular easy strategies. And that's the other thing, you know, all of our content is meant to be easy and fun, because, you know, wellness doesn't have to be hard and daunting in this big task. It's meant to be a part of our everyday life. Anthony Godfrey:It's improvement. It doesn't take a large improvement to see an impact. McKinley Withers:Exactly. Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:Now, you've worked on this over the years, we provided this the first year that we had Health and Wellness Day. McKinley Withers:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:So those activities have changed and improved over time. And you've actually from the start calibrated this by grade level. So that is specific to the age of the student. Talk a little bit about that. McKinley Withers:Well, we know that, you know, wellness is unique for every individual. And especially when it comes to, you know, your age, the most effective strategies are strategies that people own for themselves. So rather than being told what to do, it's often more effective if people are choosing something that they are excited about that they can try and learn from and feel through what that strategy is. So rather than just being told to hydrate, you cannot understand the benefits of staying hydrated without proactively meeting that need. So creating a plan trying it out, seeing how it feels. That's where people get traction on change is where just actually experiencing the benefits of change. Anthony Godfrey:So don't just continue to do the same things you've done, try something new. But don't listen to somebody else telling you, well, this is what you have to do decide for yourself. “Hey, did I did I feel an impact as a result of this?” McKinley Withers:Yeah, approaching it with some curiosity and some intention is the key to understanding what works for us. You know, there's, there's a lot of wellness strategy preachers out there. And it's it's good to take in that input. So that you're open to what might work. Anthony Godfrey:It's interesting, I was talking with a friend who'd received advice about a health issue. In the past, this health issue required a change in diet. Okay, these are all the foods to avoid. It's interesting that the advice he received was actually, don't automatically restrict these foods, just be very aware of how certain foods impact you as an individual, and then choose your food accordingly. And I think you're saying the same thing about health and wellness. There's not something that automatically works for everyone, regardless of age, regardless of who they are. But there is a core list of things that are generally going to improve health. And you find what's most appealing to you and what's most effective and you lean into that. McKinley Withers:Yeah, yeah. And really, again, it comes back to the strategies that work are the strategies that are fun and easy. We need to get rid of this story that our wellness practices aren't working if we're not struggling. Anthony Godfrey:So I can back off of Tae Bo. McKinley Withers:You can back off of Tae Bo. Anthony Godfrey:I'm still using that VHS tape, still hoping that it will start to be fun. McKinley Withers:The six-pack still hasn't shown up? Anthony Godfrey:It still hasn't shown up. I’ve been doing it since the 90s, and it still hasn't gotten fun. McKinley Withers:It’s still not working. Anthony Godfrey:So you're saying I can step away without guilt? McKinley Withers:Well, I thought Tae Bo would be fun. So I think that might just be– Anthony Godfrey:I've got tapes I can give you now that I've made this decision to move forward. McKinley Withers:Yeah, just pass them along. It’s someone else's treasure. I can't wait for my Tae Bo tapes. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. All right. Just–I have a VCR too I'll give you that. McKinley Withers:Yeah, I’m going to need that for sure. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, so with the day set aside, the idea is that these activities are not just assigned to students. It's an activity that they engage in as a family. McKinley Withers:That's right, Dr. Godfrey. We've got assignments that have a variety of age ranges. They have a variety of topics of focus. It's all centered around the S.E.L.F.I.E. model from one of our school psychologists, Casey Pehrson, which stands for Sleep, Exercise, Light, Fun, Interaction, and Eating well. We chose the S.E.L.F.I.E. method because you don't need any specific technology or any specific setup in your home to access better sleep rituals, more sunlight, a little bit of movement, some more fun, and eating well. So all of the plans and activities are meant so that any of our district's families could make these activities work in their own family. Anthony Godfrey:So it's accessible for everyone and it's intended for families. McKinley Withers:Yes. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. McKinley Withers:You can find out more about the S.E.L.F.I.E. method at selfiemethod.org. Anthony Godfrey:And it was on our podcast last year for Health and Wellness Day. McKinley Withers:Yes. And that's on our website. So if you'd like to review some of the activities, you can visit wellness.JordanDistrict.org/resources. And we'll also have it posted on the Jordan District main page. Anthony Godfrey:And we'll be emailing it out to all families so watch for that. And in the meantime, let's give it a shot. Stay with us. When we come back our Health and Wellness Specialist’s own children check out some of the fun Health and Wellness Day activities. Break:Hello, I'm Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications for Jordan School District, and we want to invite you to connect with us. So many exciting things are happening in your child's school, your neighbor's school, in every school here, every day. Don't miss out on following the fun or simply staying informed when there's important information we need to share. Join us at jordandistrict.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @jordandistrict. We can't wait to connect. Anthony Godfrey:We have two of McKinley's children here to help demonstrate those lessons. Go ahead and tell us your name, and how old you are, and what grade you're in. Ridge:My name is Ridge. I am eight years old and I'm in third grade. Juniper:My name is Juniper. I'm five years old and I'm in kindergarten. Anthony Godfrey:It's very nice of you both to come to your dad's workplace and help us experiment with these assignments. You know, your dad and I like to joke that if we put your names together, we could name the newest elementary Juniper Ridge and it would be named after both of you. Juniper:I heard that. Anthony Godfrey:Let's dive into the selfie method for kindergartners and third graders. McKinley Withers:Okay. So first, I'm going to ask each of you a question. Okay, Ridge, what does wellness mean to you? Ridge:So you're like healthy, you feel good and you just doing good in class. McKinley Withers:Awesome. Juniper, what does wellness mean to you? You told me something in the car on the way here. You said wellness is like when someone checks on you and make sure you're doing okay. Remember that? We’ve gone to the website wellness.jordandistrict.org/resources and since Ridge is in third grade, I'm going to click on 3rd Grade - 6th Grade Wellness Day Activity Ideas. So when I click on that, you'll see a whole list of activities. There are, there is a whole page of Spanish activities and activities that are modified if your student has an accommodation or a special need. So those are adapted. So there are probably about 50 different activity ideas all centered around the selfie model. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, with a hyperlink there to some additional information on some of those. McKinley Withers:Yeah, each of them has kind of a worksheet or a strategy or something that you could print out and walk through or just look at and talk through. So Ridge, if you look at all these words, sleep, exercise, light, fun, interaction and eating well, are there any of those that sound fun to you right now? That you that might help your wellness? Ridge:Um, fun and interaction. McKinley Withers:Let's, let's choose one of those. Ridge:Interaction. McKinley Withers:Interaction. Okay. So maybe let's look at this one. Conduct an interview with a family member or family friend. Okay. Complete a mad lib with a friend. Complete a random act of kindness f…

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Episode 227: Classroom Volunteer John Titus Changing Lives with His Love for Students and Learning Jan 11, 2024

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She says working with him is like winning the lottery every single day at Fort Herriman Middle School. On this episode of the Supercast, we take you inside teacher Kimberly Mendenhall’s classroom where a volunteer by the name of John Titus has become a priceless part of instruction. Mr. Titus spends every minute he can helping to change lives with his love for students and their learning. Despite being retired, John shows up for students and Ms. Mendenhall almost every single day. Audio Transcription [MUSIC] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. She says working with him is like winning the lottery every single day at Fort Herriman Middle School. On this episode of the Supercast, we take you inside teacher Kimberly Mendenhall's classroom, where a volunteer by the name of John Titus has become a priceless part of instruction. Mr. Titus spends every minute he can helping to change the lives of students with his love for learning. Despite being retired, John shows up for students and Mrs. Mendenhall almost every single day. [MUSIC] We're here in Kimberly Mendenhall's classroom at Fort Herriman Middle School to learn a little bit about what you're doing here. But let's start off with an introduction of your long time dedicated volunteer here in the class. Kimberly Mendenhall:You bet. So this is Mr. Titus. His name is Jonathan Titus and I will actually let him introduce himself. John Titus:Hi. I've been volunteering here now for probably five years. I came down and just made contact with Kim Mendenhall and have enjoyed the experience immensely. It's a great school, great staff, excellent teacher. My background is actually in science and chemistry after college degrees. While I worked on my doctorate, I used mini computers at the time, small microwave-sized computers or refrigerator-sized. And I found that I was much more interested than that than chemistry. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. John Titus:So my brother and I started an electronics consulting firm and designed and built electronic equipment for people. We also did a lot of writing about electronics and computers, wrote a number of books. And then I went to work for a publishing company. I became the chief editor of two electrical engineering magazines. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. John Titus:And then retired and we moved out here. Anthony Godfrey:Now tell me what year you started working with small computers. John Titus:Probably '71 or '72. So that's back a ways. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. Way back in the 1900s. John Titus:Yes. Anthony Godfrey:And that's-- so you've been in on the ground floor of this for a long time. John Titus:That's true. Yes. Anthony Godfrey:Well, it's such an incredible opportunity for Kim to have you as a resource in the classroom and for the students to have access and the chance to learn from someone who's been a part of computers from the start, really. John Titus:Well, thank you. I just enjoy it immensely working with the students and working with Mrs. Mendenhall. I just enjoy being here and enjoy seeing the progress that the kids make. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me about Kim Mendenhall as a teacher. John Titus:Outstanding. She loves the kids. She really does. Even when they're acting up, she loves them through and through. Anthony Godfrey:Through and through. John Titus:I can't say enough good things about her. I really enjoy working with her. And I think we make a good team, volunteer and teacher. Anthony Godfrey:That's obvious that great things are happening because of the work you do together. John Titus:It’s fun. I enjoy it. Kimberly Mendenhall:And he's being very modest. When John says that he has dabbled in the computer electronics world, he actually has one of the first personal computers sitting in the Smithsonian. So something that I have in my classroom that he has lovingly gifted to our school is a plaque. So this is one of the magazines that distributed early information about computers. It's called Radio Electronics. It's from July 1974. It's the cover of it. It also has one of the very first personal microprocessors. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. And you had that in the Smithsonian. I was so distracted by Fonzie's leather jacket and the ruby slippers that I missed that computer. John Titus:Well, you wouldn't see it because it's in the archives. If you're a researcher, you can go look at all the material. You can probably take it out and take it apart and look at it in the Smithsonian. Anthony Godfrey:So it's stored in the archives of the Smithsonian. John Titus:Yes, it is. Anthony Godfrey:And it was on display at a certain point. John Titus:They had an information age display back in the '80s, maybe early '90s. Anthony Godfrey:I was there in the '80s. Maybe I saw it. John Titus:Maybe you did. Anthony Godfrey:But now, to see it, I would have to go back. It's like in the Raiders of the Lost Ark– John Titus:Yes. Anthony Godfrey:–at the end, where you go through all the wooden crates. John Titus:All those dusty boxes. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, OK. It's somewhere in one of those. OK. Wow, so impressive and such an incredible opportunity for students to have access to someone who's worked with computers for such a long time. John Titus:Well, I'm happy to share what I know with them. Anthony Godfrey:Now, we're standing in front of two tables put together with about a dozen trays that each have an experiment here. So talk me through some of the basic experiments that students may go through. Kimberly Mendenhall:Yeah. So I teach computer science classes, Python, computer science investigations, computer science principles. And one of the elements of that class is trying to get them into something that's more hands-on. There's very few items that allow us to do that in the computer science world without making it yourself. So these experiments were mine and John's idea to try to bring to life real things. For example, one of our experiments is a traffic light simulation. So this traffic light simulation has two boards. And the boards themselves are little electronic circuit boards that John has customized. They are also open source. You can get them and use them as you would like. But you send out for the board, you have to solder on the LEDs and the resistors and then connect it to what's called an I/O board. And that I/O board then connects to what's called a microbit. Microbits are very common and they're tiny, maybe a 2 by 1 and ½ square that has buttons on the front, an LED 5 by 5 screen. And then you can program these microbits to do many different tasks. The microbit is the brain. It's like the computer that you're programming. So by connecting this to the breakout boards that we've done with the traffic light, students then are able to simulate a north, south, east, west style traffic light that they can then literally see when they create a function that goes through a green light, yellow light, red light sequence versus a stay on red sequence. And then it swaps that they can see that happen in real-time and in real life. Anthony Godfrey:So the programming they do on this small board, which looks like what you'd find if you tore an old calculator apart, means that they program this and they connect it to these lights that Mr. Titus ordered and put together. Now they've programmed essentially traffic lights going in each direction and they program it to be sure that no theoretical traffic accidents happen. Kimberly Mendenhall:Correct. All of these experiments that we have, have very detailed step-by-step instructions with their goals, what we're trying to get them to do, how to help them see what each step of the process is doing. And then in the end, it gives them different challenges. OK, now that you've done this traffic light sequence, think of a different one you could try to program that you might see if it's in the middle of nowhere at night and you just have a flashing yellow. How does that look and could you create that instead? So that's the traffic light one. One of the kids' favorites is this joystick. So it's like what you would see in an arcade mounted on some plywood. It has another I/O board connected to the joystick, which you then-- Anthony Godfrey:The wire's running from the joystick to the I/O board. Kimberly Mendenhall:And then you take the micro bit and you plug it into that board. Now the beauty of this project and the reason kids love it is because there's little LED dots on the top of the microbit. And those dots can be controlled with the joystick, but they have to do the programming to connect to the dots. So they are seeing all the stuff that they normally see either in their video games or on different consoles that they use, whether it's they went to the red box and they're using the touchscreen and trying to make things work. They are seeing what's happening behind the scenes of that. Now where this project gets really fun is there is a radio element to it. So the radio element is you have two microbits that have a radio capability incorporated onto the computer. And they can send a signal from one microbit across my room. Now my room is long, very long. So they could be 20 feet away plus. We've actually experimented with this. Anthony Godfrey:I'm sure you have. Kimberly Mendenhall:They have gone out into the halls around the school. Anthony Godfrey:Just to see how far back-- Kimberly Mendenhall:Just to see how far this signal will go. Anyway, you could have a kid in this classroom using the joystick, and wherever the other student is that has the radio control option, it will send and it will put all of those little lights. It will control those lights with the joystick that's 20-plus feet away. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Wow. So even just with these initial experiments, they start to learn some rudimentary programming. They start to see the impact that programming has and the uses it might have in the real world. Kimberly Mendenhall:Correct. Yeah. So this one is super fun. Anthony Godfrey:OK. Tell me about this one down here. Kimberly Mendenhall:So Mr. Titus has cats. We also, at one point in time, did teach engineering. And we would launch rockets and 3D printing. So we took all of those concepts, kind of threw it all together into a single experiment. So we've got a 3D printed gear, which has been attached to a servo with 3D printed track rails that are attached to an old rocket. When you turn the servo, the servo will ultimately push the item, meaning the gear that's attached to the track, and it will push out a cat treat from the micro bit that you can then control with the A button and B button. So this becomes event-driven programming. Anthony Godfrey:OK. So now what they see is I'm manipulating the physical world with the programming that I have done. Kimberly Mendenhall:Yes. John Titus:Exactly. And they also measure things in the real world, too. They can measure light intensity and then their program can do something based on the light intensity. And also, they can measure temperature. They can do remote control with an infrared push button control, like on a TV. So they really get a sense that computers connect to the real world. And this is how they do it. Anthony Godfrey:So they start to get a sense that, hey, these things I'm learning could actually help people. And now I understand kind of the basics of how my TV works and how I can make my cat happier. John Titus:That's right. Anthony Godfrey:OK. [MUSIC PLAYING] Stay with us. When we come back, more with Kimberly Mendenhall and this valuable volunteer who takes time in his retirement to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students. [MUSIC PLAYING] Break:Are you looking for a job right now? Looking to work in a fun and supportive environment with great pay and a rewarding career? Jordan School District is hiring. We're currently filling full and part-time positions. You can work and make a difference in young lives and education as a classroom assistant or a substitute teacher. Apply to work in one of our school cafeterias where our lunch staff serves up big smiles with great food every day. We're also looking to hire custodians and bus drivers. In Jordan School District we like to say people come for the job and enjoy the adventure. Apply today at employment.jordandistrict.org [MUSIC PLAYING] Anthony Godfrey:The pet feeder, the traffic lights, all of that leads to– kind of creates the basics for now some other programming of their own that they can go beyond. And you talked about block programming. Kimberly Mendenhall:So they have block programming, but in Python, that's considered line programming. So I had a student send me an example of one of the programs we did in Python, where he's using conditionals. He's using loops. He's using variables. And he has basically created a choose your own adventure game that is decently involved. So he called this the peeler. And the peeler is a goblin who is coming to battle with a bunch of different enemies. These enemies that he has created vary in their strength. And so he's used a randomizer in there as well. And you have a set-- Anthony Godfrey:To randomize the strength of the creatures that you fight? Kimberly Mendenhall:Mm-hmm. Anthony Godfrey:OK. Kimberly Mendenhall:And he has made it so that when you are up against a specific creature, he has five different options to choose from to attack this other odd creature. We're doing a Merlopian at the moment and it says you can pick fireball, dusk blast, aquarium storm, thunder blitz, or stab. Anthony Godfrey:OK, a dusk blast? Kimberly Mendenhall:Oh, dusk blast. Anthony Godfrey:Is that like some kind of crepuscular weapon of some sort? Kimberly Mendenhall:I wish I knew. Anthony Godfrey:Just like, OK, ‘Nighttime!’ Kimberly Mendenhall:Yeah, why not? Anthony Godfrey:OK. Kimberly Mendenhall:Sure. Anthony Godfrey:A dusk blast might be me falling asleep on the couch. I don't know. Kimberly Mendenhall:The creativity of students, it's amazing. I wish I knew. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. Thunder blitz. I need to talk with this student and understand these weapons a little bit better. Kimberly Menenhall:He's fabulous. Anthony Godfrey:This is really cool. It's amazing. So they learn the mechanics. They learn the programming. And now that opens up a whole world of creativity where they get to make some things of their own. Kimberly Mendenhall:Yes. And so this particular game has no graphics at all. It is completely coded with just words. And the output is just text at this point. So we're trying now to go– we have these real-world step-by-step experiments. We've now taught you some of the very basic fundamentals of line programming with Python. Anthony Godfrey:Kind of like a choose your own adventure as the result. Kimberly Mendenhall:Yeah. And then now they're trying to now take it to that next step where we do incorporate the graphics side of things. And a fast way, one of the fastest ways to do that, is with these little– they're called kitten bots or meow bits. It's similar to-- Anthony Godfrey:Kitten bots or meow bits. Kimberly Mendenhall:Help me, John. Anthony Godfrey:And Python named after Monty Python. Engineers have a really good time naming things. Kimberly Mendenhall:They do. They love it. After things that they enjoy. Anthony Godfrey:I'm in. It's great. Kimberly Mendenhall:Kittens. I mean, that's right up Mr. Titus' alley. Anthony Godfrey:There you go. That's right. It's all coming together. Kimberly Mendenhall:Yes. OK, so this game-- and I'll try not t…

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Episode 226: Riverton High Students Making Magic in Musical Dance Theater Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

They are a talented group of students making magic happen in musical dance theater. On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Riverton High School where teacher Clin Eaton has been producing amazing performances with students singing and dancing their hearts out for more than three decades. This time students are taking the stage in a production called “One of These Nights, a Broadway Review” and we got a front row seat to see how rehearsals are going. Purchase tickets for the Riverton High School Musical Dance Theater Revue Audio Transcription [Music] [Bell rings] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. They are a talented group of students making magic happen in musical dance theater. On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Riverton High School, where teacher Clin Eaton has been producing amazing performances with students singing and dancing their hearts out for more than three decades. This time, students are taking the stage in a production called "One of These Nights, a Broadway Review," and we have a front row seat to see how rehearsals are going. [Music] We're talking now with Clin Eaton, theater teacher of many years at Riverton High School. Thank you for taking the time to make these students available and to let me see this rehearsal. Clin Eaton:You bet. It's good practice for them to perform in front of other people than me. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me a little bit about your career. How long have you been at Riverton? Have you been here since it opened? Clin Eaton:I've been here since it opened. My very first day of student teaching, I was assigned at BYU to be here, and my first day was the very first day the doors opened of this building. I was new just like every single other person here was. I was assigned to be with the fantastic Shawnda Moss, and Dave Stoddard was our principal, and he was my middle school science teacher. He remembered me, so he was thrilled to have a Joel P. Jensen alumni, because I am a West Jordan alumni. I had a great high school theater experience, and so I student taught here and was basically thrown in the deep end with the musical and Shakespeare competition and all of that. I was hired to teach with Shawnda right after my student teaching experience. I feel like I've been here from the beginning. Anthony Godfrey:You are the Riverton Theater common thread right from the start. Clin Eaton:Yes, and we've always had two teachers here, and they've all been fantastic colleagues. Anthony Godfrey:It sounds like a great start to a career. You come into a school where you know the principal from years ago, you have great support, and everybody's new. Clin Eaton:I was offered American Fork the same day, but it was no question to choose Riverton. Anthony Godfrey:I'm very glad that you made that choice. A lot of Jordan District students have benefited from that. I've known you for a long time, and this is a long time coming to get to talk with you for the podcast. Tell me about this Broadway review that the kids have been preparing. It was really exciting to see that rehearsal. How are the songs chosen, and what does this mean to you and the kids? Clin Eaton:I started the class in 2005 when I realized that we just had in our community, we had a lot of kids that what are considered in the industry triple threats. They were singer, dancers, and actors, and I wanted to do a class that focused on that and have it be an audition class. The first year, I think I took everyone that auditioned, because it was just a new class, and we had some very green performers and we had some really seasoned performers. But the one thing that I decided that we needed to start with was solo singing. To get them comfortable standing up by themselves, because in the history of musical theater, you always have to be able to stand up and sing by yourself to get a role. With these students that we started, we did all these solos, and I'm like, "Okay, I think this kind of lends itself to a review, and that will be our end-of-semester goal." So first semester, we will work on a whole bunch of different styles, because if you look at Broadway today, you have jukebox musicals with a Michael Jackson musical where you need to be able to basically be a pop rock singer. You have a musical like Six, where you need to be able to sing like Beyonce or Mariah Carey. There's just an expectation that you do eight shows a week in that style. That's a very different style than old-fashioned Broadway like in Oklahoma, but you still need to be able to sing in that style. So the review is meant to highlight all of the things that we could consider a Broadway musical. I sit down and I look at a variety of group numbers, and then some numbers for just the girls, some numbers for just the guys, and then the solos and the duets are pulled from the class. And then I've always had the fantastic Kelly DeHaan as my accompanist, because he can play anything. So I always want to make sure that he gets a number in the review as well. So I assign him a song, and he has graciously been our accompanist for the past 20 years. Anthony Godfrey:And he chooses and arranges that song. Clin Eaton:Sometimes. This year he did. This year he arranged the song that he's going to perform. Other times I just say this is the song and he doesn't even know it and he has to learn it. Other times he's like, "Oh, this will be great." But I want – Kelly is not just a fantastic accompanist and piano player and musician, but he has a killer voice, and not everyone knows that. So I want to be sure that he gets a moment to sing while our students just dance, because I want to make sure that he always wants to do my review. Anthony Godfrey:I'm looking forward to seeing that. Now, one standout song as I saw this rehearsal was “One of These Nights” and you said that's from a song sequence? Clin Eaton:Yeah, song cycle. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me about that. I wasn't aware of that. Are these songs that are – maybe you started to write it for a musical and a musical doesn't take off, but it's a song that you really want to have an audience. Clin Eaton:A lot of times in New York City when composers graduate from college, usually a lot of composition majors, they have to put together a variety of songs that could be used in a show. Then they go to New York City to try to get an agent or to try to get a book writer or someone to put those songs to a story. So they just call them song cycles because it's a collection of music that they've worked on. There's a lot of famous Broadway composers that are now writing full-length shows, but what got them their start were writing a bunch of individual songs that then are tied together through a theme. And our title, “One of These Nights”, is from a song cycle called Fugitive Songs. That is a collection of songs kind of going through people's relationships and ‘One of These Nights” has people looking back on what their relationships are. Anthony Godfrey:Now you bring in a lot of experts to help choreograph and as you said, Kelly DeHaan plays for this. Tell me about another outside source that you use to support these students. Clin Eaton:One of my favorite outside sources is one of my Riverton alumni by the name of Michael Milkanin, who is currently on Broadway in “Shucked”. He was in this class 17 years ago, went to BYU to get his MDT major and has worked professionally ever since he graduated from that program. When we were in shutdown for COVID, when the high school opened back up, Broadway was not open, so all of those performers returned home. So Michael was back in Riverton and I got the permission to put on the musical “Spongebob Squarepants”. They asked me to be able to do that. So I asked Michael, “I know that you're bored, you're not doing a show right now, do you want to come and choreograph?” So the students got to work with a professional Broadway performer, but he graduated from Riverton and I had him as a sophomore, junior and senior. And it was so fun being able to watch his incredible talent and his capabilities, working with students that are going on to do that. He has high expectations and I said, “Don't dumb down your choreography, do exactly what would be expected in a professional show.” And the students rose to the occasion. That same year, we also had Thane Jasperson, who's the only original cast member left in “Hamilton”. I did a show with him at Hale Center Theater and we are friends. So he was in lockdown here and he came and did a number with MDT. That is an amazing experience that students got to work with a “Hamilton” performer and he came for three days and did a number with them for our review. Anthony Godfrey:That's unforgettable. What incredible experiences. Well, thank you for everything you do for these students and providing such a high level, unique experience. It's obvious it means a great deal to all these students and they'll never forget this time with you. Clin Eaton:Thank you so much for coming out and we hope a lot of people come to our review. It's going to be a really fun time. [clapping] Anthony Godfrey:Stay with us. When we come back hear from some of the talented cast members as students prepare to take the stage. [clapping] Break:In Jordan School District, we like to support students in and outside the classroom along with their families. That's where the Jordan Family Education Center comes in, offering support services and a wide variety of classes for students and their families, free of charge. You can take a class called Blues Busters for children feeling sad or worried. Just Breathe is a class that helps students reduce stress. Or how about a class that supports parents in helping their children make and keep good friends. There are also support groups and free counseling, all provided by Jordan School District school psychologists, counselors, and school psychology interns. To find out how you can benefit from free family support services offered by the Jordan Family Education Center, call 801-565-7442 or visit guidance.jordandistrict.org. [music] Clin Eaton:Alright, MDT! This is Dr. Anthony Godfrey. He is the Superintendent of Jordan School District. And he'll be talking to a few of you, but we just want to show him some stuff we've been working on for the review. Students:Okay. [music] Student singing “Live in Living Color” from “Catch Me if You Can”:Live in living colorLet me take you for a ride.Yes, I'm live in living colorSo sit back and let me be your T.V. Guide! I gotta story I'd like to tellBut I'm gonna need help to tell it well.I gotta story about fame and money... [music] Anthony Godfrey:We're talking now at Riverton High in the auditorium where it happens with three of the students in the MDT class. Tell me a little bit about yourself and the class. Morgan Walker:My name is Morgan Walker. I've been in the class for two years, I auditioned my junior year. And it's been a really fun class. It's been fun to experiment in all the different types of theater and be able to put them together and perform amazing shows with people I love. Elizabeth Birkner:Hi, my name is Elizabeth Birkner. I am a senior at Riverton. I'm in the MDT program for three years. My favorite part of MDT is the friends I've made and the opportunity to learn so many different songs and dances from so many different Broadway shows. And really master some of my skills so I can hopefully pursue musical theater in college. Zaden Gates:Hi, my name is Zaden Gates. I am in my third year in MDT and I love capybaras. I love this class because the environment around here is so amazing and everyone is so supportive. You can learn so much and just pursue whatever you want and Clin will always help you with that. Anthony Godfrey:It sounds like from all three of you that what's important in this class is not just the skills you learn and the material that you get to know, but it's the people that you get to know and the connections that you make. Tell me more about the experiences you've had with these friends over the years. Elizabeth Birkner:Well, I actually didn't come from a school that feeds into Riverton. So when I came here for my sophomore year, I was really worried about not having any friends. But I auditioned for MDT in March in my freshman year and then you go in during the summer for the summer retreat and so I didn't really know anyone, but everyone welcomed me in with open arms, even the seniors who didn't know me. And they welcomed me and I had so much fun. In these last three years, I've made so many new friends and I've learned a lot about myself. Morgan Walker:It's definitely very welcoming and I think part of it is that everyone's willing to come and be vulnerable and experiment with themselves and be able to find what they love. Everybody's so accepting of that and it's just really a big community of people just building up each other. It's really supportive and it's a really good group of people. So I think it draws people in and they see that in us. Zaden Gates:We have a lot of bonding activities as well that we do. Like just today we did our Christmas social and we were able to do a white elephant gift exchange. It was just so much fun to be able to cherish the time and spend it with each other and just love each other for who we are. Anthony Godfrey:I think that's fantastic. Now tell me what it's like to be in Mr. Eaton's class. You must really like it because you keep doing it over and over again. Clin Eaton:You can also talk about the first assignment that you have to do in the class which is get up and sing a solo. Anthony Godfrey:A solo? That's the first assignment? Clin Eaton:They have to do their first assignments are three solos. Elizabeth Birkin:Yeah, he throws you right in. Clin Eaton:And so they can talk about that. Elizabeth Birkin:Ohhh. No, yeah. The first day of class, Clin goes, "Alright guys, your first assignment is you have to pick a solo from one of these books of songs." And me, little sophomore me was like, "What? I'm sorry, what are we doing?" And so you do three solos in front of, in my case, strangers, which is even harder, but you have to see them the very next day. It's very scary, but Clin is very supportive and he pushes you, which is what you need in his industry. And it can be hard sometimes, but he's very kind and forgiving and also very sassy, which is very funny. Anthony Godfrey:Well, I even got to see a little bit of the feedback that he gave you here as I watched this rehearsal. And it's moving you forward, but it's very kind and constructive and it's just right on point on what you need next. So encouraging and moving you forward all at the same time. Morgan Walker:He's very supportive of us. He pushes us very far. Definitely for me, like I never thought I could even come this far in high school and he's been able to just take the best parts of us and use that for our better. It's a really constructive environment. Clin Eaton:These are also three seniors that are interested in pursuing this at the college level, which is one reason I pulled them. So they've all been doing their college auditions this past month as well. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, so tell me about what's next. You've been auditioning at the college level. What's that like? Morgan Walker:It's very stressful, especially not knowing exactly what could happen with your audition process because there's so many options and amazing programs all around the state and the East Coast. So…

Full show notes at the publisher

Episode 225: The Sweet Success Story of South Valley’s Student Run Soda Shop Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

They make fun and flavorful soda’s for sipping and simply enjoying. On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to South Valley School’s Sip’n 7 Soda Shop. Find out how it is helping students learn how to work in a small business, exchanging money, and making customers happy creating a customized soda to order, big or small. Audio Transcription [MUSIC PLAYING] Anthony Godfrey:Hello, and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. They make fun and flavorful sodas for students every single day. On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to South Valley School’s Sippin' 7 Soda Shop. Find out how it is helping students learn how to work in a small business, exchanging money, and making customers happy by creating a customized soda to order, big or small. Follow us now as we head into South Valley School and meet with Principal Tammy Rajczyk. [MUSIC PLAYING] Tammy Rajczyk:Hello, welcome to South Valley. Glad you could be here. Anthony Godfrey:Hi, Tammy. Tammy Rajczyk:You're in for a really big surprise. Anthony Godfrey:OK. Tammy Rajczyk:I hope you're excited. Anthony Godfrey:I'm looking forward to it. Tammy Rajczyk:Should we go over to our pop shop, which is with class 7? Anthony Godfrey:All right. Looks like there's a lot going on today. Tammy Rajczyk:Yes, there is. We are highlighting you today. We have our drink of the month, Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp. I actually have it right here and along with that drink comes a fantastic necklace. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. Tammy Rajczyk:So we have a lot of big promotions going on. Anthony Godfrey:A necklace comes with the drink. Tammy Rajczyk:You are featured this month. Anthony Godfrey:I've never had a featured beverage. This is a moment for me. Let's grab a Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp. My first question as I see people lined up is, is the Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp popular today? Tammy Rajczyk:Yes, it is very popular today. Everybody is drinking it. Anthony Godfrey:I would hate for my first soda pop brand launch to not be a popular drink. Tammy Rajczyk:Right? I have been promoting it. It is delicious. Ok, so-- Anthony Godfrey:Now, does this mean that the Gulp is Grinchy or that I'm Grinchy? Tammy Rajczyk:I'm going to go with the Gulp is Grinchy. Anthony Godfrey:Ok. Tammy Rajczyk:You're never Grinchy. Anthony Godfrey:So far. So far. Tammy Rajczyk:Yes. Ok, I'd like to introduce you to Codee Flores our pop shop teacher. Anthony Godfrey:Hi, Codee. Good to see you again. Codee Flores:Yes. You too. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me about the pop shop here at South Valley. Codee Flores:So here we are at Sippin' 7 Soda. We're class 7, so we had to play on words. Anthony Godfrey:Sippin' 7 Soda. OK, I like it. Codee Flores:And this is run by the students, as you see here. They are taking all the orders, doing the money, all that kind of fun stuff. Anthony Godfrey:Now, we were here with a Jordan Education Foundation meeting a month or two ago. And everybody benefited from getting to place their own customized drink order. And it's really cool. They've done a great job here. Codee Flores:So Kayla here came up with the name for the drink of the month. So why don't you show him his-- Kayla:This is in honor of Dr. Godfrey. It's our drink of the month. It's called Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp. It comes with Mountain Dew and Blue Raspberry and Pineapple. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, wow. Kayla:The Blue Raspberry is what makes the Mountain Dew kind of turn green. And it's $2 for the drink. And it comes with a fun little Grinchy necklace. Or if you want to attach it to a purse, a bag, a backpack. Anthony Godfrey:That is a bargain. That is awesome. Kayla:Yep, we're super excited. We haven't really done a drink of the month in a while. But it's actually turned out to be a massive hit. Anthony Godfrey:Well, I'm very honored to have this drink named after me. And I'm very grateful that it's a hit. Let's order a drink. Talk me through the process. Student:OK, you have to put your name. And then if you want to get the drink of the month, you write drink of the month at the top. Anthony Godfrey:OK, Godfrey, can I just put D-O-T-M? Student:Yeah. Kayla:Yep. Anthony Godfrey:All right, I'll put a big circle around that. Student:And that's $2. Anthony Godfrey:All right and this is the 7th period class: Kayla:But for you, it's on us. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, OK. Kayla:Yeah, for you. Anthony Godfrey:As the drink's namesake, I get it. Kayla:As the namesake, yes. Anthony Godfrey:All right. Kayla:And then, like I said, this comes with the drink. It's a fun little Grinchy– Anthony Godfrey:This is very cool. I do not have a Grinch necklace, I'll tell you that. Kayla:You can hang it or put it around your neck or put it on purses anywhere you want. Anthony Godfrey:OK, that's awesome. I think I can put it on my briefcase. Kayla:Or hang it up on your-- or hang it up on your tree as a fun little Christmas ornament. Anthony Godfrey:It'll start on my briefcase. It'll end up on my tree. Thank you very much. This is really cool. Kayla:Then we would hand it off to one of our classmates, one of our runners in the class. And Miranda, who is our runner-- Anthony Godfrey:Hi, Miranda. Miranda:I'm actually a runner, but I actually make drinks. Anthony Godfrey:OK. Miranda:I have no idea what to say. Anthony Godfrey:OK. Miranda:But yeah, I definitely make drinks. Anthony Godfrey:Can I run with you and let's go see the drink made? Miranda:Yeah, yeah, yeah let’s go do that. Anthony Godfrey:All right, let's go. Let's head down there. Miranda:That's where we make drinks. Anthony Godfrey:This is the drink laboratory. So I'll follow you in. Oh, wow, you have a whole rack. Miranda:Yeah we do. We have sodas and lemonade and anything like that. Anthony Godfrey:Wow, you have-- I see you’re recycling? Miranda:Yeah, because if they're empty, we recycle them with this box. Anthony Godfrey:And you have-- where did you find your display? Miranda:All these syrups. Anthony Godfrey:It looks like it's made just for the syrup. Miranda:We just fill them up in a cup. Codee Flores:Well, you know when we surplus things or have that room that nobody wants the bookshelves anymore? That is a bookshelf. Anthony Godfrey:It looks like an old magazine rack from the library. Codee Flores:It is. Anthony Godfrey:But it fits these syrups perfectly. Wow. That's impressive. Codee Flores:That’s what that is. And we want to, while we're in here, thank the JEF, too. See our cooler back there? Anthony Godfrey:Oh, yeah. Codee Flores:That was funded by Donor’s Choose. Just shout out to them for helping our soda shop. Big Yeti cooler. Anthony Godfrey:Yeti cooler. Codee Flores:So the cooler, same colors of school. Anthony Godfrey:Thanks to the Jordan Education Foundation and Donor’s Choose. Codee Flores:Yes. Anthony Godfrey:That's dynamite. Oh, you even have the long stirring stick. This is next-level stuff. All right. Miranda:Sorry, I have your green juice. Anthony Godfrey:I see the Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp they're blowing out of here. Miranda:It is a hit. Codee Flores:I’ve never seen as many drinks of the month ordered at one time like this. It’s crazy. Chelsea Lopez:Here, you can have this. OK, what is this one? Oh, drink of the month? Oh, this one's yours. Anthony Godfrey:This is mine. Chelsea Lopez:OK, well, now I'm feeling the pressure. Anthony Godfrey:All right, talk us through the steps as you make this gulp. Chelsea Lopez:All right, for Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp. So step one, grab the cup. Step two, fill it with ice. We actually have a student going to grab the ice right now. So they do kind of all the tasks that we need as we go so they actually are learning the job skills that they would need with coworkers at a soda shop. You know, hey, we need ice. We need to go get the ice. You know, and they're on standby for syrup refills, different kinds of things like that. So they're learning the interaction with coworkers, which is a really good skill to have. Anthony Godfrey:And you do this every Friday from 11 to 12 or 11 to 11:30? What's the schedule? Chelsea Lopez:We have it open every day until 11. So students in the school, teachers, whoever, visitors can come and put in tickets. And then when the students are in the classroom around 10:30, we check our orders. And then we make the drinks. The students go deliver all the drinks. The students in the school have the drinks to have during lunch. Codee Flores:Did you see the t-shirts? Anthony Godfrey:Oh, wow. I did not see the t-shirts. That is awesome. And in various colors. Codee Flores:All the students and teachers pick their own colors. We went shopping. So this is helping. This is not just for-- you know, this is so fun. This is a soda shop. It's to help the students learn skills. So they're learning money skills, customer service. We got to go shopping. We're always shopping for sodas. We got to find bargains because sodas literally-- It's through the roof. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Yeah. Wow. The shirts, the syrup display, the drink of the month, it is-- this is a great operation. For those unfamiliar with South Valley School, tell us a little bit about what this is all about. Tammy Rajczyk:Great. South Valley School is a post-secondary school that's for transition services for students with disabilities, 18 to 22-year-olds. We focus on transitional skills, life skills, daily living skills, and especially job skills out in our communities. Anthony Godfrey:And it's really a unique program, just the wide variety of opportunities that you give students to get to have real-world learning and just to enhance their skills before they're no longer part of Jordan School District. Tammy Rajczyk:Right. It's an amazing experience. We have parents and students here from all over the Valley in the Jordan School District that they want to come back. They come back for our dances. We have alumni invited. It's an amazing experience. And a lot of our students leave here with paid jobs, which is our ultimate goal. Anthony Godfrey:You do an incredible job of providing those experiences for people, and they do feel a deep connection. Students and employees here. Tammy Rajczyk:Yes, they do. Our employees don't want to leave. I mean, it's amazing. I mean, every day is a gift. We get to watch our students blossom and grow and learn. And it really is-- I have tears in my eyes in many of days for just watching them. It's incredible. Anthony Godfrey:It's a place where incredible things happen. That's absolutely true. Thank you so much for inviting me over today, for the great experience you give these students, and for my wonderful Grinchy Gulp. I will be back. I'm a repeat customer. If there's a punch card, I'll be filling it out. Tammy Rajczyk:Thank you so much for coming. We really appreciate you taking the time to come and see South Valley and participate and be a part of this and it's our pleasure. Anthony Godfrey:Stay with us. When we come back, we try Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp. Break:Hello, I'm Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications for Jordan School District, and we want to invite you to connect with us. So many exciting things are happening in your child's school, your neighbor's school, in every school here, every day. Don't miss out on following the fun or simply staying informed when there's important information we need to share. Join us at jordandistrict.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram@jordandistrict. We can't wait to connect. [MUSIC PLAYING] Chelsea Lopez:We have our cup, we've got ice in there. Obviously, the clean-up is a bit of a job afterwards. Anthony Godfrey:Now, is there a sticker on there as well? Chelsea Lopez:Yeah, so the students put stickers on these. And then usually, we put the name and class number of the student who it goes to on these. Anthony Godfrey:Very cool. Chelsea Lopez:And recently, this year, we've just been bringing their tickets with. But the students really love to see the random sticker that they get. It's just kind of a little one of those things. Anthony Godfrey:And a decorated cup. That's-- yeah. Wow. All the details add up to a very cool experience. Chelsea Lopez:Right. So then, yeah, we add our syrup. So we do a pump of each. So we do a blue raspberry pump, a pump of pineapple. And then after that, we check the ticket to see if it's a regular or diet Mountain Dew. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, let's do a diet drink of the month. I should have written DDOTM. Chelsea Lopez:Oh, yeah. We'll do our diet on here. And then-- Anthony Godfrey:I do love that sound of cracking open a new can, you know? Chelsea Lopez:Right. Anthony Godfrey:Oh, wow. OK, that's really cool. Chelsea Lopez:And kind of the purpose of the long spoon is the sugar all seems to the bottom. So we kind of pull it to the top, give it a twirl. And then-- Anthony Godfrey:Did you go through various potential recipes before you landed on this particular Godfrey's Grinchy Gulp recipe? Chelsea Lopez:Yeah, so our students-- I mean, when we do anything like this, we kind of get our students together. And then we get all of their ideas. They put them up on the board. Like, sometimes we do it through an assignment. And then the rest of the class will-- they'll present their ideas. And the rest of the class will vote on their favorite combos. And so-- and a lot of the time, we will do samples. So we'll take the little cups. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Chelsea Lopez:We'll make little mini versions. And the students can try the different ones. And they kind of decide which one's their favorite. Anthony Godfrey;Very cool. What are some of the other drinks of the month over the time that you've had the shop open? Chelsea Lopez:We've done the-- there was a peep one. That one was crazy. Codee Flores:Oh, the peep. People like the peeps. So we have had the drink of the month that was a peep theme. It was Hanging with my Peeps. And so the students-- yeah. They came up with that. Like she was saying we kind of vote on different ideas. We did do drinks during one of our dances. And that was really cool. We got to go get some different syrups that we've never tried before. And they got to come up with combinations and things like that. So we always try to do some fun little things to go with it so people can enjoy their drinks and little trinkets and little Grinch necklaces. Things like that. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, wow. Well, this is quite an operation with all of these different flavors. You’ve got classic caramel, lavender. Is lavender popular? Codee Flores:Lavender lemonade is my favorite. Anthony Godfrey:Lavender lemonade. Seeing all of these syrup flavors I definitely need to expand my horizons and try some different flavors. Codee Flores:I’ll give you a hint. Adding peppermint to anything is excellent. Anthony Godfrey:Really? Kind of a staple. Ok. Codee Flores:Yeah, it’s kind of my little secret thing over down there. I kinda– Anthony Godfrey:Oh, I see that it is tucked in the corner. All right, let’s see. Do you have brand preferences? This is DaVinci classic peppermint. It looks really refined. Codee Flores:You know, it looks really nice, right? I kind of like those ones because they’re plastic so we don’t drop them. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, right. This is the moment of truth. Let’s try the Gulp. Chelsea Lopez:All right. Anthony Godfrey;All right, straw in. Chelsea Lopez:I’ve got to get a picture. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah, that’s right. Oh yeah, I need to put the necklace on. That tastes fantastic. I’m serious, that blue raspberry pineapple combinati…

Full show notes at the publisher

Episode 224: Songs of the Season Performed by Some Amazing Students Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

It is music that will make you smile, warm your heart and maybe even make you want to sing along.

On this episode of the Supercast, we share some sweet sounds of the season performed by Jordan School District students. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a safe, prosperous new year!

Concert Program

Terra Linda Elementary School, Terra Linda Tones, “African Noel" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Bingham High School Madrigals, "Caroling, Caroling"
Hidden Valley Middle School, "Bidi Bom”
Welby Elementary School Orchestra, "Winter Wonderland" and "Carol of the Bells”
Mountain Ridge High School Madrigals, "Must Be Santa" and a unique Star Wars rendition of "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer"

Audio Transcription [Music]

Anthony Godfrey:
Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. It is music that will warm your heart, make you smile, and maybe even make you want to sing along.

On this episode of the Supercast, we share some sweet sounds of the season performed by Jordan School District students. First, hear from Julie Barnson and Dorrelyn Smith, who produced the Terra Linda Tones performance. Enjoy “African Noel” and then “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” with a Bruce Springsteen twist.

We're here with Dorrelyn and Julie at Terra Linda Elementary School preparing for tonight's holiday concert. I'm very excited to be here. I've been trying to get here for two years. My schedule finally lined up and I've heard great things about this program. How hard you work and how much extra effort you guys put into making this a really special night.

Dorrelyn Smith:
It's a great program. Terra Linda's Tones have been around, well I've been doing this for about 14 years now here. It's an incredible group and I couldn't do it without Julie here, Mrs. Barnson. I'm so grateful to have her as my sidekick or I'm hers, I'm not sure which.

Anthony Godfrey:
Tell me what this event means to you both.

Julie Barnson:
Well, we work in the mornings, two days a week, and these kids, they never actually look at a piece of music. They are learning the songs by ear and by memorization and we've got parts, they're good.

Dorrelyn Smith:
They dance, they sing, they speak parts. It's just an incredible program. It's something that a lot of these kids would never have the opportunity to do if it wasn't for us and music is so important.

Anthony Godfrey:
Well, I can't wait to see it because they- just getting to meet the kids a few minutes ago, they are so excited they're about to burst.

Dorrelyn Smith:
Yes, they are.

Julie Barnson:
They're very nervous too because they're like, I know all the kids at school, that wasn't hard.

It's all the parents, I don't know them.

Dorrelyn Smith:
Yes, we've heard that a time or two.

Anthony Godfrey:
Well, when I walked in, I was afraid that I was late because I had trouble finding a parking spot 25 minutes in advance. I walked in and the place is full. I've been to a lot of programs, I've never seen a place full half an hour beforehand. So that's pretty exciting.

Dorrelyn Smith;
We had parents arrive at 5:30 to get a seat.

Anthony Godfrey:
You've got to get those good spots.

Julie Barnson:
Heck yeah, you don't mess around.

Anthony Godfrey:
Well, I have a good spot in there I know. I'm going to head in, I'm really excited to see this performance and I can't wait to see the smiles on the faces of the kids when they perform tonight.

Dorrelyn Smith:
We're excited.

Julie Barnson:
We are.

Anthony Godfrey:
Thank you for the invitation. I'll let you get back to your prep.

Assistant Principal Joshua Brothers:
Ladies and gentlemen, fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers, perhaps even a great-grandmother and great-grandfather. We are so excited to welcome you to Terra Linda Elementary School for our Christmas concert with the Terra Linda Tones.

We'd like to offer a very special thank you to our teachers who have helped lead this effort. Mrs. Julie Barnson, Mrs. Dorrelyn Smith, and Mrs. Laurie Hutchings.

Choir Student:
Now for a unique sound of Christmas, here's “African Noel”.

Terra Linda Tones singing “African Noel”:
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.

Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)

Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.

Long ago, one winter night,
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
The baby was born, it was quite a sight.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
People sang with a glorious sound.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
The baby was born in a very small town
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.

Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)

Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.
Sing Noel, Sing Noel, Noel, Noel.

Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)
Sing we all Noel (now sing Noel)

Terra Linda Tones singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”:

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
Better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

He's making a list
And checking it twice,
He’s gonna find out
Who's naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

He sees you when you're sleepin',
He knows when you're awake,
he knows if you've been bad or good,
So you’d better be good for goodness sake.
You’d better be good for goodness sake.

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

He sees you when you're sleepin',
He knows when you're awake,
he knows if you've been bad or good,
So you’d better be good for goodness sake.
You’d better be good for goodness sake.

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

Anthony Godfrey:
Stay with us. When we come back, more magical sounds of the season from the Bingham High School Madrigals singing "Caroling, Caroling”.

[Music]

Break:
Hello, I'm Stacee Worthen, Secondary Counseling Specialist for Jordan School District. Do you know all the ways Jordan School District counselors can help you and your students? School counselors play such an important role in our schools. They provide parents with resources to help guide their children in academics. They provide support with the mental and social well-being of students in our schools. And if you are in the process of preparing a student for college, or just beginning the conversation of higher education, now is the perfect time to reach out to your child's counselor. We can assist with college applications and college readiness. I encourage parents and guardians to schedule an appointment and get to know your student's counselor. Together, counselors and parents can help develop plans and strategies for students to succeed long after they leave Jordan School District. Reach out! We're always here to help. You can find us and learn more at counseling.jordandistrict.org.

Bingham High School Madrigals singing “Caroling, Caroling”:

Caroling, caroling now we go
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling through the snow
Christmas bells are ringing
Joyous voices sweet and clear
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
Ding, dong, ding, dong
Christmas bells are ringing

Caroling, caroling through the town
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling up and down
Christmas bells are ringing
Mark ye well the song we sing
Gladsome tidings now we bring
Ding, dong, ding, dong
Christmas bells are ringing

Caroling, caroling, near and far
Christmas bells are ringing
Following, following yonder star
Christmas bells are ringing
Sing we all this happy morn
"Lo, the King of heav'n is born!"
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing

Anthony Godfrey:
Thank you Bingham High School Madrigals. Finally, the Hidden Valley Middle School Choir sings "Bidi Bom" followed by Welby Elementary School's Orchestra performing "Winter Wonderland" and "Carol of the Bells”.

Hidden Valley Middle School Choir singing “Bibi Bom”:
Bom bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi Bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bom bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi Bom, bidi bidi bidi bom

Holiday is here, it’s a happy time of year
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom;
Once more the time sung in melody and rhyme
Bidi bom bidi bidi bidi bom.
Candles alight, and their flame is so bright
Reflected in little children’s eyes
Come and dance to the tune ‘neath a holidaying moon

Bidi bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bi di bidi bidi bidi bom

Bidi bom bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom bidi bidi bidi bom
Bom—
Bom—
Bom—
Bidi bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bom
Bidi bom, bidi bidi bidi bom

Welby Elementary School Orchestra playing “Winter Wonderland” and “Carol of the Bells”

Anthony Godfrey:
We finish this holiday season edition of the Supercast with the Mountain Ridge Madrigals singing "Must Be Santa" and a unique Star Wars rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.

Mountain Ridge Madrigals singing "Must Be Santa":

Who's got a beard that's long and white?
Santa's got a beard that's long and white
Who comes around on a special night?
Santa comes around on a special night

Special night – beard that's white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus

Who wears boots and a suit of red?
Santa wears boots and a suit of red
Who wears a long cap on his head?
Santa wears a long cap on his head

Cap on head – suit that's red
Special night – beard that's white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus

Who's got a big red cherry nose?
Santa's got a big red cherry nose
Who laughs this way: "Ho-ho-ho"?
Santa laughs this way "Ho-ho-ho"

Ho-ho-ho – cherry nose
Cap on head – suit that's red
Special night – beard that's white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus

Who very soon will come our way?
Santa very soon will come our way
Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh
Santa's little reindeer pull his sleigh

Reindeer sleigh – come our way
Ho-ho-ho – cherry nose
Cap on head – suit that's red
Special night – beard that's white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen
Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen
Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen

Reindeer sleigh – come our way
Ho-ho-ho – cherry nose
Cap on head – suit that's red
Special night – beard that's white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus

Kelly Dehaan:
Thank you. We have one last tiny little song to leave you with and it combines two of our favorite things about Christmas. Well, two of our favorite things, I should say. Rudolph and Star Wars. And we would like to, with it, wish you the merriest Christmas ever.

Mountain Ridge Madrigals singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer":

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (reindeer)
Had a very shiny nose (like a lightsaber)
And if you ever saw it (saw it)
You would even say it glows (lightsaber sound)
All of the other reindeer (reindeer)
Used to laugh and call him names (“You’re nothing but a stuck-up half-witted scruffy-looking nerf herder.” “Who’s scruffy looking?”)
They never let poor Rudolph (Rudolph)
Join in any reindeer games (lightsaber sound)
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say ("Rudolph, I am your father”)
"Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?" (“No! That’s impossible!")
Then how the reindeer loved him (“I love you.” “I know.”)
As they shouted out with glee (Chewbacca cheering sound)
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (reindeer)
You'll go down in history (Like Han Solo)
You'll go down in history"

Merry Christmas!

Anthony Godfrey:
From all of us at the Supercast, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and a safe, prosperous new year. Remember, education is the most important thing you will do today. We'll see you out there.

[Music]

Episode 223: Big Bingham High Traditions Benefit Local Charities Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

They rally for some really good causes and have a lot of fun in the process. On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to Bingham High School where students are taking the stage as part of the Mr. True Blue talent show. Find out what the tradition of Bingham’s “True Blue” charity drive, giving back over the holiday season is all about, and who it is helping this year. Audio Transcription [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. Each year, all of our high schools rally for some really great causes and have a lot of fun in the process. On this episode of the Supercast, we bring you to Bingham High School, where students are taking the stage as part of the Mr. True Blue talent show. Find out what the tradition of Bingham's True Blue charity drive is all about and who they are helping this year. We are here with Brenna Miller at Bingham High School in the last moments before the beginning of Mr. True Blue. Will you introduce yourself, talk about your role with this, and help everyone understand what Mr. True Blue is all about? Brenna Miller:Yeah, of course. My name is Brenna Miller. I'm the senior class president this year at Bingham. Mr. True Blue is the biggest event of our entire True Blue season. It's where a bunch of senior boys come together, they prepare, and then they perform in a beauty pageant. It's one of the most favorite events of True Blue. It's really widely attended. It's really fun for everyone to get together and kind of just laugh. Everyone gets to dress up when they come, which is a fan favorite. Everyone wears their prom dresses and nice suit and ties. We all come and watch the senior boys perform. Anthony Godfrey:Now, there are a number of categories I assume in which they will be performing. Can you tell me about those categories and how all the scoring works? Brenna Miller:Yes, of course. We bring back judges, whether that be administration, teachers, and student government from previous years. It's no one that's still in high school. They come back and they'll watch the boys perform in an interview portion, which is based on questions that they've answered in a packet earlier on. They had to apply, they had to raise money in order to get into the package. Anthony Godfrey:So there's already been a cut made? Brenna Miller:Yes, there has been. Anthony Godfrey:This is the elite tonight? Brenna Miller:Of course, yes. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Brenna Miller:So they'll interview. The judges will ask them a couple questions. They'll get to answer, talk about maybe their platform issue that they've discussed in their interview packet. And then after that, they're going to do a runway portion where they're going to show off their best evening wear, whether that be suit and tie or whatever they have in mind. But Mr. Dave, our student government advisor, and also he's over theater, built us a really nice runway this year with lights and everything. So we're really excited to show that off. Anthony Godfrey:Wow, that's awesome. Brenna Miller:And then after that, they do a Christmas wear portion. So they'll do the runway one more time, but in their best Christmas outfit, 'tis the season. And then they'll end with a talent portion. So talents can range from whatever you want. We've had in past years, we had a boy deliver a pizza. He worked at Domino's and he felt like that was his big talent. We've had boys sing songs they wrote, original songs. And we've had boys make guacamole. Whatever they feel like they're talented at, they can perform. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. I'm glad that you welcome all talents. Brenna Miller:Yes, anything they want to do, the funnier, the better. Anthony Godfrey:That's fantastic. Now, this is a fundraiser as part of the overall charitable efforts that are the True Blue efforts of this month. Brenna Miller:Yeah. Anthony Godfrey:Tell us about how this fits into all of that. Brenna Miller:Of course. So this year Bingham is happy to be supporting a really local organization. It's called Nixon Strong and it's a family that lives just here in South Jordan. They had a son that was really involved in athletics, Bingham athletics, especially growing up with basketball, baseball, football. He ended up being diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago. So his family decided that they wanted to start a program, start an organization that could help give money to other families who are in similar situations, their children were suffering from cancer or other diseases. They really wanted to be able to like help families go on trips, sort of like Make-A-Wish. But they also pay for a lot of other things like funeral expenses or sometimes medical things that like insurance wouldn't cover. Like they bought a hot tub for a family and they bought a service dog for a girl who ended up going blind and like kind of things like that. So we're really excited to be partnering with them this year. We've been doing events all month to try and raise money and every dollar that we get goes straight to them. So Mr. True Blue is a good night. We get a lot of people coming in. So they pay five dollars. Anthony Godfrey:And you're charging admission five dollars to come in. Okay. Brenna Miller:And there's VIP seats where people pay seven dollars. You get to sit right up in the front. You get a little snack bag. You get to be up close with the judges, up close with the candidates. So people go pretty feral for those. Anthony Godfrey:Very nice. I like the pricing structure that gets the most charitable donations that you can possibly muster. Brenna Miller:Yes. Anthony Godfrey:There are a lot of people involved. We were out in the hall just a minute ago and there's a lot of scurrying around doing some last minute preparation. Tell me about the efforts leading up to this. I talked with you about this several weeks ago. Things were well underway already. Brenna Miller:Yes. I mean we start planning all of True Blue starting at Gov Camp which is in June. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. Usually by around August we've already picked an organization and we're already penciling in dates for. We have our Christmas dance. All the money from that goes to Make-A-Wish every year. So we've already communicated with the organizations we'll be partnering with. So we start planning really early. Mr. True Blue, we had already had the date scheduled and everything in June. And I mean we had to write all the information packets, all the application packets and get everyone involved. So it's been a pretty long time coming but we're super excited for it to all come together tonight hopefully. Anthony Godfrey:Well it's a big night. I'm sure it's going to go great and I can't wait to see it. I've never seen it. I've heard a lot about it. So I'm really looking forward to being part of it tonight. And thank you for everything that you're doing to make this charitable effort so successful. Brenna Miller:Yes of course. We're so glad you guys are here. Anthony Godfrey:And it's a great time on top of that. Brenna Miller:Yes. It's a great day to be a Miner always. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Fantastic. Thanks Brenna. Brenna Miller:Yes of course. I'll let you get back to everything. Brenna Miller:Thanks. Anthony Godfrey:And now Annie Millerberg is going to tell us a little bit about being senior class VP and what all this means to you. Annie Millerberg:You know it's a lot of like work and time that people don't realize you put in. But I mean it's completely worth it. I was recently writing some scholarship essays and I wrote that it's like it's worth the hard work because it's worth seeing the work. And I think that's so essential when it comes to student government and all of the people that put in work behind the scenes. It really- like all the money that we're contributing to True Blue and to the Nixon Strong Foundation, it's really just going to such a great cause. I think that the hard work is completely worth it even though it is a lot and it is stressful it's completely worth it when it all comes and boils down to it. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me what you're looking forward to most this evening. Annie Millerberg:You know I'm just really excited to see these boys' talents. We got a unicycler. We have some balloon animals. We have someone who's writing, who's singing a song that they wrote. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. Annie Millerberg:It's a wide variety of talents and I'm really excited and I think our audience will be very entertained. Anthony Godfrey:That's awesome. Do people generally know who has made the cut and who will be competing tonight? Annie Millerberg:Um, generally. Anthony Godfrey:Or is that kind of a surprise tonight when they see everybody up on the stage? Annie Millerberg:It honestly depends on who you're asking and who you know. For the most part, it's just kind of a surprise. People who are friends with our contestants most of the time know what's going on. They've heard what's happening behind the scenes. But mostly it's a surprise when they come and show up and they're like, "Wow, I didn't know that my friend was in this." And it just is a great surprise for everybody. Anthony Godfrey:Well, I hope there's a great turnout tonight. I have no doubt it's going to be a blast. The stage already looks really cool. I can kind of feel the pressure on behalf of these boys. Annie Millerberg:Oh, I know. Look at how many chairs we have. Anthony Godfrey:We see the Christmas trees on either side. We got a lot of chairs up there. So the competition is going to be stiff. Annie Millerberg:This is actually our, I think, highest amount of boys participating that we've ever had. We have doubled our amount from last year. Anthony Godfrey:Wow. That's great. Annie Millerberg:So last year we, well, almost doubled. Last year we had eight and this year we have fifteen, which is crazy. But it should be very entertaining to watch. Anthony Godfrey:The stakes are high. Annie Millerberg:Stakes are very high, higher than ever. Anthony Godfrey:We're looking forward to it. Thank you very much for all your hard work. Annie Millerberg:Thank you so much. We appreciate you. [Music] Anthony Godfrey:Stay with us. When we come back hear from some of our Mr. True Blue talent show contestants. Break:Hello, I'm Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications for Jordan School District, and we want to invite you to connect with us. So many exciting things are happening in your child's school, your neighbor's school, in every school here, every day. Don't miss out on following the fun or simply staying informed when there's important information we need to share. Join us at jordandistrict.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @jordandistrict. We can't wait to connect. [Music] Anthony Godfrey:We're now talking with two of the contestants for Mr. True Blue. Introduce yourself and tell us how you're feeling just a few minutes before the competition. Tyler Atkinson:Hi, my name is Tyler Atkinson. I'm feeling nervous but excited for sure. Dillan Orr:I'm Dillan Orr:I'm feeling very excited. I've been looking forward to this since last year. Anthony Godfrey:So apparently you came last year, you saw other boys compete. And did you think that's going to be me? I'm going to be up there. Tyler Atkinson:Absolutely. One of my best friends won last year and ever since I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Dillan Orr:Same here, same friend. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Right. So if the same friend inspired you, are you feeling competitive against each other? Are you just supporting each other to be at your best and let's see what happens? Tyler Atkinson:I am fine with anyone winning. It's a bunch of my closest friends competing up there. And honestly, any one of them could win and I'd be happy. As long as we raise money and did what the goal of this was to do. Anthony Godfrey:Yeah. Dillan Orr:I agree. I feel like if there were fewer contestants, it might be more competitive. But with 15 of us, it really is just kind of a dice roll. We don't know what everyone's going to bring to the table. And it's exciting to see what will turn out. Anthony Godfrey:Well, I can't wait to see what happens. It sounds like there's going to be a wide variety of talents on display. Is there anything last year that particularly inspired you to participate? Is there one moment where you thought, wow, that's really fun? I know what I can do now. Tyler Atkinson:The winner of last year, his best friend came in second place and he sang a really like - everyone else's talent was really exciting, very energetic. And his was, he just played the ukulele and sang a love song. And it just like hit that I was like, you can make people feel something even in like a beauty pageant. So I was like, I kind of want to try something like that. Anthony Godfrey:Okay. Excellent. Dillan Orr:I'm going more after the winner's way of getting the win in going with the more exciting type song. Anthony Godfrey:You're going for energy. Dillan Orr:Energy, yeah. And a bit of love and romance in there too. Anthony Godfrey:I'm looking forward to it. There'll be a lot of swooning out there in the audience. Tyler Atkinson:That's the hope. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me what does it mean to be part of True Blue overall and raising money for an important cause? Tyler Atkinson:Overall, it's just incredible. Just being able to help with your entire school and knowing that with everyone else you can make that big of a difference for that many kids is just so amazing. Dillan Orr:And like Brenna said earlier, Nixon Strong is a local foundation. And so it's cool to know that there was somebody around here because sometimes foundations feel very broad. Like it's like support children, but it's like, okay, there's children everywhere. But like it was a family here in South Jordan went to Bingham. And so it's really cool being able to continue to build that legacy and be able to support people in our community instead of just out there. Anthony Godfrey:So you feel a deeper connection with the with the charity because it's it's local. Dillan Orr:Absolutely. Anthony Godfrey:Tell me about your preparation. What are some of the things you've done to be your best tonight? Dillan Orr:I have been. This song came out in a movie like during the summer. And ever since then, I was like, I think this is the song I want to do. So I sing it probably at least once a week to make sure I have it down. I had it memorized and everything. Anthony Godfrey:And so it really has been on your brain since last year. Dillan Orr:Absolutely. Oh, absolutely. I've been thinking about what I'm going to do for the entire year. I've had a lot of different options. But as soon as the song came out, I was like, this is go time. This is what I'm doing. Anthony Godfrey:Okay, great. How about for you? What does your preparation look like? Tyler Atkinson:I knew what song I wanted to do. It's also from a movie that I love. And so I've just I've known it forever pretty much. And then clothing changes. I've got a bunch of costumes for the runway. I've prepped them all. Made sure they all match. Tested them with my sisters and been like, “Is it good? Does it match?” So that was really fun to just be able to try on a bunch of different outfits and…

Full show notes at the publisher

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