The Blue Valley Schools Podcast

BV Unmuted: Understanding Threats and Their Consequences Oct 03, 2024

Our #BVUnmuted series continues with a focus on school safety, understanding threats and their consequences. Dr. Katie Collier, deputy superintendent for learning, is joined by Interim Chief Simon Happer (Overland Park Police Department) and Dan Carney (Director of Safety & Security) to discuss how Blue Valley ensures a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.
Remember that if you see something, report it! Don’t repost it. 📵
#BVTogether

BV Unmuted: On Elementary Plan & Collaboration Time (Part II) Mar 07, 2024

Join Blue Valley Chief Communications Officer Kristi McNerlin and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Katie Collier as we follow up on an earlier discussion about plan and collaboration time in our elementary schools.
#BVTogether

BV Unmuted: Community Mental Health Mar 04, 2024

Our #BVUnmuted podcast series continues with a focus on mental health support across our district and community. 🧠🩺💙

Dr. Merrigan is joined by Dr. Mindy Wells (Student Support Services), Tim Deweese (Johnson County Mental Health Center) and Karen Mulligan (Children’s Mercy) to discuss how our district works with community organizations and professionals to best serve our students and families.

#BVTogether

BV Unmuted: Elementary Plan & Collaboration Time Feb 09, 2024

Our #BVUnmuted podcast series continues with a focus on plan and collaboration time at the elementary school level.
February Host & Guests
Amy Farthing (Executive Director of School Admin, K-5)
Dr. Katie Collier (Deputy Superintendent)
Shelly Krull (3rd Grade Teacher, Aspen Grove Elem.)
Kathleen Cigich (Principal at Lakewood Elem. and BV Parent)
The district will be seeking feedback on this topic from elementary staff and families with elementary students in the 2024-25 school year.
#BVTogether #ChampionsOfLearning

BV Unmuted: Updated Graduation Requirements Jan 11, 2024

Our #BVUnmuted podcast series continues with a focus on updated graduation requirements across the district! 🎧🎓📚

Join host Dr. Tonya Merrigan along with guests Scott Roberts (Exec. Director of School Admin) and Dr. Anne Kastelic (Asst. Principal, BVSW) as the group talks through some of the changes and how they will positively impact students in the future.

#ChampionsOfLearning

BVUnmuted: Academic Success in Blue Valley Nov 07, 2023

Join host Dr. Tonya Merrigan as our #BVUnmuted series continues with a focus on academic success in Blue Valley!
Guests Kelly Ott and Adam Wade from Academic Services discuss what success looks like in classrooms at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
#ChampionsOfLearning

BV Unmuted: The Kindergarten Experience Apr 26, 2023

Join host Amy Farthing as we discuss the kindergarten experience for students, teachers and families in Blue Valley!
Guests:

Christy Taylor, Indian Valley Elementary teacher with close to 40 years experience teaching kindergarten
Hannah Battleson, IVE parent of a current kindergarten student and former educator
Ayla Battleson, current IVE kindergartener in Mrs. Taylor's class

Listen in as Amy, Christy, Hannah and Ayla talk about the exciting parts of kindergarten, challenges and helpful tips for parents with incoming students!
#BVTogether

BV Unmuted: Blue Valley Educational Foundation Mar 23, 2023

Join host Dr. Tonya Merrigan as she talks with Susan Tideman (Executive Director) and Lisa Austin (Communications Manager) from the Blue Valley Educational Foundation.
Hear about some of BVEF's upcoming events, exciting fundraisers and learn how you can make an impact on our schools, staff members and community.
#BVTogether

BV unmuted - Snow Days: Behind the Scenes Jan 13, 2023

"One of the things that I hope people are hearing is how much planning and thought goes in to decisions around inclement weather... safety is really what we're looking at. We know it's an inconvenience if we have to cancel school, but if it's not safe to come to school because of the weather, we're going to cancel every single time." - Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Superintendent
You might have heard the saying "If you don't like the weather in Kansas, wait a few minutes." The unpredictability of the KC climate can keep us here at Blue Valley up at night - literally. No matter when the snow starts falling, our grounds crews and custodians are hard at work plowing parking lots and shoveling sidewalks. In this episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan and Executive Director of Operations Jake Slobodnik break down the planning process for how the school district prepares for inclement weather.

Bond 2023 - Teaching with Technology Jan 06, 2023

"It's amazing the number of cyber attacks that come in from outside. We've weathered those very well and it's because we have great systems and up-to-date equipment... Bond funds allow us to refresh this technology, ensure a high level of access for our kids, and maintain our network systems so it's a safe experience." - Kelly Ott, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Technology is everywhere. And here at Blue Valley Schools, keeping our technology safe and accessible is a priority. In this episode of BV unmuted, Chief Communications Officer Kristi McNerlin joins Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation Kelly Ott to explain how Bond 2023 funds can allow us to update student and staff technology to ensure a safe learning environment for all.

Bond 2023 - Student and Staff Safety Nov 14, 2022

"We try to make all our security measures work together - put them together like a puzzle - so they offer the best protection for our students and staff." - Dan Carney, Director of Safety and Security
There is no single safety measure that will keep Blue Valley safe. But there are many layers of security that, when used effectively, can continue to reduce the risk of injury and violence. This episode about Bond 2023 deals with safety, as Chief Communications Officer Kristi McNerlin talks with Director of Safety and Security Dan Carney about this "security puzzle" and how the efforts to reduce risk never stop.

Bond 2023 - Building a Better Blue Valley Nov 03, 2022

"I think most people are surprised when they hear that the average age of Blue Valley buildings is 29 years... If you have owned a home, you've probably had to replace a roof or an air conditioner... This bond helps us do that." Jake Slobodnik, Executive Director of Operations
As Blue Valley grows and our buildings age, we need to find ways to build new schools and fix existing facilities. Bond 2023 is a chance to make this happen. In this episode, Chief Communications Officer Kristi McNerlin breaks down the bond with Deputy Superintendent Kyle Hayden, Executive Director of Finance Jeremy McFadden and Executive Director of Operations Jake Slobodnik. They talk about how school bonds work and how students and staff will benefit from new and refurbished facilities.

BV unmuted - Building Culture and Community Oct 13, 2022

"When you walk in to Leawood Elementary, you're going to see so many familiar faces because it's our parents who have stepped up and are in here helping us day after day." - Jenny Hayes, principal at Leawood Elementary
It's one thing to build a school building, but it's an entirely different task to build a school community and culture. In our first BV Unmuted podcast of the 2022-23 school year, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan asks three of our rockstar principals - Leawood Elementary's Jenny Hayes, Oxford Middle's Courtney Domoney, and Blue Valley Southwest's Dr. Tyler Alexander - what they and their staff do to build a positive school culture and how parents and the community can help get involved.

BV unmuted - Moving On Up Jun 02, 2022

"I'm looking forward to meeting my new teachers and classmates... and I'm also looking forward to my elective classes and joining clubs in middle school." - Amber Gao, 5th grade student
For many students, the end of the school year is also the end of an era. Our 5th grade and 8th grade kiddos will be moving up to middle school and high school, while our 12th graders will be moving on to new adventures outside of the district. In our final episode of the BV unmuted 2021-22 season, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan chats with 5th grader Amber Gao, 8th grader Sami Sandler, and 12th grader Matt Lancaster about these transitions and asks what advice they have for students who will be starting classes at the schools they are leaving.

BV unmuted - More Than A Game Apr 19, 2022

"I think the lifeblood of our school system is the athletics and activities side of things... it's an important aspect of the development of our kids. It's learning how to work with others and have big wins or big defeats because that's life. We're teaching them life lessons on a daily basis." - Anthony Orrick, head football coach at BVSW.
Athletics and activities provide opportunities to nearly 75 percent of the entire student population in Blue Valley high schools and thousands of middle school students each year. In this episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan "huddles" with Director of Athletics and Activities Matt Ortman, as well as Blue Valley coaches Jess Horstick, Anthony Orrick, and Matt Shulman. The conversation dives into how all the teams and clubs serve as environments beyond the classroom in which thousands of Blue Valley students can grow and find their interests and passions.

BV unmuted - TLC Performing Arts Mar 21, 2022

"I get to see my fifth graders every single day... and that means they retain what we do really well. I had a fifth grader tell me 'I just want you to know that I look forward to this class all day!' and I replied 'Well, that's really cool, because we get to do it again tomorrow!'" - Michael Arbucci, strings teacher
Blue Valley’s performing arts program is one place where students can find a home. It has multiple arms including band, orchestra (strings), choir, theater, debate and competitive speaking. During this episode of BV unmuted, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation Kelly Ott hosts a discussion with District Coordinator of Performing Arts Janelle Brower, strings teacher Michael Arbucci, and band teacher Lindsay Gamble. They describe the opportunities available to students and how performing arts can benefit kids while they are in school and for the rest of their lives as well.
For a transcript of this episode, click here.

BV unmuted - TLC Digital Citizenship Feb 16, 2022

"We need to be careful to be consumers of technology, but not let technology consume us."
- Heather Jones, Blue Valley parent
The internet is a wonderful place for learning and entertainment, but like the world around us, it can pose dangers if precautions are not taken. Through digital citizenship, Blue Valley students learn how to responsibly use technology to learn anytime, anywhere, and how to stay safe while doing so. In this episode of BV unmuted, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation Kelly Ott and Director of Blended Learning Brad Moser join Blue Valley parents Heather and Michael Jones to discuss ways to help keep your kids safe while online, as well as their hopes for the future of digital citizenship.
For more information, visit https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/digitalcitizenship

BV unmuted - The Learning Connection (TLC) Jan 21, 2022

The Learning Connection will be a resource for all families, from those with children entering early learning to those with graduating seniors. The resource allows Blue Valley to engage with the community on a regular basis and serve as an additional platform to expand families’ knowledge about the district’s learning and teaching initiatives and operations.
In this episode of BV unmuted, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation Kelly Ott visits with Director of Career-Ready Programs Adam Wessel and BVN junior Cameron King. They focus on the opportunities available to students in the area of Career-Ready Programs, including Cameron's experience in studying Welding and Metal Fabrication.

BV unmuted - The Heart Of The Arts Dec 02, 2021

"I think with all of the arts, it's learning to perform and to handle performance anxiety, which is a natural anxiety to have... that's normal. So normalizing that anxiety and having a professional who knows how to help you with that and coach you through that. That's an amazing skill to have because we all face that in life." - Janelle Brower, Performing Arts Coordinator
In this episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan talks all things "arts" with Speech and Drama teacher Reed Uthe, Debate teacher and coach Ryan McFarland, as well as Performing Arts Coordinator Janelle Brower. They chat about the amazing performing arts opportunities that Blue Valley offers, as well as how the arts benefit students and staff alike.
For a transcript of this episode, click here.

BV unmuted - Accelerated Learning: Slowing Down To Catch Up Oct 26, 2021

"This is a year, if you will, of recovery. There may be times that our curriculum calls for certain skills to be taught. But we may realize... that our students aren't quite ready for that content. We're trying to communicate the need to slow down and back up." - Dr. Katie Collier, Deputy Superintendent.
Sometimes, it's important to slow down before you speed up. This is especially important in addressing the needs of Blue Valley students as they recover from the effects of the pandemic. In this episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan visits with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Katie Collier and Director of Academic Achievement and Accountability Adam Wade. They discuss the efforts of our teachers and administrators as they connect with students to grow their minds and their hearts during this year of recovery.
For a transcript of this episode, click here.

BV unmuted - #ZeroReasonsWhy In Blue Valley And Beyond Sep 20, 2021

"Quite frankly, I've worked in this community for 30 years and I've never seen anything like it - people coming together, for a common cause, led by students." - Tim DeWeese, Director of Johnson County Mental Health Center.
Our 2021-22 season of BV unmuted starts off with one of the most important topics out there - student mental health. Blue Valley seniors and #ZeroReasonsWhy members Anna Hamilton and Esha Parikh join Director of Johnson County Mental Health Center Tim DeWeese and Blue Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan. They discuss the importance of storytelling and community mobilization campaigns to remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.
For more information on #ZeroReasonsWhy, visit www.zeroreasonswhy.org
If you or a loved one need or want help, someone is always here for you. Call 913-268-0156 to speak with professionals who care about you - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For a transcript of this episode, click here

BV unmuted - Ready For Normal: Students Reflect On A School Year Like No Other May 17, 2021

"I'm excited to get everybody back for sporting events and all that stuff. I'm really excited to get back to the normalcy of school. I feel like everyone deserves to have that high school experience." - Gage Roach, junior at Blue Valley West.
We close out our third season of the Blue Valley Schools podcast with a look back at a school year unlike any other. Three BV high school students - BVNW senior Emma Johnson, BVW junior Gage Roach, and BVSW senior Karthik Sathish - join Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan in an honest conversation about their experiences with virtual and hybrid learning, life as a student amid a pandemic, and their hopes for the future.
For a transcript of this episode, click here

On Call with Doc J - COVID-19 vs Flu Jan 05, 2021

"With COVID-19, you get exposed and may not have symptoms for up to 14 days. You can spend 14 days potentially exposing everyone wherever you go. With the flu, often times it's only 2 days from when you get exposed to when you show symptoms and get sick." - Jenna Miller, MD, FAAP
We've had a lot of questions from our listeners about the differences between COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. In this episode, we answer a lot of those questions. Blue Valley's Dr. Chris Jenson is joined by Jenna Miller, MD, FAAP, from Children's Mercy to discuss how these viruses can affect us, the amount of time they can continue to affect us, and how the vaccines are produced to stop them.

On Call with Doc J - COVID-19 Q&A Nov 24, 2020

"We've had a lot of great questions from our parents, students and staff regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and these questions are important... We wanted to hit them head-on and share the results with you." - Dr. Chris Jenson, Blue Valley Medical Consultant
When circumstances are changing fast, sometimes you've got to change gears. That's why we've teamed up with Blue Valley's very own Dr. Chris Jenson in a podcast series we're calling "On Call with Doc. J." Dr. Jenson is a former ER doctor, a Blue Valley teacher, and is currently serving the district as our Blue Valley Medical Consultant. Over the next few weeks, Dr. Jenson will invite local and regional health experts to answer questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Our goal is to work through these topics with you, keep you informed, and let you know what Blue Valley is doing to help keep our students, staff and community safe.
For more information, visit the BV COVID Dashboard.

BV unmuted - Learning Mode Selections: Deadline Nov. 16, 2020 Nov 11, 2020

"We need to ensure staffing needs are met, we need to look at master schedules, and we're going to go hand-by-hand through all of our student's schedules to make sure things are right. In order to get all of that done and still give our staff a winter break, we need time to get that accomplished." - Kelly Ott, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
The deadline is quickly approaching for families and students to change their learning mode selection for second semester. In this episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan joins Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation Kelly Ott to inform families about the learning mode choices available, changes being made for the second semester, and why the deadline for selection is important.
The deadline to make changes to a student's learning mode is November 16, 2020. If no changes are made, the student will continue to learn in the same mode they selected for first semester.
For more information and to make changes to your learning mode selection, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org and click "Back To School".
For a transcript of this episode, click here

BV unmuted - Screen Time Sanity: Parenting In A Digital World Oct 29, 2020

"We don't need to be perfect. Every moment isn't going to be Instagram-able. What is it that we can do so that when our head hits the pillow at the end of the day, we as parents can say 'Hey - that was hard, but we did it.' " - Tracy Foster, Co-Founder of START
In this episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan invites our District Coordinator of Student Support Services Tara Walrod, along with START co-founders Krista Boan and Tracy Foster, to talk about helping our kids manage their screen time in a year when their devices are more important than ever before. The goal is to help all students have healthy habits when learning on their devices, while also feeling safe, sane, and seen during this unprecedented school year.
For more information on START, visit https://www.westartnow.org
For a transcript of this episode, click here

BV unmuted - Social-Emotional Learning While Social-Distancing Sep 04, 2020

"Trust your gut. We are facing so many changes and there are so many different ways that our kids are under stress. If you, as a parent, just have that sense that something doesn't feel quite right, please reach out to us." - Karen Mulligan, Social Worker Manager
The challenges of this upcoming school year are unprecedented - and while that may feel like an understatement, it is simply accurate. In this episode of BV Unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan visits with District Coordinator of Student Support Services Tara Walrod, Social Worker Manager Karen Mulligan, and School Psychologist Emily Demo. The panel talks about how staff can build relationships with students whether they are learning in-person or online, as well as how to help parents recognize the signs of stress in their children and when to get them help.
For a transcript of this episode, click here

BV unmuted - Return To Learn: Planning In A Pandemic Jul 31, 2020

"This is a pandemic. I've never been a superintendent before, but I've certainly never been a superintendent in a pandemic. I've never been an educator in a pandemic. It's going to take all of us - working together - to ensure that we have a safe, sound and sincere quality of education for our Blue Valley students." - Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Blue Valley Schools Superintendent
In our inaugural episode of BV unmuted, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan joins a team of Blue Valley educators on the front lines of making sure our students can return to learn. Deputy Superintendent Katie Collier shares our strategies to provide safe and secure in-person learning for students in our school buildings. Director of Facilities and Operations Jake Slobodnik explains the tireless efforts to ensure clean classrooms and facilities for all students and staff. And our Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation Kelly Ott dives in to the vast details of our virtual learning option for students who plan on going to school online.
While we make every effort to address the concerns of our entire Blue Valley community, we understand that many people may still have questions about the 2020-21 school year. Feel free to call the Back to School hotline at 913-239-4045 from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday with questions not addressed on the district’s Back to School website, www.bluevalleyk12.org/backtoschool
For a transcript of this episode, click here

Toddcast² - COVID-19: The Present, Our Progress, and a Plan for the Future (Season 2, Episode 13) May 19, 2020

"If we're going to be ready for students in August, we need to get back to some semblance of normal - but the new normal is going to look very different." - Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Incoming Superintendent
For our team here at Blue Valley Schools, it feels like a lifetime since we shared our last podcast with you and, in some ways, it has been. Some things will be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic passes and some things will change. But one thing that will never waver is our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.
In this episode of Toddcast², Superintendent Dr. Todd White talks with Incoming Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan, BVSW Science Teacher Chris Jenson, M.D., and District Nurse Coordinator Tara Asher, RN, about our progress during the pandemic. The conversation includes our process for closing out the current school year, our work we have planned for this summer, and reopening our schools and buildings for the 2020-21 school year.

Toddcast² - Literacy In The Classroom (Season 2, Episode 12) Mar 12, 2020

"I have parents tell me that their children are coming home and teaching them about what is happening in the classroom... the parents can see the progress the children are making and that we are establishing a love of reading for them." - Alaina Talley, reading specialist at Heartland Elementary
In this episode of Toddcast², we continue our conversation about literacy in the classroom. Reading specialist Alaina Talley and second grade teacher Julie McInerney share their strategies for supporting students with dyslexia and how staff are using their literacy training to help all students succeed.

Toddcast² - Literacy For Life (Season 2, Episode 11) Feb 27, 2020

"Students leaving our system, prepared for the world in which they will live and be citizens, is largely based on being literate - being able to read and meet the demands of whatever the future holds for them." - Jennifer Luzenske, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
From the building blocks of reading and writing, to the integration of content and discipline, literacy is at the heart of learning. In this episode of Toddcast², Superintendent Dr. Todd White visits with Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Luzenske about the structured literacy approach here at Blue Valley Schools. Topics include everything from literacy fluency and comprehension for students, specialized training for staff, and even the addition of a Dyslexia Coordinator to make sure we are addressing the needs of all students.

Toddcast² - Career-Ready Programs (Season 2, Episode 10) Jan 13, 2020

"The careers that are available to students who have an associates degree have doubled over the last several years. At the same time, in the last 20 years, the cost of going to college has risen at a rate that is 19 times higher than the annual family living wage." - Katie Bonnema, Director of Career-Ready Programs.
Blue Valley strives to provide learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for college and careers. In this latest episode of Toddcast², Superintendent Dr. Todd White speaks with Director of Career-Ready Programs Katie Bonemma about current and future opportunities students will have to learn real-world skills and practical knowledge with a career focus.

Toddcast² - Benefits Of The Bond (Season 2, Episode 9) Dec 09, 2019

"When we think about reimagining our spaces, we first and foremost think about what it means to be a student this day and age in Blue Valley. We often say that we're preparing our students for their tomorrows, not our yesterdays."- Katie Collier, Chief Learning Officer
With any bond election, it's important to understand how those funds benefit our students, staff and the entire Blue Valley community. In this episode of Toddcast², Superintendent Dr. Todd White visits with Chief Learning Officer Katie Collier about how bond dollars are essential to ensuring the success and safety of our students and staff, as well as the process for submitting your mail-in ballot for this no tax rate increase bond election.

Toddcast² - Bond 2020 (Season 2, Episode 8) Nov 25, 2019

"We'll also be reinvesting in mechanical, plumbing and electrical needs - the things people don't talk about until they need it. You want that stuff to work. We don't want leaky roofs or rooms that are too hot or too cold - that's important and we're going to invest in those things." - Kyle Hayden, Chief Finance and Operations Officer
The Blue Valley community will have an opportunity to invest in facilities, safety and technology through an upcoming bond election. In this episode of Toddcast², Superintendent Dr. Todd White speaks with Chief Finance and Operations Officer Kyle Hayden about how the dollars from this no tax rate increase bond election would help Blue Valley Schools to reinvest, reinforce and reimagine.

Toddcast² - CAPS 10 Year Anniverary (Season 2, Episode 7) Nov 11, 2019

"We're up to 16 states that have at least one CAPS program. There's actually a program in Mumbai, India, that launched in August 2019 and is running an entrepreneurship strand of CAPS. It's meant a few nights where I've had to call them at 9pm because it's 8am out there, but it's working really well." - Corey Mohn, CAPS Executive Director
As our Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) celebrates it's 10 year anniversary, Superintendent Dr. Todd White sits down with their Executive Director Corey Mohn to talk about the accomplishments they've achieved thus far and what the future looks like for the CAPS Network.

Toddcast² - Activities And The Weather (Season 2, Episode 6) Oct 28, 2019

"On a snow day, why do we sometimes allow the kids to come in during the afternoon for activities? The basic reason is sometimes those weather conditions that prevented us from being able to go to school in the morning no longer exist in the afternoon and evening." - Lane Green, Director of School Administration
We're talking activities and inclement weather on this episode of Toddcast². Superintendent Dr. Todd White and Director of School Administration Lane Green answer your questions about how we're keeping students safe no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Toddcast² - Snow Days And Late Starts (Season 2, Episode 5) Oct 14, 2019

"With a lot of our employees coming from outside the Johnson County area, it's always a concern for us on mornings where there might be some slick spots. Even if it might not be so slick here in the metro area, getting those support staff to work safely is always a big concern for us." - Dr. Mike Slagle, Deputy Superintendent
Winter is almost here, and with it comes winter weather. In this episode of Toddcast², Superintendent Dr. Todd White talks with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle about how they make the call during inclement weather to either have school, have a snow day, or implement the new two-hour late start.

Toddcast² - The New Elementary Report Card (Season 2, Episode 4) Sep 30, 2019

"Both our students and families will be able to see how a student is doing on a specific standard... so instead of just looking at writing, we can talk about how is your student doing with organizing their thoughts, developing a main idea, or even the basic conventions such as capital letters, periods and commas. We feel this will help our students and families know what is going really well, as well as the areas where we continue to practice, work and learn." - Jennifer Luzenske, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Elementary report cards are changing and the Toddcast² is here to tell you how, when and why. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Luzenske chats with Blue Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd White about what grade levels will see changes, as well as the need for these changes in order to best serve our students and families.

Toddcast² - The Vaping Epidemic, Pt. 2 (Season 2, Episode 3) Sep 23, 2019

"One thing I learned is some students aren't even exhaling the vape cloud any more - they're calling it 'zeroing' it. They swallow the vapor so there's no trace of it. The dangers of that in itself is just astounding to me." - David Stubblefield, Executive Director of Administration - High School
We continue the conversation around the battle against vaping in this episode of Toddcast². Blue Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd White discusses the district's efforts with Executive Director of High School Administration David Stubblefield. We also review some of the harmful chemicals that are found in vapes with medical professional and BVSW science teacher Dr. Chris Jenson.

Toddcast² - A Student Perspective On Strategic Planning (Season 2, Episode 2) Sep 09, 2019

"No matter how good our school district gets, there will always be some issues to deal with and it's something that we - as a community - can work to perfect. We can make every single child feel that they have a home within their school." - Rabiya Shoaib, student at Blue Valley Southwest.
Continuing our discussion on the strategic planning process, Dr. White visited with BVSW sophomore Rabiya Shoaib to get a student's perspective on not just where the school district is performing well, but also where there are opportunities to be doing even better.

Toddcast² - Strategic Planning (Season 2, Episode 1) Aug 26, 2019

"We already have a strategic plan and it's called 'Vision 2020.' Guess what? It's 2020 next year! So it's time for us to take a fresh look at our future and what we want to do here at Blue Valley." - Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Incoming Superintendent
In our season premier of Toddcast², we talk about our journey to reimagine learning and change the world with the help of our entire Blue Valley community. This strategic planning process will ensure that our energies and resources are being invested in those things we value most - our students and their education, future and world.

Toddcast² , Episode 9: A Look Back And A Look Ahead May 20, 2019

Thank you!!! Yes - you - reading this right now. Because of you, our inaugural season of the Blue Valley Schools podcast was a huge success. While discussing topics that ranged from screen time to student safety - from virtual learning to vaping - we have engaged with our community in a way that we've never done before. In our Toddcast² season finale, we take a look back at these topics, as well as a look forward at things to come. Superintendent Dr. Todd White sits down with our Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation, Kelly Ott. The conversation includes our efforts to implement and manage technology in order to improve instruction, while also enhancing our student's communication skills to make them ready for the future. Thanks again for an amazing school year and remember to make every day your #BVBestDay.

Toddcast² , Episode 8: Meet The Incoming Superintendent May 06, 2019

"I know that this is a gift... there are not many people who get an opportunity to work along side someone for a whole year knowing that you'll eventually take that position over... I absolutely cherish and appreciate that." - Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Incoming Blue Valley Superintendent
In Dr. Merrigan's words, she bleeds Blue Valley blue. Since joining the district in 1999, Tonya has served in many different capacities, from school counselor to Deputy Superintendent. Soon, in the 2020-21 school year, she will embrace her newest role as Superintendent of Blue Valley Schools. In this episode of Toddcast², Dr. Merrigan joins Dr. White as we learn about her previous achievements, as well as what she hopes to help Blue Valley achieve in the future.

Toddcast² , Episode 7: The Vaping Epidemic Apr 22, 2019

"It's so easy to use that toddlers can pick it up. You may have an older child in your house who is using a vape device. Perhaps a younger kid, five or six years old, finds it in a drawer. We've seen an astronomical increase through poison centers and emergency rooms across the United States of nicotine overdoses in children of the age seven and under." - Dr. Chris Jenson, medical doctor and BVSW science teacher
You may have heard how prevalent vaping is amongst our children. You may have heard how dangerous it is to their health and development. In this episode of the Toddcast², you'll hear from BVSW principal Scott Roberts and BVSW science teacher Dr. Chris Jenson about what Blue Valley Schools is doing about it.

Toddcast² , Episode 6: Safety And Security Apr 08, 2019

“We need to open up and work on those relationships between adults and students in the building, so that students will come to us when they’re feeling bad… whatever it might be, that they have someone they can go to who they trust in the building.” - Dan Carney, Executive Director of Safety and Security
Blue Valley Schools is committed to promoting and fostering a safe environment in and around all of our schools. In our sixth episode of Toddcast², we speak with Executive Director of Safety and Security Dan Carney about the physical security measures at our schools, as well as the social and emotional aspect of keeping our students safe.

Toddcast² , Episode 5: The Blue Valley Father's Club Mar 25, 2019

We have a special third episode in our series on mental health. In this podcast, Superintendent Dr. Todd White is invited to join the BV Father’s Club as they discuss how to promote mental health awareness in our schools and the community. We’ll hear from club co-founder Brad Holdhusen and Netsmart COO Tom Herzog, along with Blue Valley High students Lauren Huck and Colin Wood.

Toddcast² , Episode 4: A Student Perspective On Mental Health Mar 11, 2019

"Open the dialogue - not just in school, but with families too. It's important that moms and dads have the same discussion with their kids (about mental health.) It needs to be open to where kids can tell their families what's wrong." - Rory Swenson, student at Blue Valley North.
Our fourth episode of Toddcast² continues the conversation on mental health and suicide prevention. Our guest Rory Swenson, a junior at Blue Valley North High School, talks with host Dr. Todd White, Blue Valley Schools Superintendent, about the importance of productive dialogue when addressing mental health and teen suicide. We also discuss Rory's involvement in #ZeroReasonsWhy - a student-led campaign to prevent teen suicide and remove the stigma associated with mental health.

Toddcast² , Episode 3: A Conversation On Mental Health And Teen Suicide Feb 25, 2019

“The worst thing we can do is not talk about it. When we do funerals at the church when there’s a suicide, I always ask the parents ‘Would you please let me talk about this? Can we be honest with the kids? You’re going to have a thousand kids at this funeral and I promise you there’s 50 of them thinking about the same thing. If we don’t talk about it, they’re going to keep thinking about it. Help me make a case for them for why there is hope. Let’s bring something good out of this tragedy.’” - Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor at Church of the Resurrection
In our third episode of Toddcast², we speak into the conversation on mental health and suicide prevention. Our guest Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor at Church of the Resurrection, talks with our host, Blue Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd White, about the importance of productive dialogue when addressing mental health and teen suicide. We also discuss #ZeroReasonsWhy - a student-led campaign to prevent teen suicide and remove the stigma associated with mental health.

Toddcast² , Episode 2: Blended Learning At Work Feb 11, 2019

"We're trying to blend the old world and new world while making sure we don't lose that human piece of learning... the 'I'm still the teacher here to build relationships with my kids.'" - Diana Tate, ABM Principal.
In episode two of "Toddcast²", we continue our discussion on blended learning with Aubry Bend Middle School principal Diana Tate. Diana chats with Blue Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd White about how blended learning looks in the classroom, as well as the advantages and obstacles of having a device for every student.

Toddcast² , Episode 1: Welcome To Blended Learning Jan 16, 2019

"Blended learning is not all about technology - it's all about learning and students. It's about using the tools when they're needed and putting the tools away when they're not needed." - Brad Moser, Director of Blended Learning

In our inaugural episode of Toddcast² , Superintendent Dr. Todd White chats with Brad Moser, our Director of Blended Learning. The conversation includes an explanation of blended learning, how it enhances the learning of our students and staff, and what we're doing to keep our students safe while they use these devices at school and at home.

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