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Join Alexis as she sits down with Dr. Megan Smith, Associate Professor in the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State University and Executive Director for Communities for Youth. Together, they explore the mission of Communities for Youth, which is to empower communities in promoting youth well-being. By taking an upstream prevention approach to youth mental health, Communities for Youth collaborates with communities to identify and address risk and protective factors.

In this episode, they delve into the impactful work Megan is doing across the state to address youth mental health. They discuss combating misconceptions, empowering school community leaders to make data-driven decisions based on locally received data, and equipping school community adults with the tools to create upstream prevention strategies. Megan's creation of a behavior youth assessment survey, now offered by the state Department of Education for FREE to all school districts, is a wonderful resource for schools.

This enriching conversation is packed with valuable insights for parents, school leaders, community members, and teenagers alike. To learn more and connect with Megan, visit:
https://www.communitiesforyouth.org/

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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In this episode, Alexis sits down with Jackie Yarbrough, Senior Program Officer of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, to explore how this unique foundation is transforming school communities across Idaho. While it may not seem typical for a health insurance company foundation to be involved in education, the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation is deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of local communities through strategic investments. Jackie, a passionate native Idahoan, shares how the foundation supports Community School models and provides vital grants to numerous districts and nonprofits throughout the state. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to community building and hear firsthand the impact these investments are having on school communities in Idaho.

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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In this episode, Alexis sits down with Johnny Hullinger, the dynamic principal at Middleton High School, who is now embarking on his second year of leadership. Born and raised in Weiser, Idaho, Johnny embodies the Idaho ethos of strong community connection from the very start of his tenure. With a focused mission to enhance school culture, he has brought together a diverse group of voices—including teachers, coaches, and parents—to collaboratively address school policies and foster an inclusive environment. Despite the intensity of discussions that arise from varying perspectives, Johnny remains steadfast in his dedication to the students. His commitment to ensuring that every student is involved in extracurricular activities has led to a significant expansion of school clubs, with over 20 new options now available, alongside greater involvement from community members.

Join us as we explore how Johnny's innovative approach is mitigating parental frustrations with administration in Idaho, and how other school leaders can emulate this transformative strategy to make a meaningful impact. This conversation is essential listening for both parents navigating challenges with school leadership, and administrators aspiring to cultivate positive school cultures.

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/