The Hornet Hive Podcast

著者： Williamston Community Schools
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  • The Hornet Hive is your one stop location to get up to date on everything that is happening within the Williamston Community Schools.
    2024
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The Hornet Hive is your one stop location to get up to date on everything that is happening within the Williamston Community Schools.
2024
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  • Williamston Schools Update: Bond Progress, Tech Revamp, and Addressing Smart Devices in Classrooms

    Williamston Schools Update: Bond Progress, Tech Revamp, and Addressing Smart Devices in Classrooms
    2024/12/19
    As we inch closer to the heart of the holiday season, there’s a lot to celebrate, especially considering the impactful changes on the horizon. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast features insights from Dr. Adam Spina about the district's progress and upcoming initiatives. Here’s a comprehensive look into the updates that were discussed. Community-Supported Bond: A New Dawn for School Infrastructure Gratitude to the Community Dr. Spina started by expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support the community showed during the bond election in August. This bond, seen as a long-term investment in the schools, aims to set up students for future success. Initial Projects Underway From band instruments to classroom furniture, the bond encompasses a variety of projects thoughtfully planned to utilize taxpayer dollars effectively. One striking initiative is the replacement of outdated locker systems in middle and high schools, which are slated to be installed by summer 2025. The bond will also enhance athletic facilities, with significant investments in a new tennis court complex and an expedited renovation of the softball complex. Revamping Technology: The New District Website What to Expect In addition to these structural developments, Dr. Spina revealed that a long-overdue update to the district’s website will finally go live in early January 2025. While the current website, which had been Dr. Spina’s pet project for years, served the community well, the new design aims to be more user-friendly and conducive to timely communication. Transition and Training The tech team is hard at work making the final adjustments and conducting training sessions for staff to ensure a smooth transition. Though there may be a few bugs initially, the district is committed to addressing these efficiently to provide a seamless user experience. Smart Devices in Schools: Policies and Perspectives The Challenge Another focal point is the ongoing discussion about the impact of smart devices on adolescents’ learning and mental health. Reflecting on national and state-level discussions, Dr. Spina shared how the district implemented new policies to restrict device usage during school hours. Collecting Community Feedback In a move to engage the community in this crucial conversation, a series of surveys are being conducted to gather input from parents, students, and faculty. These insights will help shape future policies, ensuring they align with the community's perspectives and needs. A Season of Gratitude and Community: Holiday Messages Community Involvement The holiday season provides a unique backdrop to witness the strong ties between the schools and the broader Williamston community. Students and staff actively participate in community programs, whether through performances, volunteer work, or festive events like the light parade. Dr. Spina’s Wishes Dr. Spina extended his heartfelt thanks for the continued support and shared his best wishes for the holiday season and the upcoming year. He anticipates 2025 to be a year filled with exciting developments that will further enrich the community and its schools. Stay Connected This episode serves as a reminder of the impactful changes occurring within Williamston Community Schools. Dr. Lewis encourages everyone to stay engaged, offering an open channel for feedback and inquiries. As we step into 2025, the community’s involvement remains crucial in shaping the future of our schools. Stay tuned to the Hornet Hive podcast for more updates, and happy holidays from Williamston Community Schools! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, doctor Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. And as always, I love having you here to be able to hear about the amazing things that are happening within our schools. And every once in a while, we have the opportunity to bring Doctor. Adam Spina back on to talk about, in general, kind of what's going on in our schools and talking about progress on different goals and and progress on different things. So I'm always excited to be able to have him back here to talk about that. And today we do have doctor Spina with us, so I'm really excited to have him here. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:59]: Doctor Spina, thanks for being back again this week. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:02]: Hi, Chris. Looking forward to providing some updates on things going on in the district as we approach the holiday season. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:08]: I know one of the big things that you've been working on after we had the election in August was to really start moving forward with the bond, thanks to the support of our community. And I thought it might be a good time to have you give a little bit of an update on where things are at at this point. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:28...
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    20 分
  • Middle School Math Magic: Nick Niederquell's Passion for Teaching

    Middle School Math Magic: Nick Niederquell's Passion for Teaching
    2024/11/21
    In this week's episode of the Hornet Hive podcast we sit down with Nick Niederquell, a passionate 6th-grade math teacher at Williamston Middle School. Nick shares his unique journey into teaching, the benefits of being a part of the same school community as his children, and his philosophy on the growth mindset in education. Here's a deeper look into the topics discussed in this enriching episode. Choosing Williamston: A Personal Decision Nick Niederquell's decision to teach in Williamston is both a personal and professional choice. As a father of twin 8th graders, Nick finds an unparalleled joy in teaching in the same environment where his children are growing up. He talks about the immeasurable value of seeing his children and their friends every day, whether in the hallway giving fist bumps or on the soccer field where he assists in coaching. "It is a priceless thing to teach in the same classroom school hall hallways as my own kid," Nick said, emphasizing how this crossover enriches both his family life and his professional life. Williamston offers a small-town vibe while being conveniently close to Lansing, making it an ideal location for raising a family. The Path to Teaching Math Nick didn’t always know he wanted to be a teacher. Initially, on the engineering path at Michigan State University, he soon realized that working with people was his true calling. After struggling through upper-level math courses himself, he understood the importance of not only being good at math but also knowing how to overcome difficulties. "Spending days with people and training up the younger generations was a lightbulb moment for me," Nick said. His personal struggle with difficult mathematical concepts has equipped him with the empathy and techniques necessary to help students succeed. By transforming his classroom into a space where mistakes are just steps toward progress, Nick makes math both challenging and achievable for his students. Creating a Positive Environment What sustains Nick in his teaching role is his love for his colleagues and students. He spoke highly of the close-knit team of dedicated educators at Williamston Middle School, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. Drawing inspiration from his fellow teachers, he has found his own voice and methods for motivating and educating 6th graders effectively. The Power of a Growth Mindset One of the standout moments in the podcast was when Nick talked about the importance of a growth mindset. Inspired by Carol Dweck’s body of work, he emphasizes “Practice makes progress” over the older adage “Practice makes perfect.” This shift removes the pressure of perfection and encourages students to view each attempt as a step towards improvement. "I have loved bringing my energy by doing pushups in class and saying, 'Alright, students, here we go. We're going to do another few reps at this,'" Nick shared. This engaging approach makes learning enjoyable and shows students that persistence will eventually lead to understanding. Nick Niederquell’s teaching journey is a beautiful blend of personal fulfillment and professional dedication. By teaching in Williamston, he not only strengthens his family ties but also enriches the community with his energetic and caring approach. His story is an excellent example of how educators can make a significant impact by fostering a growth mindset and creating a positive, supportive learning environment. Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Hornet Hive to hear more of Nick’s inspiring journey and insights. Take a listen and let us know how you'll bring a growth mindset into your own home or classroom! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. And this week as always, I love being able to introduce you to people within our district that are doing amazing things, working with our students to help them be the, the students that we want them to be in the district and helping them to find success in that educational journey that they're on. And this week we've got another great guest with us today. Nick Niederquill is with us today and Nick is a math teacher at our middle school, working with our 6th graders and teaching them math and helping them to be able to find success in math. Nick, I am really excited to have you here today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:05]: Thanks so much for being here and look forward to getting to know you a little bit more. Nick Niederquell [00:01:09]: Thank you for having me. And I'm looking forward to just the integration within our own schools. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:14]: So the first question that I always ask, and I know you've been a teacher for many years and you were a teacher for many years outside of our district and then had the opportunity and decided ...
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    12 分
  • Inspiring Students with Drone Technology and More: High School Science with Kyle Sprague

    Inspiring Students with Drone Technology and More: High School Science with Kyle Sprague
    2024/11/07
    In the latest episode of The Hornets Hive podcast, we speak with Kyle Sprague, a science teacher at Williamston High School. Kyle brings a unique and innovative approach to teaching science, from incorporating drone technology to fostering hands-on learning experiences. This podcast episode provides valuable insights into his teaching journey, methodologies, and the potential future of science education within the Williamston district. Choosing Williamston: A Family Decision Kyle Sprague and his family have deep roots in the Lansing area, having lived there since their days at Michigan State University. As his oldest daughter approached school age, Kyle and his wife sought out districts that matched their educational values. The decision to move to Williamston was both a personal and professional choice, coinciding with a job opening that Kyle was uniquely suited for. With a background in innovative science teaching, Kyle was a perfect fit for Williamston's forward-thinking educational vision. Innovative Courses and Drone Technology Kyle's passion for integrating technology into education is evident in his efforts to introduce a unique drone course, a brainchild from his previous teaching experience in Shiawassee County. Though the course is still in the proposal stages at Williamston, Kyle has already set the groundwork through a drone club. The club provides students with hands-on experience, teaching them flight skills while incorporating essential lessons on FAA regulations and photography. This approach not only sparks interest in students who are tech enthusiasts but also attracts those interested in photography, creating a well-rounded educational experience. Kyle’s efforts demonstrate how innovative courses can inspire students and prepare them for future careers in emerging fields. Fostering a Hands-On Learning Environment Kyle emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, acknowledging that many students thrive when they can directly interact with the subject matter. His philosophy centers around providing students with lab experiences and practical applications of theoretical knowledge. This method is particularly significant in teaching science, where understanding complex concepts often requires direct observation and experimentation. The planned drone course is a prime example of this philosophy in action. Students learn the basics of photography, understanding the technical nuances of drones, and applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not just passive learners but active participants in their education. Community and Collaboration: A Welcoming Environment One of the standout aspects of Kyle's experience at Williamston is the welcoming community. From staff members to community interactions at events like football games, Kyle has felt a strong sense of belonging. This supportive environment extends beyond social interactions, fostering collaboration among teachers and encouraging innovative teaching methods. Kyle’s positive experiences highlight the importance of a cooperative educational community, where teachers support one another, share ideas, and collectively work towards enhancing student learning. Such a community is essential for nurturing creativity and innovation in teaching. The Ever-Evolving Field of Science Kyle’s passion for science is rooted in its dynamic nature. Science is not about rote memorization of facts but about understanding processes, gathering evidence, and building logical arguments. This evolving nature of science keeps the subject exciting and relevant, providing endless opportunities for teaching and learning. By focusing on the process of scientific inquiry, Kyle helps students develop critical thinking skills that transcend the classroom. These skills are invaluable, preparing students to navigate and succeed in various fields beyond science. Kyle Sprague's innovative approach to science education, his commitment to hands-on learning, and his dedication to creating a collaborative community highlight the evolving landscape of teaching. His work at Williamston High School serves as an exemplary model of how integrating technology and fostering an inclusive environment can enhance educational experiences. As we look to the future, educators like Kyle will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the next generation of learners. By bringing these innovative ideas and methodologies into the classroom, Kyle is not only teaching science but also inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in his students. His story is a testament to how passionate and dedicated teachers can make a significant impact on their student's lives and the educational community as a whole. TRANSCRIPT Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, doctor Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited...
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    10 分

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