205 VIBE
Rockford Public Schools
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We discuss topics related to Rockford Public Schools and the larger Rockford Region.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Sep 5, 2023
2023 Athletics Hall of Fame
Earl Dotson Jr. interviews the RPS 205 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees including the East High School 1989 Sprint Relay Team, bowler Megan Buja (Jefferson High School), and running back Ira Matthews (East High School). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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May 2, 2023
Episode 39: School Safety Update
We chat with Fred Diehl, RPS 205 Director of Security Services, and Jason Barthel, RPS 205 Chief Information Officer. Hear what the district is doing to continuously improve security. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jan 30, 2023
5 Things to Know: International Baccalaureate in RPS 205
Rockford Public Schools will launch an International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Conklin Elementary School. We sit down with IB Principal Mrs. Sarah Brenner to find out five things families should know about the globally recognized program. Learn more about the IB program here. https://rps205.com/ib --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Nov 30, 2022
Episode 38: 2022 Education Outlook with Superintendent Ehren Jarrett
Education Outlook: Superintendent Ehren Jarrett was a guest on the Community Priority Series with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November. Dr. Jarrett shared insight about the district’s work in preparing students for the workforce and how the business community can support our students and schools. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Nov 9, 2022
5 Things to Know: Rockford Promise
Susan Fumo, Rockford Promise board vice president, tells us who should be thinking about the Rockford Promise scholarship program, when students should apply, how promise programs support communities, and what’s next for expanding the program – LIVE on the 205 VIBE!
Learn more: https://www.rps205.com/community/rockford-promise
Visit Rockford Promise Website: Rockford Promise – Changing lives. Transforming the region. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Sep 13, 2022
Episode 37: Dr. Antoine Reed, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Dr. Antoine Reed grew up in Chicago and experienced inequities that he didn’t realize existed until he saw other students’ opportunities. Hear about his motivation, his approach to education and learning, and why he thinks Rockford is innovative. “In education right now, equity has become a new catch phrase from the top down. We’re living that phrase. … So that’s what made Rockford a unique place.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Aug 31, 2022
Welcome Back! 5 Things to Know
RPS 205 Superintendent Ehren Jarrett outlines five things to know for the start of the 2022-23 school year. Tune in for updates on COVID-19, transportation and bus routes, staffing, plans for air conditioning, plus the reason behind late start Thursdays. It’s all live on the 205 VIBE!
More info:
Health guidelines: rps205.com/parents/health
School start times: rps205.com/parents/school-times
Federal COVID Relief: rps205.com/about-rps-205/federal-covid-relief
Transportation: rps205.com/parents/transportation
Careers in RPS 205: rps205.com/careers --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jun 29, 2022
Episode 36: Dawn Williamson, RPS 205 Director of Athletics, Activities & Program Development
We get to know Dawn Williamson, who started in April as the Director of Athletics, Activities and Program Development. Hear how she became passionate about sports and why she is excited to serve Rockford Public Schools students and the Rockford community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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May 3, 2022
Episode 35: Kimberly Nelson, RPS 205 Executive Director of Early Childhood
We discuss a child’s first five years and the importance of high-quality early childhood education with Kimberly Nelson, RPS 205 Executive Director of Early Childhood. We take a look at a day in the life of an early childhood student and how teachers facilitate learning through play. We chat about what it means to be kindergarten ready.
Learn more about our Early Childhood programs here.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Feb 14, 2022
Episode 34: Rockford University Partnership: Growing RPS 205 Graduates into RPS 205 Teachers
We sit down with three Rockford Public Schools alumni enrolled in the Education Pathway program at Rockford University. Ryan Callahan, Jessica Pequena-Mendoza and Tony Ramirez are RPS 205 graduates who are now student teaching. Ryan, Jessica and Tony share insight on the importance of connecting with students and developing relationships to increase student engagement, being culturally sensitive to create a welcoming environment, and the impact the pandemic has had on teaching and learning. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Dec 2, 2021
Episode 33: 2021 Education Outlook with Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett
Superintendent Ehren Jarrett addressed the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Nov. 18 at the annual Education Outlook Luncheon. Dr. Jarrett connected his remarks to the biggest challenges facing our community, according to local leaders: education, safety and taxes.
The event concluded with an education and workforce panel, featuring Dr. Jarrett, Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer, CEANCI System Director Margie Hartfiel, and Executive Director of Project First Rate Paul Nolley.
www.rps205.com/205VIBE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Oct 28, 2021
Episode 32: Dr. Tiffany Brunson, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Dr. Tiffany Brunson, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, shares her passion for equity work and outlines the challenges district leaders are working to overcome. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Sep 7, 2021
Episode 31: Looking back on 50 years at RPS 205 with Principal Al Gagliano
We sit down for a formal goodbye with McIntosh Elementary School Principal Alfonso Gagliano as he retires after 50 years at RPS 205. Learn how his passion for education began and how his life experiences played into his successful career. Hear his retirement plans and his hopes for future students. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jul 26, 2021
Episode 30: Teaching, Finding & Loving Art in Rockford
Three RPS 205 art teachers discuss teaching during the pandemic, plus finding art – and teaching others to love art – in Rockford and Rockford Public Schools. This podcast features art teachers Jason Judd from Auburn High School, Veronica Soria-Martinez from West Middle School, and Iga Puchalska from Cherry Valley Elementary and Maria Montessori. Listen LIVE on the 205 VIBE!
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May 26, 2021
Episode 29: Student Engagement, Dad Jokes & New Teaching Strategies During Remote Learning
We chat with Scott Clark, fourth grade remote teacher at Johnson Elementary School, about his challenges and successes this school year. We hear how he builds relationships with families and keeps students engaged to create lifelong memories and make an impact beyond the classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Feb 25, 2021
Episode 28: Remote Teachers Focus on Engagement, Creativity & Connection During Pandemic
Hear candid conversation about remote teaching in RPS 205: “There is messiness to it. And it is hard. It’s hard to see what my kids are working on. But if you look at all of those negatives, and you don’t focus on what you can do, and what you’re going to do and what you’d like to do, and what the kids are able to do, then you’re going to be stuck in the messy.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jan 14, 2021
Episode 27: Rockford Police Assistant Deputy Chief Brings Experience to RPS 205 Classrooms
Assistant Deputy Chief Mike Dalke of the Rockford Police Department and RPS 205 Director of Career & Technical Education Reid Jutras join us on the podcast to talk about how providing real-world experiences both in and out of the classroom are important. Hear perspective from Assistant Deputy Chief Dalke about his criminal justice class he’s teaching in RPS 205, and how his practical experience translates to students in the classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Dec 3, 2020
Episode 26: Education Outlook with Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett
President/CEO Einar Forsman has a candid conversation with RPS 205 Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett. The conversation will focus on changes in the school system due to COVID-19, the District’s scorecard, and the future of education. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Nov 10, 2020
Episode 25: Learn About the 5 RPS 205 Special Programs
We sit down with Heather Psaltis, Executive Director of Schools & Special Programs at Rockford Public Schools, to learn more about what makes our Special Programs unique in RPS 205. Click here to learn more!
Special Programs at RPS 205 include. Maria Montessori at Marsh, STEAM Academy at Haskell, Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour, The Gifted Academy and The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jun 24, 2020
Episode 24: College & Career Academies: A Conversation with RPS 205 Academy Coaches
Learn About College & Career Academies in RPS 205 and what they are and why they are a unique approach to education in high school in an ever changing world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Apr 24, 2020
Episode 22: COVID-19 Conversation with Mayor McNamara & Superintendent Jarrett
We talk with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Superintendent Ehren Jarrett about the challenges and successes of the school district and the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure to check out the other great blog post and videos on www.rps205.com/205VIBE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Feb 26, 2020
Episode 21: School Resource Officer Curtis Sockwell
We sit down with Rockford Police Officer Curtis Sockwell, a member of the Rockford School Liaison Unit. Officer Sockwell spends most of his time at Auburn High School as a School Resource Officer. He talks about what it’s like working at Auburn and how he makes a difference connecting with RPS 205 students. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Feb 5, 2020
Episode 20: Morgan Gallagher, Roosevelt Principal
Learn more about Morgan Gallagher, Principal at Roosevelt Community Education Center. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jan 8, 2020
Episode 19: School Safety
A conversation with the Director of Security, Fred Diehl, about school safety at Rockford Public Schools. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Dec 5, 2019
Episode 18: Roosevelt Community Education Center
Hear from Roosevelt students and staff and their ‘drive & passion to complete their education.’ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Nov 13, 2019
Episode 17: What happened? RPS 205 Ransomware attack
Jason Barthel, Executive Director of Technology at Rockford Public Schools provides insight and details on the Ransomware attack that occurred in September and how his team worked to rebuilding the network and get systems back online. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Oct 23, 2019
Episode 16: Student Life with Aryan, Kerrigan and Jeff
A conversation with Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) featuring Jefferson Snedegar, from Guilford High School, Kerrigan Turek, from East High School and Aryan Arora, from Auburn High School.
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Jun 18, 2019
Episode 15: Hon. P. Michael Mahoney
Judge Mahoney served as the only magistrate judge in the Western Division until he resigned his position in 2012 and accepted recall. Judge Mahoney remained on recall through 2014. Judge Mahoney has done settlement conferences in literally thousands of cases during his tenure as magistrate judge. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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May 21, 2019
Episode 14: Wally Haas, Rockford Register Star Opinion Editor
Wally Haas is the Opinion Editor for the Rockford Register Star. We talk to him about what it is like working for the paper and his experiences with how Rockford counties to evolve. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Apr 29, 2019
Episode 13: Jonathan Logemann, alderman, teacher and National Guardsman
Jonathan Logeman, is a teacher at Auburn High School he is also alderman for the City of Rockford, and National Guardsman. Listen to him talk about serving his community and his country. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Apr 8, 2019
Episode 12: Mayor of Rockford, Tom McNamara
Learn more about Mayor Tom McNamara and his vision for Rockford and what the City of Rockford is doing to achieve that vision. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Mar 21, 2019
Episode 11: Taren Turner, Ellis Elementary School Principal
Learn more about Taren Turner, Ellis Elementary School Principal. Listen to her perspective on what makes Ellis a special place. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Feb 27, 2019
Episode 10: Gary Griffin, East High School Athletic Director
East High School Athletic Director Gary Griffin talk about his experience with being a coach, an educator, and father. He explains why school comes first and why it is important to succeed in the classroom. www.rps205.com/205VIBE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Feb 7, 2019
Episode 9: School Board Member Jaime Escobedo
Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools District and the role of a board member. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jan 24, 2019
Episode 8: Don Rundall, Jefferson High School Principal
Learn more about Don Rundall, Jefferson High School Principal. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Jan 7, 2019
Episode 7: A Teacher's Perspective, Deanna Lemcke
We talk with Deanna Lemcke a 2nd grade teacher at McIntosh Elementary about being a teacher. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rps205-communications/message
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Dec 13, 2018
Episode 6: School Board Member Jude Makulec
Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools District and the role of a board member.
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Nov 26, 2018
Episode 5: Assistant Deputy Police Chief Carla Redd
A conversation with Assistant Deputy Police Chief Carla Redd
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Nov 14, 2018
Episode 4: Rockford Education Association President, Dawn Granath.
A conversation with Dawn Granath, President of Rockford Education Association.
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Oct 29, 2018
Episode 3: School Board Member Tim Rollins
Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools District and the role of a board member.
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Oct 17, 2018
Episode 2: Integrated Literacy with Mellissa Douglas, Dean of Elementary Literacy
Conversation around Integrated Literacy implementation for teachers and students.
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Sep 24, 2018
Episode 1 Part 2: School Board Member Anthony Dixon
Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools and the role of a board member.
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Sep 24, 2018
Episode 1 Part 1: School Board Member Anthony Dixon
Discussion about the Rockford Public Schools and the role of a board member.
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