Episode 54: ISBE Kennedy
Our host, Stephanie Pearson, sits down with Kennedy Middle School Principal, Kourtni Gray to discuss the schools improved scores and their unique challenges.
Mar 12, 2025•14 min
205 VIBE
We discuss topics related to Rockford Public Schools and the larger Rockford Region.
Episodes
Episode 53 - ISBE Report Card: Rolling Green
Host, Stephanie Pearson, rolls out the red carpet for Rolling Green Principal, Amy Powell, as they discuss the success and growth at Amy's school.
Jan 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 53
Episode 52: ISBE Report Card STEAM Academy
Our host, Stephanie Pearson, sits down with Loree Leathers to discuss her success and improvement at the STEAM Academy at Haskell.
Dec 11, 2024•18 min•Ep. 52
Episode 51: State Report Card Overview 2024
Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett sits down with our host, Stephanie Pearson, to discuss what the State Report Card means for Rockford Public Schools
Nov 13, 2024•24 min
Episode 50: Marshall Elementary ISBE
Earl Dotson Jr. sits down with Marshall Elementary Principal, Sidney Graves, to discuss her school's improved ISBE scores and the misconceptions around the gifted program.
May 08, 2024•17 min•Ep. 50
Episode 49: Arts Hall of Fame - Lon Hoegberg
Earl Dotson Jr. and Fine Arts Director Melissa Wolf talk with Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductee Lon Hoegberg as he recounts how his time in the RPS school system prepared him for his career in theater tech.
Apr 24, 2024•23 min•Ep. 49
Episode 48: Arts Hall of Fame - CoCo Lemery
Earl Dotson Jr. and Fine Arts Director Melissa Wolf sit down with Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductee CoCo Lemery to discuss her journey with Art and Education.
Apr 17, 2024•24 min•Ep. 48
Episode 47: Arts Hall of Fame - Peter Bond
Earl Dotson Jr. and Fine Arts Director Melissa Wolf sit down with Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductee Peter Bond to discuss his music career and the education that started him on his journey.
Apr 10, 2024•26 min•Ep. 47
Episode 46: Arts Hall of Fame - Winnie Au
Earl Dotson Jr. and Melissa Wolf sit down with Rockford Public Schools Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductee Winnie Au to discuss her success in the world of photography
Apr 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 46
Episode 45: Cherry Valley ISBE
Earl Dotson Jr. sits down with Cherry Valley Elementary Principal, Carolyn Timm, to discuss her school's improving ISBE scores and how the changes have impacted her students.
Mar 13, 2024•21 min•Season 6Ep. 45
Episode 44: Snow Sculpting
Earl Dotson Jr. learns all about snow sculpting from the Linda K. White Spirit Award winning team at Roosevelt comprised of Bazil Heaven Abbott, Dysen White, Kelsee Harris, and Marie Hanson. Also joining the conversation are team advisors and Roosevelt art faculty members Kyle Wolfe and Brian Hierstein.
Feb 28, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 44
Episode 43: Maria Montessori
Join Earl Dotson Jr. as he sits down with Maria Montessori Principal, Candice Collins, to discuss the school's teaching philosophy and how they have worked to improve their ISBE scores.
Feb 14, 2024•23 min•Season 6Ep. 43
Episode 42: Coffee Chats
Earl Dotson Jr. talks to Board of Trustees member June Stanford about the first Coffee Chats event where Board members have the opportunity to connect with members of the community that they serve.
Jan 16, 2024•24 min
Episode 41: The Human Library
We catch up with Flinn Middle School teachers Cara Wolfe and Aubrey Barnett about the Human Library Project, narrative storytelling in the middle school classroom, and N'Sync.
Dec 01, 2023•29 min•Season 6Ep. 41
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).
Sep 05, 2023•30 min•Ep. 40
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.
May 02, 2023•46 min
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
Jan 30, 2023•10 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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.
Nov 30, 2022•46 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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.
Nov 09, 2022•12 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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.”
Sep 13, 2022•29 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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/tra...
Aug 31, 2022•7 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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.
Jun 29, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 36
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 .
May 03, 2022•56 min•Season 4Ep. 35
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....
Feb 14, 2022•54 min•Season 4Ep. 34
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...
Dec 02, 2021•44 min•Season 4Ep. 33
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.
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 32
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.
Sep 07, 2021•38 min•Season 4Ep. 31
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!
Jul 26, 2021•58 min•Season 3Ep. 30
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.
May 26, 2021•40 min•Season 3Ep. 29
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.”
Feb 25, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 28
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