Willie Blackburn, counselor at West Valley High, and Heather Damario, history teacher at West Valley, join Dr. Meinert to recognize and celebrate Black History Month in our schools and community. In this episode, they discuss school initiatives, clear up common misconceptions about Black history, and provide advice for teachers on how to find resources and start their own celebrations. They also reflect on well-known and lesser-known Black historical figures. The conversation wraps up with recog...
Mar 04, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert explores the impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) sectors at Hutchison High School with Principal Dershin, Arts & AV Teacher Ben Johnson, and Senior Lily Reece. They discuss Hutchison’s diverse CTE programs, which align with local industry needs and provide students with valuable certifications and career opportunities. The conversation leads into personal experiences, from memorable projects to skills gained through hands-on learning and...
Feb 18, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of the Alaska EdVenture Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Meinert, dives into the world of high school music programs. Joined by choral director/teacher Gwendolyn Brazier and a group of talented student musicians, Becca, Daniel, and Lacey, the discussion highlights the inspiring journeys that music fosters. Students: Becca Freeman, senior - North Pole All State Orchestra and Choir Daniel Cheney, senior - Lathrop All State Band Lacey Demers, junior - West Valley All State Choir and Band...
Feb 04, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode, Melissa Burnett, board president, and Meredith Maple, board vice president, join Superintendent Dr. Meinert to discuss the board's legislative priorities. This episode explores the critical challenges of education funding in Alaska, and the school board's legislative priorities, including increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA), supporting the Alaska Reads Act, and enhancing special education funding. The conversation highlights solutions for recruiting and retainin...
Jan 21, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with Kendall Townsend, a former Ben Eielson High student and now a senior at North Pole High, Liam Wade, a North Pole High senior, and Kieran Kauffman, the band and orchestra teacher who made the move from Ben Eielson High to North Pole High. Together, they dive into the emotional journey of hearing the news about Ben Eielson High’s closure, the initial shock, and how they’ve navigated the challenges of transitioning to a new school. The conv...
Jan 07, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode, recently "retired" board members, Erin Morotti and Chrya Sanderson join Superintendent Dr. Meinert to discuss their journeys of service, from the inspiration to run for office to how their perspective on public education has evolved. They share challenges and strategies for keeping students at the center of every decision while navigating funding obstacles and fostering community involvement. Celebrating accomplishments and looking ahead, they offer insights into the district’s ...
Dec 17, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 26
On this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert welcomes Principals Genevieve Chacho from Woodriver Elementary, Michelle Heminger from Ladd Elementary, and Eston Jennings from Midnight Sun Elementary. They discuss behind the scenes of principal life at elementary schools, principals' journeys, challenges faced, and the shared goal of fostering growth and success in schools.
Dec 10, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode, Lael Oldmixon, executive director of the Education Trust of Alaska, joins Superintendent Dr. Meinert to discuss the importance of early investing for students' postsecondary education. They explore resources like the Alaska 529 plan and how families can start planning and saving for their children's educational future. Tune in to learn practical tips and discover how to make education more accessible for our students in Alaska.
Nov 26, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert visits with students at Effie Kokrine Charter School to engage in a meaningful conversation about the school’s unique culture and the wide range of learning experiences it offers. They discuss how Effie Kokrine blends indigenous traditions with modern learning, providing students with a rich and hands-on educational experience. The students also share their recent moose tanning project, a hands-on learning opportunity that allowed them to connect with ...
Nov 12, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by communication expert Patricia Weinzapfel and Brianna Gray, executive director of student support services, to explore strategies for enhancing school-to-home communication in the district. They emphasize the importance of clear communication in empowering families to engage in the learning process, highlighting that understanding the school's language and processes is crucial for fostering equal partnerships between families and educators....
Oct 29, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by two student athletes, Layla Fields, a senior at West Valley High and Luke Skinner, a junior at Lathrop High, along with district Activities Coordinator Wayne Sawchuk. Hear about what inspired the students to get involved with school sports, managing a student-first lifestyle, challenges overcome, and more!
Oct 15, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Drew Schantz, design principal at Education Elements, and Brandy Harty, board of education president. Join the conversation as they lean into personalized strategic planning for our district and community. Education Elements is a K-12 education consulting firm that assists schools and districts in focusing on a more student-centered learning environment by prioritizing personalized learning, strategic planning, and strategies to retain teachers.
Oct 01, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Tune in to learn about the many opportunities BEST Homeschool offers students including individualized learning plans, financial allotments, classes at attendance area schools, and much more! Kara Candelaria, BEST head teacher, and Laurie Beam, executive director of alternative schools & programs, join Superintendent Dr. Meinert to discuss BEST Homeschool.
Sep 17, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Kate LaPlaunt, assistant superintendent of elementary schools, and Sarah Gillam, assistant superintendent of secondary schools. Join the team as they reflect on last year's successes, tackle ongoing challenges, and share their enthusiasm for the new school year.
Sep 05, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this podcast episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with Academic Decathlon national and state champions from Lathrop High School - Jeffrey Goddard, Elias Carosso, and Joaquin Carosso. Join them as they discuss their AcaDeca journey, school victories, competitions, and the importance of learning how to learn.
May 28, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this podcast episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Jessica Weber, Midnight Sun Elementary teacher, and Nicole Krenzke, Ticasuk Brown Elementary teacher, to delve into the implementation of Walk to Read in our schools. They explore how Walk to Read utilizes Mclass test scores and classroom data to group students according to their reading abilities and requirements. By providing teachers with the necessary time for reading interventions, Walk to Read aims to bridge the reading gap e...
May 14, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by guests Becky Zaverl, Denali Elementary Principal, and Sam Sorscher, Playworks Partner Experience Manager, to discuss the impactful work of Playworks, a nonprofit organization focused on improving recess and student playtime in schools. They delve into the organization's mission of promoting safety, engagement, and empowerment for all students, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate. Tune in to learn more about how...
Apr 30, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Join Superintendent Dr. Meinert as he sits down with Georgia Sandgren, Military Student Support Coordinator, and Raul Lopez, Board Student Council Representative and Ben Eielson High student, for a conversation about military-connected families in our school district. Tune in for a discussion on resilience, support, and upcoming events to celebrate our military families as we recognize the Month of the Military Child in April. We are thankful for the service and sacrifice of the military familie...
Apr 16, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This week, Superintendent Dr. Meinert hosts Greg Hill, Board President of Guys Read Gals Read, and Steve Taylor, Guys Read Gals Read Board Member. A nonprofit volunteer organization led by reader role models, Guys Read Gals Read, helps inspire lifelong reading in elementary students through engaging reading and building positive connections. Thank you to the Guys Read Gals Read volunteers for making a difference in our school communities!
Apr 02, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Superintendent Dr. Meinert dives into the Amped on Algebra program with North Pole High School teachers Zack Williams and Emily Anderson, along with North Pole High students Leia and Dan. A new approach to teaching Algebra 1, this hybrid class merges algebra with business development. Students are learning new skill sets and experience through building a self sustaining t-shirt business.
Mar 19, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by two exceptional musicians, Liesl Wietgrefe, Assistant Principal at West Valley High, and Erin Janoso, Vice President of Fairbanks Community Band. Together, they discuss music opportunities available in Fairbanks, highlight the significance of music education, the Jump Start Music Program, and the Music in Our Schools Month.
Feb 27, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Superintendent Dr. Meinert visits Hunter Elementary School in Fairbanks, Alaska for a special "Ask the Superintendent" podcast with students. Tune in to hear from our elementary students, learn more about the superintendent role, and attending school in the last frontier.
Feb 13, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Chief Operations Officer Andy Degraw joins Superintendent Dr. Meinert to discuss the school district budget process, outlook for next year, potential reductions the school board will be considering, and how the community can advocate for increased funding in public education.
Jan 30, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 9
High School Senior Eliza Riordan and North Star College (NSC) Director Stacey Kennedy join Superintendent Dr. Meinert to cover all things NSC. They discuss the benefits of enrolling in North Star College, how the school operates, and what it's like to spend your senior year of high school on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
Jan 16, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Tune in for a conversation with Superintendent Dr. Meinert and Ivory McDaniel-Ilgenfritz, executive director of human resources and Brian Powell, assistant director of human resources. They dive into teacher recruitment amongst a national shortage, the role of Human Resources, and why our school district is the best!
Dec 19, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 4
On this episode of Alaska EdVenture, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Bri Gray, executive director of student support services (SSS) at the Fairbanks School District. Tune in as they uncover the programs and resources the SSS department provides to our school community and how families can get support.
Nov 28, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On this episode of Alaska EdVenture, Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert is joined by two guests: Elementary Teacher Jennifer Anderson and District Curriculum Coordinator of Elementary Schools Mackenzie Staiger. They discuss the science of reading, how families can support their students with literacy in K-12 grades, and implementation of the Alaska Reads Act literacy initiative.
Nov 14, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On this episode of Alaska EdVenture, Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert is joined by two high school students, Shelby Seekins and Liam Wade. Shelby serves as Student Body President at West Valley High School and as Head Chairman Region 6 Student Council. Liam Wade serves as Sophomore Class President at North Pole High School and as Vice Chairman Region 6 Student Council. They discuss their involvement in regional student council, the Alaska Association Student Government Conference resolutions that...
Oct 31, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 4
On today's episode of Alaska EdVenture, Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert is joined by two guests: Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Kate LaPlaunt and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Chane Beam. They discuss how families can support their students with literacy in K-12 grades and how the Alaska Reads Act will impact students and the district.
Oct 17, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 3
On the second episode of Alaska EdVenture, Districtwide Activities Coordinator Wayne Sawchuk joins Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert to discuss how students benefit from engaging in school activities, tuning into live school sports, and upcoming opportunities.
Oct 03, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 2
