#BryanBuilt Podcast

Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga

The official podcast of the Bryan City School District in Bryan, Ohio. Pulling back the curtain on our district to share the stories, the "why," and the celebrations of our Golden Bears. Hosted by Superintendent Mark Rairigh and Director of Media Communications Chris Malanga. Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

Episodes

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    The Toastie Truth, Athletic Deep Dives & The Higher-Lower Showdown (S01/E03)

    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show NotesS01 E03: 🧀 The Toastie Truth, Athletic Deep Dives & The Higher-Lower Showdown Hosts: Chris Malanga & Superintendent Mark Rairigh Special Guest: Nathan Keel, Athletic Director In this episode, we celebrate being officially 100 days smarter! We discuss Kindergarten and Preschool registration, preview a busy March calendar, and welcome Athletic Director Nathan Keel for a deep dive into winter sports and a preview of spring athletics. Plus, the gloves come off in our first-ever "Higher or Lower" challenge, and we finally reveal the legendary Cheese Toastie recipe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 🏁 Show Intro: Celebrating 100 days and a visit from Zero the Hero.  01:08 📢 The News Feed: Future Bears: Details on the upcoming Kindergarten and Preschool registration and Parent Meeting. March Milestones: Highlighting CEO Day, Grandparents Day, and the circus-themed Right to Read Week. The Arts: Upcoming music performances. Spring Break: A look ahead to spring break. 11:23 👟 The Deep Dive: Athletic Update with Nathan Keel. Recapping NWOAL Bowling titles, Wrestling momentum, and the "Relentless" mindset of our athletes.  28:41 📊 The Fun Segment: Higher or Lower! Chris and Mark battle over district data, from ACT scores to the number of chocolate milks served weekly.  47:57 🥪 Community Q&A: The legendary Cheese Toastie recipe reveal.  53:25 🐻 Golden Bear Standout: Honoring Kam Houk, 2nd Grade teacher, for being named the CORAS Elementary Educator of the Year.  👟 The Deep Dive: Relentless Golden Bears Athletic Director Nathan Keel joins us to discuss the "relentless" spirit of Bryan Athletics and managing a multi-season program: The Winter Wrap-Up: Celebrating the Girls' Bowling team (3x NWOAL Champs!) and Wrestling and Basketball momentum entering tournament play. Spring Transition: What goes into the seasonal transition for Baseball, Softball, Boys Tennis, and Track. Fast Five: Does Keel prefer pizza or hot dog? What’s his go-to walk-up song? How would he describe Golden Bear athletes in one word? 📊 The Fun Segment: Higher or Lower? The gloves come off as Chris challenges Mark for the title of #BryanBuilt Brainiac. In this fast-paced game, they challenge each other on everything from academic achievements to cafeteria cravings: ACT Excellence: How many seniors hit that elite 30+ score last year? The Digital Footprint: With a one-to-one Chromebook initiative, how many Google accounts are active district-wide? The Library Stacks: You won't believe the total volume of books housed in our school libraries. The Chocolate Milk Metric: We reveal the staggering number of chocolate milks served to our students every week. 💡 The Brainiac Results: Check here (http://bit.ly/4rvT4eC) for the "Cheat Sheet" to see if you beat Chris and Mark's scores! 🥪 Community Mailbag The wait is over! The legendary Bryan City Schools Cheese Toastie recipe is finally discussed, including the bread, cheese, "secret ingredient" and oven-baked technique that creates its signature crunch and melty center. 📷️ P.S. If you make them at home, tag us in a photo! 🐻 Golden Bear Standout A massive congratulations to Kam Houk, 2nd Grade teacher, for being named the CORAS Elementary Educator of the Year! Kam’s dedication to literacy and her students embodies what it means to be #BryanBuilt. 🗓️ Important Dates to Circle:  March 1: Choir & HS Band Concerts  March 2: 2026 Registration Opens  March 4: Kindergarten Parent Meeting (5:00 PM)  March 9–12: Right to Read Week  March 11: CEO Day & Grandparents Day  March 13–22: Spring Break 🔗 Links & Resources: District Calendar: bryanschools.net/calendars Athletics Updates: bryansports.com Podcast Website & Question Form: podcast.bryanschools.net Feedback: Email Chris Malanga at cmalanga@bryanschools.net Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ Closing Thought: Remember, greatness isn't born, it’s #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

    58 min

  2. 13 FEB

    Ice, Ice, Bryan: The Science of a Snow Day (S01/E02)

    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show NotesS01 E02: Ice, Ice, Bryan: The Science of a Snow Day Hosts: Chris Malanga & Superintendent Mark Rairigh Special Guest: Ryan Eberly, Director of Transportation 🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode, we dive into the "January Grind." From the science behind snow day cancellations to the massive logistics of moving 800+ students daily, we explore how the district stays mobile during an Ohio winter. Plus, we celebrate School Counselor Appreciation Week, get the latest construction updates, and put Superintendent Rairigh in the hot seat for a winter-themed musical challenge. ❄️ The Deep Dive: The Science of a Snow Day Director of Transportation Ryan Eberly pulls back the curtain on the district's 59-square-mile transportation web. We discuss: The 5:30 AM Decision: How the "Go/No-Go" call is made during a storm.Safety First: The reality of "red light violators" and the tech keeping students safe.By the Numbers: Our buses have already traveled over 93,000 miles this school year! ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 🪝️ Show Intro: Trading holiday cheer for snow plows and 5:00 AM alarms. 01:28 📢 The News Feed: Construction Update: Machinery is moving into the Career Tech classroom; gym floor installation is set for March; and the final phase for the Arts & Ed building begins March 1st.Counselor Appreciation: Honoring the "unsung heroes" across the district during School Counselor Appreciation Week – at Bryan Elementary, Mrs. Huard and Mrs. Schroeder; at Bryan Middle School Mrs. Ruffer; at Bryan High School, Mrs. Bassett, Mr. Glecker and Mrs. Meister.#BryanBuilt License Plates: Nathan Gilbert’s petition drive for official Bryan plates is nearing its goal—$25 of every plate sold will go to the Student Assistance Fund.Hometown Sweethearts: A special social media highlight for local couples starting February 1st.09:46 🚌 The Deep Dive: The Science of a Snow Day. Ryan Eberly breaks down the "puzzle" of managing 40+ routes, the specific criteria for delays and closings, and exactly how the 5:30 AM "Go/No-Go" call is made when the snow starts falling. 32:35 🎵 The Fun Segment: Name That Tune, Winter Edition! Mark tries to identify winter classics from Frozen to Vanilla Ice. 41:42 📬 Community Q&A: Will we be in school until June? Mark explains the state’s hourly requirements and where Bryan currently stands. 48:47 🐻 Golden Bear Standout: Honoring the entire Custodial Crew led by Ned Ruffer for their relentless work keeping lots and sidewalks clear. 🗓️ Important Dates to Circle: February: Hometown Sweethearts social media highlights.Feb 2–6: School Counselor Appreciation Week.Mid-February: Career Tech machinery installation.March 1: Expected start date for Arts & Ed demolition.May 22: Scheduled last day of school. 🔗 Links & Resources: Podcast Website & Question Form: podcast.bryanschools.netSign the License Plate Petition: https://form.jotform.com/260205021127136) Bryan License Plate Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AaGrQvnJx/ District Calendar: https://www.bryanschools.net/calendars/district-calendar Feedback: Email Chris Malanga at cmalanga@bryanschools.netEpisode Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DU7T9dBkW-m3HHCscqlC0aBdyDsbxdMb1u8HSqVa3AQ/edit?tab=t.0 Golden Bear Standout: A massive thank you to our Custodial Staff. You are the reason we can safely get back into the buildings after a storm. We see your hard work in the cold and the dark!  Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ Closing Thought: Remember, greatness isn't born, it’s #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

    52 min

  3. 22 JAN

    New Podcast and State of the Golden Bears (S01/E01)

    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes S01 E01: The State of the Golden Bears Host: Chris Malanga Guest: Superintendent Mark Rairigh 🎙️ Episode Summary Welcome to the premiere of the #BryanBuilt Podcast! This show was created to give the Bryan community a direct line to the "why" behind district decisions. In our debut, Superintendent Mark Rairigh defines the #BryanBuilt philosophy—grit, service above self, and a commitment to getting the job done right. 🤿 The Deep Dive: Building for 2026 We spend a significant portion of this episode discussing the physical transformation of our district. Mark provides updates on the $2.5 million Career Tech Center grant, the pace of the new Junior High Gym construction (set for a June 1st finish!), and the "Art Connects Us" auditorium renovations. If you want to know how these changes will impact your student's daily experience, this is the segment for you. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 🎬 Show Intro: Welcome to the premiere of the #BryanBuilt Podcast. 00:50 🪝 What is #BryanBuilt? Mark explains the philosophy behind the hashtag and why it’s about character, not just bricks and mortar. 02:03 📣 The News Feed Student Spotlight: Nora Kunsman's incredible run, holding five school swimming records.Policy Update: How Bryan students are leading the way with the new state-mandated cell phone policy.Guidance Nights: Important dates (Jan 26/27) for choosing 2026-27 classes. 08:00 🤿 The State of the Golden Bears: A status report on the Career Tech Center, the new weight room, and the demolition start date (March 1st) for the central building area. 18:59 🐻 The Fun Segment: This or That! Rapid-fire questions where we reveal our preferences on: Purple vs. GoldDum Dums vs. Bit O’HoneySnow Days vs. 2-Hour Delays 25:45 📬 Community Q&A: Why we started this podcast.Understanding the new state law regarding the Kindergarten age cutoff (August 19th). 31:58 🎬 Outro & Final Word: Honoring our "Golden Bear Standout," Rob Goodlive, and a look ahead to Episode 2. 🗓️ Important Dates to Circle: Jan 24 10:00 am: Auction at the A&E/Central Building.Jan 26/27: MS & HS Guidance Nights (Learn about the new STEM and CTE courses).Feb 13-16: No School (Teacher Workday & Presidents’ Day).March 9-12: Right to Read Week at the Elementary.March 16-20: Spring Break. 🔗 Links & Resources: Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.net More Calendars and Important Dates: Visit our website at bryanschools.net. Athletics: Schedules and live streams at BryanSports.com. Art Connects Us: See the renderings for the new Arts & Education at bryanarts.org. Bryan Elementary Viral Video: 500,000 views and counting - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSS7Dn3FY21 Feedback: Have a question for the next episode? Email us (cmalanga@bryanschools.net) or visit our Podcast Website. Weekly Standout: A huge thank you to Rob Goodlive for being the backbone of our Middle/High School custodial team. We appreciate your hard work and your dad jokes! Full Transcript Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ Artist: : Dollshade Closing Thought: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

    34 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

The official podcast of the Bryan City School District in Bryan, Ohio. Pulling back the curtain on our district to share the stories, the "why," and the celebrations of our Golden Bears. Hosted by Superintendent Mark Rairigh and Director of Media Communications Chris Malanga. Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga
  • Show Website
    #BryanBuilt Podcast