The Hornet Hive Podcast

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.

  1. Jun 11

    Williamston Stings: More Than a Game, It's a Community Movement

    If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving youth sports program from the ground up, this week's episode of the Hornet Hive podcast is a must-listen. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis, a proud member of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education, sits down with Jeremy Mourey, a driving force behind Williamston Stings, to reveal how a simple idea grew into a beloved pillar of the community. The episode takes you back to the origins of the Stings in 2014. As Jeremy Mourey shares at 01:23, it all started when a few passionate parents realized there were no opportunities for their second-grade kids to play organized baseball. Undaunted by the lack of official support, they launched their own league—with just 13 kids in the first magical season. Through the dedication of people like Jeremy Mourey, the organization now boasts 26 teams and serves 275 players, encompassing both baseball and softball. A recurring theme is the deep sense of community. Jeremy Mourey emphasizes at 06:18 that support from local businesses, volunteers, and families has been vital to Stings' growth. It's more than sports—it's an experience that shapes young lives. Players learn about teamwork, resilience, and the value of effort, with special efforts made to keep participation affordable for all by organizing creative fundraisers like their annual tournament (04:24). No child is turned away for financial reasons, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity. The program isn't just about winning games. As listeners learn at 05:25, it's about giving kids—from the youngest quick ball players to high schoolers—the chance to play together, build friendship, and experience the pride of representing their community. The Stings have become such a fixture that their hats are the most popular in local schools. Looking to the future, Jeremy Mourey is excited by the influx of new volunteers, ongoing improvements to facilities, and innovative programming. The goal remains clear: give every child the chance to grow, compete, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're a parent, community member, or just someone who believes in the power of grassroots sports, this episode will inspire you. Tune in and be reminded of what can happen when people come together for a common cause. Listen today to hear the full story and catch the spirit of the Williamston Stings! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:00]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week I love being able to talk about the amazing things that are happening within our schools. To give you a glimpse inside what's happening that are supporting our students, helping our students in different ways, things that you may or may not know. And today we're going to be talking with Jeremy Mori and Jeremy Mori is highly involved with our Williamston Stings baseball organization and we're going to talk a little bit about the Sting, the Sting, Sting's organization and where it's been, where it's going and some of the history behind it to give you a little bit of a sense of this organization and how it's supporting our students. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:06]: So I'm really excited to have him here. Jeremy, thanks so much for being here today. Jeremy Mourey [00:01:09]: Thank you Chris. Appreciate it. Happy to tell the story about the baseball and softball programs. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:15]: So I guess first and foremost let's, let's go back in time. Why don't you take me back to the beginning and what inspired the creation of Williamston Sting's baseball. Jeremy Mourey [00:01:23]: Well, in winter of 2014 Eric Gensky, a known community member approached me about Mason pony starting an 8U league for young players and specifically second graders and was something that some of the parents decided that we wanted to do. So we, we went to the Parks and Rec and they said they couldn't do that. So we decided to start something. So it was with Jay Dittman, Chuck Kazublo, Cliff Hart, Chris Smith to name a few. If I missed anybody during the way here, my apologies. And we decided over a basketball banquet that we were going to start something. Chuck had a friend in the industry of his lawyer and found out through Curtis Zaleski that they had a 501C3 available for us. That jump started things so we didn't have to write that. Jeremy Mourey [00:02:14]: And then we started that first year with 13 players and had a magical season. We threw this team together, 13 kids and we went pretty far in the tournament and shocked some people and then yeah, so had a great season. The next year as we wanted to go into the next year we recruited more players to have three teams, got more involvement and that's kind of how we got started. And fast forward to now we had almost 26 teams. So that was 1012 fast pitch softball and 14 baseball teams comprising of 275 players. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:53]: That's amazing. Now I guess as you look back to the early years and you look at today, how did the early years compare to what the organization has grown into today? Jeremy Mourey [00:03:04]: It's definitely blossomed with a lot of volunteer help. Worked with Coach Stanton back in the day, and then Brian Johnson and Ken Johnson were huge instrumental in helping steer, help us steer it along. You know, we made some mistakes in the first couple years, but we really, really tried to keep the fees really, really low for, for players. So we did a lot of community involvement with sponsorships from local businesses. And one of the key things that really helped keep fees low is hosting a tournament. As the travel teams went throughout the state team I specifically coached for five, four or five years, we got to see how things were done in other communities and how they fundraise and learned a lot through that. So much so, you know, our first tournament was, I, I think the second or third year we started. We had eight teams this past year. Jeremy Mourey [00:03:51]: In 2025, we had 46 teams come in from all around the state paying about $500 per team. But we've been known to have repeat customers because we do a really good job at this tournament of having good umpires, fun things that are engaging for the kids. You know, instead of a coin flip, we do rock, paper, scissors, and at home plate with players, we do MVPs that the opposing teams coaches select based on how kids play. Just really try to keep it about the kids. That fundraiser alone helps offset fees and keep the fees the same. We've had the same fees for almost six or seven years, so we don't have to keep increasing it, keep the fees low. Also, we have a scholarship program that we do, and over the course of our time, we've given $3,000 worth of subsidized funding for employers. So we never want to turn anybody away and make that a reason why someone can't play baseball or softball. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:45]: Beyond the playing itself. What life lessons or values as an organization, do you hope that players are going to walk away from their experiences with stings, with playing in your community? Jeremy Mourey [00:04:57]: Our coaches, we have lots of coaches meetings, preseason, so we can kind of get all on the same page and figure out what's going to be best. What are new techniques, new ways to coach kids? If you look at the successes of the baseball and softball program in the last five years, I believe a lot of that has to do with the growth of this program. You look at any sustained program in any sport, we had it in soccer, we have it in football. Why couldn't we bring it to baseball and softball. And I think that playing baseball is a hard sport. It's not easy. There's lots of failure. You're really good if you, you know, get three out of three hits out of 10 at bats. Jeremy Mourey [00:05:33]: And so it's a sport about that. It's a sport about teamwork, working together, bringing the tournament to the kids. Our club teams that are not travel teams get to participate in, that's a little bit higher level and it's something that kids can kind of experience that they wouldn't have had we not had Stings. Another thing is to play other communities previously at the lower level, lower age groups. Everything was just done here in Williamson and Hazlett. Gives these families opportunities to go to Mason, go to other communities and play to feel like, give you that travel, like experience, but just giving these kids an opportunity that they never had before to enhance the experience. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:10]: So as you think about the connection between Stings and the community, how is the Williams Teamston community embraced and supported the Stings over the years. Jeremy Mourey [00:06:18]: Not only financial with the local businesses. I think when you know, you go to the elementary schools and you watch Hat day, by far the number one hat worn by kids is the Stings hat. It's kind of like almost a little bit of a rite of passage here in town to be as part of the Stings organization. And we have different levels that are rec based club teams that we call and then we also have for the kids that are more advanced and that have a little bit more commitment, participate in tournaments and travel. We have that available too for tryouts. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:49]: As you celebrate the years of service that Stings has had with our community thus far, what excites you most about the future of Williamston Stings? Jeremy Mourey [00:06:57]: The future is great. We have younger families starting to volunteer more time and take on some board positions. That's exciting to keep it going because I and Jay and the original people that we're doing this are kind of don't have kids in the program anymore and probably won't be doing this fore

  2. Jun 4

    Celebrating a Year of Growth: Williamson Schools' End-of-Year Reflections

    As the academic year draws to a close, the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast presents a thoughtful recap of the 2025-26 school year and a look ahead to an exciting future for Williamson Community Schools. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis and joined by superintendent Dr. Adam Spina, this episode is packed with celebrations, milestones, and a glimpse into innovative changes coming to the district. Whether you're a parent, educator, community member, or alum, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Honoring Successes and Transitions The conversation begins with an enthusiastic congratulations to the graduating class of 2026, highlighting their leadership and the positive impact they've had on the district (01:10). The episode also takes time to recognize retirees whose careers have touched countless students and helped form the backbone of the district's legacy (01:49). As Dr. Adam Spina emphasizes, both graduates and retirees leave behind strong examples of dedication and success. Celebrating School Achievements Williamson's commitment to excellence is evidenced through a cascade of local, state, and national accolades received by its schools this year, including Discovery Elementary's recent recognition as a Michigan Green School (02:28). Notably, the often-unsung preschool program earned the highest possible state rating, reaffirming that the district's pursuit of quality truly spans from preschool through high school (03:02). Momentum of Summer Projects and Bond Initiatives Listeners get an inside look at the bustling summer projects, particularly those funded by the 2024 bond initiative. From major facility upgrades—like new flooring, lockers, and parking lot improvements—to the flagship construction of Explore Elementary, change is literally taking shape across campuses (05:08). Dr. Adam Spina expresses particular excitement about new technology upgrades in middle and high school classrooms, designed to create dynamic, flexible learning environments (06:13). Leadership Changes for a Thriving Future This episode introduces listeners to the incoming leadership team—a trio of seasoned, community-rooted educators stepping into new administrative roles (08:13). The commitment to cultivating leaders from within shines as a core tradition at Williamson, sustaining the district's supportive and innovative culture. Why Listen? Dr. Christopher Lewis and Dr. Adam Spina remind us that communication and collaboration are the lifeblood of a thriving school community. Stay up to date, stay engaged, and celebrate these transitions and triumphs by listening to this standout episode. The energy, optimism, and dedication shared here speak to an exciting path forward for all Hornets—don't miss it!   TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to be back with you again this week. And we're getting toward the end of the year and that means I've got Dr. Adam Spina on with us, our superintendent of schools. And we're going to chat a little bit about the closeout of one year as we're moving into the summer and really just catch back up after a little bit of time. Dr. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:46]: Spina, welcome back. Dr. Adam Spina [00:00:47]: Thank you, Chris. Looking forward to sharing some of the highlights of this past school year and maybe a preview of some important beginning of year dates as we start thinking ahead to the 2627 school year. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:00]: And it has been an exciting year. There's been a lot of things that have been happening over the year, a lot of wins and celebrations for the district itself. But I know you've got some that you want to share as well. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:10]: Well, first and foremost, as we wrap up the school year, I always want to make sure we acknowledge what is kind of the culminating result of our efforts, our collective efforts as both educators and parents and the community as a whole, which is congratulating the graduating class of 2026. They've been a phenomenal group of students, outstanding senior leaders who set a great example for all the other students the district. And I'm very hopeful that they're very positive impact will continue to permeate over the next many years as the kids had an example to see what right looks like and success looks like, follow in their footsteps. So I wanted to start with that also wanted to make sure that we acknowledge the many retirees that we have from the district. We'll be concluding very successful careers here and have made an impact on hundreds if not thousands of students during their time. We've posted information about those folks specifically online if you if you're curious but very privileged to have had the time we've had with those outstanding educators and support staff members during our time in Williamston. And I know they have created a tremendous legacy due to their hard work and dedication. Just as far as the year end, I always publish our community newsletter that goes out typically over Memorial Day weekend. Dr. Adam Spina [00:02:26]: And so I've touched on a lot of the main accomplishments. I mean the Summit up this has been another very successful year for the school district. We've continued to win local, state and national accolades for the performance of our schools and the results that are students have achieved perhaps one that was more recent that I was not able to include in the newsletter was that Discovery elementary was recently named a green school by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for their efforts to focus on environmental education and stewardship. And so I want to make sure we also acknowledge that our preschool often doesn't get some of the headlines, perhaps that the other buildings do. But our preschool this year was also rated at the very highest level by the state of Michigan that a preschool learning institution can achieve. So it is truly a pre K12 effort here with each of the buildings having distinguished itself over the course of the 2526 school year as they always do. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:20]: You know, as we always move into our summer months, they tend to be even busier than a lot of times what happens during the year. Even though tons of things are happening, especially for our facilities and grounds crew as we're preparing for our next school year and with our bond projects. And we also have a lot of things that are happening this year. So talk to me a little bit about what are some of the things that you are planning to have happen over this summer before students come back in the fall. Dr. Adam Spina [00:03:48]: So typically in August there is a maintenance, custodial and technology department barbecue that the administrative team supported by our secretarial unit usually hosts. And I usually make a couple comments at that, thanking the group for all their efforts over the summer. And I feel like they're going to start to not believe me anymore because I've said I think almost every year this is the busiest summer we've ever had. And I repeat it like every year. And unfortunately the way things are lining up for this summer, well it's not unfortunate but it's just a reality that the way things are lining up this summer is it's going to again be the busiest summer we have had that I can recall. There's a combination of both the normal summer maintenance which involves reconditioning of classrooms, deep cleaning, all those once a year type of things that are done to prepare school for the fall. But on the top of that there's a number of special projects, many of which are highlighted on our bond website and funded by the August, August 2024 bond initiative. But there's also a lot of other non bond funded special projects. Dr. Adam Spina [00:04:50]: Everything from sidewalk repair, paving, we're installing new lockers in the pool at the, at the high school, the community pool. I mean just, just it goes on and on. So you have all that plus all the regular stuff plus the bond work and we are right in the busiest part of the bond cycle. This summer. So obviously, I think most of the community is aware that the flagship project from that bond, which is the construction of Explore elementary, that is proceeding time at this point. And we can actually start to see the drive and the staff parking lot start to take shape with footings and foundations for the actual school scheduled here to begin in the next few days. Parking lot paving at the high school, if you've driven through there, you know that's obviously a big need. That project will commence over the summer and finish in mid July as well. Dr. Adam Spina [00:05:36]: Flooring projects throughout the middle and the high school, updating a lot of areas that have damaged or very old flooring. One of the exciting things that we're doing, at least for me, is the completion of this 10 year plan that we've had to create all of our secondary classrooms having a very modular approach to how instruction takes place. And this involved the flexible seating furniture that was installed last year. To a lesser extent, the flooring updates, although we are in some rooms removing cabinets to create larger classrooms since a lot of that storage is no longer needed. Last year we also put in new projectors and screens. But the really exciting thing we're doing this summer in our middle and high school is we're installing Microsoft Surface Pro devices as well as screen beams that will allow the teacher to interface with their computer from anywhere in the classroom, while they're also able to use the flexible seating furniture to configure the way students sit and work with each other instantaneously. This really removes a very outdated traditional modality of a central point or singular po

  3. Jan 29

    Williamston Schools: Bond Updates, Big Wins, and Snow Day Decisions

    If you're looking for an inside scoop on what's happening in Williamston Community Schools, the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast is a must-listen! Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, this episode welcomes back Dr. Adam Spina, Superintendent of Schools, for an engaging update on the district's exciting initiatives, ongoing projects, and recent recognitions. The conversation opens with gratitude for the community's support of the bond initiative, which will positively impact students for generations to come. Dr. Spina shares detailed updates on the progress of these bond-funded projects, including the flagship investment: building a new Explorer Elementary School. Listeners learn about the posted schematics, new renderings, and changes such as a safer, more efficient traffic pattern for school drop-offs and pick-ups. Construction is set to begin in March, with the goal of opening the new building by August 2027. These improvements are all about creating better, safer spaces for students and staff. Beyond the elementary school upgrade, Dr. Spina discusses additional projects like the new HVAC system installation at the community pool (slated for May–July 2026) and repaving the high school parking lot. The team is committed to clear communication, promising monthly bond updates on the district website and direct notifications to impacted community members. The podcast also celebrates the district's academic achievements. The high school was named to the AP Honor Roll for the seventh time and continues to excel on AP exams, reflecting the hard work of both students and teachers. The accolades don't stop there—Williamston High School, Middle School, and Explorer Elementary recently appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Schools, highlighting the district's dedication to quality education. No episode dealing with Michigan schools would be complete without touching on snow days! Dr. Spina describes the careful, safety-first approach used to evaluate weather conditions and the real-world balancing act of school closures, emphasizing communication and student well-being. This episode is not just an update—it's a celebration of progress, achievement, and community spirit. Whether you're a parent, student, or resident, the Hornet Hive is your direct line to what's happening in Williamston schools. Tune in and stay connected to the heart of your educational community! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: 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, and this week we are bringing back Dr. Adam Spina, our superintendent of Schools for the Williamston Community Schools. Give us a little bit of an update about what is happening in the district because there's a lot of things happening since last we talked and we wanted to bring you up to speed. Dr. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:45]: Spina, thanks so much for being here today. Dr. Adam Spina [00:00:47]: Thank you, Chris. I think right now as we're recording this, we just wrapped up a successful first semester and looking forward to finishing the year strong during the second half of this thing. So appreciate the time to share some more nuanced details about what's going on at wcs. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:01]: You know, and talking about nuance at the board level, we've been having a lot of conversations lately about the bond and the projects that we're doing, and there's a lot of things happening and, and I know you've been sending some emails out, but I thought it would be good to have you give a little bit of an update on where we are with the bond and some of the big projects that are coming and. And some of the other things that are happening with the bond right now. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:22]: Well, first and foremost, we remain extremely grateful to the community for the overwhelming support of the bond initiative and the projects that it will support for our students over several generations, many generations, we hope. And so we're trying to do our best to keep everyone updated in terms of what's going on. Anytime you have a community invest that much money in the schools, we want to make sure that everybody has readily accessible information. And so just a reminder to anybody listening, we post bond updates monthly on the district website. There's a box right at the top of the homepage for bond updates, and that'll give you information on the timeline, the overall scale, the project and scope in terms of what's being accomplished, and then photos and updates on a monthly basis in terms of what's been done. So, moving through December December into the new Year, the planning phase of some of the major projects has been completed and we were able to take final bids and proposals to the Board of Education for approval. And most notably, that includes what I call the flagship investment from the bond, which is the building of the new Explorer Elementary School. We have that posted schematics that we sent out recently, as well as some additional renderings so people can kind of see what it looks like most notably, the new traffic pattern that will be built into the elementary campus, hopefully make dropping students off and picking them up easier and safer than what we currently have. Dr. Adam Spina [00:02:43]: The big piece too, that I've recently learned through some of our meetings is the timeline for the project. And of course, this is always subject to change with construction, but we plan in the middle of February 16th will be the installation of temporary parking at Explore elementary for for staff to park during the day. That'll be in the Explorer lot. And then as soon as that is done, the construction fencing is going to start to get built. Towards the second half of February, with construction starting the of March, we anticipate that project. The construction management company tells us that project will go until August of 2027. I'm still kind of building in that it might go a little longer, December of 2027, but they're confident they can have it done by August of 2027. And so if that's the case, then this year's third graders would be fifth grade and they would be able to occupy that school as well as our upcoming second and first graders. Dr. Adam Spina [00:03:33]: So it's exciting to start, get the timeline and actually know there's going to be some construction here in the next few weeks. Beginning on been working on designing for several years. Another project that I want to make sure the community is aware of is the installation of new H Vac unit at the community pool. And while this one's not as extensive as building a new school, it is going to impact community members because during that time where that H Vac system is going to be installed, the pool is going to be closed. Right now we're still working on trying to finalize dates, but I'm fairly confident in saying that May of 2026 through mid July of 2026. So bas the end of the spring, early summer, the community pool is going to be closed. During that renovation, they're going to actually have to take the H Vac unit and bring a crane in and drop it down through the hole in the roof, install it, and then obviously close up the structural changes that need to be made. Also, the old one, the old H Vac in the pool, which the pool was actually built around, is going to need to get removed. Dr. Adam Spina [00:04:33]: And so that's going to take a few months to get done. So we're going to start sending out more formalized information to members of the community pool and fitness center once we know the dates for sure. But at this point, I'm fairly confident in saying. Saying it's going to be May, June and part of July for that project to take place simultaneously to that at the high school. The parking lot is also going to be getting repaved. We anticipate during that period that visitors and members of our attending the fitness center and any other enrichment programs that are taking place at the high school will need to park in the athletic field parking lot and there'll be a pathway that'll be maintained from the athletic lot where the soccer baseball tennis complex is over to the fitness center so folks can walk that way and enter the building to use the facility during that project. We think that's going to take about a month to a month and a half to complete. So probably June, early July of 2026. Dr. Adam Spina [00:05:21]: But again, we'll be sending out more information once we know those dates for sure. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:25]: Exciting times. Thank you Adam for sharing all of this. I know that all of us on the board are really excited about what this is going to do for our schools and for our students, and we're really excited about seeing the future starting to come alive with all of these new investments in the district. And speaking of excitement, I know that there also has been some excitement around some awards that the district has gotten and I wanted to allow you to share some of the great news. Dr. Adam Spina [00:05:52]: Yeah, it was nice to start off the year with some recognitions at a national level for our schools. We'll get more information out about these. But first the the high school was named to the AP Honor Roll for the seventh time overall in the third straight year by the College Board. AP Honor Roll recognizes the number of percentage of students that are involved in or enrolled in Advanced Placement courses at but also how they do on the Advanced Placement exams. So it's kind of a percentage of both of those and obviously AP their college level courses. So that is a challenge for our teachers that are teaching those classes because of the rigor that's involved, but also obviously for our students who not only have to do well in the course, but have to

  4. 10/30/2025

    Why School Libraries Matter: Insights from Williamston's New Librarian

    In the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis introduces listeners to one of Williamston Community Schools' newest and most passionate staff members: Alexis Thune, the new elementary librarian. This engaging conversation provides a unique window into the crucial role school libraries play in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and building community. Alexis, who moved from Iowa in 2019 when her husband began graduate studies at Michigan State University, brings both teaching experience and heartfelt enthusiasm for books to Williamston. She shares how her love for literature and libraries guided her back to education, describing the new librarian position as her "dream job." Alexis's genuine excitement to help children discover the joy of reading shines throughout the episode. One main theme is the importance of libraries as spaces of exploration and imagination. Alexis notes that "these kids are getting free books to read. They don't have to pay a thing for them," underscoring the library's unique ability to expand students' worlds at no cost. She passionately defends libraries as "one of our best assets as a society," offering children the chance to discover stories and perspectives that both reflect their own experiences and introduce them to new ways of thinking. Another central point is Alexis's personalized approach to motivating students—by getting to know their interests and connecting them with the perfect book, whether it's Minecraft guides or stories about axolotls. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming, safe space where every child feels confident to explore new ideas. The episode also explores how technology is reshaping the library experience. Alexis highlights the importance of e-readers, audiobooks, and even closed captioning as new ways for children to engage with reading and the written word, reflecting the dynamic, evolving nature of modern school libraries. Collaboration also takes center stage, with Alexis expressing her readiness to work closely with teachers and parents. She invites families to ask their children about the books they're reading and to get involved as library volunteers—a tradition she's eager to continue. If you're passionate about education, literacy, or community, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn more about Alexis Thune's vision and the transformative power of the elementary library. Her excitement is infectious, and her message is clear: together, we can inspire the next generation to love reading and learning. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: 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 with us this week. As always, I thoroughly enjoy having an opportunity to talk to you about the amazing things that are happening in our schools. And as a part of that, I love being able to introduce you to the staff behind the scenes, the people that are working with our kids on a daily basis, because I know not everyone in our school district you will have had a chance to meet, and that includes some of our newest staff that have joined the district. And today I've got another great guest with us. Alexis Tuney is with us today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:00]: And Alexis is our brand new elementary librarian. And for many of you who have had kids in the elementary schools, I am sure that one of the high points of their week is an opportunity to go to the library to get books, to be really engaged with reading. And Alexis is our new person that's going to be leading the charge and working with our kids in that way. So I'm really excited to have her here today and to introduce her to you and for you to get to know her a little bit better. Alexis, thanks so much for being here today. Alexis Thune [00:01:33]: Absolutely. Thank you for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:35]: It is my pleasure having you here today. And I guess first and foremost, I really want to turn it over to you for you to tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to education and specifically what brought you to this role as a librarian. Alexis Thune [00:01:48]: So fun fact about me, I'm actually originally from Iowa. My husband and I moved to the Michigan area in 2019. He's going to grad school at MSU, so we're staying for that here. And then I just really fell in love with teaching. It's what I originally went to school for. I changed majors a bunch of times and then, ironically enough, ended up back in teaching. I've got a bit of experience teaching art in second grade, but my true passion has always lied with the books. I've always loved the library myself. Alexis Thune [00:02:16]: I'm a bit of a bookworm, so getting to have that opportunity really to provide that for the kids is really kind of my dream job. Not to be too corny about it, but it just, it makes my heart so happy to see kids love books the way I grew up loving books. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:28]: So in looking at this position, I know you said your husband's at Michigan State right now, what excited you most about joining our school in our community. Alexis Thune [00:02:37]: We step through the doors of the school and it is so welcoming. Everybody here is just so kind and inviting. It's that sense of the environment that just feels open, it feels welcoming. I can tell the kids are going to be very, very happy here just based on how happy I've been here so far. You know, it's just a very, very welcoming environment. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:55]: So talk to me about. You said that you loved being in the library yourself. You love books. Why do you believe that school libraries are so important in a student's educational journey? Alexis Thune [00:03:05]: I have always been a huge defender of libraries. I think they are one of our best assets as a society. In schools and just the general public. These kids are getting free books to read. They don't have to pay a thing for them. And it is really a great way for them to be imaginative and be creative. Expanding their worlds, getting to see characters that look like them or maybe don't look like them. Really an opportunity for them to experience all these really amazing things. Alexis Thune [00:03:27]: And again for free. It doesn't cost them a thing to get to grow their brains and really explore their interests. What they like, what they might find out they don't like. And that's just really exciting for me to watch them explore themselves in that way. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:39]: So talk to me about your personal connection to reading. Do you have a favorite book from childhood or from another age that you're hoping to share with kids? Alexis Thune [00:03:47]: I was a huge Harry Potter kid growing up. You know, I read all the books by the time I think I was 12. So I definitely would love to connect with the kids about that. I was also a big fan of like the Percy Jackson series, a big fan of Rick Riordan and currently reading some more adult content. You know, the Acotar series which you know, can't really bond with the kids over that. But that is my, my latest book series here. But yeah, I also going back even further, I love the Junie B. Jones series. Alexis Thune [00:04:11]: Those were my go to as an elementary student. So I'm really hoping to bond with the kids over shorter stories like that or bigger stories like the Harry Potter series. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:18]: Now moving into this new role, you have an opportunity to really foster that love of reading. So what do you do? What do you do to foster a love of reading in students? For students of all ages and abilities. Alexis Thune [00:04:30]: I think it really down to getting to know the kids. Once you find out their interests, you can find a book that pertains to it. Maybe this kid really loves Minecraft so we have Minecraft books for them. Or maybe this other kid really loves Axolotls. We have a ton of books on axolotls. I think it comes down to finding out what sparks them. What might they want to learn about or what have they learned about and what more about. We're connecting. Alexis Thune [00:04:50]: Oh, I know you like this. This is similar. Maybe we can keep branching you out into things. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:55]: Now, I know that you're early on in your tenure in the school district. As you think about this year, what is your vision for the library? This beyond. Alexis Thune [00:05:03]: I want to really incorporate it into that welcoming environment that this whole school has. I want kids to be able to feel like they can come in and find those books that interest them. I want them to be welcomed here and feel like they can come up and ask me anything when trying to figure out what they want to read. I really want to be able to give them that space that they feel safe and they feel confident in finding things to expand their knowledge. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:23]: Technology has become a much larger component to the lives of all of our kids and our families. How do you see technology playing a role in the modern school library? Alexis Thune [00:05:33]: I mean, there's no getting around it. The printed words is absolutely a necessity, but incorporating it into technology is just as vital. Things like Kindles and E readers, those are very imperative. I have one myself, and it's a good way to also have reading while incorporating it into technology. I know things like audiobooks and things such as that are also great use of technology. Even having like closed captionings on shows or movies for kids, it still incorporates that essence of reading while they're watching something. Anywhere you can really touch that reading aspect in technology is so vital right now in our society. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:07]: This position is going t

  5. 10/02/2025

    Navigating Personal Growth and Change: Maya Boyes

    In the recent episode featuring Myah Boyes (she/her) and Christopher Lewis, listeners are welcomed into an honest, practical, and empowering conversation. This episode is not just another discussion; it's a real, lived account of facing challenges, finding your place in the world, and building the courage to carve your own path. Embracing Authenticity and Owning Your Story One of the most impactful moments in this podcast is when Myah openly discusses her journey of self-acceptance. She explains how owning her identity wasn't always easy, and she relates stories of moments when she felt out of place or misunderstood. "Being your authentic self isn't just about confidence," Myah shares. "It's a daily practice of checking in with yourself and allowing your uniqueness to shine—even when it feels tough." This honesty resonates deeply, offering a reminder that self-discovery is ongoing and requires both courage and vulnerability. Taking Risks and Saying Yes to Opportunity Myah doesn't shy away from talking about risk. She details key points in her life where taking a leap—even before she felt fully ready—led to unexpected growth. She encourages listeners to trust their instincts: "A lot of the time, you won't have all the answers before you begin. But if an opportunity sparks something in you, that's often enough reason to take the first step." By sharing her own stories of uncertain beginnings, Myah motivates others to move past perfectionism and let curiosity guide them. The Power of Connection and Collaboration Throughout the episode, Myah highlights the importance of community and collaboration. Christopher and Myah reflect on projects where listening to—and leaning on—others created stronger results. "No one's journey happens alone," Myah insists, emphasizing how impactful it can be to seek advice, share ideas, and invest in supportive relationships. Why You Should Listen If you're seeking real-world perspective, practical motivation, and stories that remind you you're not alone, this episode is for you. Myah's candid reflections and specific examples make her insights relatable and actionable. Tune in to hear heartfelt advice on navigating identity, embracing your journey, and finding strength in community—you just might walk away with the inspiration you need to start your next chapter. TRANSCRIPT Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week we have a great opportunity to be able to learn about everything that's happening within our schools. And I love being able to share with you not only the great things that are happening, but the people that make our schools work. And you don't get to meet everybody as a, let's say, a parent or a community member within our district. But it's important for you to know who's out there supporting our students. Christopher Lewis [00:00:58]: And. And we have new staff. We have staff that have been around for a very long time. And today I've got another great guest joining us. Myah Boyes is with us today. And Myah is the brand new guidance counselor at the high school. She just joined the Williamston Community Schools this year and I'm really excited to be able to introduce her to you and for you to get to know her a little bit more. Myah, thanks so much for joining me today. Myah Boyes [00:01:22]: Of course, I'm excited to be a part of this. When you reached out to me, I didn't even know there was a podcast and I love podcasts, so of course I had to join. Christopher Lewis [00:01:30]: Well, I'm really excited that you are on today and I guess first and foremost, can you tell me a little bit about your background and what brought you to Williamston? Myah Boyes [00:01:39]: I am a brand new graduate, so I just graduated from Wall State University in Indiana. I actually graduated in July, so very quick turnaround. I did my bachelor's and my master's there, so of course I got my master's in school counseling. I'm kind of from the area. I'm from the Howell area. I went to school there, but I live in Fotherville. And I was very excited to see that there was an opening in Williamston because I like the little town, I like smaller communities and working with those. I did my internship with rural high school, which was very small and they had about 70 students per class. Myah Boyes [00:02:14]: And I just fell in love with being able to create more connections with the students because there was not a million of them like there was at my high school. So building those relationships was very nice. Christopher Lewis [00:02:24]: So you talked about going through your undergrad and from there deciding to go on and get that graduate degree in becoming a guidance counselor. Talk to me about that journey and what made you decide that you wanted to be a guidance counselor. Myah Boyes [00:02:39]: Yeah, so it was kind of a bumpy road So I originally went to get my bachelor's in zoology. Clearly not the job I left with, but I have a passion for helping others, whether that is animals or people. So sometime in my sophomore junior year, I ended up switching my major, which was the third time, by the way. But I ended up changing it to sociology, which is the study of people and their behaviors and stuff like that. And it felt kind of like an offshoot of psychology, which is just as interesting as sociology. But I also got minors in counseling and women and gender studies, so, of course, more understanding of people and how their minds work and stuff like that. And originally, when I was thinking of going on to grad school, I was thinking of doing the clinical mental health route, but I didn't really see my passion with working with individuals that were older than me. I know that sounds silly, but I was sitting at Texas Roadhouse with my mom, of all places, and she sat me down and was like, do you think you would be able to counsel someone my age? And I went, honestly, Mom, I don't even know what to say to you sometimes. Myah Boyes [00:03:45]: And so I was like, you know what? Maybe I'll look at the K12. And I ended up falling in love with it. And so I went on to my master's immediately after graduating with my undergrad. And I fell in love with elementary counseling and just helping the kiddos. And I really enjoyed working with the high schoolers as well and just building those relationships and getting them ready to move on into their adult lives and onto these new chapters. Christopher Lewis [00:04:09]: It's always interesting to look in to understand and see what kind of path your road will take you. You never know. It can take you in a very circuitous path to lead you to where you are today. Now, you've been a guidance counselor at the high school now for a few weeks. You have had students now for a few days. And I guess as you are jumping into this new role, what's been your first impression, not only of the students and the staff, but being a part of the Williamson schools? Myah Boyes [00:04:37]: When I met Dr. Delp for the first time, he was telling me about the staff and how the staff here is great. They are very helpful and friendly, and they'll give you advice, but they'll also be there to pat you on the back and also give you tough love if you need it to. But I noticed that immediately during our professional development days before school started, and everyone was so welcoming and introduced themselves to me. And even throughout the week, they've been checking in with me to see how I've been transitioning, and if I have any questions, which has been great because I have so many questions since this is all brand new to me. But even with meeting with the students, I've had so many students just come into my office and be like, I wanted to see who the new counselor was. And I'm like, oh, that's me. Hi. Myah Boyes [00:05:23]: But on the first day of school, and Ms. Richards, they actually had a scavenger hunt that they had to do, so they had to get a picture with this new staff member. And of course, in the high school, I'm the only new staff member, so they meant all the students were coming to me. So all day on the first day of school, I was just sitting here taking pictures with students. And it was just funny that my first impression with them is them forcibly having to take a selfie with me. And we're just laughing about it, and some of them feel awkward about it. But I think it's a great way for them to let this space is open to them, and it's comfortable and cozy, and it's just so nice to feel so welcomed into a space that's brand new to me. Christopher Lewis [00:06:02]: So not everybody knows you. You're starting to get to know people. They're starting to get to know you. For students and parents who may not have met you yet or haven't gotten an opportunity to get to know you, how would you describe the role of a guidance counselor? Myah Boyes [00:06:16]: So each counselor is going to be kind of different between each other. So me and Ms. Greenleaf kind of rotate on the same axis, but we do two different. So she's really focused on the academic side of things. And I really like to focus on, like, the social, emotional aspect. So if you're having a hard mental health day or you got in trouble because you didn't do your chores last night, and you just need to take a breath in the office or some friend, trauma, or anything like that. I really like to be that person that students can lean on. So we kind of do a little bit of everything. Myah Boyes [00:06:49]: Honestly, some students just come down to chat real quick. I've even had students in the past where I did my internship where she just sat in here and we sat in silence for 10 minutes because she just needed to, like, have a quiet space and feel comfortable. I had students befor

  6. 09/18/2025

    A New Chapter at Explorer Elementary: Meet Principal Kathryn Kluszak

    If you're interested in what makes Williamston Community Schools such a vibrant and supportive place for students, staff, and families, the latest episode of the "Hornet Hive" podcast is a must-listen. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Kathryn Kluszak, the energetic and compassionate new principal of Explore Elementary, for a conversation packed with insight, warmth, and a touch of personal flair. Right from the start, Kathryn's passion for education and community shines through. Listeners get to learn about her journey—beginning in early childhood education, moving into kindergarten teaching, and steadily growing as a leader through roles in East Lansing Public Schools. She shares how her experiences, especially during the challenges of the virtual learning era, set her on a path to school leadership and, ultimately, to joining the welcoming Williamston community. One of the episode's strongest themes is the importance Kathryn places on relationships. She emphasizes that building honest, positive connections with staff, students, and families is her top priority for this first year. Kathryn is keen on maintaining the already strong, collaborative culture of Explorer Elementary—underlining her commitment to be present, approachable, and supportive, both inside the school and in the broader community. Dr. Lewis and Kathryn touch on what makes Williamston special: its small-town charm, the strong sense of belonging, and the school's central role in the lives of its residents. Kathryn is effusive about the warmth and involvement of parents and the impressive academic and co-curricular opportunities available to students—from STEAM and Spanish to art, music, and physical education. The episode is sprinkled with personal touches: Kathryn's love of running (including her marathon experience), her favorite subject in school, and the qualities her friends say she embodies—compassion, loyalty, and care. But perhaps the most inspiring message Kathryn shares is simple: every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and excited to learn when they enter school each day. She encourages students to believe in themselves and reassures families that every staff member is dedicated to supporting both the academic and emotional growth of their children. Want to feel inspired about the future of Explorer Elementary and the power of educational leadership? Tune in to this episode of "Hornet Hive" and get to know the heart of your local school through its new principal's story.

  7. 09/04/2025

    Celebrating Service, Community, and Connection: Reflections with Linda Ereg

    This week on the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Linda Ereg, a cornerstone of the Williamston High School counseling team who recently retired after years of dedicated service. Their lively and heartfelt conversation shines a light not just on Linda's impressive career, but also on the values and spirit of the Williamston Community Schools themselves. If you're looking for an uplifting reminder of what makes school communities thrive—or simply want to get inspired by the story of one person's impact—this episode is a must-listen. A Career Built On Compassion and Adaptability Linda's journey at Williamston began serendipitously, starting as an at-risk coordinator, drawing from her background in mental health and social work. Over time, she transitioned from that role into teaching English and health, and then stepped into the guidance counselor position—a natural fit, given her warmth, empathy, and deep commitment to student wellbeing. What's striking about Linda's story is her remarkable adaptability and willingness to grow. She constantly found new ways to meet student needs, whether launching an after-school homework lab or strengthening networks between families and the school. The Power of Relationships Time and again, Linda emphasizes how connections made all the difference—between staff and students, among colleagues, and within the broader Williamston community. Building trust, being present, and reaching out to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks became her trademarks. She shares moving stories about helping students overcome academic and personal struggles, including her early experience convincing a teacher to give a struggling student a second chance—which led to that student ultimately graduating. These anecdotes underscore an essential lesson: it's relationships, not rigid rules, that open doors for growth. Resilience Drawn From Community Linda also speaks candidly about personal challenges, including the loss of her son and how the support she received from the Williamston community gave her strength. Her story is a testament to the ways schools can be safe harbors, nurturing not just students but the staff who guide them. Her gratitude and love for the community shine through—and remind us that education is about so much more than curriculum. Why Listen? Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, Linda's reflections offer wisdom, humor, and heart. Tune in to this episode of the Hornet Hive to celebrate a career well spent—and to rediscover what makes school communities like Williamston so special. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited that you're back with us this week. And, and this week I am so excited to be able to talk with Linda Ehrig. And Linda has been a counselor at Williamston High School for many years. And actually she just retired this year after many years of service to the Williamston Community Schools. And I thought it would be a great opportunity to be able to learn a little bit more about Linda, you know, what has kept her here, what has sustained her, what has made Williamston a place where she has wanted to devote her career and allow for you to get to know her a little bit more before she leaves the district for good out into her the next phase of her personal life. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:08]: So I'm really excited to have her here. Linda, thanks so much for joining us today. Linda Ereg [00:01:12]: Well, thank you for asking me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:13]: Well, I've been asking you for a while, so I'm excited that, that you finally said yes, that is true. And that we were able to get you on to talk about your journey. And, and I guess first and foremost I want to go back in time because like I said, you've been at the, in the schools for. And what initially brought you to working in Williamson? Linda Ereg [00:01:33]: What brought me to Williamson was that Community Mental Health was having at risk coordinators. They had advertised and were placing them in schools that thought that they needed to have someone else working with an at risk population, as we would say, or students that were struggling. They were having some issues with some of the seniors not being able to graduate. And there was starting to be a rise with the dropout rate. So the principal was very worried about that. And they also needed somebody that had a social work background with special education. So that's originally what I was going to get hired and Community Mental Health put me in there. I was a therapist, social worker before and I noticed I was ready to make a move professionally. Linda Ereg [00:02:17]: So I saw this and apply to Community Mental Health and then interviewed here. So, so that's how I started my journey as an at risk coordinator. That's what I was called. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:26]: Now I know you stayed in that role for a bit, but then you over the years transitioned into becoming a counselor and talk to me about that journey. Linda Ereg [00:02:34]: Yes, just at that time we were having some of the teaching was, you know, there was some layoffs and some transitions were happening in general all across the board, not just at Williamson. So I had started for my teaching certificate. I decided to go back, because I had enjoyed working in Lansing in the middle school, which, with, as it turns out, Mr. Lutsky. So he was there at the same school as me. So lo and behold, didn't I see him here when I came. So he encouraged me to go back and finish up. So that's exactly what I did. Linda Ereg [00:03:04]: And in the meantime, we worked at the community center. We had a. We worked with some at risk students at the community center and students that were struggling, gonna drop out. So I did that. I did several things. So I went back, got my teaching certificate in English and health. And the idea was that I would teach health part time because we were building the gym at the time and expanding. So the idea was to get the gym teacher to teach gym all day, and then maybe I would teach English and health. Linda Ereg [00:03:31]: So I started out teaching and working with the other population at the community center. That's how I first started. Mr. Travis and I both did it at the community center together, and it was something to behold for sure. But we got those kids through. So then I taught English 9 and 10 and creative writing. And so then I was suggested, why didn't I go back and add the guidance counselor on? So I had my Ella msw. I was licensed for that. Linda Ereg [00:04:00]: And then that didn't work. What happened is that they had Denise Coelho, who was a social worker. She decided to take it full time. So that left me teaching instead of doing special education. And so I went back for about a summer and a part of a year and got my guidance counselor added onto my teaching certificate. So I could do that six through 12, I could teach or guidance counseling. And, you know, the guidance counseling that was. That was a sidebar. Linda Ereg [00:04:28]: I mean, it was natural because I had so much background with being a therapist and social worker and that. So my background really helped me in the classroom, I think, and also in this position. And I was in the hospital, I got pneumonia, and the principal called me and said, hey, I want you back and I want you in the counseling position. What do you think about that? So when I came back, that's what I did. And I've been here ever since. It was a good fit. It was a natural fit. I missed the teaching, but as it turns out, I worked my way around that, working with students with papers and doing the graduation speeches. Linda Ereg [00:05:01]: So whenever I got a little feeling bad, like, boy, I'd like to go back and teach. The students helped me with that little. For a minute. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:08]: You've stayed in that position for quite some time, and you had an opportunity to be able to impact so many students. And I guess one thing that I would ask is you've done a lot of different things in the district. You ended your career as a guidance counselor. And as you look back to the entirety of your time with the Williamson Community Schools, what sustained you over the years in our district? Linda Ereg [00:05:32]: Well, I think that I got a real love for the community and I think it's real important that Williamston is a very close knit bedroom community. And I really got attached to. And I think it was important that I did. I did a lot of outreach because it was a natural for me with my background to do a lot of things for parents in need, families in need. So I had worked with teens, I had worked with domestic violence, I had worked in a domestic violence shelter and with substance abuse. And I worked through the courts mandated kids to see me through the courts. So I had a lot of different hats I could wear given my background. And it served me well, truthfully, because I was able to network and get people services or resources and that I loved. Linda Ereg [00:06:19]: I didn't realize how much I like that. And it really has. If I would say that anything to any of the new counselor, which I'm going to meet with and the middle school counselor, when I supervised her, I said, listen, networking and hooking up with families and making students sabotage and rapport with the students is going to be what's going to make them successful. If they trust you and the parents trust you, that you have the child's best interest. And the kids always knew that. I mean, I was tracking them down, call them at home, I didn't care right to the bitter end. So it was important and that's what helped because our, our d

  8. 08/14/2025

    Building for the Future: Exciting Updates from Williamston Community Schools

    As the school year kicks off in Williamston, there's a spirit of excitement and promise in the air. On the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis (Board of Education member) sits down with Dr. Adam Spina, Superintendent of Schools, to share an inside look at how the district is "Building for the Future"—not just as a theme, but as a living reality for students, staff, and the whole community. Summer Buzz: Camps and Construction Dr. Spina highlights that while summer may seem quieter with school out, the district is anything but idle. The longstanding Kids Camp kept campuses vibrant and energetic, and serves as a reminder of the community's commitment to giving kids meaningful summer experiences. Dr. Spina even gives a heartfelt shout-out to Rebecca Olson and her staff, who make the camp program such a success each year. But it's the many projects—both visible and more behind-the-scenes—that take up much of the summer. Thanks to a recently approved bond, the district has tackled four major renovations: new lockers and classroom furniture at the middle and high schools, major upgrades to the tennis courts (with help from a generous grant), and a fast-tracked overhaul of the softball field. Dr. Spina gives listeners an update on their status and provides a peek at the careful planning required to get everything ready for students' return. Beyond Bricks and Mortar "Building for the Future" goes well beyond construction. Dr. Spina emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, whether that's implementing new teaching tools like flexible classroom seating, upgrading technology for teachers and students, or rolling out curriculum advances (hello, new K-8 math curriculum!). The commitment to safety is evident too, with updates to security systems and classroom environments across the district. The theme is about more than physical buildings—it's about supporting growth, innovation, and wellbeing. Dr. Spina likens it to a championship team that doesn't rest on its laurels: even after success, the drive to get better never stops. New hires, process reviews, and expert consultations all point toward a future-focused mindset. Stay Engaged As construction continues into the school year and new programs roll out, Dr. Spina encourages open communication—parents, staff, and community members are always welcomed to reach out. To get the full story and hear these updates straight from district leaders, check out the episode. It's an inspiring reminder that in Williamston, building for the future means investing in every aspect of student success. Give the Hornet Hive a listen—you'll feel the energy and vision for yourself! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again and we are getting ready, ready for a brand new school year, but also closing out a really busy summer here in Williamston and there's been a lot of things happening and I'm really excited that today. We have Dr. Spina, Superintendent of Schools on the podcast today to talk about some of these things because it has been a really busy summer and as always, we're really excited about the kickoff of the new year. So we're gonna be talking about all of these different things. Dr. Spina, thanks so much for being here today. Dr. Adam Spina [00:00:58]: Hi, Chris. Yeah, the summer flew by, at least it did for me. But it's been very productive here and so looking forward to sharing what was accomplished and some things to look forward to as the 25, 26 school year commences. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:11]: Now, I know that one of the things that happens over every summer is we have our long standing kids camp program that has been within our district for many, many years. And we had another really successful camp again this year. Right? Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:27]: Yeah. Sometimes people ask me if it gets lonely in the summer when all the students are gone, and I sometimes just remind them that we have the camp running throughout the summer and a lot of times the kids are playing right outside the window of my office here. So in a lot of ways, if I'm in here working, it feels like kids are still in session and school's still going. So that's always great. It's a reminder of what we do this for. And seeing the kids having a good time and the friendships they make and the experiences that they get to have over the course of the summer is just great to see. And just a quick shout out to Rebecca Olson, the director, for all the work she puts into organizing that and her staff, who go above and beyond, like all our staff in Williamston do day in and day out to make that a great experience for the students that are there. So appreciate all their work. Dr. Adam Spina [00:02:09]: And another successful year of kids camp here in Williamston also throughout the summer. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:13]: If you've been driving around our community at all around the schools at all, you will have noticed that it has been really, really busy. There's a lot of projects that happen over the summer as we are not only working on bond issues, but also non bo issue projects. And as always, we want to keep you up to date especially on things that are happening with both of these aspects. So Dr. Spina, talk to us a little bit about some of the summer projects that happened and where we're at with those. Dr. Adam Spina [00:02:45]: So this was the first summer of bond work from the bond that the community graciously approved a year ago. Actually, almost exactly a year ago from I think, the date we're recording this. And we pushed really hard last year with our construction and architectural partners to really try to get things going as quickly as we could. Obviously not cutting corners with planning, but we wanted to make sure the community could see a tangible return on their investment. And so we had four main bond projects that were scheduled for the summer. As of recording this, none of them are done because staying on schedule is always difficult with the different things that develop over the course of many months. But they're all close and I think we'll get there by the time school's back in session. So the first was lockers to replace the lockers at the high school and the middle school. Dr. Adam Spina [00:03:30]: As of recording this, the lockers are in at the high school and you been in the building yet to see them. It's a dramatic difference in terms of how the interior of the building looks. It's just much brighter. It looks new. And obviously the lockers, which is the most important part, are functional. We've also added some benches for students to sit in some of the hallways so they don't have to sit on the floor anymore due to the way the lockers were installed in a double stack configuration. So we had some more wall space. They look great. Dr. Adam Spina [00:03:55]: The middle school lockers, as of recording this, are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. And that's going to be a race to the finish to get those put in. So I can't comment yet in terms of how they look, but hopefully they're in by the time students show up orientation so they can get their combination. So looking forward to that getting done here in the next hopefully few days. Furniture was also a big piece that we worked on throughout the year last year to get different samples of classroom furniture, evaluate those, get feedback from our teachers and students. For the middle and high school as well. That's gone very well. Over the summer. Dr. Adam Spina [00:04:24]: New furniture has been installed throughout the majority of the classrooms at the two buildings. Still waiting for some odds and ends to show up here over the last few days. But again, I'm fairly confident that's all going to be in place by the time students arrive for the first day of school. And again, furniture is. It's functional. It allows for a modular or flexible seating arrangement in class, which is a huge instructional piece. So it's more than just having new furniture, so to speak. It's providing teachers with this additional modality to allow them to be flexible within how they set up different student engagement processes within their classroom. Dr. Adam Spina [00:04:57]: And so we've been piloting this for years. And now all staff will have an opportunity to experiment and engage different practices that really facilitate students working individually, in small groups, large groups, whatever type of configuration is most conducive to the particular lesson that's being taught in a given day. So very excited to see what the future holds for teachers now that they have this additional tool in their classroom. And then the two athletic components of the Bond, which was not focused on athletics, but there were two athletic pieces were the softball and tennis courts. As folks might have seen over the summer, the tennis construction was supplemented by a $200,000 grant from the United States Tennis Association. This is the largest grant they have ever given out. And so again, I just want to credit our athletic Paige Paulson for the work on that, seeing all the things that took place behind the scenes to make that possible. He worked on this for six months times. Dr. Adam Spina [00:05:48]: We weren't sure which way it was going to go, but he saw it through and every dollar helps. But that $200,000 grant is really going to make a substantive difference in terms of the quality of the courts once they get completed. So we had some summer rain storms that I'm sure everybody noticed when their power went out. Some of those have caused a little bit of a delay due to some of the impact that had on the construction. But again, we're confident that should be done without too much delay for the fall sp

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Williamston Community Schools
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Hornet Hive Podcast