The GNSF ”We Belong Here” Podcast

Grinnell Newburg School Foundation
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Weekly update on the latest news and information in the Grinnell School District

  1. 4d ago

    "We Belong Here Podcast" Episode #51- Superintendent Ken Kasper

    🎙️ This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our new Grinnell-Newburg Superintendent, Ken Kasper! Ken shares his enthusiasm about joining the Grinnell-Newburg community as Superintendent and visits with host Dan Walker about his years of experience as an administrator in other school districts. Tune in to hear more about Ken’s journey, his excitement for the future, and his vision for serving the Grinnell-Newburg community. Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here. 💙

  2. Sep 1

    "We Belong Here Podcast" Episode #50- New High School Teachers-

    🎙️ This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our newest high school teachers: Maria Gomez Patino, HS Spanish, and John Rohde, HS Science! Sit back and get to know our new teachers as they share where they came from, some of their favorite activities growing up, and what inspired them to become educators. Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here. 💙

  3. Aug 25

    "We Belong Here Podcast" Episode #49- New Fairview Elementary Teachers-

    This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome new Preschool Teachers- Kaylin Meck, Megan Polzin and Koryn Bakken;  new Kindergarten Teacher- Emily Hertel and new 1st Grade Teacher Kristie Dana. Sit back and find out where are new teachers came from and some of the favorite activities growing up and why they wanted to become teachers. Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here.

  4. May 19

    GNSF "We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #48- Lisa York

    Episode #48 features special guest Lisa York, instructional coach at Grinnell-Newburg School District. A Grinnell High School alumna, Lisa returned to Grinnell after college to begin a career in education that has spanned more than 31 years. In this episode, we look back on her remarkable career, sharing stories and memories from her decades of service at Fairview, Davis, and Bailey Park schools. With Lisa set to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the lasting impact she has had on generations of Grinnell students and families. Lisa truly embodies what it means to say, “We Belong Here,” having been a part of the earliest learning experiences for so many Grinnell students throughout the years.

  5. Apr 28

    GNSF "We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #47- Jan Phifer & Andrea Zhorne

    Episode #47 features special guests Jan Phifer and Andrea Zhorne—better known to many students and families as Miss Jan and Miss Andrea. As Early Childhood Special Education teachers at Fairview Elementary, they’ve spent more than 30 years shaping the earliest learning experiences of Grinnell students. In this episode, we take a look back at their remarkable careers, sharing stories and memories from decades of teaching preschool in Grinnell. With both educators set to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, it’s a fitting time to celebrate the lasting impact they’ve had on generations of learners. Jan and Andrea truly embody what it means to say, “We Belong Here,” having laid the foundation for countless students’ educational journeys.

  6. Apr 14

    GNSF "We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #46- Josh Smith

    Episode #46 of the We Belong Here Podcast features special guest Josh Smith, Principal of Fairview Elementary. Josh has strong roots in the area—he grew up just down the road in Victor and made his way to Grinnell in 2018 as a first-year administrator after many years of teaching in the HLV Community School District and other districts. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, including exciting developments like the new elementary school. Josh’s journey and connection to the community make him a perfect example of what it means to say, “We Belong Here.”

  7. Mar 31

    GNSF "We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #45- Kevin Hosbond

    Episode #45 features special guest Kevin Hosbond, an 11th grade English teacher and Speech Coach at Grinnell High School. In this episode, we dive into this year’s Large Group Speech season, highlighting standout performers and celebrating the groups that advanced to All-State. Kevin also shares insights from his experience coaching and working with students throughout the season. We’ll also take time to recognize Kevin’s recent honor—being named the 2026 Outstanding Educator in Speech/Debate by the Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This prestigious award highlights his dedication, impact, and excellence in speech education.

  8. Mar 10

    "We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #44- Jill Harris

    🎙️ Episode #44 – Jill Harris This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome special guest Jill Harris, retired vocal teacher from Grinnell Middle School. Join us as we take a journey through Jill’s 33 years of teaching in Grinnell, reflecting on the memories, lessons, and impact she made on generations of students. We’ll also talk about what she’s doing today to stay connected and continue supporting the Grinnell Community School District. Jill is a wonderful example of the hard work, dedication, and passion our teachers bring to their students every day. Her story highlights what makes Grinnell Schools such a special place—one where truly We Belong Here. 🎶📚

See All (51)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Weekly update on the latest news and information in the Grinnell School District

Information