Tradition Never Graduates

Oostburg School District
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION

This podcast will connect our listeners with Oostburg School District tradition through stories which link our past, present and future

Episodes

  1. FEB 19

    E10 - Behind the Curtain with Tamala Szyman

    In this special episode of Tradition Never Graduates, we sit down with our theater director and high school English teacher, Tamala Szyman, to talk about the incredible impact of our Performing Arts Center on students and our entire school community. From building sets on stage in the “old days” to state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and projection capabilities, Tamila shares how the new theater space has transformed opportunities for students—not just in drama, but in band, choir, and beyond. 🎭 But this conversation goes deeper than lights and costumes. We explore how theater: ✨ Builds confidence and resilience ✨ Encourages healthy risk-taking ✨ Teaches problem-solving in real time ✨ Fosters teamwork, vulnerability, and trust ✨ Creates an “AND school” culture—where students can pursue academics, athletics, arts, and more You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories from productions like Shrek and Matilda, the power of student-led tech crews, and how community support—including the Bruce Krier Foundation—continues to expand what’s possible for our students. Whether you’re a parent, alum, student, or community member, this episode highlights why a space designed for the arts does more than host performances—it elevates learning, connection, and tradition. 🎧 Tune in and step behind the curtain with us.

    46 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Episode 9 - Understanding the School District Report Card: Growth, Achievement, and the Power of “And”

    In this episode of our annual meeting recap series, we take a deep dive into the Wisconsin School District Report Card and what it tells us about Oostburg Schools. Joined by district data expert Amy Bares and Middle School principal and assessment coordinator Sherri Stengel, we explain how report cards are calculated, what growth, achievement, and target group scores mean, and how the report card affirms progress toward our "all students" mission. The conversation highlights Oostburg’s fourth-place ranking statewide, exceptional growth among our lowest-achieving students, and how strong academics, student engagement, and robust extra and cocurricular opportunities work together, not separately, to support all learners.

    32 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    E08 - Breaking Down the Budget: State Aid, Property Values & Voucher Impacts - Kevin and Kris

    In this episode, we sit down with Director of HR & Finance Kris Deburine to unpack one of the most important, and most misunderstood, parts of our annual Mmeting, school finance. We start with the heart of our community, reflecting on our Veterans Day program and the incredible student leadership behind it. Then we dig into the budget: how school funding works, how equalization aid is calculated, and why this year’s local levy increased. If you’ve ever looked at your tax bill and wondered, “Why did this go up?”, this episode breaks it down in plain language.

    45 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    E07 Co-Op and Youth Apprenticeship with Kevin and Josh

    Kevin and Josh join the show to talk about how Co-Op and Youth Apprenticeship help students gain real-world experience while earning school credit. They explain how each program works, how students are placed with employers, and what businesses can expect when partnering with the district. From workplace expectations and mentor support to student growth and future program expansion, this episode gives families, students, and community partners a clear look at how hands-on learning prepares students for life after high school.

    33 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    E06 District Newsletter & Annual Meeting Recap with Kevin and Terry

    In this episode, Kevin and Terry discuss how the ACT has changed over the years and what that means for students today. They also highlight our district’s consistent performance on the ACT, showing how steady progress has positioned us as one of the top schools in the state. Plus, they cover key points from the district newsletter and provide a recap of the annual meeting.

    22 min

  6. 10/03/2023

    E05 Kris and Steve Rogers

    Kris and Steve have dedicated years to the students and community in Oostburg. Hear stories about Hingham School, wrestling and family.

    34 min

  7. 05/24/2023

    E04 Jon and Beth Grosshuesch

    Jon and Beth have a longstanding connection to our schools and district as parents, business partners, educators and community members.  Thanks for tuning in!

    47 min

  8. 04/27/2023

    E03 Sally Prinsen

    Some people are born to teach and after 34 "homerooms" Sally Prinsen is retiring at the end of this school year. Listen in for a chat with Sally, another great storyteller and dedicated educator in our third episode of the Tradition Never Graduates podcast.  Music "125" by Kylie Hummitzsch

    34 min

  9. 04/05/2023

    E02 Jerry Kohlbeck

    Enjoy stories with a friend, colleague, coach, teacher and mentor, Jerry Kohlbeck who, at 91 years old, continues to coach track and invest in the staff, students and community of Oostburg.

    31 min
  10. E01 Jim Swart - Truly Uncommon, Tremendously Supportive

    03/17/2023

    E01 Jim Swart - Truly Uncommon, Tremendously Supportive

    In this, our first episode the Tradition Never Graduates podcast, we will interview someone truly uncommon and tremendously supportive, 20 year school board member and current president, Jim Swart.

    16 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

This podcast will connect our listeners with Oostburg School District tradition through stories which link our past, present and future

Information

  • Creator
    Oostburg School District
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Oostburg School District
  • Show Website
    Tradition Never Graduates