Coffee Cast

St. Cloud Area School District 742

742 Coffee Cast is your ultimate destination for insightful conversations, thought-provoking ideas, innovative strategies and fascinating personalities in the St. Cloud Area School District.  New podcasts will drop the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Learn more about St. Cloud Area School District 742 at isd742.org.

Episodes

  1. Ep. 10: Blair Lyerly-Samuelson and Sam Oveson: Unlocking Summer Opportunities Through Community Education

    07/11/2024

    Ep. 10: Blair Lyerly-Samuelson and Sam Oveson: Unlocking Summer Opportunities Through Community Education

    Ever wondered how to keep your kids engaged and learning during the hot summer months? Discover the secret formula to a fun and educational summer in our latest episode of the 742 CoffeeCast. From art to robotics, these experts reveal the extensive range of Youth Enrichment programs designed to blend fun and education seamlessly. Meet Blair and Sam as they highlight Project Challenge and youth enrichment classes. Find out how the district continues to offer diverse activities like fencing, language, and music, catering to the varied interests of the community. Our guests also shine a spotlight on the ARISE program, ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to these enriching opportunities. Curious about how these programs come to life? Get an insider’s view into the process of organizing and staffing these classes, from hiring district aquatic instructors to engaging high school coaches and local experts. Learn how easy it is to register for these programs through the community ed website. Plus, if you’ve got a creative idea for a class, find out how you can propose and teach it within the community education framework. Tune in and let us guide you through the wealth of opportunities that await your family's summer in the St. Cloud Area School District. Have a great podcast idea? Submit your idea to communications@isd742.org Subscribe and thanks for listening!

    21 min
  2. Ep. 9: Gail Cruikshank: Bridging Education and Industry for Future Careers

    06/25/2024

    Ep. 9: Gail Cruikshank: Bridging Education and Industry for Future Careers

    Get ready to uncover the secrets of integrating real-world industry insights into education with Gail Cruikshank from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC). Ever wondered how local businesses and schools can team up to better prepare students for future careers? This episode promises to enlighten you on the transformative power of such partnerships. Gail, the Talent Director at GSDC, shares her experience in fostering economic development across Stearns, Benton, and northern Sherburne counties. From the Employer Advisory Council's efforts to align educational curriculums with workforce needs to the EPIC initiative's hands-on career exploration opportunities, Gail reveals the strategies driving student preparedness and career awareness in the St Cloud area. Join us as we highlight the EPIC initiative's focus on meaningful student-employer interactions, featuring real success stories like a student's unexpected passion shift from health sciences to welding. Discover the potential for mentorship opportunities and the importance of relationships in education. Gail also discusses future plans for EPIC, including specialized industry sessions for students and externships for educators, ensuring that both students and teachers benefit from real-world industry insights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of community partnerships on making education more relevant and impactful. Don't miss out on these valuable insights and inspiring stories! Have a great podcast idea? Submit your idea to communications@isd742.org Subscribe and thanks for listening!

    29 min
  3. Ep. 8: Jeff Wucherer: Creating Magic in the Kindergarten Classroom

    06/04/2024

    Ep. 8: Jeff Wucherer: Creating Magic in the Kindergarten Classroom

    What makes a kindergarten classroom truly magical? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jeff Wucherer, a veteran kindergarten teacher with 25 years of experience, as he shares his journey into the world of education. Influenced by his family's teaching legacy and a transformative stint in England, Jeff brings his wealth of knowledge and heartwarming stories to our podcast. From recognizing familiar faces in the community to attending former students' graduations, Jeff paints a vivid picture of the joys and challenges of being a constant presence in his students' lives. Consistency is key in Jeff's classroom. We explore how routines and transitions play a crucial role in building children's confidence and creating a positive learning environment.  Jeff sheds light on hands-on learning techniques, especially in subjects like math, and the importance of integrating arts and physical education to keep young minds engaged. Ever wondered how to make everyday activities a fun learning experience for kids? Jeff offers practical and creative tips for parents to engage their children outside the classroom. Discover how simple actions like turning name letters into puzzles or counting snacks can significantly boost a child's confidence and skills. Jeff shares his observations of incredible growth and the joy of witnessing their progress. We invite listeners to submit their podcast ideas to the St. Cloud Area School District. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of the 742 CoffeeCast! Have a great podcast idea? Submit your idea to communications@isd742.org Subscribe and thanks for listening!

    37 min
  4. Ep.6: The Art of Steering Young Lives: Bus Driver Dads

    05/07/2024

    Ep.6: The Art of Steering Young Lives: Bus Driver Dads

    Ever wonder who's at the heart of our children's daily journey to school? Today, we're tipping our hats to the heroes of the morning rush—school bus drivers. Our very own Ayan Omar, joined by three of District 742's finest, Abdi Kaarshe, Abdul Abdi and Paul Burris, steers us through the laughter and challenges that paint the world of those who drive our students. Their shift from long-haul trucking to navigating school routes unfolds tales of precious family moments and the immeasurable impact they have on the kids they greet each day. As the wheels on the bus go round and round, so do the stories of appreciation that fuel the spirits of these drivers. Our episode blossoms with tales of simple yet profound thanks, from homemade cookies to heartfelt notes, painting a vivid picture of the community's gratitude. But the journey doesn't end at the last stop; it continues into the world of creativity and mentorship. One of our guests, a devoted father, artist, and mentor, shares how the flexibility of his role as a bus driver complements his passion for art and fostering young minds. His story, complete with a chuckle-worthy anecdote about his young passengers, illustrates how these custodians of the daily commute are crafting a community, one ride at a time. Join us for a trip down the route of gratitude and inspiration—it's a ride worth taking. Have a great podcast idea? Submit your idea to communications@isd742.org Subscribe and thanks for listening!

    31 min

About

742 Coffee Cast is your ultimate destination for insightful conversations, thought-provoking ideas, innovative strategies and fascinating personalities in the St. Cloud Area School District.  New podcasts will drop the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Learn more about St. Cloud Area School District 742 at isd742.org.