ProjectUnite - Crosby-Ironton School District #182

ProjectUnite

The ProjectUnite Podcast, hosted by Janel Lewandowski and Liz Toftness, gives you a peek inside our Crosby-Ironton school and the community it’s nestled in. We talk to members of ProjectUnite, along with district staff, school board members, community leaders, and C-I students. We strive to bring something holistic to our District 182 listeners by interviewing diverse people and learning about the needs and triumphs of those in the forefront and in the background.

  1. 10/06/2025

    Project Unite + Superintendent Aulie

    In mid-September, a few parents from Project Unite had the pleasure of interviewing our new superintendent, Rick Aulie. Mr. Aulie shares his first impressions of being back in the Crosby-Ironton School District, his ranger roots - they go back to the early 1900s! - and his vision and goals for the year. We asked him what he’s finding to be the biggest misconception about the referendum, whether voters could approve a resolution to move bond funds to manage the current budget shortfall, who decides what the remodeling needs and projects will be, and whether the district will consider merging with another district if the referendum doesn’t pass. This is a longer episode, but it's worth listening to.If you're particularly interested in the referendum, skip to around 24 minutes to listen to Mr. Aulie answer those questions. Please share. GO-CI-GO!

    Project Unite + Superintendent Aulie

  2. 05/09/2025

    What is it like to transition from homeschool to public school? Here's a student's perspective!

    We have another student on the podcast this week- Oliver Toftness was in the studio! (The 'studio' is really just an empty office at the Crosby Ironton High School, but we’re considering putting our name on the door.) Oliver talked to us about his transition from homeschool to public school, which started in January of 2020, the second semester of his seventh-grade year. Janel and I (Liz) are both former homeschool moms, and it’s interesting to hear things from the student’s perspective. As we considered sending our four children to public school after eight years of homeschooling, my friend and homeschool Guru, Marcie Stokman told me, “What’s best for the parents is what’s best for the child." Amen, Marcie. We hope you enjoy the episode!'

    What is it like to transition from homeschool to public school? Here's a student's perspective!

  3. 04/28/2025

    Crosby Ironton's Walk to Hope with Cadence Wynn

    Listen in as Crosby-Ironton senior Cadence Wynn shares the details about the upcoming charity walk planed by SALT, C-I's service group. On Wednesday, May 7th, come down to the Crosby-Ironton High School track to participate in our 3rd annual Walk to HOPE. The gates open at 5 and the walk begins at 6 P.M. This walk benefits HOPE (Healing Opportunity Provided Equally), a local domestic violence organization to help individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. The cost is $20 to attend. We are having a friendly competition against Aitkin to see who can get the most participants. Lets show Ranger pride and support for HOPE on May 7th!

    Crosby Ironton's Walk to Hope with Cadence Wynn

  4. 01/28/2025

    C-I Special Olympics and Unified Partners with Mr. Syrstad

    Did you know our C-I schools have an excellent Special Olympics program that touches many different students and helps them grow in friendship and confidence? We’ve got a whole team of students who serve as Unified Partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities), training and competing as teammates alongside Special Olympics athletes on our Unified Sports Teams. Those friendships bring so many good things. Listen in as we interview Mr. Bryan Srystad, physical education and adaptive physical education teacher and coach, about what’s happening in Unified Sports and the upcoming Cool School Plunge fundraiser on March 17th! Want to support the program financially? You can use this link to donate to support our Crosby-Ironton Special Olympics: https://www.plungemn.org/events/crosby-ironton-high-school-cool-school/

    C-I Special Olympics and Unified Partners with Mr. Syrstad

  5. 09/17/2024

    Meet 2024-25 CRES Principal, Taylor Demuth

    It was a joy to sit down with the CRES 24-25 principal, Mrs. Taylor Demuth. We talked about her journey in K-6 education and her sense of calling to work with kids. We learned about the elementary teachers’ literacy training that results in a day off every month for CRES kids this school year. We also found out there are two CRES teachers who hail from her small town way up north! If you’re looking for inspiration to encourage the students in your life to be the best humans they can be, join us for this season’s first episode of the Project Unite Podcast!

    Meet 2024-25 CRES Principal, Taylor Demuth

  6. 04/11/2024

    Community Success Story: Ranger Youth Sports

    Meet Hannah Wesner, a Crosby-Ironton parent and the powerhouse behind the newly formed non-profit Ranger Youth Sports. She's got tons of energy and ideas. In a matter of months, she and leaders have offered opportunities in basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, biking, track and field, football, volleyball, tennis, and Nordic skiing - not to mention open gyms for the whole family! Visit www.rangeryouthsports.com for more information and opportunities.

    Community Success Story: Ranger Youth Sports

  7. 01/15/2024

    What's next for the C-I School District after the failed referendum?

    Are you curious about the next steps for Crosby-Ironton public schools after November’s failed referendum? We were, so we sat down with school board members Kim Coughlin and Mike Domin. They gave us the grim and the good that will come from District 182’s almost-but-not-quite election. While there are still many unknowns, we learned a lot- including long-range vision from a 25+ year board member. Listen to be informed about the upcoming changes and please help spread the word!

  8. 12/11/2023

    The Power of Mentorship - Kinship Partners with Amy Gray

    Our guest on this week’s podcast is Amy Gray, Executive Director of Kinship Partners. Join us to hear about the amazing work Kinship is doing and the opportunities they offer. We’re so grateful for the impact they’re making in our school and community. Learn about how to become a mentor, and how to enroll your child in the program. And- they’re hiring!

    The Power of Mentorship - Kinship Partners with Amy Gray
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About

The ProjectUnite Podcast, hosted by Janel Lewandowski and Liz Toftness, gives you a peek inside our Crosby-Ironton school and the community it’s nestled in. We talk to members of ProjectUnite, along with district staff, school board members, community leaders, and C-I students. We strive to bring something holistic to our District 182 listeners by interviewing diverse people and learning about the needs and triumphs of those in the forefront and in the background.

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