At the Grove

The Heritage School

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EDUCATION
UPDATED WEEKLY

At the Grove is the podcast for Heritage families, friends, students, and affiliates. We’re talking all things The Nest—campus happenings, school traditions, and the people who make up The Heritage Difference. With guest interviews and fun conversations, it’s a way to stay connected and celebrate what Heritage is all about: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Camaraderie.

MAY 18

The College Conversation

At the end of this week, our Class of 2026 will walk across the stage and leave the Nest, beginning their next chapter in college and beyond. But their journey to get here didn’t begin this year. From choosing a potential major to preparing for the college admissions process, this work begins in 9th grade and builds steadily through senior year, culminating in official applications, decisions, and acceptances. The college process can feel complex, but Heritage College Counselor Ms. Kalen Brandenburg is here to guide students and families every step of the way. In this episode, we talk with Ms. Brandenburg about Heritage’s College and Career program, the steps involved in the application process, common misconceptions, and practical tips for students and families navigating it all. She is joined by AJ Oliveira, Class of 2026, who shares his perspective as a student in the program and reflects on his own college application journey. Take a listen to learn more about the process and gain insight into what the journey really looks like from start to finish. Episode Chapters 0:00–1:36 | Welcome and Introductions1:37–7:07 | The College Application Process Overview7:08–8:45 | What Colleges Are Looking for in Applications8:46–14:11 | Challenges Students Face in the Application Process14:12–15:17 | Common Mistakes in the Application Process15:18–23:17 | Heritage College Counseling Process and Courses23:18–28:32 | Shifts in College Admissions Today28:33–33:08 | Advice for Students Starting the Process33:09–36:30 | How Families Can Support Students36:31–40:03 | A Heritage Success Story and Closing

40 min
MAR 26

Raising the Curtain

We’re raising the curtain on a year of growth in The Grove Theatre and Heritage’s performing arts programs. In this episode of At the Grove, we go behind the scenes to celebrate a year of creativity, learning, and student achievement in both theatre and music. We sit down with theatre director Loren Castro, music teacher Ms. Jojo, and Grove Theatre students Savannah and Kyler to talk about this year’s Literary competition, the momentum building in the performing arts, and what it’s been like for students to be part of that growth. The conversation also looks ahead to the opening of Junie B. Jones the Musical, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into rehearsals, student experiences, and the energy surrounding this production. Episode Chapters 0:00 – 1:50 | About the Growing Music & Theatre Programs1:51 – 4:59 | Welcome & Introductions5:00 – 9:30 | Teacher & Student Takeaways 9:30 – 11:59 | Junie B. Jones & Rehearsals12:00 – 23:00 | Being on the Literary Team23:01 – 24:54 | How Literary & Theatre Complement Each Other24:55 – 28:00 | Lessons Learned: Teachers & Students Reflect28:01 – 29:12 | Advice for Students Wanting to Get Involved29:13 – 32:59 | Funny or Memorable Moments from Rehearsal33:00 – End | Junie B. Jones Dates, Literary Results & Sign-Off

34 min
FEB 20

Imagine the Possibilities

With reenrollment season now underway, it’s the perfect time to hear how The Heritage School plans for the year ahead under our motto, Imagine the Possibilities. In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Board President Mike Thompson, Finance Chair Sally Love Connally, and Head of School Kristin Skelly to give families a behind-the-scenes look at how governance, leadership, and thoughtful planning come together during this important season. We cover everything from the role of the Board at Heritage and why strong governance matters during reenrollment, to how tuition is set, what it means to be a no-debt school, and why early reenrollment is critical to effective planning. The conversation also touches on strategic planning, parent feedback from the SAIS survey, and how our reenrollment motto reflects the possibilities ahead for students, programs, and the future of the school. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – 4:38 | Welcome & Bios 4:39 – 7:55 | Role of the Board at THS 7:56 – 9:10 | Why Strong Board Governance Matters During Reenrollment 9:11 – 14:00 | How Tuition is Set 14:01 – 15:55 | Being a No-Debt School 15:56 – 18:10 | Importance of Reenrolling Early in the Planning Process 18:11 – 24:08 | Strategic Planning, Board Feedback, & SAIS Survey Insights 24:09 – 26:25 | Our Reenrollment Motto: Imagine the Possibilities & Reflections

30 min
JAN 16

Drop Everything and Serve

At Heritage, service is at the heart of who we are. From our youngest learners to our seniors, students are encouraged to give back to their communities in meaningful ways, big and small. Every January, Heritage highlights this commitment through Drop Everything and Serve in honor of MLK Jr. Day, when middle and upper school students step away from the classroom to volunteer and make a difference. In this two-part interview episode of At the Grove, we first sit down with seniors AJ Oliveira and Maddie Brenan to hear about their experiences leading service projects, including Drop Everything and Serve, and the impact these opportunities have on students and the community. In Part 2, we talk with Ms. Becca Springfield, 1st-grade teacher and Lower School SGA sponsor, along with Ruby, the 4th-grade SGA class president, about how even our youngest students get involved and learn the value of service. Part 1: 0:00 - 19:00 Part 2: 19:00 - 33:28

33 min
12/17/2025

Beyond the Core Classes

Episode Description:At Heritage, electives give students the chance to explore skills beyond the core curriculum. In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Chadwick Moore, Martha Milam, and Catherine Hallman to dive into hands-on classes like woodworking, forensics, oceanography, and life skills. From cooking and budgeting to building projects and scientific investigations, students are learning practical skills, gaining confidence, and discovering abilities they didn’t know they had. Through engaging stories and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode highlights how electives inspire creativity, connect to core subjects, and even help students explore future careers—all while having fun along the way. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – 2:18 – Introduction & Welcome2:18 – 6:36 – Overview of Electives and What They Cover6:36 – 11:36 – A Day in the Life of an Elective Class11:37 – 17:02 – Student Impact: Projects and Inspiration17:03 – 19:53 – Connections Between Electives and Core Classes19:54 – 23:23 – How Electives Help Students Explore Careers23:24 – 25:33 – Ending & Fun Question: Surviving on a Deserted Island

26 min
11/19/2025

All in the (Heritage) Family

At Heritage, families are at the heart of our community. In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Frank and Beth Marchman, Presidents of the Grandparents Club, and Jeaneane Camp, President of the Parents Club. All three have deep roots at Heritage—Frank was a teacher here for 25 years, their son (Alden Marchman) graduated and now works here, and they currently have seven grandchildren attending the school. Jeaneane and her husband both attended Heritage as Middle/Upper School students and now have a 7th grader and a 2nd grader on campus. They share stories about their clubs, the projects and traditions they support, and how volunteering brings families together. With plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode shows the real impact parents and grandparents have in shaping life at Heritage.Episode Chapters: 0:00 – 3:15 – Welcome & Meet Our Guests3:16 – 4:40 – How They Started Leading the Clubs4:41 – 10:35 – Parents & Grandparents Club: Projects & Life on Campus10:36 – 16:42 – Making an Impact in the Heritage Community16:43 – 19:53 – Parents & Grandparents Club: Exciting Projects This Year19:54 – 22:50 – Grandparents Day Highlights22:51 – 22:36 – How to Connect with the Clubs22:36 – 26:34 – Wrap Up & Why You'll Want to Get Involved

27 min
10/23/2025

Are You All In?

At Heritage, being ALL In means coming together to strengthen our community and support every part of school life. Join us as we chat with Head of School Kristin Skelly and Development Coordinator Walker Sandlin about the ALL In Campaign—what it is, how it supports the Heritage Fund, and why participation at every level matters. From completed projects funded by last year’s campaign to a look ahead at how this year’s Heritage Fund will be used, this episode breaks down the three levels of involvement—Give, Volunteer, and Invest—and how each helps The Heritage School continue to grow and thrive. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – 1:26 – Welcome1:27 – 4:44 – What is the ALL IN Campaign?4:45 – 6:27 – Completed Projects from Last Year’s Campaign6:28 – 10:58 – Breaking Down the Three Levels: Give10:59 – 12:44 – Breaking Down the Three Levels: Volunteer12:45 – 19:05 – Breaking Down the Three Levels: Invest / Georgia GOAL19:06 – 24:00 – ALL In Rewards for Families24:01 – 32:00 – How the Heritage Fund Will Be Used This Year

31 min
10/03/2025

The Power of Unplugging

At Heritage, students are stepping away from screens and reconnecting with the world around them. Join us as we chat with Upper School Director Matt Lage and AP Psychology Teacher Kristina Marchman about the inspiration behind the school’s new no-cell-phone policy, how students across divisions are adapting, and the creative ways they’re filling their phone-free time. From student reactions and surprising moments to the research and reasoning behind the policy, this episode explores how unplugging is helping students focus, socialize, and engage more fully in campus life. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – 1:24 – Welcome & Introduction1:25 – 5:25 – What the New Cell Phone Policy Is and Why It Matters Now5:26 – 8:52 – Phones, Society, and the Impact on Mental Health8:53 – 14:16 – Social Skills and the Importance of Real-World Connection14:17 – 18:02 – Using Cell Phones and Tech as Positive Tools18:03 – 24:04 – Student Reactions, Challenges, and Funny Stories24:05 – 26:13 – How the Policy Reinforces Heritage’s Mission26:14 – 29:25 – Wrap Up and Phone-Free Challenges for Listeners

30 min

At the Grove is the podcast for Heritage families, friends, students, and affiliates. We’re talking all things The Nest—campus happenings, school traditions, and the people who make up The Heritage Difference. With guest interviews and fun conversations, it’s a way to stay connected and celebrate what Heritage is all about: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Camaraderie.

Creator

The Heritage School
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

17
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© The Heritage School
Show Website

At the Grove