Mar 8

Technology with Intention: Building Thoughtful Digital Citizens Together

In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, and Marie Unanue, Rossman's Librarian, explore digital literacy and healthy technology use as a shared responsibility between school and home. They explain why digital well-being is no longer a standalone unit, but a lifelong skill that Rossman begins teaching as early as kindergarten. As students grow, the curriculum evolves from foundational lessons in device care and understanding total screen time to deeper conversations about mindful consumption versus creation. Hear reflections from sixth-grade students and learn about the trusted resources that guide Rossman's approach in teaching them. Reserving time to be unplugged is more important than ever and Rossman remains committed to preserving low-tech, hands-on spaces that encourage balance and meaningful connection. Above all, this episode highlights partnership in raising thoughtful, responsible digital citizens.

11/30/2025

Feeling at Home: Inside the Admission Experience at Rossman

In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of the first people who makes Rossman feel like home: Sarah, our Director of Admission. Known for her genuine warmth and the way she effortlessly puts families at ease, Sarah shares a beautiful look inside the admissions journey. With a background as a classroom teacher, Sarah brings a unique lens to her work. She talks about the joy she finds in connecting with families, the importance of partnership, and why independent school education can be so transformative for children. Along the way, she breaks down the Rossman process, offers a glimpse into student visit days and shadow experiences, and explains how our unique approach to teaching ensures every child is known, challenged, and loved. If you're interested in connecting with Rossman about admission, you can learn more on our website.

11/02/2025

The Essential Skills: Dr. Peg Dawson on Building Executive Function in Kids

In this episode, Rossman’s Jess Baker and Jess Fletcher, from our Learning Effectiveness Team, sit down with Dr. Peg Dawson, an internationally recognized school psychologist and co-author of the Smart but Scattered series. Her work has helped parents and educators around the world better understand executive functioning skills—the brain-based abilities we all use to manage daily tasks, stay organized, and get things done. She explains why developing these skills is essential for children’s success both in and out of the classroom. Together, they discuss which executive skills are most important during the elementary years, how parents can nurture independence through everyday routines, and simple ways to problem-solve when strategies don’t seem to work. Dr. Dawson also offers insight into how to recognize when a child might simply be “smart but scattered” versus when anxiety or another concern may be at play. Ultimately, she offers reassurance that these skills take time to develop and that small, consistent steps make a big difference.

10/05/2025

Beyond the Notes: How Music Shapes Learning

In this episode, we hear from Amira, a Rossman alumna and faculty member, whose life has been shaped by music. From starting violin at age 3 to singing her first solo at the Rossman holiday program, to performing at places like Carnegie Hall in her early 20s, Amira has never stopped making music. She shares how Rossman first nurtured her passion—through a community that made her feel at home and the powerful influence of her former music teacher, Jane Brader. Today, she passes that joy on to her students, teaching them not only to sing but also to collaborate, support one another, and gain confidence through performance. Amira has always valued how music connects people and creates lasting memories, and she feels honored to be part of so many treasured experiences at Rossman.

08/24/2025

Safe, Known, and Celebrated: The Heart of Lower School

In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, sits down with Rachel Fowle, Rossman's Director of Lower School and a lifelong educator. Rachel shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her belief that a safe, nurturing community is the greatest gift we can give a child. With a career spanning three decades, she reveals her unique ability to tell when a child needs a little extra care and emphasizes the importance of unstructured play over screen time. Rachel also discusses her passion for supporting teachers and her joy in partnering with mission-aligned families. The conversation is a testament to her deep commitment to both students and educators.

05/04/2025

The Beauty of Improvising and Unscripted Learning

In this heartwarming episode of Perspectives, Rossman alumnus G.T. returns to campus as guest host for a special conversation with Annie Menees, a long-time fifth-grade teacher at Rossman who also happens to be his former babysitter! Tune in as they share fond memories and explore Annie's 17-year commitment to shaping young minds through her passion for writing and literature. Discover how she embraces the daily improvisation that comes with teaching to coach students in finding their unique voice and to approach creative learning without the fear of imperfection. Overcoming that fear is something she believes is critical in preparing them for secondary school and beyond.

04/06/2025

Anything Can Be Art: Methods for Unlocking Creativity

Guest host and former student G.T. sits down with Rossman's beloved art teacher, Erica Spangler, who has inspired hundreds of students since her start at Rossman in 2013. During the interview, Erica shares how her artist mother instilled in her the belief that ‘anything can be art,’ a concept she brings to life in her classroom. To help demonstrate this concept, she introduces students to diverse art forms to show that creativity is multifaceted and there isn’t one “right” way to be an artist. She also reinforces this mentality by utilizing 'studio habits of mind,' which are essential art mindsets like observation and imagination, to help students uncover what 'superpowers' they can use when creating art. Tune in to tap into her infectious joy of art and learning.

03/09/2025

The Two-Way Street: Teachers Learn and Grow with Students

In this episode, guest host and former student G.T. interviews Jordan Andes, Rossman's Director of Upper School and Auxiliary Programs. With seven years at Rossman, Jordan shares his teaching philosophy as a two-way street, where teachers and students learn from each other. Hear about the keepsakes he holds dear, each representing a student's unique journey, and how students constantly stretch and inspire him. He also details how Rossman teachers use bi-weekly meetings to support students and leverage their strengths. Jordan then highlights a few moments that shaped his teaching career and shares songs that resonate with his daily work and the Rossman culture. All in all, this episode is a testament to the deep connections and the nurturing environment that defines Rossman School.

03/09/2025

The Rossman Foundation: An Alumni Perspective

Our first episode of 'Perspectives' features an insightful conversation with a Rossman School graduate. He takes us back to his early days at Rossman, sharing stories of adapting, learning, and growing within the school's unique environment. He talks about the unmatched connections with teachers, the joy of learning traditions like cursive, and the confidence Rossman instilled in him for his next steps. Now pursuing his passion for filmmaking, he shares his dreams and offers valuable advice to his younger self: live in the moment. This episode is a celebration of the Rossman experience and its enduring impact.

Episode 1

Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School (Trailer)

Get ready for 'Perspectives,' the first podcast from Rossman School! Launching March 9th, join Director of Technology Brad Williams for engaging interviews with faculty, parents, students, and experts. We'll explore the heart of early childhood education, revealing the power of diverse perspectives coming together. Tune in and spring into new perspectives with Rossman School!

Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School

Episodes

Technology with Intention: Building Thoughtful Digital Citizens Together

Feeling at Home: Inside the Admission Experience at Rossman

The Essential Skills: Dr. Peg Dawson on Building Executive Function in Kids

Beyond the Notes: How Music Shapes Learning

Safe, Known, and Celebrated: The Heart of Lower School

The Beauty of Improvising and Unscripted Learning

Anything Can Be Art: Methods for Unlocking Creativity

The Two-Way Street: Teachers Learn and Grow with Students

The Rossman Foundation: An Alumni Perspective

Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School (Trailer)

Trailer

Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School (Trailer)

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