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In this eye-opening conversation, Alexis is joined by Tara Coffland and Kim Washington, founding members of the YouMeWeAll Boise (Youth Mental Wellness Alliance). This inspiring group was established after the heart-wrenching loss of four students to suicide within just one month (in 2023) in the Boise School District. Driven by their deep concern for the wellbeing of their children and community, these parents asked themselves what could be done to improve the lives of Boise's students. Out of these discussions, YouMeWeAll was born—an alliance dedicated to four key initiatives aimed at sparking positive changes in district policies.

As their initial gathering morphed into a dynamic movement, YouMeWeAll is collaborating closely with the school district to form working groups focused on transformative areas: technology use, school start times, mental health policies that pave new ground in the state, and the enrichment that comes from outdoor learning. With technology info nights attracting upwards of 250 parents, the impact is monumental, and they're just getting started. Continuing to join forces with other organizations, these parents are committed to spreading their message and inspiring other communities across the state. Join us to learn about their journey and discover how you can initiate similar efforts in your own school area. Don't forget to visit their website for more information.

Connect with the Youth Mental Wellness Alliance:

https://www.youmeweall.org/

YouMeWeALL Boise on Instagram

YouMeWeAll Boise on Facebook

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Join me for an inspiring conversation with Norm Stewart, the superintendent of the Marsing School District, as he discusses the successful implementation of the Community School Strategy in his district. Collaborating closely with the school board, Norm has witnessed firsthand the positive effects of this model on the school community. In this episode, he opens up about his personal connection to the work and shares valuable insights for introducing new programs in any district. Tune in to explore how the United Way of Treasure Valley supports this transformative strategy, impacting schools across Idaho. Gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles that administrators play in rural districts and learn about effective conflict resolution in governance. This episode is packed with guidance on change leadership, innovation, and creativity essential for addressing the evolving needs of our school communities. Don't miss it!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Join Alexis as the interviews T.J. Eriksen, Band Director at Eagle High School, as they dive into the vibrant world of music education in Idaho! T.J. is an inspiring band teacher who has transformed the music program into one of the finest in the state. We'll explore the joys and challenges of being a music educator in 2024. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind building an exceptional band program, the time commitments that come with the territory, and the vital role that the band community plays in enriching students' experiences. As we chat about funding challenges, we'll also delve into the broader impact of music education on student growth and well-being. Plus, we’ll look ahead to what the future holds for music education in Idaho and discuss how the community can come together to foster positive change. Tune in for a dynamic conversation full of insights, inspiration, and the true spirit of music!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Alexis sits down with Debbie Critchfield, the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Idaho, to explore what she is doing in her pivotal role in shaping the state’s education landscape. As the primary education leader, Debbie delves into her four key priorities which surround the ideas of: improving student literacy and math skills, expanding college and career readiness, improving teacher experiences in both the classroom and parent interaction, and fostering safe and supportive school environments. Join them as they tackle pressing topics such as absenteeism, its impact on local school budgets, and the intricacies of the funding formula. With practical strategies and forward-thinking initiatives, this conversation offers a deep dive into the educational challenges facing Idaho and highlights the importance of encouraging students to "show up" for their learning. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about the future of education in the state, this episode is a must-listen!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

Send us a text

In the exciting season opener, host Alexis Morgan sits down with Dr. Derek Bub, the superintendent of the West Ada School District, the largest district in Idaho, serving nearly 40,000 students. This engaging conversation covers essential topics relevant for parents and staff, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the district's goals for the upcoming year, significant data sharing, and key initiatives aimed at enhancing student success. Listeners can expect to hear Dr. Bub address critical questions, including the district’s objectives for students and educators, the challenges of leading such a large district, and the strategies in place to improve academic performance, particularly in reading and math. Additional topics of discussion include bussing expectations for parents, ways for parents to get involved and be heard, how to address rising costs of college fees, and efforts to prepare students for careers in an evolving educational landscape. Join us for this informative episode packed with valuable information for all stakeholders in West Ada and education!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Join us for the season finale as Alexis sits down with her friend and producer, Matt, to reflect on an incredible first season. In this episode, Alexis shares six profound takeaways from this journey, fittingly concluding the season with insights from the past year, echoing the takeaways presented at the end of each episode.

Highlights include:

• The necessity of conversations that Our Kids Our Schools brings to light, filling a crucial gap in statewide discourse.
• A recurring theme: Kids & Tech, exploring the complex relationship between youth and technology.
• Challenging stereotypes of teens and their innate desire for meaningful connections.
• A future-focused discussion on how kids are not just part of tomorrow but essential to shaping it today.
• Personal reflections from Alexis on what the podcast experience has meant to her.
• Plus, exciting news about Alexis's new Instagram page: @The_Idaho_Lady.

This is an episode you can't miss as we toast to a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you again at the start of September. And always remember, keep learning, keep questioning, and together—let's make a difference.

Cheers to you all!
Alexis

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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In this episode, Alexis sits down with Marisela Pesina, the School Board Chairwoman for the Caldwell School District, to explore her journey from being the daughter of migrant workers to becoming a powerful advocate for her community. Marisela speaks about how she discovered her voice and turned it into a force for change, translating personal challenges into dedicated advocacy. The conversation delves into the tough decisions faced by the school board, including navigating the repercussions of the recently failed Supplemental Levy for the Caldwell School District, which serves approximately 5,500 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

Marisela shares insights into the impact of the failed levy, which fell short by just 100 votes, and the difficult choices made by the board in response—decisions which included a school closure and staff reductions. Though this episode was recorded before the final board meeting that determined these course corrections, Marisela provides an honest, heartfelt look at the complexities and emotional weight of such decisions. Together, they discuss the resilient spirit of Caldwell's educators and the community's ongoing efforts to ensure that all students receive a quality education despite the financial hurdles.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the specific changes on the horizon for Caldwell's schools, such as the closure of one elementary school and the restructuring of middle schools. They will also hear about the critical importance of community engagement in shaping the school district's future, as well as the strategies being employed to navigate budget shortfalls while prioritizing student well-being and educational quality. Tune in for an inspirational and revealing conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community solidarity.

For more info on the Caldwell School Board's decision, check out this quick read from the Idaho Ed News: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/caldwell-approves-next-years-budget-which-includes-school-closure/

Another news story by Idaho News 6: https://www.kivitv.com/caldwell/caldwell-school-district-closing-facilities-shrinking-programs-following-failed-supplementary-levy

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

Send us a text

Join Alexis in an enlightening conversation with Nicole Criner, the Director of External Relations and Development at the Idaho Association for Education of Young Children (ID AEYC), an organization that has been dedicated to supporting early childhood development for over 25 years. Founded by educators with a mission to help parents and families engage with children aged five and under, ID AEYC provides an abundance of free resources across the state.

In this episode, Alexis and Nicole discuss the importance of engaging with young children, the multitude of available resources, and the organization's goal of empowering parents in their children's early learning journey. They also highlight how the early years are critical for brain development, laying the foundation for future learning and growth. Be sure to visit their website to discover resources available at your local library or other community groups. You can even have these invaluable tools sent directly to you. Learn how investing in quality early education results in substantial benefits for families, communities, and society at large. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode that underscores the power of early education and the impactful work of Idaho AEYC.

Connect with Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.alexis.morgan/

Find Idaho AEYC: https://www.idahoaeyc.org/

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/