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KSD - Together We Can
19 Episodes
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One of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council's long-standing requests has been for the district to use one tool to support two-way communication between families and teachers.
Thanks to a lot of work by folks across the district, we’re happy to announce that Kunas School District is launching a new tool for two-way communication for parents and teachers called ParentSquare
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of Kuna School District
Guest:
Sydney Gianell
Betsy Keller
Allison Westfall
Together We Can Episode 18 - Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Coalition
In February, we hosted a workshop for parents about internet safety and today John Klauer and Victor Dominguez of the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Coalition are here to talk about efforts underway in Idaho to help families and children.
Host: Wendy Johnson, KSD Superintendent
Guests:
John Klauer
Victor Dominguez
Episode 17 - The Dual Language Program & Diploma Seal of Biliteracy
16 years ago we launched the Dual Language program to provide our families choice and opportunity for students to learn in two languages: English and Spanish and this year we will offer our first-ever high school diploma with a seal of biliteracy!
Host:
Wendy Johnson, Superintendent
Guests:
Samantha Christopher
Courtney Shearer
Yojan Mancilla-Ayala
Kevin Gifford
Together We Can - Episode 16
What is the KHS U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps or JROTC?
Today, we are talking about an opportunity at Kuna High School that is unique in the state of Idaho, our U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps or JROTC program at Kuna High School
We have some special guests to talk about the program.
Host: Wendy Johnson, KSD Superintendent
Guests:
- Timothy Lievsay, TSgt, USAF (Ret)
- Bobbi Wooten parent of a JROTC graduate
- Student Cadet/Maj. Abigail McCoy
Together We Can - Episode 15
What is High School Intervention?
In today's episode, Wendy talks with Principals David Beymer and Robbie Reno and parent Amanda Sheppard about what High School Intervention is and why it is important.
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent
Guests:
David Beymer
Robbie Reno
Amanda Sheppard
Episode 14 - What is AVID?
Host: Superintendent, Wendy Johnson
Guest:
Michelle Tripp, Principal
Skylynn, 5th Grader
Kierra, Parent
Today, we are talking about some teaching strategies that are being used in a systematic way in our district to help improve student learning. As a group, they are called AVID or Advancement via individual determination.
Ross Elementary School has been leading the way in using these strategies and will be featured as an AVID showcase school this year. Today, we are joined by three guests from Ross to share what AVID looks like for educators, students, and parents.
Episode 13 - Driving Tips for Your Teens
Host: Superintendent, Wendy Johnson
Guest: Tabitha Smith
In this podcast, Wendy chats with Tabitha Smith, Teen Driver Safety Program manager with the Idaho Transportation Department, about tips for parents as we prepare our youth for an essential skill: driving.
Links to resources mentioned in the Podcast:
ShiftIdaho: https://shift-idaho.org/
Alive at 25: https://aliveat25.us/id
Parent Student Driving agreement/contract: https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/agreement/index.html
Students Against Destructive Decision (SADD): https://www.sadd.org/
AAA: https://www.ace.aaa.com/automotive/driver-education/teen-programs.html
Today we are talking about a special celebration happening this year!
100 years ago our community dedicated its first Kuna High School building and KHS will graduate its 100th graduating class in May.
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Guest Panel:
Kuna School Board Chairman Kim Nixon
Owyhee County Historical Museum Director Eriks Garvso
Former KSD Superintendent Doug Rutan
Episode 11 - What do Instructional Coaches do?
Today we are talking about the role of a unique position in our district - an instructional coach. Thanks to grant funds, we have 7 instructional coaches supporting teachers this year. Our coaches play an essential role in supporting our teachers--especially our new teachers-- and ensure we have consistent instructional practices across the district.
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Guest Panel:
Deb Bradburn, Instructional Coach
Laura Jenkins, Instructional Coach
Kevin Gifford, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Together We Can
Episode 10 - Managing Social Media Tips For Parents From Parents
Today we're sitting down with a panel of parents who are navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media and the strategies they use to monitor and teach their children about social media.
Host: Kuna Superintendent, Wendy Johnson
Guest Panel:
Becky Stewart
Jayme Quigley
Stephanie Little
Together We Can
Episode 9 - What is the Student and Family Assistance Program?
Today, we are discussing a very serious topic that has been in the news - teen mental health and suicide. Recently, the valley has seen several young people commit suicide. In May, the Surgeon General said the United States has a public health crisis with an epidemic of loneliness and isolation.
Host: Superintendent, Wendy Johnson
Guest Panel:
Jenny Brown
Aeriel Henwood
Together We Can
Episode 8 - What do Resources Officers do?
In this episode, we are tackling a topic suggested by our superintendent's advisory council – what do school resources officers do?
Host: Kuna Superintendent, Wendy Johnson
Guest Panel:
Detective Wes Bunnell
Officer Lam Thai
What do School Counselors do?
Join us as we hear from three experienced Kuna school counselors who will shed light on their crucial roles in middle and high schools.
Host:
- Wendy Johnson
Guest Panel:
- Heidi Beers
- Kyra Brown
- Colleen O’Sullivan
What do our School Nurses do?
Our Superintendent Advisory Council made up of parents, community members, and students suggested we help demystify some of the specialized services in our district. Today we have a fascinating topic to discuss: the important role of School Nurses.
Podcast Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Panel: KSD Nurses, Rana Brown, and Tiffany Ash
What Do School Social Workers Do?
Podcast Host:
Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Guest Panel:
Sara Lawson
Nicole Martinez
The IRI - Reading in the Early Grades
Podcast Host:
Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Guest Panel:
Alyssa Townsend - Kindergarten
Tammy McMorrow - 1st Grade
Shea Clemens - Principal/Former 2nd Grade
Kara Skaggs - 3rd Grade
Episode 3: Together We Can
Future Ready - Supporting Students Making Post-High School Choices
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Parent Panel:
Angelie Bauer
Linnea Reno
Erin Middlehoven
Superintendent Wendy Johnson talks with 3 parent educators about their unique perspectives on how to deal with concerns.
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Guest Panel:
Bre Martin
Lora Strange
Brian Graves
Navigating the New School Year
Host: Wendy Johnson, Superintendent of the Kuna School District
Parent Panel:
Courtney Emry
Alicia Cotterell
Suzanne Ronge




















