Pony Voices

Stillwater Area Public Schools is introducing a new Identity Harm Protocol to help create a safe learning environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In our latest podcast, we explore this protocol through the voices of those it impacts most—our students. Through candid conversations and real-life examples, we unpack what identity harm looks like in our schools and how this initiative is designed to address and prevent it.

The inclusion revolution is spreading across our district and it’s giving kids with special needs the opportunity to shine. Tune in to the latest Pony Voices podcast to hear how our school community isn’t just accepting kids who are different, but actually cheering them on in big and small ways. Hear first hand from students, staff, and parents about the profound impact of inclusion on their lives. These inspiring stories might just make you feel all tingly with Pony Pride!

For years we’ve heard that our current high school schedule limits the number of electives our students can take. With only 6 periods in a day and two semesters there are only 12 opportunities in a year. And a lot of those classes are required for graduation. There just aren’t many options left in the schedule for students to explore something new.  In our latest Pony Voices podcast we talk with staff who are taking a deeper look at how we might change our schedule to give kids more options and maybe reduce the number of transitions and number of classes that students have in one day.

Getting kids out of bed in the morning and ready to learn can be a challenge. But will it be easier if the district were to flip elementary and secondary school start times? Check out the latest Pony Voices podcast for a discussion about why district leaders are considering a change and how it could impact kids - and families - at all levels.

With approximately 1,000 new students projected to join the district over the next 10 years, voters will be asked on November 7, 2023 to consider a bond request for new and expanded facilities. If approved, the bond funding would: Provide more learning spaces for our growing enrollment; Replace 100+ year old facilities; Improve safety and security. Listen to our latest Pony Voices Podcast to learn more.

There is a lot going on in the state legislature right now, and some of the bills being discussed could have serious long-term impacts on our school district - both positive and negative. While education funding could get a big boost, there’s a rising concern that some of this may be overshadowed by new laws that could actually cost schools millions of dollars. In our latest Pony Voices podcast, Superintendent Mike Funk talks about some of the good ideas being discussed at the capitol that - if left unfunded - could add up to big time financial problems for our school district.

There's something truly special about waking up to a blanket of snow outside your window and realizing that you don't have to go to school or work. It's like a little gift from Mother Nature herself. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good excuse to stay in their pajamas all day and sip hot cocoa by the fire? But have you ever stopped to think about the process behind it all? How does a superintendent decide whether it's safe to hold school or not? Check out our latest Pony Voices podcast to learn more about the decision-making that goes into snow days!

We probably all have stories from our own middle school years that still make us cringe. From cliques and crushes to homework and hormones. But are those stereotypes really true here in Stillwater schools? We talked with students, teachers and staff who share their personal stories and offer tips for surviving adolescence. So grab your Trapper Keeper and join us for our latest podcast.

OK, we admit our mascot may not be as tough as a Raider or an Eagle or a Lion. And yes, sometimes our kids get some good-natured teasing when they compete against other schools. But there's actually a pretty cool story on how we came to be the Ponies, and there is a lot of history around our school colors. Tune in to the latest podcast to learn why you should be unabashedly proud to be a Pony!

Today we're talking about Stillwater Area High School. It is the school at the very heart of our community. It's full of Pony Pride and has more than a century of history and tradition. It is also home to some pretty remarkable students and staff. But is the high school too big? That's the question I'll be asking our guests today. You won't want to miss what they have to say.

Get to know our brand-new Superintendent Mike Funk. Not only does Dr. Funk come to us with his own song lyrics … he also brings nearly 20 years of experience as a superintendent and administrator - most recently in the Albert Lea school district. He was named superintendent of the year in 2022 and has had a very successful military career - serving more than 30 years in the Army National Guard and retiring at the rank of Colonel. And maybe most impressive of all … he’s raised 3 daughters along with his wife of 26 years! We’ll get to know all about Mike’s background, hear his thoughts on the future of Stillwater schools and even learn a few secrets about him from his family members.