Inspiring Viking Values

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Michael Antonelli, the principal of Charlotte Sidway Elementary School in Grand Island NY.  Mr. Antonelli shared information about their incredible parent/teacher partnership through the PTA. Mike had some special guests join the podcast.  We heard from elementary teacher Krista McNulty and Recording Secretary Kylie Anfin. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed two of our high school students (Joe Leistner and Luke Gworek) who have been battling and surviving cancer.  They share their stories with our listeners  and an incredible message of hope.Joining us on this episode are: Mrs. Hillary Kretz-Harvey, the principal of Grand Island High School.;Angela Colson, Joe's mom;Christina Kensy, High School Counselor;Megan Crawford, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation and the Courage of Carly Fund.Schools Against Caner: SCHOOLS AGAINST CANCER - Team RoswellCourage of Carly Fund: Courage of Carly Fund - Giving Every Child a Fighting ChanceOne more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Max Pikula, the principal of Huth Road Elementary School.   Mr. Pikula shared information regarding a musical two of his teachers used to help teach specific chartacter traits.  Joining the podcast were seven special guests.  Mrs. Kristin Pernick, a fifth grade teacher at Huth and Co-Director of the musical Character Matters joined the podcast along with Mrs. Jeanne Percival.  Mrs. Percival is a third grade teacher at Huth and she is a Co-Director as well.  Furthermore, joining the podcast was Mrs. Carissa Sugar.  Mrs. Sugar is the music teacher at Huth and she assisted with the musical numbers.  Additionally, four Huth Road Elementary students joined us on the podcast.  3rd graders Jack Soehnlein and Lincoln O'Connor are here and fifth graders Kinley O'Connor and Ella Ritch joined us from fifth grade. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Jennifer Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mrs. Amy Boutet, the director of our musical Cinderella.  Amy is a Business teacher, Volleyball Coach, and our Director of the National Academy of Finance.  She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Buffalo State University in their Business Education department.Also joining the podcast were four students who have prominent roles in the Musical.   Claire Nehaus (9th grader - Cinderella)Jayden Kleinschmidt (11th Grader - Topher)Jennifer Gorton (12th Grader - Marie)Alejandro Perez (11th Grader - Jean-Michel)The students sing a preview of the song "Impossible" near the end of the podcast.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values (Season 2) we interviewed Dr. Felicia Pallaci, the principal of Kaegebein Elementary School.   Felicia shared information on how the PTA supports programming at her school.Joining us on the podcast were Melissa Nesselbeck, Dana Rubino and Stephanie Pritchard.  Melissa is a special education teacher, Dana is a second grade teacher and Stephanie is the Library Media Specialist.  Each of these educators play a large role in the PTA. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Vaules we interviewed Cheryl Cardone.  Cheryl is the Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services here in the Grand Island Central School District.  Cheryl has been a tremendous leader and advocate leading our special education and pupil services departments.  Additionally, she is a fierce advocate for our most vulnerable students.  Furthermore,  Jessica Hutchings and Amanda Schrader joined the podcast.  Jessica is our Coordinator of the Family Support Services program and she is also a social worker in our school district.  Amanda is a Licensed Medical Health Counselor and she is also an Advanced Practice Clinician with Horizon Health Services.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Max Pikula, the principal of Huth Road Elementary School.   Mr. Pikula shared information regarding their strong partnership with the PTA.Joining the podcast was Mrs. Erin Rowley and Mrs. Kristie Roger.  Erin and Kristie are officers in the Huth Road PTA.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mrs. Christina Heitz the Interim Assistant Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School.   Mrs. Heitz, shared information on a new special project where VCMS students partnered with Sidway students to purchase food items ($8000 worth)for the Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island. Joining the podcast were special guests.  Mrs. Carley Antonelli and Mrs. Susan Moretta.  Carley and Sue are PE and Health teachers in our middle school.  Also joining the podcast was Ashlynn Becker.  Ashlyn is the President of the Interact Club and she is an 8th grader.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mrs. Hillary Kretz-Harvey, the principal of Grand Island High School.   Mrs. Kretz-Harvey shared information regarding the Athlete Talks focused on Mental Health and Wellness. We had some special guests join in on the conversation.  Mr. Brodie Kaiser and Sara Pratt shared information on this incredible initiative. Also joining the podcast were two senior students.   Rachel Joseph, and Alex JensenThese students added more information about the Athlete Talks Vikings and discussed the benefits.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values (Season 2) we interviewed Dr. Felicia Pallaci, the principal of Kaegebein Elementary School.   Felicia shared information on how fifth grade students are Learning STEAM activities through Reverse Integration methods. Joining us on the podcast were two fifth grade teachers: Melissa Nesselbeck and Stacey Zahradnik.  Melissa is a special education teacher and Stacey is a general education teacher.  Joining the teachers today were three fifth grade students.  Langdon Bruno, Alyssa Leone and Giovanni Clody.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mrs. Hillary Kretz-Harvey, the principal of Grand Island High School.   Mrs. Kretz-Harvey shared information regarding the October Vikings Care Projects.  We had some special guests join in on the conversation.  Mr. Eric Cohoon and Mr. Shawn Sweet shared information on the incredible project their students engaged in for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization.Also joining the podcast were three senior students.   Charlotte Steck, Dominic Leone and Anna Kurtzhalts.  These students added more information about Vikings Care and discussed the opportunities in our Technology program as well as the Academy of Business and Finance.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Max Pikula, the principal of Huth Road Elementary School.   Mr. Pikula shared information regarding their Vikings Care Initiative.Joining the podcast was Mrs. Sue Wolcott.  Sue is a fifth grade teacher at Huth.We also want to thank the fifth grade students from Mrs. Wolcott's class for joining the podcast. Jacoby Hahn, Rebecca Podlucky, and Maddie Oliver offered their personal stories as they helped collect cans and bottles for the Neighbor's Foundation on Grand Island. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Adam Buffomante, the Interim Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School.   Mr. Buffomante, shared information on the "Vikings Care" projects being implemented in his school.  Joining the podcast were special guests.  Mrs. Deanna Przepiora and Mrs. Jillian Stapleton who are sixth grade classroom teachers and they Co-Advise WEB at our Middle School.   Also on the podcast were two outstanding students.  Leah Peppers and Luke Gworek.  Leah is a 6th grade student who shared information about the care packages made for children at Roswell.  Luke is in 11th grade in our HS.  Luke shared information about his personal journey fighting cancer and how much he valued care packages when receiving treatment at Roswell. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values (Season 2) we interviewed Dr. Felicia Pallaci, the principal of Kaegebein Elementary School.   Felicia shared information on how their students are contributing to the Vikings Care initiative.  This initiative allows for every student to engage in some form of Community Service during the month of. October.  Joining us on the podcast were four teachers (one from each grade level).  The teachers joining this episode were: Zack Wood, Janice Ahne, Carylin Gallagher, and Heidi Jank. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Michael Antonelli, the principal of Charlotte Sidway Elementary School in Grand Island NY.  Mr. Antonelli shared information about the Vikings Care initiative.  This initiative allows for every student to engage in some form of Community Service during the month of. October.Mike had some special guests join the podcast.  We heard from three amazing primary school teachers who were able to join us during this episode. The teachers are Lindsey Brzozowski, Molly Ehlenfield and Jennifer Reynolds.  We also heard from four wonderful students: Emilia Hassler, Logan Maywin, Nora Frandina and Delany Palumbo. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mrs. Hillary Kretz-Harvey, the principal of Grand Island High School.   Mrs. Kretz-Harvey shared information regarding the upcoming Vikings Care initiatve that will be a major focus in the month of October. In this episode, we had some special guests join in on the conversation.  Mrs. Jamie Peld (Assistant Principal), Mr. Bob Simpson and Miss. MaryElisabeth Rustowicz (Social Studies Teachers) all shared information on this incredible opportunity where all students, at Grand Island High School, will be engaged in giving back to the community throughout the month of October. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Max Pikula, the principal of Huth Road Elementary School.   Mr. Pikula shared information regarding their Character Education Program. Joining the podcast were special guests Katelynn Fisher and Alyssa Brown .  Katelyn is a school psychologist and Alyssa is a school counselor. They help lead the Character Education program and they offered excellent insight.  We also want to thank the third grade students from Mrs. Percival's class Astrid Covell, Lyla Myles, and Kennedy Kish for joining us on the podcast.  These students recently were recognized for their display of kindness in their classroomOne more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Michael Antonelli, the principal of Charlotte Sidway Elementary School in Grand Island NY.  Mr. Antonelli shared information about their PBIS and Sid the Viking Kid program.  This program promotes the students to develop responsible, respectful, safe and compassionate behaviors at Sidway.  Mike had some special guests join the podcast.  We first heard from two first grade students in Mrs. Janelle Krupp's class.   The first student is Liberty Petit and the second student is Sehaj Singh.  Both students shared stories about their experiences with the Viking Values.  Additionally, Mrs. Janelle Krupp joined the podcast.  Mrs. Krupp helps lead the PBIS program at Sidway.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values we interviewed Mr. Adam Buffomante, the Interim Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School.   Mr. Buffomante, shared information on the "Long Walk To Water" Fresh Well Water project.Mrs. Lori Randles Gentz joined the podcast as well.  Lori is a 7th grade ELA teacher at the Middle school.  Lori shared information based upon the novel and offered historical context to the Fresh Water Well project.   Also on the podcast were two of our outstanding 8th grade students.  Jacob Miller and Mia McGowan.  Jacob and Mia shared information on how they helped with a fundraiser that supports the development of a future fresh well in South Sudan.One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values (Season 2) we interviewed Dr. Felicia Pallaci, the principal of Kaegebein Elementary School.   Felicia shared information on their recent Pep Assembly that was held to kick off the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) program.  Joining us on the podcast were Mrs. Jillian Wood a third grade elementary teacher and Mrs. Melissa Aldridge a second grade teacher in the same school.    Additionally, one of our 5th grade student leaders (Emma Chiddy) joined the podcast as well.  Emma is a student in Miss Dunnigan's class and she shared her perspective on the PBIS program and offered advice for our incoming 2nd graders. One more thing...I would like to thank Mrs. Mernitz and her students for singing the Grand Island Alma Mater.  It is featured at the end of the podcast. https://www.grandislandschools.org/Twitter - @GrandIsland CSDInstagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTFacebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT