Public School Podcast

What happens when three fifth-grade teachers decide to grow a garden inside their school? A whole lot more than lettuce.Meadowbrook Elementary teachers Katie Swank, Kylie Blank and Lacey Brown join Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to share how a hydroponics project turned into a hands-on learning experience for their students. With support from the Rapid City Public School Foundation, Meadowbrook PTA and Nerdy Nuts, students took ownership of two hydroponic towers, learning how to plant, monitor pH levels, maintain the system, document their progress and eventually harvest what they grew.But the lessons went far beyond science. Students learned patience, teamwork, communication, responsibility and even how to teach younger students about hydroponics. They harvested lettuce that was served during school lunch, grew flowers for teachers and discovered firsthand where food comes from.The teachers also share the moments when things did not exactly go according to plan, including walking into school to find a hydroponic leak and a whole lot of water.Now the project is growing again. Meadowbrook fifth graders are taking what they learned outdoors with plans for a new garden, while adding lessons in financial literacy and exploring how the food they grow could be shared with families and the community.It all started with a teacher who loved gardening, a grant application and a willingness to try something completely new. Now it is creating the kind of school memories students may carry with them long after fifth grade.

What happens when Newton’s laws meet a box of LEGOs? East Middle School science teacher Tiffany Wolla joins Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to share how she’s turning science lessons into hands-on experiences that get students building, experimenting and problem-solving.With support from a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, Tiffany brought LEGO-based learning into her classroom to help students see concepts like force, motion, action and reaction happen right in front of them. She shares how the project has helped reach visual and hands-on learners, challenged advanced students and created opportunities for students to learn from one another in small groups.The conversation also explores why classroom innovation matters, how Foundation grants can help teachers bring ideas to life and why sometimes the best learning happens when students don’t even realize they’re learning.Plus, Tiffany talks about the teacher who inspired her, her love of math and science, her favorite school lunch and why the diversity she sees every day is one of the reasons she loves public education.

The library is about a whole lot more than checking out books. Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Aly Quinn, events coordinator at the Rapid City Public Library, to talk about the programs, partnerships and creative ideas helping make reading fun for kids and families.Aly shares how the library is challenging the community to read 250,000 books, why giving kids the freedom to choose what they read can help reluctant readers, and why graphic novels absolutely count. They also talk about the library’s dinosaur-filled summer, kindergarten prep, book clubs, STEM activities, teen programs and the importance of creating a place where people can connect.Plus, the conversation gets into the renewed popularity of classics like Little House on the Prairie and The Odyssey, the role libraries can play in improving literacy, and why sometimes the best way to raise a reader is simply helping them find the right book.And because no library conversation would be complete without it, there’s also a confession involving an overdue book.

West Middle School is welcoming a new leader, and she's ready to bring energy, connection and a student-first mindset to the school community. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Executive Director Sara Hornick and Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with new West Middle School Principal Bobbie Morrison to talk about her journey from substitute teacher to principal, the lessons she's learned in nearly every role in education, and why building relationships is at the heart of effective leadership. She also shares how her own children attended West, her plans to collaborate with staff on the school's future, and why being visible in classrooms and hallways is one of her top priorities. Plus, listeners will get to know Bobbie outside the classroom as she talks books, family traditions, favorite local restaurants and the teacher who inspired her career. It's an encouraging conversation about leadership, community and the excitement of a new school year at West Middle School.

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Stevens High School Band Director George Dragoo to discuss an unforgettable 12-day journey through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. After a nine-year wait for another international tour, 68 students experienced the trip of a lifetime, performing in historic venues, exploring world history and discovering firsthand that music truly is a universal language. George shares how performing in centuries-old cathedrals, visiting historic landmarks, and connecting with audiences from around the world helped students grow not only as musicians, but as confident, independent young adults. He also reflects on the powerful support of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, the Johnson Trust, dedicated families and Band Boosters, whose generosity helped make the experience possible.The conversation also highlights the lifelong impact of music education, the value of travel, and why public schools continue to create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. From world premieres and award-winning performances to funny stories about "five-minute walks," this episode is a celebration of the experiences that shape students into global citizens.

What makes a teacher unforgettable? For Rapid Valley first grade teacher Cassie Wood, it's creating experiences that inspire curiosity, kindness, and confidence long after students leave her classroom.In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Cassie shares how she unexpectedly found her calling in education, why she loves teaching first grade, and how lessons often extend far beyond reading and math. From rescuing an endangered monarch butterfly to creating a free community garden for her neighborhood, she shows how hands-on experiences can spark a lifelong love of learning.Cassie also discusses her "Wonder Wednesday" tradition, the importance of integrity, and why helping children become good humans is just as important as teaching academics. It's an inspiring conversation about the lasting impact one great teacher can have on students and the community.

School may be out, but the work never stops! In this special catch-up episode, Sara and Bobbi pull back the curtain on what summer really looks like in Rapid City Area Schools. From preparing for a new school year and planning future grants to major facility projects, bond preparations, and getting classrooms ready for students, they share everything that happens while the halls seem quiet.They also talk about family adventures, favorite moments from the podcast, inspiring guests, behind-the-scenes stories, and wrap things up with a fun round of rapid-fire questions about coffee, the Black Hills, local restaurants, books, and more.Whether you're a parent, staff member, or community supporter, this episode offers a fun, personal look at the people working year-round to make RCAS a great place for students.

Ever wonder what it takes to feed thousands of students every single day?This week, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are joined by Christa Lechner, Student Nutrition Manager, and Assistant Manager Kayla Taylor for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest departments in Rapid City Area Schools.From serving more than 1.2 million meals during the school year to navigating power outages, food deliveries, staffing challenges, and summer meal programs, this team keeps students fed no matter what. They also share how school meals have evolved, why today's cafeteria food is healthier than many people realize, the surprising menu favorites students love, and how their growing catering program is serving events across the district.Plus, the conversation gets fun with favorite school lunches, recess memories, local ice cream shops, and the Rapid City restaurants they can't resist.It's an inside look at the people who prove school nutrition is about much more than what's on the lunch tray.