Public School Podcast

What started as a simple idea to help students prepare for the school day has grown into one of Wilson Elementary's most impactful programs. In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Wilson Elementary Counselor of the Year Brittany Henry-James and recent Central High School graduate Melissa Saucerman to discuss the Morning Nest.Held twice a week before school, the Morning Nest provides students with hygiene supplies, hair care, self-care resources and, most importantly, a sense of belonging. Students gather to connect with friends, receive encouragement, build confidence and start their day in a supportive environment. The program has become a place where relationships grow, students help one another and school staff can connect with children in meaningful ways.Brittany shares how the idea came to life through a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, while Melissa reflects on her experience volunteering and the impact the program has had on younger students. Together, they explore the importance of creating welcoming spaces where students feel seen, supported and ready to learn.Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, mentorship, community support and the small acts of care that can make a lasting difference in a child's day.

What happens when schools focus on recognizing what students are doing right? In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with South Middle School educator Stacy Cole and Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings teacher Marie Herbert to discuss the impact of the Spirit Awards program. Supported through a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, the program celebrates students who demonstrate self control, perseverance, integrity, respect, initiative and teamwork.The conversation explores how positive reinforcement can build confidence, strengthen relationships between schools and families, and help students develop the skills needed for success both inside and outside the classroom. Stacy shares inspiring stories of student growth, while Marie explains how the values behind the program connect to the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and create a stronger sense of belonging for all students.From recognizing small victories to creating lasting change, this episode highlights how a simple certificate and a few words of encouragement can make a powerful difference in a student's life.

Photography is more than taking pictures. It is about telling stories, capturing emotion, and seeing the world from a different perspective. In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School photography teacher Roxanne Rathbun and graduating senior Kennedy Block to talk about the power of photography in public education.The conversation explores how students develop creative skills through photography, the importance of perspective, and how a partnership with the Rapid City Post is giving students real world journalism experience. Kennedy shares how her work photographing sports led to published articles and a new role as a freelance photographer and journalist after graduation.From double exposure photography and dream photo destinations to the impact great teachers have on students' lives, this episode highlights how public schools help students turn their passions into future careers. It is a story about creativity, mentorship, and the opportunities that happen when educators believe in their students.

This episode of the Public School Podcast shines a spotlight on the Raider Coffee House at Stevens High School, where students are learning far more than how to make coffee. Hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with students Roberta and Devin, along with teacher Peggy Bias, to talk about the student run coffee shop that has become a place for confidence, teamwork and growth.From learning customer service and handling money to presenting at a statewide conference, the students share heartfelt and funny stories about what the Raider Coffee House means to them. The conversation includes memorable moments, lessons learned from mistakes, the importance of supportive teachers, and how public schools help students discover their strengths. The episode is packed with laughter, honesty and powerful reminders that every student is capable of success when given the opportunity and support to thrive. 

Central High School students are proving that a great idea can turn into something that truly changes lives. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High science teacher and Thrift Club advisor Heather Kiplinger to talk about the student led club bringing free clothing, creativity, and confidence to students across the school.From professional clothes for job interviews to upcycled fashion projects and lunch hour “shopping days,” the Thrift Club has quickly become more than just a place to grab clothes. It has become a space where students connect, support one another, and build community.The conversation also dives into favorite thrift finds, fashion challenges, flower crowns, and why public schools continue to matter for every student.

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School healthcare teacher Brendon Sato to talk about the growing opportunities for students interested in the medical field. From hands on healthcare training and the district’s Certified Nursing Assistant program to plans for an international healthcare tour through Great Britain and Scotland, Sato shares how real world experiences can shape a student’s future.The conversation explores the importance of exposure, travel, and practical learning in helping students discover whether healthcare is the right path for them. Sato also reflects on his own journey from laboratory scientist to educator and why preparing students for life beyond graduation is at the heart of public education.The episode also includes stories about classroom experiences, memorable teachers, school lunch favorites, and why public schools continue to make a lasting impact on students and communities.

This week on Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Rapid City substitute teacher and mom of three, Caitlin Scully, to talk about the reality of stepping into classrooms across the district. From comforting nervous students and navigating high school classrooms to surviving without lesson plans and learning the Promethean board, Caitlin shares the joys, challenges and hilarious moments that come with substitute teaching.The conversation also dives into why substitute teachers matter so much, how flexible the job can be for parents, and why community involvement in schools makes a lasting difference. Along the way, the group swaps stories about favorite teachers, dodgeball injuries, cafeteria honey buns, and the legendary singing janitor from Wilson Elementary.It’s a heartfelt and funny episode about public education, showing up for kids, and the people who quietly keep schools running every day.

After more than two decades leading Central High School’s theater program, Justin Speck sits down with Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to reflect on a career that helped shape generations of students in Rapid City. From sold out productions and award winning student performances to hilarious backstage mishaps and emotional moments that changed lives, Justin shares the stories behind one of the most respected theater programs in the region.The conversation explores the importance of fine arts in public education, the lasting impact teachers can have on students, and why theater remains one of the most human experiences we can share. It is funny, heartfelt, inspiring, and a reminder of how one teacher can leave a lasting mark on an entire community.

This episode takes a meaningful look at one of the most powerful traditions in Rapid City Area Schools, the senior honoring and feathering ceremony. Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are joined by Kit Veit and Marie Hebert to talk about the deep cultural and spiritual significance behind this event, which honors Native American graduates as they reach a major life milestone.From the meaning of eagle feathers and plumes to the role of family, prayer, and community, this conversation highlights why this ceremony matters not just for students, but for generations. You will also hear about the history behind these traditions, how they were once suppressed, and why preserving them today is so important.If you have never attended the feathering ceremony, this episode will show you why it is one of the most moving and impactful events of the school year.