West Aurora 129 Podcast

In Episode 41 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Michael Smith continues hosting building leaders within the school district. This episode features Tim McKenna and Marchel Rogers, first-year principals at Jewel Middle School and Washington Middle School respectively. They share their transitions into their roles, reflecting on how previous experiences as deans have prepared them for their current positions. Both leaders emphasize the importance of community engagement, mentorship, and fostering a positive school culture.

In Episode 40 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith introduces the new season's theme of highlighting building leadership within School District 129 and the school communities they serve. Joined by principals Beth Smith of Nancy Hill Elementary and Dr. Pete Clabough of Smith Elementary, the episode illuminates their collaborative experiences, showcasing how mentorship and shared leadership have shaped their administrative approaches. Join us to hear their reflections on educational leadership, community building, and the distinctive paths that led them to where they are today.

In Episode 39 of the SD129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig steps out of his usual role as host to sit in the guest chair and is interviewed by guest host Neal Ormond. Dr. Craig reflects on his transformative tenure at SD129 and explores the diverse experiences that shaped his leadership and educational strategies. Mr. Ormond asks Dr. Craig to revisit pivotal initiatives during his administration, including the $84.2 million bond referendum that enhanced district facilities and the significant expansion of early childhood and career technical education programs. Don't miss this special episode!

In Episode 38 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig talks with North Aurora Mayor, Mark Gaffino, a lifelong North Aurora resident and local business owner. Mayor Gaffino reflects on his roots in the community, his educational journey, and his deep-seated connection to West Aurora schools. He shares insights into his role as mayor, emphasizing his commitment to community service and public engagement. The episode also highlights the collaborative efforts between North Aurora and School District 129, showcasing the impact of these partnerships on the community.

In Episode 37 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig speaks with Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College, and Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, President of Aurora University. They delve into their recent role transitions and future visions, discussing the evolving educational landscape and its implications for post-secondary education. The episode also highlights their institutions' partnerships with School District 129, showcasing a shared commitment to community engagement, diversity, and educational innovation.

In Episode 36 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig and Linnea Windel, President and CEO of VNA Health Care, discuss the imminent opening of the VNA Health Care School-linked Health Center at the Jeff Craig Family Resource Center, located at the former Todd School. They highlight its mission to offer timely, accessible healthcare, aiming to decrease absenteeism and boost academic success. This center will provide comprehensive medical and support services, ensuring equitable care for all students, regardless of financial status.

In Episode 35 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig is joined by three exceptional senior students, Ella Brown, Maya Moneze, and Eleanor Rogowski, who serve as student board of education members. These students share their experiences and insights on balancing their academic, extracurricular commitments, and their roles as student board members. They discuss the impact of student representation on the Board of Education's decision-making process and the benefits it brings to the student body. Additionally, they offer advice to aspiring student board members and reflect on their memorable experiences in SD129, highlighting their future plans and aspirations.

In Episode 34 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig hosts Valerie Brown Dykstra, an integral member of the Board of Education and an administrative law judge. With a unique perspective as a district graduate and parent, Brown Dykstra shares her educational journey, reflecting on her school days and the evolution of the district. Her discussion covers her multifaceted career path from education to law, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. Brown Dykstra also highlights her commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students, illustrating her dedication to public service and education.

In this episode of the West Aurora 129 podcast, Dr. Jeff Craig interviews Mike Lehman, a veteran educator with over three decades of experience in the district. Lehman, who started as a student teacher in SD129 in 1990, has a remarkable journey from teaching fifth grade and kindergarten to becoming the President of the Aurora Education Association-West. He reflects on his early influences, the evolution of his teaching methods, and his tenure as a teacher's union president. Lehman also discusses the challenges and changes in education, emphasizing the importance of teacher-parent collaboration for student success.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent of West Aurora Schools, interviews Kelly Person, principal of Hope D. Wall School. With nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Ms. Person shares her journey to becoming an educator and emphasizes the impact of early influences and pivotal moments, such as working with a student with autism, on shaping her commitment to the holistic development of children. Ms. Person discusses the unique offerings at Hope D. Wall School, the extraordinary staff she gets to work alongside, and the special programs catering to students with diverse needs. Mr. Person also reflects on the district's focus on addressing the whole child and family, providing support beyond the classroom, and fostering a unique sense of community and care at Hope D. Wall School.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent of West Aurora Schools, welcomes Ms. Laura Edwards, the new Curriculum Coordinator for West Aurora's Career and Technical Education Department. Ms. Edwards shares her educational journey and insights on the evolving significance of CTE in schools, including recent program updates in SD129. Join us as we uncover her perspective on the role of CTE in student development, addressing some common misconceptions surrounding CTE in our schools.

Jewel Middle School Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Mr. Pete Martino sits down for a conversation with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

In this episode, Dr. Craig is joined by veteran teacher Kevin Briars and first-year teacher Will Marks. The two are paired together as mentor/mentee as a part of the SD129 induction program for new teachers. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of being a mentor and mentee in the teaching profession. Kevin shares his years of experience in the classroom, while Will offers a fresh perspective as a new teacher navigating the demands of the job. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of educators.

As a valued stakeholder of School District 129, we want to share with you our annual State of the District Message. In an effort to reach a larger audience, the message has taken the form of a podcast, featuring district leaders who reflect upon the accomplishments of the past year and share key initiatives for the coming year. We have also created condensed video summaries of each segment of the podcast, which will be shared via email and across our social media platforms. Segments include Leadership, Teaching & Learning (22:23), School Safety and Communication (52:02) and Operations (1:14:57).

West Aurora School District Executive Director of Student and Family Services, Marti Neahring sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

SD129 District Athletic Director, Jason Buckley, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

Get to know the next SD129 Superintendent of Schools and current Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Michael P. Smith. He joins Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig for a conversation that spans growing up in Aurora, what inspired him to become an educator, and his 23-year career in School District 129.

Principal of Washington Middle School, Tom Davidson, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

StudioGC co-founder and Architect Pat Callahan, and West Aurora School District Captial Projects Manager, Pat Dacy, sit down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

West Aurora School District Director of Transportation, Lynn Head, sits down with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.