SD129 Podcast

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SD129 PODCAST EPISODES

2 picture collage of Kevin Briars and Will Marks recording the podcast.

Episode 29 - Kevin Briars & Will Marks
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.

West Aurora 129 Podcast · Episode 29 - Kevin Briars & Will Marks

2022-2023

2023 State of the District Message
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.
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Episode 28 - Marti Neahring
Executive Director of Student and Family Services, Marti Neahring joins Dr. Craig in a discussion about the evolution of school safety in SD129 as well as other services offered to students and families to make sure every child has access to an education that fits their needs.

Episode 27 - Jason Buckley
Athletic Director Jason Buckley joins Dr. Craig in a discussion about his path to West Aurora and the current state of high school athletics, including the troubling shortage of officials and how West Aurora High School is taking an active role in being a part of the solution.

Episode 26 - Dr. Michael P. Smith

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.

Episode 25 - Tom Davidson

This episode features Tom Davidson, Principal of Washington Middle School. He shares his journey from small town Ohio to the west side of Aurora where he has spent his entire career. Before being named the Principal at Washington, Mr, Davidson was a special education teacher and Dean of Students at West High, and the Assistant Principal at Herget Middle School.

Episode 24 - Pat Callahan and Pat Dacy

In our first podcast of the school year, Superintendent Craig welcomes Pat Dacy, SD129 Capital Projects Manager, and Pat Callahan, co-founder of Studio GC Architecture and Interiors. They discuss district construction projects, both past and present, and how the district strives to balance fiscal responsibility with sustainability while always putting students first.

2020-2022

# 23 LYNN HEAD

Listen in as Superintendent Craig visits with Lynn Head, director of transportation. The two discuss her personal and professional history as well as the important role that bus drivers and bus monitors play in the lives of the students in School District 129!

# 22 DR. CHUCK HISCOCK

Listen in as Superintendent Craig visits with West Aurora High School’s principal, Dr. Chuck Hiscock. The two discuss Dr. Hiscock’s personal and professional experiences as well as his vision for the high school.

# 21 LAURA BEATUS

Listen in as Superintendent Craig speaks with West Aurora's Professional Development Coordinator, Mrs. Laura Beatus. The two discuss her unique role as well as her passion for public education and the West Aurora community!

# 20 NEAL ORMOND

Listen in as Superintendent Craig visits with "The Voice of the Blackhawks,"Mr. Neal Ormond. The two discuss Mr. Ormond's history with School District 129 and the motivation that keeps him connected today!

# 19 DR. WHITNEY MARTINO

Listen in as Superintendent Craig visits with West Aurora High School’s Assistant Principal, Dr. Whitney Martino. The two discuss Dr. Martino’s background and her pride in the robust course offerings at West Aurora High School!

# 18 MARCHEL ROGERS

Listen in as Superintendent Craig talks with Washington Middle School’s dean of students, Mr. Marchel Rogers. The two discuss Mr. Rogers’ personal and professional experiences as well as his passion for the Aurora community.

#17: BRIAN VEIT AND MARK WILLIAMS

West Aurora High School CTE Pathway Program Coordinator Brian Veit and CTE Instructor Mark Williams talk with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.

#16: NATE EIMER

During episode 16 of his podcast, Superintendent Craig takes you inside one of the oldest football programs in the state of Illinois as he interviews head coach, Nate Eimer. Coach Eimer shares about his long history with SD129, which began when he was just a student. You will have to listen in to find out what he says about family, football, and his future plans.

2019-2020

Episode 15:
Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig sits down with West Aurora alumni, Hayley Skye Darukhanavala, to talk about her unique experiences as a West Aurora student, recording artist, producer, songwriter, pianist, professional model, and soon to be NYU Graduate.

Episode 14:
Aurora Police Officer and West Aurora alumnus, Chris Weaver, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.

Episode 13:
Mr. Baker served in the United States Army as an Army Ranger and served in five combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Listen to Dr. Craig as he hosts episode number 13 of his podcast, where Mr. Baker will discuss how his experiences from outside of education and have influenced his current role. A sincere “thank you for your service” to Mr. Baker and to all of those who have proudly served to protect our freedom!

Episode 12:
Early Learning Academy Principal, Dr. Laurie Klomhaus and three preschool students talk with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Craig.

Episode 11:
The Principal of Hope D. Wall School, Dr. Terry Collette, talks with Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Craig.

2018-2019

Episode 9:
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig talks with Victor Perez, a Dean at Washington Middle School.Episode 1:
Assistant Principal for Operations, Ron Murphy, talks with Superintendent Jeff Craig, about his career path to his current position.

Episode 8:
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig talks with Chief of Police, Kristen Ziman.

Episode 7:
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig talks with Kevin Triplett, about his career path to his current position

Episode 6:
3rd Grade, Hill Elementary School, Itzel DeLaHoya, talks with Superintendent Jeff Craig, about her career path to her current position.

Episode 5:
Superintendent Dr. Craig sits down with distinguished West Aurora alumni Gilberto Chaidez Jr. as he shares his take on work, life and how

Episode 3:
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Craig talks with AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, Lt. Col Erik Pettyjohn, USAF (ret), about starting and growing the Air Force JROTC program at West Aurora High school.D129 helped shape his future.

Episode 2:
School Board President, Bob Gonzalez, talks with Superintendent Jeff Craig, about his journey from Cuba to America and how it shaped him into who he was today.

Episode 1:
Assistant Principal for Operations, Ron Murphy, talks with Superintendent Jeff Craig, about his career path to his current position.