Deep Dive with Dr. Hinz- A D47 Podcast

Deep Dive with Dr. Hinz- A D47 Podcast

Welcome to the D47 podcast, Deep Dive with Dr. Hinz. This is a conversation based podcast; a platform for open dialogue, meaningful conversations, and a deeper understanding of the incredible community we have here in District 47. We are looking forward to connecting with all stakeholders - students, parents, educators, staff, and community members. New episodes will drop every other Thursday throughout the year. Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts, links will be posted to our website and social media.

Episodes

April 17, 2025 14 mins

Is a 3 minute passing period enough time? How do lockers actually work? Bernotas 6th graders Joey, Finnley, Gael, and Rosalyn join Dr. Hinz to answer the questions every soon-to-be middle schooler is wondering. From navigating new schedules to calming those first-day nerves, they’ve got the inside scoop—and some solid advice—for current 5th graders gearing up for the big leap! Whether you're a student, parent, or just curious,...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we’re highlighting the friendships formed through the Lion Buddies program at Lundahl Middle School! This program is designed to strengthen the LMS community by pairing students in general education with students in the ASPIRE program, creating leadership opportunities and building lasting connections. These relationships help students develop social and communication skills, fostering a supportive and inclusive en...

Mark as Played

Go behind the scenes with Hannah Beardsley Drama Club directors Chandra Kwayzer and Alexandra Sebastian, plus two of the talented 8th grade stars bringing Cinderella to life—Anna and Britin! From auditions to opening night, get the inside scoop on all the hard work and heart that went into this production.

Mark as Played

In this special episode of Deep Dive with Dr. Hinz, we explore how schools are bringing families together—one book at a time! Coventry’s LMC Director Jennifer Weichle joins 4th grader Diego and 2nd grader Sydney, while Woods Creek’s LMC Director Kerri Hurckes is joined by 1st grader Roman to share the magic of a community-wide reading experience.

Mark as Played

Get to know Kathryn Cruz, West Elementary's incoming principal, in our latest podcast episode! She shares a little about herself, her journey in D47, and what she’s looking forward to at West Elementary. 

Mark as Played

While most of us are still warm in bed, our grounds crew and TJA mechanics are already braving the ice and snow to keep things running. Inclement weather has them up before dawn, making sure schools and buses are safe and ready. In this episode, special guests Tim Oppenhagen, TJA Shop Foreman, and Sean Smith, Grounds Lead, share what it takes to battle the elements behind the scenes.

Mark as Played

This short & sweet podcast episode dives into the magical world of kindergarten and is one you don’t want to miss! With registration for the 2025-2026 school year opening on February 3rd, we’re joined by some special North Elementary kindergarten guests—Ella, Isaac, and Frida. They share their favorite parts of kindergarten, ask Dr. Hinz some big questions, and even sing a song for us! It’s a heartwarming glimpse into this exci...

Mark as Played

In this podcast episode, we feature Gina Stevens, Multilingual Learner Teacher at Bernotas Middle School, who recently received a national grant to support her classroom. Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind her project and how it will empower her students and celebrate their diverse backgrounds!

Mark as Played

This special holiday podcast episode highlights the annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ event at Glacier Ridge Elementary. Organized by McHenry County Police Charities and the Sheriff’s Department, this heartwarming program brings holiday cheer to local children. Glacier Ridge Principal Dr. Anastasia Gruper, Officer Kris Stolzman from the Crystal Lake Police Department, and Lieutenant Sandra Rogers from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office joi...

Mark as Played

"Inclusion isn't about geography and where the student sits; it's about meaningful participation in the curriculum and with their peers." Dr. Paula Kluth joins us in this podcast episode to reflect on her recent workshop with staff, "Don't We Already Do Inclusion?: Creating Schools & Classrooms for All." Tune in as we discuss what the district is doing to support all learners, fostering growth...

Mark as Played

Catch up with Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Aimee Kasper as she unpacks our Illinois State Report Card results, FastBridge insights, and 5Essentials data. Listen in to explore trends, tackle challenges, and celebrate successes- a continuation of the presentation to the Board of Education in November.

Mark as Played

This episode spotlights Project B3, where students promote online safety! Hear from Bernotas Middle School's Alex, Delainey, and Lilly, their advisor Justin Banaszynski, and Assistant Superintendent Dave Jenkins on the importance of being safe, smart, and kind online, including advice for parents/guardians.

Mark as Played

"Every time I have a newcomer family I say to myself, remember that one person who helped you when you first came here and be that person now for the newcomer family." Our Newcomer Family Support Facilitator, Tatiana Balaur, plays a crucial part in helping families new to our country and our district navigate the school system. Tune in to this episode to hear some of the unique challenges newcomer families face and how Ta...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we turn our focus to the new math curriculum, exploring what problem-based instruction means and what it looks like in the classroom. We’re joined by Dr. Carolyn Stadlman, Director of Math, Science & STEM, along with Krystal Winsor, Kindergarten teacher at West Elementary, and Hannah Martel, 7th grade math teacher at Hannah Beardsley Middle School.

Whether you're curious about how these changes will benefit...

Mark as Played

Join Dr. Hinz as she chats with Molly Alfonso, PreK Family Support Professional, about the Glacier Ridge PreK program and how family events build strong connections between home and school. Listen now to learn how we support and empower our youngest learners’ families!

Mark as Played

We're talking school safety with two experts! Discover how the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is enhancing safety and creating a unified approach across District 47, other districts, and first responders in our community. Hear from Jim French, Training Director at I Love U Guys, and Gary Snep, District 47's Director of Safety.

Mark as Played

Our PTOs and PTAs provide so much for students, staff, and families, but the biggest challenge is finding volunteers. Hear from three of our PTO/PTA presidents about the impact these organizations have and how you can get involved. "There are many opportunities to help out, even if it’s just 15 minutes. We need the help to continue providing activities, events, and everything for our students, staff, and parents." Plus, g...

Mark as Played

Season 2! Our first episode of the year highlights the District 47 Resource Fair, bringing our community together to offer essential resources and services to families. This Saturday, D47 families in need can access physical exams, immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, school supplies, haircuts, and more!

Mark as Played

Our goal in District 47 is to prepare our students for the future . While we are incredibly proud of our 8th grade students , it is always bittersweet to see them leave. This podcast is dedicated to our 8th graders! Joining Dr. Hinz to represent the class of 2024 and reflect on their journey, share memories, and discuss their biggest influences are John, Aryn, and Ethan from Bernotas; Jacquelin, Kaitlen, and Joey from Hannah Beards...

Mark as Played

Dr. Hinz had the opportunity to chat about our annual exhibition of kindergarten through 8th grade artwork with Heather Evans, art teacher at Glacier Ridge and two of her students Wiktoria and Callie, and Sarah Cunningham, art teacher at Woods Creek, accompanied by her student Tym and Jason Brogan, assistant principal at Woods Creek. Tune in to hear about featured artwork, the planning process, our Dole partnership, and what studen...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Latino USA

    Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S. centering Latino stories, hosted by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Maria Hinojosa Every week, the Peabody winning team brings you revealing, in-depth stories about what’s in the hearts and minds of Latinos and their impact on the world. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts. www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.