Willmar Wisdom: Beyond the Classroom

Season 3 kicks off on the pitch with members of the Willmar Cardinals soccer team! In this episode, we explore the role athletics plays in building character, discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

Hear from our student-athletes about what it takes to compete at a high level, how they overcome adversity together, and the lessons they’ve learned both on and off the field.

Whether you’re a diehard Cardinal fan or s...

What does it take to turn an idea into a business?

Dr. Adams sits down with Willmar Senior High Business teacher Terrin DeBoer to explore entrepreneurship, real-world business experience, and the opportunities available to students in the Business Management and Entrepreneurship class.

Students learn the fundamentals of starting and running a small business, develop their own business plans, and put their ideas into action through th...

Dr. Bill Adams explores the Scholars of Teacher Apprenticeship (SOTA) Program, an innovative partnership that is helping prepare the next generation of educators through hands-on experience, mentorship, and classroom-based learning.

Joined by a current apprentice, a journeyworker mentor, and the program coordinator, Dr. Adams discusses how SOTA provides aspiring teachers with real-world experience while they complete their education...

In this special episode, Dr. Adams sits down with graduating Willmar seniors as they prepare to close one chapter and begin the next. From college and careers to military service, these students represent the dedication, growth, and spirit of our entire community.

They reflect on their journey through Willmar Public Schools, sharing favorite memories, meaningful experiences, and what they’ll miss most. They also offer thoughtf...

In this episode of Willmar Wisdom: Beyond the Classroom, we highlight the power of student leadership and service in action. Hear from Willmar High School Key Club members as they share how they’re making a difference both locally and beyond.

From organizing a large-scale food packing event to supporting school and community initiatives, these students are learning what it means to lead with purpose. Their work goes beyon...

In this special episode of Willmar Wisdom: Beyond the Classroom, we step away from the district office and into the world of our youngest learners. Join us as five first graders from Kennedy Elementary take the lead in a guided read-along of Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell.

Through their honest, funny, and thoughtful perspectives, these students explore themes of confidence, embracing what makes us unique,...

In this episode, Dr. Adams sits down with longtime educator and boys swimming & diving coach Carl Shuldes as he reflects on nearly four decades at Willmar Public Schools. From starting in the late 1980s to coaching swimming and track for decades, Carl shares what it meant to spend his entire career in one district and build a program rooted in consistency and commitment.

He talks about the culture of swimming — the early m...

In this episode, Superintendent, Dr. Bill Adams talks with Rochelle Peterson, a Willmar Public Schools parent who has open enrolled her three children into the district. Rochelle shares what led her family to explore open enrollment and why Willmar Public Schools felt like the right fit for each of her kids.

She reflects on the importance of feeling supported, known, and confident in where your children are learning, and offers...

In this episode, Dr. Adams sits down with four members of the Hulstein family, all of whom work within the Willmar Public School District.

The conversation explores what it’s like to serve students and families not only as educators, but as a family rooted in the same community.

From funny moments of being mistaken as related with staff everywhere they go, to thoughtful reflections on education, connection, and showing up for...

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at middle school and high school robotics, a program that blends creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and serious fun. Students explain how each year’s challenge pushes them to try new roles, strategize, and build something together, whether they’re coding, designing, driving, or engineering the robot.

We also talk about how robotics builds confidence and resilience by ...

In this episode of Willmar Wisdom, Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams chats with Alex Wolter, Director of Community Education, about how community education builds connection across Willmar.

Alex shares his journey into the role, the importance of creating programs that bring people together, and how events like the International Heritage Festival celebrate the diversity that makes Willmar special.

It’s a conve...

Dr. Adams is joined by Willmar Special Education experts Melissa Wilson, Student Services Director; Barb Eilers, Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) Teacher; and Special Education Coaches Laura Odland and Lyndset Bice-Paffrath, to discuss the wide variety of programs and services available to students with special needs. Learn how our special education staff partner with families to provide exceptional care and educatio...