The GIPS Cast
The official podcast of Grand Island Public Schools in Nebraska. The GIPS Cast is a conversation-based podcast exploring the world of public education thru the voices of one of Nebraska’s largest, most diverse school districts. #WeAreGIPS
Episodes
July 9, 2024 • 27 mins
How do we prepare for a new school year?
Two of our school Principals, Jessica Schroeder from Howard Elementary and Kayla Wichman from Westridge Middle School, joined the podcast to answer that very question.
Throughout the conversation, they share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the large number of details, tasks, and plans that a school Principal tackles before kicking-off another year of learning.
Whether it is lunch period times...
Two of our school Principals, Jessica Schroeder from Howard Elementary and Kayla Wichman from Westridge Middle School, joined the podcast to answer that very question.
Throughout the conversation, they share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the large number of details, tasks, and plans that a school Principal tackles before kicking-off another year of learning.
Whether it is lunch period times...
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Before we close the book on the year, it's good to take a moment and reflect.
Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, joins The GIPS Cast to do just that. Along the way he shares insight on how the district came together throughout the necessary budget reduction process, important takeaways from our five-year state accreditation visit, and how our people remain the anchor for all we do.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year, he for...
Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, joins The GIPS Cast to do just that. Along the way he shares insight on how the district came together throughout the necessary budget reduction process, important takeaways from our five-year state accreditation visit, and how our people remain the anchor for all we do.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year, he for...
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There is power in student voices.
What’s more, a handful of our GIPS 6th Grade Scholars found their voices showcased on our community’s biggest stage.
Why?
Because they leaned into their creativity and were bold enough to share their vision for our community.
Earlier this Spring, The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grand Island approached us at GIPS asking if we’d be interested in participating in a new student-fo...
What’s more, a handful of our GIPS 6th Grade Scholars found their voices showcased on our community’s biggest stage.
Why?
Because they leaned into their creativity and were bold enough to share their vision for our community.
Earlier this Spring, The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grand Island approached us at GIPS asking if we’d be interested in participating in a new student-fo...
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May 21, 2024 • 22 mins
We write about tragic history so we don't repeat it.
Owen Williams, a Junior student and football player at Grand Island Senior High, joins the GIPS Cast to reflect on why writing about the holocaust was an important assignment in Mrs. Butters' class. Additionally, he shares how Irena Sendler, a social worker in the Polish Underground Resistance rescued 2,500 Jewish children from Warsaw, became the focus of his essay on 'Moral Cour...
Owen Williams, a Junior student and football player at Grand Island Senior High, joins the GIPS Cast to reflect on why writing about the holocaust was an important assignment in Mrs. Butters' class. Additionally, he shares how Irena Sendler, a social worker in the Polish Underground Resistance rescued 2,500 Jewish children from Warsaw, became the focus of his essay on 'Moral Cour...
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Animals, science, early childhood literacy, and writing a book!
For the Starr Elementary 3rd Grade Teaching team, curriculum is just the starting point. Breanna Salinas, Alison Zitterkopf, and Tonia Schmall join The GIPS Cast to share how they brought their collective creativity to the Animal Science unit for their students this year.
Along the way they share how CKLA curriculum connects to science; how students researched and stud...
For the Starr Elementary 3rd Grade Teaching team, curriculum is just the starting point. Breanna Salinas, Alison Zitterkopf, and Tonia Schmall join The GIPS Cast to share how they brought their collective creativity to the Animal Science unit for their students this year.
Along the way they share how CKLA curriculum connects to science; how students researched and stud...
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April 25, 2024 • 28 mins
How do you capture a four decade career in a conversation?
Mrs. Cindy Wells, Grand Island Senior High Activities Director, joins the GIPS Cast to reflect on the countless students and staff she's supported through 43 years in public education. Set to retire at the end of this school year, Wells shares her favorite memories, the "day-in-the-life" of an Activities Director, and how it all comes back to connecting with kids. Through ...
Mrs. Cindy Wells, Grand Island Senior High Activities Director, joins the GIPS Cast to reflect on the countless students and staff she's supported through 43 years in public education. Set to retire at the end of this school year, Wells shares her favorite memories, the "day-in-the-life" of an Activities Director, and how it all comes back to connecting with kids. Through ...
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March 27, 2024 • 51 mins
Cell Phones. We’re addicted to them. Well, at least most of us are.
You’re probably already familiar with the conversation of cell phones at school. That certainly has been a topic under the microscope this year at GIPS and at Grand Island Senior High.
Earlier this school year – at the midway point, in fact – Grand Island Senior High made the intentional move of going “cell phone free” in the classrooms, hallways, and lunchrooms of...
You’re probably already familiar with the conversation of cell phones at school. That certainly has been a topic under the microscope this year at GIPS and at Grand Island Senior High.
Earlier this school year – at the midway point, in fact – Grand Island Senior High made the intentional move of going “cell phone free” in the classrooms, hallways, and lunchrooms of...
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March 19, 2024 • 27 mins
Girls Wrestling is more than a sport — it's a community.
Carving her name into the history books, Anyia Roberts became Grand Island Senior High's first ever Girlst Wrestling State Champion this year. She joins "The GIPS Cast" to share how she found her passion on the wrestling mat and why inspiring the next generation of girl wrestlers matters.
Head Coach Jeff Evans joins the conversation as well to highlight how the GISH Girls Wres...
Carving her name into the history books, Anyia Roberts became Grand Island Senior High's first ever Girlst Wrestling State Champion this year. She joins "The GIPS Cast" to share how she found her passion on the wrestling mat and why inspiring the next generation of girl wrestlers matters.
Head Coach Jeff Evans joins the conversation as well to highlight how the GISH Girls Wres...
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March 5, 2024 • 26 mins
Sharing yourself through music can be a powerful thing.
Kevin Parra Vazquez is a Senior at GISH and an accomplished musician. He joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how music changed his life in school.
In addition to playing saxophone in a number of brand groups at Senior High, he's recently begun arranging and reinventing old jazz music. His piece, "Stardust", was recently performed at the annual GISH Jazz Fest earlier this month.
He...
Kevin Parra Vazquez is a Senior at GISH and an accomplished musician. He joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how music changed his life in school.
In addition to playing saxophone in a number of brand groups at Senior High, he's recently begun arranging and reinventing old jazz music. His piece, "Stardust", was recently performed at the annual GISH Jazz Fest earlier this month.
He...
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February 20, 2024 • 48 mins
CONTENT WARNING:
Please note this episode contains discussion about depression, suicide, and seeking support for those struggles.
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Wellness matters.
Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Supt., and Rebecca Duran Meyer, Elementary School Social Worker, join The GIPS Cast hoping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. Whether it's breaking down barriers of access to support, or simply stepping-up to be a trusted adult...
Please note this episode contains discussion about depression, suicide, and seeking support for those struggles.
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Wellness matters.
Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Supt., and Rebecca Duran Meyer, Elementary School Social Worker, join The GIPS Cast hoping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. Whether it's breaking down barriers of access to support, or simply stepping-up to be a trusted adult...
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February 13, 2024 • 15 mins
"What is the best way to help our students grow and how can we best ensure student success?"
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, was invited to speak at the annual State of the City event held on February 9th, 2024.
He shared insights into the growing academic performance across our schools, a budget reduction snapshot, and updates on the newly relaunched Academies of Grand Island Senior High.
We're pleased to share Mr. Fisher's full m...
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, was invited to speak at the annual State of the City event held on February 9th, 2024.
He shared insights into the growing academic performance across our schools, a budget reduction snapshot, and updates on the newly relaunched Academies of Grand Island Senior High.
We're pleased to share Mr. Fisher's full m...
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January 18, 2024 • 23 mins
Success is defined by finding your passion and pursuing it.
Angel Velasco (GISH Class of 2015), joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how Career Technical Education changed his life. Along the way, he speaks about the importance of finding construction opportunities in high school, how two teachers saw his potential, and how cool it is seeing the community enjoy his work in downtown Grand Island.
Because there's a lot to be proud of wh...
Angel Velasco (GISH Class of 2015), joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share how Career Technical Education changed his life. Along the way, he speaks about the importance of finding construction opportunities in high school, how two teachers saw his potential, and how cool it is seeing the community enjoy his work in downtown Grand Island.
Because there's a lot to be proud of wh...
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January 4, 2024 • 23 mins
More than just achievement — it's about something bigger.
Sage McCallum (GISH Class of 2022), Sophomore & Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share her story of blazing new trails. Along the way, she salutes teachers who changed her life, speaks to her commitment to service, and vision for the future of life in the Navy after college.
Because it takes a village to help you reach your goals.
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GUEST: ...
Sage McCallum (GISH Class of 2022), Sophomore & Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, joins the "The GIPS Cast" to share her story of blazing new trails. Along the way, she salutes teachers who changed her life, speaks to her commitment to service, and vision for the future of life in the Navy after college.
Because it takes a village to help you reach your goals.
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GUEST: ...
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December 27, 2023 • 28 mins
Teaching, Learning, and Leading.
Bianca Ayala (GISH Class of 2005), Principal at Gates Elementary, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journey of classroom EL teacher to school Principal in the public school district that raised her. Along the way, she shares her passion for student advocacy, her experiences working with student immigrants, and why public education matters.
Because every single student deserves access to ed...
Bianca Ayala (GISH Class of 2005), Principal at Gates Elementary, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share her journey of classroom EL teacher to school Principal in the public school district that raised her. Along the way, she shares her passion for student advocacy, her experiences working with student immigrants, and why public education matters.
Because every single student deserves access to ed...
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How do you unlock creativity and critical thinking? Poetry might be the answer.
Every year 5th Graders across the district explore a Poetry Unit as part of our English Language Arts Curriculum. And it’s really cool to see our students explore poetry — many of them for the first time.
At Stolley Park Elementary, they take it to another level.
For three years running now, the 5th Grade classes at Stolley Park host a Poetry Night. Famili...
Every year 5th Graders across the district explore a Poetry Unit as part of our English Language Arts Curriculum. And it’s really cool to see our students explore poetry — many of them for the first time.
At Stolley Park Elementary, they take it to another level.
For three years running now, the 5th Grade classes at Stolley Park host a Poetry Night. Famili...
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November 21, 2023 • 31 mins
How do you build champions for life? By raising expectations.
Jeff Tomlin, GISH Football Head Coach, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share his mission for inspiring student athletes. With over 30 years of coaching and education under his belt, he knows what it takes to build a team and it starts by choosing not to focus on wins and losses. As Coach T. puts it, "We're building young men, not just playing football". Anyone that's go...
Jeff Tomlin, GISH Football Head Coach, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share his mission for inspiring student athletes. With over 30 years of coaching and education under his belt, he knows what it takes to build a team and it starts by choosing not to focus on wins and losses. As Coach T. puts it, "We're building young men, not just playing football". Anyone that's go...
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October 26, 2023 • 44 mins
How do you change the world for the better?... One student at a time.
Abel Covarrubias (GISH Class of 2010), Director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy through UNL, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share how his time at Grand Island Senior High changed his trajectory. Along the way, he shares his experiences as an early cohort member in NCPA at GISH, what inspiring first generation university students looks like, and why ...
Abel Covarrubias (GISH Class of 2010), Director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy through UNL, sits down with "The GIPS Cast" to share how his time at Grand Island Senior High changed his trajectory. Along the way, he shares his experiences as an early cohort member in NCPA at GISH, what inspiring first generation university students looks like, and why ...
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October 10, 2023 • 45 mins
Students are capable of great things... all through the power of words.
Joaquin Zihuatanejo, Dallas Poet Laureate & Educator, shares why he wanted to visit Grand Island Senior High to inspire students to find their voice through pursuing college. Amber High and Shalee Lindsey, GIPS GearUp program, join the conversation to unpack what it means to show-up every day and help high school students see everything they could be. And th...
Joaquin Zihuatanejo, Dallas Poet Laureate & Educator, shares why he wanted to visit Grand Island Senior High to inspire students to find their voice through pursuing college. Amber High and Shalee Lindsey, GIPS GearUp program, join the conversation to unpack what it means to show-up every day and help high school students see everything they could be. And th...
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September 15, 2023 • 35 mins
Budget season is here!
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, and Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO, unpack the notable updates and historic developments with the 2023-24 district budget. Along the way, they discuss the district's first lowering of the tax levy in over twenty years, why maintaining staffing support is important, and how the district will be strategic in spending going forward.
Because it's about spending only what is necessary to ...
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, and Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO, unpack the notable updates and historic developments with the 2023-24 district budget. Along the way, they discuss the district's first lowering of the tax levy in over twenty years, why maintaining staffing support is important, and how the district will be strategic in spending going forward.
Because it's about spending only what is necessary to ...
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September 12, 2023 • 23 mins
Teaching is an adventure.
Jessica Whitmire, GISH Financial Management Pathway Teacher, shares her unconventional story of how she ended-up in the classroom with a bunch of teenagers. Along the way, she emphasizes the importance of seeing every student, why classroom creativity matters, and what it's like to be honored as a teacher of the year.
Because the best teachers are the ones that connect with their students.
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GUEST: Jessica W...
Jessica Whitmire, GISH Financial Management Pathway Teacher, shares her unconventional story of how she ended-up in the classroom with a bunch of teenagers. Along the way, she emphasizes the importance of seeing every student, why classroom creativity matters, and what it's like to be honored as a teacher of the year.
Because the best teachers are the ones that connect with their students.
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GUEST: Jessica W...
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