Mrs. Bishop welcomes two special guests into the Den for a behind-the-scenes look at the journey to our new 7-12 Upper School building. Joining her are AGCS senior Wyatt Nelson and Dr. Brian Ladman, AGCS board member and longtime Facilities Committee member who has been part of the process every step of the way, from those early dreams to final USDA approval.

Together, they revisit the many iterations of the building's design, the thoughtful considerations that shaped each decision, and the excitement around the new opportunities this space will offer our students. It's an honest and insightful look at the planning, the persistence, and the passion that brought this project to life.

In this special Unity Day episode, Mrs. Bishop sits down with Dr. Ryan Taylor, AGCS Director of Student Services, to discuss this year's powerful school-wide project: a tie-dye and shirt-decorating event where every student and staff member chose colors that represent a cause close to their heart.

They're joined by upper school science teacher, Ms. Marielle Veilleux, who opens up about why she tie-dyed with the color green as she's navigating a new and life-changing diagnosis, and by an anonymous high school student who shares what it's like growing up with parents struggling with addiction — and the surprising hope she's found through it all.

This episode is about connection, courage, and the colors that unite us.

Resources and Notes:

Pennsylvania KinConnector: Resources and support for grandparents raising other relatives' children https://www.kinconnector.org/

National Association for Children of Addiction: https://nacoa.org/

Psychology Today: Find resources to help https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA): https://www.mda.org

In the very first episode of Inside the Den, Head of School Mrs. Bishop sits down with 4–6 Assistant Principal Ms. Tara Delgado to share a powerful and deeply personal story. Living in New York City during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, while her husband worked in the World Trade Center, Ms. Delgado reflects on the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of that day.

More than twenty-five years later, she opens up about the lessons learned, the importance of community, and how moments of tragedy can inspire strength and hope.

🎙️ Inside the Den is the official podcast of Avon Grove Charter School in West Grove, Pennsylvania, where we highlight the voices and stories that bring our K–12 Wolfpack community to life.

⚠️ Listener Note: This episode contains personal reflections on 9/11 that may be sensitive for some listeners. Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview before sharing with younger children.

9/11 resources for families and children:

🔗 https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/teaching-about-911
🔗 https://t2t.org/
🔗 https://www.911memorial.org/learn/students-and-teachers
🔗 https://www.brainpop.com/topic/september-11th/