In this episode of Talking the WCASD Way, we sit down with two WCASD graduates who returned to the district as school leaders. Principal John Meanix and Assistant Principal Alyse Gonzalez reflect on what inspired them to choose education, how their experiences as WCASD students shaped their path, and what it means to lead in the community that raised them.

In this episode, Dr. Kalia Reynolds talks with WCASD leaders and student intern Lauren Hillanbrand about Career Compass, our district’s work-based learning program that connects students with real-world career exploration. Learn how these experiences help students build Portrait of a Graduate skills and discover their future pathways.

What do school assessments really tell us about student learning? In this episode of Talking the WCASD Way, Dr. Kalia Reynolds talks with Jim Ronayne, Supervisor of Assessment and Accountability, about how WCASD uses purposeful assessments—from classroom check-ins to state tests and SAT/ACT prep—to understand growth, guide instruction, and help every student succeed.

What happens when district leaders spend a day walking in students’ shoes? In this episode of Talking the WCASD Way, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Jimmy Conley reconnect with two students they shadowed last year, one now navigating high school, the other preparing to graduate. Together, they talk about what motivates them, what really matters in their day-to-day experiences, and what they wish adults better understood about school life.

In this first episode of Talking the WCASD Way, host Dr. Kalia Reynolds sits down with Greystone Elementary leaders Dr. Erin Stephen and Mrs. Ashley Melanson to explore how the district’s Portrait of a Graduate is coming to life across classrooms, hallways, and homes.

From fostering empathy and adaptability to empowering students as responsible problem-solvers, hear how Greystone is helping every learner grow into their best future self — the WCASD way.

In this trailer episode, host Dr. Kalia Reynolds, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, introduces a brand-new podcast from the West Chester Area School District. With a bubbly, heartfelt style, Dr. Reynolds shares the goals of the show, offering families and the community new ways to stay connected, celebrate student stories, and hear important updates. Episodes will feature voices from across WCASD and drop every other Wednesday. Join us as we start Talking the WCASD Way — because our district is full of stories!