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The Hornet Hive Podcast

The Hornet Hive Podcast

Auteur(s): Williamston Community Schools
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 The Hornet Hive is your one stop location to get up to date on everything that is happening within the Williamston Community Schools.2024
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  • Celebrating Service, Community, and Connection: Reflections with Linda Ereg

    Celebrating Service, Community, and Connection: Reflections with Linda Ereg
    Sep 4 2025
    This week on the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Linda Ereg, a cornerstone of the Williamston High School counseling team who recently retired after years of dedicated service. Their lively and heartfelt conversation shines a light not just on Linda’s impressive career, but also on the values and spirit of the Williamston Community Schools themselves. If you’re looking for an uplifting reminder of what makes school communities thrive—or simply want to get inspired by the story of one person’s impact—this episode is a must-listen. A Career Built On Compassion and Adaptability Linda’s journey at Williamston began serendipitously, starting as an at-risk coordinator, drawing from her background in mental health and social work. Over time, she transitioned from that role into teaching English and health, and then stepped into the guidance counselor position—a natural fit, given her warmth, empathy, and deep commitment to student wellbeing. What’s striking about Linda’s story is her remarkable adaptability and willingness to grow. She constantly found new ways to meet student needs, whether launching an after-school homework lab or strengthening networks between families and the school. The Power of Relationships Time and again, Linda emphasizes how connections made all the difference—between staff and students, among colleagues, and within the broader Williamston community. Building trust, being present, and reaching out to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks became her trademarks. She shares moving stories about helping students overcome academic and personal struggles, including her early experience convincing a teacher to give a struggling student a second chance—which led to that student ultimately graduating. These anecdotes underscore an essential lesson: it’s relationships, not rigid rules, that open doors for growth. Resilience Drawn From Community Linda also speaks candidly about personal challenges, including the loss of her son and how the support she received from the Williamston community gave her strength. Her story is a testament to the ways schools can be safe harbors, nurturing not just students but the staff who guide them. Her gratitude and love for the community shine through—and remind us that education is about so much more than curriculum. Why Listen? Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, Linda’s reflections offer wisdom, humor, and heart. Tune in to this episode of the Hornet Hive to celebrate a career well spent—and to rediscover what makes school communities like Williamston so special. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited that you're back with us this week. And, and this week I am so excited to be able to talk with Linda Ehrig. And Linda has been a counselor at Williamston High School for many years. And actually she just retired this year after many years of service to the Williamston Community Schools. And I thought it would be a great opportunity to be able to learn a little bit more about Linda, you know, what has kept her here, what has sustained her, what has made Williamston a place where she has wanted to devote her career and allow for you to get to know her a little bit more before she leaves the district for good out into her the next phase of her personal life. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:08]: So I'm really excited to have her here. Linda, thanks so much for joining us today. Linda Ereg [00:01:12]: Well, thank you for asking me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:13]: Well, I've been asking you for a while, so I'm excited that, that you finally said yes, that is true. And that we were able to get you on to talk about your journey. And, and I guess first and foremost I want to go back in time because like I said, you've been at the, in the schools for. And what initially brought you to working in Williamson? Linda Ereg [00:01:33]: What brought me to Williamson was that Community Mental Health was having at risk coordinators. They had advertised and were placing them in schools that thought that they needed to have someone else working with an at risk population, as we would say, or students that were struggling. They were having some issues with some of the seniors not being able to graduate. And there was starting to be a rise with the dropout rate. So the principal was very worried about that. And they also needed somebody that had a social work background with special education. So that's originally what I was going to get hired and Community Mental Health put me in there. I was a therapist, social worker before and I noticed I was ready to make a move professionally. Linda Ereg [00:02:17]: So I saw this and apply to Community Mental Health and then interviewed here. So, ...
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    17 min
  • Building for the Future: Exciting Updates from Williamston Community Schools

    Building for the Future: Exciting Updates from Williamston Community Schools
    Aug 14 2025
    As the school year kicks off in Williamston, there’s a spirit of excitement and promise in the air. On the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis (Board of Education member) sits down with Dr. Adam Spina, Superintendent of Schools, to share an inside look at how the district is “Building for the Future”—not just as a theme, but as a living reality for students, staff, and the whole community. Summer Buzz: Camps and Construction Dr. Spina highlights that while summer may seem quieter with school out, the district is anything but idle. The longstanding Kids Camp kept campuses vibrant and energetic, and serves as a reminder of the community’s commitment to giving kids meaningful summer experiences. Dr. Spina even gives a heartfelt shout-out to Rebecca Olson and her staff, who make the camp program such a success each year. But it’s the many projects—both visible and more behind-the-scenes—that take up much of the summer. Thanks to a recently approved bond, the district has tackled four major renovations: new lockers and classroom furniture at the middle and high schools, major upgrades to the tennis courts (with help from a generous grant), and a fast-tracked overhaul of the softball field. Dr. Spina gives listeners an update on their status and provides a peek at the careful planning required to get everything ready for students' return. Beyond Bricks and Mortar “Building for the Future” goes well beyond construction. Dr. Spina emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, whether that's implementing new teaching tools like flexible classroom seating, upgrading technology for teachers and students, or rolling out curriculum advances (hello, new K-8 math curriculum!). The commitment to safety is evident too, with updates to security systems and classroom environments across the district. The theme is about more than physical buildings—it’s about supporting growth, innovation, and wellbeing. Dr. Spina likens it to a championship team that doesn't rest on its laurels: even after success, the drive to get better never stops. New hires, process reviews, and expert consultations all point toward a future-focused mindset. Stay Engaged As construction continues into the school year and new programs roll out, Dr. Spina encourages open communication—parents, staff, and community members are always welcomed to reach out. To get the full story and hear these updates straight from district leaders, check out the episode. It’s an inspiring reminder that in Williamston, building for the future means investing in every aspect of student success. Give the Hornet Hive a listen—you’ll feel the energy and vision for yourself! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again and we are getting ready, ready for a brand new school year, but also closing out a really busy summer here in Williamston and there's been a lot of things happening and I'm really excited that today. We have Dr. Spina, Superintendent of Schools on the podcast today to talk about some of these things because it has been a really busy summer and as always, we're really excited about the kickoff of the new year. So we're gonna be talking about all of these different things. Dr. Spina, thanks so much for being here today. Dr. Adam Spina [00:00:58]: Hi, Chris. Yeah, the summer flew by, at least it did for me. But it's been very productive here and so looking forward to sharing what was accomplished and some things to look forward to as the 25, 26 school year commences. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:11]: Now, I know that one of the things that happens over every summer is we have our long standing kids camp program that has been within our district for many, many years. And we had another really successful camp again this year. Right? Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:27]: Yeah. Sometimes people ask me if it gets lonely in the summer when all the students are gone, and I sometimes just remind them that we have the camp running throughout the summer and a lot of times the kids are playing right outside the window of my office here. So in a lot of ways, if I'm in here working, it feels like kids are still in session and school's still going. So that's always great. It's a reminder of what we do this for. And seeing the kids having a good time and the friendships they make and the experiences that they get to have over the course of the summer is just great to see. And just a quick shout out to Rebecca Olson, the director, for all the work she puts into organizing that and her staff, who go above and beyond, like all our staff in Williamston do day in and day out to make that a great experience for the students that are there. So appreciate all their work. Dr. Adam Spina [00:02:09]: And another successful year of kids camp here in ...
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    15 min
  • Inside Williamston Schools: Spring Updates and Summer Plans from Superintendent Spina

    Inside Williamston Schools: Spring Updates and Summer Plans from Superintendent Spina
    Apr 24 2025
    Welcome back to the Hornet Hive, where we dive into the vibrant developments in the Williamston Community Schools! This week's conversation between Dr. Christopher Lewis and Superintendent Dr. Adam Spina offers an insightful look into the bustling activities shaping our schools. From strategic planning to infrastructure improvements, there’s plenty to get excited about. As the academic year rushes towards its close, the pace at Williamston is picking up. Dr. Spina shares how the district’s proactive approach, leveraging real-time student data, sets the foundation for both immediate interventions and future planning. This holistic use of data ensures our students receive the necessary support to thrive, making Williamston a model for educational excellence. Summer may mean vacation for students, but for the district, it opens the door to critical projects. Thanks to the generous support of the community's recent bond approval, big-ticket improvements are on the horizon. Tennis courts and lockers are set for renewals, while classroom furniture upgrades reflect thoughtful staff input. Plus, a major revamp of the softball facilities promises to make it one of the finest in the area by 2026. The conversation also highlights the importance of community engagement through upcoming events. The "Be Nice" initiative stands out with its dual mission of mental health awareness and bullying prevention. The Be Nice soccer game and the inaugural Be Nice Festival are not just school events; they’re community rallies for a vital cause. Dr. Spina invites everyone to participate, reinforcing that our schools are committed to fostering a supportive environment for all students. Additionally, the annual Williamson Schools Foundation Golf Outing offers a lighter note, combining fun with fundraising. This popular event helps fuel the district’s diverse initiatives, further strengthening the community-school bond. Dr. Spina and Dr. Lewis capture the essence of what makes the Williamston Community Schools a cornerstone of community pride and development. They remind us of the many ways we can engage with and support our schools, whether through participating in events, keeping up with newsletters, or simply staying informed. Dive into this episode of the Hornet Hive to explore how data-driven strategies and community support are shaping our children's futures. Your involvement and support can make a difference. So, listen in and become part of the exciting journey that is Williamston Community Schools! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I am your host, doctor Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. It's been a really busy semester and a lot of things happening within the schools. And it's always exciting to be able to hear from our superintendent, doctor Adam Spina, about the amazing things that are happening in our schools. And I'm really happy that he is back with us again this week. Doctor. Spina, thanks so much for being here. Dr. Adam Spina [00:00:50]: Thanks, Chris. Glad to be back with you. As you mentioned, it's been a busy semester, Hard to believe that it's after spring break already, and I'm watching, some of our elementary students outside my window here in the office playing in the sunshine. So it's, good to see that, we're finally getting some warmer weather, although begrudgingly, getting here. And hopefully, by the time this comes out, we'll have some more consistent, sunny days and warmer temperatures. But looking forward to being able to provide some updates on what's taking place this spring and over the summer with you. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:21]: You know, I know that as you look at the end of the school year and as you are preparing for looking at the fall, this is the time of year that you and your team do a lot of that planning to prepare for the next academic year. So talk to me a little bit about some of the things that are in the works. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:41]: So spring is always our our busiest time, especially in in central office. But I know in the at the school level, it's it's the same as well as that's a combination of revving up all the special events and activities and all the things that encompass, a school year while simultaneously planning and preparing for the following school year. So we find ourselves kind of in the middle of that at the time of this recording. You know, I was gonna think of it if you're running a race, April is kinda like where you would start to pick up the pace a little bit, and then May is kinda that sprint to the finish. So we are the the pace is accelerating, but it's going to get more into a sprint type mode here in another week or so. And it's just how it goes. So a lot taking place right now. One of the things I want to just talk a little bit about was our district day to day process and how we ...
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    16 min
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