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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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  • 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
  • Williamston Schools Update: Bond Progress, Tech Revamp, and Addressing Smart Devices in Classrooms

    Williamston Schools Update: Bond Progress, Tech Revamp, and Addressing Smart Devices in Classrooms
    Dec 19 2024
    As we inch closer to the heart of the holiday season, there’s a lot to celebrate, especially considering the impactful changes on the horizon. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast features insights from Dr. Adam Spina about the district's progress and upcoming initiatives. Here’s a comprehensive look into the updates that were discussed. Community-Supported Bond: A New Dawn for School Infrastructure Gratitude to the Community Dr. Spina started by expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support the community showed during the bond election in August. This bond, seen as a long-term investment in the schools, aims to set up students for future success. Initial Projects Underway From band instruments to classroom furniture, the bond encompasses a variety of projects thoughtfully planned to utilize taxpayer dollars effectively. One striking initiative is the replacement of outdated locker systems in middle and high schools, which are slated to be installed by summer 2025. The bond will also enhance athletic facilities, with significant investments in a new tennis court complex and an expedited renovation of the softball complex. Revamping Technology: The New District Website What to Expect In addition to these structural developments, Dr. Spina revealed that a long-overdue update to the district’s website will finally go live in early January 2025. While the current website, which had been Dr. Spina’s pet project for years, served the community well, the new design aims to be more user-friendly and conducive to timely communication. Transition and Training The tech team is hard at work making the final adjustments and conducting training sessions for staff to ensure a smooth transition. Though there may be a few bugs initially, the district is committed to addressing these efficiently to provide a seamless user experience. Smart Devices in Schools: Policies and Perspectives The Challenge Another focal point is the ongoing discussion about the impact of smart devices on adolescents’ learning and mental health. Reflecting on national and state-level discussions, Dr. Spina shared how the district implemented new policies to restrict device usage during school hours. Collecting Community Feedback In a move to engage the community in this crucial conversation, a series of surveys are being conducted to gather input from parents, students, and faculty. These insights will help shape future policies, ensuring they align with the community's perspectives and needs. A Season of Gratitude and Community: Holiday Messages Community Involvement The holiday season provides a unique backdrop to witness the strong ties between the schools and the broader Williamston community. Students and staff actively participate in community programs, whether through performances, volunteer work, or festive events like the light parade. Dr. Spina’s Wishes Dr. Spina extended his heartfelt thanks for the continued support and shared his best wishes for the holiday season and the upcoming year. He anticipates 2025 to be a year filled with exciting developments that will further enrich the community and its schools. Stay Connected This episode serves as a reminder of the impactful changes occurring within Williamston Community Schools. Dr. Lewis encourages everyone to stay engaged, offering an open channel for feedback and inquiries. As we step into 2025, the community’s involvement remains crucial in shaping the future of our schools. Stay tuned to the Hornet Hive podcast for more updates, and happy holidays from Williamston Community Schools! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm 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. And as always, I love having you here to be able to hear about the amazing things that are happening within our schools. And every once in a while, we have the opportunity to bring Doctor. Adam Spina back on to talk about, in general, kind of what's going on in our schools and talking about progress on different goals and and progress on different things. So I'm always excited to be able to have him back here to talk about that. And today we do have doctor Spina with us, so I'm really excited to have him here. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:59]: Doctor Spina, thanks for being back again this week. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:02]: Hi, Chris. Looking forward to providing some updates on things going on in the district as we approach the holiday season. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:08]: I know one of the big things that you've been working on after we had the election in August was to really start moving forward with the bond, thanks to the support of our community. And I thought it might be a good time to have you give a little bit of an update on where things are at at this point. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:28...
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    20 min
  • Middle School Math Magic: Nick Niederquell's Passion for Teaching

    Middle School Math Magic: Nick Niederquell's Passion for Teaching
    Nov 21 2024
    In this week's episode of the Hornet Hive podcast we sit down with Nick Niederquell, a passionate 6th-grade math teacher at Williamston Middle School. Nick shares his unique journey into teaching, the benefits of being a part of the same school community as his children, and his philosophy on the growth mindset in education. Here's a deeper look into the topics discussed in this enriching episode. Choosing Williamston: A Personal Decision Nick Niederquell's decision to teach in Williamston is both a personal and professional choice. As a father of twin 8th graders, Nick finds an unparalleled joy in teaching in the same environment where his children are growing up. He talks about the immeasurable value of seeing his children and their friends every day, whether in the hallway giving fist bumps or on the soccer field where he assists in coaching. "It is a priceless thing to teach in the same classroom school hall hallways as my own kid," Nick said, emphasizing how this crossover enriches both his family life and his professional life. Williamston offers a small-town vibe while being conveniently close to Lansing, making it an ideal location for raising a family. The Path to Teaching Math Nick didn’t always know he wanted to be a teacher. Initially, on the engineering path at Michigan State University, he soon realized that working with people was his true calling. After struggling through upper-level math courses himself, he understood the importance of not only being good at math but also knowing how to overcome difficulties. "Spending days with people and training up the younger generations was a lightbulb moment for me," Nick said. His personal struggle with difficult mathematical concepts has equipped him with the empathy and techniques necessary to help students succeed. By transforming his classroom into a space where mistakes are just steps toward progress, Nick makes math both challenging and achievable for his students. Creating a Positive Environment What sustains Nick in his teaching role is his love for his colleagues and students. He spoke highly of the close-knit team of dedicated educators at Williamston Middle School, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. Drawing inspiration from his fellow teachers, he has found his own voice and methods for motivating and educating 6th graders effectively. The Power of a Growth Mindset One of the standout moments in the podcast was when Nick talked about the importance of a growth mindset. Inspired by Carol Dweck’s body of work, he emphasizes “Practice makes progress” over the older adage “Practice makes perfect.” This shift removes the pressure of perfection and encourages students to view each attempt as a step towards improvement. "I have loved bringing my energy by doing pushups in class and saying, 'Alright, students, here we go. We're going to do another few reps at this,'" Nick shared. This engaging approach makes learning enjoyable and shows students that persistence will eventually lead to understanding. Nick Niederquell’s teaching journey is a beautiful blend of personal fulfillment and professional dedication. By teaching in Williamston, he not only strengthens his family ties but also enriches the community with his energetic and caring approach. His story is an excellent example of how educators can make a significant impact by fostering a growth mindset and creating a positive, supportive learning environment. Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Hornet Hive to hear more of Nick’s inspiring journey and insights. Take a listen and let us know how you'll bring a growth mindset into your own home or classroom! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. And this week as always, I love being able to introduce you to people within our district that are doing amazing things, working with our students to help them be the, the students that we want them to be in the district and helping them to find success in that educational journey that they're on. And this week we've got another great guest with us today. Nick Niederquill is with us today and Nick is a math teacher at our middle school, working with our 6th graders and teaching them math and helping them to be able to find success in math. Nick, I am really excited to have you here today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:05]: Thanks so much for being here and look forward to getting to know you a little bit more. Nick Niederquell [00:01:09]: Thank you for having me. And I'm looking forward to just the integration within our own schools. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:14]: So the first question that I always ask, and I know you've been a teacher for many years and you were a teacher for many years outside of our district and then had the opportunity and decided ...
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    12 min

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