Shows
Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public SchoolsOlean City Schools - “Where the Music Feels Like Home”In this episode, we were privileged to interview Dr. Genelle Morris, the Superintendent of the Olean City School District. Genelle spoke about their comprehensive Music program spanning UPK- 12th grade. Joining us as guests of this podcast were: Tobi Snyder (Music Chair, OIMS Band/Orch), Susan Boyle (Orch, 4th grade and OHS), Bill Hughey (WW General Music, Prek-3), Evan Snyder, senior in Orchestra and valedictorian and Iraya Prosser, senior in Band, Orchestra and Chorus. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErieOr...2025-05-161h 03
The Husky HuddleMeet America's Favorite Teacher Nominee, OCSD's Andrea Niece!2025-03-2214 minThe Husky HuddleBringing Finding Nemo to Life: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Olean's Junior Musical with Teacher Steve AhlWho doesn’t love the magic of "Finding Nemo"? Our latest episode bursts with excitement as we welcome Steve Ahl, our new French teacher at Olean, and a dedicated member of the Summer STAR Program since 2011. Steve takes us on his journey from being an Olean native to becoming an indispensable part of this beloved program. We dive into the STAR program's unique structure, where kids explore activities ranging from cooking and coding to robotics and poetry, all while being free from the pressures of traditional grading. The highlight? The Junior Musical, where this year’s students are gearing up t...2024-07-2212 minThe Husky HuddleCultural Exchanges and Camaraderie: The Untold Benefits of Model UNEver wondered how debating global issues can shape your future? Join us on this captivating episode of the Husky Huddle podcast as we sit down with Desi Muir and Ruby Chahal, our first-ever student guests, who share their transformative experiences with Model United Nations (Model UN). Desiree, an aspiring English teacher, and Ruby, who plans to major in Political Science, give us a window into their world—recounting their time at various Model UN conferences, including a spirited debate on world hunger at Cornell University. From cultural exchanges to the camaraderie built during overnight stays and delegate dances, their st...2024-06-1111 min
What’s Next?What's Next? | Producer Picks Featuring Hagar Hafez and Dr. Genelle MorrisWe revisit two stand-out conversations with Hagar Hafez from the New York Immigration Coalition and Olean City School District Superintendent Dr. Genelle Morris.2024-06-0658 minThe Husky HuddleSaying Thanks!: Sarah Morris on Mentorship for Olean's New TeachersWelcome the return of the remarkable Sarah Morris to the Husky Huddle, where we unlock the secrets to nurturing new talent in our educational family. Together, we dissect the mentorship programs that have been a game-changer for our district's fledgling teachers, ensuring they're not just surviving but thriving. Sarah's expertise shines as we tackle the hurdles of navigating Teach accounts, fostering professional certification, and the immeasurable value of local community involvement. From the local music scene to the paper mills, hear how these partnerships bolster our educators' success and keep them woven into the fabric of our community....2024-05-2115 min
Teaching ChampionsLeadership, Relationships, and Looking Toward the Future of Education with Dr. Genelle MorrisIn this conversation I’m joined by Dr. Genelle Morris. Dr. Morris has over 30 years in education and is currently serving the role as superintendent. She is passionate about education and has dedicated her life to ensuring each child graduates from high school ready for college or a career. And in this conversation Dr. Morris dives into leadership lessons she has learned from her various experiences, she discusses the importance of building relationships, creating trust, and being authentic. We also dive into the future of education, AI, and planning for the future. Dr. Morris is prou...2024-05-1940 minThe Husky HuddleNavigating the Fiscal Landscape: Jenny Bilotta on Olean City School District's $56 Million Educational InvestmentUnlock the mystery behind a school district's budget and discover the pivotal role you play in shaping the future of education! We sit down with Jenny Bilotta, our formidable business administrator, to scrutinize the proposed $56 million budget of the Olean City School District for the 24-25 academic year. This eye-opening discussion peels back the layers of fiscal decisions, revealing how they align with our district's mission and the impact on our cherished student programs. Jenny meticulously outlines strategic initiatives, including the exciting launch of a computer science curriculum and the expansion of our MTSS initiatives, underscoring our dedication to...2024-05-1611 minThe Husky HuddleCharting the Future of Literacy: Jen Kless Unveils Olean City Schools' Innovative ELA CurriculumEmbark on an educational odyssey with us as Jen Kless, Olean City Schools' Director of Curriculum and Instruction, recounts her compelling transition from a kindergarten classroom to the halls of district leadership. Witness the unveiling of a groundbreaking ELA curriculum, as Jen lays bare the transformative journey from a traditional balanced literacy framework to an innovative approach designed to ensure sustainability, equity, and consistency across our schools. With a vision for equitable literacy education that transcends classroom boundaries, Jen and her dynamic team—comprising educators from varying specialties—have crafted a curriculum that promises to sculpt the future of lite...2024-05-1014 minThe Husky HuddleForging Educational Excellence: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Irizarry's Strategy for Attracting and Supporting Top Educators at Olean City School DistrictImagine stepping into a school district radiating with pride and a mission-driven team ready to make a difference. That's exactly what Dr. Michael Irizarry, the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services in the Olean City School District, does every day, and he's here to share the playbook on how to recruit and retain the cream of the crop in education. In our latest Husky Huddle episode, we go behind the scenes of what it takes to create a thriving educational team. Dr. Irizarry, in his inaugural year, has not only woven the district's values into his strategy but also ensured...2024-05-0315 minAchieving Joy and Mastery in Public SchoolsOlean City Schools - Strategic Planning and the Power of BelongingIn this episode, we were privileged to interview Dr. Genelle Morris, the Superintendent of the Olean City School District. Genelle spoke about her process for developing a Strategic Plan and the power of belonging. She references the work with Evaluative Beings and the concept of Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity, a book by Floyd Cobb, John Krownapple and Brenda Campbell. Additionally, Genelle has partnered with the author John Krownapple to take a deep dive into achieveing equity in her school district.Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErieOr visit our...2024-04-1339 minThe Husky HuddleThe Art of Building School Spirit and Student Leaders at OIMS with Assistant Principal Rich DiMartinoJoin us as we sit down with Rich DeMartino, assistant principal of Olean Intermediate Middle School (OIMS), to explore the transformative power of extracurriculars in student life. We're not just talking about after-school activities; we're diving into a world where clubs and sports become catalysts for personal growth, leadership development, and forging deep connections within the school community. Rich brings to light the significant strides the Student Activities Council made in boosting school spirit and outlines the eagerly anticipated end-of-year events that celebrate student achievements. Listen in for an enriching discussion on the multifaceted benefits of student engagement beyond...2024-04-1012 minThe Husky HuddleWelcoming the Solar Eclipse with OCSD Science Teachers Dan Freeman and Matt WolebenPrepare to be whisked away on an educational journey led by Dan Freeman and Matt Woleben, as we explore the cosmic wonders of the upcoming April 8th total solar eclipse. Learn more about Star Lab sessions, where EV, WW, and OIMS students become astute observers of the skies, versed in the delicate dance of celestial bodies. Our hands-on approach equips our future astronomers with knowledge of safe viewing practices and fosters an infectious excitement that has the whole district buzzing. It's safe to say we are all excited for April 8, the day we stand united under the full eclipse o...2024-04-0109 minThe Husky HuddleDecoding the Budgetary Blueprint for Quality Education with OCSD Business Administrator Jenny BilottaUnlock the secrets behind the numbers that shape our children's education, as we sit down with Jenny Bilotta, our OCSD Business Administrator with a treasure trove of experience spanning two decades. She takes us behind the scenes of school district budget development, revealing how strategic foresight blends with the needs of students to craft fiscal blueprints. From the precision required to forecast expenditures 18 months ahead to the critical balance of salaries and contractual commitments, Bilotta breaks down the importance of smart spending without compromising educational quality. She sheds light on innovative cost-saving strategies, the ripple effects of inflation on...2024-03-2617 min