"After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System

Producer Dee Daniels interviews curator Steve Smith at Savannah’s Massie Heritage Center about the site’s history, programs, and future. Smith traces Massie’s origins to Peter Massie’s 1841 bequest that funded a school built by architect John Norris and opened in 1856; it later served as a Union hospital, a Freedmen’s school, and then the first public school in Georgia’s first public school system formed by Savannah and Chatham County in 1866, operating until 1974.

After years of reuse, Friends of Massie helped reopen it in 1978 as a “museum school” using the “community is the classroom” model of place-based education. Smith describes exhibits on Savannah’s city plan, architecture, preservation, maritime history, Native Americans, and a 19th-century classroom, plus events like May Day and outreach programs such as History on Wheels, while noting building repair needs and growth in visiting school groups.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Massie

00:32 Origins After the Fire

02:46 From School to Heritage

05:30 Savannah First Public Schools

06:24 Where Massie Sits

08:49 Museum School Model

11:27 Touring the Exhibits

17:58 May Day and Programs

22:07 Future Goals and Repairs

24:34 How to Visit and Book

26:09 Closing Thanks

"After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System

Producer Dee Daniels is at the Massie Heritage Center with District Math Content Specialists Stephen Salley - K-8 Content Specialist, Dr. Beth Tuck - Elementary Content Specialist, and Dana Marie - 6-12 Content Specialist.

They discuss changing the mindset that some people are “not math people,” emphasizing math as puzzles, games, and problem-solving—not just computation—and the reward of seeing students make connections. The guests explain the district’s K–12 math textbook adoption: 16 vendor proposals were rated by a nine-person group and narrowed to four products now being piloted in 24 schools for about six weeks, with educators and community members able to review materials and complete rubrics/surveys.

They outline how parent-teacher communication and events like Math Night help families understand instruction and advocate for students. Key dates are shared: public review at Port Wentworth on February 19 from 4–6 PM and the end of educator review and the classroom pilot period on February 27. The conversation closes with each guest naming influential educators and affirming math as their favorite subject.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to After the Bell + Meet the Math Team

00:29 “Everyone’s a Math Person”: Changing the Mindset

00:58 What Math Content Specialists Do (K–12 Roles)

01:33 The Best Part: When Math Finally Clicks

02:55 New K–12 Math Textbook Pilot: What’s Happening

03:35 How Textbook Adoption Works (16 Vendors → Top 4)

04:15 The “Why”: Consistency, Access, and Support for All Learners

06:06 How Teachers & Families Can Review and Give Feedback (Public Review Details)

08:08 Bridging Math at School and Home: QR Codes, AI, and Parent Advocacy

10:15 What a “Math Night” Is (and Why It Helps)

12:17 What the Adoption Means for Students: Models, Discourse, Real-World Math

15:49 What Happens Next: Scoring Rubrics, Key Dates, and Final Selection

18:30 Quick-Fire: Influential Teachers & Favorite Subjects + Wrap-Up

In this episode of "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System, producer Dee Daniels sits down with Samantha King, the Director of Instructional Technology and Media Services.

Recorded from White Bluff Elementary School's media center, the discussion covers the evolution of educational technology in SCCPSS, the integration of personalized learning tools like Waggle, and the importance of digital citizenship. Samantha also outlines the district's rigorous cybersecurity measures, policies on cell phone usage, and plans for the future, including the strategic adoption of AI and other emerging technologies. The episode concludes with a heartfelt shout-out to inspiring educators and some fun reflections on student life.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to After the Bell

00:37 Introduction to Samantha King

00:58 The Evolution of Technology in Classrooms

02:49 Integrating Technology for Better Outcomes

06:29 Teacher Training and Support

08:01 Digital Citizenship and Information Literacy

11:05 Parental Involvement and Resources

12:55 Student Privacy and Cybersecurity Measures

17:39 Personal Cell Phones in Schools

23:18 Emerging Technologies: AI and VR

25:48 Getting Support and Final Thoughts

27:39 Fun Questions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System, producer Dee Daniels visits White Bluff Elementary School and interviews Amy Perry, the Director of Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.

Amy explains the evolution of vocational training into modern CTAE programs, detailing the 17 career clusters and 45 unique career pathways available to students. The conversation covers the hands-on learning experiences, work-based learning opportunities, and the introduction of new career pathways such as HVAC, heavy equipment operations, and virtual reality certifications.

Amy shares success stories, including student projects, field trips, and the significance of industry-recognized certifications. The episode also touches on the importance of life skills, dual enrollment, and the high graduation rates among CTAE students. Finally, Amy reflects on her own educational journey and the inspirational teachers and mentors in her life.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:33 Understanding CTAE: Definition and Mission

01:26 Evolution of Vocational Training

03:13 Exploring Career Clusters and Pathways

05:13 In-Demand Career Pathways

08:14 Hands-On Learning in CTAE

10:35 Work-Based Learning and Community Partnerships

12:23 Industry Recognized Credentials and Student Success

17:14 Middle School Preparation and Dual Enrollment

21:19 Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks

Welcome to 'After the Bell' the official podcast of Savannah Chatham County Public School System!

Producer Dee Daniels is at White Bluff Elementary's media center with Jessica Horton, the Director of Choice Programs at SCCPSS. Jessica shares insights about the 27 specialized Choice Programs available to students.

From STEM to performing arts, these programs allow students to pursue their passions from K-12. Jessica explains the application process, benefits of the choice programs, and the pilot transportation initiative. She emphasizes the importance of following students' interests and their role in the program's success. Join us for an inspiring conversation about how these programs empower students and prepare them for the future.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Overview of Choice Programs

01:38 Application Process and Criteria

03:27 Developing New Choice Programs

05:52 Specific Choice Programs and Opportunities

08:03 Application Timeline and Requirements

10:16 Transportation and Accessibility

11:29 Auditions and Specialized Programs

14:20 Personal Insights and Fun Questions

17:06 Career Journey and Final Thoughts

Welcome to 'After the Bell' the official podcast of Savannah Chatham County Public School System! Today, we're taken to White Bluff Elementary School's media center for a captivating conversation with Kim Achenbach, District Performing Arts Specialist.

Kim shares her daily routine supporting over a hundred music, dance, and theater teachers across 53 schools. She highlights the evolving landscape of core music disciplines, which now includes modern band programs alongside traditional ensembles.

The discussion delves into the significance of community partnerships, mental health benefits of the arts, and the impact of music on academic performance. Kim also provides advice for parents looking to support and enroll their children in music programs and shares inspiring moments from her own musical journey. Join us for an insightful look into the vibrant world of performing arts education.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:29 A Day in the Life of a Performing Arts Director

01:21 Evolving Music Education

04:13 Community Partnerships and Opportunities

05:48 Inclusive Music Curriculum

07:08 Spotlight on Savannah Arts Academy and Garrison School for the Arts

08:27 Public Performances and Student Opportunities

13:53 Music and Academic Performance

15:42 Mental Health Benefits of Performing Arts

19:32 Supporting Local School Music Programs

21:38 Future Vision for Performing Arts

24:08 Personal Reflections and Fun Questions

Welcome to 'After the Bell,' your inside scoop on the Savannah Chatham County Public School System!

In this episode, host Dee Daniels sits down with Staci Taylor, the Deputy Superintendent for Strategy, Innovation, and Performance, to discuss the district's ambitious five-year strategic plan. Recorded at White Bluff Elementary's Media Center, Staci shares insights on creating a roadmap for the district's future, involving everyone from students to community members.

They explore the importance of innovative thinking, effective communication, and a student-centered approach to ensure a world-class educational experience. Tune in for a deep dive into how SCCPSS is preparing for a successful and transformative future!

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to After the Bell

00:32 Meet Staci Taylor: Deputy Superintendent

00:50 Strategic Planning for the Future

03:42 Engaging the Community

04:46 Innovative Approaches and Blue Sky Thinking

09:24 Keeping Students at the Center

12:44 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

15:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of "After the Bell", producer Dee Daniels interviews Sheena Boykin, the District Recruiter for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

Sheena shares her excitement about winning the 2025 American Association of School Personnel Administrators award and discusses her role in recruiting top talent for various positions within the district. She emphasizes the importance of not only teachers but also other crucial roles like architects, bus drivers, and maintenance staff in making the school district successful.

Sheena also talks about her personal journey to Savannah, the extensive efforts in advertising open positions, and the various alternative pathways to becoming a teacher. The episode includes insights into the application process, international teacher recruitment, and the significance of building strong community partnerships.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:19 Award Recognition and Significance

01:06 Role and Responsibilities of a District Recruiter

02:48 Falling in Love with Savannah's School System

04:20 Key Characteristics for Candidates

06:07 Recruitment Strategies and Community Engagement

08:28 Current Job Openings and Opportunities

12:56 Application Process and Personal Touch

14:44 International Teachers and Alternative Pathways

20:42 Personal Insights and Conclusion