Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Principal of Newport Elementary, Dr. Laurie Garris, to explore her 27-year journey in education, community building, and leadership. Discover her insights on fostering resilient school culture, supporting teacher growth, and the importance of relationships in education.

#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3district #bpd3family #teachers #principal #bpd3podcast

In this episode:

• Dr. Garris' educational journey from classroom teacher to school leader
• The influence of a favorite teacher and early childhood experiences on her career
• How her special education background shapes her leadership style
• The evolution of the Newport community and its resilient spirit
• Strategies for supporting teachers' professional growth and encouraging innovation
• The significance of family, community, and tradition in her school leadership
• Practical advice for staff and new teachers pursuing advanced degrees
• Maintaining open communication with students and families
• How Newport fosters a love for reading, STEM, and lifelong learning
• Personal anecdotes, favorite school traditions, and current binge-worthy shows

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Laurie Garris and her impact on Newport Elementary
02:24 - Early influences: favorite teacher Mr. DeFeo and childhood education experiences
04:48 - Transition into special education and advocacy for diverse learners
07:08 - Leadership philosophy shaped by special education background
09:36 - Supporting differentiation and innovation in the classroom
10:02 - Pursuit of advanced degrees while working full-time
13:22 - The power of perseverance and district support in professional growth
16:40 - Evolution of the Newport community and school resilience
19:37 - The rewarding aspects of transitioning from teacher to principal
22:54 - Celebrating school traditions like Reading Night and STEM activities
24:20 - Creating an open-door culture for students and staff
26:15 - Empowering teachers to experiment and grow professionally
28:33 - Communicating with parents and fostering a family-like atmosphere
36:30 - Helping students transition to middle school and fostering independence
38:33 - Favorite school spirit days and school events
39:42 - Personal life updates: daughters’ careers and their journey in education
41:11 - Daily routines: starting the day with reading and reflection
42:37 - Favorite concerts and memorable events post-COVID
44:12 - Why Beach Park District 3 is a district for career growth
45:28 - Closing thoughts and gratitude for the education community

Resources & Links:

• Beach Park District 3 Employment Opportunities
• Newport Elementary School

Connect with Dr. Laurie Garris:

• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter

Summary

In this episode of Beach Park Beyond the Bell, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Frank Adams, the Director of Finance for Beach Park District 3. The conversation explores Frank's unique journey from fine arts to finance, the complexities of managing a school district's budget, and the importance of financial health in education. Frank shares insights on how finance impacts teachers and students, the misconceptions surrounding school funding, and the collaborative culture within the district. The episode concludes with light-hearted questions that reveal Frank's personality and interests, emphasizing the importance of community and support in education.

Takeaways

• Frank Adams transitioned from fine arts to finance, driven by a desire to help students.
• The budget in a school district is complex and cannot be rigidly adhered to.
• Finance in education involves more than just numbers; it impacts the entire school community.
• There are strict regulations governing how school funds can be spent, debunking the myth of a 'big pot of money.'
• Frank emphasizes the importance of prioritizing student needs when making financial decisions.
• The financial health of Beach Park District 3 has improved significantly due to evidence-based funding.
• Frank believes in saying 'yes' to initiatives that positively affect students, within budget constraints.
• Continued education and professional development for teachers are crucial for retention and attraction.
• Frank's personal interests include music, gardening, and metalsmithing, showcasing his diverse talents.
• The culture at Beach Park District 3 is family-oriented, fostering collaboration and support.

  Sound bites

"It's not just one big pot of money."

"I make precious metal jewelry."

"Learn about your retirement."

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to "Beach Park Beyond the Bell" — HR in the car with Frank Adams
00:28 - Frank’s background in arts, transition to education, and current role
02:25 - Frank’s journey from teaching deaf and hard of hearing students to district finance
03:53 - Understanding the responsibilities of district finance beyond numbers
05:47 - The importance of strategic planning & phased projects
09:07 - Advice for new teachers: managing pressure and understanding budgets
10:49 - How financial health supports district initiatives and staff development
12:15 - Fun fact: swapping jobs and supporting student nutrition
15:15 - Behind the scenes: district support areas like facilities, technology, and risk management
17:36 - Clarifying common misconceptions about district funds and budgeting rules
19:26 - Planning large projects
20:51 - The role of taxpayer and state funding and the transition to evidence-based funding
22:18 - District’s financial health
23:44 - Prioritizing student staff and needs
24:44 - Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers
25:50 - Supporting staff continuing education and professional growth
26:47 - Exciting district projects: after-school clubs and technology improvements
28:42 - Equity in resource allocation: how district projects are prioritized and implemented
30:06 - Final thoughts from Frank on finance, advice for newcomers, and personal hobbies
31:27 - Frank’s favorite music, concerts, and fun facts about jam bands
35:34 - Hidden talents: metalsmithing and gardening adventures
36:32 - Advice for new teachers: financial literacy and retirement planning
37:27 - What Frank loves most about the district and its community
38:54 - Gratitude, family-like environment, and closing thoughts on district unity

Keywords #bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3family #csbo #teachers #bpd3district

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Laura Cappozzo, a dedicated Speech Language Pathologist at Beach Park District 3. Laura shares her journey into the field of speech pathology, her experiences in education, and the importance of communication in student development. She discusses the collaborative culture within the district, the support for new staff, and the significance of vocabulary in education. The conversation also touches on work-life balance, personal connections, and the unique culture of Beach Park District 3 that fosters professional growth and appreciation among staff.

#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3family #bpd3district #SLP #Teachers

Takeaways

Laura Cappozzo has been a Speech Language Pathologist in Beach Park since 2006.

She is involved in various committees including PBS and MTSS.

SLPs work on speech sound disorders, language building, and comprehension.

AAC devices help facilitate communication for students with speech challenges.

Internships in both medical and educational settings guide SLPs' career paths.

Collaboration among teachers and specialists is crucial for student success.

Vocabulary is essential for comprehension and expression in education.

Beach Park District 3 has a supportive culture for professional development.

Mentorship is key for new clinicians entering the field.

Personal connections and friendships enhance the work environment.

Soundbites

"Make a friend, be present."

"Life happens, family is first."

"I love my job. I love my kids."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Laura’s 20-year journey in Beach Park District 3
02:10 - What does an elementary speech-language pathologist do?
04:16 - The training and internships that shaped Laura’s career
08:08 - Transition from hospital to school-based speech therapy
11:47 - Supporting classroom teachers' understanding of communication challenges
14:49 - Insights into district culture and early career surprises
18:12 - District's support for staff onboarding and mentorship programs
22:39 - Advice for new teachers and clinicians in their first 90 days
23:36 - Celebrating student successes and their profound impact on Laura’s work
26:14 - Collaboration with the entire educational team
28:54 - Continuous professional growth and district support for development
30:51 - Personal stories of community, friendships, and district culture at Oak Crest
34:25 - Theories behind district camaraderie and supported staff relationships
36:22 - The balance of professional dedication and personal life
37:39 - Highlighting staff, mentorship, and the district’s supportive environment
41:17 - Handling life’s unexpected moments and district flexibility
44:02 - The unique benefits of working in Beach Park District 3
45:40 - The importance of authentic storytelling through the podcast
47:09 - Fun questions: morning person, favorite games, concerts, and more
54:02 - Personal passions, family, and hobbies
58:56 - Final thoughts, appreciation, and encouragement for prospective staff

Keywords

Speech Language Pathology, Education, Beach Park District 3, Communication Challenges, Professional Development, Team Collaboration, Mentorship, Student Success, Work-Life Balance, Recruitment