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#BryanBuilt Podcast

#BryanBuilt Podcast

By: Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga
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Summary
 The official podcast of the Bryan City School District in Bryan, Ohio. Pulling back the curtain on our district to share the stories, the "why," and the celebrations of our Golden Bears. Hosted by Superintendent Mark Rairigh and Director of Media Communications Chris Malanga. Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga
Episodes
  • Telling Our Story: Social Media Interns Take Over the #BryanBuilt Pod (S02/E05)

    Telling Our Story: Social Media Interns Take Over the #BryanBuilt Pod (S02/E05)
    Nov 4 2026

    Senior social media interns Morgan & Zoey share how their videos hit 600K views, plus district updates and retro 90s vs. 2000s trivia!


    In this episode:

    00:00 🏁 Show Intro

    01:43 🗞️ #BryanBuilt News Feed

    08:46 🤳 Social Media Interns Morgan Killgallon & Zoey Gillett

    33:57 📼 The Fun Segment: “Back in the Day vs. Back in THAT Day”

    53:18 🏆 Golden Bear Standouts: BCS School Resource Officers


    For full show notes and district links, visit: podcast.bryanschools.net
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    57 mins
  • HoCo Memories, Goldy the Live Mascot, and Bear Down Chris! (S02/E04)

    HoCo Memories, Goldy the Live Mascot, and Bear Down Chris! (S02/E04)
    Oct 5 2026

    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes

    Hosts: Chris Malanga and Superintendent Mark Rairigh


    🎙️ Episode Summary

    Welcome back to Season 2, Episode 4 of the #BryanBuilt Podcast! Chris Malanga and Superintendent Mark Rairigh are dressed for Homecoming Week across Bryan City Schools.

    In this episode, Mark delivers updates on the $6.2 million Arts & Education Center renovation, followed by Homecoming Week events like Wednesday’s Community Game Night and Friday's matchup against Wauseon. Then, 1976 alumnus Dave "Batter" Batt joins us to share 1970s traditions, the "Secret Sisters," and football lore.

    Plus, Mark tests Chris with Golden Bear history trivia, and social media interns Morgan and Zoey bring us "Bear in the Chair" featuring Bryan Elementary teacher Mr. Joe Tucker!


    ⏱️ Episode Chapters:

    00:00 🏁 Show Intro

    01:11 📢 #BryanBuilt News Feed

    07:25 🎙️ Deep Dive: Dave "Batter" Batt ('76)

    44:11 🐻 The Fun Segment: “Bear Down” Trivia with Chris Malanga

    1:01:20 🛋️ Bear in the Chair: Mr. Joe Tucker

    1:04:08 🏆 Golden Bear Standouts: 2026 Homecoming Court


    🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News Feed

    Superintendent Mark Rairigh shares major district updates:

    • Arts & Education Project: Raised grade added for the scene/set shop. East side foundation work underway for dressing rooms, rehearsal space, green rooms, and main lobby art gallery/lounge. Interior demo continues through winter; exterior work resumes in March for a Spring 2028 completion.


    • Homecoming Highlights: Kicks off with backdrop building and lip sync prep. Community Game Night is Wednesday, Oct 7 (5:30 PM cookout, 6:00 PM games) with State Bank truck, Eric's Ice Cream, ABC hot dogs, Spangler Candy, badminton, and bubble tea.


    • Friday Game Day: Pep assemblies lead into Friday night's game against Wauseon, followed by Saturday's dance.


    🎙️ Deep Dive: Dave "Batter" Batt ('76)

    Class of 1976 graduate Dave Batt joins the studio to talk Bryan Homecoming history:


    • 1970s Traditions: Downtown window painting, float parades judged at Park Stadium, homecoming mums, and garage bands after Friday night games.


    • Legendary Moments: Car-smash bonfires, practicing at Washington School, psyching out Montpelier with a surprise bus entrance at kickoff, and the 1995 field-of-dreams bonfire entrance.


    • Secret Sisters: Recounting the wooden scrapbook created by nine female classmates honoring senior athletes.


    🐻 Fun Segment: Bear Down, Chris!

    Mark puts Chris to the test with Golden Bear history trivia, featuring a special focus on the 1993-1994 school year – the year his wife graduated from BHS!

    • Name Origin: High school student Charles "Red" Daniels submitted "Golden Bears" in 1929.


    • Mascot History: Pre-1929 teams were called "The Purples". Bryan also hosted a live bear cub mascot named "Goldy" in 1941.


    • 1993-1994 Homecoming Court: A throwback to Nikki's senior year! Chris guessed Annie Sims, but Mark didn't recognize her maiden name in the yearbook photo and doubted him - until Chris proved he was right all along! Both Annie Sims and Kim Bassett represented BHS on the court.


    🛋️ Bear in the Chair: Mr. Joe Tucker

    Morgan and Zoey feature 2008 BHS graduate and teacher Mr. Joe Tucker:


    • Inspiration: Joining the TRUST program in high school with Mrs. Amy Dominic inspired him to be a positive male role model. Influenced by government teacher Mr. Arnold.


    • Favorite Memory: Emceeing Homecoming his senior year and participating in the pep assembly tug-of-war.


    🏆 Golden Bear Standout: 2026 Homecoming Court

    Congratulations to our HoCo court and emcees:


    • Court: Freshman Dina DeHoyos, Sophomore Lily Davis, Junior Kaylee Dempsey, Senior Mya Parker, and Queen Piper Hannah.


    • Emcees: Ethan Fryman, Autumn McNamara, Kassi McDade, and Addalyn Hendricks.


    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.net

    Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok

    Remember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆


    Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Kindergarten Takeover, Retro Computer License & 1990 Trivia! (S02/E03)

    Kindergarten Takeover, Retro Computer License & 1990 Trivia! (S02/E03)
    Sep 21 2026
    🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode, Chris Malanga and Mark Rairigh are taking a trip back in time to kindergarten! We share major district updates, including the latest state report card results, the A&E groundbreaking, and new leadership additions. Then, kindergarten teachers Mrs. Stiverson and Mrs. Good and a stellar panel of kindergarten students, join us to share what school looks like in 2026.Plus, we put Mark's memory to the test with a throwback trivia quiz, Chris reveals a classic piece of history for Show & Tell, and media interns Morgan and Zoey sit down with Career Tech teacher Mr. Davis in our "Bear in the Chair" segment!⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 🏁 Show Intro00:56 📢 #BryanBuilt News Feed09:17 🎒 Deep Dive: Kindergarten Takeover30:45 🎶 Fun Segment: 1990 Throwback Trivia & Show & Tell41:56 🪑 Bear in the Chair: Mr. Davis45:15 🏆 Golden Bear Standouts: Fair Participants🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News FeedSuperintendent Rairigh shares major district updates happening across BCS:State Report Card Success: We maintained a 3.5-star rating on the state report card, reflecting strong performance index scores, student growth, and high-quality instruction across the district.Arts & Education Project: Groundbreaking has occurred for the $6.2 million A&E renovation, featuring upgraded seating, new lighting/sound, set-building areas, rehearsal spaces, an art gallery, and lobby; Anticipated completion is March 2028.Educator Excellence: Congratulations to recently retired educator Karen Meister, recipient of the Benedict Outstanding Educator Award for her dedicated service and positive impact on students and staff.Goodwill Pass It On Challenge: Competing against Evergreen Schools from September 21-24. Goodwill trailer is at Bryan Elementary; the winning district receives a $500 scholarship. Facilities Leadership Transition: With Ned Ruffer retiring at the end of the year, Charles vonSeggern steps into the Director of Maintenance role.🎒 District Deep Dive: Kindergarten TakeoverWe welcome kindergarten teachers Mrs. Stiverson and Mrs. Good, along with students Charlie, Garrett, Hattie, and Brynn.Classroom Learning: Students share what they've learned in their first 18 days of school, from subitizing in math to identifying illustrators, writing numbers, and letter sounds (like "Fix-it Max").Kindergarten Evolution: How modern kindergarten has evolved into a full-day, rigorous academic experience with Chromebook integration, smartboards, fine motor skill development, and reading fluency goalsSocialization & Specials: Daily play centers, brain breaks, and student favorites in Gym, Art, and Library.🎶 Fun Segments: 1990 Throwback Trivia & Show & TellChris takes Mark down memory lane to test his knowledge of 1990—the year Mark started kindergarten:Pop Culture Quiz: Mark tackles trivia on Koosh balls, Hi-C Ecto Cooler, overhead projectors, TMNT, Pogs, and scrunchies!Show & Tell: Chris brings in his actual 1981-1982 Hill School computer license, highlighting the evolution of classroom technology over the years.🪑 Bear in the Chair: Mr. DavisBackground & Passion: A 1996 BHS graduate who spent 20 years working on school productions before transitioning from construction into teaching.Hands-On Learning: Sharing his excitement for teaching students real-world skills in carpentry, woodworking, tape measuring, and welding.Educator Inspiration: Mentored during his school years by former teacher Mrs. Sheridan.🏆 Golden Bear Standout: Williams County Fair ParticipantsWhether showing livestock, performing in the live band show, or volunteering, congratulations to our students for their hard work, dedication, and service to our local community.Connect With Us:Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.netSocial Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTokRemember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ
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    47 mins
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