Schoolhouse ROX: A POGcast

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Dr. Santora, Dr. Zegar, and Ms. Bellardino discuss Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. They have an introductory conversation about what this is, how it fits into a modern school environment, and what parents can expect as a part of learning about how MTSS works to meet each student where they are and provide them with the appropriate level of support (behaviorally, academically, socially and/or emotionally).

In this episode, Dr. Seipp chats with Ms. Bellardino, Ms. Montano, and Leah Steiner (Literacy Consultant) about the work they have been doing to support establishing a strong culture for writing. They also share some strategies that parents can use at home to help their children become more confident writers.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp and Mr. Schmidt discuss the work that has been happening at Roxbury High School in the English Department surrounding conferring with students and formulating high-quality feedback to support their reading and learning. Feedback is a critical element of growth and Berit has been an amazing partner in this work, constantly seeking to enhance our classroom experience.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the emergence of Artificial Intelligence in schools...What is it? How is it impacting teaching and learning? How can it be used to enhance the learning experience? What are the perspectives of some staff and students regarding this disruption to the status quo? Dr. Seipp is joined by Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Mawn, Mr. Hansen, Mrs. Jameson, and two RHS students.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Dr. Zegar, Mrs. DeRosario, and Ms. Davenport discuss strategies for supporting MLLs (Multi-Language Learners). They share ways the school district is working to support students and teachers by ensuring that the learning experience is positive, accessible, and supportive. They also share strategies about how to better understand the experience of non-native English speakers.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp revisits the topic of neurodiversity with Ms. Perez, Ms. O'Connor, and two of her parents. Understanding neurodiversity is not only relevant but also makes our world one of greater appreciation, understanding, and acceptance. Hear strategies, tips, and experiences from various viewpoints so you can grow in your understanding of neurodiversity.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discussed the Sports Medicine Academy partnership with Morris County School of Technology with Mr. Mason, Mr. Koch, Mr. Forlenza, and four RHS students who are enrolled in the Academy. They discuss the history of the program as well as the experience of being a part of it.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discussed the Lincoln Roosevelt School IPASS initiative with Ms. Folkers, Ms. Davenport, Ms. DelRusso, and two students. IPASS is not just Lincoln Roosevelt's core values, it means much more to the school community and is celebrated through IPASS Day and throughout the school year.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp and Mr. Mason discuss what makes the athletic culture at RHS so special with fall coaches and athletes. Our coaches and athletes talk about the importance of culture, leadership, pride, tradition, and hard work as core elements of what makes their experience so rewarding and such an important part of their RHS journey.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses grading and assessment practices including how the report card is transforming slowly to provide greater depth of information for students and parents regarding the learning process with Dr. Rohde, Mrs. Schmidt. Mr. Cantwell, Ms. Bellardino, and Mr. Fiscina. This conversation touches on many sensitive beliefs about the accuracy and importance of grades.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Mr. Mason, and Mr. Monaco discuss the ABLE in Schools partnership with staff from ABLE in Action (and a special interview with their partner NY Jets Center, Connor McGovern). The group discussed the importance of schools providing a physical education experience that is accessible to all students. The district is partnering with ABLE to offer a unified PE experience in EMS and RHS.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Dr. Santora, Mrs. Gallagher, and Mrs. Perez open a conversation about neurodiversity seeking to shed light on some beginning questions such as: What is neurodiversity? How does neurodiversity impact the learning environment? What strategies can one use when interacting with others?

In this episode, Dr. Santora, Dr. Seipp, Mr. Argenziano, and Mrs. North discuss the back-to-school excitement as well as goals for the new year. They share highlights from the opening of the 23-24 school year and connect those highlights to the district goals. It has been an exciting opening of school and we are looking forward to an amazing school year!

In this episode, Dr. Seipp and Mr. Fiscina discuss strategies for "invigorating HS Math" with Dr. Eric Milou, Rowan University Professor and author. Dr. Milou shares strategies about how HS math can be transformed into something that is relevant, important, and attainable for students and Mr. Fiscina shares the work he has done based on Dr. Milou's work to begin this transition at Roxbury High School.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Ms. Bellardino, Mr. Schmidt, and Mr. Fiscina discuss what Transfer Goals are and how they were developed in the district to support longitudinal curriculum design based on the work of Jay McTighe.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Mr. Schmidt, and distinguished author, Berit Gordon, discuss strategies that can support teachers in recognizing and rekindling (when necessary) the joy they have for teaching young people. Teaching is an incredibly demanding profession but is immensely rewarding, therefore it is important to be mindful of how to keep the passion for the profession burning bright! Berit shares strategies and ideas from her book, "The Joyful Teacher"

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the incredible role that Assistant Principals play in our schools alongside the School Counseling Department to support students in a wide variety of ways with Roxbury's four Assistant Principals, Dr. Zegar, Mrs. LaMonica, Mr. Crispino, and Ms. Hall, as well as District Director of School Counseling, Mrs. Mann.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the variety of supports provided to student-athletes in order to prevent injury and support readiness to compete by the Roxbury High School's Athletic Trainers, Mr. Koch and Mr. Forlenza, with the trainers and Mr. Mason.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Ms. Bellardino, and Dr. Zegar discuss with renowned educational researcher and author, Erik Francis, the impact that the deconstruction of standards and the alignment with Depth of Knowledge (DOK) tiers can have as it relates to supporting a higher level of student learning. Erik has been supporting the Roxbury Schools in this effort and continues to maintain a relationship with them as this work continues.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses how parents and students can prepare for the transition to the secondary buildings (LRS, EMS, and RHS) with Mr. Argenziano, Mr. Gallagher, and Mr. Miller, the principals of those schools. The principals share strategies for preparing as well as measures the schools have taken in support of a successful start of the year as well as some programs that are in place once the year starts.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses strategies for parents preparing for their child to begin kindergarten in September with Mr. Hamer, Ms. Bellardino, Mrs. Kelly, and Mrs. Maurer. The start of kindergarten can definitely cause nervousness but should be a very exciting time. The strategies and information shared in this discussion are intended to support parents and children prepare for this transition.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp and RHS administration discuss AP courses and Dual Enrollment agreements. They weigh the pros and cons of both and also explain how students need to consider their future journey when deciding how to prepare for their course load during their time at RHS.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discussed the layers and elements that comprise the continuum of services provided in Roxbury with Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. DeBarros, Mrs. Mosher, and Ms. Dressel. They discuss the variety of support structures that seek to assist students with the opportunities to meet with success based on individual needs. This includes the I&RS process, 504s, and IEP eligibility.

In this episode, Mr. Schmidt discusses the excitement and challenges of Roxbury High School's Duel Enrollment partnership with Rutgers University for their Freshman Expository Writing Class with the class's teacher, Ms. Stellingwerf, and two students.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Ms. Bellardino, and Mr. Schmidt are joined by literacy consultant Leah Steiner, and acclaimed researcher and pedagogy leader, Jen Serravallo. The group discusses the nuances of impactful reading and writing instruction emphasizing intentionality in practice, and student-centered approaches.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp and the Curriculum and Instruction Supervisors discuss the history of the Summer Learning Program in Roxbury as well as the rationale behind the current model and ways that students (and parents) and connect with high-interest experiences through the summer so they are sharp and ready to return to school next year. Here is the Summer Learning Letter for 23-24.Here is the flyer for parental training sessions that Mr. Schmidt mentions at the end.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discussed the new K - 4 Library Media Design program with Mr. Siegel, Mrs. DiLorenzo, and two students. This exciting new program combines literacy, problem, solving, and collaboration as a new iteration of traditional elementary specials (Library and Computers). Students are provided opportunities to explore a variety of tools and resources to accomplish tasks and solve problems.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp and Mrs. Gallagher talk to Mrs. Maffeo-Spitzer about her role as a Teacher Coach as a part of the district's plan to recover from the impact of COVID. Mrs. Maffeo-Spitzer has met with and supported a wide variety of staff members to reflect upon and improve their practice while also embracing their complex role as a teacher. She supports staff with feeling confident in their growth as an educator in an increasingly complex professional landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the high-level academic research being conducted by students under the supervision of Ms. Theodoropoulos with three students. These very impressive students (and their classmates) are conducting college-level research and working to close research gaps in the process.

In this episode, Mr. DeBarros and Mrs. Gallagher discuss how the Roxbury Public Schools provide related services to students so that students have the opportunity to meet with success and grow while still having access to participate in all aspects of their learning experience and also allow professionals to collaborate with Ms. Babus and Ms. Evans.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discussed current adjustments to the mathematics sequence and the forthcoming development of mathematics pathways at Roxbury High School with Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Fiscina. Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Fiscina have worked very hard to align the curriculum plan to the expectations of the standards, and also to meet the growing evolution of student goals.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the district's partnership with Dr. LeeAnn Jung with Mrs. LaMonica and Mrs. Gallagher. Dr. Jung shares the core concepts of UDL and explains her work with the district as well as how a UDL design supports all students to have the opportunity to meet with success.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Mrs. Cosgrove and Mrs. Billeci discuss the district's efforts to support wellness and mindfulness in partnership with Amy Rubin, Mindfulselff.com. Amy Rubin has been supporting district staff and students for a number of years through a wide variety of programs. Thanks to LeeAnn Jung for sharing research information about the impact of Mindfulness.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the impact that Senior Options can have on student opportunities both during their senior year and after high school with three current students and Mrs. Mann.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Mr. Fiscina, Mrs. Kelly, and Mrs. Jameson work to debunk the concept and notion of the "math person". They talk about how anyone can be good at math and strategies that students can use to overcome the notion that math may not be for them. Math is all around us in the world, and recognizing its importance, even when it requires some struggle will lead to a more positive outlook on one's ability to meet with success in math.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the development of Portrait of a Graduate in Roxbury with Dr. Radulic, Dr. Zegar, Mrs. Cosgrove, and Mr. Schmidt. They discuss the process the district used to develop the foundational themes and design language that is age appropriate based on community feedback. They also talk about strategies that have been used to integrate the themes and competencies of the district's Portrait of a Graduate into the everyday learning experience and overall learning community.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses P.E.A.K. with three students and two teachers from Jefferson Elementary School. P.E.A.K. is how the district offered enrichment (gifted) opportunities to all students in grades K - 4. Dr. Rohde and Mrs. Erdreich talk about how they coordinate with grade-level colleagues to provide students with exciting opportunities. The students share their insights and excitement about the projects they have the opportunity to engage with.

In this episode, Mr. Schmidt discusses the Book Love initiative at RHS with Mrs. Schmidt and Berit Gordon, author of No More Fake Reading. Also, hear from two students who share their perspectives on this initiative and how it has impacted their learning experience.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discussed the professional learning structures that are being implemented in Roxbury surrounding questioning in the classroom with Erik Francis. The topic of questioning in the classroom has emerged as an area for growth based on classroom data. Erik's book, Now That's a Good Question, has been a terrific support structure with this work. Erik has partnered with Roxbury for a few years supporting this need by working with teachers in various professional learning opportunities.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Mr. Mawn, Dr. Gottfried, and Mr. Blough discuss how the Aviation program "took flight" at Roxbury High School. They also hear from three students who have been instrumental in the establishment of the program's success alongside their teachers.

In this episode, Dr. Seipp discusses the idea of "new math" with Mrs. Maurer, Dr. Rhode, and Mrs. Kelly. They talk deeply about the district's elementary mathematics program elements and instructional strategies as well as how mathematical learning connections are embedded in the instructional format.

In this episode, Mr. Mason and Mr. Roman chat with recently crowned 126-pound NJ Wrestling Champion, Luke Stanich. They discuss his career, his tournament run, and his commitment to academics as he looks forward to wrestling and studying at Lehigh University. Luke also talks about how important it was to him to represent the town he grew up in by wrestling for his hometown high school.

In this episode, Ms. Bellardino, Mrs. Rex, and Dr. Seipp speak with Literacy Consultant, Leah Steiner, regarding best practices in elementary literacy instruction, Leah's work in Roxbury, and connections to Jennifer Serravallo's book, The Reading Strategies Book 2.0.

In this episode, Mr. Mawn is joined by leadership from RHS Rox-thon who talk about the event and the program. This exciting student organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through hours of tireless hard work and incredibly generous donations from our community to contribute to raising awareness and funding to support the battle against pediatric cancer.

In Episode 1, Dr. Radulic, Dr. Seipp, Mr. Coakley, Mr. Miller, and Ms. Bellardino provide an overview of why Roxbury Public Schools are going to begin producing and publishing podcasts. They provide some teasers about upcoming episodes along with the rationale...a desire to share in a broader way, the amazing elements that are part of an educational experience in Roxbury.