Now more than ever, Columbia High School students have choice in what to learn. They can choose from a list of available electives, they can take college courses, and they can enroll in career and technical education programs through Questar III BOCES. One of those exciting programs offered by Questar is New Visions Pathways in Education where high school students prepare to become teachers.

On today’s episode, Superintendent Jeff Simons discusses the New Visions Pathways in Education Program with Teacher Jenifer Kish, and Columbia High School seniors Elle Hutton '25 and Gabriella Fisher '25, who are enrolled in the program. They discuss Pathways in Education and how students learn to become our educators of the future through coursework and hands-on experience in school settings.

Also, students share how they can protect the planet, the staff profile features Green Meadow typist Marcelle Gadreault, and we highlight the DPS Coding Club in the Student Activity Spotlight.

(1:30) – Training Our Future Teachers
(18:48) – Students Share How They Can Protect the Planet
(20:02) – Staff Profile of Green Meadow Typist Marcelle Gadreault
(21:48) – Student Activity Spotlight with the DPS Coding Club
(22:33) – Upcoming Events

Special thanks to our guest host Brayden Gipson ’25!

Let’s Learn Together is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music and other apps.

Recess is one of the best parts of the school day for elementary students. It’s an opportunity to run, play and have fun. And while exercise and burning off energy is important, students are also developing lifelong skills, like how to make new friends, how to take turns, and how to resolve conflict.

On today’s episode, our Public Information Specialist Mark Adam discusses recess with Genet Principal Wayne Grignon, Occupational Therapist Denise Lyle, and Monitor Karen LaFrank. They discuss recess in the East Greenbush Central School District and how important it is for the development of our students.

Also, students share what they like about spring, the staff profile features PPS Director Jessica Harris, and we feature Green Meadow Enrichment in the Student Activity Spotlight.

(1:20) – Recess
(24:58) – Students Share What They Like About Spring
(26:00) – Staff Profile of Pupil Personnel Services Director Jessica Harris
(29:13) – Student Activity Spotlight with Green Meadow Enrichment
(30:11) – Upcoming Events

Special thanks to our guest host Maya Derico ’25!

Let’s Learn Together is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music and other apps.

Now more than ever, schools are utilizing data to enhance instruction and improve learning for students. This is done by giving students in grades Pre-K through 8 a universal screener three times a year, as well as using other measures. That data is used to diagnose how students are learning, what skills they have, and what skills need more work. It informs how our teachers teach so every student gets what they need to be successful.

On this episode, we discuss data-driven instruction with Principal Helen Squillace, First Grade Teacher Val Santillo, and MTSS Coordinator Lisa Mahar. They discuss how the universal screener is administered in classrooms across our district, how data reports are used to inform instruction, and the positive impact it has on students.

(1:22) – Data-Driven Instruction
(27:42) – Students Share Their Favorite Books
(28:38) – Staff Profile of Green Meadow 2nd Grade Teacher Becky Cook
(31:47) – Student Activity Spotlight with the Columbia Art Club
(34:04) – Upcoming Events

Let’s Learn Together is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music and other apps.

Special thanks to our guest host Jabari Holder '25!