Episodes

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Ms. Bellardino, Mrs. Blessing, and Mrs. McInnes discuss DIBELS 8, Tier I Universal Screener, and the associated data collection tool, mClass. The ISL Team at Franklin and Nixon has worked very hard to secure a grant in partnership with Rutgers University to pilot the implementation of this tool and prepare all K - 3 colleagues in all four schools for large-scale rollout. Listen in to learn some great strategies to support early readers!

In this episode, Dr. Seipp, Dr. Zegar, Ms. Bellardino, and Mr. Fiscina discuss the updates to the district report cards as well as the rationale and research behind them, much of which was spearheaded by renowned educational leader and researcher, Dr. Thomas Guskey.

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.