The Frisco ISD Podcast

This week on the Frisco ISD podcast, we’re diving deep into the International Baccalaureate Program at Frisco High School! Tune in as we uncover what makes this globally respected program unique and learn how it equips students for success in academics and their future careers.

The Frisco ISD Podcast returns for its 4th season as we kick off the 2024-25 school year. Tune in to hear Dr. Waldrip share his insights for the upcoming year.

Leah Salvagio enjoys teaching at Borchardt elementary, and has learned some helpful lessons during her first year in the role. Learn more about what her experience as a new teacher has been like in our latest podcast episode.

This week we’re sitting down with Frisco ISD’s Managing Director of Athletics, Jerry Littlejohn for a conversation about the impressive accomplishments of the Districts athletics programs, the pivotal role parents play in the lives of student-athletes, and the recently launched Frisco ISD Athletics Hall of Honor. 

This week we’re sitting down with Tori Fitka, a Digital Learning Coach (DLC) at Roach Middle School. Listen as she shares about her journey transforming the minds of middle schoolers as she embraces the District’s motto of knowing every student by name and need.

Looking to dive deeper into how the DLC’s can help you as a parent of a Frisco ISD student? Check out the Tech Talk with DLCs podcast: https://bit.ly/3sDbtNd

In this episode of the Frisco ISD podcast, we sit down with Erin Miller, the District’s Chief Student Services Officer, to discuss updates to the Student Code of Conduct, including changes related to e-cigarettes, fighting, and CBD/THC products, shedding light on how these modifications impact student behavior and discipline within the District.

Looking to learn more? Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfR5xm-RxNk

In this episode of the Frisco ISD podcast, join us for a conversation with Rayna Biffle from our Transportation Department. Discover how we ensure safe transportation for special education students, the importance of building trust with students and families and the exciting updates coming to our Transportation department in the near future.

In this episode, we’re joined by Meridith Manis, the District’s Managing Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning, and Liberty High school’s teacher, Holley Mosley, and student, Aadi Vasa for an engaging discussion regarding the newly implemented grading policy in Frisco ISD.

Meet Leonie Manfa, the Emerson High School band president. In this next installment of our Flourishing in Frisco series, Leonie highlights the positive impact that music education has had in her life while also sharing her journey of being a part the inaugural class of Emerson High School.

The award winning Frisco ISD Podcast is back with a new season for the 2023-24 school year. Today, we’re sitting down with the District’s Broadcast Facilitator, Steven Doherty, to highlight new features that Frisco ISD sports fans can utilize to support their favorite teams throughout the school year.

In this episode, we're joined by Danny Stockton and Meghan Dewolfe from our Government Affairs department as they breakdown the 88th Texas Legislative Session and discuss how the decisions made will impact the District during the 2023-24 school year.

In the latest episode of "Flourishing in Frisco" we sit down with Claire Molnar, a counselor at Riddle Elementary school. Listen along as she shares her experience in the District and highlights the various ways she's encouraging positivity on her campus.

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Dr. Wes Cunningham to discuss the career and technical education opportunities available to students across Frisco ISD.

In this episode, we're joined by Jake Tramel, an inaugural member of the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) program hosted at Lebanon Trail High School. Listen in as he shares his experience, which includes building strong leadership skills, and how he feels prepared to succeed in the future.

In our final episode of 2022, we sit down with Meridith Manis of our Teaching and Learning Department and FISD parent Les Stanaland to reflect on the District’s Parent Academy.

Frisco ISD’s Chief Student Services Officer Erin Miller joins us to define relationship-centered learning and how it’s being integrated in classrooms across the District.

In this “Flourishing in Frisco” episode, we sit down with Carlos Sanchez, the head custodian at Rogers Elementary, to discuss the role of a custodian and what keeps him going each day.

In this episode, we’re joined by Meridith Manis from our Teaching and Learning Department and Valarie Edwards, a FISD parent, to discuss the District’s Parent Academy. From what it is to the biggest takeaways thus far, this is an episode you can’t miss!

In this episode, we’re introducing you to Brianna Hamilton, a junior at Centennial High School, who shares her experience as a student-athlete in Frisco ISD. As a standout volleyball player, she shares her favorite aspects of the sport and provides insight on how participation in athletics builds leadership skills.

You’ve likely heard the terms project-based learning, inquiry-based learning and standards-based practices, but do you know what they really mean? In this episode, two of Frisco ISD’s educational leaders define these terms and a handful of other buzzwords used in classrooms across the District.

In this episode, we’re joined by Frisco High School’s librarian, Mindy Purcell, to learn how she is “Flourishing in Frisco.'' Listen along as Mindy shares how she’s cultivating a library experience that spans beyond the books on the shelves.

With over 66,000 students in Frisco ISD, there are hundreds of ways our community members can make a difference with our students. In this episode, we're joined by Randall Ford, Kelly Hemenway and Allison Miller as we highlight the various ways the greater community can get involved at our campuses by signing up volunteer opportunities.

We’re kicking off a new installment of episodes within our usual podcast episode rotation where we introduce you to some of the people who make our District unique….students and staff who are “Flourishing in Frisco.” In this episode, we sit down with Angel Trevino, the cafe supervisor at Minett Elementary, who found the perfect fit with a job serving healthy breakfast and lunch to our students.

As we look forward to opening two new schools this month, our first episode of the school year provides a glimpse into our campus opening process, including the value of student input, how a name is selected and the excitement behind building traditions.

In our 14th episode, we’re joined once again by Kimberly Smith to dive into the compensation and retention plans included in the proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year.

In our 13th episode, we’re joined by KeVonna Scott, Frisco ISD’s alumni specialist, and Zakiyah Johnson, a 2009 graduate of Frisco High School, to discuss the purpose and benefits of the District’s Alumni Network.

In this episode, we’re joined by Frisco ISD’s Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Smith to discuss the District’s annual budgeting process, its evolving nature and the prioritization of needs across FISD.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Wes Cunningham, Donnie Wiseman and Lauren Haddox to discuss what HB 4545 requires of districts statewide, the implications of missing STAAR tests this year and the vast teacher burnout contributed by the new law.

In our tenth episode, we sit down with Bethany Birdwell, principal of the Early Childhood School (ECS), and Melissa Ellis, assistant director of early childhood instruction, to discuss the programs and resources available at ECS as well as the District’s full-day prekindergarten programming. The pair also provide details on how our community can identify a need for instructional support and services through Child Find.

In this episode, we’re joined by Pete Hazzard, managing director of fine arts, and Chris Cansler, assistant director of fine arts, to discuss the collaborative nature of our fine arts programs and the impact the arts can have on the educational experience of students.

In this episode, we’re joined by Frisco ISD’s Athletic Director Grace McDowell to chat about the recent UIL realignment, the District’s new swim facility and the impact athletic participation can have on the educational experience of students.

Frisco ISD’s Chief Academic Officer Wes Cunningham, Director of Innovative Learning Tiffany Carey and Managing Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning Meridith Manis joins us to discuss the FISD+ programming, application process and more.

Frisco ISD’s Director of Emergency Management Jon Bodie joins us to discuss the District’s emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Frisco ISD’s Deputy Superintendent of Business and Operations Dr. Todd Fouche joins us to discuss the rezoning process and what it means for families within our District.

In this episode, we’re joined by Allison Miller, director of the Frisco Education Foundation (FEF), who provides a look into how FEF supports the staff and students of Frisco ISD, and shares what the community can do to be more informed of their efforts.

Frisco ISD Managing Director of Guidance and Counseling Dr. Stephanie Cook joins us to discuss the meaning of social-emotional learning (SEL) and shares how parents can support their students through their SEL journey.

In our second episode, we’re joined by Board President René Archambault and Vice President John Classe to discuss the joys and challenges of being a member of the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees.

In our very first episode, Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip shares what the role of superintendent is like, dives into what it means to be future-ready and discusses his goals for the District this school year.