Welcome everybody to midday magazine for this June 20th, 2024 have your host James J. Mail off here and
Welcomeing into the studio. We are gonna be talking to our some great people today first off
We have Wisconsin's Rappix public schools super intended Craig brawn one more time Craig
Thank you very much for being here. We appreciate the time also want to introduce to you Steve HEPp Steve
Thank you for being here
Thanks for having us so I'm Steve HEPp on the director of people services for the district
But I also serve as the principal of River City's high school. Good to see you again Steve. Thanks for being here
We have Kerry Siller or Siler here with us as well. Kerry. Am I saying that right?
Siler okay Siler Kerry. Thank you for being here. What is your position on the school counselor at River City's high school?
Excellent. Thank you for being here. Kerry and we have Marty all over us
Oliver's Oliver's all right Oliver's a beautiful name. I want to get that right
Marty. Thank you for being here. What do you do? I am a teacher at River City is one of the special teachers all the teachers
Excellent excellent
Right out the gate. I want to let all of you know how much we appreciate you appreciate what you put into our community
Which you do for our kids what you do for our future really the investment that you have made in your careers in our future
We greatly appreciate the work that is being done and what you're doing at River City's high school is unique and
Helpful and I would like to kind of focus on that if you don't mind starting things off and and Steve
Let's start with you as the principal and as somebody too
I want you to kind of talk to the audience a little bit as if they don't know what River City's high school is and and what you guys do there
So River City's high school is an alternative high school
Created for students that are credit deficient
Maybe not in the same track to graduate from Lincoln High School or maybe a possibly a different high school if they are from a different community
Sometimes we have students open roll in
And if they're credit deficient their on track
It's an opportunity for them to still earn their high school diploma
And look at different careers and different options for life after high school
So our really our mission is to kind of make sure that they have the tools and the skills to be successful after they after they graduate
So we really try to get to know the students individually and go from there
Very well done nicely dodged Steve. Appreciate that
When it comes to this I do also want to mention a personal note if you don't mind
I didn't grow up in this school system. I grew up in the Illinois school system
I grew up in a very violent area and my family moved around a lot
I
My when I when we were moving around my
My school credits and everything got lost or paperwork got lost and I ended up having to redo second grade
And while at the time it was very difficult. It was one of the best things to happen to me
I would end up going out here and going to school and still being a knucklehead a bit
It took me a while to really get things right and get focused on school and I'm the fourth James in my family
My none of my other James is none of the other James is it ever graduated high school
So it was very important to my family and to me that I graduated high school got into my senior year
I'm just about gonna make it. I mean cutting it close, but I'm gonna make it and I don't pass science
And I am a quarter credit shy
So I was not able to graduate with the rest of my class
I took a class at mid-state was able to graduate within the same year
But wasn't able to walk with my students and everything my fellow students and all that
It's something to this day that is a oh a crook in my oh it just plugs me and everything
But I'm thankful that I was able to but I look at that back then and I think well if I was in school now in that same situation
River cities probably would have been a place for me and would have been so beneficial for me and so many students
I know I'm not alone in this
There are so many other kids out there that have a similar story to mine that could have been benefited by having a river cities around
We're thankful to have you guys around. We're thankful to have this around
What are other examples if you don't mind without being too detailed or personal certainly
Of the type of kids that are really benefited from having river cities in our town
And Steve I know me to put you on the spot with this or anything, but I'm curious
I want the audience to understand the importance of this school
Yeah, so a lot of times some of the students that come in you know when they are credit efficient they they
You know, they have no chance of graduating from there from their high school that they were attending
So a lot of them that they kind of lose hope and then when we have them we have several different options for
Graduation that they can to kind of go through
And they kind of gives them that hope back and then also besides just that graduation aspect of it
We really focus on okay, okay, that now what okay? What's gonna happen after high school? It's not just about graduating from high school
It's the skills the things they need to be successful after school
Or after high school and then we have a lot of students that at when they first come in they you know
They don't think they're gonna graduate then they learn that they're going to graduate and then it's about
Okay, well now what maybe it's going to mid-state or some sort of other post-secondary college
And we do have quite a few students that do that and sometimes we have students that will take a class or two while they're still with us
or sometimes we have
Our staff are really good at connecting with our students with community members and different workforce
Environments where they can go in in job shadow
Or get some connections and they can
You know get connected with some different opportunities that maybe they didn't have before
So much of school especially at the later levels is preparing kids for the next stage of their lives and getting them prepared for that
It's no different with this
It's I don't want to say it's more vital, but it is so important with that you mentioned a word that I think is really really important with
This conversation that I want everybody to keep remembering not so much you guys you already know it
But our audience to really remember as we're talking about this what it means to have hope
I did not grow up with that I did not grow up with a lot of that in me and it was a lot of my teachers that gave that to me
And gave me an idea that you you don't have to go down this path you can go down other paths
It's your life you can choose these things
They gave me something that I I couldn't get anywhere else
But was in me that I just didn't know and that hope and and that may seem simple
It may seem like to people out there that have plenty of it, you know
What's the big deal? It's just hope it is everything it is everything
It's that thing that gets you up in the morning
It's that thing that makes you cram for a test that you don't know that you can pass or not
It's such an integral part to the youth and the think that the think that you think of that that you have that in mind that you
Your staff does that goes so much farther than we can even put in the words
For these kids whatever they do what their lives going forward
Having that hope and giving some encouragement to that if feeding that hope
I can't imagine how much farther they will go in life because they had that
Um, I'm also curious about if there is a I don't want to I don't know how to word this necessarily
But a different style of teaching or a different approach to these students then you would have at other schools
Um, Marty. Have you taught at other schools?
I didn't get a chance to look at your bio real quick beforehand or anything
But I'm curious uh teaching at other schools compared to hear what differences there might be if there are any
Yes, I taught at Eastern your high when that was open for 20 some years
I thought you did okay
And then I taught at the middle school for a year and then I moved to river cities and it is just a wonderful experience and
And like Steve said hope is huge
I mean that's what we bring every day to these kids and they bring that to us
And so I think that's the big difference is you know
We enjoy being there and we want the kids to enjoy being there and and see that there
There's a lot out there for them and we're going to give that to them
Well said yeah, then that's interesting in here. Let's go
Uh, Steve, have you seen any different approach with this with this school compared to others or anything?
Well, I think one big thing is um, it's it's smaller school
And we have a smaller staff staff with the staff really
Has an opportunity to get to know students individually
Really get to know them when they come in and learn about their
They're uh, you know
Their skill sets and what they need to you know to move forward
And it's really interesting watching students when they first come in and see them grow throughout the year
And see how they become comfortable in that environment and they start to open up more
Because they they start to they know what the trusting environment
They know what the safe environment for them
And I appreciate that. Thank you for that
Carrie, I I'm curious too when it comes to your position and what you do
Certainly it's something that every school is benefited by having a counselor by having somebody there that can
Be a third party that can be so many things for these kids
At that time in their lives when they don't have a lot of things that they can go to or trust and having a good school counselor
Somebody that they can really lean on it. It really goes a lot farther than we realize again
Something that I learned. I I
I was such a knuckle at you guys. I really was and and I was I was
Struggling and dealing with a lot of things that didn't even know I was but our school counselor over at I believe east
Took a moment took some time and spent some time with me and gave me some lessons that I just got done teaching just some students of mine
About a month or two ago and and where I teach at second city and where I did teach at second city
And that's an improv school
That's just acting and everything and I was talking to a 34 year old man
And I was giving him a lesson that I learned at 14
From my guidance counselor who was integral to
Not only my looking at myself and myself worth but having that thing again hope having some of that
Do you find this position at this particular school?
More necessary than then other jobs maybe you've done or just more
Vital work. Is there any part of it that stands out to you more than another place as you might have worked?
What's interesting when you talk about this position because I kind of feel like
If you when you walk into our building you would not know really who does what sometimes I'm in the office answering phones
sometimes, you know
Marty's putting a bandaid on someone you know in the kitchen. Yeah, you wouldn't really
We all kind of do it all together
As far as the counseling piece I think that it the only difference is is that I have a lot more flexibility
To do different things and it went to you say I mean I don't I'm sitting in office and wait for kids to come in
You know, it's it's a different position that I think people would visualize and the regular setting
um the important piece I feel that that
I
Like to bring to the table is that just knowing that everybody comes from a different place
And helping them figure out where they why they are the way they are
And how to make themselves better
individually
It's just it's so important for us to look at each student that comes in and all of their experiences and how we can
Take those things and and build yeah, yeah, there's so many great things our our students have
It's not it wasn't an easy question to answer and I appreciate you to you your answer and it very well worded by the way
Two notes on that one part of the reason I asked these questions of you guys
Is so that the audience again has another understanding of this school these kids no different than any other no different
They're the same as any other kid set of kids out there with some of the same sound problems and some of the things same things going on through their heads and hearts
It's important to know when we're talking about the school
I think it's also noteworthy what you mentioned there about multiple hats
We know something about that in radio
You don't get in the radio and you're doing this. Oh, you're also going to be doing all these things
It's important to note when we're talking about our education and why we need funding and why we need more and more good people in this industry and more in funding and attention brought to our schools
When we have a bills up for passing in different things we've seen in recent years some of these get past some of them don't
It's important to fund and to invest in our youth invest in our education
It is the future. I just double-check beforehand and it turns out kids are the future
And so it feels like a good idea to invest in that
So I don't encourage people to do so and maybe take a couple of tasks off these guys's plates and everything and give them
The freedom to be able to do other things not that you all are complaining because you never do teachers don't do that
But I do think that it's important that
We can add to we can touch on this subject whenever we can about the funding in our school systems and how vital it is
And I appreciate that answer very much care. Thank you. Is there anything
That you think is noteworthy about your positions if you will
That you think the audience would be good to know about what you do over there. Well one thing
I'll go back to some of that Steve said students you know they start off with us
Maybe not feeling great about school not feeling great about their future
And the first part of I think what we do well is is I don't want to say break break down the barriers
But allow them to feel safe and
Comfortable and we do have a rule. They're supposed to have fun. They have to have fun at school
We have fun. We like to be at school. We laugh a lot
In fact, sometimes I feel like it's probably you walk in and go, are you guys working or are you having fun?
But we laugh with our kids and and I think then they feel that they're in a place that they can learn
And they can make plans for their future and they feel good about their futures
And I know that we run into I just ran into a graduate who was in tears about
our building and
What that meant to him and it was it was just amazing. We run into students all the time
I'm already been contacting students through another program
And it's just amazing to hear what some of them are doing
And for them to reflect on the relationships that were built
At our school
When they come back and visit and just tell us what they're up to what they're doing and how life is good
Yeah, I can't imagine how far that takes things and how much that helps
Especially the grind that the school see you can be and everything you love our jobs
Love doing what we're doing, but we also know what a hard day can feel like
So having those kind of things to kind of fall back on and everything can only be a benefit to that as well as just in every day kind of thing
As we're wrapping up talking a little bit about River City's high school
Steve I was wondering is there any other notes or anything else that you think would be good for the audience?
No, but what you guys do over there are the school itself or the students
Well, I think one I think it's important that we appreciate the community sport
Um, I think we we get a lot of support from different foundations different businesses
People I think realize what a good opportunity it is for students
Um, so we really appreciate that we appreciate the school board being so so supportive in getting this going because we do not have
There's not a lot of other districts that have a building like this
You know and Craig as a superintendent has been super supportive as well
Making sure that we have everything that we need
Um to be successful in in what we're doing over there
So I think that's one of the biggest things I'd just reiterate the the importance of the building that we are
able to
Provide something different for students that need something different
Um, and that we're very appreciative of the sport we have
We're appreciative of you guys and the work that you're doing
And then we're also this next year will be the start of our 25th year
So we're excited about that as well
Man that took me off guard
25 years. I didn't realize it's been that long
That is great to hear man. That's so that that's one of our good stories of the day right there
That's pretty cool. Thank you. Thank you all for the conversation really to appreciate it
I want to kind of springboard and segue into Craig a little bit with that what you were saying there Steve
Craig for you getting this started seeing this uh, I should say
Encouraging this supporting this school in schools like it in our area in our district
Where did you see a need? Why did you see this being so important?
Well, so um
I'm going to I guess put the emphasis where belongs. I have frankly absolutely
Nothing or incredibly little to do with the success or relative success of river cities high schools. So
And that's something that I'm happy to own
I'm lucky enough to have been involved with a district that had an alternative school started in 2000
John Greenlow as a former
People services director that was instrumental among other people and getting that
Started at the time Gus Mankusso was Lincoln high school principal as well
I know there were others involved. I don't remember who those people are so I don't mean to describe anybody by not naming names
But um in John and his wife come back to river cities graduation every year
And so I've only been part of that process for about seven years and frankly from the the perspective of
Any district leadership whether it's superintendent or director or whatever your role may be when you have a facility with the human beings
Like you do at river cities high school that operates largely independently and autonomously
With the best interest in needs of kids at heart and and awesome things are happening
Then of course that direct involvement or any kind of you know significant accountability or oversight
There's always backdrop of accountability
They can't go there and do whatever they want to do but on the same hand there's no
Reason to insert yourself in things that are successful and I want to ensure that I take no credit
whatsoever for the relative success of river cities high school
Although I'm honored to have been able to be supportive of of what is an outstanding program
And that's true in in with with you know many respects to the district and in serving in these positions
It's simpler you know, it's it's a similar mindset to
What are areas that that truly need focus where can you where can you see
um
Engagement and change take place that's going to be effective based on the time
um and the the condition
You find yourself in right and don't if it's not broke don't fix it
You know, I mean it's it's one of those sort of scenarios and river cities in particular you can point to is just being
completely self-sufficient and and really in and this is personal opinion now
I'm divorcing myself from the superintendent role
But this is exactly what we need to do but on a larger scale
Because the the one thing that I will say about public education is that we are doing a much better job because we
Recognize it's not a one-size-fits-all that's the way it was when I was in school
I'm sure many people that are listening that's the way it was to you sat there
You got the content if you didn't get it it was kind of like too bad now your teachers didn't just say too bad and you know
Walked away
But a focus is really to individualize instruction and ensure that kids of varying abilities and and you know
All these other factors get what they need river cities has the capability of making that happen and I was at
By my own request they have
Trying to think of the terminology where you're kind of visiting or debriefing on every student
And having come in it's exactly so the backdrop is kind of the it's called MLSS multi-level systems of support
And so this this is an idea around both behavior and academics and social emotional supports and learning and the idea that
We identify where a kid is at utilizing data both anecdotal as well as collected data
And identify what we need to do as a as an individual or as a school building or as a classroom whatever the case
Maybe to ensure they're successful or can see better success in areas of academics behavior social motion learning whatever the case may be
So it's this multifaceted sort of data-informed
decision-making and of course we're engaged in that in the district
District-wide
Where you have you know for example
150 students at Lincoln High School it looks much different than where you have
150 or 200 students at river cities
Although what I will say is having been involved in that process now sitting there
I wasn't directly involved but you know getting a better understanding of how that goes
In my opinion that's exactly what you need to do what these folks did they had conversations on multiple levels
About the kid as a human being and not the kid as just like numbers on a page. No, that's part of the conversation
But when you have four or five or six adults around the table that are all engaged talking about and and sharing things about this student
That it's like oh my god. How do you even know that it shows you the depth of the relationship
And also the the extent that they're willing to go to ensure that those kids are successful
And so that's with the beauty of the program in my opinion and that's what
That's what makes it function and that's also why you would look at that as a rational person in my opinion and be like
Okay, so long as they're doing what they need to be doing and as long as we can you know show support and and if they need things
We can assist in that regard
But why would you get involved in that doing something as working as well as it is with something so important and so
uh
varied and and depth and so much depth to it like education the idea of here's this size make it fit doesn't make sense and never did
We're correcting that now
I forgive the sports metaphor and everything. I can't help myself, but
So many coaches. It's my way or the highway. This is what I've always done. Here's my playbook. Learn it
Andy Reed gets Patrick my homes and says what do you skill sets? What are you good at? I'm gonna focus on that
I'm gonna change up my playbook completely. They go and win a couple super bowls
I mean, this is the kind of thing that can happen when you adjust your teaching and you adjust to the student
You adjust to the person that you're working with
It not only makes the betterment of our our our system and our education system
But our future again because that's what this is about everybody is the future of our country of our world
Of our industries
Everything is on the line here with this
So we need to be paying attention to it. We need to be making these adjustments where we can
And and we need to appreciate the people that are in this industry and they make this industry run and we appreciate you Craig
You've been a game changer in this area
The approach and your way of talking not just to us, but to these students
We have so enjoyed working with you and having you on the air with us
wishing nothing but the best going forward
The only thing I ask is don't be a stranger
Every once in a while reach out. Let us know how you're doing and everything man
But know that you are appreciated and you made an impact on this community
And most importantly not just to me or even these guys here, but these kids
These kids are going to remember you man and we appreciate that. Thank you
Did want to make note that new superintendent Ron Rasmussen is looking forward to continuing the tradition of joining us here monthly
Interested to see about that that should be a good conversation going forward
Thank you all so much for what you do putting up with me and my questions and hopefully having a good time with us today
Thank you
I appreciate all of you
Craig will talk again soon you take care sir. Thanks. Did you have any final notes?
I can let you I didn't want to cut off if you had anything well
Just wanted to thank the community for the support that they've shown this the school district and myself
I'll freely admit that I'm acquired taste. You know, not
I'm an interesting human being in many way shapes and forms
One of my least the redeeming qualities is my big fat yippie upper, but I think that
You know tolerating that and recognizing where the passion is coming from and the idea that it is about being supportive of kids because
Yeah, you're right. I mean the things that we're doing as a school district are super important
And how that ties into the community was clearly an area of focus over the last seven years. So
I'm very appreciative of the of the opportunity
And I won't be a stranger. I'll certainly stay in touch and you feel free to reach out as well and
I just and yeah, you know
appreciative of the opportunity
Afforded to me and my family and it's been outstanding. Yeah, we're gonna we'll be talking again soon sir take care
Big thank you to all of you for joining us again
I want to send a big shout out to Pam Hilke and the amazing scheduling she does week in a week out
We appreciate you Pam. We'll be back with more midday magazine next week four to five right here at WF HR locally grown radio
