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PODCAST

Public School Podcast

Welcome to The Public School Podcast, where real stories, real people, and real passion foreducation come together. Hosted by Sara Hornick, Executive Director of the Public SchoolFoundation, and Bobbi Schaefbauer, Community Relations Manager for Rapid City AreaSchools, we’re diving into the heart of public education.Each episode, we sit down with community members, dedicated school staff, and passionateadvocates to ask one simple but powerful question:Why do public schools matter?From classroom wins

education education for kids

All Episodes

15:17

Who Will You Show Up For?

Public School Podcast ·

2026/09/16

Rapid City Area Schools Teacher of the Year Katey Swank thought she had it all figured out when she walked into her first classroom. By the end of day one, she was sitting in a tiny chair trying not to cry.Then someone showed up for her.Twenty years later, Katey shares how that simple act of support helped shape the teacher, mentor and colleague she would become. From the educators who helped her find her footing to the students who discovered they could help each other grow, Katey reflects on why

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33:06

Growing More Than Lettuce

Public School Podcast ·

2026/09/09

What happens when three fifth-grade teachers decide to grow a garden inside their school? A whole lot more than lettuce.Meadowbrook Elementary teachers Katie Swank, Kylie Blank and Lacey Brown join Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to share how a hydroponics project turned into a hands-on learning experience for their students. With support from the Rapid City Public School Foundation, Meadowbrook PTA and Nerdy Nuts, students took ownership of two hydroponic towers, learning how to plant, monitor

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19:47

Turns Out, LEGOs Are Homework

Public School Podcast ·

2026/09/02

What happens when Newton’s laws meet a box of LEGOs? East Middle School science teacher Tiffany Wolla joins Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to share how she’s turning science lessons into hands-on experiences that get students building, experimenting and problem-solving.With support from a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, Tiffany brought LEGO-based learning into her classroom to help students see concepts like force, motion, action and reaction happen right in front of them. She shares

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35:58

250,000 Books and Counting

Public School Podcast ·

2026/08/26

The library is about a whole lot more than checking out books. Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Aly Quinn, events coordinator at the Rapid City Public Library, to talk about the programs, partnerships and creative ideas helping make reading fun for kids and families.Aly shares how the library is challenging the community to read 250,000 books, why giving kids the freedom to choose what they read can help reluctant readers, and why graphic novels absolutely count. They also talk about

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26:49

Leading the Pack

Public School Podcast ·

2026/08/19

West Middle School is welcoming a new leader, and she's ready to bring energy, connection and a student-first mindset to the school community. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Executive Director Sara Hornick and Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with new West Middle School Principal Bobbie Morrison to talk about her journey from substitute teacher to principal, the lessons she's learned in nearly every role in education, and why building relationships is at the

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30:45

Music Without Borders

Public School Podcast ·

2026/08/12

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Stevens High School Band Director George Dragoo to discuss an unforgettable 12-day journey through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. After a nine-year wait for another international tour, 68 students experienced the trip of a lifetime, performing in historic venues, exploring world history and discovering firsthand that music truly is a universal language. George shares how performing in centuries-old

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32:09

Building Better Schools

Public School Podcast ·

2026/08/05

While students and teachers enjoy summer break, construction crews are hard at work preparing Rapid City Area Schools for another successful year. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Construction and Planning Manager Jade Clement returns to discuss the major projects happening across the district, including the Rapid Valley Elementary addition and renovation, improvements at Stevens High School, and critical infrastructure upgrades at Grandview Elementary. Jade explains the planning,

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29:29

The Teacher Every Kid Deserves

Public School Podcast ·

2026/07/29

What makes a teacher unforgettable? For Rapid Valley first grade teacher Cassie Wood, it's creating experiences that inspire curiosity, kindness, and confidence long after students leave her classroom.In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Cassie shares how she unexpectedly found her calling in education, why she loves teaching first grade, and how lessons often extend far beyond reading and math. From rescuing an endangered monarch butterfly to creating a free community garden for her

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24:05

What Really Happens When School's Out?

Public School Podcast ·

2026/07/22

School may be out, but the work never stops! In this special catch-up episode, Sara and Bobbi pull back the curtain on what summer really looks like in Rapid City Area Schools. From preparing for a new school year and planning future grants to major facility projects, bond preparations, and getting classrooms ready for students, they share everything that happens while the halls seem quiet.They also talk about family adventures, favorite moments from the podcast, inspiring guests, behind-the-scenes

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34:01

More Than Lunch

Public School Podcast ·

2026/07/15

Ever wonder what it takes to feed thousands of students every single day?This week, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are joined by Christa Lechner, Student Nutrition Manager, and Assistant Manager Kayla Taylor for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest departments in Rapid City Area Schools.From serving more than 1.2 million meals during the school year to navigating power outages, food deliveries, staffing challenges, and summer meal programs, this team keeps students fed no matter what

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33:36

Rapid City Area Schools' "Print-cess"

Public School Podcast ·

2026/07/08

Behind every worksheet, yearbook, graduation program, and student certificate is someone making it all happen.This week on the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Angela Buskerud, the Rapid City Area Schools Print Shop Supervisor, whose work quietly impacts every classroom across the district. From producing nearly 2 million printed pages every month to creating more than 54,000 spiral-bound books each school year, Angela shares what it takes to keep 22 schools

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38:05

The Morning Nest

Public School Podcast ·

2026/07/01

What started as a simple idea to help students prepare for the school day has grown into one of Wilson Elementary's most impactful programs. In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Wilson Elementary Counselor of the Year Brittany Henry-James and recent Central High School graduate Melissa Saucerman to discuss the Morning Nest.Held twice a week before school, the Morning Nest provides students with hygiene supplies, hair care, self-care resources and, most importantly,

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29:44

Building Belonging One Spirit Award at a Time

Public School Podcast ·

2026/06/24

What happens when schools focus on recognizing what students are doing right? In this episode, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with South Middle School educator Stacy Cole and Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings teacher Marie Herbert to discuss the impact of the Spirit Awards program. Supported through a Rapid City Public School Foundation grant, the program celebrates students who demonstrate self control, perseverance, integrity, respect, initiative and teamwork.The

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31:59

Student Photographers Finding Their Future

Public School Podcast ·

2026/06/17

Photography is more than taking pictures. It is about telling stories, capturing emotion, and seeing the world from a different perspective. In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School photography teacher Roxanne Rathbun and graduating senior Kennedy Block to talk about the power of photography in public education.The conversation explores how students develop creative skills through photography, the importance of perspective, and how a partnership with the

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44:27

Brewing Confidence One Cup at a Time

Public School Podcast ·

2026/06/10

This episode of the Public School Podcast shines a spotlight on the Raider Coffee House at Stevens High School, where students are learning far more than how to make coffee. Hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with students Roberta and Devin, along with teacher Peggy Bias, to talk about the student run coffee shop that has become a place for confidence, teamwork and growth.From learning customer service and handling money to presenting at a statewide conference, the students share

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20:06

Thrifted with Purpose

Public School Podcast ·

2026/06/03

Central High School students are proving that a great idea can turn into something that truly changes lives. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High science teacher and Thrift Club advisor Heather Kiplinger to talk about the student led club bringing free clothing, creativity, and confidence to students across the school.From professional clothes for job interviews to upcycled fashion projects and lunch hour “shopping days,” the

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28:36

Healthcare Without Borders

Public School Podcast ·

2026/05/27

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School healthcare teacher Brendon Sato to talk about the growing opportunities for students interested in the medical field. From hands on healthcare training and the district’s Certified Nursing Assistant program to plans for an international healthcare tour through Great Britain and Scotland, Sato shares how real world experiences can shape a student’s future.The conversation explores the

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29:29

Substitute Supermom

Public School Podcast ·

2026/05/20

This week on Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Rapid City substitute teacher and mom of three, Caitlin Scully, to talk about the reality of stepping into classrooms across the district. From comforting nervous students and navigating high school classrooms to surviving without lesson plans and learning the Promethean board, Caitlin shares the joys, challenges and hilarious moments that come with substitute teaching.The conversation also dives into why substitute

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43:48

More Than Theater

Public School Podcast ·

2026/05/13

After more than two decades leading Central High School’s theater program, Justin Speck sits down with Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer to reflect on a career that helped shape generations of students in Rapid City. From sold out productions and award winning student performances to hilarious backstage mishaps and emotional moments that changed lives, Justin shares the stories behind one of the most respected theater programs in the region.The conversation explores the importance of fine arts in

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38:22

Honoring the Journey: The Feathering Ceremony

Public School Podcast ·

2026/05/06

This episode takes a meaningful look at one of the most powerful traditions in Rapid City Area Schools, the senior honoring and feathering ceremony. Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are joined by Kit Veit and Marie Hebert to talk about the deep cultural and spiritual significance behind this event, which honors Native American graduates as they reach a major life milestone.From the meaning of eagle feathers and plumes to the role of family, prayer, and community, this conversation highlights why

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