You asked, we listened! Families expressed a desire for deeper insights into life at Park, and we responded by launching Park Progress, our new podcast. This exciting platform offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, programs, and values that make our community thrive.
Park Progress was born out of a commitment to transparency and engagement. We wanted to create a space where families could connect more intimately with the experiences shaping their children’s education. From the spark of an idea to its debut, the podcast reflects the school’s ongoing effort to innovate communication and celebrate the voices within our community.
With each episode, listeners are invited to join engaging conversations hosted by Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Instruction, Ken Rogers, featuring a variety of Park’s educators, staff, and partners. Here’s a quick recap of the episodes released so far:
Episode 1: The Magic of Libraries
Ken kicks off the first episode of Park Progress with a rich and thoughtful conversation with Tory Lane, Director of Library Services at The Park School. Tory shares insights on what inspires her work, from collaborating with talented colleagues to engaging with the curiosity of Park students. The discussion dives into timely topics like censorship, artificial intelligence, and how libraries foster critical thinking and hold space for diverse perspectives. Tory also offers a glimpse into the Park library’s unique approach to supporting students, navigating challenges, and cultivating a love for learning. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or book lover, this episode is full of practical advice, big ideas, and a celebration of the transformative power of libraries.
🎧 Listen to Episode 1 here
Episode 2: Service Learning in Action
In this episode, Ken chats with Tina Fox, Head of Lower Division, and Willie Adams, a service-learning consultant partnering with Park. Together, they explore the motivations behind incorporating service learning into Park’s curriculum and why it’s more than just community service. Willie shares personal stories of his influences, including his fourth-grade teacher and the legendary Prince, each inspiring his commitment to education and service.
The conversation delves into how service learning at Park aims to enrich students’ educational experiences, making real-world connections with classroom learning. Join us for this engaging dialogue that highlights Park School’s dedication to fostering a culture of empathy, critical thinking, and community engagement.
🎧 Listen to Episode 2 here
Episode 3: Student Support at Park
Ken welcomes Anndrew Reinfeld, the Director of Student Support at The Park School. Anndrew shares insights into his journey to becoming a school counselor, reflecting on the “cool adults” who inspired him, and his desire to be a supportive, approachable presence for students.
The discussion covers the unique challenges faced by today’s students, including managing anxiety and the pressures of perfectionism, and highlights Park’s collaborative approach to social-emotional learning (SEL). Listeners will also get a lighthearted glimpse into Anndrew’s tradition of “Bow Tie Tuesday” and his passion for fostering a welcoming school culture. Tune in to learn more about the vision for student support at Park and the values guiding this important work!
🎧 Listen to Episode 3 here
Park Progress is currently available on Spotify, and we’re working to expand it to other platforms. Where do you listen? Let us know your favorite podcast app so we can make Park Progress accessible to you!
Stay tuned for future episodes as we continue to celebrate the stories and values that define The Park School community.
