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Union Weekly

by Union Middle School

Season 2

Introduction to the 2024-2025 school year

Mr. Schlesinger is back for another school year giving you updates on the new school year

Season 1

Our Final episode!

In the final episode of the year, Zander, Hailee, and Mr. S take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the highlights of their podcast journey. They recount their favorite episodes, including memorable guests like Andy, Ms. Fillmore, and Ms. Zhang, sharing humorous and insightful moments from each. We discusses the upcoming summer programs at the public libraries, reflects on the changes in their school and its faculty, and shares our crazy story from the past school year. Mr. S also gives advice for high school, emphasizing the importance of having fun and making the most of their high school years. This is a great way to end the Union Weekly podcast for this year! It will be back next year!

Keeping the Halls Safe: A Chat with Ginger, Our Hall Monitor

Step into Ginger's world as we uncover her remarkable journey from her roots in Evanston to becoming the beloved hall monitor at Union Middle School. Join us for an insightful conversation as Ginger shares experience from her 17 years of dedicated service, emphasizing her passion for student safety and well-being. Discover how she balances her role as a guardian of the halls with her love for physical fitness, averaging an impressive 20,000 steps a day. From chasing down runaway students to fostering positive relationships with the Union community, Ginger's story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference every day.

From Tiger to Bobcats: Introducing Principal Holden!

Join us as we sit down with Mrs. Holden, Union's brand new principal. We'll explore her background in education, from her early days as a Mustang to her current role as a Bobcat. Mrs. Holden shares her vision for Union, emphasizing community, collaboration, and empowering both students and staff to reach their full potential. Discover her passion for middle school education, her commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and exciting plans for the future of Union.

Bobcat Power: Get Involved with NJHS & Student Ambassadors

Calling all ambitious Bobcats! Union Weekly dives into the exciting world of student leadership with Ms. Graham and Ms. Morley, advisors for NJHS and Student Ambassadors. Discover how YOU can join these impactful organizations for the 2024-2025 school year and make a difference in the Union community. Learn about service projects, school spirit initiatives, GPA requirements, and the numerous benefits of membership, including boosted college applications and scholarship opportunities. Get the inside scoop on how to apply, the importance of teacher recommendations, and don't miss the deadline! Plus, enjoy hilarious and heartwarming stories from Ms. Graham and Ms. Morley, and participate in the "Question of the Week" for a chance to win a paw card pack!

Empowering Education: A Conversation with Mr. Brannon

We're thrilled to have Mr. Brannon, our dedicated vice principal, joining us for an enlightening conversation. With a rich background in education spanning over 18 years, Mr. Brannon shares his journey from teaching to administration, highlighting his passion for working with junior high students. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning into a new school, expressing his excitement for the opportunities ahead. From fostering positive relationships with students to collaborating with staff, Mr. Brannon's enthusiasm for education shines through. Tune in as we delve into his insights on the evolving landscape of education and the importance of community support. With his warm demeanor and wealth of experience, Mr. Brannon offers a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Union Middle School.

Dramatic Lessons: Behind the Scenes with Ms. Grant on School Theater

We are joined by Ms. Grant for a delightful delve into the dynamic world of school theater! As we navigate through the acts and anecdotes of this season's performances, Ms. Grant gives us an exclusive backstage pass to the challenges and charms of bringing Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" to life at Union Middle School. Listen in as we explore the intricate process of transforming a script into a spectacle, and how the students have embraced the complexity of Shakespearean language and themes. From the hustle of rehearsals to the thrill of opening night, we uncover the dedication behind the drama and the laughter that ensues both on and off stage. This episode not only spotlights the theatrical journey but also reflects on the growth and camaraderie fostered through the arts in education. Break a leg and tune in to celebrate the spirit of school theater with us!

Paw Cards Premiere: Unveiling Union's Latest Craze with Mrs. Fillmore

We're joined by the innovative Mrs. Fillmore to delve into the exciting launch of Union's latest sensation: Paw Cards. Scheduled for release tomorrow, these cards have been in the works since December, receiving the green light from the administration in January. Mrs. Fillmore shares the journey from ideation to implementation, highlighting the labor-intensive yet rewarding process. The episode also sheds light on the Bobcat Market's successful year, revealing student favorites and the dynamics of running a student-led store. Dive into the discussion on the anticipated impact of Paw Cards on school spirit, the unique collection and trading mechanisms designed to engage students, and how these cards aim to foster a deeper connection within the Union community.

Fitness, Fun, and Learning: A Dive into PE with Mr. Penrod

We're joined by Mr. Penrod, a dedicated PE teacher with a passion for physical education and health. With a background deeply rooted in a family of educators, Mr. Penrod shares his journey from considering a career in sports journalism to embracing the world of physical education, driven by a love for sports and a desire to impact students' lives positively. Celebrating 15 years in teaching, he discusses the unique approach he brings to PE at Union, emphasizing creativity, teamwork, and the development of lifelong fitness habits. Mr. Penrod highlights the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and embracing challenges both in and out of the gym, drawing connections between physical education and real-life skills such as resilience and cooperation. Through stories of innovative games and the transformative power of PE, this episode offers a glimpse into the dynamic and impactful world of physical education at Union, showcasing how Mr. Penrod and the PE program are shaping healthier, more active, and well-rounded students.

The Art of Movement: Exploring Dance with Ms. Paulsen at Union

We're thrilled to welcome Ms. Paulsen, Union's dance teacher, who enlightens us about the dance company and all things dance-related at Union. Ms. Paulsen, bringing seven years of teaching experience at Union and a lifetime of passion for dance, shares her journey from being mesmerized by ballerinas at the age of three to dedicating her career to teaching the art of dance. She discusses her philosophy that dance is for everyone, regardless of prior experience, and highlights the variety of dance styles she teaches, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Union's dance program. We delve into the transformative power of dance, exploring how it teaches persistence, grit, determination, and fosters confidence and creativity among students. Ms. Paulsen shares inspiring stories of students who, starting with no background in dance, have blossomed into talented performers, showcasing the impact of dedicated teaching and the supportive environment at Union. Additionally, we touch on the excitement and challenges of integrating dance with other disciplines, demonstrating how dance intersects with physics, history, and more, offering a holistic educational experience. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or curious about taking your first dance class, this episode is a testament to the joy and growth that comes from stepping onto the dance floor.

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