The Ramily Matters Podcast returns for the 2025-2026 school year. Our first guest is Jackie Nichols, secretary at Glasgow Elementary School. Nichols has spent nearly 30 years as a staff member at Glasgow. She also attended Glasgow from kindergarten through 6th Grade as a student. In this episode, she shares her lifelong experiences as a Glasgow Cheetah!

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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This week on the Ramily Matters Podcast, Yvette Hemphill-Swapshire, secretary at Meadows Elementary School, is known as the Auntie of the building. In this heartwarming episode, Swapshire shares how she brings positivity to the school community and how she sets the welcoming tone in the main office. Tune in to hear how her warmth, energy and dedication help shape the school culture every single day.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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This week the Ramily Matters Podcast welcomes RGHS graduating senior and valedictorian, Tameria K., and RGHS' CTE department chair, Pamela Falls, join the Ramily Matters Podcast. Tameria shares her story about being a senior at RGHS and the National Honors Society President. Falls shares insight about her role in leading the National Honors Society and helping kids find career paths.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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This week on the Ramily Matters Podcast, Megan Ziegler, Parents as Teachers (PAT) Coordinator, joined the show. In this episode, Ziegler shares how the PAT program runs, how the PAT program supports families with their parenting journey and the importance of literacy. 

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Tonya Ross, RGSD's ELA Curriculum Coordinator, joins the Ramily Matters Podcast. Ross shares her insight and wisdom from over 33 years in Riverview Gardens.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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RGHS's dedicated CTE Marketing Teacher and DECA Advisor, Pamela Fountain, alongside her four-year DECA member and RGHS Senior, Mic'Keal Skyes, joined the Ramily Matters podcast this week. In this episode, Fountain and Skyes spotlight their incredible journey together, the impact of DECA and the transformative power of the Marketing Education Program. Ramliy, tune in to hear their inspiring stories.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Williams McHugh and Dr. LaTricia Clark from the Riverview Gardens Alumni Alliance join the Ramily Matters Podcast this week. McHugh and Clark are the President and Vice President of the Alumni Alliance. McHugh and Clark discuss their time as students in Riverview Gardens, their current careers and the mission, goal and purpose of the Alumni Alliance. Be sure to tune in for insightful conversation, great laughs and to learn more about the history of the View.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Dr. Amy Blackwell, principal of Koch Elementary School, joins the Ramily Matters Podcast this week. Dr. Blackwell shares her story of her transition from an aspiring psychologist to an educator, her love for sneakers and her inspirational story of motherhood.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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RGHS's Social Studies teacher, Softball and Baseball Coach Zach Gaines, and RGHS Baseball Pitcher Tim Williams join the Ramily Matters Podcast this week. In this episode, Coach Gaines shares about the upcoming baseball tryouts and what he looks for in his players. Senior pitcher Tim Williams discusses how he spreads positivity, how he leads on and off the field and his future career goals.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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First Alert 4's Melanie Johnson joins the Ramily Matters Podcast this week. Johnson volunteers in Riverview Gardens School District with the Little Bit Foundation. She shares her story from growing up in Chicago, Illinois, how her goal as a reporter was to work in St. Louis and what it means for Black children to see people that look like them serving the community and in schools.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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RGSD's K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator Dr. Tasha Jordan joins the Ramily Matters Podcast this week. Dr. Jordan shares why Engineering Week is important, shares why science is important in everyday life, discusses Black History and shares her favorite all-time science fair projects.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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RSGD Facilities Director Gerald Freeman joins the Ramily Matters Podcast. Freeman discusses why it's important to have fun and make people laugh, shares his interesting career journey, discusses leadership and gives the tea on the infamous yellow jacket.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Dr. Salim Kenyatta, an instructor at Riverview Gardens High School, joins the Ramily Matters Podcast. Dr. Kenyatta shares his insights from more than two decades as an educator, mentor, coach and role model and how he relates to his scholars. He also discussed his talents as a break dancer.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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This week, Sultan Muhammad, aka Brother Self Love, joined the Ramily Matters Podcast.

In this episode, Muhammad discusses how his Self Love program and how he continues to inspire, mentor and help the young men of RGSD to reach their full potential and avoid some of the pitfalls he endured and a child and young adult. Be sure to listen to this inspiring episode.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

Follow RGSD on social media @RGSDSchools on:
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The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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This week, Kimberly Mott, Riverview Gardens School District's math curriculum coordinator, joined the Ramily Matters podcast.

In this episode, Mott discusses how to engage students in math each day, the upcoming districtwide Freckle Math Challenge and tips and tricks for using the Freckle platform.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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This week, Zac Thurwalker, Riverview Gardens High School's athletic director, joined the Ramily Matters podcast.

In this episode, Thurwalker discusses a typical day as an athletic director, the importance of highlighting student-athletes and how RGHS alumni and community can support the scholars.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Ke'Shon Word and Jewel Minner, senior student board representatives from Riverview Gardens High School (RGHS), joined the Ramily Matters podcast.

Word and Minner discuss their reasons for applying to become student board representatives in this episode. They also share highlights from the school year and their efforts to bring about the changes they wish to see at Riverview Gardens High School.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Christina Atkinson, Riverview Gardens High School's library media specialist and senior class sponsor joined the Ramily Matters podcast.

In this episode, Atkinson discusses the importance of reading, how she advocates for her students, and why she gives them multiple avenues to read.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Dr. Tiffany Hunter, RGSD's director of assessment joined the Ramily Matters podcast.

In this episode, Hunter discusses how her role impacts RGSD stakeholders, why attendance is important and how data is used to make informed decisions for RGSD scholars.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Katrina Whitted, parent ambassador joined the Ramily Matters Podcast.

In this episode, Whitted discusses what led her to become a parent ambassador, how her children became more active at RGSD, how she leads by example, and why parents should get involved at school.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Traumatologist Dr. Damond Holt joins the Ramily Matters Podcast. Dr. Holt is an expert in trauma and explains the impact of trauma on students and families. He also discusses the importance of fathers in their children's live and his favorite wellness practices.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Pash Williams, RGSD parent ambassador, joined the Ramily Matters podcast on this week's episode. Williams has three children who attend RGSD.  In this episode, Willams shares with listeners what made her apply to become a parent ambassador, how she instills reading at home and her strategy to get parent engagement at RGSD.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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The Ramily Matters Podcast is joined by members of the Riverview Gardens High School Rams football team this week. Participants include: Romeo Bailey, Kornell Simmons, Jaden Graham, Brandon Caph and Head Coach Leon McElrath.

The team discussed the upcoming Homecoming game versus the Normandy Vikings, their plans after high school, the RGHS experience and more. 

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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Sequina Jones, wellness coordinator and school nurse joins the Ramily Matters podcast. Jones discussed the day in the life of a school nurse, why wellness is important, how to boost immunity what resources RGSD provides and the importance of immunizations.

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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RGSD's District Interventionist Dr. Melissa Nash joins the Ramily Matters Podcast this week. Dr. Nash is a new employee to Riverview Gardens but discusses her past as a student of the district, her career as an educators, family life and more. 

The Riverview Gardens School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Riverview Gardens School District is an equal opportunity employer.

Follow RGSD on social media @RGSDSchools on:
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