The Recess-An Inside Look at the Auburn School District
Auburn School District's vision is each student will have an educational experience in which they are seen and valued for who they are now, while developing their full academic and social potential to prepare them for the future they choose.
This podcast features amazing staff, students and programs that make our vision come true for the Auburn community.
There are so many people making a difference in Auburn and Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati can’t wait to share those stories with listeners!
Episodes
43 episodes
Episode #42 Brenda Ellison, Auburn Public Schools Foundation President
This episode Dr. Spicciati interviews Brenda Ellison, president of the Auburn Public Schools Foundation. Take a listen to the variety of ways the Foundation supports Auburn students, learn about opportunities to support their work and of course...
•
28:50
Episode #41-Carol Smetheram, Theater Managing Director
In this episode, Dr. Spicciati takes you backstage by talking with Carol Smetheram, managing director of the three ASD theaters. Hear about her favorite teacher, the MERGE art show and her love of double-dutch.
•
Season 3
•
Episode 41
•
28:25
Episode #40-Sarah Berg, Middle School Counselor
Take a listen as Dr. Spicciati interviews Sarah Berg, counselor from Mt. Baker Middle School. Hear about her favorite teacher, the challenges of middle school and spinning on the bars!
•
Season 3
•
Episode 40
•
18:14
Episode #39-Dr. Alan Spicciati, Superintendent
In this episode, we flip the script and Dr. Spicciati is the interviewee. Hear about his journey to being superintendent, highlights of the great work going on in the ASD, learn about the upcoming election measures and hear about his favo...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 39
•
26:20
Episode #38-Jeff Grose, Executive Director of Capital Projects
In this episode, Dr. Spicciati goes behind the scenes about school construction. Jeff Grose, executive director of capital projects, shares the process and history of Auburn's school buildings and shares his recess memories.
•
Season 3
•
Episode 38
•
30:42
Episode #37-Nikki Clemons, Director of Early Learning
In this episode, Dr. Spicciati interviews Nikki Clemons, Director of Early Learning. Explore the four different preschool options in the ASD, hear about Nikki's path to her role and fuzzy stickers.
•
Season 3
•
Episode 37
•
24:29
Episode #36-Dr. Joseph Williams III, Middle School Principal
In the first interview of the 25-26 school year, Dr. Spicciati talks with Rainier Middle School principal Dr. Joseph Williams III. Hear about his law school dilemma, "doing school" and of course, his favorite recess activity!
•
Season 3
•
Episode 36
•
29:12
Episode #35- Brynn Erdmann, Auburn Mountainview Senior
In the last episode for the 24-25 school year, Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn Mountainview senior Brynn Erdmann. Hear about unified basketball, ASB and the excitement of graduation!
•
Season 2
•
Episode 35
•
21:39
Episode #34-Andrea Love, High School Principal
Dr. Spicciati interviews West Auburn principal Andrea Love. Learn what makes Auburn's alternative high school a great place and Ms. Love's memories of 4-square.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 34
•
28:49
Episode #33-Sir Naomas Failautusi, West Auburn Senior
Dr. Spicciati interviews West Auburn graduating senior Sir Naomas Failautusi. Hear about his path to graduation, plans for next year and learn a little bit about rugby!
•
Season 2
•
Episode 33
•
20:44
Episode #32-Jeanne Tuia, Auburn High School Senior
Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn High senior Jeanne Tuia. Hear about her involvement in ASB, her commitment to helping others and her passoin for kickball and jumproping.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 32
•
24:24
Episode #31-Ryan Monsen, Auburn Riverside Senior
Dr. Spicciati inteviews Ryan Monsen, from Auburn Riverside's Class of 2025! Hear about Ryan's music path, his advice for being successful in high school and his love of basketball.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 31
•
23:59
Episode #30-Principal Paul McKenzie, Dual Language Program
We try something new with this edition of The Recess. Dr. Spicciati interviews Paul McKenzie, principal at Pioneer Elementary about the Spanish-English dual language program launching this fall. This podcast is presented in English and Spanish,...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 30
•
22:47
Episode #29-Kyle Rees, High School Jewelry Teacher
Dr. Spicciati talks with Kyle Rees, jewelry teacher at Auburn Riverside, about his journey to being a jewelry teacher, hissing cockroaches and memories of box hockey.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 29
•
36:57
Episode #28 Dee Nelons-Director of Safety & Security
Dr. Spicciati interviews Dee Nelons, director of safety and security, in this episode of The Recess. Learn about the variety of tools we use to keep students and staff safe, how to submit a school safety concern and dodgeball specifics.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 28
•
34:04
Episode #27 Erika Broaden-Family Engagement Liaison
Dr. Spicciati interviews Erika Broaden, family engagement liaison. Learn about how she supports families, her journey to Auburn and, of course, her favorite recess activity.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 27
•
25:39
Episode #26-Lisa Wilkinson, Elementary Office Manager
Hear Dr. Spicciati talk with Chinook Elementary office manager, Lisa Wilkinson. Topics include diagramming sentences, welcoming families and sledding at recess! Take a listen!
•
Season 2
•
Episode 26
•
19:57
Episode #25 Cathy Meyer-School Nurse
Dr. Spicciati talks with lead school nurse Cathy Meyer about her path to school nursing, working with families and students, and memories of swinging at recess.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 25
•
21:22
Episode #24- Abe VanDerPuy, Auburn High School Teacher
Dr. Spicciati interviews Abe VanDerPuy, longtime teacher and coach. Hear about his journey to teaching, AP African American Studies and fostering a feeling of family.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 24
•
36:01
Episode #23-Brandon Hoggans, Behavior Intervention Specialist
In this epidode of The Recess, hear from Brandon Hoggans as he talks about his path to Lea Hill Elementary, his passion for being a role model and his double-dutch skills.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 23
•
29:09
Episode #22-Corrie Agnew, Middle School AVID teacher
Learn about the ASD's amazing AVID program as Dr. Spicciati interviews Corrie Agnew, AVID teacher at Cascade Middle School. Hear about her path to teaching, her passion for student learning and her favorite recess activity.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 22
•
30:35
Episode #21-Sergio Rios, Coordinator of Maintenance
Dr. Spicciati interviews coordinator of maintenance, Sergio Rios. Hear about all the ways he supports students and staff, his passion for playing drums and his fondest recess memories.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 21
•
31:48
Episode #20-Tracy Arnold & Arlista Holman, ASD School Board Members
Dr. Spicciati interviews two ASD Board members as they talk about the role of the school board, their deep connections to the ASD community and, of course, their favorite recess activities.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 20
•
32:52