
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
32 episodes
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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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,...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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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!
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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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.
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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.
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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32:52

Episode #19-Terri Herren, High School Principal
Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn Mountainview Principal Terri Herren. Hear about her journey as ASD's first female high school principal, her advice for aspiring principals and her love of students.
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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29:27

Episode #18-Julie McKenzie, Kindergarten Teacher
Dr. Spicciati interviews Julie McKenzie, a Kindergarten teacher at Gildo Rey Elementary. Hear all about today's Kindergarten classroom, the importance of learning to read and of course her favorite recess activity!
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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28:15

Episode #17: Khysner Ayo- Auburn High Senior
We close out the year with Dr. Spicciati's interview with Auburn High senior Khysner Ayo. She talks about moving from the Phillipines to the US, her excellent middle school experience and her love of swinging.
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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26:06

Episode 16-Mande Wanlemvo-Auburn Mountainview Senior
Hear Dr. Spicciati's interview with Auburn Mountainview senior Mande Wanlemvo. He talks about the impact of AVID, the Superintendent's Student Advisory and his elementary football memories.
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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28:34

Episode #15: Rory Murry, Auburn Riverside High School Senior
Dr. Spicciati is highlighting graduates for the rest of the year and kicks it off with an interview with Rory Murry, Auburn Riverside High School senior. Hear about her journey through the ASD, future soccer plans and her recess memories.
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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20:42

Episode #14: Dan Duran, Coordinator of Maintenance
Dr. Spicciati talks with Dan Duran, coordinator of maintence. They discuss the many aspects of keeping our buildings great learning environments, his path as an ASD graduate to his current role and of course, his favorite recess activity!
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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31:13

Episode #13: Ryann Mead, Assistant Director of PK-8 Student Learning
Dr. Spicciati talks with Ryann Mead, assistant director of PK-8 student learning. Hear about the science of reading, the importance of literacy and her love of double-dutch.
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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29:11

Episode #12: Robert Powell, Prevention & Intervention Specialist
Dr. Spicciati talks with Prevention & Intervention Specialist Robert Powell. He talks about the ongoing fight against vaping, the importance of checking in with students and, of course, his favorite recess memories.
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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34:10

Episode #11: Noah Tenner, Auburn Riverside student
Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn Riverside High School student Noah Tenner about his experience on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, the game of tag and the importance of student voice.
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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29:16

Episode #10: DJ Eastlick, West Auburn High School Graduate
Dr. Spicciati talks with recent West Auburn High School graduate DJ Eastlick about her high school experience, being class president and her bright future.
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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29:03

Episode #9: Analia Galloway, Director of Human Resources
Dr. Spicciati talks with HR Director Analia Galloway. She highlights the wide variety of positions in the district, how to apply and why you should come work with us! Join us for the ASD Hiring Fair, March 23 from 9 a.m. to n...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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33:22
