The Bethel School District Presents Podcast

Episode 170: Meet our Daffodil Princesses

As Spring Break approaches, we sit down with our district's three Daffodil Princesses to hear about their favorite teachers, plans for the future, and much more! We also feature one of our most surprising Useless Trivia segments to date! 

Episode 169: Middle schoolers making a difference

On this week's show we take a field trip to meet some budding middle school scientists and their teacher who's been leading the school's Science Club for over a decade! We talk salmon dissection, tree planting, and even find out how they are making the world a better place for generations to come. All that plus useless trivia, in less than 15 minutes.

Episode 168: Mechanical horses in the White House and the new BHS

This week we hear from a variety of voices, from an amazing senior, all the way to the Superintendent. We dive into our Special Services program and discuss Unified Sports, co-teaching, and what we're doing to support non-verbal and medically-complex students. We also rundown our 2019 bond projects and give you the latest on the construction of the new Bethel High School and the new Cedarcrest Middle School. All that, plus useless trivia involving a secret mechanical horse in the White House, and the world's first computer bug!

Episode 167: Little voices, big ideas

On this week’s episode, we’re visiting Elk Plain School of Choice to explore their unique K-8 program and its specialized emphasis on the arts and sciences. We hear from a kindergartener and her older brother as they share what it’s like to learn in an environment where dance, theater, and science are part of the daily adventure. You’ll learn, laugh, and definitely say “awww” a few times as you hear from our youngest podcast guest ever. Plus, our weekly useless trivia features some high-flying facts about airports and the fascinating world of cloud science.

Episode 166: Shifting Gears

This week we’re introducing you to an automotive student from the Pierce County Skills Center who has already received over 20 job offers … before she’s even graduated! We then shift gears to address some concerning news from Olympia. Recent legislative developments could have a devastating impact on our district's budget, potentially costing us millions of dollars each year. We break down what this means for our students and discuss what steps are being taken to advocate for fair funding. On a brighter note, we're excited to share why researchers from Johns Hopkins University are making their way to our district, and we also dive into a remarkable success story: how some of our schools have reduced suspensions by an impressive 75%! 

Episode 165: Dungeons & Dragons

On this week’s show, we're diving into one of the most creative approaches to social-emotional learning we've ever seen: a Dungeons & Dragons club where epic quests meet real-world character development. We sit down with a middle school counselor (and Price is Right contestant) who's brilliantly blending curriculum with campaigns, teaching students essential life lessons before they roll the dice. Students then put those skills into practice in fantastical worlds filled with dungeons, dragons, and difficult decisions. You'll also hear from one of his students who shares stories about the friendships forged and skeletons scattered. Along with all that we've got our weekly useless trivia segment featuring some perfectly "middle school" facts from our two guests, along with a surprising bit of U.S. history involving none other than Honest Abe himself. 

Episode 164: The power of paraeducators

On this week's show, our useless trivia this week spans recorded history, from dinosaurs to the death of Abraham Lincoln! Then we'll cover the results of our replacement levy election, and hear from our School Board President and Superintendent as they discuss our district's budget. One of our Student School Board Representatives shares their perspective on what matters most, and we sit down with a paraeducator and teacher team to learn about the vital role paras play in creating inclusive classrooms and supporting every student's success. New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Check us out wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend! bethelsd.org/podcast

Episode 163: Field goals, fin facts, and Challenger's finest

On this week's show, we kick things off with some Super Bowl trivia before we sit down with one of our dedicated paraeducators who works behind the scenes to support student success every single day. We’ll also introduce you to one of our superstar seniors whose achievements and story will motivate listeners of all ages. Plus, we'll take you on a tour of Challenger Middle and High School, where you'll discover what makes this learning community so special, from innovative programs to the incredible staff and students who bring it to life. 

Episode 162: Seahawks, secret swimming pools and other Bethel myths

This week we bust some Bethel myths, including rumors of secret swimming pools and what really happens on late-start Mondays. We also find out how many gallons of gas our buses use each year, and unpack a bizarre piece of Seahawks trivia just in time for the Super Bowl! Election Day is February 10! Don't forget to VOTE!

Episode 161: Don’t forget to VOTE!

On this week’s show, we hear from one of our Student School Board Representatives as we explore the vital role of music, sports, clubs, and other levy-funded activities in our schools. We also dive deep into our two replacement levies and discuss the incredible impact of voting in local elections. You'll also hear from an eighth-grade student musician who shares how music and jazz have transformed her life. And we’ll touch base with some teachers and coaches on how all these programs shape student success. And of course we’ll share some useless trivia from across the USA, and discuss an exciting and unique opportunity for you to join our School Board. 

Episode 160: A spoonful of hot sauce

This week we welcome Superintendent Brian Lowney, who shares his passionate perspective on how the upcoming levy renewals directly impact our students. Before diving into the serious stuff, we kick around some bizarre NFL history and surprising prohibition-era facts that will make you the star of your next dinner party. Then we pull back the curtain on our viral "Levy Hot Seat" video, and get some heartfelt insights about how local levy funding directly impacts classroom resources, student programs, and the overall educational experience we can provide to every child in our district. 

Episode 159: Your levy dollars at work … plus microwave mysteries

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes to keep our schools connected, secure, and ready for whatever the future holds? This week, we're taking you on a deep dive to see the Technology Levy in action. From cybersecurity that’s protecting students and staff, to the iPads transforming how students learn and create, to the infrastructure humming quietly in the background that makes it all possible, you'll find out how technology is preparing our students for careers and challenges that don't even exist yet. Plus, we're spotlighting some seriously cool innovations, like the new tablets on school buses that help drivers navigate their routes while allowing students to check themselves on and off the bus. It’s a game-changer for student safety that ensures every child starts and ends their school day exactly where they should be. All that, along with our usual dose of useless trivia, in under 15 minutes. New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Check us out wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend! bethelsd.org/podcast

Episode 158: From high school to $45/hour

Forget everything you think you know about shop class! The Pierce County Skills Center's Machining program is preparing students for high-paying careers right out of high school. We sit down with instructor Evan Thomas and senior Waylon to explore how students master everything from Computer-Aided Design and 3D printing to welding and sheet metal fabrication, creating a skill set that employers desperately need. 

Episode 157: Cell phones in schools

On this week’s show we're featuring the work of our student producer, Millicent! You heard from her last week, and now we're excited to share her produced piece on cell phones in schools. In this episode, you'll hear how mobile devices are impacting education, candid interviews with teachers about how these devices affect their classrooms, and important discussions on screen time and cyberbullying. 

Episode 156: Pyramids, Elevators, A.I. and Alaska

This week we have a third co-host join the show! Get ready to meet Millicent, one of the seniors in our district who is pursuing a career in journalism. We chat with her about a wide variety of topics, from Sudanese pyramids to artificial intelligence. We also learn about a podcast segment she's producing that we'll debut on our show next week! All that as well as useless trivia in this jam packed episode! 

Episode 155: Grad rates, construction updates, and odd military history

On this week's episode we learn a strange piece of military history, dig into our students' test scores, and reveal our district's highest graduation rate ever! We also get updates on all of our bond projects (thank you, voters!) and we even discuss the meaning of time itself. Check us out wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend!

Episode 154: Breaking levy news, Native American Heritage Month, and a Kit Kat world tour

This week, we break the internet with some HUGE news about our two replacement levies, before embarking on an exploration of Kit Kat flavors around the world. We also learn all about our Native American Education program that is helping students feel connected and seen in our schools.

Episode 153: Presidents, preschool, and Disney debates

This week we find out how many presidents were born in Illinois, which Disney character was Walt's favorite, and we'll dive deep into our early learning program to learn about all the ways we support our youngest learners and their families. 

Episode 152: Frisbee funerals, blue whales, and school safety

This week we dig into safety and security in our district. First we hear from two school board members about the importance of emotional safety of our students. Then we chat with school staff that deal with safety and security day in and day out. We also make a little time for useless trivia about blue whales and Frisbee funerals. 

Episode 151: Headless chickens, pointy porcupines, and online learning

This week we ask some pointed questions about porcupines, ponder the plausibility of poultry pioneer Mike the Headless Chicken, and log on to a host of information about the Bethel Virtual Academy with one of our amazing teachers. By the end, you'll know more than you did at the beginning, and you'll finally know why one should NOT mess with Texas.

Episode 150: Poutine, pigskins, and levy-funded music

This week we learn all about our levy-funded music programs and discuss the wide variety of benefits students are getting from music education, including the feeling of "ensemble," opportunities for college scholarships and public performance, and much more. We also find out which of our co-hosts can be bribed with poutine, discover the oddities of Canadian football, and learn some very useless trivia that includes a story about the quietest room in the world. All that, plus a special message from one of our football coaches, in less than 15 minutes.

Episode 149: The Great Bethel Bake Off

This week, we’re serving up a wild mix of flamingo facts, discussing rampant rhinos in eastern Washington, and learning about a middle school baking club that might just launch the legendary Great Bethel Bake Off! Plus, our very special guest discusses her visit to the Oval Office, and we uncover one of the most unsettling Guinness World Records to date. Spoiler: you will be uncomfortable.

Episode 148: The biggest restaurant in Pierce County

This week we talk bubble wrap wallpaper, find out how many foods you can put peanut butter on, and discover which member of Team Bethel is fantasizing about fondue. We also go behind the scenes and learn about the hard work that went into getting free meals for ALL students in our district, and what families need to do to make sure it continues for years to come! (Hint: Fill out the form at bethelsd.org/meals)

Episode 147: Immortal jellyfish, playground referees, and hallway goats

This week we sit down with the principal of one of our award-winning schools to learn about lavender snakes and immortal jellyfish, before discussing the behind-the-scenes work that is elevating student voice at her school. We also chat about our district's upcoming renewal levies, and find out how our 2019 school construction bond projects are coming along.

Episode 146: She walked miles to school in Namibia, now she’s teaching Washington State History and giving back

This week, we'll hear the powerful story of a teacher who turned her early struggles into a lifelong mission to educate and uplift others. Growing up in Namibia, she explains how poverty was her greatest motivator, and how she walked miles each day just to get to school. Her teaching career began when she created a school at a border crossing in southern Africa, and today she brings that same passion to her classroom here in Bethel where she teaches Washington State History and ELA. Even more inspiring, she spends her summers back in Namibia, giving back to the village that raised her. That inspiring story, plus useless trivia, all in under 15 minutes!
 
 
 

Episode 145: Hot dog combos, Bethel's budget, and sloth trivia

This week we discuss classroom behavior, Bethel's budget, and $1.99 hot dog combos. We also learn whether sloths or dolphins would win in a very specific competition, and we find out which Pierce County school district was named one of Forbes best companies (hint ... it's us!).

Episode 144: From the graduation stage to the proverbial Pringles can

This week we'll find out what Adam Sandler, Otis Redding and Colonel Sanders have in common before venturing into the world of getting students ready for life after high school. We'll do a deep dive into all the opportunities our students have to challenge themselves academically, with a few options that might surprise you! Before our 15 minutes are up you'll also figure out what the title of this episode means.

Episode 143: Old sharks, martial arts, and how we bus 16K students

This week we're finding out which member of Team Bethel has a secret blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We'll also discuss the first coin minted in the USA, whether sharks are older than trees, and we'll learn all about our Community Connections program. To finish it off, our very special guest will reveal their identity, their martial arts mojo, and much much more!

Episode 142: Octopus hearts, NFL alum, and the first day of school

This week, on a jam-packed, first-day-of-school episode, we ponder the muscles of mollusks, get the latest on some Bethel alum playing in the NFL, and hear about an upcoming opportunity for you to have coffee with our Superintendent! We also dive into the many ways Bethel prioritizes school safety and security, and we finally answer the age-old question: Why are school buses yellow?

Episode 141: Phishing for rented pineapples

This week we're venturing back to a time when pineapples were so expensive, they had to be rented! After more useless trivia, we'll be talking all things tech with our Chief Technology Officer. We'll discuss how cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are impacting education, and we'll also learn all about our Technology Capital Levy, which funds some critical things in our district ... thank you, voters!

Episode 140: Illegal Guinea pigs and the rise of the New Bethel High School

On this week's episode we're chatting about a bizarre law on the books in Switzerland that dictates the number of Guinea pigs one can legally own. After some more useless trivia, we'll learn all about the projects funded by the 2019 voter-approved school construction bond, and the three big projects it is currently funding. Along the way we'll chat with our director of construction and planning, and the principal of a recently remodeled school that's opening this fall. New episodes drop every Wednesday wherever you listen to podcasts. bethelsd.org/podcast 

Episode 139: Potty-mouthed parrots, and positive paraeducators

​The longest running school district podcast in the Puget Sound is back for a brand new season! Along with the news and interviews you've come to expect, this season we're debuting a brand new segment. Hosts Conor and Doug will surprise each other each week with a bizarre bit of trivia in "Useless Trivia of the Week." So grab your earbuds and get ready to laugh, learn, and get to know and love the amazing Bethel School District! 
This week we're sitting down with two young paraeducators and their assistant principal ... a trio who was, just a few years ago, two middle school kids and a coach!

Episode 138: Lessons that last

In the final episode of Season 3, we sit down with three members of the Class of 2025 to talk about what lies ahead, and how their time in school has shaped their goals, values, and confidence. These students open up about the teachers who believed in them, the classes that challenged them, and the moments that made them feel ready to take the next step. We also debut a new element we're excited about for our upcoming fourth season: Useless Trivia of the Week! Season 4 begins on August 6, 2025.

Episode 137: Memories, Milestones, and Minecraft?

This week, we sit down with a group of seniors as they reflect on the moments that shaped their high school journey. From unforgettable friendships to proud accomplishments, they share their favorite memories and look ahead to the future. But it's not all about nostalgia — we also ask the big question: If you could spend 24 hours in any fictional universe, where would you go? 

Episode 136: From freshmen to the finish line

The Class of 2025 is getting ready to graduate! This week we sit down with some seniors as they reflect on their most memorable moments, from standout classes and unforgettable teachers to the friendships and challenges that shaped their experience. We also talk about their hopes and dreams for the future—whether it's college, careers, or adventures yet to come!

Episode 135: Planting seeds of success with Agricultural Science and FFA

This week, we dig into the world of agricultural science with some high school students and their dedicated teacher. Join us to hear about hands-on learning in the classroom and the exciting ways these students are cultivating their futures. 

Episode 134: Bilingual and Beyond (Bethel's Dual Language program)

This week, we sit down with a Spanish Dual Language teacher and three of her students to hear firsthand how being bilingual and biliterate has shaped their identities, opened doors to new opportunities, and inspired future career dreams. From navigating two languages at home and school to dreaming big in both English and Spanish, this conversation dives deep into the real-world impact Bethel's Dual Language program is having on students.

Episode 133: Advanced placement with a British accent (Bethel's Cambridge Program)

Nobody is going to confuse Bethel High School with the University of Cambridge. One is an 800-year-old English institution of higher education, and the other is a 70-plus-year-old high school in Spanaway, Washington. But the two schools do share some similarities on the inside. Bethel’s Cambridge program offers local students a unique educational experience that prepares them for college-level coursework. On this week's show, we sit down with three Cambridge students and learn all about it.

Episode 132: Supporting military students; high school robotics

This week we talk with some championship robotics students and their coach. We also discuss the ways our district supports military-connected students, addressing the unique educational, social, and emotional challenges they face.

Episode 131: Local taxes support local kids

Thank you, voters! This week we learn how local tax dollars support local students through our two voter-approved levies. We also discuss the district's ongoing bond projects with our Director of Construction and the principal of one of our schools that will soon be rebuilt from the ground up!

Episode 130: Behind the scenes at an elementary school

In this episode we go beyond the classroom to learn more about how teachers and staff work to support students before school and after the school bell rings. Learn what happens during late start Mondays and much more on this week's show!

Episode 129: Spring Break!

It's Spring Break! On this week's episode, we check out some never-before-broadcast travel stories from some of our favorite guests of 2025. 

Episode 128: Meet our 2025 Daffodil Princesses!

This week we chat with all three of our district's Daffodil Princesses to learn more about their dreams for the future, staff that inspired them, and a whole lot more!

Episode 127: Students lead the charge with YMCA's Youth and Government program

Middle school students will soon be debating on the floor of the Washington State Legislature thanks to the YMCA's Youth and Government program. This week we sit down with two of those students, check in with program leaders, and chat with one of our teachers to get the full picture of this unique opportunity. 

Episode 126: Small engine repair and welding in class

This week we sit down with one of our CTE teachers to discuss small engine repair, power sports, and the future of welding in class. We also dive into how these hands-on skills are preparing students for exciting career opportunities in the trades!

Episode 125: Bloom where you are planted

This week we sit down with a 28-year veteran teacher as she reflects on her amazing career inspiring students. We learn who inspired her to become a teacher, discuss the changes she's seen in education, and find out her advice for new teachers just starting in the profession. 

Episode 124: Women in STEM and middle school robotics

This week we sit down with one of our middle school STEM teachers and learn about her career in the Navy and her thoughts on how we can get more girls interested in STEM fields. We also invite some of her students to talk about the future of robotics!

Episode 123: Behind the auction block: Raising money for student scholars

This week we sit down with two former B.E.S.T. scholarship winners and hear how those awards impacted their educational journeys. We also get hyped for the upcoming Graham Business Association's auction that raises money for those scholarships! The annual event is scheduled for March 14 at 6 p.m. at Nelson Elementary. Ticket information is at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-gba-scholarship-auction.

Episode 122: Serving your community through public schools

This week we sit down with one of our outstanding paraeducators to discuss her journey to the classroom. She also shares a message of optimism to people wanting to make a difference in their community through public schools.

Episode 121: Cornhole debuts in Unified Sports

This week, we talk basketball, e-sports, track, and cornhole with one of our Unified Sports coaches and two of her students. Unified Sports empowers individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to team up and build community through the power of sports.