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HR High Five Podcast

2024-25 SEASON

JANUARY 2025 - HSD AFTER DARK

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In this episode we hear all about the work that goes on behind the scenes to support our district at night! These great staff work around the clock, literally, to keep the district running smoothly. Let’s take a look into what happens around the district after dark and celebrate the accomplishments of our employees who fulfill the duties of these unique positions!

Episode Host: Jany Jovel

Featured staff:

  • TJ Ferrill — District Security Patrol Monitor
  • Scott Cole — Night Custodian, South Meadows Middle School

Want to give a shout out to your after-hours staff?

Share your questions and experiences here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


DECember 2024 - Don’t take it for GRANTed

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In this episode we hear from employees who have creatively utilized grant funding to support their work at HSD.

Did you know that HSD manages around 150 grants in an average year?

There are many interesting ways that these resources provide for services throughout our district and we definitely don’t take it for granted. We are excited to share stories about what can be achieved for our staff and students using grants!

Episode Host: Hannah Huenergardt

Featured staff:

  • Krista Hanson — Community Transition Services
  • Amiya Larrance — English Learner Specialist, Liberty High School
  • Alice Kelly — Special Education Assistant, Liberty High School

Are you interested in applying for a Hillsboro Schools Foundation Grant?

Applications open January 1, 2025. Find out more information at ⁠https://hsfonline.org/apply-for-grants/⁠  

Share your questions and experiences here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


november 2024 - Internal Pathways (Part 2)

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This is the second of two episodes focused on discovering internal growth pathways for employees at HSD. 

Employee growth is a broad topic and it can include participation in degree programs that help elevate you to new positions and access to funding opportunities to support your goals, but it can also encompass unique employee directed initiatives. 

You will hear stories about those resources and the creative ways that HSD partners with employees to dream big and achieve new levels of success!

Episode Host: Kim Bayer

Featured staff:

  • Linda Chan — Elementary Resource Special, Reedville Elementary School
  • Bianca Rodriguez — Counselor, Eastwood Elementary School

Are you on an Internal Pathways journey? 

Share your questions and experiences here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


October 2024 - Internal Pathways (Part 1)

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The next two episodes will be focused on discovering internal growth pathways for employees at HSD. 

Employee growth is a broad topic and it can include participation in degree programs that help elevate you to new positions and access to funding opportunities to support your goals, but it can also encompass unique employee directed initiatives. 

You will hear stories about those resources and the creative ways that HSD partners with employees to dream big and achieve new levels of success!

Episode Host: Kim Bayer

Featured staff:

  • Ashley Irwin — Administrative Support 3, Student Services
  • Martha Rodriguez Siordia — Director of Human Resources

Are you on an Internal Pathways journey? 

Share your questions and experiences here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


September 2024 - New Beginnings

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We are kicking off the 24/25 school year season today with the topic of “new beginnings”. We are excited to share insight and stories that encourage you all as we start a new school year, new positions, and new relationships with each other.

Episode Host: Kona Lew-Williams

Featured staff:

  • Jeremy Corwin — Principal, J.W. Poynter Middle School
  • Ivana Garcia Prado — Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent
  • Manuel Vasquez Vasquez — Language Arts Teacher - Dual Language, Hillsboro High School

What has helped you in a new beginning? 

Share your thoughts here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Archived Episodes

  • HSD HR High Five Podcast Episode 11 - Hope in the Workplace

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    In this episode we are diving into the topic of “hope in the workplace” where we will share stories from our guests about how this topic impacts the different work being done around HSD. We HOPE you enjoy it! 

    Featured staff:

      • Lisa Erickson — Public Safety Chief
      • Jessica Servin — Family Engagement Specialist
      • Brenda Chavez Tapia — Education Liaison
      • Brandon Hernandez Roman — Education Liaison 

    What ways do hope and hopelessness come into play in your role? 

    Share your thoughts here ⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠.


     

HSD HR High Five Podcast Episode 10 - Winter Wellness

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In this episode we are diving into the topic of “winter wellness” where we will be hearing from three guests about their experiences supporting students and staff with resources for mental health and overall wellness. 

Featured staff:

    • Daphne Fisk — Employee Benefits Supervisor
    • Ruben Garcia-Puga — Student Support Wellness Counselor
    • Jennifer Cary — Coordinator of Mental and Behavioral Health

Do you have any winter wellness tips or rituals to get you through the season? 

Share your thoughts here ⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠.


 

HSD HR High Five Podcast Episode 9 - Thanking and Appreciating our Staff

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In this episode we are diving into the topic of “thanking and appreciating our staff.” As you listen to what our guests have to share, we hope you can identify ways that you like to be appreciated and ways that you can express thankfulness to those you work with too! 

Featured staff:

    • David Nieslanik — Executive Director of High Schools
    • Megan Nace — Director of Technology Services
    • Juliet Hong — Principal, West Union Elementary

What are some ways that you like to show appreciation or be appreciated? 

Share your thoughts here ⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠.


 

 
    • HSD HR High Five Podcast Episode 8 - One Day at a Time

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      In this episode we will be taking a journey with our guests as they describe what a typical day looks like for their work and the ways they approach things “one day at a time”. As you hear their stories we hope you learn something new about the work being done around HSD to support our community!

      Featured staff:

        • Nathan De Pinto — Fiscal Planning Specialist
        • Saideh Haghighi Khochkhou — Operations Officer
        • Sebastian (Antonio) Hernandez Viera — Language Liaison

      How do you take your job one day at a time? 

      Share your thoughts here ⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠.


       

 

    • HSD HR High Five Podcast Episode 7 - Starting Off Well

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      Whether it’s setting up a classroom or making sure the school buses are in tip-top shape, there are many ways that we work to ensure the school year has a great start for our students and families.  

      In this episode we will be hearing about how some of our employees prepare to start a new school year. 

      Featured staff:

      • Miguel Garcia — Bus Driver
      • Kevin Hertel — Evergreen MS Principal
      • Teresa Portinga — Patterson ES 1st/2nd Grade Teacher

      What ways do you start the school year? 

      Share your thoughts here HR High Five Podcast Feedback.