Let’s Be Here For It

S3E1: Back for Another Year with Special Guests!

The 2025-2026 school year has officially begun, and Dave and Allie are looking forward to another great school year! On this episode of "Let's Be Here For It", they discuss all of the exciting events that the first week of school brought and what they are looking forward to this year with Liberty Principal and Assistant Principal, Kristin Beeler and Mike Hawrysio. They are also joined by Board President, Nichole Browner, to talk about what she is looking forward to this year! 

S2E10: 8th Grade Reflections

On this episode of "Let's Be Here For It" Dave and Allie talk to three 8th grade students before they graduate and leave Orland School District 135. Jude, Josh and Narjess discuss their favorite memories from being a student as well as what they are looking forward to for next school year. 

S2E9: Retirement Recognitions and Student Events

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie recognize the numerous staff members retiring at the end of this school year and thank them for their hard work and dedication to D135. They also talk about the upcoming events and activities students can look forward to as we near the end of another school year. 

S2E8: Breaking Down IAR Testing with Mrs. Bushwaller

This episode of "Let's Be Here For It" is all about the IAR test. Dave and Allie break down exactly what it is and how the District uses the data behind the tests. Mrs. Lauren Bushwaller, Principal at Orland Jr High, stops by the podcast and talks about how OJH prepared the eagles for the IAR test with an exciting assembly full of surprises! 

S2E7: A Month in Review & A Month Preview

On this episode of "Let's Be Here for It", Dave and Allie discuss all of the events that took place during the month of February, including the District Spelling Bee, PFE Volleyball Tournaments, and ISBE Those Who Excel Recognitions. They also took a look forward to the month of March and previewed all of the exciting events and activities that will be taking place. 

S2E6: Apple Distinguished Schools

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie learn all about Apple Distinguished Schools. Meadow Ridge and Liberty School received this designation this school year and recently held school site visits for other educators to learn from them. Fourth Grade Teacher, Ms. Ashley Bobak, and two students, Rafeek and Zoey, were on the podcast to talk all about ADS and the school visit. 

S2E5: From Student in Class to Published Author

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie sit down and talk with Jerling 8th grader Ainslee Beaty, who became a published author at 13! Ainslee is heavily involved at school but also enjoys writing a lot and took that passion and published a collection of poems called "Words From the Heart". 
Words From the Heart can be purchased on Amazon.

S2E4: Student and Family Activities

On this episode of Let's Be Here For It, Dave and Allie talk about all the activities and events taking place around the District! Some activities are student specific in their classrooms and others are school and even District-wide! 

S2E3: Chatting About Curriculum

On this episode of "Let's Be Here For It," Dave and Allie have two guests on the podcast who eat, sleep, and breathe curriculum: Dr. Jen Nichols and Dana Karczewski, the Director and Assistant Director of Curriculum!

S2E2: Let's Talk Tech!

District 135 is fortunate enough to have three technology coaches who assist our students and staff with integrating technology into the classroom on a daily basis. Dave and Allie sit down with the three tech coaches during this episode to hear all about what they do and how they do it!