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Herriman Journal

Superintendent’s podcast gives behind-the-scenes glimpse of Jordan School District

Feb 06, 2020 12:54PM ● By Jet Burnham

Herriman High School Assistant Principal Stewart Hudnall educates podcast listeners about the topic of vaping. (Photo courtesy Jordan School District)

By Jet Burnham | [email protected]

Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey showed his confidence in his district’s educational programs when he asked a student in the barbering class at the Jordan Academy of Technology and Careers to cut his hair.

“He gave me the best haircut I've had a long time,” Godfrey said.

His experience was shared with the listeners of Godfrey’s weekly podcast, Supercast. The podcast explores a range of topics such as nutrition, current trends, and literacy. Other episodes highlight district programs and heartwarming experiences, showcase talented students and creative teachers, and introduce listeners to the individuals that keep the school district running smoothly.

“I'm just continually amazed at the creative and individual ways that adults are meeting the needs of students in the district,” Godfrey said. “I know that's happening, but it's always rewarding and really astonishing to see firsthand just how dedicated everyone is to helping students have the best experience they possibly can.”

In this first year as superintendent, Godfrey has learned more about programs, employees and students as he travels to various schools to record podcast episodes.

Sometimes he is surprised by what he finds, such as when he witnessed an actual surgery take place at the veterinary science classes at JATC north campus.

“I knew that program existed, but it wasn't until I was there to do the podcast that I really understood the deep level of firsthand experience that kids get,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey also enjoys meeting employees and expressing appreciation for their role in the district.

“The more connected I am to all those job families and the various aspects of our operation, the better job I can do,” he said.

Godfrey said one of his favorite experiences was driving the floor scrubber at Mountain Ridge High School. 

“It's kind of like a mini Zamboni,” Godfrey said. “I'd seen them around for a long time, but I've never been on one. So I rode that around and got to see the operations of a new high school.”

In another episode, Godfrey shadowed Fox Hollow Elementary nutrition manager Kathi George.

“I was so glad when he approached us to shine a light on our program and all the wonderful ladies who work so hard every day,” said Tammy Horger, district nutrition services coordinator. “To know we’re all important, to know we all matter is a really important message to send to everybody.”

Horger said the podcast interview was a unique opportunity for George to have the ear of the top boss for an hour.

“Normally, the superintendent wouldn’t have been able to just talk to her and ask questions of her,” Horger said.

District Communications Director Sandy Riesgraf said when Godfrey arrives at a school to record a podcast segment, employees often take the opportunity to talk with him.

“I don't know how many stops along the way we have when we go through a building, but they suddenly realize this is an approachable guy,” Riesgraf said.

Riesgraf and communications specialist Doug Flagler run the audio recording equipment to gather clips for the podcast. Kids don’t usually know who Godfrey is, but they recognize he’s someone important with such an entourage. Some have even thought he was the president.


Anthony Godfrey dons gloves and a hat to become a “lunch lady” for a day. (Photo courtesy Jordan School District)

 

“It's especially fun talking to the younger kids and hearing their responses to questions and seeing what they think of the world around them,” Flagler said.

Godfrey said the tip to interviewing children is to have an open mind about where the questions will lead.

“Kids are going to take you down the path, and it's fun to just follow where they go,” he said.

Answers got very creative when Godfrey interviewed second graders for the Thanksgiving episode. They gave opinions on how long to cook a Thanksgiving turkey and what exactly is in stuffing. Their answers made for an entertaining interview.

Flagler said Godfrey’s interactions with people make the podcast entertaining.

“The superintendent is really good at connecting with people and joking with them,” he said.

Those that participate or listen to the podcast get to know Godfrey in a way that they wouldn't otherwise be able to said Riesgraf.

“It shows how interested and passionate he is about being out in schools and getting to know teachers, knowing what's going on and seeing these programs firsthand,” Riesgraf said. “This isn't a superintendent that's sitting in the office all day—any day, ever.”

Filming the Supercast takes careful planning to work around Godfrey’s busy schedule. Often, he films several segments at one location. Other interviews are recorded in a studio set up in a small closet at the district office. Riesgraf and Flagler coordinate the topics, interviews, editing, and production of the podcast.

“I'm really appreciative to them,” Godfrey said. “I say all this stuff—I just kind of throw out whatever ideas I can and ask the questions and go with the flow. They do such a great job of editing it and putting it together into a coherent listenable form because you never know what's going to happen and I want to follow that.”

Godfrey said his podcast is a unique and easy way to get information to families.

“I know that it's hard to sit down and read an email from the district or watch a video or go on the website,” he said. “I just wanted it to be as convenient as possible. I thought it would be a nice way for people to get to know the great students, employees and parents, we have in Jordan District.”

Episodes can be accessed at supercast.jordandistrict.org and through a variety of podcast platforms. New episodes are posted every Thursday.

“That's a pretty aggressive plan when you've got someone like this who is extremely busy,” Riesgraf said. However, the success of the podcast justifies the frequency.

“We're quite proud that we've got a podcast that people are listening to,” Riesgraf said. “It has gone above and beyond our expectations and it keeps growing.”

The podcast is for students and parents of Jordan District, but Riesgraf said anyone can tune in.

“The kind of information we put out there is good for any parent, no matter where you live,” she said.

Godfrey encourages anyone with ideas for the Supercast to contact him at [email protected].

“I would love to hear from anyone who can think of an individual that ought to be highlighted, or a program that they're particularly interested in, or questions they have, or something they found interesting, or that they'd like to know more about,” he said.

NeuroHealth

 

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