Dr. Mark Rendell officially began his role as the Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools on June 1, 2023. Take a listen to this episode, as Dr. Rendell shares his experience, goals, and interests with us. 

BPS Recruiter, Tori Huss, joins the BPS Smart Podcast to discuss upcoming recruitment events and opportunities during the 2023 Summer Break. Interested in joining #TeamBPS for the 2023-2024 School Year? Take a listen to this episode! Tori talks all things teacher, bus driver, and support staff recruitment! Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities! We hope to see you this summer! 

May 8-12, 2023 is Teacher Appreciation Week. We recognize, honor, and support our teachers this week and every week for their dedication to educating our youth. To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we interviewed Pam Brockmeyer, a teacher at Cocoa High and this year's BPS Teacher of the Year. 

May 5th is National School Lunch Hero Day. To celebrate, we interviewed Keri Draper, Cafeteria Manager at Saturn Elementary School. Take a listen as Keri discusses nutrition programs, a day-in-the-life of our School Lunch Heroes, and the impact our Cafeteria employees have on our students. We are so grateful to Keri and each of our Food & Nutrition Staff members who are heroes for Brevard Public School children each day. 

The school year is coming to a close, but the joy of learning never stops! BPS is offering Summer Enrichment programs at no cost to all Brevard County students. Take a listen to learn more about our programs and make sure you get signed up. Registration will be available beginning May 1st.

No doubt you've heard about the BPS Parent Survey, but do you know what it is? Listen as we interview Caitlin Maffeo, BPS Community Engagement Coordinator, about common FAQs regarding the Parent Survey. 

To take the Survey, click the link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DY8ZH5Y

In part two of our interview with Lt. Bombriant, we continue our conversation about BPS' newest CTE program, the Fire Academy at Palm Bay Magnet High School. In this episode, Lt. Bombriant discusses the importance of CTE programs like this one and their interconnectivity with the community. Be sure to hear the entire conversation by listening to part one!

February is CTE Month! To celebrate this, we have two episodes where we dive into one of our newest CTE programs. The Fire Academy at Palm Bay Magnet High School is in its first year. We are joined by the instructor, Lt. Bombriant, to learn more about this program!

Listen as Dr. Danielle McKinnon and Diamelia Christie discuss the upcoming 2nd Annual HBCU Information Session and Fair. This event highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU); is a District observance of Black History Month; and supports the district's efforts to promote college and career readiness and access.

Check out the event website here: https://www.brevardschools.org/Page/19678 

Learn more about BPS' newest program, Community Connect, with Dr. Chana Speir. Community Connect was created to help you quickly find and connect with helpful programs in your area. This easy-to-use free program provides you with free and reduced-cost resources right in your own neighborhood! 

Rod Foster, Employee of the Year, joins the BPS Smart Podcast to discuss what he loves about his job and what this honor means to him. Congratulations, Mr. Foster, and thank you for your dedication to the students of Brevard Public Schools! 

This episode's guest is Janice Kershaw, President & CEO of the Brevard Schools Foundation. During our conversation, we discuss BSF's Teaching Quality Initiatives, like the Bright Ideas Classroom Grants, the ABC Awards, and the TLC Fellowship Program. 

On this episode, we are joined by Tori Huss, HR Recruiter for Brevard Public Schools. If you are interested in joining Team BPS, be sure to listen as we discuss steps to teacher certification, upcoming information sessions and career fairs, and support staff openings. 

Frank Robb aka Alligator Robb is a Brevard County native and Crocodilian expert. Listen as we discuss how he got his nickname, his involvement in education within BPS, and his nonprofit, Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services (EEARSS). 

October is National Principals Month, so we are sharing interviews with two BPS principals. Our second interview was with Blair Lovelace, Principal of Coquina Elementary and the current BPS Principal of the Year. In her interview, Mrs. Lovelace discusses how educators are making a difference and encourages us to keep learning and push through hard things. 

October is National Principals Month, so we are sharing interviews with two BPS principals. Our first interview was with Mr. James Rehmer, Principal of Merritt Island High School. In our conversation, Principal Rehmer discusses his passion for people and building connections with his students and staff. 

On this episode of BPS Smart, we chat with Abby Hemenway, Public Information & Outreach Manager for the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization. October brings a lot of exciting events and helpful information for our community. We discuss Vision Zero, National Pedestrian Safety Month, Walk & Roll to School Day, School Bus Safety Week, Mobility Week, and White Cane Awareness Day. Get your calendars ready as you listen because you'll certainly want to save these dates!

Brevard County residents will see an Ad Valorem Millage on the November ballot this year. The proposed Millage Referendum would be used towards employee compensation, student programs, and technology for Brevard Public Schools. Listen as Dr. Mullins discusses the details of the proposed Millage.

Bryan Bobbitt, Executive Director of Keep Brevard Beautiful, discusses student programs, getting involved, and the three Rs. Take a listen to learn how we can all help Keep Brevard Beautiful! 

A new school year is here! Listen as Tara Harris, Director of Elementary Leading & Learning, discusses BEST Math Benchmarks and the new Progress Monitoring System. 

In this episode, you'll get to know Officer Jennifer Imperato, or "Officer Jen" - this year's Employee of the Year for Brevard Public Schools. Enjoy listening as she discusses her unique role as a school resource officer and some of her favorite community projects she's been involved in throughout the years.

The 2022-2023 school year is quickly approaching! In today's episode, Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits, and School Board Member Katye Campbell discuss some things to keep in mind as the new school year approaches when it comes to your benefits. 

Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits & Lisa Schmidt, Manager of Employee Benefits tell us what's new with the BPS health plan's vision and dental coverage. 

In today's episode, you'll get to know Alex Wicker, this year's Teacher of the Year for Brevard Public Schools. Enjoy listening as she highlights some of her favorite classroom projects, gives advice to new teachers, and more. 

On today’s episode, Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits and School Board Member Katye Campbell discuss free services included in our BPS Health Plan as well as some tips for getting the most out of your money when it comes to your insurance plan. 

Hello Heart is a new program that helps employees focus on their heart health. Here to share about the launch of this new program and how you can get involved is Dr. Beth Thedy, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Human Resources Officer, Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits.

In this episode, Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits & Lisa Schmidt, Manager of Employee Benefits talk about the importance of taking care of your metal health and the mental health supports offered by the BPE health plan.

Host Tori Huss welcomes HR Recruiter, Susan Kirk to discuss Recruitment and Retention efforts within Brevard Public Schools. Interested in starting a career in teaching? Find out about their next teacher career fair in June, steps to become certified in the state of Florida, and even some tips for your next interview!

Summer is here! BPS Smart host Tori Huss is joined by Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits, and School Board Member Katye Campbell to share some helpful tips about how to prioritize your health in the summer months. 

Host Tori Huss welcomes Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits & Lisa Schmidt, Manager of Employee Benefits to talk about the new MotivateMe Employee Incentive program – something that everyone here at BPS should take advantage of!

Getting to know the ins and outs of your health plan can be overwhelming! In today's episode, Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits & Lisa Schmidt, Manager of Employee Benefits discuss the top 5 things you should know about your BPS health insurance. 

Host Tori Huss welcomes Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits, and School Board Member Katye Campbell, to discuss everything you need to know about biometric health screenings and health assessments.

Host Tori Huss welcomes Caitlin Maffeo, Community & Engagement Programs Coordinator to talk about the Parent Leadership Team. What is PLT and how can you get involved? Listen to find out. 

Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits, and Lisa Schmidt, Manager of Employee Benefits go over two new, exciting programs - Hinge Health and Surgery Plus.

We're excited to share our 2022 Employee-Focused miniseries which will cover all things employee benefits! In this first episode, you'll hear from Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins and Antonia Scipio, Director of Risk Management and Employee Benefits about what you can expect to hear throughout this miniseries. 

In this episode, host Tori Huss chats with BPS Early Childhood Coordinator, Priscilla DeNino and Early Childhood Content Specialist, Cheri Meyer about what Kindergarten Registration looks like this year at BPS. They'll guide you to helpful resources and what you'll need to register your student. Then, enjoy a conversation about how you can help to prepare your child to start Kindergarten in the fall. You'll get tips and trick for building independence, literacy skills, and more! 

In this episode of BPS Smart, host Tori Huss talks with Dr. Danielle McKinnon, Director of Equity and Diversity, all about cultural observances at BPS and how community members can participate throughout the year.

BPS Smart host, Tori Huss, welcomes Literacy Coach Maurica Kellam and Media Specialist Tricia Kuhblank from Manatee Elementary to talk all things literacy. Learn about how they work together to inspire a love of reading in their students, how parents can support their children at home, how Manatee Elementary celebrates Literacy Week, and more. 

Join host Tori Huss and guest Carey Dixon, a BPS social worker of over 25 years. Learn about the vital work that both our school-based and district social workers do, and the life changing support they provide to BPS students and families.  

Join host Tori Huss, Superintedent Dr. Mark Mullins, and VPK/Early Childhood Coordinator Priscilla DeNino to discuss Brevard Thrive by Five, a brand new BPS iniative aiming to raise awareness about early literacy and development.

School Board Vice-Chair, Matt Susin, shares how he really feels about elected life, being dad to five kids ages 18 years to nine months, and his most exciting project he worked on during the past school year.

BPS’ newest addition to the school board, Jennifer Jenkins, joins host Sara Almond to talk about the journey that led her to become an elected official. The mom of an incoming Kindergartner shares life lessons, and her hopes for our District 3 schools.

District 2 School Board Member, Cheryl McDougall, and host Sara Almond discuss Cheryl’s time living throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia before settling back in Florida, in addition to what led her to become a licensed clinical social worker.

How much do you know about BPS School Board Member Misty Belford? Listen to learn about her work and her personal life and how music has impacted her life.

How much do you know about BPS School Board Chair Misty Belford? Listen to learn about her work and her personal life and her passion for education.

What do you know about the Brevard Schools Foundation? President & CEO Janice Kershaw joins host Sara Almond to discuss life-changing programs in place to support BPS students, and ways you can become involved.

BPS Smart Episode #8

Equity & Diversity with Dr. Danielle McKinnon

Host, Sara Almond, interviews BPS’ new Director of Equity & Diversity, Dr. Danielle McKinnon. They discuss Dr. McKinnon’s role and responsibilities with the district, goals, and progress that is already taking place. Tune in to hear how BPS is working to serve every student and employee with excellence as the standard.

This episode is taking us back – way back to Kindergarten! Ms. Ana Diaz, principal at University Park Elementary, and Ms. Barbi Miller from Palm Bay Elementary join host Sara Almond to share the unique opportunities their campuses offer our younger students, and you won’t want to miss the end of the episode when we hear from district early childhood education coordinator, Priscilla DeNino. She’s got everything you need to know to successfully register your student for Kindergarten – registration opens March 29!

Did you know Brevard Public Schools offers 82 different industry certifications through their career and technical education (CTE) programs? With over 18,000 students currently participating in courses, a wide variety of highly coveted work-force ready skills are being taught every day. CTE Director, Rachel Rutledge, joins host Sara Almond to discuss these opportunities and how students can get involved.

Daylyn Randolph grew up in the Park Side neighborhood of Merritt Island. Some people may know it as ‘Jack Town’. The summer following his senior year at Merritt Island High School, Daylyn lost his best friend to violence. In this episode of BPS Smart, host Sara Almond and Daylyn discuss his decision to author and publish his first book as a path to healing, advice he has for students during the pandemic, and his future as a student, entrepreneur and community leader at Florida State University.

Host Sara Almond is joined by BPS Family Engagement Resource Teachers Ginny Gleason and Gevonne Blum who share what family engagement means at Brevard Public Schools, along with practical tips on how to navigate a holiday season that may look different than years past. From all of us at BPS, we wish you a very Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

Referenced Holiday Survival Guide

Join host Sara Almond and Dr. Mark Mullins, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools as they discuss the impact the sales surtax had on the schools in the central area of Brevard County as well as improvements scheduled for that area should the surtax be renewed by voter's on November 3rd. 

In this episode, your host Sara Almond sits down with our Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools, Dr. Mark Mullins to discuss the sale surtax extension and it's impact on the South Area of Brevard County.  

In this edition of BPS Smart, host Sara Almond is joined by Dr. Mark Mullins, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools to take a closer look at the sales surtax focusing on the North Area of Brevard County.  They will be discussing Central and South Areas in the upcoming podcasts.