The Fam Jam is a podcast about family engagement... but what exactly is "family engagement?" That's the tricky topic that Morgan and Dana tackle in the kickoff episode for season 2. Hear from experts and long time advocates about what it is and why it's so important for student success. Guests: Lori LaughlinSDSFEC Co-Project Director with West River Foundation Rhonda KludtTiger Afterschool Program Coordinator and retired Kindergarten Teacher for Huron School District Stephanie OwensFormer President of South Dakota PTA Please follow the Fam Jam and share with your friends!

Summer Slide is the tricky topic for May's episode of the Fam Jam. It's an informal term for summer learning loss or when students regress in skills from the end of one school year and the start of another. In this episode, hear from a great panel of guests about how to keep kids learning over the summer and have fun while they're doing it!Guests: Josh Thomas3rd grade teacher at Sioux Falls Garfield Elementary Lindsay HammerMother of four from Brookings Karla JohnsonExecutive Director of South Dakota Afterschool Network Katie WiedrichSchool Program Coordinator at Outdoor Campus West

The transition out of high school is just as important as the transition into elementary school. As students near the end of their K-12 journey, they can feel underprepared and overwhelmed if they don't have a plan and supports in place. In this month's episode of the The Fam Jam, Morgan and Dana visit with professionals and a university student to discuss the tricky topic of Post-Secondary Transition. Guests: Melissa Miller KincartDirector of Strategic Partnerships and College and Career Readiness at Rapid City Area Schools Kendra BurshiemHigh School Counselor/Transition Counselor at Flandreau Indian School KC BurshiemHigh School Counselor at Flandreau Indian School Brittney HuschkaRecruiter at Western Dakota Technical College Keeza Leavens Former Rapid City Central Student and Current Student at University of Montana

Starting kindergarten can be a very stressful for both parents and children. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help all families be successful in transitioning their children into kindergarten and starting their school-based learning journey. Early education experts and a parent join Morgan and Dana as they dive into the tricky topic of Kindergarten Transition. Guests: Jodi BerscheidHead Start State Collaboration Director, South Dakota Department of Education Darbi HuntBirth to Five Learning Specialist, South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center Sam OviattParent of two from Rapid City Melissa CrouchKindergarten Teacher at South Canyon Elementary, Rapid City Area Schools

For February, Dana and Morgan tackle the tricky topic of Community Partnerships. The community is a vital component to a successful school. Your neighbors, local businesses, support agencies, and more can provide crucial assistance to schools and families with money, time, and connections.  In this episode, Morgan and Dana learn about some successful community partnerships in South Dakota. Guests: Dana HaukaasPrincipal at Todd County Middle School Steve HildebrandFounder of Promising Futures Fund Heidi GullicksonExecutive Director of Brookings Area United Way Char Green-MaximoMother and Chair of Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade

This month Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of communication. Effective school and family communication involves not only sending information to families, but also hearing from them about ideas, concerns, and hopes for their child.  In this episode, Morgan and Dana learn about how different schools and communities are communicating across South Dakota. Guests: Shawnda CarmichaelPrincipal at Lemmon Elementary  Mercia SchroederEnglish as a New Language (ENL) Teacher for Plankinton Schools Rachel TempleEnglish Language Learner (ELL) Teacher for Rapid City Area Schools Kristen WilliamsonMother of three from Rapid City

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of mental wellness. They discover what mental wellness means, and why we're struggling to help teens get the mental health supports they need. Hear from students, a school-based mental health provider, and a community advocate in this month's episode. Guests: ClaireSD High School student JaydaSD High School student AngeloRecent SD High School Graduate and current College Student Sarah ZimmermanSocial-Emotional Learning Coordinator for Rapid City Area Schools Mallory KloucekEnding the Silence Coordinator for NAMI South Dakota

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of building relationships. They visit with families, educators, and advocates to learn why relationships are key to strong partnerships and how to cultivate them. Guests: Janet WhitingHigh school teacher, parent, and foster parent from Porcupine Carla MillerExecutive Director of SD Parent Connection Chabli HodgeSocial Worker for Vermillion School District Jeanne Burckhard-McKennaWhole Child Coordinator for Rapid City Area Schools

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of parent/teacher conferences, examining the who, what, when, where, and what's next for this long established annual event in education. Guests: Erica Boomsma4th Grade Teacher at Huron Washington Attendance Center Dave SwankPrincipal at Canyon Lake Elementary Robin CurtisPrincipal at Lyman Middle-High School

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of attendance to learn why coming to school is so important, what gets in the way, and what families and schools can learn from each other. Guests: Jessa Zimmer1st grade teacher at Aberdeen Lincoln Elementary Barb HansenPrincipal of Tea Area Frontier Elementary Amanda DiersMom of three from Rapid City Peyton10th grade student from Rapid City