There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a teacher watching their students blossom and find their passion. In this episode of Elevated Insights, we get a glimpse into what that is like with Tooele High art teacher Ruth Nichols. She joins Superintendent Ernst along with a couple of her talented students as we dive into the vibrant world of art and creativity Recorded right from Ms. Nichols' classroom, this episode captures the essence of artistic expression. Listen as award-winning students Karah Richardson and Taylor Gorringe share their inspiring journeys and the stories behind their celebrated artworks showcased at the prestigious Utah All-State High School Art Show.

Gain insights into the creative process, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated by these young artists, along with valuable advice for aspiring artists looking to elevate their work. Tune in for an episode filled with creativity, inspiration, and the sounds of artistic expression in action!

Join us for an enlightening episode of "Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast" as we sit down with two of our dedicated board members, board president Melissa Rich and newly elected Todd Thompson. Discover what it's like to serve on the board, the unique responsibilities they hold, and the motivations behind their decision to get involved. Gain valuable insights into the differences between board duties and district administration, and hear their advice for anyone interested in making a difference in our community. While it can often be a thankless job, we appreciate all the hard work our board members do. Don't miss this chance to get to know the leaders helping shape the future of our district!

Join us for a special episode of Elevated Insights as we take a break from our usual format! This week, Communications Director Brett Valdez steps in for Superintendent Ernst to share some of the funniest and most memorable outtakes from our first 39 episodes. Get ready to laugh and reflect on the wonderful things our teachers and students say. Don't miss these behind-the-scenes moments that showcase the lighter side of our podcasting journey!

As the holidays approach, we hit the schools this week to ask students and teachers about their Christmas favorites! From beloved songs and movies to tasty treats and special traditions, this episode is packed with classic holiday cheer, unique perspectives, and answers that will keep you smiling.

Whitney Wallace, Terra Sherwood, and Brett Valdez visited elementary schools in Dugway, Grantsville, Stansbury, and Tooele to capture the magic of the season. Take just ten minutes to get into the holiday spirit, enjoy a few laughs, and even hear some impressive on-the-spot singing.

From all of us at Tooele County School District... Happy Holidays!

In this special episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, we celebrate the incredible legacy of Coach Mel Roberts, who dedicated nearly five decades to building the Tooele High School swim program and shaping the lives of countless athletes. Superintendent Ernst is joined by an inspiring lineup of guests: former swimmers Staci Smith, Denise Manzione, and Stuart Smith, as well as Holly Tate, the current Tooele High School swim coach, and Terra Sherwood, a program volunteer whose children swam for Coach Roberts. Together, they share heartfelt memories, motivational messages Coach Roberts instilled in his swimmers, and the life lessons that still resonate today.

Whether you’re a swimmer, a sports enthusiast, or someone who values the power of mentorship, this episode is filled with stories, wisdom, and inspiration that extend far beyond the pool. Dive in with us and celebrate a true coaching legend!

Join us on this inspirational episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, where Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with an amazing group of guests to celebrate the remarkable journey of Connor McInnes, a standout student at Tooele High School. Connor, along with his mother Chantel, and adaptive PE teachers Kenzie Green and Nate Pollmann, share heartwarming stories of inclusion, perseverance, and community support.

From winning Unified Sports championships to shining in the Mr. and Miss Amazing Pageant, Connor’s experiences at Tooele High exemplify the inclusive practices being implemented throughout the Tooele County School District. Tune in to hear how TCSD is making a difference for all students and join us in celebrating Connor’s achievements and the supportive network that has helped him thrive.

Get ready for a special on-the-road edition of Elevated Insights! This week, we’re switching things up and bringing you one of our most entertaining episodes yet. We stopped by Mrs. Allen’s 4th grade class at Settlement Canyon Elementary, where the students took over as interviewers. With no advance notice of the questions, Dr. Ernst was put on the spot to tackle everything from “Is your job hard?” to “How strong are you?”

This episode is packed with fun insights, lots of laughs, and a glimpse into what 4th graders are most curious about when it comes to our superintendent. Don’t miss this unforgettable listen!

Welcome to another exciting episode of ‘Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast’! Dr. Mark Ernst and guests explore the journey of high school athletes with dreams of playing at the collegiate level. Our fantastic lineup of guests includes:

• Avery Allred, a senior basketball player from Grantsville High School
• Boston Valdez, a senior soccer player from Tooele High School
• Paige Allred, Avery’s mother, who provides a parent’s perspective
• Andee Bouwhuis, the athletic director at Deseret Peak High School and former AD at Bingham High School

They dive into the experiences of Avery and Boston, discuss the different options available for athletes, and explore the evolving ways colleges communicate. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion!