S4 E5: Celebrating Service Above Self

Serving the greater good is a core component of the mission of Minnetonka Public Schools. This episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka! highlights how excellence in Minnetonka Schools extends beyond the classroom through community service and student leadership. Minnetonka High School Art Teacher and Student Interact Club Advisor Rebecca Marks, along with dedicated student volunteers and Interact Club members Reese Whittier and Olivia Pederson, join Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty for the conversation. Together, they discuss the impact of volunteer work, share personal experiences from their involvement in school activities and community service and explore how giving back fosters meaningful connections both inside and outside the school walls. Listen in for an inspiring conversation on student leadership, community engagement and celebrating service!

In this episode, the discussion focuses on a core priority for Minnetonka Schools, which is creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where every student, staff member and family feels a sense of belonging and connection. Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Brian Tholen, Security and Emergency Management Coordinator, and Annie Lumbar Bendson, Director of Health Services, to examine how school safety and overall well-being work hand in hand. Together, they share an inside look at the year-round, behind-the-scenes efforts in safety planning, staff training and emergency preparedness, as well as the District's proactive steps to support holistic student health. Listen in for an informative conversation about Minnetonka Schools’ efforts to keep campuses safe and school community members connected. (NOTE: The content for this episode addresses some sensitive topics around safety and mental health).

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, hear more about the return of "Parenting with Purpose," a speaker series for parents, reimagined as a partnership between Community Education and Student Services. Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Dr. Christine Breen, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; Kim Carlson, Executive Director of Community Education; and Molly Bahneman, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs. They discuss the evolution of this long-standing initiative from its parent-run roots to a District-led model, explaining how this updated structure offers families trusted, research-informed guidance across all stages of development—from early childhood through young adulthood. Tune in to learn how the District curates expert speakers and selects relevant topics to support Minnetonka families.

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, dive into the excitement of Homecoming Week with guests Jeff Erickson, Minnetonka High School Principal, and senior Student Government leaders Blake Malk and Sierra Lindemann. Recorded right in the middle of the festivities, the group connected with Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty for a behind-the-scenes look at the months of planning and coordination required to pull off high-energy traditions like the pep fest, parade and homecoming dance. Tune in to discover why these cherished MHS traditions matter so much to the school community and what it truly takes to bring "Skipper Spirit" to life!

Welcome to season four of Ahoy, Minnetonka! In this season premiere, Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty kicks off the new school year alongside Superintendent of Minnetonka Schools David Law and School Board Chair Kemerie Foss. Together, they dive into the extensive behind-the-scenes preparation that powers the District through the summer, share their favorite back-to-school traditions, discuss key shifts in the district’s strategic goals for the upcoming year and offer exciting updates on capital improvements made possible by the community's support of last year's Building Bond Referendum. Tune in for a conversation on how Minnetonka Schools continues to empower, connect and inspire students for the year ahead!

In this school year’s final episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Executive Director of Communications and podcast host Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Superintendent David Law, School Board Chair Kemerie Foss and School Board Vice Chair Dan Olson for an end‑of‑the-school-year reflection. They talk about the District’s progress toward School Board goals, key outcomes from the legislative session and priorities for the year ahead.The conversation highlights community engagement efforts, including the new Citizens Academy, and explores top of mind topics for families. The episode wraps with reflections on graduation and the many celebrations that mark the close of another successful school year.

Summer is just around the corner, and Minnetonka Community Education is ready with hundreds of opportunities for students, families and community members. In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host and Executive Director of Communications Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Executive Director of Community Education Kim Carlson and Community Education Program Manager Anna Oasheim to talk about popular–and new–summer classes, community education programs, volunteering opportunities, employment opportunities and exciting upcoming events.From unique summer classes for people of all ages–to Explorers child care and signature events such as the Tour de Tonka community bike ride coming up in August, the conversation offers a helpful preview of how to make the most of summer!

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law joins Executive Director of Communications Dr. JacQui Getty for a timely conversation about the final stretch of the school year. Hear about the School Board’s spring planning, upcoming community engagement opportunities, student representation on the Board, and key legislative issues affecting education.Superintendent Law also shares highlights from presenting at a national conference with students and Board members, reflects on current conversations around technology and student tech use, and looks ahead to celebrations across the district, including the upcoming Celebration of Excellence awards event on May 14.

Recruiting and retaining outstanding educators and staff is essential to Minnetonka Schools’ long‑term success. In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host Dr. JacQui Getty is joined by Executive Director of Human Resources and General Counsel Anjie Flowers and Director of Human Resources Robyn Klinker for an in‑depth conversation about employee recruitment and retention.Together, they discuss current staffing priorities and challenges, how the district attracts and supports high‑quality candidates and the strategies in place to build a welcoming, supportive workplace culture. The discussion also highlights partnerships, professional development, wellness resources and ways community members can learn more about employment opportunities in Minnetonka Schools.

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, host Dr. JacQui Getty speaks with Scenic Heights Principal Nicole Snedden, Excelsior Elementary Principal Jennifer Smasal and Chinese Immersion Department Chair and Teacher Yi Sun about Minnetonka’s long‑standing Chinese Immersion program. They explore how the program began, what learning looks like in an Immersion classroom and how students grow academically, linguistically and culturally from Kindergarten through high school.The conversation also highlights Minnetonka’s Chinese New Year celebration, international partnerships and the upcoming Chinese Bridge Competition, offering listeners insight into what makes this unique program so impactful.