Ep 218 | NO CALCULATORS ALLOWED! Preventing math meltdowns

What if the thing that helps a middle schooler find their confidence, their people, and even their future interests is … a buzzer? In this episode, Ransom Middle School teachers and Academic Team coaches Clarissa Brown and Madison Bass go behind the scenes of a program that helps students build confidence and curiosity, learn teamwork, resilience and how to bounce back from failure. Sometimes all it takes is one place where a student can say, "Actually, I know that" to feel like they belong.Guests: Clarissa Brown & Madison Bass  https://ransomms.escambiaschools.org/activities/academic-team |  https://www.northescambia.com/2026/03/ransom-middle-science-history-geography-students-qualify-for-national-competition | https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02V3g7Ropmb27nWHNW95r9cfTZ6TqdUVB6S8aweE54LwLLiXMupcYgSM2CXRP5rqNVl&id=100063567761928 |Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

What happens when a student is struggling in class simply because they can’t see... and they don’t even know it? In this episode, ECPS School Health Coordinator Betty Hagans and Registered Nurse Deidre Nimblatt share how the Florida Heiken Vision Program is providing free eye exams and glasses to students who need them. Hear about the work it took to bring the program to Escambia County and how something as simple as a pair of glasses can transform a student’s confidence, engagement, and success in the classroom.Guests: Betty Hagans & Deidre Nimblatt https://www.miamilighthouse.org/FloridaHeikenProgram.aspLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

In a world increasingly shaped by screens and AI, theatre gives students something technology can’t: the thrill of creating a live experience in a room. In this episode, Booker T Washington High School Theatre Teacher Hannah Simmons & Tate High School Theatre Teacher, Elizabeth Mealy share their passion around integrating theatre into the heart of their high schools. Learn how joining a theatre program can build greater self-awareness, empathy, emotional intelligence, camaraderie and even school pride in students and school communities. They discuss how tradition, self-ownership, and live performance are shaping the next generation of storytellers and why it’s important to have opportunities to try on different versions of your personality.Guests: Hannah Simmons & Elizabeth Mealy IG https://www.instagram.com/tatetheatre/ | https://www.instagram.com/btwhsdrama/ | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057319933841 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Escambia County Public Schools has earned its first-ever district-wide A grade and the story behind that achievement isn’t about chasing points - it’s about helping students see where they are, where they’re going and what they’re capable of achieving. Superintendent Keith Leonard shares how student buy-in, focused instruction and the commitment of teachers and staff helped drive ECPS forward. He shares, “We’re not worried about the points, we’re worried about the kid.”Guest: Keith LeonardLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Could a local rock band help students succeed? Jon Clark is the bass player and vocalist in the White Tie Rock Ensemble as well as the itinerant Fine Arts 5th grade orchestra teacher for ECPS. His family has invested over 40 years in Escambia County’s orchestra program. In this episode, he shares the origin story of both the band and his becoming a teacher as well as why orchestra is for everyone.Guest: Jon Clark https://www.facebook.com/WhiteTieRockEnsemble Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Could math be FUN? Adana Elder, owner and Cherie Gough, Center Director of Mathnasium, a math-only learning center to help kids K-12 catch up, keep up and get ahead. In this episode, they share what math tutoring actually looks like and who it’s helping.Guest: Adana Elder & Cherie Gough https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/pensacola/news/story-your-local-mathnasium-pensacola  Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Is your child a strong reader? Do they need help in other academic subjects? Erica Anderson is the Literacy Director of the YMCA Bright Pathways Program of Northwest Florida, a NEW on-campus program for kids, K-5th grade. In this episode, she shares the impact the program and how it all works.Guest: Erica Anderson https://www.floridaymcas.org/locations/yreads/ymca-reads/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

What’s causing our high school graduation rates to be at 89.5%? In this episode, Keith Leonard, School District Superintendent, unpacks how graduation rates are calculated, what it means for the future of our community and addresses skepticism.Guest: Keith LeonardLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Looking for an AI proof job? Thinking about working on aircrafts? Want to land a job on the Space Coast? Mark Raab is the Aviation Academy instructor at Booker T Washington High School, the 2nd high school in Florida to offer industry certifications in both aerospace & aircraft assembly. In this episode, Mark gets us up to speed for certification and beyond.Guest: Mark Raab https://washingtonhs.escambiaschools.org/career-academies/aviation-maintenance Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

The NFL has been investing in flag football; it’s going to be a part of the Olympics and it’s been a competitive option for high school girls in Escambia County for nearly a decade. When Drew Lafontant isn’t at his day job as the Clinic Director for the Panhandle Comprehensive Treatment Center, he is proud head coach for the girls varsity flag football team at Booker T Washington High School. In this episode, he shares how the team is thriving and why flag football may be the next sport on your daughter’s radar.Guest: Drew Lafontant https://www.instagram.com/btwflagfootball Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards