It’s Good to Know You — the unofficial-official podcast of Horizon Middle School. We’re here to share stories, spread some wisdom, build connections and get to know some of the people who make our school community so gosh darn special.
This week, Roan and Brian sit down with a true Horizon legend, longtime band director and music educator Stacy Bean, as she reflects on 32 years of teaching, mentoring, laughter, concerts, marching band memories, and life lessons learned along the way.
From teaching K–12 music and Spanish, to inspiring generations of students through band, guitar, and unforgettable Veterans Day programs, Mrs. Bean shares stories about the students who changed her life, the power of routine and relationships, and why music matters far beyond the classroom.
It’s funny, heartfelt, and packed with wisdom from someone who helped shape the culture of Horizon.
Thank you, Mrs. Bean, for the music, the memories, and the impact. ❤️
27 Apr 2026
Girls Basketball Story Time
Mr. Kaslon fires off a solo episode that goes beyond basketball. The team opens up about leadership, confidence, and the lessons they’ve learned through the game. From overcoming challenges to building trust as a team, we explore how girls basketball shapes character both on and off the court. Real stories, real growth, real impact. We also dive into some lighter moments, favorite snacks, pump-up songs, bus ride memories, and rapid-fire questions that bring out plenty of laughs.
15 Apr 2026
Resilience, Courage, and Starting Over: Daliia's Story
Flying solo this episode, Mr. Howard sits down with Daliia Martynova, one of Horizon’s most quietly powerful students.
From fleeing war in Ukraine to starting over in Nebraska, Daliia shares what it really takes to rebuild your life: learning a new language, finding your people, and pushing through fear, loneliness, and self-doubt.
Her story is honest, eye-opening, and deeply inspiring.
If you’ve ever felt out of place, struggled to find your voice, or needed a reminder of how strong people can be- this one’s for you!
25 Mar 2026
What is Creativity, really? With Mrs. Szymanski
In this episode of It’s Good to Know You, we spotlight 8th grade English teacher extraordinaire, Mrs. Szymanski. She shares how creativity is built (not born) through courage, vulnerability, and the willingness to try again (and again). Packed with classroom stories, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs, this episode will leave you inspired to take creative risks.
29 Dec 2025
HMS Volleyball Special
Middle school volleyball is where grit, glitter, nerves, laughter, and life lessons all show up on the same court.
In this episode of It’s Good to Know You, we sit down with our 8th grade volleyball to talk teamwork, self-talk, courage, bleacher chants, and learning not to compare yourself to anyone but the person you were yesterday. Plus, the unforgettable sound your skin makes on the gym floor when you lay out for a ball.
Join us for a celebration of friendship, belonging, and what it means to grow… one point at a time.
Heart. Humor. Hustle. Go Jags. 🐾
9 Dec 2025
Heart & Hospitality with Mr. Piper
Veteran sixth-grade teacher and mountain-biking legend, Mr. Nate Piper, joins It’s Good to Know You to talk about 27 years in the classroom, teaching with heart & hospitality and why authentic relationships are the real curriculum at Horizon Middle School. We dig into what “safety” actually means for middle schoolers, how to reframe failure so kids stay brave, and how teachers can keep their own wells full while giving so much of themselves. Stick around for rapid-fire questions featuring Julius Caesar, crispitos, and Mr. Piper’s very strong feelings about ranch dressing.
20 Nov 2025
Jaguar Football Special
This special edition of It’s Good to Know You puts the spotlight on the Horizon Middle School Football Team. From bouncing back after the North Platte loss, to game-winning drives, pancake blocks, insane lunch strategies, beloved laundry-day, and Super Mega Hills, this episode captures some of the memories, inside jokes, and culture that make JAG football unforgettable.
Join us as players and coaches open up about motivation, mistakes, leadership, and what the season taught them about life- not just football. It's a celebration of grit, growth, and brotherhood.
JAGS on 3!
1 Nov 2025
Horizon Cross Country: Season Reflection
Members of the Horizon cross-country team joins us to share what it really takes to run with heart, grit, and laughter. From sprinting past snakes to ending the debate if pineapple belongs on pizza, these runners prove that cross country is anything but easy. Join us as they open up about mental toughness, learning from loss, and finding pride in every finish line.
22 Oct 2025
Bringing Out the Best in Others with Mrs. Kuhn
This episode dives into what makes Mrs. Kuhn one of Horizon’s most inspiring teachers, from grandma’s porch stories to coaching C-Team volleyball and turning “wasted time” into real connection. We talk passion, positivity, pet rocks, Fortnite, and fart jokes. It's Horizon gold!!!
23 Sept 2025
Doing the Dirty Work with Mr. Schmidt
From picking up trash to having tough conversations, HMS Assistant Principal Mr. Schmidt knows leadership isn’t about the spotlight, it’s about the grind. In this episode of It’s Good to Know You, we talk a little basketball, servant leadership and doing the dirty work that keeps Horizon running.
11 Sept 2025
Leadership with Mrs. Lewis
This week we sit down with our principal, Mrs. Lewis, to talk about what real leadership looks like- from taking feedback and owning mistakes to inspiring confidence in others. We cover quiet acts of leadership, middle school kids stepping up in big ways, and yes… even whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
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