Welcome to Spartan Strong: With the Mic On! This podcast is where we turn up the volume on bringing Superior's schools and stories to life.
Our goal with this podcast is simple: to connect with you, our community, staff, and parents, to share our district vision, celebrate the successes, and discuss the important issues in the School District of Superior.
Sparty’s Circle: Connecting Families and Schools Across Superior
Strong schools thrive when families and schools work together as true partners. Whether it’s navigating a child’s first year of elementary school or guiding a teenager through the busy halls of high school, staying connected makes all the difference for student success. Family and community partnerships is one of our main pillars of focus on our strategic plan. On today's episode two of our dedicated Family Engagement Coordinators: Leann from Superior High School, and Sarah from Bryant Elementary share how they make our district feel like one big Spartan family.
Find contact information for our district Family Engagement Coordinators here: https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/parents/family_engagement
16 Oct 2026
Role Reversal: The Long-Range Facility Plan
School Board Rep Nick Olson takes over the mic! He interviews Superintendent Starzecki and CFO David See with real community questions about our Long-Range Facility Plan—exploring how we prioritize project lists, stretch taxpayer dollars, and shape the next decade of modern, safe learning spaces.
2 Oct 2026
More Than a Mandate: Act 31 and Honoring Tribal History
As we release this episode, our nation and community are preparing to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day—a time dedicated to recognizing the rich traditions, histories, resilience, and sovereign rights of First Nations. Here in Superior, our schools rest on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of both the Anishinaabe people and the Dakota people. Honoring that connection isn't something we save for a single day on the calendar; it's a commitment that shapes how we teach, learn, and grow together every single day. Join Dr. Amy Starzecki, Jennifer Willoughby, Indian Education Coordinator and SHS Student, Abby for this episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic on.
Find more information regarding Indian Education in the School District of Superior at this link.
18 Sept 2026
Paint the Town Blue: Homecoming and Spartan Pride
This week's episode is all about the absolute best week of the fall semester, Homecoming! We are officially calling this episode, "Paint the Town Blue: Sparty, Homecoming, and Spartan Pride." There is something really special about watching our classrooms, athletic fields, and community unite for our Homecoming traditions.
Joining us in the studio to pull back the curtain on all the hype is Superior High School Principal, Mr. Ryan Haroldson, and three of the creative engines behind the scenes from our SHS Student Council, Sierrah, Kelcie, and Liam.
The 2026 Homecoming theme is Welcome to the Jungle!
Join us on Friday, September 25th at 1:30 pm on Catlin Ave between the UWS Yellowjacket Union and Wessman arena to watch the Homecoming Parade and amp up our Spartans!
Sunday, September 20th at 7:00 PM at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex Powder Puff Football!
Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM in the Spartan Arena, Powder Buff Volleyball!
4 Sept 2026
Under the Friday Night Lights: Sparty Charges into a New Season
The energy is electric, and the drought is officially broken! Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, where we are riding high after an unforgettable season opener victory under the lights of the NBC Spartan Sports Complex.
To kick off the new season, we sit down with our Interim Athletic Director, Bob Demeyer, our Head Football Coach, Rob Scott and standout players and senior captains, Carson and Maxton to talk about what it means to finally bring a win back home, break down the culture shift in Spartan athletics, and setting the standard for the 2026–2027 school year. Tune in for exclusive locker room insights, big visions for the future of Spartan athletics, and an inside look at how Sparty is charging into this new era with unstoppable momentum.
Come cheer on your Superior Spartans tonight, Friday, September 4th, or check out our activities calendar for all Spartan events.
Go Spartans!
29 May 2026
Passing the Torch: Spartan Retirees Share Their Stories
As we wrap up the first season of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, we’re doing something special. We’re sitting down with three Superior educators who have spent their lives building the foundation of this community.
Joining us today are Mary Kimmes, current Cooper teacher, Heather Krull, current Great Lakes teacher and Don Polkinghorne, high school teacher. Congratulations on your retirement!
For a recap of our Salute to Service celebration and video celebration, please visit: https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/news/what_s_new/salute_to_service_2026
To send off one of these or other retiring staff members leave a message on our Facebook posts, honoring each retiree: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorSchoolDistrict
The Superior Telegram joined us for this episode, see their article here: https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/local/retiring-superior-teachers-built-relationships
15 May 2026
Fueling Sparty: The Secret Sauce of our Food Service program
Jamie Wilson, Director of Food Service sits down with Dr. Amy Starzecki to highlight the School District of Superior's food service program, promote Summer Meals, and our Farm to school partnership. Jamie and his team fuel student success, literally. Jamie Wilson was recognized as the 2023 Director of the Year by the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin. You don't want to miss even one morsel of this tasty episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic on.
Follow Jamie and his team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schooldistrictofsuperiorfoodservice
1 May 2026
Teacher Appreciation: Sparty Honors Our Staff
Next week is incredibly special—it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. To celebrate our teachers, we’re looking at the heart of our schools through the eyes of those who lead them. With special guests, Kate Tesch and Jason Kalin. Both Jason and Kate started their career as teachers and have not forgotten what it means to facilitate learning in the classroom.
A big THANK YOU to all our Superior teachers, admins, and support staff!
17 Apr 2026
The Science of Reading & The Future of Spartan Learning
Why do we have "no school" days for students? In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Amy Starzecki pulls back the curtain on how Superior staff spends their professional development time. We discuss the district's transition to new elementary literacy and secondary math curricula and demystify the "Science of Reading"—clarifying that while it's gaining national attention through podcasts like Sold a Story, these evidence-based practices have long been a part of our Spartan foundation.
You can find out more about the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department, or to reach out please visit their website, https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/district/curriculum__instruction_and_assessment.
3 Apr 2026
The Sparty Playbook: Leadership, Lessons, and the Athlete Journey
Join us for this episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, featuring Ella Olson and 2 Spartan Athletes, Addy and Kaden. Dr. Amy Starzecki sits down to talk about the impact of athletics with two of our dedicated senior student athletes.
Ella Olson is the Activities Director for Superior High School.
Addy was recently named the 2026 Ms. Hockey Wisconsin award winner. Addy assisted in leading the hockey team to this year's WIAA State Tournament.
Kaden is a Spartan Student athlete who has competed at every level in multiple sports. Kaden is continuing his football career at UW-Eau Claire after graduation.
Check out all our Spartan Activities on our Activities Calendar and GO SPARTANS!
20 Mar 2026
Passing the Spartan Shield: Leadership, Reflections, and Life After SHS
Today, we sit down with two seniors, Brendan and Veronica, who have left an indelible mark on Superior High School. We’re talking about growth, the 'Spartan Strong' spirit, and what it’s really like to lead the student body.
6 Mar 2026
Middle School Myths, Superior Truths
Sit down with us and special guests and key leaders from Superior Middle School, Aaron Lieberz and Samantha Birman. They will share the great things at our middle schools and disputing the false narrative about middle school years.
During our recording, Maria Lockwood from the Superior Telegram stopped by. Check out the article HERE.
20 Feb 2026
Superior Dollars & Sense
Join us with special guest, David See and community guest, Kelly Peterson for this episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On as we focus on Financial Transparency & Budget. We will get a clear, simplified look at the budget process and how funds support classrooms.
School finance and budgets can often be intimidating, but we want everyone in Superior to feel they understand how we spend their investment. Watch THIS short video, explaining the way Wisconsin public schools are funded.
We have created and post videos, documents and historical finance documents on our district's webpage, https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/district/business_office.
6 Feb 2026
No, Sparty, That Essay Wasn't Written by ChatGPT!
AI: Our current reality and next steps for our district.
23 Jan 2026
Beyond the Bell: Superior's School Forest and the Power of Outdoor Learning
Hear from our School Forest teacher, Ms. Lori Danz, and importance of outdoor education
9 Jan 2026
Welcome to the Arena: Meeting Your New SHS Principal
Spartan Community, let us introduce you to our brand new podcast, Spartan Strong: With the Mic on.
Kicking off season one with episode one: Welcome to the Arena: Meeting Your New SHS Principal. Dr. Amy Starzecki sits down with Superior High School's new principal, Ryan Haroldson, to discuss his vision, priorities, and what makes a Spartan Strong student.
Spartan Strong: With the Mic on is dedicated to bringing Superior's schools and stories to life. New episodes every other Friday!
Superior High School Facebook, Website and Instagram
8 Jan 2026
Spartan Strong: With the Mic On: Coming Soon: Hear the story behind the success
The School District of Superior is launching a new bi-weekly podcast, Spartan Strong: With the Mic On.
We're giving you a direct line to our leaders and the heart of our classrooms. Get ready for real talk about everything from our budget to our incredible students.
🗓️ Launch Date: Friday, January 9th
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