How is Bend-La Pine Schools helping our youngest learners become stronger, more confident readers? In this episode of The Supe's On, Dr. Steven Cook talks with elementary administrator Julie Richards and kindergarten teacher Emily Philips about our new science-based approach to early literacy, what it looks like in the classroom, how teachers are learning together, and the encouraging progress students are already making. Families with young children—and those preparing for kindergarten in the years ahead—won’t want to miss this conversation.
(Theme music by Zakhar Valaha)
31 Aug 2026
Flipping the script: The Superintendent answers our questions
This is the sixth year Superintendent Steven Cook has hosted his podcast exploring what’s happening in Bend-La Pine Schools. He’s trying something different in this first episode of the school year — taking a seat as the podcast’s guest. Dr. Cook — a former teacher, coach and school administrator — answers questions posed by Director of Communications Scott Maben. They explore:
The origin and purpose of The Supe is On podcast
What his days are like overseeing one of the largest school districts in Oregon
The role of our School Board and how the Superintendent works with the seven elected directors to implement the District’s goals
Why it’s important for him to spend time in schools and classrooms every week to stay in touch with the District’s frontline mission of the District’s work
What’s it’s like to step into a kindergarten class as the day’s substitute teacher
Progress on school improvement projects funded by the 2022 voter-approved bond
What it takes to launch a new school year, and what is new and different heading into the 2026-27 school year. These include instructional and grading practices, new student assessments, and new ways to communicate with families
This year’s new high school; relocated middle school; and newly opened classroom building at our oldest high school
How families can seek support managing change and new things in our schools
(Theme music by Zakhar Valaha)
23 Apr 2026
Preparing for the future: Life & Career Readiness Night 2026
The third annual Life & Career Readiness Night is fast approaching. It will be at Caldera High School on Thursday, April 30, 2026. More than 50 Central Oregon employers and representatives of higher education will be there to speak with students and families about a wide variety of post-secondary opportnities.
In this episode of “The Supe's On” podcast, Dr. Cook’s guests are Caldera student Jack Strycharz, lead organizer for Life & Career Readiness Night; and Jane Reynolds, Associate Dean and Chief Enrollment Officer for OSU-Cascades, which will have a large presence at this year's event. Jack and Jane talk about what's in store for April 30 and why families should attend.
Organized by high school students, Life & Career Readiness Night is designed to expose students from across the school district to professional and post-secondary educational opportunities. Whether a student is considering college, military service, entering the workforce, or pursuing technical training, this event helps connect them with the people and resources that can guide those decisions.
The event is geared toward high school students but also may be of interest to middle school students starting to explore their career options. Families can learn about professional pathways, internships, volunteer work, summer jobs, educational travel, industry certifications, and college degree programs.
(Theme music by Zakhar Valaha)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
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