Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals
by KPA: Kansas Principals Association
Welcome to Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals! By and for school administrators, this podcast is intended to promote candid discussion and offer insight from a building leader’s perspective. The goal is to bring timely, interesting, comical, and/or relevant conversation for the building principal to enjoy. Brew your coffee and take a sip before it cools...this is Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals.
Episodes
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CC#147: Doing Something New Doesn't Have to Be Scary! - A Principal's Perspective by Kyrie Edwards - Valley Center
Topic: Doing something new (& for yourself) doesn't have to be SCARY! Principal Kyrie Edwards School Name: Valley Center MS District: USD 262, Valley Center Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/USD262VCMS REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an...
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CC#146: Failure is a Good Thing - A Principal's Perspective by Chase Rietcheck - Ulysses HS
Topic: Failure is a Good Thing Chase Rietcheck Assistant Principal Ulysses High School USD 214 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and...
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CC#145: Real-world Impact from the KPA Conference with Principal Glen Williams - White Elementary
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE Summary In this episode, Principal Glen Williams discusses how KPA's principals conference from the past is still impacting his building today. Principal Williams also shares about his journey to leadership, his school's token system, and the importance of...
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CC#144: Boundaries and Balance - A Principal's Perspective by Shawn Henderson - Hays HS
Topic: Boundaries and Balance Shawn Henderson Principal, Hays High School USD 489 --------------------------------- REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students…
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CC#143: Sometimes It's About More than the Behavior - A Principal's Perspective by Laurel Scott - Haven HS
Perspective Topic: Sometimes it’s about more than the behavior Laurel Scott Principal Haven High School USD 312 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is…
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CC#142: Read the Room - A Principal's Perspective by Heath Henderson - Skelly Elementary
Topic: Bring Your Best Principal Heath Henderson Kansas 2026 Elementary Principal of the Year Skelly Elementary School - El Dorado School District USD490 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and...
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CC#141: Intentional Relationship Building--Start Tomorrow - A Principal's Perspective by Jill Beam - Washington Elem
Topic: Intentional Relationship Building--Start Tomorrow Jill Beam Building Principal Washington Elementary School USD 418, McPherson, Kansas REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong...
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CC#140: The Drip Effect with Principal, Author, Speaker - Dr. Jessica Cabeen (KPA Conference Keynote Speaker)
Show Summary In this episode, Dr. Jessica Cabeen shares her journey through various educational roles, her insights on leadership, balancing work and family, and introduces her latest book, The Drip Effect: Breaking Free From Hustle Culture. Also a keynote speaker at the November 4th/5th KPA...
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CC#139: Collaboration District-wide - Building a Lancer Legacy - A Principal's Perspective by April Baugh - Spearville Elem.
Topic: Building A Lancer Legacy (Collaboration across the district) Principal April Baugh Spearville Elementary School USD 381-Spearville FB- April Hosheit Baugh REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational...
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CC#138: A Communication Lesson in Six Words - A Principal's Perspective by Rick Sola - Chisholm Trail MS
Topic: A Communication Lesson in Six Words Principal Rick Sola Chisholm Trail Middle School Olathe Public Schools - USD 233 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all...
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CC#137: Monday Ramp! - A Principal's Perspective by Ryan Creadick - Kingman Elem.
Topic - Monday Ramp! Start the week with an all school gathering. Ryan Creadick Principal Kingman Elementary School USD 331 Kingman Norwich Instagram - @mr.pickleheadkes_eagle ------------------------------------ REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals…
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CC#136: Learning to Let Go - A Principal's Perspective by Jenny Steele - Manchester Park Elem.
Topic: Learning to Let Go Principal Jenny Steele Manchester Park Elementary School USD233 -------------------------------- REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all...
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CC#135: Taking Care of YOU - A Principal's Perspective by Kelly Whittaker - Ottawa HS
Topic: Taking Care of YOU! Principal Kelly Whittaker Ottawa High School USD 290 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all...
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CC#134: Making the Most Out of Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences - A Principal's Perspective by Joel Wells - Elmont Elem.
Topic: Making the Most Out of Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences Principal Joel Wells Elmont Elementary School Seaman Schools, USD 345 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success…
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CC#133: Relationships...Especially When Difficult - A Principal's Perspective by Dr. Megan Hankins - Louisburg MS
Topic: Relationships...Especially When Difficult Dr. Megan Hankins Principal Louisburg Middle School REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop…
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CC#132: Common Sense and the Little Things - A Principal's Perspective by Eric Sacco - Clifton-Clyde Elem/MS
Topic: Common Sense and the Little Things Eric Sacco PreK-8 Principal Clifton-Clyde Grade and Middle School USD 224 @SaccoEric REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all...
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CC#131: Scoreboards - A Principal's Perspective by Stefanie Lane - Lincoln Elementary
Perspective Topic: Scoreboards Stefanie Lane Building Principal Lincoln Elementary USD 379/ KS https://www.facebook.com/lincolncubpride REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong…
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CC#130: Rewards and Challenges with 2026 Kansas APOY Sarah Thomas - Ross Elementary
Episode Summary Sarah Thomas, 2026 Kansas Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year and current AP at Ross Elementary School in Dodge City, Kansas, shares her journey, insights, and the rewarding challenges of educational leadership. Discover how her dynamic approach and community focus drive...
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CC#129: Make It Easy to Do the Right Thing - A Principal's Perspective by Inge Esping - McPherson MS
Topic: Make It Easy to Do the Right Thing Inge Esping Principal McPherson Middle School USD 418 McPherson Public Schools X - @Mac Middle Pups FB - @MMSBullpups The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all...
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CC#128: The Almost Mentality - A Principal's Perspective by Toby Ruder - Summit Trail MS
Topic: The Almost Mentality Toby Ruder Principal Summit Trail Middle School Olathe Public Schools - USD 233 The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals...
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CC#127: Maximizing Your Building Leadership Team - A Principal's Perspective by Frank Bell - Gardner-Edgerton HS
Topic: Maximizing Your Building Leadership Team Principal Frank Bell Gardner-Edgerton High School USD231 REGISTER FOR THE 2026 KPA CONFERENCE The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to…
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CC#126: The Importance of Trust - A Principal's Perspective by Danielle Ambrosia - State College Area HS
Topic: The Importance of Trust Danielle Ambrosia Assistant Principal - State College Area High School, Pennsylvania 2026 APOY State College Area School District @apambrosia on IG The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong...
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CC#125: Inspire Greatness - A Principal's Perspective by Travis Rogers - Wichita South HS
Topic: Inspire Greatness Travis Rogers Principal Wichita South High School USD259 Wichita, KS X - @travisrogers83 The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all…
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CC#124: Learn and Earn with Ohio 2026 APOY Deanna Elsing
2026 Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year, Deanna Elsing, Associate Principal of Mayfield High School in Mayfield, Ohio*, discusses the innovative "Learn and Earn" program employed at Mayfield High School. This program provides students with paid work experiences in various trades and industries,...
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CC#123: Leadership from the Dance Floor and the Balcony with Principal Justin Coffey - Ulysses HS - USD 214
Episode Summary Principal Justin Coffey from Ulysses High School, USD 214, shares his journey from a high school teacher to a principal, emphasizing the importance of leadership balance, intentionality, and community in education. Discover practical insights on managing school responsibilities…
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CC#122: Leadership Lessons from Louisiana's 2026 POY - Justin Wax
Episode Summary In this engaging interview, 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year, Justin Wax of Denham Springs Junior High School, shares insights on leadership, school culture, community engagement, and effective communication strategies that foster a thriving educational environment. THANK YOU...
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CC#121: Culture, Routines, and PLCs with Principal Ariel Jankord Lincoln Elementary - USD 290
In this episode, Ariel Jankord shares her insights on building strong PLCs, establishing effective routines at the start of the school year, and creating a positive school culture. She discusses practical strategies for principals to foster collaboration, set expectations, and support staff...
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CC#120: Season 3 Kickoff! Goals and Insights from KPA President Kelly Whittaker
In this episode, Kelly Whitaker, president of the Kansas Principals Association, shares insights on leadership, advocacy, and building community within the educational sector. She discusses upcoming conferences, the importance of networking, and how principals can serve their profession...
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CC#119: Season 2...That's a Wrap!
In this episode, Kansas Principal and Cool Coffee Host, Rick Sola, wraps up season two of "Cool Coffee," sharing insights on current trends in education technology and AI, while also inviting principals nationwide to engage with the podcast for its upcoming season 3rd season. Connect with our…
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CC#118: Innovative Strategies for Effective PBIS in High Schools w/ Dr. Danelle Ambrosia - State College Area HS - PA APOY 2026
In this episode of Cool Coffee, 2026 Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Danielle Ambrosia, shares her insights on implementing and evolving PBIS in a high school setting. Discover how her team has successfully fostered a positive school culture through innovative strategies like...
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CC#117: Career Reflections from the Many Chairs w/ Principal Mike Wiley (USD 233) and Asst. Superintendent of Special Education Dr. Mark Schmidt (USD 229)
SHOW SUMMARY: In this heartfelt conversation, two seasoned educators, Mike Wiley, Principal of California Trail Middle School of Olathe Public Schools (USD 233) and Dr. Mark Schmidt, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in the Blue Valley School District (USD 229), both retiring at the…
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CC#116: Turning AI into a Competitive Advantage w/ Dr. Michael Martin - 2024 Ohio POY
In this insightful interview, Dr. Michael Martin, a high school principal and AI enthusiast, shares his journey with AI, its impact on education, and practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly in schools. Discover how AI can be a powerful tool for teachers and students alike, and learn...
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CC#115: Better Together--One School/One Culture/Two Rivals w/ Derek Cantrell - Alleghany HS - Covington, VA
Principal Derek Cantrell is the 2026 Virginia Principal of the Year from Alleghany High School in the Alleghany Highlands Public School District located in Covington, Virginia. He is also author to the book Better Together: Building One School, One Culture, and One Community from Two Rivals. In...
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CC#114: Retirement and the Principal w/ Stacey Green - Stockton PreK-8
In this episode of Cool Coffee, Kansas principal Stacey Green shares her journey to retirement, insights on leadership, decision-making, and the importance of self-care in educational leadership. Connect with the guest: [email protected] Connect on X: @usd271sgs References from the show: Emily P....
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CC#113: The Aspiring Administrator - A Panel w/ Dr. Todd Dain
In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals, host Rick Sola engages with a panel of aspiring administrators from Kansas. They share their motivations for pursuing leadership roles in education, the challenges and excitement they anticipate, and the importance of mentorship and…
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CC#112: Advocacy in DC w/ Principals Heath Henderson (Skelly Elem) and Kurt Seiler (Independence HS)
This episode of Cool Coffee w/ Kansas Principals features principals Heath Henderson of Skelly Elementary School in El Dorado, Kansas and Kurt Seiler of Independence High School in Independence, Kansas sharing their recent advocacy trip to Washington, DC. They highlight the importance of genuine...
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CC#111: Homegrown, Hometown Pride w/ Principal Eric Filippi of Wichita Heights - USD 259
In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas principals, host Rick Sola interviews Principal Eric Filippi, the principal of Wichita Heights High School. They discuss Eric's journey from student to principal, the importance of building relationships with students, and innovative programs implemented...
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CC#110: Relationships, Clarity, Routines w/ Dawn Chase - Horton Elementary School - USD 430
Episode Summary In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas principals, host Rick Sola speaks with Dawn Chase, principal of Horton Elementary School. They discuss Dawn's journey in education, the challenges of school consolidation, and her transition to principalship. Dawn emphasizes the…
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CC#109: Communication, Culture, and Beyond w/ Shawn Henderson - Hays HS, USD 489
The 2024 Kansas Secondary Principal of the Year, Principal Shawn Henderson of Hays High School in Hays, Kansas, joins the show and discusses the challenges and triumphs of opening a new school building and shares insights from his dual role as a principal and project manager, emphasizing the...
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CC#108: Reflections, Goals, and Connections w/ Cool Coffee Host Rick Sola
In this episode of KPA's Cool Coffee, host Rick Sola reflects on the new year and what a break means for the building principal. He discusses the challenges school principals face as they prepare for the second semester as well as new goals moving forward into the second half of the school year....
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CC#107: Opening a New School w/ Courtney Domoney - Wolf Springs MS, Blue Valley USD 229
Episode Summary In this conversation, Cool Coffee host, Rick Sola, interviews Courtney Domoney, the principal of the upcoming Wolf Springs Middle School in Blue Valley School District. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of opening a new school, including the importance of…
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CC#106: Navigating School Leadership (part 2) - Principal Panel w/ Simmons, Woolever, Cave, and Rogers
(part 2 of 2) In this episode of "Cool Coffee," host Rick Sola moderates a panel of four principals from Kansas, discussing their journeys into administration and the challenges they face. The panelists, including principals Midge Simmons, Dr. Jenny Woolever, Robert Cave, and Travis Rogers, share...
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CC#105: Navigating School Leadership (part 1) - Principal Panel w/ Simmons, Woolever, Cave, and Rogers
(part 1 of 2) In this episode of "Cool Coffee," host Rick Sola moderates a panel of four principals from Kansas, discussing their journeys into administration and the challenges they face. The panelists, including principals Midge Simmons, Dr. Jenny Woolever, Robert Cave, and Travis Rogers, share...
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CC#104: Student Recognition - A Principal's Perspective by Frank Bell - Gardner-Edgerton HS
Topic: Student Recognition Mr. Frank Bell Gardner-Edgerton High School Principal X: @bellfgehs The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized...
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CC#103: School-wide "House" System w/ Principal Brian Barackman - Indian Trail Middle School
Summary In this 103rd episode of Cool Coffee w/ Kansas Principals, Principal Brian Barackman shares the unique house system at Indian Trail Middle School in USD 233. Discussed is how this system fosters community and enhances the student experience through its building and camaraderie amongst...
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CC#102: Instructional Leadership Doesn't have to be Scary! - A Principal's Perspective by Barney Pontious - Garfield Elem.
Instructional Leadership Doesn't have to be Scary! Barney Pontious Principal Garfield Elementary USD 503 X= @mr_pontious Garfield Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarfieldSchoolParsonsKS Sign up to submit your own Principal's Perspective! The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an...
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CC#101: Creating PD Isn't Scary - A Principal's Perspective by Megan Black - Olathe West HS
Topic: How to Make PD Relevant to Staff Assistant Principal Megan Black Olathe West High School USD 233 - Olathe X: @MaBlackOW The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support...
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CC#100: Bridge Builders to Strengthen the School and Home Connection - A Principal's Perspective by Katie Revell - Simpson Elementary
Topic: Bridge Builders to strengthen the school and home connection Principal Katie Revell Principal Simpson Elementary Russell USD 407 The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and...
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CC#99: Diversifying the High School Experience - A Principal's Perspective by Kerry Lane - Olathe East HS
Diversifying the High School Experience Principal Kerry Lane Olathe East High School - Olathe USD 233 X: @Kerry282542 The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all...
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CC#98: Calling Others Into Leadership - A Principal's Perspective by Stefanie Lane - Lincoln Elem. School
Calling Others Into Leadership Principal Stefanie Lane Lincoln Elementary School Clay Center Schools USD 379 The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals...
About this show
Welcome to Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals! By and for school administrators, this podcast is intended to promote candid discussion and offer insight from a building leader’s perspective. The goal is to bring timely, interesting, comical, and/or relevant conversation for the building principal to enjoy. Brew your coffee and take a sip before it cools...this is Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals.
Hosted by
KPA: Kansas Principals Association
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