The Recess-An Inside Look at the Auburn School District

In the 50th episode of The Recess, Dr. Spicciati interviews graduating senior Donivin Brooks. Hear about his leadership at West Auburn, plans for the future and advice for incoming 9th graders. #classof2026

In this episode, Dr. Spicciati interviews graduating senior Lauren Mattioli. Hear about her experiences in the ASD, advice for incoming 9th graders and of course, her favorite recess activity.  #classof2026

In this episode Dr. Spicciati interviews Konika Spicer, bus driver. Hear about her love of children, the challenge of trains and, of course, her favorite recess activities. 

In this episode, Dr. Spicciati talks with Gavin Lees, from the Department of Technology. Hear about Gavin's path from Scotland to the ASD, our technology levy and Gavin's candy story. 

In this episode, hear from Michaela Peringer, multilingual teacher at Willow Crest Elementary. Dr. Spicciati shares her Auburn story, the linguistic diversity of ASD students and of course, Ms. Peringer's favorite recess activities!

In this episode Dr. Spicciati interviews Ty Podeszwa, elementary PE teacher. Hear about his love for The Beatles, WSU and of course, his favorite recess activity.

In this episode, Dr. Spicciati interviews Priscilla Torres Rosas, 3rd grade teacher at Alpac Elementary. Hear about her journey in the ASD as a student, paraeducator and now teacher who still plays tetherball.

Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn High teacher Chris Zawislak. Learn about some great CTE courses, the impact on student career choices and the rocking world of FIRST Robotics.

This episode Dr. Spicciati interviews Brenda Ellison, president of the Auburn Public Schools Foundation. Take a listen to the variety of ways the Foundation supports Auburn students, learn about opportunities to support their work and of course her favorite recess memory.

In this episode, Dr. Spicciati takes you backstage by talking with Carol Smetheram, managing director of the three ASD theaters. Hear about her favorite teacher, the MERGE art show and her love of double-dutch.

Take a listen as Dr. Spicciati interviews Sarah Berg, counselor from Mt. Baker Middle School. Hear about her favorite teacher, the challenges of middle school and spinning on the bars!

In this episode, we flip the script and Dr. Spicciati is the interviewee.  Hear about his journey to being superintendent, highlights of the great work going on in the ASD, learn about the upcoming election measures and hear about his favorite recess activity.

In this episode, Dr. Spicciati goes behind the scenes about school construction. Jeff Grose, executive director of capital projects, shares the process and history of Auburn's school buildings and shares his recess memories. 

In this episode, Dr. Spicciati interviews Nikki Clemons, Director of Early Learning. Explore the four different preschool options in the ASD, hear about Nikki's path to her role and fuzzy stickers.

In the first interview of the 25-26 school year, Dr. Spicciati talks with Rainier Middle School principal Dr. Joseph Williams III. Hear about his law school dilemma, "doing school" and of course, his favorite recess activity!

In the last episode for the 24-25 school year, Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn Mountainview senior Brynn Erdmann. Hear about unified basketball, ASB and the excitement of graduation!

Dr. Spicciati interviews West Auburn principal Andrea Love. Learn what makes Auburn's alternative high school a great place and Ms. Love's memories of 4-square.

Dr. Spicciati interviews West Auburn graduating senior Sir Naomas Failautusi. Hear about his path to graduation, plans for next year and learn a little bit about rugby!

Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn High senior Jeanne Tuia. Hear about her involvement in ASB, her commitment to helping others and her passoin for kickball and jumproping.

Dr. Spicciati inteviews Ryan Monsen, from Auburn Riverside's Class of 2025! Hear about Ryan's music path, his advice for being successful in high school and his love of basketball.

We try something new with this edition of The Recess. Dr. Spicciati interviews Paul McKenzie, principal at Pioneer Elementary about the Spanish-English dual language program launching this fall. This podcast is presented in English and Spanish, check it out!

Dr. Spicciati talks with Kyle Rees, jewelry teacher at Auburn Riverside, about his journey to being a jewelry teacher, hissing cockroaches and memories of box hockey.

Dr. Spicciati interviews Dee Nelons, director of safety and security, in this episode of The Recess. Learn about the variety of tools we use to keep students and staff safe, how to submit a school safety concern and dodgeball specifics.

Dr. Spicciati interviews Erika Broaden, family engagement liaison. Learn about how she supports families, her journey to Auburn and, of course, her favorite recess activity.

Hear Dr. Spicciati talk with Chinook Elementary office manager, Lisa Wilkinson. Topics include diagramming sentences, welcoming families and sledding at recess! Take a listen!

Dr. Spicciati talks with lead school nurse Cathy Meyer about her path to school nursing, working with families and students, and memories of swinging at recess.

Dr. Spicciati interviews Abe VanDerPuy, longtime teacher and coach. Hear about his journey to teaching, AP African American Studies and fostering a feeling of family.

In this epidode of The Recess, hear from Brandon Hoggans as he talks about his path to Lea Hill Elementary, his passion for being a role model and his double-dutch skills.

Learn about the ASD's amazing AVID program as Dr. Spicciati interviews Corrie Agnew, AVID teacher at Cascade Middle School. Hear about her path to teaching, her passion for student learning and her favorite recess activity.

Dr. Spicciati interviews coordinator of maintenance, Sergio Rios. Hear about all the ways he supports students and staff, his passion for playing drums and his fondest recess memories.

Dr. Spicciati interviews two ASD Board members as they talk about the role of the school board, their deep connections to the ASD community and, of course, their favorite recess activities.

Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn Mountainview Principal Terri Herren. Hear about her journey as ASD's first female high school principal, her advice for aspiring principals and her love of students.

Dr. Spicciati interviews Julie McKenzie, a Kindergarten teacher at Gildo Rey Elementary. Hear all about today's Kindergarten classroom, the importance of learning to read and of course her favorite recess activity!

We close out the year with Dr. Spicciati's interview with Auburn High senior Khysner Ayo. She talks about moving from the Phillipines to the US, her excellent middle school experience and her love of swinging.

Hear Dr. Spicciati's interview with Auburn Mountainview senior Mande Wanlemvo. He talks about the impact of AVID, the Superintendent's Student Advisory and his elementary football memories.

Dr. Spicciati is highlighting graduates for the rest of the year and kicks it off with an interview with Rory Murry, Auburn Riverside High School senior. Hear about her journey through the ASD, future soccer plans and her recess memories.

Dr. Spicciati talks with Dan Duran, coordinator of maintence. They discuss the many aspects of keeping our buildings great learning environments, his path as an ASD graduate to his current role and of course, his favorite recess activity!

Dr. Spicciati talks with  Ryann Mead, assistant director of PK-8 student learning. Hear about the science of reading, the importance of literacy and her love of double-dutch.

Dr. Spicciati talks with Prevention & Intervention Specialist Robert Powell.  He talks about the ongoing fight against vaping, the importance of checking in with students and, of course, his favorite recess memories.

Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn Riverside High School student Noah Tenner about his experience on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, the game of tag and the importance of student voice.

Dr. Spicciati talks with recent West Auburn High School graduate DJ Eastlick about her high school experience, being class president and her bright future. 

Dr. Spicciati talks with HR Director Analia Galloway.  She highlights the wide variety of positions in the district, how to apply and why you should come work with us! Join us for the ASD Hiring Fair, March 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Auburn High School. All departments will be represented. 

Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn High Art teacher Elisabeth Ronley.  Learn about the Auburn High mural projects, the value of arts education and friendship bracelets.

Dr. Spicciati talks with Mt. Baker Middle School Band teacher Kevin Paustian about trumpets, marbles and being the Washington State Middle School Band Teacher of the Year!

Dr. Spicciati talks with Cindi about  funding sources that make up the district budget, the upcoming replacement levy and jumping off swings!

Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn High School Culinary Arts teacher Marci Killian. From favorite recipes to grease fires, hear about one of the ASD's strong Career & Technical Education programs from a great teacher!

Superintendent Dr. Spicciati talks with Maeghan about the richness of the languages of the students who call Auburn home and the teachers and programs that support them.

Dr. Spicciati talks to Ben about the importance of nutrition, Auburn's innovative Farm to School work with local farms and of course his best recess memory.

Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati talks with Patrick Mulick about cheerleading, special education and what inclusion means for the success of students with disabilities.

Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati talks with  Blaire Penry, the first Auburn School District teacher ever selected as the Washington State Teacher of the Year! Hear from Blaire about her path to Teacher of the Year,   her favorite teacher and her platform as the state winner.