Iola ISD: Bulldog Pride Podcast

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're hearing directly from the students! Host Amanda Rollert and Elementary Principal Ms. Guilbeau sit down with one representative from each grade (Pre-K through 5th) to hear what makes being an Iola Bulldog so special.Meet our student panel: Pre-K student - Ramsey Gillis, Kindergartner - Cameron Jolly, 1st grader - Rhys Abbott, 2nd grader - Josiah Smith, 3rd grader - Everly Jackson, 4th grader - Eve Hurst, and 5th grader - Kolman Barksdale.These young Bulldogs share what they love about Iola. They reveal their favorite subjects (spoiler: lots of mathematicians in this group!), what they're learning in class—from telling time and shapes to volume and rectangular prisms—and how their teachers make learning fun.The conversation gets personal as students share favorite foods (asparagus was a surprise!), what they play at recess (football, kickball, freeze tag, and monkey bars), and special talents like rodeo goat tying and UIL competitions in oral reading, writing, and chess strategy.Students also share how they help keep their school clean and safe: picking up trash, bringing reusable water bottles, setting good examples, and helping friends up when they fall. Their special memories from this year include field trips to the Waco Zoo and Texas A&M basketball games, the Color Run with teachers and Officer Montgomery throwing colors, and Friday game days in class.From Pre-K to 5th, these students show what Bulldog Pride looks like at every age. 🐾❤️Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HEREFollow Iola ISD on Facebook HEREGot a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're celebrating Iola ISD Elementary's Special Teams! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with PE teachers - Ryanne Jolly and Coach Jayme Timm, Art/Music teacher - Gayla Blenden, and Library/GT teacher - Kylie Hammack to discuss how they build relationships, foster creativity, and help every student discover their unique gifts.These dedicated educators share how they connect with students they see on rotation—through movement in PE, creativity in art and music, and discovering new worlds through reading. Coach Timm emphasizes teaching lifetime sports like pickleball and tennis because "you can't pay somebody else to exercise your body for you." Coach Jolly highlights the joy of seeing kids try new activities and share their stories daily.Memorable moments include: a student who struggled with confidence now embracing "the power of yet," fifth graders audibly gasping during a World War II novel study when pieces clicked together, and daily excitement from kids asking "Is it art day? Is it music day? Where do we get to travel to today?"This episode celebrates the educators who teach kids that movement matters, everyone is creative in their own way, and reading opens infinite possibilities.Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're going behind the scenes with the crew that keeps Iola ISD running smoothly! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with Maintenance Director Mr. Anthony Marks and team members Mr. Michael Evans and Mr. Rudy Galvan.These dedicated team members share what their day looks like—arriving before students and staff, responding to urgent issues with an "all hands on deck" approach, and handling everything from AC repairs and door closures to mowing fields and retrieving tennis balls from rooftops!The crew shares projects they're especially proud of: building a wheelchair-accessible ramp and covered porch, remodeling an entire building, expanding the elementary playground, and transforming the baseball and softball fields with maroon dirt that makes the white lines pop like a professional field.They share an important reminder for students: simple habits like picking up trash and cleaning up after yourself help keep the campus beautiful and teach lifelong skills.When they're not maintaining the school, you'll find them deer hunting, fishing, chasing grandkids to games, working cattle ranches, or caring for horses!This episode celebrates the people who work tirelessly to make Iola ISD a clean, safe, and welcoming place every single day. Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're celebrating the sound and spirit of Iola Band! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with Band Director Mr. Taylor Fowler and six incredible seniors: Head Drum Major - Haley Hejl, Assistant Drum Major - Fallon Smith, and Band Members - Emmy Renfro, Addy Cerrillo, Blake Whitaker, and Steven Chavez.These seniors—most playing their instruments for seven years—share what makes band so special: the lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and the constant pursuit of improvement. From learning consistency and problem-solving to appreciating how hard the band works in the Texas sun for hours to entertain others, they reveal what people on the outside don't see.Mr. Fowler reflects on his first year at Iola. He highlights their historic achievement: scoring Division 1 at marching competition for the first time in 5-6 years, a moment that shifted the band's belief in what they could accomplish.The conversation gets fun as students share favorite pieces of music, the funniest moments, and which instruments they'd try if they could switch for a day.The episode wraps with each senior describing band in one word: Tenacious. Memorable. Loyalty. Robust. Family. Revolutionary. Then things get competitive with Spike's Top Dog Trivia—Team Haley vs. Team Emmy in a battle of food, pop culture, science, sports, and music questions!A huge thank you to these seniors for seven years of dedication and to Mr. Fowler for building on success and creating a culture where students believe in themselves. Go Bulldogs! 🎺🐾Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're kicking off 2026 by celebrating Gold Star Peer Award winners from Iola’s High School & Middle School campuses and welcoming a new staff member to the Iola family!Meet our award winners: January Paraprofessional - Wendy McKown, December Employee of the Month - Cathy Oliver (US & TX History), Paraprofessional Newcomer - Kamryn Michael, Overall Newcomer - Taylor Fowler (Band Director), and September Employee of the Month - Debbie Lero (Algebra 2, Pre-Cal & Calculus). We also recognize Coach Eric Blenden (November Employee of the Month) and Anthony Marks (October Employee of the Month), who couldn't join but were celebrated by peers. Plus, welcome new Life Skills staff member Celina McKown!Band Director, Taylor Fowler, shares exciting news about the program earning top competition marks for the first time in five years and calls the Iola staff "the most wholesome I've ever been part of in 10 years of education." Staff share powerful testimonies about what makes Iola special—from Mr. Marks' dedication to repairs to Coach Blenden leading the team to feed multiple families at Thanksgiving.The conversation includes holiday traditions, wedding planning updates, binge-watching confessions, must-have holiday foods, and heartfelt New Year reflections about fresh starts and finding joy in small moments.Congratulations to all our award winners, and welcome to the Bulldog family, Celina! 🎉🐾Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're celebrating some truly exceptional educators! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with Iola Elementary's Employees of the Month, Newcomer Teacher of the Semester, and Paraprofessional of the Semester for a heartwarming conversation about what it means to serve with grace, grit, and growth.Meet this incredible group of award winners: August Employee of the Month Christy Steinmann, September Cathy Wheaton, October Kara Shive, November Shaina Bostick, December Kylie Hammack, and Paraprofessional of the Semester Ashley Bunch. We also recognize Newcomer Teacher of the Semester Leighton Brackin, who couldn't join the recording.These dedicated educators open up about Ms. Guilbeau’s campus theme of "grace, grit, and growth" and what it means in their daily work with students. They share why teaching at Iola ISD is so special—from the small-town community feel to peers who truly support one another. Many share powerful testimonies about coming from places where grace wasn't freely given, making them appreciate Iola even more.The conversation gets deeply personal as these teachers discuss how they overcome obstacles through faith, vulnerability, and leaning on their community. From 20-year veterans to those new to the profession, each shares how God called them to this mission field and how their students inspire them every single day (yes, there were beautiful tears of joy!).The episode takes a festive turn as they share Christmas traditions—from Christmas Eve church services and light tours to cookie decorating parties for 200+ people, hidden stockings, Christmas pajamas, and special family recipes. They reveal their favorite Christmas carols (Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Mary Did You Know top the list) and share heartfelt wishes for the new year centered on family health, following God's plan, and being the hands and feet of Jesus.This episode is a beautiful reminder of why Iola ISD is such a special place—it's the hearts of the people who serve here.Congratulations to all our award winners! 🎄🐾Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're getting cozy with Iola Elementary's 4th grade teaching team just in time for Thanksgiving! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with ELAR teacher - Brinley Bennett, Math teacher - Michele Sullivan, and Science/Social Studies teacher - Shayanne McKown for a heartwarming conversation about traditions, gratitude, and what makes teaching 4th grade so special.These three teachers share their journeys to Iola and what keeps them here—from Ms. Sullivan calling it "the best district I've worked in by far" to Ms. McKown's incredible nine-year connection with this group of students (she taught many of them in 1st, 2nd, and now 4th grade!). They discuss what makes 4th graders so fun: they get your humor and you can be real with them.The conversation turns festive as they reveal their Thanksgiving traditions—from pumpkin pie and "the pink stuff" to fajitas instead of turkey and grandmother's legendary dressing. The decorating debate heats up as they confess whether they're "before" or "after" Thanksgiving Christmas decorators, with tree counts ranging from one to five!The episode wraps with heartfelt reflections on what they're most grateful for this season: family health, togetherness, and the blessing of teaching at Iola ISD.Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, it's all about playoff season! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with both the volleyball and football programs as they make their postseason runs. We've got Girls Varsity Coach, Miss, and Varsity Football Coach, Eric Blenden, alongside their senior leaders who are leaving it all on the court and field.On the volleyball side, seniors Ava Bessette (Libero), Rylee Goodney (Setter), Kylan Thomas (Defensive Specialist), and Shaylee McKowan (Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist) share what it's like heading into the state semifinals after winning district and qualifying for the fifth round of playoffs. They talk about the importance of trust, connection, film study, and how Miss keeps them calm and focused when it matters most.The football crew—seniors Austin Calvillo (Running Back/Receiver), Brody Vaughn (Wide Receiver/Cornerback), Cody Samples (O-Line/D-Line), and Tyler Elliott (Quarterback/Linebacker)—discuss Coach Blenden's one-word focus for the season: PRIDE. They dive into what it means to take pride in everything they do, from eating and sleeping right to those grueling 6:30 AM workouts that are paying off with a 7-3 record heading into their playoff matchup.Both teams emphasize the tight bonds they've built—team dinners, hanging out off the field, and trusting each other completely. They share favorite memories (including an epic rap battle at a tournament!), talk about their pre-game pump-up music, and explain what legacy they want to leave for underclassmen: work hard, have fun, and soak up every moment because it goes by fast.The episode wraps up with the LONGEST Spike's Top Dog Trivia tiebreaker session—a boys vs. girls battle testing how well football players know volleyball and vice versa. Spoiler: these athletes know each other's sports WAY better than expected, leading to multiple tiebreakers and some hilarious moments!Come support the Bulldogs this week—volleyball plays Shiner Saturday at 1:00 PM in Brenham, and football takes on Sabinal Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 PM. Let's pack those stands!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're hanging out with the rock stars of Iola Elementary's Student Council! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with President Kroy Larson, Vice President Teddy Fowler, Secretary Eve Hurst, and Treasurer Sadie Steinman for a fun and heartfelt conversation about what it means to be a leader.These young leaders share their thoughts on responsibility, kindness, and what being an Iola Bulldog is all about. Spoiler alert: it's about doing your best even when no one's watching (integrity in action!), helping friends when they fall down, and treating everyone—including new students—with respect.The crew gets real about what they'd like to see improve at school, from adding more gym equipment and motivation for food drives to having backup plans for events like Field Day and Skates. They also drop some wisdom about working hard, following the golden rule, and being role models for the "littles" who look up to them.The episode wraps up with a friendly boys-vs-girls round of Spike's Top Dog Trivia, with questions about spiders, planets, and even the plural of cactus!A big shoutout to Principal, Hollie Guilbeau, and Asst. Principal, Lauren Sanders, for guiding such thoughtful student leaders. These kids are going places!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

On today's episode, I sit down with Iola's Junior High & High School leadership team: High School Principal - Brian Fowler, High School Assistant Principal - MISS, Junior High Admin & Teacher - Mandy Schwanke, Junior High History Teacher - Cathy Oliver, and High School Math Teacher - Debbie Lero. This crew shares their diverse paths into education, from former jocks to psychology majors who took math classes for fun, to late bloomers who found their calling in their thirties.The team discusses how they define student success, the importance of getting involved in activities, and how they support teachers to create positive school culture. They also reveal favorite go-to meals and dream jobs if they weren't in education.Then Spike's Top Dog Trivia gets intense with Sports, History, Entertainment, and General Knowledge categories. After three tied rounds and fierce competition, a winner emerges!Bonus Alert: We had to reconvene for a trivia correction after MISS challenged an answer. ChatGPT vs. Google debate ensues. You'll want to hear how this one ends!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

We spend time with Iola's 1st grade teaching team: Steven McGuire, Leighton Brackin, and Denise Frazier. These teachers share what makes first grade so special - the incredible growth students make in reading and writing, those "light bulb moments" when concepts finally click, and how they create a classroom community where kindness is practiced daily.Mr. McGuire talks about keeping learning fast-paced and hands-on with brain breaks and dance parties. Ms. Brackin shares how her students have taught her about fresh starts and new mercies every day. Ms. Frazier reminds us about the power of flexibility when plans don't go as expected. They also open up about what matters most to them, from faith to family to growing up in small towns just like Iola.Then it's Spike's Top Dog Trivia time! With categories including Science & Nature, Pop Culture, Movies, and Geography, Ms. Frazier plays "phone a friend" for both teams. After questions about Beyonce, shark-hunting boats, sunscreen, and Forrest Gump's famous chocolate quote, Team McGuire takes the trophy with a clutch photosynthesis answer!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

We sit down with the powerhouse team from Iola Elementary: Principal - Hollie Guilbeau, Assistant Principal - Lauren Sanders, School Nurse - Saundra Elliott, and GT Teacher - Kylie Hammack. These ladies share what makes their campus special - the "grit, grace, and growth" motto, morning huddles that set the tone, and how relationships are at the center of everything they do.They recap this week's successful grandparent lunch and look ahead to upcoming events like homecoming spirit week, a mobile STEM lab coming to campus, and their childhood cancer awareness fundraiser. The team talks about building a culture where students and staff thrive, and how everyone truly owns all the kids.Then, we debut "Spike's Top Dog Trivia" with Texas Pride, Pop Culture, and Entertainment categories. After fierce competition involving state birds, Disney characters, and sports trivia, Team Elliott & Hammack claims the first trophy!Bonus: We solve Mr. Dyer's NBA challenge - Chris "Birdman" Anderson is Iola's basketball alum!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]

Welcome to the very first Bulldog Pride Podcast! We kick things off by getting to know the folks steering the ship at Iola ISD. Superintendent, Jeff Dyer, shares his unique story of being a hometown kid who came back home after 20+ years to lead the district where he grew up. Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Eric Blenden, talks about finding his perfect fit in Iola after 16 years in education - a place where he's excited to raise his own kids.We dive into what makes Iola special: the Friday night lights tradition that brings the whole community together, how athletics and academics work hand-in-hand to develop well-rounded students, and the small-town values that create lifelong bonds between teammates. Coach Blenden gets pumped talking about this year's football team with a record 50 kids out for the program, while Mr. Dyer highlights all the other fall activities from volleyball and cross country to band, robotics, and ag programs.Oh, and there's some big news - Iola just got brand new turf for their football field, which they'll be showing off at their home opener against Normangee on September 5th at 7:30pm.We wrap up with both leaders sharing why Iola ISD is a "hidden gem" that welcomes new families and challenges kids to be their best in everything they do. Plus, we tease our upcoming "Spike's Top Dog Trivia" segment coming in future episodes and Mr. Dyer leaves listeners with a challenge: Can you name the Champion NBA player who graduated from Iola High School?Next time: More stories from the Bulldog family and some friendly trivia competition!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]