Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

"Two thousand students. One room. Absolute silence." Hear how a single moment captured the full attention of an entire school—and sparked a lasting commitment to safer driving. This unforgettable moment shows the impact of meaningful, authentic messaging—and why the 43 Key Seconds message continues to resonate long after the assembly ends. It is a powerful story that shows how real voices and real experiences can change behavior and save lives.

This week on Let's Talk Schools, Brian and Samantha dive into a topic every parent, teacher, and student knows all too well: tests and assessments. From classroom quizzes to universal screeners to the big ones like the SAT and Georgia Milestones — what do they all really mean? They're joined by Kim Richards, the district's Director of Assessment, and Dr. Oliver 'Opie' Blackwell, principal of Centennial High School, to break it all down. Whether you're a parent trying to decode testing season, a student feeling overwhelmed, or just curious about how assessments shape education, this episode gives you clarity, real talk, and expert insight.

In this inspiring episode of Let's Talk Schools, we step inside the fast‑paced, unpredictable, and deeply meaningful world of school principals. Fulton County Schools leaders Dr. Maisha Otway (College Park Elementary) and Dr. Kindra Smith (Riverwood International Charter High School) join the conversation to reveal what it really takes to lead a school community. From greeting students at sunrise to navigating unexpected challenges like surprise fire alarms—or even coyotes on the playground—our guests show that no two days are ever alike. They share how strong systems, emotional intelligence, and a relentless commitment to instructional excellence keep their schools thriving. Listeners will hear how principals balance operations, instruction, community partnerships, and the emotional needs of thousands, while staying grounded in their mission to support every student. Dr. Otway and Dr. Smith also offer heartfelt reflections on leadership, the power of believing in your team, and the importance of sustaining the energy inside each "small city" they lead. If you've ever wondered what happens behind school doors or what modern classrooms truly look like, this episode will open your eyes to the innovation, collaboration, and humanity happening every day.

AI is everywhere—on our phones, in our searches, and now in our classrooms. But what does that really mean for students? In this episode of Let's Talk Schools, we sit down with Heather Van Loy, Director of Instructional Technology, and Raymond Schenk, Assistant Principal and STEM Computer Science teacher at Johns Creek High School, who is already using AI with students every day. Together, they break down how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching and learning in Fulton County Schools. From boosting teacher efficiency to creating safe, guided AI experiences for students, you'll hear how classrooms are using AI to build essential skills for the future. If you've ever wondered how schools are navigating AI—or what your child should know—this is the conversation you don't want to miss. Discover how AI is shaping the future of education today.

Get ready—this episode of Let's Talk Schools might just change the way you think about education. We're diving into the world of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE)—a fast‑growing powerhouse that's preparing students not just for graduation, but for real careers in a rapidly evolving world. Hosts Brian Noyes and Samantha Maxey sit down with CTAE Director Dea Kunovac and United Way Senior Director Angela Sparks for a conversation packed with eye‑opening insights and surprising success stories. You'll hear how CTAE is shattering old "vocational track" stereotypes and opening doors to some of the most exciting career pathways today—including emerging fields like AI, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, engineering, and more. Learn how students are gaining professional skills, industry credentials, and even real‑world work experience before they graduate. From employer partnerships to work‑based learning, from student success stories to the skills companies say they need most—this episode is for families, educators, and anyone who wants to see students thrive. If you care about the future of education—or the future of your child—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Discover how CTAE is shaping the workforce of tomorrow, today!

What if school lunch was more than just a meal? This episode takes listeners inside the bold transformation of school nutrition across Fulton County Schools, where creativity, culture, and care come together on the cafeteria tray. Guests Alyssia Wright, Fulton County Schools Executive Director of School Nutrition, and beloved district chef Reggie Sloan discuss how school meals are being reimagined by blending USDA standards, student voice, cultural diversity, and culinary innovation to create food students actually want to eat. From fresh, minimally processed ingredients and farm‑to‑table partnerships to flavor‑forward menu design and student taste‑testing events, this conversation explores how school nutrition is evolving far beyond the basics. Listeners will get an inside look at how 18 million meals are served each year, how menus are developed, how dietary needs are supported, and how technology is modernizing cafeteria operations. The episode wraps with a bold challenge for families everywhere: come eat with your child—and give school lunch a chance.

This episode of Let's Talk Schools focuses on preparing students and families for the transition to college. The discussion features two experts: Shamona Harrell, Director of College, Career, and Student Supports, and Terryn Prior, a graduation coach at Creekside High School.   Themes in this conversation include:  Academic Performance, Testing Strategy, Managing Stress, Financial Planning, Utilizing Your Student's High School Counselor, and the College Application Process.    

 In part two of this conversation, hosts Brian Noyes and Samantha Maxey continue speaking about student mental health with guests Maribel Bell, Executive Director of Student Supports, and Valerie Rogers, School Social Worker at Roswell High School. The discussion focuses on how Fulton County Schools and its partners provide mental health resources for students and families.   Here is a list of Mental Health Resources in the Atlanta area: Mental Health Awareness - Fulton County School System Strong4Life (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta): https://www.strong4life.com/en/emotional-wellness Free Your Feels: https://www.freeyourfeels.org/youth-resources Child Mind Institute - https://childmind.org/ The Kids Mental Health Foundation: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/ Seize the Awkward: https://seizetheawkward.org/

Student mental health is more important than ever, and schools are stepping up. In the first half of this conversation, we sit down with Maribel Bell, Executive Director of Student Support, and Valerie Rogers, School Social Worker at Roswell High School. Together, they share what mental health looks like for students today, how families and schools can work as partners, and the initiatives making a real difference in our district. Tune in for practical insights and a conversation that matters for every student's well-being. Here is a list of Mental Health Resources in the Atlanta area: Mental Health Awareness - Fulton County School System Strong4Life (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta): https://www.strong4life.com/en/emotional-wellness Free Your Feels: https://www.freeyourfeels.org/youth-resources Child Mind Institute - https://childmind.org/ The Kids Mental Health Foundation: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/ Seize the Awkward: https://seizetheawkward.org/

Episode 2: Partnerships In this episode of Let's Talk Schools, hosts Samantha Maxey and Brian Noyes explore the power of strategic partnerships in education. They are joined by Tonya McPhearson, Toyota Driving Opportunities Program Manager for the Fulton Education Foundation, and Lashawnda Woods-Roberts, Senior Assistant District Attorney from the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. The conversation dives into how community, corporate, and faith-based partners are helping students thrive.

Episode 1: Why Attendance Matters In the debut episode of Let's Talk Schools, Fulton County Schools leaders dive into the critical topic of student attendance. Joined by Charity Trowbridge, Director of Student Support Services, and Dr. Keenan Cameron, Principal of McNair Middle School, the conversation explores how consistent school attendance shapes academic success, social development, and lifelong habits. Listeners will learn about the impact of chronic absenteeism, strategies for engaging families and students, and innovative solutions like remote learning days. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help every child thrive—starting with simply showing up.