The INK! Podcast

Get an inside look at how the St Johns County School District is helping students reach higher levels of success through accelerated learning opportunities. In this episode of The INK! Podcast, we sit down with Deputy Superintendent Dawn Sapp and Career & Technical Education Director Emily Matthews to break down what "acceleration" means, why it matters for student achievement, and how the district is expanding access to advanced coursework.From middle school math pathways to dual enrollment, early college programs, and career academics with industry certifications, learn how the St Johns County School District is creating more opportunities for students to get ahead and prepare for their futures. Plus, hear the latest INK! happenings and find out how you can support local education through upcoming events and community involvement.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

In this episode of The INK! Podcast, Ian and Jim sit down with Sabina Atic, the 2026-2027 St Johns County Teacher of the Year from Beachside High School. Sabina shares her journey in to teaching, how she keeps students engaged in today's distraction-heavy world, and what the Teacher of the Year means to her as an educator.We also highlight St Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year, celebrate the impressive finalists, and give listeners updates on upcoming INK! events - from the INK! Golf Tournament to scholarship deadlines and Birdies for Charity with The Players Championship.A fun bonus: Sabina tells us what it was like to drive away in her brand-new car donated by Beaver Toyota! Tune in and be inspired by one of St Johns County's finest educators.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

Missy Peters and Sabrina Papovitch share how Community First Credit Union partners with INK! to fuel innovative classroom projects across St. Johns County Schools through the Champions for Children Teacher Grants - helping teachers bring big ideas to life.

Deputy Superintendent Dawn Sapp shares insights on how literacy and early reading skills prepare students to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Discover how St Johns County Schools and community partners are working together to ensure every child starts school ready to learn and ready to succeed.

The INK! Podcast kicks off the school year with St Johns County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen. Hear how the district is preparing for more growth, new schools, and fresh opportunities for students and teachers. Whether you are a parent, educator, student, or community member, this is your opportunity to hear directly from the district's top leader about where we're heading and how you can stay informed and involved.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

In this episode of The INK! Podcast, hosts Ian and Jim are joined by David Chatterton, General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours, to talk about the upcoming Jailbreak 5k - a entertaining, themed race that brings the community together for fun, creativity, and a great cause. Whether you're running in stripes or superhero capes, this event is all about energy and support for the St Johns County School District.Later, Cathy Newman, INK!'s Executive Director, joins us to discuss Tools 4 Schools - our year-round resource providing free supplies for teachers throughout the district. While the collection of donations is in full swing right now, the need never stops. Learn how you can help stock the shelves and support our educators all year long.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

In this episode of The INK! Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Brennan Asplen, the new Superintendent of the St. Johns County School District. Dr Asplen shares his personal and professional connection to the community, his extensive background in education, and his vision for the district moving forward. From academic excellence to student well-being, hear how he plans to lead of Florida's top-performing school districts into its next chapter.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

St Johns County School District Superintendent Tim Forson joins Ian and Jim to talk about two referendums that will be on the ballot on November 5, 2024. Both of the referendums are critical for providing funding to St Johns County Schools. Listen to Mr. Forson discuss the two referendums and what they mean to the St Johns County School District. If you want to be informed on these issues, check out this episode!Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

On this episode we’re joined by INK! Executive Director Cathy Newman, Director of Fund Development at EPIC Behavioral Healthcare Teresa Andrews, and Emma Benoit. Emma is a suicide attempt survivor that shares her story to inspire hope and change. Emma’s documentary is titled My Ascension, and she joins us today to tell her story in order to inspire change and offer hope.Teresa Andrews is the Director of Fund Development for EPIC Behavioral Healthcare. Epic Behavioral Healthcare’s mission is to strengthen our community by providing person-centered care to individuals and families impacted by substance and mental health disorders and other behaviors.We get to learn more about the offerings of Epic Behavioral Healthcare and hear from Emma as she shares her story. With September being Suicide Prevention Month, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out!Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

On this episode of The INK! Podcast, St. Johns County School District Superintendent Mr. Tim Forson joins Ian and Jim to give an update on the start of the new school year. Tune in to hear more about INK!'s offerings and how you can become involved in helping our students. Check it out!Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

Jim and Ian are joined by Marci Poston, Director of Take Stock In Children, to talk about the program and all the latest happenings within the program. Some key takeaways on this episode are that every student's path is unique and mentors matter. Check out this episode to learn how Take Stock In Children is impacting students across the state of Florida and here locally in St Johns County.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

Mary Alice Hayes joins Jim and Ian to talk about the latest with FLY! (Five Learning Years). FLY! is an early literacy intervention program for children entering VPK, kindergarten, and first grade. Mary Alice returns to bring us up to speed on the program as well as talk about the success they are having this year. Check it out!Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

In the latest episode of The INK! Podcast, Ian and Jim talk about upcoming INK! events and programs that INK! facilitates. Dive a little deeper and learn more about not only the events but also the programs which INK! provides to support the teachers and students of the St. Johns County School District.Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast.

Episode 7: Free Money Time! College and post-secondary education costs money. That's a fact. In this episode of The INK! Podcast, Jim and Ian talk about free money (a.k.a. scholarship opportunities) for graduating seniors as well as applications for 8th / 9th graders to apply for the Take Stock in Children of St Johns County scholarship program. With the new online scholarship application platform it's easier than every to apply!

In this episode of The INK! Podcast, Ian and Cathy are joined by the reigning Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year for the St Johns County School District. 2021-2022 T.O.Y. Andrew Burk and 2021-2022 R.T.O.Y. Kaitlyn Holle share their story. Be prepared to be inspired! You don't want to miss this episode. 

In this episode of The INK! Podcast, Nick Reuther, General Manager of Beaver Toyota join Ian, Donna, and Jim to discuss Beaver Toyota's support of INK!'s Teacher of the Year and DonorsChoose grant matching program. Beaver Toyota has been an incredible support of INK! and their programs over the years. Check out this episode to learn their "why" as well as how the DonorsChoose program is making a huge impact in St Johns County classrooms. 

FLY aims to prepare students for academic success through early literacy intervention. INK! Executive Director Donna Lueders along with FLY Director Marcy Alice Hayes join Ian and Cathy to discuss the history of the FLY program, the great success it's having with students, and where FLY is going next. You don't want to miss this episode...

In this episode, Sherry Davidson joins The INK! Podcast to talk about why she is so passionate about partnering with INK and supporting Take Stock In Children. Jim and Ian host this episode where they talk with Sherry about her experience with Take Stock in Children along with their own. You don't want to miss this one...

On this episode, St. Johns County School District Superintendent Tim Forson joins Ian and Jim on The INK! Podcast. Mr. Forson talks about the start of the school year, growth in the county, changes in testing, and the strong relationship St. Johns County Schools has with INK!. Check it out! 

 Talking Tools 4 Schools with The Bailey Group.  Deb Croft and Becky Cromwell of The Bailey Group join Jim and Ian to discuss their engagement with Tools 4 Schools and INK! . Tools 4 Schools is an annual county wide school supply drive used to support teaches within the St. Johns County School District. The Bailey Group is a huge supporter of INK! and Tools 4 Schools. Learn how and why they've chosen to support this wonderful initiative.