The Husky Huddle
This is the 'Husky Huddle,' the podcast that brings you closer to the heart of Olean City School education. Whether you're a parent, student, teacher, or a proud member of our community, this podcast is dedicated to providing insightful conversations, expert advice, and a closer look at what makes our district truly exceptional.
Episodes
We share details for Family Fall Fun Night at Washington West with activities that welcome every family and student, plus what’s ahead with Cookies with Santa and an affordable Holiday Shop. Volunteers, prizes, and simple traditions build a warm, inclusive school community.
• Family Fall Fun Night on Friday 5:30–7 pm at Washington West
• Bingo with prizes and announcements throughout
• Temporary tattoos and cookie ...
Recognition shouldn’t be rare—or reserved for a select few. We sit down with social studies teacher and Olean parent Joelle Perry to share how a homegrown honor roll celebration turned quiet effort into visible pride, grew participation to hundreds of students, and set a new standard for academic culture at Olean High School.
Joelle traces the spark back to middle school traditions and a candid post-observation chat that a...
A quiet library turned into a buzzing café of curiosity—and it changed how students read. We sit down with Olean High School librarian Brianna Howard to unpack the “book tasting” that quadrupled circulation in a month, the power of visible mentorship, and the small choices that make reading feel irresistible instead of required. Starting as a social studies teacher and now in her second year as librarian, Brianna blends data, desig...
Who doesn’t love the magic of "Finding Nemo"? Our latest episode bursts with excitement as we welcome Steve Ahl, our new French teacher at Olean, and a dedicated member of the Summer STAR Program since 2011. Steve takes us on his journey from being an Olean native to becoming an indispensable part of this beloved program. We dive into the STAR program's unique structure, where kids explore activities ranging from coo...
Ever wondered how debating global issues can shape your future? Join us on this captivating episode of the Husky Huddle podcast as we sit down with Desi Muir and Ruby Chahal, our first-ever student guests, who share their transformative experiences with Model United Nations (Model UN). Desiree, an aspiring English teacher, and Ruby, who plans to major in Political Science, give us a window into their world—recounting their time at ...
Unlock the mystery behind a school district's budget and discover the pivotal role you play in shaping the future of education! We sit down with Jenny Bilotta, our formidable business administrator, to scrutinize the proposed $56 million budget of the Olean City School District for the 24-25 academic year. This eye-opening discussion peels back the layers of fiscal decisions, revealing how they align with our district's m...
Embark on an educational odyssey with us as Jen Kless, Olean City Schools' Director of Curriculum and Instruction, recounts her compelling transition from a kindergarten classroom to the halls of district leadership. Witness the unveiling of a groundbreaking ELA curriculum, as Jen lays bare the transformative journey from a traditional balanced literacy framework to an innovative approach designed to ensure sustainability, equ...
Imagine stepping into a school district radiating with pride and a mission-driven team ready to make a difference. That's exactly what Dr. Michael Irizarry, the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services in the Olean City School District, does every day, and he's here to share the playbook on how to recruit and retain the cream of the crop in education. In our latest Husky Huddle episode, we go behind the scenes of wha...
Join us as we sit down with Rich DeMartino, assistant principal of Olean Intermediate Middle School (OIMS), to explore the transformative power of extracurriculars in student life. We're not just talking about after-school activities; we're diving into a world where clubs and sports become catalysts for personal growth, leadership development, and forging deep connections within the school community. Rich brings to light ...
Prepare to be whisked away on an educational journey led by Dan Freeman and Matt Woleben, as we explore the cosmic wonders of the upcoming April 8th total solar eclipse. Learn more about Star Lab sessions, where EV, WW, and OIMS students become astute observers of the skies, versed in the delicate dance of celestial bodies. Our hands-on approach equips our future astronomers with knowledge of safe viewing practices and fosters an i...
Unlock the secrets behind the numbers that shape our children's education, as we sit down with Jenny Bilotta, our OCSD Business Administrator with a treasure trove of experience spanning two decades. She takes us behind the scenes of school district budget development, revealing how strategic foresight blends with the needs of students to craft fiscal blueprints. From the precision required to forecast expenditures 18 months a...
When Susan Boyle decided to pick up the baton as a high school orchestra teacher, little did she know her story would strike a chord with so many. Our latest episode strings together the melody of her journey from a Kansas native to a beacon of musical hope in the Olean City School District. Immerse yourself in Susan's narrative, where the harmony of small group sessions and the crescendo of large ensemble rehearsals craft a s...
Meet Jennifer Palaszynska-Mellott, the Assistant Principal at Olean High School with a story that's as unique as it is inspiring. As we chat, you'll be drawn into Jennifer's journey from the disciplined life of the military to the vibrant corridors of education. Her tales aren't just captivating – they're a masterclass in leadership adaptability. Witness the transformation of military precision into academi...
As the halls of Washington West echo with the sounds of laughter and learning, we're reminded that the heart of education beats not just through textbooks, but through the compassionate connections we foster. On today's Husky Huddle, we're joined by Lauren Stuff, the inspirational principal from Washington West, whose journey from a spirited teacher at IJN to a visionary educational leader has reshaped the landscape ...
Prepare for an astronomical spectacle as Jen Mahar, director of special programs at Olean City Schools, shares her wealth of knowledge on the upcoming total eclipse. In our latest Husky Huddle podcast, Jen, with over two decades of educational expertise, outlines how the community and schools are buzzing with preparations for this rare event. She discusses the expected timeline of the eclipse, vital safety measures to protect our e...
Embark on an educational odyssey with Sarah Morris, whose life story twists like a riveting novel, from PR to pedagogy, across oceans to the heart of Europe, and finally back to American soil here in the Olean City Schools. In this episode, Sarah discussed the soul of education through her eyes, recounting a 17-year career highlighted by a transformative Czech sojourn. Her narrative isn't just about teaching and working on cl...
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