"Let's Talk Schools!" Podcast

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.

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/

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/

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.

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.