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Let's Talk Schools #9 - A Day In the Life of A Principal

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

Release Date: 03/11/2026

Let's Talk Schools #11 - Distracted Driving

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.

Let's Talk Schools #10 - Testing and Assessment

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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...

Let's Talk Schools #9 - A Day In the Life of A Principal

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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...

Let's Talk Schools #8 - Artificial Intelligence

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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...

Let's Talk Schools #7 - CTAE

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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”...

Let's Talk Schools #06 - Nutrition

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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...

Let's Talk Schools #5 - College Readiness

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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.

Let's Talks Schools #4 - Student Mental Health part 2

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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: Strong4Life (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta): Free Your Feels: Child Mind Institute - The Kids Mental Health...

Let's Talk Schools #3 - Student Mental Health part 1

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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: ...

Let's Talk Schools #02- Partnerships

Let's Talk Schools - Conversations in Education

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.

More Episodes

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.

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