Gnu Stories Podcast

In this episode of the Gnu Stories Podcast, Head of School Rodney Glasgow speaks with the SSFS Director of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging (IEJB) LaVern Burton and two SSFS parents and co-clerks of INTERSECT, a parent group that provides a forum for parents and guardians to explore issues related to diversity, equity, and belonging. They discuss the importance of supporting students of diverse backgrounds through the inclusion of parents' sense of belonging. Hear about how DEI work at schools can actively involve parent participation and contribute to a sense of belonging for all.

In this episode of the Gnu Stories Podcast, Head of School Rodney Glasgow is joined by Joel Gunzburg, Lower School Counselor; Shaakira Raheem, Upper School Co-Dean of Students and African-American History Teacher; and SSFS alum Jessica Zipin '09, therapist in K-8 public education. Rodney, Joel, Shaakira, and Jessica discuss what mindfulness means and how they were introduced to it in their own lives and practice. They discuss how to incorporate mindfulness practices in everyday life for students and adults through practical application.

In this episode of the Gnu Stories Podcast, Head of School Rodney Glasgow is joined by Courtney Benson, Director of Professional Development and Growth, and Hayes Davis, Assistant Director of the Office of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging. Rodney, Hayes, and Courtney discuss how the development of professional growth opportunities for SSFS faculty and staff intersects with creating a place of belonging for students on campus.

In the holiday edition of the GnuStories podcast, listen to our Lower School students as they perform Joyous Hanukkah (1st grade) and Joy to the World (4th grade). Then hear a collection of students and faculty sharing their family winter traditions.

LISTEN: In this episode of the Gnu Stories Podcast, Head of School Rodney Glasgow is joined by Anna Tsouhlarakis, an artist of Navajo, Creek, and Greek descent who works primarily with sculpture, installation, video, and performance art. Anna works at the University of Colorado Boulder as an Assistant Professor, and has joined SSFS as a virtual artist in resident for the month of November to discuss her work with students and faculty in honor of Indigenous People's Month. This podcast features questions from Rodney as well as from Middle & Upper School students.

LISTEN: What does it mean to be a part of a “Friends” school community? How do Quaker values influence the approach to learning and teaching at a Friends school? We see many different Friends schools across the world; how are they similar, and how are they different? Join SSFS Head of School Dr. Rodney Glasgow as he hosts a conversation with Deborra Sines Pancoe (Associate Director, Friends Council on Education), Toni Grave Williamson ( Director of Equity and Inclusion, Friends Select), and Dr. Mónica Ruiz (Assistant Head of School, SSFS) about these and other questions about Quaker education.

LISTEN: One of the central Quaker values ( “SPICES”) is “stewardship.” Hear from SSFS faculty Linda Garrettson (4th-grade teacher), Steffany Cartellone (6th-grade & MS teacher), and Joe Heathcock (SSFS community farmer), as well as SSFS alum and former faculty member Kip Kelley (owner of Full Cellar Farm), as they discuss how we teach an appreciation for and understanding of the importance of stewardship of the earth, and provide opportunities for students to observe firsthand the natural cycles of growth.

LISTEN: In this episode, Kwame Darko, David Hickson, Johanna Cowie, and Bob Hoch talk with Head of School Rodney Glasgow about the founding of the School, the role of the community over the past 60 years, and our school's connection to the wider Sandy Spring community.

LISTEN: In this episode, SSFS Head of School Dr. Rodney Glasgow speaks with SSFS Alumni Michel Ruiz-Fuentes and Frank Sheffield who won the national Call for Kindness competition sponsored by Riley’s Way Foundation in May of 2021. The competition challenges teens to apply for grants that fund initiatives that strengthen their communities and inspire kindness. They were the only two recipients in the State of Maryland and were part of a small group of 22 inspiring teens across the country who received the award. Listen to the episode to hear Michel and Frank speak about the competition, their work with Mary Center in Washington DC through Candid Community Care, and their plans for the future.

LISTEN: In this episode of the Gnu Stories Podcast, we learn more about SSFS teachers Kate, Kristin, and Leslie as they're interviewed by their students. Hear from the teachers about how they got into the education field, their favorite parts about being a teacher, and what it's like to be in the SSFS community.