The GNSF ”We Belong Here” Podcast

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #33- Chris Starrett

Episode #33 – Chris StarrettThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome our special guest — Chris Starrett, current Grinnell-Newburg School Board President.
As Chris winds down his first 4-year term on the school board, we will discuss challenges over the past four years and items that he is prioritizing as he prepares for another 4 years on the GHS School Board. 
When we are done, you will see why Chris Starrett is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.
 

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #32- Aaron Backlin

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Aaron Backlin, 9th–12th Grade Spanish and Computer Science Teacher at Grinnell High School.
Aaron began teaching at GHS in 2009 after starting his career in the Tri-County School District. He was recently honored with the “Pack the Backpack” award from KIX 101.1 in Marshalltown after being nominated by a student’s parent.
In this episode, we take a step back to explore Aaron’s journey — from where he attended high school to the values, experiences, and passion for education that drive him today. We think you’ll agree — Aaron Backlin is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #31- 2025 Homecoming Candidates

🎙️ Episode #31 – 2025 GHS Homecoming CandidatesThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome 10 incredible students from the GHS Class of 2026 — the 2025 Homecoming Court, elected by their peers.
These students didn’t shy away from the tough questions and delivered thoughtful, high-quality answers. Of course, there were plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments along the way!
The Homecoming Court is a shining example of the spirit, leadership, and character we’re proud to celebrate at GHS. They truly embody what it means when we say: "We Belong Here!"

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #30 Lisa Sharp

Episode #30 – Lisa Sharp
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a very special guest — Lisa Sharp, Interim Principal for the 4th- and 5th-grade “school within a school” at Grinnell Middle School, while also assisting with the Special Education Program for the Grinnell-Newburg School District.
This is truly a conversation you won’t want to miss! Lisa reflects on her remarkable 43 years as an educator, but even more inspiring is the love she has consistently shown for students, teachers, and schools — a passion that continues well beyond her retirement.
Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped her leadership — and you’ll see why Lisa Sharp is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #29 Mike Baker

🎙 Episode #29 – Mike Baker
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Mike Baker, retired math teacher and long-time coach at Grinnell High School.
Join us as we sit high above TT Cranny Field in the press box, taking in the Grinnell vs. Cedar Washington freshman football game, while diving deep into Mike’s journey. From the classroom to the sidelines, Mike shares the values, stories, and experiences that shaped his career and his leadership style.
Through this conversation, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of educators and mentors like Mike — and understand why he’s yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #28 Brandon Sharp

Episode #28 – Brandon SharpThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a special guest — Brandon Sharp, S.A.M. at Grinnell High School and Special Education Coordinator for the Grinnell-Newburg School District.
As Brandon begins his second year in these roles, we take a step back to explore his story: growing up in Grinnell, his college journey, and the path that ultimately led him back home.
Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped his leadership — and you’ll see why Brandon Sharp is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #27- Danielle McDonough

Episode #27 – Danielle McDonoughThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a very special guest — Danielle McDonough, Instructional Coach and 9th–12th Grade Spanish Teacher at Grinnell High School.
Danielle has dedicated 22 years to teaching Spanish and is now stepping into a new role as an Instructional Coach for the 2025–26 school year, while continuing to inspire students in her Spanish classes.
In this conversation, Danielle shares the values, experiences, and passion for education that guided her journey and prepared her for this new position. We think you’ll agree — Danielle McDonough is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here Podcast" Episode #26- Duncan Delzell

🎙️ This Week on the We Belong Here Podcast
We’re wrapping up our New Teacher Series with Duncan Delzell, the new high school chemistry teacher at Grinnell High School! Duncan grew up in Burlington, Iowa, attended Central College, and is excited to be joining the Grinnell community.
Tune in to hear about his journey, passion for teaching, and what he's looking forward to this school year.
Stay connected. Stay inspired.Because We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here Podcast" Episode #25- Morgan Savant and Trisha Arment

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Morgan Savant, new 5th grade teacher at the Grinnell Middle School. Morgan came to the Grinnell-Montezuma from southeast Louisiana, and this will be her first year of teaching. 
Trisha Arment also joins us on the second part of the podcast.  Trisha comes back to Grinnell from the Waterloo School District where she was a teacher at the Waterloo Expo. She will share memories as a GHS Alumni and how she is excited to be back in Grinnell teaching and being around her family.
Stay connected. Stay inspired.Because We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here Podcast" Episode #24- Eli Rose & Nell Hatch

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Eli Rose, the new Grinnell Middle School PE Teacher. Eli is GHS Alumni and after graduating from Central College, returns to teaching where he was once a student.
Nell Hatch also joins us on the second part of the podcast.  Nell is a fourth-year Spanish teacher at Grinnell. She will share her experience as a GHS Alumni and Grinnell College graduate coming back to teach. Nell was first year teacher starting a new Spanish curriculum for 5th and 6th graders 4 years ago and talks about those challenges.  
Stay connected. Stay inspired.Because We Belong Here.