Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals

Topic: The Importance of Trust
Danielle Ambrosia
Assistant Principal - State College Area High School, Pennsylvania 2026 APOY
State College Area School District
@apambrosia on IG
 
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
YOUR input on Cool Coffee is WANTED! Click HERE to share thoughts and interest for you or a colleague on being on the show!
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact the host: KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com

Topic: Inspire Greatness
Travis Rogers
Principal
Wichita South High School
USD259 Wichita, KS
X - @travisrogers83
 
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
YOUR input on Cool Coffee is WANTED! Click HERE to share thoughts and interest for you or a colleague on being on the show!
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact the host: KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com

2026 Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year, Deanna Elsing, Associate Principal of Mayfield High School in Mayfield, Ohio*, discusses the innovative "Learn and Earn" program employed at Mayfield High School. This program provides students with paid work experiences in various trades and industries, emphasizing soft skills, career exploration, and real-world readiness. Recorded over the summer, conversation also gets into the different pace of the summer months...enjoy!
*Since recording, Deanna has accepted a position as the Director of Secondary Education for the Auburn Career Center.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Leave a like and leave a comment for this episode and Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals on your favorite podcast platform!
Contact the guest: Deanna Elsing
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola or at KPA's Cool Coffee Podcast.
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and guest suggestions.
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola or at KPA's Cool Coffee Podcast.
 
Episode Chapters (time stamps do not account for show intro)
00:00 Introduction to Deanna Elsing and the Learn and Earn Program01:02 The school year timeline and summer break in Ohio02:24 What is the Learn and Earn program?02:54 Addressing oversubscribed career tech programs in Ohio03:56 Targeting students without access to traditional programs04:53 Participation growth and program expansion06:02 Paid pathways in manufacturing, auto, health, and facilities08:05 Preparing students for workplace expectations08:33 Teaching soft skills and professional standards09:57 Field trips and real-world exposure10:54 Employer interviews and student self-promotion11:38 Attendance, punctuality, and soft skills expectations12:43 Impact of Ohio's cell phone ban on student behavior13:42 Student feedback on soft skills and soft skills challenges15:54 Success story: Sydney’s journey from dropout risk to employment18:33 Sydney’s pathway to college and career success19:55 Celebrating employment signing day and student achievements20:53 Students exploring different career paths and changing directions24:22 Post-high school pathways: employment, college, and trade schools27:01 Building industry relationships and employer engagement28:02 Growing the employer network and community partnerships29:42 Lessons learned: starting small and iterating31:01 Advice for districts considering similar programs32:46 Bragging on the team and student resilience33:34 Summer priorities: family, recharge, and personal growth

Episode Summary
Principal Justin Coffey from Ulysses High School, USD 214, shares his journey from a high school teacher to a principal, emphasizing the importance of leadership balance, intentionality, and community in education. Discover practical insights on managing school responsibilities and fostering a strong school culture through Justin's "dance floor vs balcony" analogy.
 
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Leave a like and leave a comment for this episode and Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals on your favorite podcast platform!
Contact the guest: Principal Justin Coffey
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola or at KPA's Cool Coffee Podcast.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Justin's background01:31 Justin's journey into education and leadership08:43 The dance floor and balcony analogy explained12:08 Strategies for getting on the balcony16:33 Building trust and delegation with team20:58 Advice for new principals feeling overwhelmed23:13 Justin's community and school culture in Ulysses30:48 The importance of connection and community in schools
 
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and guest suggestions.
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola or at KPA's Cool Coffee Podcast.

Episode Summary
In this engaging interview, 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year, Justin Wax of Denham Springs Junior High School, shares insights on leadership, school culture, community engagement, and effective communication strategies that foster a thriving educational environment.
 
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Leave a like and leave a comment for this episode and Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals on your favorite podcast platform!
 
Connect with Principal Wax:
Email: Justin Wax
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Community Engagement02:55 The Importance of School Culture05:42 Building a Strong School Community08:38 Empowering Staff and Students11:05 Effective Communication Strategies13:51 Hiring for Cultural Fit16:46 Balancing Leadership and Family Life19:22 Celebrating Team Successes22:16 Final Thoughts and Community Acknowledgments
 
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and guest suggestions.
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com

In this episode, Ariel Jankord shares her insights on building strong PLCs, establishing effective routines at the start of the school year, and creating a positive school culture. She discusses practical strategies for principals to foster collaboration, set expectations, and support staff development.
Connect with Principal Jankord:
Email: Ariel Jankord
More Cool Coffee Episodes Featuring Ariel Jankord:
CC#58: "Leading from the Extremes" - A Principal's Perspective 
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and guest suggestions.
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background02:03 What is a strong PLC and its practical application03:52 Establishing expectations and routines for PLCs06:06 Using data and assessments effectively in PLCs08:57 Guiding teams and fostering collaboration11:01 Norms, autonomy, and team ownership12:46 Role of principal in leading PLCs15:02 Meeting schedules and team support16:56 Common assessment practices and grading19:05 Classroom observations and visible practices21:01 Start-of-year routines and community building22:51 Fun activities and staff engagement25:08 Welcoming new students and families27:03 Common mistakes and advice for new principals29:06 First days of school and building relationships31:59 Rapid fire questions and personal insights

In this episode, Kelly Whitaker, president of the Kansas Principals Association, shares insights on leadership, advocacy, and building community within the educational sector. She discusses upcoming conferences, the importance of networking, and how principals can serve their profession effectively. In addition, Kelly answer fun, quick-hitter questions from host Rick Sola.
Connect with Principal Whittaker:
Email: Kelly Whitaker
LinkedInKansas Principals Association
More Cool Coffee Episodes Featuring Kelly Whittaker:
CC#20: IPS Success at Ottawa HS: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-syet8-171299b
CC#30: “The Interview Episode”: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ddt7a-1789436
CC#40: A Principal’s Perspective—AI: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4djpe-186d671
CC#70: Debriefing USA Kansas 2025: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-93xb9-18ca90c
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes
 
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
 
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and guest suggestions.
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com

In this episode, Kansas Principal and Cool Coffee Host, Rick Sola, wraps up season two of "Cool Coffee," sharing insights on current trends in education technology and AI, while also inviting principals nationwide to engage with the podcast for its upcoming season 3rd season. Connect with our host using the links below!
Cool Coffee Episodes Featuring Discussion on AI:Cool Coffee #31: Artificial Intelligence with Trevor Goertzen
Cool Coffee #116: AI as a competitive advantage with Dr. Michael Martin
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
 
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and suggestions--including guests to have on the show!
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com

In this episode of Cool Coffee, 2026 Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Danielle Ambrosia, shares her insights on implementing and evolving PBIS in a high school setting. Discover how her team has successfully fostered a positive school culture through innovative strategies like mental health summits, recognition coins, and transparent leadership. Yes, PBIS works in the high schools too!
Connect with the Dr. Ambrosia
-----------------------------------------------------
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and suggestions--including guests to have on the show!
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to PBIS and Dr. Danielle Ambrosia01:09 The Evolution of PBIS at State College Area High School02:09 Initial Challenges and Lessons Learned05:00 Student Engagement and Feedback in PBIS07:40 Mental Health Summits: A New Approach10:08 Building a Positive Framework for PBIS13:22 Creating a Culture of Transparency and Support14:08 Understanding Student Needs and Preferences18:28 Inclusive Reward Systems in PBIS20:51 The Importance of Validation in Education23:00 Overcoming Resistance to PBIS26:02 Consistency in Discipline Practices28:42 Reinvesting in PBIS Each Year31:20 Celebrating Successes and Innovations36:11 Recognizing the Unsung Heroes

SHOW SUMMARY:
In this heartfelt conversation, two seasoned educators, Mike Wiley, Principal of California Trail Middle School of Olathe Public Schools (USD 233) and Dr. Mark Schmidt, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in the Blue Valley School District (USD 229), both retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year, share insights on their careers, leadership, and the evolving landscape of education. They reflect on impactful moments, mentorship, and the importance of resilience, listening, and purpose in shaping future educators.
Connect with the guests:
Mike Wiley
Dr. Mark Schmidt
Other Cool Coffee Episodes Featuring Principal Mike Wiley
CC#9: “See you at the Crosswalk” https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-gx8ec-16eadbd
CC#25: “Father’s Club” https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-572p4-1728fd6
CC#30: “The Interview Episode” https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ddt7a-1789436
CC#86: “Responding to Parents” https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xpfxa-198a4fe
-----------------------------------------------------
Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and suggestions--including guests to have on the show!
Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes!
Connect with Cool Coffee on...
Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee
Facebook: KSPrincipals
Contact host Principal Rick Sola: rfsola@olatheschools.org or KPACoolCoffee@gmail.com
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retirement Reflections02:52 Navigating the Transition to Retirement05:28 Mentorship and Leadership Development08:00 Reflections on Career Experiences10:36 Changes in Education and Student Dynamics13:14 Post-COVID Educational Landscape15:52 The Importance of Listening in Leadership24:20 The Evolving Role of Principals25:22 Impacting Students' Lives26:57 Transitioning to Retirement34:48 Advice for Aspiring Principals39:00 The Power of Mentorship