The Fam Jam

The Fam Jam is a podcast about family engagement... but what exactly is "family engagement?" That's the tricky topic that Morgan and Dana tackle in the kickoff episode for season 2. Hear from experts and long time advocates about what it is and why it's so important for student success. Guests: Please follow the Fam Jam and share with your friends!

Summer Slide is the tricky topic for May's episode of the Fam Jam. It's an informal term for summer learning loss or when students regress in skills from the end of one school year and the start of another. In this episode, hear from a great panel of guests about how to keep kids learning over the summer and have fun while they're doing it! Guests:

The transition out of high school is just as important as the transition into elementary school. As students near the end of their K-12 journey, they can feel underprepared and overwhelmed if they don't have a plan and supports in place. In this month's episode of the The Fam Jam, Morgan and Dana visit with professionals and a university student to discuss the tricky topic of Post-Secondary Transition. Guests:

Starting kindergarten can be a very stressful for both parents and children. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help all families be successful in transitioning their children into kindergarten and starting their school-based learning journey. Early education experts and a parent join Morgan and Dana as they dive into the tricky topic of Kindergarten Transition. Guests:

For February, Dana and Morgan tackle the tricky topic of Community Partnerships. The community is a vital component to a successful school. Your neighbors, local businesses, support agencies, and more can provide crucial assistance to schools and families with money, time, and connections. In this episode, Morgan and Dana learn about some successful community partnerships in South Dakota. Guests:

This month Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of communication. Effective school and family communication involves not only sending information to families, but also hearing from them about ideas, concerns, and hopes for their child. In this episode, Morgan and Dana learn about how different schools and communities are communicating across South Dakota. Guests:

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of mental wellness. They discover what mental wellness means, and why we're struggling to help teens get the mental health supports they need. Hear from students, a school-based mental health provider, and a community advocate in this month's episode. Guests:

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of building relationships. They visit with families, educators, and advocates to learn why relationships are key to strong partnerships and how to cultivate them. Guests:

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of parent/teacher conferences, examining the who, what, when, where, and what's next for this long established annual event in education. Guests:

Dana and Morgan discuss the tricky topic of attendance to learn why coming to school is so important, what gets in the way, and what families and schools can learn from each other. Guests: