What does true inclusion look like in our schools? In this episode, Ms. Sarah Whelan, Jarrettown Elementary teacher, and Mrs. Rose Lovejoy, parent, share inspiring stories of students feeling seen, valued, and included—both in the classroom and across the community. From inclusive classroom practices to powerful parent experiences, this conversation highlights how inclusion benefits every student, every family, and every Cardinal.

For this conversation, Dr. Laurie Smith sits down with UDHS environmental science teachers Christopher Smith and Erin Loch to discuss what inspires their work in the classroom and the innovative learning experiences they design for students—including a hands-on journey down the Schuylkill River to assess water quality and a field investigation in which students studied the biodiversity of the future Jarrettown Elementary School site. It’s a great conversation about curiosity, teaching, and the power of real-world learning.

The pilot episode "Feeling Inspired at UDSD" includes a series of short interviews conducted by our host Upper Dublin School District Superintendent Dr. Laurie Smith with students Ayreslee and Kaleb as well as teachers Erica Stianchi and Ed Bush, Director of Transportation Jeff Tyler, parent Courtney Lauer, and Aurelio Arroyo from our facilities team.

Music by the Sean J. Kennedy Quartet