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The Hornet Hive Podcast

The Hornet Hive Podcast

Written by: Williamston Community Schools
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 The Hornet Hive is your one stop location to get up to date on everything that is happening within the Williamston Community Schools.2024
Episodes
  • Williamston Schools: Bond Updates, Big Wins, and Snow Day Decisions

    Williamston Schools: Bond Updates, Big Wins, and Snow Day Decisions
    Jan 29 2026
    If you're looking for an inside scoop on what's happening in Williamston Community Schools, the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast is a must-listen! Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, this episode welcomes back Dr. Adam Spina, Superintendent of Schools, for an engaging update on the district's exciting initiatives, ongoing projects, and recent recognitions. The conversation opens with gratitude for the community's support of the bond initiative, which will positively impact students for generations to come. Dr. Spina shares detailed updates on the progress of these bond-funded projects, including the flagship investment: building a new Explorer Elementary School. Listeners learn about the posted schematics, new renderings, and changes such as a safer, more efficient traffic pattern for school drop-offs and pick-ups. Construction is set to begin in March, with the goal of opening the new building by August 2027. These improvements are all about creating better, safer spaces for students and staff. Beyond the elementary school upgrade, Dr. Spina discusses additional projects like the new HVAC system installation at the community pool (slated for May–July 2026) and repaving the high school parking lot. The team is committed to clear communication, promising monthly bond updates on the district website and direct notifications to impacted community members. The podcast also celebrates the district's academic achievements. The high school was named to the AP Honor Roll for the seventh time and continues to excel on AP exams, reflecting the hard work of both students and teachers. The accolades don't stop there—Williamston High School, Middle School, and Explorer Elementary recently appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Schools, highlighting the district's dedication to quality education. No episode dealing with Michigan schools would be complete without touching on snow days! Dr. Spina describes the careful, safety-first approach used to evaluate weather conditions and the real-world balancing act of school closures, emphasizing communication and student well-being. This episode is not just an update—it's a celebration of progress, achievement, and community spirit. Whether you're a parent, student, or resident, the Hornet Hive is your direct line to what's happening in Williamston schools. Tune in and stay connected to the heart of your educational community! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. And, and this week we are bringing back Dr. Adam Spina, our superintendent of Schools for the Williamston Community Schools. Give us a little bit of an update about what is happening in the district because there's a lot of things happening since last we talked and we wanted to bring you up to speed. Dr. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:45]: Spina, thanks so much for being here today. Dr. Adam Spina [00:00:47]: Thank you, Chris. I think right now as we're recording this, we just wrapped up a successful first semester and looking forward to finishing the year strong during the second half of this thing. So appreciate the time to share some more nuanced details about what's going on at wcs. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:01]: You know, and talking about nuance at the board level, we've been having a lot of conversations lately about the bond and the projects that we're doing, and there's a lot of things happening and, and I know you've been sending some emails out, but I thought it would be good to have you give a little bit of an update on where we are with the bond and some of the big projects that are coming and. And some of the other things that are happening with the bond right now. Dr. Adam Spina [00:01:22]: Well, first and foremost, we remain extremely grateful to the community for the overwhelming support of the bond initiative and the projects that it will support for our students over several generations, many generations, we hope. And so we're trying to do our best to keep everyone updated in terms of what's going on. Anytime you have a community invest that much money in the schools, we want to make sure that everybody has readily accessible information. And so just a reminder to anybody listening, we post bond updates monthly on the district website. There's a box right at the top of the homepage for bond updates, and that'll give you information on the timeline, the overall scale, the project and scope in terms of what's being accomplished, and then photos and updates on a monthly basis in terms of what's been done. So, moving through December December into the new Year, the planning phase of some of the major projects has been completed and we were able to take final bids and proposals to the Board of Education for approval. And most notably, that includes what I call the flagship ...
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    13 mins
  • Why School Libraries Matter: Insights from Williamston's New Librarian

    Why School Libraries Matter: Insights from Williamston's New Librarian
    Oct 30 2025
    In the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis introduces listeners to one of Williamston Community Schools' newest and most passionate staff members: Alexis Thune, the new elementary librarian. This engaging conversation provides a unique window into the crucial role school libraries play in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and building community. Alexis, who moved from Iowa in 2019 when her husband began graduate studies at Michigan State University, brings both teaching experience and heartfelt enthusiasm for books to Williamston. She shares how her love for literature and libraries guided her back to education, describing the new librarian position as her "dream job." Alexis's genuine excitement to help children discover the joy of reading shines throughout the episode. One main theme is the importance of libraries as spaces of exploration and imagination. Alexis notes that "these kids are getting free books to read. They don't have to pay a thing for them," underscoring the library's unique ability to expand students' worlds at no cost. She passionately defends libraries as "one of our best assets as a society," offering children the chance to discover stories and perspectives that both reflect their own experiences and introduce them to new ways of thinking. Another central point is Alexis's personalized approach to motivating students—by getting to know their interests and connecting them with the perfect book, whether it's Minecraft guides or stories about axolotls. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming, safe space where every child feels confident to explore new ideas. The episode also explores how technology is reshaping the library experience. Alexis highlights the importance of e-readers, audiobooks, and even closed captioning as new ways for children to engage with reading and the written word, reflecting the dynamic, evolving nature of modern school libraries. Collaboration also takes center stage, with Alexis expressing her readiness to work closely with teachers and parents. She invites families to ask their children about the books they're reading and to get involved as library volunteers—a tradition she's eager to continue. If you're passionate about education, literacy, or community, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn more about Alexis Thune's vision and the transformative power of the elementary library. Her excitement is infectious, and her message is clear: together, we can inspire the next generation to love reading and learning. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you with us this week. As always, I thoroughly enjoy having an opportunity to talk to you about the amazing things that are happening in our schools. And as a part of that, I love being able to introduce you to the staff behind the scenes, the people that are working with our kids on a daily basis, because I know not everyone in our school district you will have had a chance to meet, and that includes some of our newest staff that have joined the district. And today I've got another great guest with us. Alexis Tuney is with us today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:00]: And Alexis is our brand new elementary librarian. And for many of you who have had kids in the elementary schools, I am sure that one of the high points of their week is an opportunity to go to the library to get books, to be really engaged with reading. And Alexis is our new person that's going to be leading the charge and working with our kids in that way. So I'm really excited to have her here today and to introduce her to you and for you to get to know her a little bit better. Alexis, thanks so much for being here today. Alexis Thune [00:01:33]: Absolutely. Thank you for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:35]: It is my pleasure having you here today. And I guess first and foremost, I really want to turn it over to you for you to tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to education and specifically what brought you to this role as a librarian. Alexis Thune [00:01:48]: So fun fact about me, I'm actually originally from Iowa. My husband and I moved to the Michigan area in 2019. He's going to grad school at MSU, so we're staying for that here. And then I just really fell in love with teaching. It's what I originally went to school for. I changed majors a bunch of times and then, ironically enough, ended up back in teaching. I've got a bit of experience teaching art in second grade, but my true passion has always lied with the books. I've always loved the library myself. Alexis Thune [00:02:16]: I'm a bit of a bookworm, so getting to have that opportunity really to provide that for the kids is really kind of my dream job. Not to be too corny about it, but it just, it makes my heart so happy to see...
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    10 mins
  • Navigating Personal Growth and Change: Maya Boyes

    Navigating Personal Growth and Change: Maya Boyes
    Oct 2 2025
    In the recent episode featuring Myah Boyes (she/her) and Christopher Lewis, listeners are welcomed into an honest, practical, and empowering conversation. This episode is not just another discussion; it's a real, lived account of facing challenges, finding your place in the world, and building the courage to carve your own path. Embracing Authenticity and Owning Your Story One of the most impactful moments in this podcast is when Myah openly discusses her journey of self-acceptance. She explains how owning her identity wasn't always easy, and she relates stories of moments when she felt out of place or misunderstood. "Being your authentic self isn't just about confidence," Myah shares. "It's a daily practice of checking in with yourself and allowing your uniqueness to shine—even when it feels tough." This honesty resonates deeply, offering a reminder that self-discovery is ongoing and requires both courage and vulnerability. Taking Risks and Saying Yes to Opportunity Myah doesn't shy away from talking about risk. She details key points in her life where taking a leap—even before she felt fully ready—led to unexpected growth. She encourages listeners to trust their instincts: "A lot of the time, you won't have all the answers before you begin. But if an opportunity sparks something in you, that's often enough reason to take the first step." By sharing her own stories of uncertain beginnings, Myah motivates others to move past perfectionism and let curiosity guide them. The Power of Connection and Collaboration Throughout the episode, Myah highlights the importance of community and collaboration. Christopher and Myah reflect on projects where listening to—and leaning on—others created stronger results. "No one's journey happens alone," Myah insists, emphasizing how impactful it can be to seek advice, share ideas, and invest in supportive relationships. Why You Should Listen If you're seeking real-world perspective, practical motivation, and stories that remind you you're not alone, this episode is for you. Myah's candid reflections and specific examples make her insights relatable and actionable. Tune in to hear heartfelt advice on navigating identity, embracing your journey, and finding strength in community—you just might walk away with the inspiration you need to start your next chapter. TRANSCRIPT Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamson Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week we have a great opportunity to be able to learn about everything that's happening within our schools. And I love being able to share with you not only the great things that are happening, but the people that make our schools work. And you don't get to meet everybody as a, let's say, a parent or a community member within our district. But it's important for you to know who's out there supporting our students. Christopher Lewis [00:00:58]: And. And we have new staff. We have staff that have been around for a very long time. And today I've got another great guest joining us. Myah Boyes is with us today. And Myah is the brand new guidance counselor at the high school. She just joined the Williamston Community Schools this year and I'm really excited to be able to introduce her to you and for you to get to know her a little bit more. Myah, thanks so much for joining me today. Myah Boyes [00:01:22]: Of course, I'm excited to be a part of this. When you reached out to me, I didn't even know there was a podcast and I love podcasts, so of course I had to join. Christopher Lewis [00:01:30]: Well, I'm really excited that you are on today and I guess first and foremost, can you tell me a little bit about your background and what brought you to Williamston? Myah Boyes [00:01:39]: I am a brand new graduate, so I just graduated from Wall State University in Indiana. I actually graduated in July, so very quick turnaround. I did my bachelor's and my master's there, so of course I got my master's in school counseling. I'm kind of from the area. I'm from the Howell area. I went to school there, but I live in Fotherville. And I was very excited to see that there was an opening in Williamston because I like the little town, I like smaller communities and working with those. I did my internship with rural high school, which was very small and they had about 70 students per class. Myah Boyes [00:02:14]: And I just fell in love with being able to create more connections with the students because there was not a million of them like there was at my high school. So building those relationships was very nice. Christopher Lewis [00:02:24]: So you talked about going through your undergrad and from there deciding to go on and get that graduate degree in becoming a guidance counselor. Talk to me about that journey and what made you decide that you wanted to be a guidance counselor. ...
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    14 mins
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