The Foxes Den

Season 3 (Episode 3) Heather DiVerde, Executive Director of Facility Operations

Listen in as Heather DiVerde, Executive Director of Facility Operations, talks about upcoming projects and those that go on behind the scenes. Hear about her role in the Facilities Master Plan and how the community will play an important part in those discussions. Listen as she talks about district security, how the district is prepared in the event of an emergency, and the importance of balancing safety and welcoming spaces, and why she spent a few days on vacation in Texas.

Season 3 (Episode 2) Leslie Smogor, President of the Yorkville Educational Foundation

Listen in as Leslie Smogor, President of the Yorkville Educational Foundation (YEF), shares the origins of her volunteer spirit and the journey that led her to lead the YEF. Discover why the Foundation plays a vital role in both the community and the school district, and how you can get involved to make a difference. Leslie also highlights the exciting events the YEF hosts throughout the year and the impactful grant programs that benefit the staff and students of Y115.

Season 3 (Episode 1) Dr. Matt Zediker - Y115 Superintendent of Schools

Listen in as Dr. Matt Zediker, Superintendent of Schools, talks about growing up in Nebraska and how athletics and coaching shaped how he built strong bonds with his students. Hear how he taught without textbooks or a curriculum early in his career. Listen as he shares his journey to becoming a Superintendent, his plans for future growth in the district, and creating a facilities master plan… and if he could beat Bobby Flay in a cooking contest.

Season 2 (Episode 4) Varsity Softball Coaches - Head Coach: Jory Regnier and Assistant Coach: Megan Leadbetter

Listen in as Varsity Softball Head Coach Jory Regnier and Assistant Coach Megan Leadbetter reflect upon the team’s Second Place finish at last year's State Championship Game, and how they are preparing for another run at State this year. Hear how they think their coaching styles have changed over the years. Listen as they take us into the huddle before a game, and their thoughts on holding the runner at 3rd base or sending her home.

Season 2 (Episode 3) 2024 Fine Arts Festival

Listen in as Music Department Division Chair Victor Anderson, Art Teacher Levi McCulloch, and Choir Director David Smith discuss all things Fine Arts Festival. Listen as they talk about the festival's history and how it all began, what makes the Fine Arts Festival so unique and special to Yorkville, what new and exciting additions will take place this year, and what they hope people will get out of the festival when they attend.

Season 2 (Episode 2) Kreg Wesley - Executive Director of Finance and Operations

Listen in as Kreg Wesley, Executive Director of Finance and Operations shares his career path to the District 115 and how the philosophy of “It’s all about how learners learn and teachers teach” has guided his decisions throughout the years. Hear his thoughts on transparency as it relates to district finances, the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays within the finance arena, and his approach to budget planning for District 115. Wesley also talks about some of his favorite Podcast on his playlist, and what advice he would give to his 17-year-old younger self.

Season 2 (Episode 1) Chris Palmisano

Listen in as Chris Palmisano, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Head Coach for Boys Varsity Soccer Team, and Yorkville High School’s Activities Director, discusses all the great activities that will be happening during Homecoming Week 2023. Hear the passion in his voice as he shares his selflessness mentality and student first approach. Listen as he shares why that one student will always stay with him, and the tough career choice between becoming a teacher or meteorologist.

Episode 14 - Joe Blomquist (Director of Business Services): New Fresh Lunch Program for 2023/24 School Year

Listen in as Joe Blomquist, Director of Business Services for Yorkville District 115, discusses all-things-food regarding the new school lunch and breakfast program that will start at the beginning of the 2023/24 school year. Hear the passion as he shares his insights and feelings about student nutrition and the positive effects it has on their learning. Listen as we discuss how the food will be prepared, fresh, every day, and some of the menu items our students will have to choose from. Mr. Blomquist also talks about what his ideal lunch would be if he were in school today.