The Foxes Den

Season 4 (Episode 3) Kim Wensits - YHS Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach/Applied Math Division Chair

Listen in as Kim Wensits, Head Coach for the Girls Varsity Basketball team, and the Division Chair for Applied Math at Yorkville High School, shares where her love of basketball comes from and the countless hours she spent playing with her dad in the driveway. Hear what she would say to the team as she takes us into the half-time huddle. Listen as she discusses the importance of looking for commitment and character out of her players, the legacy of the Hoops for Hope fundraiser, to help fight cancer, and her obsession with theme parties.

Season 4 (Episode 2) Bryan Buck - Yorkville Middle School Principal

Listen in as Bryan Buck, Principal at Yorkville Middle School, shares how teaching has been in his family for generations, all the way back to a one-room schoolhouse. Hear how his senior year football season changed the direction of choosing a college. Listen as he discusses the interesting ways he builds climate and culture with his students and staff, and hear how many Jordan's he has in his shoe collection.

Season 4 (Episode 1) Dr. Matt Zediker (Superintendent)

Listen in as Dr. Matt Zediker, Superintendent of Schools, shares what Homecoming Week means to him and one of his favorite homecoming memories. Listen as he talks about his second year as Superintendent and why he chose “Strengthening Our Steps” for this year's theme. Listen as he discusses a new event that started this year —the State of the District Luncheon — and the important impact it has on the business community, and hear a brief check-in regarding the Facilities Master Plan.

Season 3 (Episode 6) Superintendent Student Advisory Council

Listen in as senior leaders from the high schools’ Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC) share what it's like to participate in the SSAC. Listen as Elijah, Maddie, Garrett, Jacob, and Hannah share why they decided to join the SSAC and the experiences they’ve gained from it. Listen to how they stay motivated and balanced with academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and life outside of high school. Hear what advice they would give their freshman-year self about navigating high school, and what is something people might not understand about students today that they wish they did.

Season 3 (Episode 5) Dr. Matt Zediker (Part 2 of 4)

Listen in as Dr. Matt Zediker, Superintendent of Schools, joins The Foxes Den for part two of a four-part series. Listen as he shares everything he has seen and participated in during his first six months as the Superintendent. Listen as he shares his thoughts and ideas on the culture, climate, and relationships within Yorkville School District 115. Listen as he talks about the Facilities Master Plan Listening Sessions, the Steering Committee, and all the suggestions the community has brought forward during the sessions, and the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks of the word success.

Season 3 (Episode 4) Darren Crawford, Y115 Board of Education President

Listen as Darren Crawford, Y115 Board of Education President, talks about the board's role in developing the Facilities Master Plan and thoughts for the district's future. Hear what inspired him to run for the Board of Education. Listen as he talks about the challenges and the rewards of being on the Board of Education and where his community service mindset comes from. And what movie he wrote, directed, and starred in.

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.