The Foxes Den
The Foxes Den is a podcast series dedicated to learning more about the culture, character, and spirit of what makes the Yorkville School District so unique. The series takes an in-depth approach to learning more about a person’s ”why” and their journey to Yorkville School District 115.
The Foxes Den is a podcast series dedicated to learning more about the culture, character, and spirit of what makes the Yorkville School District so unique. The series takes an in-depth approach to learning more about a person’s ”why” and their journey to Yorkville School District 115.
Episodes
Jun 1, 2023
Jun 1, 2023
41 min
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.
Apr 26, 2023
Apr 26, 2023
1hr 3 min
Listen in as Luke Engelhardt, Associate Principal for Athletics, Activities, and Facilities at Yorkville High School discusses his athletic career as a Yorkville Fox and as a two-sport athlete at Aurora University. Hear about the educators in his family and the path he took to become the Athletic Director at Yorkville High School, how important the Yorkville summer camps are to our student athletes, and just how far the golf cart can go on a single charge.
Mar 23, 2023
Mar 23, 2023
51 min
Listen in as Melinda Hafenrichter, Principal at Yorkville Grade School, discusses the motto of her school and what it means to staff, students, and parents. Hear about where her love of teaching comes from, what she would change if she had to do it all over again, and how many state championships she won as a middle school athlete.
Mar 7, 2023
Mar 7, 2023
42 min
Listen in as Melinda Lasky, Director of Student Services, and Emma McGuire, Assistant Director of Student Services for Yorkville District 115 discuss the types of support District 115 offers the students and staff. Hear what special education means to them, the most challenging and rewarding aspects of their roles, and why that one student always stays with them.
Feb 10, 2023
Feb 10, 2023
33 min
Listen in as Yorkville Middle School 8th Grade Students, Makayla Bryant, Reese Benjamin and Jaydin Kimont, discuss their thoughts about being freshmen in high school next year. Hear what activities they enjoy outside of class, the advice they would give to the incoming 7th grade class, and what grade they would give to the food in the school lunch program.
Jan 25, 2023
Jan 25, 2023
46 min
Listen in as Cory Mehnert, Early Childhood Coordinator, discusses the time she spent 5 months as an exchange student in Uruguay. Hear about the A-Ha moment in becoming an early childhood teacher, what advice she would give her 17-year-old self, and the one thing she asked for most while living in another country.
Dec 21, 2022
Dec 21, 2022
1hr 8 min
Listen in as Dr. David Travis, Principal of Yorkville High School, discusses the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of being a High School Principal. Hear about the path he took in becoming a teacher, who is that one student he remembers most and why, and the fall he took before joining the Air Force.
Oct 13, 2022
Oct 13, 2022
49 min
Listen in as Steph McHugh, Yorkville District Book Ambassador, discusses where her love of books come from, her favorite camp in all the world, and what her classroom library looked like when she was a teacher. Hear how she searches out book stores across the globe, and what she can tell us about the secret society of the Book Ninjas.



