Spartan Strong: With the Mic On!
Welcome to Spartan Strong: With the Mic On! This podcast is where we turn up the volume on bringing Superior's schools and stories to life.
Our goal with this podcast is simple: to connect with you, our community, staff, and parents, to share our district vision, celebrate the successes, and discuss the important issues in the School District of Superior.
Listen on:
Episodes

Oct 16, 2026
Oct 16, 2026
22 min
School Board Rep Nick Olson takes over the mic! He interviews Superintendent Starzecki and CFO David See with real community questions about our Long-Range Facility Plan—exploring how we prioritize project lists, stretch taxpayer dollars, and shape the next decade of modern, safe learning spaces.

Oct 2, 2026
Oct 2, 2026
25 min
As we release this episode, our nation and community are preparing to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day—a time dedicated to recognizing the rich traditions, histories, resilience, and sovereign rights of First Nations. Here in Superior, our schools rest on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of both the Anishinaabe people and the Dakota people. Honoring that connection isn't something we save for a single day on the calendar; it's a commitment that shapes how we teach, learn, and grow together every single day. Join Dr. Amy Starzecki, Jennifer Willoughby, Indian Education Coordinator and SHS Student, Abby for this episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic on.
Find more information regarding Indian Education in the School District of Superior at this link.

Sep 18, 2026
Sep 18, 2026
22 min
This week's episode is all about the absolute best week of the fall semester, Homecoming! We are officially calling this episode, "Paint the Town Blue: Sparty, Homecoming, and Spartan Pride." There is something really special about watching our classrooms, athletic fields, and community unite for our Homecoming traditions.
Joining us in the studio to pull back the curtain on all the hype is Superior High School Principal, Mr. Ryan Haroldson, and three of the creative engines behind the scenes from our SHS Student Council, Sierrah, Kelcie, and Liam.
The 2026 Homecoming theme is Welcome to the Jungle!
Join us on Friday, September 25th at 1:30 pm on Catlin Ave between the UWS Yellowjacket Union and Wessman arena to watch the Homecoming Parade and amp up our Spartans!
Sunday, September 20th at 7:00 PM at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex Powder Puff Football!
Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM in the Spartan Arena, Powder Buff Volleyball!

Sep 4, 2026
Sep 4, 2026
33 min
The energy is electric, and the drought is officially broken! Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, where we are riding high after an unforgettable season opener victory under the lights of the NBC Spartan Sports Complex.
To kick off the new season, we sit down with our Interim Athletic Director, Bob Demeyer, our Head Football Coach, Rob Scott and standout players and senior captains, Carson and Maxton to talk about what it means to finally bring a win back home, break down the culture shift in Spartan athletics, and setting the standard for the 2026–2027 school year. Tune in for exclusive locker room insights, big visions for the future of Spartan athletics, and an inside look at how Sparty is charging into this new era with unstoppable momentum.
Come cheer on your Superior Spartans tonight, Friday, September 4th, or check out our activities calendar for all Spartan events.
Go Spartans!

May 29, 2026
May 29, 2026
27 min
As we wrap up the first season of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, we’re doing something special. We’re sitting down with three Superior educators who have spent their lives building the foundation of this community.
Joining us today are Mary Kimmes, current Cooper teacher, Heather Krull, current Great Lakes teacher and Don Polkinghorne, high school teacher. Congratulations on your retirement!
For a recap of our Salute to Service celebration and video celebration, please visit: https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/news/what_s_new/salute_to_service_2026
To send off one of these or other retiring staff members leave a message on our Facebook posts, honoring each retiree: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorSchoolDistrict
The Superior Telegram joined us for this episode, see their article here: https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/local/retiring-superior-teachers-built-relationships

May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
30 min
Jamie Wilson, Director of Food Service sits down with Dr. Amy Starzecki to highlight the School District of Superior's food service program, promote Summer Meals, and our Farm to school partnership. Jamie and his team fuel student success, literally. Jamie Wilson was recognized as the 2023 Director of the Year by the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin. You don't want to miss even one morsel of this tasty episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic on.
Follow Jamie and his team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schooldistrictofsuperiorfoodservice

May 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
32 min
Next week is incredibly special—it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. To celebrate our teachers, we’re looking at the heart of our schools through the eyes of those who lead them. With special guests, Kate Tesch and Jason Kalin. Both Jason and Kate started their career as teachers and have not forgotten what it means to facilitate learning in the classroom.
A big THANK YOU to all our Superior teachers, admins, and support staff!

Apr 17, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
34 min
Why do we have "no school" days for students? In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Amy Starzecki pulls back the curtain on how Superior staff spends their professional development time. We discuss the district's transition to new elementary literacy and secondary math curricula and demystify the "Science of Reading"—clarifying that while it's gaining national attention through podcasts like Sold a Story, these evidence-based practices have long been a part of our Spartan foundation.
You can find out more about the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department, or to reach out please visit their website, https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/district/curriculum__instruction_and_assessment.

Apr 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
27 min
Join us for this episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, featuring Ella Olson and 2 Spartan Athletes, Addy and Kaden. Dr. Amy Starzecki sits down to talk about the impact of athletics with two of our dedicated senior student athletes.
Ella Olson is the Activities Director for Superior High School.
Addy was recently named the 2026 Ms. Hockey Wisconsin award winner. Addy assisted in leading the hockey team to this year's WIAA State Tournament.
Kaden is a Spartan Student athlete who has competed at every level in multiple sports. Kaden is continuing his football career at UW-Eau Claire after graduation.
Check out all our Spartan Activities on our Activities Calendar and GO SPARTANS!

Mar 20, 2026
Mar 20, 2026
24 min
Today, we sit down with two seniors, Brendan and Veronica, who have left an indelible mark on Superior High School. We’re talking about growth, the 'Spartan Strong' spirit, and what it’s really like to lead the student body.


