Pony Voices- Episode 401: School's Back (And It's Different)
Sunday, August 3, 2025
District-wide school start time adjustments
Transition to earlier academic calendar start date
New 'bell-to-bell' personal device and cell phone restriction policy
Addressing student mental health through policy changes
Logistical support for families (Adventure Club expansion)
Communication strategies during emergency events
Notable Quotes (3)
If you were to scan the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Stillwater area schools... has had some of the earliest start times really in the metro.
Start TimesExplaining the rationale for flipping start times.
We will be done before Memorial Day... the board is committed to doing it I think for three years to see how the community thinks about it.
Academic CalendarDiscussing the new calendar structure.
What we find is if something is happening, kids will then text their parents... we think our kids will actually be safer because it will provide us time and focus.
SafetyAddressing safety concerns regarding the phone ban.
People (2)
Cararissa KesterHost
Representative of Stillwater Area Public Schools; host of the Pony Voices podcast.
Mike FunkSuperintendent
Superintendent of Stillwater Area Public Schools; expert on district policy changes.
Places Mentioned
Stillwater Area Public SchoolsTwin Cities metropolitan areaMinnesota
Events & Meetings (1)
- Upcoming school year start (August date)
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Cell Phone Policy
Mandatory ban on cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets from bell-to-bell during the school day.