Shamrock Stories
New Haven School District
Shamrock Stories is the official podcast of the New Haven School District in New Haven, MO, bringing you inspiring stories, important updates, and behind-the-scenes insights from our students, teachers, and staff. Each episode highlights the achievements, challenges, and experiences that make our district special.Join us as we celebrate student success, showcase innovative teaching, and connect with the people who shape our schools every day. Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or community member, Shamrock Stories keeps you informed and engaged with the heart of New Haven schools.New episodes are available wherever you listen to podcasts!
Episodes
Exploring After-School Adventures at NHES
Mrs. Otten, principal of New Haven Elementary, highlights after-school clubs, noting nearly 50% of elementary students participate. She interviews three students from the new Shamrockin’ Runners, which meets on Mondays to train for the Jingle Jog 5K. Next, students describe Shamrock Singers, which meets to practice for concerts and community events, and Grade School Grannies, meeting every other week to crochet and do plastic canvas crafts. Finally, Leaders of Leaders members promote positivity, make posters, help with school tasks, and represent student voice.00:00 Welcome to Shamrock Stories00:49 Meet the Shamrockin Runners01:39 First Practice Highlights03:13 Training for the Jingle Jog11:22 Introducing More Clubs11:48 Shamrock Singers Routine14:58 Grade School Grannies Crafts20:10 Leaders Of Leaders Explained
Student Insights: Life at New Haven High School
Mr. Peirick hosts an episode of Shamrock Stories with two groups of New Haven High School juniors discussing student life. Dylan, Lydia, and Lillie (student council president) share student council plans, updates on volleyball tournament successes, Lillie’s softball co-op with rival Hermann, and marching band competition results. They also highlight Shamrock card sales, the October 2 FBLA barbecue, and Four Rivers Career Center programs, plus views on dual-credit workload, homework stress and usefulness, and inspiring teachers. A second junior group (Carter, Jayla, and Emme) discusses swimming intramurals, favorite and hardest parts of school, desired rule changes, myths about high school, advice to freshmen selves, activities, and asks Mr. Peirick about his motivation, coaching, school-year preparation, and path to becoming principal.00:00 Sponsor Message00:36 Meet the Students01:14 Student Council Plans03:06 Volleyball Season Update05:14 Softball Co-op Experience08:12 Shamrock Cards and FBLA09:12 Four Rivers Career Center11:48 First Day Back Reflections15:07 Best Part of School17:00 Homework Debate20:55 Teachers Who Inspire22:34 Teacher Shoutouts26:25 New Group Introductions26:43 Swimming Intramurals27:25 Best And Hardest28:53 School Pride Standards30:59 Rumors And Myths32:37 Advice To Freshmen36:54 Students Interview Principal37:02 Principal Interview45:27 Wrap Up
From Tax Rates to Library Updates: August-September School Board Meetings Recap
New Haven School Board Updates: Tax Rates, Libraries, Construction, and Electric BusesDr. Hoener is joined by principals Mrs. Otten and Mr. Peirick and librarians Mrs. Frick and Mrs. Westermeyer. They recap August and September New Haven School District board meetings and back-to-school updates. In August, the board set the 2025 tax rates by raising the operating levy to the ceiling of $3.9917 while keeping the debt service levy at $0.75, and prepaid $120,000 on the 2020 bonds; the district’s reserves snapshot on July 1 moved from 52.33% (FY25) to 47.41% (FY26). They highlighted an Aug. 3 scholarship golf tournament raising about $8,800 and community school-supply donations led by the police department and businesses. In September, the board reviewed 55 pages of policy updates, hired Austin Madden as head baseball coach, and heard library reports detailing new book purchases, reading habits, Destiny Discover access, and expanded library programming. The episode also updates bond-related construction, an Ameren grant for three electric buses with infrastructure planned for fall and buses expected next June, online registration challenges, advertising opportunities, and plans to end the community recycling dumpster unless a sponsor is found.00:00 Welcome and Agenda00:51 Tax Rates and Bond Levy03:08 Reserves and ASBR Explained05:06 Scholarship Golf Tournament06:02 Back to School Donations07:33 September Board Highlights08:04 Library Programs and New Books10:19 Kids Reading Habits Today14:55 Modern Libraries and Tech18:45 Library Beyond Books20:37 Crochet Club and Family Nights22:20 Bond Construction Updates25:44 Electric Buses Timeline27:11 Advertising Sponsorships28:29 Online Registration Update30:57 Recycling Program Changes33:01 Closing and Next Episodes
July 2026 Board Meeting Updates, Construction Projects, and Online Registration
In the season three premiere of Shamrock Stories for the New Haven School District, Superintendent Dr. Hoener and principals Mrs. Otten and Mr. Peirick recap a short July 7 school board meeting and share back-to-school preparations for August. The district is moving to online registration through the parent portal and ParentSquare. The principals outline extensive summer cleaning and construction at both buildings, confirm open house on August 19 (elementary 5–7 PM; high school 6–8 PM), fall sports starting August 10, and a high school schedule/registration week August 10–14. They also promote the school board scholarship golf tournament on August 3.00:00 Season Three Kickoff00:58 July Board Highlights01:14 AMI Plan Explained02:09 Elementary Steps Upgrade03:21 Tax Levy And New Hire04:00 Online Registration Rollout06:09 Elementary Summer Projects08:54 Secondary Building Upgrades10:01 Open House And Supplies11:33 Sports And Schedule Week12:59 New Family Registration Help14:27 Golf Tournament And Wrap Up
A Star-Spangled Summer School
Mrs. Otten, elementary principal, hosts Shamrock Stories for the New Haven School District and highlights this year’s “A Star Spangled Summer School,” themed around America’s 250th celebration, with activities focused on monuments, national parks, and the 50 states. Students from first and fourth grade share favorite parts of summer school, including trips to the park and pool, extra recess, spirit days, and assemblies.00:00 Welcome and Theme00:56 Meet the Students01:20 Field Trips Park and Pool01:57 Classroom Learning and Crafts03:36 Eagles and National Parks05:32 Summer School vs Regular06:44 Lunch Recess and Spirit Days10:16 Final Week Reminders11:11 New First Grade Guests11:55 Classroom Fun and Stations14:56 American Crafts and Landmarks15:52 Food PE and Wrap Up
April-June 2026 Board Meetings and Construction Updates
The episode of Shamrock Stories recaps New Haven School District activities from April through June, featuring updates from principals Mr. Peirick and Mrs. Otten and a summary of board meeting actions. Mr. Peirick details our eight-day senior trip to major historical and cultural sites from Nashville through Washington, DC and New York City, prom (Megan Horstkamp and Lucas Seitter crowned), and graduation recognizing valedictorian Lucas Seitter and salutatorian Kyle Scheer. Mrs. Otten discusses the spelling bee winner, Sydney Mesker, Career Day, reading night, field trips, MAP testing celebrations, book fair, Special Olympics participation, field day, and kindergarten graduation. Board items cover tuition rate, insurance renewal, deficit spending plans, staffing cuts, a $1,000 base salary increase to $39,500, and multiple bond-funded construction projects, including paving, tree removal, steps, lighting, flooring, safety color-coding, and electric bus infrastructure prep.00:00 Spring Updates Kickoff00:45 April Activities Recap01:38 Senior Trip Explained08:47 Back Home Sprint to Finish09:43 Prom and Graduation Wrap11:03 Elementary Spring Highlights12:47 MAP Testing and Celebrations15:32 Field Day and Kindergarten Graduation16:44 Summer School Fun18:10 Board Meetings Overview20:04 Budget Crunch and Staffing Cuts26:07 Construction Projects Tour28:53 Elementary Facelift Plans30:12 Tree Removal36:33 Safety Upgrades and Electric Buses39:12 New Hires and Closing Thoughts
The Middle School Experience
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Mr. Peirick talks with four eighth-grade New Haven Middle School Students of the Month about highlights from the year and what they’ve learned from the middle school experience. They discuss activity days, as well as clubs like Outdoors Club, National Junior Honor Society, student council, and yearbook. The students share favorite spirit days, lock-in activities, and favorite classes, plus reflections on sports seasons. They also describe the ICAP process for high school planning, what they’ll miss about middle school, what they look forward to in high school, advice for younger students, and what it meant to be selected as Student of the Month.00:00 Meet the Students00:57 Year Highlights01:50 Activity Days Explained03:38 Clubs and Leadership05:48 Spirit Days and Lock In08:34 Favorite Classes09:52 Girls Basketball Season12:03 Boys Basketball Season13:35 Volleyball Season14:33 High School Transition ICAP16:48 What You'll Miss Advice19:49 Track Season Preview22:01 Student of the Month Pride24:09 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
March 2026 School Board Meeting
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Superintendent Dr. Hoener and district leaders recap the March 11, 2026, New Haven School Board meeting. Mrs. Otten's updates include kindergarten and early childhood screenings with Lions Club support, Read Across America activities, music programming at Powell Symphony Hall, and preparations for MAP testing. Mr. Peirick highlights events such as cheer camp, homecoming, honor society inductions, library partnerships, and Scholar Bowl success. Mrs. Hoener reviews recent state and national competitors, continued student participation, the softball co-op with Herman, upcoming baseball and track events, booster club mouse races, and academic and postseason awards. Dr. Hoener outlines legislative concerns (HB 2872 reading retention, Hancock Amendment changes, and April Prop T tax freeze impacts), projected budget deficits, facility RFP approvals, a new copier RFP, and the purchase of a new tractor.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:50 Kindergarten Screening Highlights01:52 Family Events and Reading Week02:39 Elementary Learning and Testing Prep04:13 Summer School Registration04:32 Secondary School Celebrations06:40 Activities and Athletics Update10:43 Legislative Bills to Watch17:32 Budget and Financial Outlook21:36 Facilities Plan and Summer Projects23:32 New Business and Equipment Purchases25:40 Staffing Updates and Closing
February 2026 School Board Meeting
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, New Haven School District administrators recap the February 18th school board meeting and share updates from both buildings. At the elementary, students participated in Olympic-themed library activities, a family reading night with author Maureen Lewellen, a schoolwide “Read With Your Principal” challenge, the Hearts Across America postcard project, and celebrations for the 100th day and Valentine’s Day. The secondary campus highlights include an Air Force Academy acceptance, FBLA advancement, chocolate art, a distracted-driving simulator, and homecoming. Dr. Hoener reviews a financial report, legislative update, facility and flooring bids, a softball cooperative with Hermann, the 2026–27 calendar changes, and current district job openings. Mrs. Anderson discusses special services programming and staffing.00:00 Welcome and Agenda00:38 Elementary Highlights01:27 Reading Challenge and Postcards02:28 Valentine and Q-U Wedding03:02 Secondary School Update04:47 Finance and Legislative Update08:47 Facility Plan and Bond Limits12:09 Bids and Flooring Upgrades13:40 Softball Co-Op with Hermann15:48 Special Programs Overview20:35 Next Year Calendar Changes23:23 Job Openings and Wrap Up
From Plinko Prompts to Postcards: A New Haven Elementary School Experience
Mrs. Otten, principal of New Haven Elementary in the New Haven School District (New Haven, Missouri), hosts an episode of the Shamrock Stories podcast featuring fourth- and third-grade classroom activities. Fourth-grade teachers Mrs. Parmentier and Mrs. Walters discuss preparing students for MAP testing. They describe using a pop-up Plinko prompt system as a randomizer to select weekly writing prompts. Third-grade teachers Miss Bunch and Miss Miner describe starting a Hearts Across America project after Christmas break to collect postcards from all 50 states. The initiative has received 100+ cards and was featured on News Channel 4.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:48 Fourth Grade MAP Writing02:15 Plinko Prompt Routine04:46 Building Independence Fast09:35 Favorite Genres and Examples13:56 Third Grade Postcard Project15:01 Exploring Places with Google Earth18:29 Community Buzz22:41 Gratitude and Wrap Up
January 2026 School Board Meeting
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, school district administrators from New Haven provide a detailed recap of the January 14th Board of Education meeting. Key topics include various surplus items coming up for bid, professional development activities, recent student and faculty achievements, and the purchase of land by the school district. The episode also highlights upcoming infrastructure projects and discusses the district's new electric bus grant. Additionally, the administrators delve into possible cooperative agreements with neighboring schools for extracurricular activities. The next Board of Education meeting has been rescheduled to February 18th.00:00 Introduction and Meeting Overview00:35 Surplus Items and Auctions01:15 Professional Development Day Recap02:30 December Activities at Elementary School03:31 Middle and High School Highlights05:45 Financial Report and Land Purchase07:56 Old Business: Heating and Bus Grant17:22 New Business: RFPs and Softball Interest22:04 Conclusion and Next Meeting
Academic Update 2025
This episode of Shamrock Stories provides an academic update for the year 2025. We share the district's performance on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests, comparing our results to state and regional averages. Mrs. Westermeyer, Mrs. Nilges, Mrs. Parmentier, and Miss Miner discuss their strategies for preparing students for MAP tests, emphasizing personalized learning, engagement, and consistent high expectations. The episode highlights the importance of strong attendance, parental involvement, and the role of evolving educational resources in fostering student success.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:59 Academic Performance Analysis02:47 APR Scores and Growth04:09 Attendance and Community Support05:04 Teacher Introductions05:51 Classroom Insights and Teaching Strategies15:39 Engaging Students with Themes18:40 Technological Evolution in Teaching23:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
December 2025 School Board Meeting
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Otten, and Mr. Peirick review positive developments and activities in the schools. The podcast covers significant financial updates, including discussions on the Governor's State Formula task force and future budget implications. Further updates include ongoing facility improvements funded by the 2024 bond issue and minor policy changes. Lastly, listeners are informed about upcoming community updates, staff resignations, job openings, and a new communication platform set to launch in early 2026.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:38 Elementary School Highlights01:55 Middle and High School Updates03:08 Financial Updates and State Formula Task Force05:06 Facility Improvements and Bids07:11 Policy Updates and New Business08:20 Math Intervention and New Website09:53 Resignations and Job Openings11:19 Conclusion and Next Month's Preview
November 2025 School Board Meeting
This episode of Shamrock Stories focuses on the New Haven School District's board meeting from November 12th, 2025. Key highlights include the recognition of Mrs. Kimberly Monzyk with the Emerson's Teaching Excellence Award, a successful sock and glove drive led by the middle school's student council, and a powerful Veterans' Day event. The board reviewed and approved two important reports—the audit report and the Student Achievement report, indicating strong financial health and good academic performance. Major investment plans were discussed, including bids for infrastructure work and a plan to apply for an Ameren electric bus grant. The board also set the election filing dates for four available seats.00:00 Introduction to Shamrock Stories 01:52 Celebrating Successes in the District 02:45 Board Meeting Highlights 03:42 Infrastructure and Investments 04:28 Electric Bus Initiative 06:13 Upcoming School Board Elections 07:04 Personnel and Policy Updates 07:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Exploring Projects and Experiences with New Haven High School's Skilled Trades, Business, and Teaching Programs
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, host Mr. Peirick interviews Mr. Luecke and his students about their recent project framing the inside of the band trailer. They discuss the process, challenges, and learning experiences gained. Later, students from New Haven High School share their experiences at the Four Rivers Career Center, highlighting different programs like welding, teaching, and global business. They discuss their motivations, favorite projects, and the valuable skills and connections they have developed. The episode underscores the importance of community involvement and practical, hands-on learning in shaping their future careers.00:00 Introduction to Shamrock Stories00:32 Meet Mr. Luecke and the Woodchucks01:03 Community Projects and School Involvement02:07 The Band Trailer Project03:25 Student Experiences and Challenges06:31 Learning and Future Career Plans12:36 Woodworking Class Projects13:48 Welding at Four Rivers Career Center16:57 Introduction to New Students17:31 Programs at Four Rivers Career Center18:40 Choosing Career Paths20:11 Exploring Career Paths: Welding, Teaching, and Business21:54 Diving into the Welding Program24:04 Teaching Careers: Classroom to Real-World Experience26:07 Business Class: Real-World Applications and Projects28:32 Favorite Experiences and Challenges at Four Rivers41:33 Advice for Future Students and Final Thoughts
October 2025 School Board Meeting
In this month’s episode, Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Otten, and Mr. Peirick sit down with Ms. Zumsteg to talk about the work happening in our Food Service Department and the impact it has on students each day. They also highlight events from the past month, share updates on the district’s long-range facility plan, and discuss progress on the technology plan.Tune in for an inside look at how New Haven Schools continue to grow and serve our students and community!
A Student Council Interview with Mr. Peirick
The Student Council President and Vice President take the lead in this episode as they interview Mr. Peirick, who is stepping into his new role as high school and middle school principal. They ask the questions students want to know—about his path to this position, his vision for the future, and what he’s most excited about in working with them.
September 2025 School Board Meeting
In this month’s episode, Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Otten, and Mr. Peirick share highlights from the past month in the New Haven School District. The conversation covers recent events and celebrations, updates on district policies, and the latest discussions around the long-range facility plan.Tune in for a quick and informative look at what’s happening across our schools and how the Board is planning for the future.
4th Grade's Trip to the Capitol
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Mrs. Otten chats with our 4th graders about their big field trip to the Missouri State Capitol. From exploring history to sharing their favorite moments, hear what stood out most to our students on this memorable day!
Sixth Grade Interview
Mrs. Otten sits down with three sixth graders to talk about the start of their final year at the elementary school. They share favorite moments so far , what they’re looking forward to, and their thoughts about becoming middle school students next year.
August 2025 School Board Meeting
In this episode, Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Otten, and Mr. Peirick chat about the first days of school, setting the tax rates, updates on construction projects, new staff, policy updates, and other decisions from the August board meeting.
July 2025 School Board Meeting
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Dr. Hoener is joined by Mrs. Otten and Mr. Peirick to provide an update following the July meeting of the New Haven School Board.
May and June 2025 School Board Meetings
Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Wnuk, and Mrs. Otten provide highlights from the May and June school board meetings.
Senior Trip 2025 Review
Four seniors sit down with Mrs. Wnuk to reflect on the 2025 Senior Trip in this episode of Shamrock Stories.
National FBLA 2025
Join us as we sit down with the standout students representing New Haven at the National FBLA Conference! Hear how they prepared, what drives their passion for business leadership, and what this incredible opportunity means to them.
April 2025 School Board Meetings
Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Wnuk, and Mrs. Otten provide highlights from the April 9th and April 16th school board meetings.
Kindergarten Interviews
Mrs. Otten sits down with four kindergarteners for a fun chat about their first year of school.
Senior Trip Preview
Mrs. Wnuk previews the 2025 Senior Trip with four of our seniors in this edition of Shamrock Stories.
March 2025 School Board Meeting
In the latest edition of Shamrock Stories, Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Wnuk, and Mrs. Otten provide highlights from the March 12, 2025, school board meeting.
Legislative Update
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Dr. Hoener provides updates on Senate Bill 63 and House Bill 711.
Academic Report 2024
In this episode of Shamrock Stories, Dr. Hoener, Mrs. Otten, and Mrs. Wnuk discuss the New Haven School District's 2024 Academic Report. Presented to the Board in December, this report highlights the district's successes on the MAP tests and Annual Performance Report.
Episode 0: Introduction
Introducing Shamrock Stories! Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform.