The Purple Zone

• The Culture Keeper: Building Schools Everyone Believes In

  Send us a textWhat does it take to build a school culture that kids, teachers, and families all want to be part of? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Sperber, longtime educator, self-described Culture Keeper, and incoming superintendent of the Lewiston School District. With experience as an administrator at every level: elementary, middle, high school, and alternative. Tim shares what he's learned about trust, connection, and the kind of leadership that brings a whole community together.We talk about what it really means to lead from within, how to engage every corner of a school community, and why his next chapter as superintendent is rooted in decades of showing up. On a personal note, Tim is the only principal who had all four of my kids in his building. What I saw, as a parent, changed my understanding of what’s possible. This conversation is a reminder: the right leadership can shape a child's entire journey, from kindergarten to graduation.Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential [email protected] great resources and info on school communities:https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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• What If We Talked Like Everyone Mattered?--The Dignity Index with Tami Pyfer

  Send us a textA year in the making, I was fortunate to sit down with Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index, for a conversation that could truly change the way we engage with the world around us.The Dignity Index is more than a measurement—it’s a movement. It’s a tool for self-reflection and public dialogue that helps us recognize the tone and impact of how we communicate—especially when we disagree.And it’s not just for political debates or social media threads. The Dignity Index has powerful relevance in our school communities. At a time when:Politicians are reshaping how they talk about education,Parents are expressing evolving hopes and concerns, andEducators are navigating profound shifts in their profession—...this tool can help us show up differently. More aware. Less reactive. More human.In this episode, we talk about:How the Dignity Index began and why it matters now more than everThe difference between being "nice" and offering dignityWhy contempt is so corrosive—and how we can move away from itWhat it looks like to hold strong views while still honoring others as humanI love to say: Respect is earned. Dignity is offered.💬 Join the conversation. Be part of the dignity movement: dignity.us🙌 Follow along and connect with me on social media—and please share this episode with someone you know. It takes courage to speak with dignity. Let’s lead the way.Follow the Dignity Index on InstagramConnect with Tami Pyfer on InstagramFind Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential [email protected] great resources and info on school communities:https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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• Tech That Helps Parents Protect & Connect: Rethinking Digital Parenting with the Smartphone Alternative Troomi

  Send us a textExplore how Troomi is helping parents stay connected while setting healthy boundaries—because safer tech leads to stronger families."Troomi is the kids safe phone for digital wellness and positive mental health."           --Bill BradyIn this episode, I sat down with Bill Brady, co-founder and CEO of Troomi—a kid-safe smartphone alternative designed with both connection and protection in mind. We dive into the why behind Troomi, exploring how it aims to give parents peace of mind through powerful features like integrated upstream prevention tools and a uniquely intuitive parent dashboard that goes beyond what most of us knew was possible.Bill shares inspiring and eye-opening stories that will both warm your heart and make you pause—because this is not just about tech; it’s about raising kids in a world that’s changing fast. As parents, we are in a defining moment where being informed isn’t optional—it’s essential. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to tech and teens, which is why knowing your options matters more than ever.We also touch on themes from The Anxious Generation, especially the importance of encouraging real-life risk-taking and reducing screen dependency—at home and in our schools. This conversation took place just before the More Social, Less Media summit, so we also unpack the importance of creating more real-world, social experiences for kids and teens.Whether you're curious about safer tech solutions or looking to understand how entrepreneurial thinking can shape a better future for our children—this episode is one you won’t want to miss.Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential [email protected] great resources and info on school communities:https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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• Crowded Classrooms, Cheerful Chalkboards, and a Case for a New Elementary School

  Send us a textWhat’s it really like to be an elementary school teacher in Idaho? In this episode, I chat with Teri Smith, a dedicated educator from the Middleton School District, about the joy, heart, challenges, and everyday realities of teaching.We talk about what it feels like walking into the classroom on the first day of school versus the last, how much goes into prepping for class, what caring for our students truly looks like—and yes, even the need to plan ahead just to use the bathroom!Teri also shares what it’s like teaching in an overcrowded building, what overcapacity means for Idaho kids, and why she’s still all in on the work she loves. Plus, we explore the push for a new elementary school to meet the growing needs of the community.🎧 Join us for stories, laughter, and real talk from inside the classroom. 💬 Love what you hear? Leave a review and hit follow! 📲 Find me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more!Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential [email protected] great resources and info on school communities:https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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• Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA): Exciting Opportunities for Your K-12 Journey

  Send us a textJoin Alexis as she sits down with Jeff Simmons, Superintendent of the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), to explore the incredible opportunities this online school provides to students across Idaho. From elementary to high school, IDLA offers courses for students at every level, including summertime classes designed to combat the "summer slide." Not sure what the summer slide is? Tune in to find out! They also discuss how IDLA enables students to take dual credit courses, earn CTE certifications, and utilize Advanced Opportunities funding to cover all costs. Plus, don't miss the HUGE announcement that WILL impact families statewide. This episode is packed with valuable insights for every parent in Idaho—be sure to listen and share! Have questions? Reach out to Alexis directly!About IDLA:Idaho Digital Learning Alliance was created by the Idaho State Legislature (Title 33, Chapter 55 Idaho Code, 2002) and Idaho educators, developed for Idaho students, and is recognized as a leader across the nation in online virtual education. Idaho Digital Learning Alliance was created to provide access, equity, and flexibility for students in the state of Idaho according to its statutory authority, and Idaho Digital Learning Alliance enables the state to meet its constitutional requirement to provide a uniform and thorough educational system.Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential [email protected] great resources and info on school communities:https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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