HCS Talks - featuring Superintendent, Dr. Raymond Haynes

Hampton City Schools

HCS Talks is designed to educate, inform, and entertain our community and beyond. We will talk about education, students, teachers, support staff, parents, programs and initiatives, community partnerships, and more. Listen to learn more about Hampton City Schools!

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23 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 30 min
English

Episodes 23

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S4 · E4
Thursday · 25 min
Meet the HCS Middle School Teacher of the Year, Belynda Kirby
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Belynda Kirby, the 2026–27 Hampton City Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year. A seventh-grade U.S. history teacher at Lindsay Middle School, Kirby shares her journey from parent volunteer and substitute teacher to discovering her passion for education. She discusses building trusting relationships with students, creating a welcoming classroom, and helping young people develop communication skills as they prepare for high school. Kirby also shares how starting and coaching Lindsay’s girls’ flag football team provides opportunities for students to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, and reflects on the determination her students show both in and beyond the classroom.
S4 · E3
September 24 · 16 min
Meet the HCS Divisionwide Teacher of the Year, Erin Miller
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Erin Miller, the 2026–27 Hampton City Schools Teacher of the Year and the school division’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year. A Hampton native and Armstrong School for the Arts educator, Miller shares her journey from wanting to become a teacher as a child to an 18-year career in education. She discusses the relationships she builds with students, creating a classroom where students feel comfortable speaking up and collaborating, and the lessons students have taught her along the way.
S4 · E2
September 10 · 34 min
The Students Are Back and They Have a Lot to Say
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes continues his conversations with students by visiting Aberdeen Elementary School and Jones Magnet Middle School. Maribel Desmond and Damarko Pannell Jr. share what they enjoy about being Aberdeen Lions, from seeing friends and meeting their teachers to being part of a strong school community. At Jones, Christian Gordon and Wisdom Armstrong talk about the start of their eighth-grade year, their favorite parts of middle school, and preparing for the transition to high school. Through their honest and fun perspectives, these younger students give listeners a glimpse into what the first weeks of school look and feel like through their eyes.
S4 · E1
August 27 · 29 min
HCS Seniors Reflect on Their Final Year
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Josiah Porter Jordan and Nadia Malone, students at Phoebus High School, to hear their perspectives and experiences as Hampton City Schools students. Through their conversation, they share their journeys, the opportunities that have shaped them, and what it means to be part of the Phoebus High School community. This student-led discussion highlights the power of student voice and the unique experiences helping prepare young people for their futures.
S3 · E23
June 4 · 29 min
HCS’ Kara Hart Is Virginia’s Counselor of the Year
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Kara Hart, school counselor at Bryan Elementary School, who was recently named the Virginia Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Hart shares her journey into school counseling, the importance of building strong relationships with students and families, and how counseling supports the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every child. The conversation highlights the impact of student support services and celebrates the statewide recognition of Hart’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping students thrive.
S3 · E22
May 21 · 28 min
Serving Those Who Serve: Supporting Military Families
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Col. Steven Dillenburger, Deputy Commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, to discuss the strong partnership between the military and Hampton City Schools. They explore how the division supports military-connected students and families, the importance of adaptability and resilience, and the shared commitment to student success. The conversation highlights how collaboration with JBLE helps create supportive, responsive school environments for a highly mobile military community.
S3 · E21
May 7 · 22 min
Building Confidence One Conversation at a Time
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Hampton High School freshmen Sheldon Wallace and Khyler Synaker about their student-led initiative, Cuts and Conversations. What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful program that provides free haircuts alongside meaningful conversations to support student confidence, mental health, and a sense of belonging. Through partnerships with local barbers and community members, these students are creating safe spaces for their peers to open up, build connections, and grow as leader while demonstrating the impact of student voice and service in action.
S3 · E20
April 23 · 40 min
Inside HCS Capital Improvement Projects
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Dr. Dan Bowling, Chief Operations Officer, to discuss the many capital improvement projects happening across Hampton City Schools. They explore how renovations, upgrades, and long-term planning are transforming school facilities into modern, safe, and engaging learning environments. From infrastructure updates to future-ready design, the conversation highlights how these investments directly support student success and strengthen the entire school community.
S3 · E19
April 9 · 31 min
Students Turning Passion into Purpose
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Shawn Battle and Ava Tanner, students in Bethel High School’s Academy of Law & Public Safety (ALPS), about their experiences exploring careers in law, public safety, and leadership. They share how the program provides hands-on learning, real-world connections, and opportunities to build critical thinking and communication skills. The conversation highlights how ALPS is preparing students for future careers while helping them grow as confident, service-minded leaders.
S3 · E18
March 26 · 33 min
The Spartan Times interviews Dr. Haynes
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is interviewed by Sa'Mayah O’Neal, an eighth-grade student at Syms Middle School and member of the Spartan Times student newspaper, alongside advisor and English teacher Allisa Wyche. Sa'Mayah leads the conversation with thoughtful questions about Dr. Haynes’ journey, leadership, and vision for Hampton City Schools. From favorite teachers to advice for students and the future of education, this engaging, student-driven discussion highlights the power of student voice, curiosity, and leadership in action.
S3 · E17
March 12 · 23 min
How Dual Enrollment Opens Doors for HCS Students
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is joined by Shameka Pollard, chief of secondary school leadership, and Dr. Sean Callender, director of secondary school leadership, to discuss how Hampton City Schools is expanding access to dual enrollment and career certification opportunities. They explain how partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College allow students to earn college credit, industry certifications, and even associate degrees at no cost to families. The conversation highlights how these programs prepare students academically, financially, and career-wise by helping them graduate college, career, and life-ready.
S3 · E16
February 26 · 44 min
How CNU and HCS Are Building Student Leadership
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes chats with Brandon Jones, senior director for school partnerships and outreach for Christopher Newport University and Dr. Veronica Hurd, director of the Academies of Hampton, about how Hampton City Schools is strengthening student leadership across grade levels. They discuss the partnership with CNU, which connects college students with HCS high school students through mentorship and leadership development. Also, the middle school ambassador program helps younger students build confidence and communication skills early on. The conversation highlights how these programs empower students to lead, serve, and positively impact their school communities.
S3 · E15
February 12 · 38 min
How social workers support HCS students
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Dr. Bruce Copeland, Hampton City Schools’ Coordinator of Social Work Services, about the critical role social workers play in supporting students and families across the division. Dr. Copeland shares how HCS social workers address mental health needs, remove barriers to learning, and connect families with essential resources. The conversation highlights the importance of trauma-informed practices, collaboration with schools and community partners, and ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
S3 · E14
January 29 · 41 min
Discussing the new accreditation and accountability model
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes is joined by Dr. John Caggiano, deputy superintendent and chief of staff, and Dr. James T. Harris, chief academic officer, to break down Virginia’s new accreditation and accountability model. They explain how the updated system measures student achievement, growth, and readiness for life after high school, while highlighting how Hampton City Schools is performing under the new framework. The conversation offers clarity for families and the community, celebrating areas of success while outlining strategies to support continuous improvement and ensure every student thrives.
S3 · E13
January 15 · 35 min
Project SEARCH: Building Confidence, Careers, and Community
In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Project SEARCH instructor Ashley Colon and graduate Tyree Fullerton. They share how Project SEARCH supports students with disabilities as they transition from high school to competitive employment. Tyree shares his powerful personal journey from uncertainty and loss to confidence, purpose, and meaningful work as a Hampton City Schools employee. This podcast highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship, workplace immersion, and belonging.
S3 · E12
January 1 · 26 min
Creating Classroom Connections with Emmanuelle Poulson
In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Emmanuelle Poulson, third-grade teacher and climate coach at Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology. Poulson shares her journey from Brooklyn to Hampton, her passion for elementary education, and the teachers who inspired her to enter the profession. This uplifting conversation celebrates the heart of teaching, mentorship, and the power of connection in the classroom.
S3 · E11
Dec 18, 2025 · 21 min
Global Experiences Shape This Career-Switcher’s Classroom
In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Jessica Hanthorn, English teacher and yearbook advisor at Kecoughtan High School. Hanthorn shares her unique journey from journalist to educator, including teaching across the world as a Navy spouse in places like Hawaii, Seattle, and Bahrain. She discusses how storytelling, writing, and real-world experiences shape her classroom, helping students discover their voices and confidence. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of building readers, writers, and strong connections especially with military-connected students.
S3 · E10
Dec 4, 2025 · 35 min
HCS Student Voices Lead the Way
In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Hampton City Schools’ student representatives to the School Board, Kaleb Lucas of Phoebus High School and Saige Holden of Bethel High School. They discuss student leadership, community service, and what it means to represent their peers across the division. From balancing academics and extracurriculars to inspiring future leaders, these students show how the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate comes to life in action.
S3 · E9
Nov 20, 2025 · 30 min
HCS High School Teacher of the Year: Ashley Winfield
In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Ashley Winfield, English teacher at Phoebus High School and Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 High School Teacher of the Year. A proud Bethel High graduate, Winfield shares her journey into education, her passion for supporting students with disabilities, and the teachers who inspired her along the way. She discusses how the Academies of Hampton make learning more relevant, her creative use of technology in the classroom, and the importance of mentoring new teachers. This conversation highlights the lasting impact of building relationships, embracing innovation, and helping students connect their education to future goals.
S3 · E8
Nov 6, 2025 · 23 min
HCS Middle School Teacher of the Year: Stacey-Ann Facey
In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Stacey-Ann Facey, Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 Middle School Teacher of the Year from Lindsay Middle School. Facey shares her journey from Jamaica to Massachusetts to Hampton, her passion for teaching English language arts, and the relationships she builds to help students see their value and potential. She reflects on her humble approach to teaching, the importance of collaboration, and how educators shape students’ lives far beyond the classroom. This inspiring conversation highlights the heart of teaching and the powerful impact of educators on future leaders.

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