The Raider Reach

Season 2, Episode 31: Season 2 Finale: Navigating Our Growth & Next Steps with Dr. Mathews

In the season two finale of Raider Reach, District Director of Communication Meagan Hogg sits down with Lumberton ISD Superintendent Dr. Mathews to reflect on a fast-paced and transformative 2025–2026 school year. Dr. Mathews breaks down the notable cultural shift sweeping across the community, highlighting how unified communication and enhanced customer service are building stronger local partnerships. The conversation dives deep into the realities currently facing the district, including an honest look at the long-range facility planning committee's work, demographic reports indicating an aging local population, and the resulting revenue deficits caused by declining student enrollment. Despite these statewide financial balancing acts, Dr. Mathews shares why the future of LISD remains incredibly exciting, from innovative new CTE pathways like the upcoming cosmetology program to a relentless focus on elevating academic rigor. Finally, the duo looks ahead to an inspiring transition for the podcast next fall, which will shift to a student-produced format, serving as a powerful reminder of what it truly means to be on "One Team" and how every member of the Raider family has the daily opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

Season 2, Episode 30: Real World Ready with the CTE Team

In this episode of Raider Reach, Meagan Hogg sits down with part of Lumberton High School’s outstanding CTE team — Lacy Hall, Carrie Trahan, Kristi Bourque, and Lindsey Linney — to talk about the courses and experiences helping prepare Raider students for life beyond high school. From financial literacy and interview skills to collaboration, communication, and real-world technology applications, this conversation highlights how Career & Technical Education equips students with practical skills they’ll use for years to come. Along the way, the team shares funny classroom memories, heartfelt student success stories, and the passion behind helping students grow into confident, capable adults.

Season 2, Episode 29- Breaking Barriers: Supporting Student Success Through Section 504

In this episode of Raider Reach, host Meagan Hogg sits down with Lumberton ISD’s campus Section 504 Coordinators — Kayla Wilson, Ashley Nicholson, and Jennifer Rinando — to break down what Section 504 services really mean for students and families. From medical accommodations to academic support, the conversation highlights how individualized plans help remove barriers and create equal opportunities for student success. Listeners will gain insight into the referral process, common misconceptions, real-life examples of accommodations, and the collaborative effort between schools and families to support every child. Plus, the coordinators share heartfelt stories, practical advice, and encouragement for parents navigating the process for the first time.

Season 2, Episode 28: The Impact of Substitute Teachers with Jana Moore

In this episode of Raider Reach, we sit down with Jana Moore, Lumberton ISD’s District Substitute Specialist and HR Assistant, to shine a light on the critical role substitute teachers play in keeping our classrooms running smoothly. Jana shares her journey from hairstylist to central office, and how her passion for people led her to a role that supports both students and staff every day.
Listeners will get an inside look at how substitutes are recruited, trained, and supported—and why they are such a vital part of the Raider family. From flexible schedules to meaningful connections on campus, Jana highlights how subbing can open doors to careers in education and beyond. Whether you’re a parent, community member, or someone considering a new opportunity, this episode will inspire you to see the value and impact of stepping in when it matters most.

Season 2, Episode 27: The Intermediate Bridge – Building Confidence through MTSS

In the final installment of our series on district-wide supports, host Meagan Hogg sits down with Kerry Koch and Valerie Gill from the Lumberton Intermediate School (LIS) intervention team. As students transition into grades 3–5, they face a significant academic shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn," while simultaneously tackling increasingly complex multi-step math problems. Kerry and Valerie share how they use data-driven, individualized strategies—from phonics-based games like "Roll and Read" to multiplication songs—to fill learning gaps and boost student morale. By focusing on both skill and performance deficits in small-group settings, this team ensures that every student develops the independence and "mental stamina" required for success as they prepare for the jump to middle school.

Season 2, Episode 26: Closing the Gaps: Inside LMS Intervention & Dyslexia Support

In this episode of Raider Reach, we sit down with the incredible Lumberton Middle School Intervention Team—Meegan Coleman, Laurie Swindells, and Brandi Meaux—to explore how they are transforming student success through MTSS and dyslexia support. From data-driven interventions to personalized learning plans, this team works collaboratively to ensure no student falls through the cracks. They share how early identification, strong relationships, and a supportive environment help students build confidence, close learning gaps, and thrive both academically and emotionally. You’ll also hear how their work empowers students to advocate for themselves and celebrate their growth along the way.

Season 2, Episode 25: Closing the Gaps – The Vital Role of MTSS at LPS and LECS

In this insightful episode of Raider Reach, host Meagan Hogg welcomes four dedicated educators—Janice Pullen, Courtney Yust, Tanya Michalk, and Tammy Conger—to discuss the "safety net" of Lumberton ISD: the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). These phenomenal educators share their personal journeys as Lumberton graduates and long-time teachers, explaining how they use data and individualized lesson plans to ensure no student falls through the academic or emotional cracks. From the "rock star" confidence-building in kindergarten to the "light bulb moments" in primary school, this episode explores how MTSS provides a whole-child approach to bridging learning gaps and fostering student success long before state testing ever begins.

Season 2, Episode 24: Lumberton Cheer- From Support on the Sidelines to National Champions

In this high-energy episode of Raider Reach, host Meagan Hogg sits down with the architects and leaders of Lumberton’s first-ever UCA National Championship win. Join Coach Chelsye Hernandez, Coach Meagan Scales, and Senior Captain Parker Powell as they pull back the curtain on the grueling preparation and the emotional moment their knees buckled when "Lumberton" was called out in Orlando. From Coach Hernandez’s journey from LHS clarinet player to math-teacher-turned-coach, to Coach Scales' accidental "yes" to be a cheer coach and Parker’s evolution into a powerhouse athlete, this episode explores the grit, conditioning, and "quality over quantity" mindset that transformed the program into a national champion.

Season 2, Episode 23: Marketing Students for Success: Real-World Lessons with Bryan Thomas

In this episode of Raider Reach, host Meagan Hogg sits down with Lumberton High School Marketing and Sales teacher Bryan Thomas to explore how students are gaining real-world skills through the business and marketing program. From foundational courses to the hands-on career preparation class, students learn the importance of work ethic, professionalism, and personal branding. Bryan shares how he connects classroom learning to real job experiences, emphasizing skills like resume writing, interviewing, and financial literacy. The episode also highlights the impactful mock interview event, where students engage with community business leaders and gain invaluable experience. This conversation showcases how students are learning to confidently “market themselves” as they prepare for life beyond high school.

Season 2, Episode 22: Serving Up Success: Inside Lumberton ISD’s Culinary Program

In this episode of Raider Reach, host Megan Hogg sits down with culinary teachers Kim McKinstry and Colleen Slaydon to explore the dynamic culinary arts program at Lumberton High School. From foundational skills and food safety certifications to advanced culinary techniques and real-world practicum experiences, students are gaining hands-on knowledge that prepares them for a wide range of careers. Beyond the kitchen, the conversation highlights the importance of service, creativity, and life skills that extend far beyond cooking. With engaging stories, student success examples, and a behind-the-scenes look at competitions and campus café operations, this episode showcases how the culinary program is truly “serving up” opportunities for Raider students.