Bullis Voices Thu, 21 May 2026 06:05:15 -0400 https://bullis.org en-us © 2026 Bullis Voices yes 4dfcc07a-5e89-540d-b9c1-b5b3f79e1531 Bullis School Office of Communications episodic false Bullis Voices goes behind the scenes at Bullis School to show how academic rigor and genuine joy live in the same classroom. Host Mark Riffee sits down with the educators who design the learning—teachers and program leaders—to unpack the practices, stories, and the “why” behind them. Each episode spotlights a single idea you can feel on campus: Responsive Classroom in the Lower School, physics and human anatomy speaking to each other, what a “great normal day” in English looks like, how Middle School culture builds belonging, and how theatre grows courage—just to name a few. Whether you’re a current family, prospective parent, alum, or educator, you’ll hear how Bullis helps students become curious, capable, and kind—ready for what’s next.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) education, independent school, K-12, Maryland, DC, Virginia, pedagogy, experiential learning Bullis School Office of Communications https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ywp1huhqp4de2hpatkv1kh2zvxvn?.jpg Bullis Voices https://bullis.org Steve Chester: History, Curiosity, and the Wider World Steve Chester: History, Curiosity, and the Wider World Upper School history teacher and Director of Global Studies Steve Chester explores how studying the past helps students better understand the present. From AP World History discussions about current events and civil discourse to transformative travel experiences in places like Japan, Germany, and Iceland, Steve shares how curiosity, critical thinking, and firsthand experience help students become more informed and empathetic global citizens.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Upper School history teacher and Director of Global Studies Steve Chester explores how studying the past helps students better understand the present. From AP World History discussions about current events and civil discourse to transformative travel experiences in places like Japan, Germany, and Iceland, Steve shares how curiosity, critical thinking, and firsthand experience help students become more informed and empathetic global citizens.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-19172089 Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1817 full false Dr. Amanda Ross: Confidence, Belonging, and Sophomore Year Dr. Amanda Ross: Confidence, Belonging, and Sophomore Year Tenth-Grade Dean Dr. Amanda Ross shares how she helps sophomores build confidence, belonging, empathy, and independence during a pivotal year of high school. She discusses her “invisible crown” philosophy, the importance of relationships, service learning, Model UN, leadership, and the whole-child approach that helps Bullis students grow into the best versions of themselves.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Tenth-Grade Dean Dr. Amanda Ross shares how she helps sophomores build confidence, belonging, empathy, and independence during a pivotal year of high school. She discusses her “invisible crown” philosophy, the importance of relationships, service learning, Model UN, leadership, and the whole-child approach that helps Bullis students grow into the best versions of themselves.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-19092057 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1823 1 10 full false Christin Felt: The Ninth-Grade Transition and Women's Leadership Christin Felt: The Ninth-Grade Transition and Women's Leadership Ninth-Grade Dean and Upper School English teacher Christin Felt sits at the center of one of the most important transitions in a student’s Bullis journey. In this episode, she shares what makes the move from Middle School to Upper School uniquely challenging—and what students actually need to succeed. The conversation explores habits, self-advocacy, and the social and emotional shifts that define ninth grade, along with the systems Bullis has in place to support students and families along the way. Christin also reflects on her work leading Women’s Leadership trips to Costa Rica and how those experiences shape her approach to helping students build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Ninth-Grade Dean and Upper School English teacher Christin Felt sits at the center of one of the most important transitions in a student’s Bullis journey. In this episode, she shares what makes the move from Middle School to Upper School uniquely challenging—and what students actually need to succeed. The conversation explores habits, self-advocacy, and the social and emotional shifts that define ninth grade, along with the systems Bullis has in place to support students and families along the way. Christin also reflects on her work leading Women’s Leadership trips to Costa Rica and how those experiences shape her approach to helping students build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-19055169 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1698 1 9 full false Dr. B: Making Science Come Alive Dr. B: Making Science Come Alive Beloved Bullis teacher Dr. Duruhan Badraslioglu shares how he creates science classes that students remember long after they leave. From hands-on experiments to real-world connections, his classroom is a place where curiosity drives learning. In this episode, Dr. B reflects on what makes science exciting, how he continually reinvents his courses, and what students gain when they’re encouraged to test, question, and discover for themselves.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Beloved Bullis teacher Dr. Duruhan Badraslioglu shares how he creates science classes that students remember long after they leave. From hands-on experiments to real-world connections, his classroom is a place where curiosity drives learning. In this episode, Dr. B reflects on what makes science exciting, how he continually reinvents his courses, and what students gain when they’re encouraged to test, question, and discover for themselves.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18867799 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1570 1 8 full false Kashi Barrett: Movement, Confidence, and Creative Expression Kashi Barrett: Movement, Confidence, and Creative Expression Dance and movement teacher Kashi Barrett brings joy, creativity, and deep care to her work with Lower and Middle School students at Bullis. In this episode, she talks about how movement helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and work together as a team. The conversation explores her journey in the performing arts and education, the philosophy behind her classroom, and how discipline and freedom come together in the creative process. Along the way, Kashi reflects on the growth she sees in her students—and the iconic flash-mob dances that have become beloved moments of celebration in the Lower School community.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Dance and movement teacher Kashi Barrett brings joy, creativity, and deep care to her work with Lower and Middle School students at Bullis. In this episode, she talks about how movement helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and work together as a team. The conversation explores her journey in the performing arts and education, the philosophy behind her classroom, and how discipline and freedom come together in the creative process. Along the way, Kashi reflects on the growth she sees in her students—and the iconic flash-mob dances that have become beloved moments of celebration in the Lower School community.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18823861 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1764 1 7 full false Caitlin Zolet: Energy, Community, and Senior Year Caitlin Zolet: Energy, Community, and Senior Year Upper School Math Department Chair and 12th-Grade Dean Caitlin Zolet brings humor, empathy, and high expectations to everything she does at Bullis. She shares what it takes to make math feel approachable—and even fun—while building a classroom culture where students feel capable of taking risks and working through hard problems. Caitlin also reflects on how years of coaching field hockey have shaped her leadership, what serious horseback riding has taught her about discipline and partnership, and how she helps seniors make the most of their final chapter—building community, staying present, and leaving Bullis confident and ready for what’s next.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Upper School Math Department Chair and 12th-Grade Dean Caitlin Zolet brings humor, empathy, and high expectations to everything she does at Bullis. She shares what it takes to make math feel approachable—and even fun—while building a classroom culture where students feel capable of taking risks and working through hard problems. Caitlin also reflects on how years of coaching field hockey have shaped her leadership, what serious horseback riding has taught her about discipline and partnership, and how she helps seniors make the most of their final chapter—building community, staying present, and leaving Bullis confident and ready for what’s next.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18742081 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1528 1 6 full false Portrait in Practice: Dr. Celeste McDaniels on Upper School Growth Portrait in Practice: Dr. Celeste McDaniels on Upper School Growth Head of Upper School Dr. Celeste McDaniels, Ph.D. joins Bullis Voices to explore how the Portrait of a Graduate comes to life each day in the Upper School. A former chemistry teacher, Dr. McDaniels shares how clear thinking, perseverance, and strong communication shape classrooms, labs, studios, and communities. The conversation touches on joyful lifelong learning, global citizenship, embracing challenge, contributing to community, and mindful exploration—revealing how Bullis prepares students to think deeply, act with empathy, and navigate a changing world with confidence.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Head of Upper School Dr. Celeste McDaniels, Ph.D. joins Bullis Voices to explore how the Portrait of a Graduate comes to life each day in the Upper School. A former chemistry teacher, Dr. McDaniels shares how clear thinking, perseverance, and strong communication shape classrooms, labs, studios, and communities. The conversation touches on joyful lifelong learning, global citizenship, embracing challenge, contributing to community, and mindful exploration—revealing how Bullis prepares students to think deeply, act with empathy, and navigate a changing world with confidence.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18660377 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1626 1 5 full false Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears: Culture, Curiosity, and Challenge in Middle School Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears: Culture, Curiosity, and Challenge in Middle School Title
Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears: Culture, Curiosity, and Challenge in Middle School

Description
Head of Middle School Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears talks about the culture he’s building at Bullis—where students feel known, traditions bind grades together, and meaningful challenge is part of every day. He shares how interdisciplinary inquiry makes learning feel real, how feedback and productive struggle work for 11–14-year-olds, and how the division partners with families so growth is visible at home. Joe also reflects on the whole-child experiences he champions—time outside, creative exploration, and thoughtful challenge—and how those passions shape a Middle School that’s alive with purpose.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Title
Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears: Culture, Curiosity, and Challenge in Middle School

Description
Head of Middle School Dr. Joe Weinstein-Sears talks about the culture he’s building at Bullis—where students feel known, traditions bind grades together, and meaningful challenge is part of every day. He shares how interdisciplinary inquiry makes learning feel real, how feedback and productive struggle work for 11–14-year-olds, and how the division partners with families so growth is visible at home. Joe also reflects on the whole-child experiences he champions—time outside, creative exploration, and thoughtful challenge—and how those passions shape a Middle School that’s alive with purpose.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18623837 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2008 1 4 full false Amanda Lombardo: Reading, Writing, Becoming Amanda Lombardo: Reading, Writing, Becoming Upper School English Department Chair Amanda Lombardo—a Bullis teacher for nearly two decades—shares what a great “normal” day looks like when high expectations and genuine fun live side by side. She discusses helping students find an authentic voice and truly listen across differences, the relationships that change lives, and what matters most as communication keeps evolving. Amanda also offers a parent’s perspective—two alumni (Nathaniel ’21, William ’25) and a current senior (Abigail ’26)—on how English builds skills, confidence, and community across the Upper School.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Upper School English Department Chair Amanda Lombardo—a Bullis teacher for nearly two decades—shares what a great “normal” day looks like when high expectations and genuine fun live side by side. She discusses helping students find an authentic voice and truly listen across differences, the relationships that change lives, and what matters most as communication keeps evolving. Amanda also offers a parent’s perspective—two alumni (Nathaniel ’21, William ’25) and a current senior (Abigail ’26)—on how English builds skills, confidence, and community across the Upper School.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18585279 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1635 1 3 full false Chelsie King: Ensemble, Courage, and Joy Chelsie King: Ensemble, Courage, and Joy Lower & Middle School Theatre teacher and Middle School Arts Department Coordinator Chelsie King shares how she builds ensembles where students feel seen, safe to take risks, and grow as artists—and as people. She talks teaching philosophy, influences, her journey in theatre and education, the craft behind notes and rehearsal, how she fits at Bullis, and what students learned performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this past summer. A joyful, rigorous look at theatre at Bullis.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Lower & Middle School Theatre teacher and Middle School Arts Department Coordinator Chelsie King shares how she builds ensembles where students feel seen, safe to take risks, and grow as artists—and as people. She talks teaching philosophy, influences, her journey in theatre and education, the craft behind notes and rehearsal, how she fits at Bullis, and what students learned performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this past summer. A joyful, rigorous look at theatre at Bullis.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Bullis School Office of Communications Buzzsprout-18547924 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2678 1 2 full false Dr. Katy Smullen: Transforming Mistakes into Growth Dr. Katy Smullen: Transforming Mistakes into Growth Lower School leader Dr. Katy Smullen joins host Mark Riffee to unpack how Bullis students transform mistakes into growth. They dig into Responsive Classroom routines that create psychological safety, how inquiry-based learning invites try–fail–try-again cycles, and the language teachers use in the moment—plus how Bullis partners with families so the “why” is clear at home. A practical, heart-forward look at rigor and joy in early learning.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Lower School leader Dr. Katy Smullen joins host Mark Riffee to unpack how Bullis students transform mistakes into growth. They dig into Responsive Classroom routines that create psychological safety, how inquiry-based learning invites try–fail–try-again cycles, and the language teachers use in the moment—plus how Bullis partners with families so the “why” is clear at home. A practical, heart-forward look at rigor and joy in early learning.

Bullis Voices is produced by the Bullis Office of Communications in Potomac, Maryland.

Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email communications@bullis.org.

Follow @Bullis_School on Instagram and Facebook.

© Bullis School. All rights reserved.

]]> Mark Riffee Buzzsprout-18500517 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 1546 1 1 full false