Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:26:24 -0400 https://thrivecast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 THRIVEcast - Focused on Flint Kids Thriving yes 5054e758-6715-5be3-abf9-53be9f1f16e5 The Flint Center for Educational Excellence episodic false THRIVEcast, presented by the Flint Center for Educational Excellence, explores the people, programs, and research shaping a community where every Flint child can thrive. Each episode highlights the center’s work with schools, families, and community partners to build an educational ecosystem that supports Flint kids’ success and wellbeing.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) The Flint Center for Educational Excellence https://storage.buzzsprout.com/35dftgpr1zr9jgjwaqdrxt8kviyh?.jpg Why Attendance Matters: Understanding and Addressing Absenteeism This episode of Thrive Cast continues an important conversation on chronic school absenteeism, exploring the complex and often overlooked reasons students struggle to attend school consistently. From transportation challenges and unstable housing to mental health concerns and lack of motivation, the discussion highlights the real barriers many young people face. Drawing on insights from student intake experiences, the episode also sheds light on resources available to support families and help students stay engaged in their education. It’s a thoughtful look at a widespread issue—and the steps communities can take to make a difference.

]]> This episode of Thrive Cast continues an important conversation on chronic school absenteeism, exploring the complex and often overlooked reasons students struggle to attend school consistently. From transportation challenges and unstable housing to mental health concerns and lack of motivation, the discussion highlights the real barriers many young people face. Drawing on insights from student intake experiences, the episode also sheds light on resources available to support families and help students stay engaged in their education. It’s a thoughtful look at a widespread issue—and the steps communities can take to make a difference.

]]> The Flint Center for Educational Excellence Buzzsprout-19008172 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1270 full false Why Students Miss School: Understanding Chronic Absenteeism In this episode of THRIVEcast, we discuss the growing issue of chronic school absenteeism and the many barriers that can prevent students from attending school consistently. Through perspectives from education leaders, youth advocates, mentors, and a student, the conversation explores challenges such as transportation, out-of-district enrollment, online learning, motivation, and access to support. Centered on the experiences of Flint students while reflecting a broader national concern, this episode highlights why attendance matters and what it takes to help young people stay engaged and succeed.

]]> In this episode of THRIVEcast, we discuss the growing issue of chronic school absenteeism and the many barriers that can prevent students from attending school consistently. Through perspectives from education leaders, youth advocates, mentors, and a student, the conversation explores challenges such as transportation, out-of-district enrollment, online learning, motivation, and access to support. Centered on the experiences of Flint students while reflecting a broader national concern, this episode highlights why attendance matters and what it takes to help young people stay engaged and succeed.

]]> The Flint Center for Educational Excellence Buzzsprout-18982294 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 3040 full false March is Reading Month: Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Learning In this episode of THRIVEcast, host Dawn Hibbard talks with Dr. Nina Hasty about the critical importance of early grade reading skills and how they set the stage for future academic success. They explore how children learn to decode, comprehend, and connect words in meaningful ways, and highlight the Flint Center’s Networked Improvement Communities initiative aimed at improving third-grade reading outcomes. Tune in to learn how foundational literacy shapes a child’s educational journey and the strategies helping Flint kids thrive.

]]> In this episode of THRIVEcast, host Dawn Hibbard talks with Dr. Nina Hasty about the critical importance of early grade reading skills and how they set the stage for future academic success. They explore how children learn to decode, comprehend, and connect words in meaningful ways, and highlight the Flint Center’s Networked Improvement Communities initiative aimed at improving third-grade reading outcomes. Tune in to learn how foundational literacy shapes a child’s educational journey and the strategies helping Flint kids thrive.

]]> The Flint Center for Educational Excellence Buzzsprout-18856923 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1756 full false