A Conversation with Gina Yacovetta

Who's Behind the Bulldog?

Today’s conversation is with Arvada’s principal and one of my personal heroes, Gina Yacovetta. Gina has been a really amazing mentor to me and I have been honored to learn countless things from her about leadership, supporting our community and so much more since I started a year ago. In our podcast, I ask her about some of the successes and challenges she’s experienced over her 31 years in Jeffco, about how and why Arvada became a New Tech partner, and about why she believes in Project Based Learning. Gina has just found out that Arvada is going to be featured on the national news for our work with Restorative Practices, so I also ask for her thoughts on that and how we can navigate this approach to discipline. This episode was recorded on July 29, 2020. At the current time our district is planning on moving to a hybrid model after a two week remote start. Please note that I may call this episode the Hummingbird episode as the microphones picked up some rather obnoxious hummingbird buzz. So I do apologize in advance for this distraction. You are most likely not driving with hummingbirds invading your house or car as it may feel. Not to worry, though, as it is very clear to hear Gina and all of her inspiring messaging.