California School News Radio

Upland Unified School District Program Specialist Dr. Sean Delgado and Upland High School junior Geovanni Roybal discuss the District’s CTE programs, why it is important for students to have college and career options, collaborating with CTE directors from other school districts, Upland High’s auto tech pathway, and how Roybal has overcame physical disabilities to become the first Upland High student to medal at the SkillsUSA state tournament.

South Hills High School head cheer and STUNT teacher Cynthia Fuentes is joined by South Hills seniors and cheer co-captains Nadia Gonzalez and Reylene Torres, and South Hills cheer parent Deeanne Duran to discuss the South Hills cheer and STUNT team, building a championship culture, developing camaraderie, honing leadership skills, choreographing new routines, navigating league and tournament contests, balancing academics, and why strong character is so important in cheer and beyond.

Arroyo High School senior Emily Lin and El Monte Union Director of Nutrition Services Suzy Sayre discuss Lin’s advocacy for plant-based meals and beverages throughout the District, including the recently-approved Dietary Inclusion Council, a student-led advisory board that will work with Nutrition Services to develop vegetarian and vegan meals, Lin’s trip to Washington D.C. to advocate for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and Lin’s work with Friends of the Earth, which led to a $4,000 microgrant to support the Dietary Inclusion Council.

Ramona Middle School theater director Colin Campbell is joined by Ramona Drama Society Leadership members and eighth-graders Marlo P and Jayliana K, and Ramona Drama Society Parent Board President Jacqueline Pineda to discuss the Bonita Unified middle school’s thriving theater program, which includes live musical performances, improv comedy nights, student plays, and their Spring field trip to New York City, where they will receive an opportunity to tour Manhattan and see live Broadway shows.

California Early Childhood Special Education Network (CalECSE) co-executive directors Scott Turner and Melanie Hertig are joined by California Department of Education Early Childhood Support Education Administrator Christi Krause to discuss CalECSE’s Parent Videos: A Family’s Journey from Early Start to School series, designed to help families prepare for the transition from Early Start services to preschool special education. Each video in the series introduces the viewer to a family who use different native languages to tell their story, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, and American Sign Language.

Wayne Ruble Middle School computer science teacher Zahra Razi discusses the challenges of teaching AI to middle schoolers in Fontana Unified School District, integrating AI across all curriculum, AI literacy, starting an in-class mentorship program that encourages students to become leaders, and the importance of media literacy and ethics.

Jurupa Hills High School theatre director James Griffin, Jurupa Hills High drama teacher Nathan Cabrera, and Jurupa Hills High senior Matthew Lopez discuss the Players of the Palace, Jurupa Hills’ 15-year anniversary production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” what drew them into the Fontana Unified program, how theatre and stagecraft help students in college and career, participating in the California Educational Theatre Association’s annual High School Festival, their favorite all-time Players of the Palace production, and which former Jurupa Hills High alum has won an Emmy award.

Covina-Valley Unified School District Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program Coordinator Christine Sadler and Educational Audiologist Carolyn Collins discuss the district’s DHH program, which serves students ages 0-22 from Claremont to Baldwin Park in the East San Gabriel Valley SELPA region, the various hearing disorders seen throughout the district, the range of services that the district provides, the intricacies of sign language and how it changes from region to region, and South Hills High School senior and DHH student Francisco Morales, who is a star offensive lineman for the South Hills football team.

Whittier Union High School District School Psychologist Stephanie Murray and Student Well-Being Liaison Tanya Gavino de Flores discuss the District’s student well-being program, what inspired them to choose their respective professions, partnering with local colleges to bring in grad students to work as interns, creating districtwide suicide prevention protocols, why it’s important to talk to young children about suicide, how they talk to students about social media, and bringing mental wellness into the mainstream.

Fontana High School principal Joe Malatesta, AVID co-coordinator Kevin Escobar and AVID teacher Mario Echeverria discuss the school’s award-winning AVID program, the importance of being an AVID Showcase and National Demonstration School, FOHI’s AVID-inspired, Golden Bell Award-winning College Application Day, how AVID culture has spread throughout the campus, and how AVID changed the lives of FOHI graduates and former AVID students Escobar and Echeverria, who returned to the school to help teach the next generation of AVID scholars.

Bonita Unified CTE Coordinator Vanessa Tilford and Covina-Valley Unified CTE Coordinator and AVID District Director Harmonie Redding discuss their processes for bring career technical education programs to their districts, the benefits of collaborating and sharing information, how data and assessments help students find career paths, working with local employers to develop programs, and the importance of employment companies such as America’s Job Center of California. 

Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul and Asst. Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Maribel Martinez discuss their new roles in the district as top administrators, implementing a 100-day plan, the four pillars that make up the District’s strategic plan, their focus on mental wellness and commitment to students and families, and the personal journeys they took that inspired them to become educators.

Manzanita Elementary School Principal Amanda Vanessa Noriega discusses the Covina-Valley Unified school’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, its designation as a National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) 2025 Top Schools Award winner, administering DLI programs across the United States, growing up as an English learner, what training and education is needed to teach a DLI class, and how she came to love the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Live Oak Elementary School Resource Specialist and Fontana Unified School District 2024-25 Teacher of the Year Michelle Vazquez discusses developing Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with a wide range of disabilities, preparing students to transition to middle school and encouraging them to advocate for themselves, talking with parents about the need for services, collaborating with classroom teachers and aides, assisting SPED teachers through her Stepping Into Special Education podcast, and her experience as a contestant on “American Idol.”

Mountain View High School Principal Jose Relson Bañas left a small farm village in the Philippines more than 20 years ago, traveling to Southern California to teach mathematics. The El Monte Union administrator retraces the steps of his journey, from the Philippines to Compton to El Monte, and discusses the metaphorical oceans he had to cross to be successful, those of fear, doubt, and insecurity. Bañas also discusses assimilating to American pop culture, his fascination with numerology, and how he found his community in Southern California.

It’s a Season 7 clip show! California School News Radio hosts Kevin Ausmus and Drew Schlosberg share clips from top scholars and Class of 2025 graduates, including scholarship winners and Ivy League-bound students Carmen Ung (El Monte Union High School District), and Oswaldo Garcia (Whittier Union High School District); Silver Surfer service club president Emily Moore (Bonita Unified School District); Regional Center interns Marlee Walker and Jazmine Cardenas (Bonita Unified); and middle schooler Cyrus Moss (Fontana Unified School District), who successfully petitioned the school district to rename an elementary school after a pioneering Fontana African-American family.

Sunnyvale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite discusses his 15 years as an administrator at Lynwood Unified School District, including the last eight years as superintendent, his favorite teachers growing up, what inspired him to become an educator, how his students taught him how to be vulnerable, his “Dream Team” executive cabinet, the benefits of college-level dual enrollment, inspiring students to share their talent and find their identity through districtwide VAPA programs, how the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation helps students achieve their dreams of college, and the challenges he is looking forward to as the new top administrator at Sunnyvale Unified.

Rosemead High School Class of 2025 Graduate Carmen Ung discusses winning QuestBridge National Match and Edison International scholarships, the night her father brought home the laptop computer that changed her life, her passion for helping others in her community, getting involved in leadership through the “Leader in Me” program, how running cross-country eases her academic stress, and her plans to attend Yale University. 

Santa Fe High School senior Oswaldo Garcia discusses being accepted to Dartmouth College as a QuestBridge National Match Scholar, his love for romance languages, how the college prep elective AVID helped prepare him for the college admission and scholarship process, his ambition to think big and take risks, his favorite Disney characters, his favorite moment from high school, and the influence of his sister and French teacher in his education journey.

California High School Spanish teacher and Interact Club advisor Oyuki Espinoza is joined by two Cal High Class of 2016 alumna, Alondra Saldivar and Cecilia Villanueva, to discuss the school’s Interact Club Mentorship Program, which provides current Cal High students the opportunity to receive college and career advice while serving as community volunteers. Saldivar and Villanueva also discuss the challenges they encountered as undergraduates at elite universities, what compelled them to study law and medicine, respectively, the camaraderie of being in a school band, and the importance of mental wellness in balancing work, school, and home life.

San Dimas High School seniors Jazmine Cardenas and Marlie Walker discuss their plans for higher education, serving as social work interns at the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, what it takes to create and run a successful high school club, their passion for volunteering and advocacy, what they learned in journalism class, and their favorite memories from high school. 

United States Representative and California 31st District Congressman Gil Cisneros discusses his passion for public education, growing up in Southern California, his philanthropic efforts with the Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation and George Washington University’s Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, his years in the United States Armed Forces, returning to Washington D.C. as an elected official, and why he never leaves a Dodger game early.

Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Social Emotional Learning Director Dr. Mai Xi Lee, SCOE Associate Superintendent of Integrated Support Systems Brent Malicote, and San Diego County Office of Education Program Specialist Dr. Belle Tan discuss advocating for social emotional learning in California schools through the CalHOPE Student Support program, the effectiveness of regional Communities of Practice, and the upcoming SEL & Wellness Summit in Sacramento.

Covina High School math teachers and Interact Club advisors Jason Saleh and Sheri Prado join Covina High School senior and Interact Club president Gianna Herrera to discuss Colt Outfitters, a student-run thrift store which offers affordable access to clothing and school supplies and is staffed by students in Covina High’s Life Skills Education Advancement Program (LEAP). Colt Outfitters recently won a 2025 Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

CalECSE Co-Executive Director Melanie Hertig, Northern California Program Specialist Carrie Rodrigues and Southern California Program Specialist Laura Clarke discuss the importance of providing early education for children with special needs, what families and school districts need to know to be compliant with California regulations, CalECSE online training seminars and other resources for early childhood providers, and the third annual CalECSE “Reaching New Heights” Symposium in October.

Whittier High School’s Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT) is a three-year STEAM pathway with a mission to inspire high school students to pursue careers in tech and engineering. CAT teachers Daniel Oliver and Steve Swanson are joined by Whittier High senior and CAT president Wendy Carcamo and Whittier High alum and current Cal Poly Pomona architect student Gershwin Mason to discuss what makes the pathway so fun for students, senior projects that include building a replica R2D2 droid and an electric guitar, and how CAT students acquired prestigious Gates and Edison scholarships during the 2023-24 school year.

Chaparral Academy of Technology (CHAT) principal Tim McCaffrey and kindergarten teacher Shawna Corona discuss winning the Josten’s Renaissance Epic School Revamp contest, which netted the school a prize package worth up to $150,000 to rebrand the school and pay for campus improvements; CHAT’s epic first day of school; the importance of incorporating technology into class lessons; and creating a nurturing environment that allows all students to excel.

San Dimas High School Class of 2021 graduate Ally Lemos has won championships at the state, college, and pro levels, all before turning 21 years old. On California School News Radio, Lemos discusses her career, how the pandemic inadvertently paved the way for her to play for her high school team, what female high school athletes should know about pursuing their college dreams, the future of women’s sports, and how she relaxes when not in league play or training.

Since immigrating to El Monte from Mexico in the 1970’s as schoolchildren, Freddy and Bernie Arteaga have established a legacy of excellence at El Monte Union High School District, helping turn a struggling alternative school into a model continuation school. Now serving as principal and counselor of Fernando R. Ledesma High School, respectively, the Arteaga brothers discuss their journey from English learners to educators, and how their legacy has been preserved on campus with the naming of the Freddy and Bernie Arteaga & Frank Ogaz Center.

Lynwood Unified Asst. Superintendent of Technology & Innovation Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul and Jasmine Walker, Director of District Engagement at the Center for Outcomes-Based Contracting (OBC) at the Southern Education Foundation discuss how OBC is poised to become the future of public education services, how OBC vendor contracts work, and how school districts can set up an OBC program.

Bonita High School Director of Choral Music Ryan Yoder is joined by senior Reese Gonzales, senior Nathaniel Kisaka, and sophomore Erik Hernholm to discuss the school’s successful choral music program, which saw 21 students selected to the Southern California Vocal Association 2024 Honor Choirs. Yoder and his students discuss what brought them into choral music, the intricacies of performing in a choir, the camaraderie found at Choir Camp, and the honor of performing at Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional and other prestigious events. 

UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center Community Education Manager Dr. Margaret Golden and Greater Good Lead Facilitator Salina Mae Espinoza discuss the state of social-emotional learning (SEL) in California; how Greater Good provides workshops, resources and communities of practice for educators throughout the state; the need to provide SEL for both students and teachers; the role CalHOPE plays in supporting school districts and offices of education; and how mindfulness exercises can relieve stress and help keep teachers from burning out and leaving the profession.

Southridge Tech Middle School seventh-grader Cyrus Moss discusses the petition drive he initiated that led to the Fontana Unified Board of Education approving the renaming of Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary School, honoring the legacy of the pioneering African American family who originally owned the property. Joining Moss is his mother, Taneka Moss, and Dolores Huerta International Academy Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher Ashley Silva.

La Puente High School public safety pathway instructor Toni Ramirez and La Puente High senior Nathan Tadeo discuss the school’s public safety pathway, what it takes to become a certified dispatcher, how to handle a crisis situation calmly, talking to classmates about domestic violence, and the importance of being able to communicate clearly and effectively.

San Dimas High School senior Emily Moore and her grandmother Kris Mendolia discuss the Silver Surfers Tech Club, a service club devoted to student volunteers helping San Dimas-area senior citizens better understand modern technology, the cross-country road trip and tech glitch that inspired the formation of the club, and the special role music has played in bringing the pair closer together.   

Wayne Ruble Middle School computer science and math teacher Zahra Razi discusses being named an Amazon Future Engineer Ambassador, her advocacy of computer science education in Fontana Unified and beyond, introducing computer science concepts to middle-schoolers, bridging the generation gap in technology, ensuring her students learn the ethics of computer coding, and the power of algorithms. 

El Monte High School art teacher Mickaela Kubiak and El Monte High junior and Art Club president Juan Torres discuss a classroom mural created by Visual and Performing Arts students over the course of two years, increased participation in the school’s Art Club, the symbiosis between music and art, and the importance of students developing creative and critical thinking skills through art.

Lamont Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Lori Gonzalez joins Covina-Valley Unified School District Health Services Coordinator Nicole Salas and Mental Health Services Coordinator Ana Vasquez to discuss establishing easily-accessible and equitable wellness centers in their districts, and the differences and challenges of providing health care in rural and urban school district areas.

Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School senior Brigitte Lopez and junior Codi Thompson discuss academic and community leadership, the joys of helping others in need and share their thoughts on Black History Month and Women’s History Month. 

Hacienda La Puente Unified Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez joins Fontana Unified Executive Director of College, Career and Economic Development Hillary Wolfe, A.B. Miller High School aviation teacher Jeff McGlocklin and A.B. Miller High School senior Johnny Hortua as they discuss what it takes to establish an aviation education pathway in a Southern California school district.

South Hills High School senior Ahriana Chavez, Covina High School junior Gianna Herrera and Northview High School freshman Jin-Jin Sanglimsuwan discuss being chosen to join the League of Innovative Students, how they are helping shape future education policies, and why they feel compelled to give back to their communities.

Fontana High School Career Connections CTE instructor Lamar Hanger and Fontana High junior Cyrus Sapien discuss the Career Connections construction pathway, preparing for the annual CIEF Foundation Design Build competition, learning life skills and the camaraderie of being a family of aspiring carpenters.

South El Monte High School senior Aaron Morales (“Legacy: After Effects”) joins Whittier High School junior Julia Rae Rodriguez (“Dried Lavender & Sage: Poems As I Grow”) to discuss their latest published works, what inspires them to write, balancing their studies with literary pursuits, extracurricular activities and what writer – living or dead – they would love to have a conversation with. 

California High School Model United Nations advisors Sean Reagan and James Palmer join senior Madeleine Reagan and junior Katy Tinoco to discuss the school’s Model United Nations program, the importance of learning diplomacy, the benefit of traveling to high schools and colleges to attend conferences, and the school’s CondorMUN5 conference for high school and middle school students, held in Dec. 2023. 

Henry J. Kaiser High School Director of Theater Wendi Johnson is joined by Kaiser seniors and Kaiser Artistic and Theatrical Society (KATS) members Leah Young and Dani Garcia as they discuss the Fontana Unified school’s first-ever first place award for their performance of Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline” at the California Educational Theatre Association high school theatre festival in January.  

El Monte Union High School District Director of Curriculum, Instruction and CTE Kirk McGinnis discusses current and future CTE pathways available at the District, acquiring Strong Workforce Grants to help develop digital media classes, the role of are business partnerships and working with surrounding school districts to boost math scores. 

Lynwood Unified Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Innovation Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul discusses the future of artificial intelligence (AI) education, how it can spark innovation, how to recognize AI fact from fiction, how to navigate AI’s ethical standards and what future careers are being made possible by using AI. 

Strategic Innovations Facilitator Gibran Carter and Makerspace Manager Josh Brown discuss the grand opening of Innovation Empire, a dynamic creative learning environment exclusive to Fontana Unified students, which includes a think tank for students to learn entrepreneurship, and a Makerspace with state-of-the-art 3-D printers, laser cutters and other high-tech machinery, that will allow students to create and design their own projects. 

Sunset Elementary School Principal Rosette Holmes, Nelson Elementary School Principal Dr. Marci Chavez and La Puente High School Principal Dr. Lisa Lopez discuss Project LEAD (Life Experience About Democracy), a Golden Bell award winning program that connects La Puente K-12 students with City of La Puente leaders through presentations such as mock city council.

Covina-Valley Unified Director of Curriculum and Instruction Julie Harrison is joined by Covina High School senior Aiyana Martel, Northview High School Hannah Coulthurst and South Hills High School senior Liani Arevalo to discuss the District’s award-winning career technical education pathways, including Agriculture/Animal Science, FAME Academy and Business.