Ceres Learns

A look at the 2021-2022 school year, including COVID updates, hosted by Dr. Denise Wickham with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Amy Peterman and Assistant Superintendents Dan Pangrazio and Dr. David Viss.

Superintendent Scott Siegel and Deputy Superintendent Denise Wickham provide an update on in-person learning, a glimpse of the 2021-2022 school year, and plans for the remainder of the current school year, including an announcement regarding graduation and promotion ceremonies for the Classes of 2021! 

With all CUSD students now attending school in person, Drs. Siegel and Wickham discuss what that looks like and what happens next. Dr. David Viss, District Athletic Director, drops in for a discussion on athletics.

As COVID-19 restrictions continue in 2021, Superintendent Scott Siegel and Deputy Superintendent Denise Wickham discuss the county's current tier status and the impact for CUSD schools, as well as the return of small secondary cohorts and vaccine availability for school staff.

Superintendent Scott Siegel is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dan Pangrazio and Director of Secondary Instruction Paul Rutishauser for a conversation about returning junior high and high school students to classrooms: What will it look like, when will it happen, and what are the options for families with concerns about in-person learning?

Dr. Amy Peterman, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, joins Dr. Siegel for a discussion on shifts in the district grading policy during distance learning, and possibly beyond.

Scott and Denise provide an update on distance learning and plans for reopening campuses.

Hear from Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegel and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Denise Wickham on what's next as we wrap up the 2019-2020 school year, and look toward 2020-2021.

This episode is all about the Class of 2020, who have watched the plans and expectations they had for their senior year change dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 school closures. Dr. Scott Siegel hears from Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Amy Peterman and College Transition Learning Directors Jennifer Meisner and Daisy Salinas about topics ranging from high school graduation to support for seniors transitioning to college.

District Nurse Jennifer Given and Coordinator of Student Services Brian Murphy join Superintendent Scott Siegel to talk about a range of health topics, from whether it's safe to visit the doctor during the COVD-19 pandemic, to tips for staying physically fit while stay-at-home orders are in place.

In Episode 5 of Ceres Learns at Home, Superintendent Scott Siegel talks with Director of Special Education Kristi Britton about distance learning challenges that are unique to special education, resources and support available to families, and summer learning for students with special needs.

Join Superintendent Scott Siegel and members of the CUSD Student Support Services team in talking about the social-emotional impacts of social distancing, ways students and families can manage their response to this situation, and resources available to help. With guests Jay Simmonds, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services; Brian Murphy, Coordinator of Student Services; and Nichole Sablan, District Psychologist.

Ceres Learns at Home: Director of Technology Services Chris Higle and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dan Pangrazio join Superintendent Scott Siegel for a conversation about the important role of technology in distance learning, and how families can stay connected while schools are closed.

In Episode 2 of Ceres Learns at Home, Superintendent Scott Siegel sits down with Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Amy Peterman, Director of Secondary Education Paul Rutishauser, and Director of Elementary Education Kirsten Saint, for answers to listeners' questions about distance learning. Curious what the rest of the school year holds? Want to know how students' grades may be affected, how they'll "catch up" next school year, or whether they might be retained? What about summer school and AP testing? These questions and more are addressed.For a schedule of upcoming episodes or to view transcriptions in English or Spanish, visit CUSD's podcast page.

In this pilot episode of Ceres Learns at Home, Ceres Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegel talks with Communications Specialist Beth Parker Jimenez about the purpose of a podcast during school closures, and how listeners can email questions for future episodes to communications@ceres.k12.ca.us. For a schedule of upcoming episodes or to view transcriptions in English or Spanish, visit CUSD's podcast page.