Inside EWCSD Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with 5th grade teacher Diane Danoff to talk about one of the most unique events in our District: the Scotty Olympics. Mrs. Danoff discusses the history of this three-day event and explains each competition that students participate in. Mrs. Danoff also acknowledges the many parent volunteers and PTA members who help organize the event and make the Scotty Olympics memorable for students. Listen to this episode to hear all about how the Scotty Olympics brings to EWCSD community together through competition, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Assistant Superintendent of Educational Support Services Dr. Alicia Aceves and Director of Categorical Programs Andrea Roman to discuss all the opportunities our students have over the summer. From a week of exploration at Camp Arbolado to building new skills during enrichment programs on campus, it will be an exciting summer for the EWCSD community!

In this episode, Dr. Patterson talks with Coach Mark Lopez from the Boys and Girls Club to discuss the Orchard Dale Wildcats' run to the Mamba League championship. Coach Lopez also gives the audience an overview of the entire Boys and Girls Club sports landscape across EWCSD. At the end of the show, we welcome a player from the championship squad to share his experience of the season.

In recognition of Autism Awareness month, Dr. Patterson sits down with Jeannette Valenzuela, founder of Gil's Sweet Abilities. This mother and son home bakery is a dynamic team that works towards providing opportunities for adults with disabilities in the community. In this episode, Jeannette discusses how the idea for Gil's Sweet Abilities came about through her son Gil, who has autism. Gil also joined the show to talk about his favorite baked goods to make as well as the work he and his mother do in the community.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Suman Rana from the YMCA to discuss the Camp Arbolado opportunity for 5th grade students. Suma talks about the benefits of going to camp and all the exciting activities students participate in. He also addresses some common parent concerns and gives a reminder on how to register for th spring and summer camp sessions. 

In this special edition of the Inside EWCSD Podcast, our District Speech Contest Winners join the show. Damian Ramirez (Granada Middle School) and Caddie Murphy (Laurel Elementary) talk about their experience with the speech contest and deliver their award-winning speeches. 

In this episode, Dr. Patterson talks with Gina Lopez from the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier. Gina discusses the after school programs that are available to students across the District. She highlights some of the activities that students engage in including, STEAM workshops, choir lessons, keyboard instruction, and a DJ program. She also introduces some new sports programs that will become available to our students this spring.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Dipali Patel from The Coder School. Dipali discusses how her experience as a parent sparked her passion for making coding accessible to underserved children, thus leading to her opening The Coding School. She also discusses the EWCSD Coding Program that is now available to 3rd-5th grade students and what parents and students can expect from this program.

In this episode, Superintendent Marc Patterson talks with Rudy Hernandez from RMH Dance about the new dance program available to elementary school students here at EWCSD. Rudy starts off by revealing how a personal tragedy led to his love of dance and a new career path. He also discusses the types of skills students in the dance program will develop and the overall goals for the program. Rudy closes out the conversation by talking about his involvement with the Whittier Community Foundation and the work they do to support EWCSD and the greater Whittier community.

In this episode, Superintendent Marc Patterson talks with Rudy Hernandez from RMH Dance about the new dance program available to elementary school students here at EWCSD. Rudy starts off by revealing how a personal tragedy led to his love of dance and a new career path. He also discusses the types of skills students in the dance program will develop and the overall goals for the program. Rudy closes out the conversation by talking about his involvement with the Whittier Community Foundation and the work they do to support EWCSD and the greater Whittier community.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with the principals of Leffingwell and Ocean View Elementary to discuss their recent achievement as a National Blue Ribbon School. Ms. Songer and Dr. Blackwell provide some insight into how they found out they received this honor and how their schools celebrated with their communities. They also recount their trip to Washington D.C and the overall impact that this award has had on their students, staff, families, and communities.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Stephanie Dickinson and Marc Blount, who are current PTA members in EWCSD and advocates for PTA/PTO. Stephanie and Marc discuss their individual roles as well as the role these organizations play in supporting our schools. They also offer advice for what parents can do to get involved in their child's educational experience, even if they aren't always able to be present on campus.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with CHP Santa Fe Springs Officer Zachary Salazar to discuss Red Ribbon Week. The conversation begins with Officer Salazar discussing his background in law enforcement and his connection with EWCSD. Dr. Patterson and Officer Salazar then discuss the many events and activities that will take place at our schools throughout Red Ribbon Week as well as other events that CHP Santa Fe Springs will host throughout the school year.

In recognition of Bullying Prevention Month, Dr. Patterson sits down with Jayna Dinwiddie and David Renteria from the EWCSD Student Services department to discuss the District's approach to bullying. David and Jayna discuss the role of school counselors and ways in which parents can get involved to identify potential bullying. The team also talks about the District's proactive approach to promoting positive social interactions through the PBIS framework and explains some of the many other ways the Student Services department helps support our families.

As part of Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, Dr. Patterson sits down with Jenny Gray from C.A.U.S.E to discuss the history of the organization and her experience as a parent of a child with a learning disability. Jenny also gives advice to Special Education parents and provides insight on different resources that families can turn to for support. Lastly, Jenny discusses some exciting events that C.A.U.S.E will be involved with in the coming months.

On this episode, Superintendent Marc Patterson sits down with PE Coach Matt Shrock and STEM Teacher Megan Watson to discuss our BCOS program here at EWCSD. The team discusses their teaching background and their approach to teaching P.E and STEM to students that are unfamiliar with those subject areas. They also offer tips for families to help students sharpen their skills when they are at home or away from the classroom.

In this episode, Superintendent Marc Patterson talks with BCOS art teacher Amy Tai, and music teachers Matthew Bausman and Loren Hartman. Our BCOS team discusses their background and love for the arts as well as their professional journey leading up to their roles at EWCSD. They also discuss our BCOS program at EWCSD and the incredible benefits that art and music education can have on our students. Lastly, the team offers tips to parents about how they can keep their child interested in the arts at home and in their everyday lives outside the classroom. 

On the first episode of the Inside EWCSD Podcast, Dr. Patterson discusses Attendance Awareness Month with Dr. Trena Gonzalez, Director of Student Services at EWCSD. Dr. Gonzalez discusses the trends in attendance of the last couple years and offers advice for students, families, and educators on how to promote good student attendance.