#24 Arts and Parent Engagement

It's time for a visit from PSUSD Arts Coordinator Louisa Castrodale, who stops by with Don Dietz and Sally Hedberg of the Desert Art Center to talk about joint programs, including a high school scholarship competition, a fine arts show, and free art classes for middle school students.  

Joan ends the show talking with PSUSD Parent Coordinator Ingrid Lin about the upcoming Parent Engagement Conference on September 12.

Original air date: 9/5/15

#23: Rancho Mirage Athletics

RMHS Athletics Director Chris Calderwood stops by with soccer coaches Hugo Rojas and Garrett Estrin to recap the season and give a preview of the upcoming year.

Joan wraps up the show by catching up with the DATA-SkillsUSA student producers of the show. 

Original air date: 8/29/15

#22 Todd Diliberto, CCHS Athletics Director

Cathedral City High School Athletics is on the show! CCHS Athletics Director and Vice Principal Todd Diliberto recaps the Lions' 2014-2015 seasons, including outstanding senior athletes and their plans after graduation. Students also discuss the extra work involved in maintaining a strong academic record while excelling at sports. 

Original air date: 8/22/15


#21 School Lunch

Feeling hungry? PSUSD Director of Nutrition Services Stephanie Bruce, Wellness Coordinator Jennifer Mattocks, and Rancho Mirage High School Nutrition Services Assistant Jared Andresen tackle the challenges of feeding thousands of students every day. From following federal guidelines and providing nutritional meals to impressive logistics and revamping menus with new choices, they take you behind the scenes of PSUSD Nutrition Services. 

Original air date: 8/15/15

#19 Louisa Castrodale

PSUSD Arts Coordinator and Joan's monthly co-host Louisa Castrodale is back in the show. She brings with her Dr. Lisa Soccio, Director of the Walter Marks Gallery and Art Professor at College of the Desert. 

Original air date: 8/1/15


#18 Starting IB at CCHS

International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator Ed Perry brings in several students to discuss the inaugural year of the IB program at Cathedral City High School.  

IB is a rigorous academic program that requires students to work at a collegiate level. After a multi-year application process, Cathedral City High School will be the first IB school in PSUSD, and only the second IB high school in the Coachella Valley. 

Original air date: 7/25/15

#17 Jewish Family Services

Jewish Family Services Executive Director Maureen Forman and JFS Healthy Life Program Coordinator Xochi Ortiz discuss the organization's many missions (mental health, senior assistance, 1-1 counseling, and preventative teaching), including an anti bullying and drug prevention 4th and 5th grade curriculum for PSUSD. The PSUSD program is provided as a no cost intervention to fight middle school drug use and prepare kids for the pressures they may face as they grow up.

Joan wraps up the show by catching up with the DATA student producers and their plans for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. 

Original air date: 7/18/15

#16 Jill Beighley & Karin Staumietis

Health is the focus of the show today! Jill Beighley from the all-volunteer Assistance League and PSUSD Lead Nurse Karin Staumietis explain the Hygiene Kit donation to fourth grade girls and fifth grade girls, and how important that support can be during what can be a rough time for children. 

Karin goes on to discuss the role of school nurses and the rigorous qualification needed to work at a school site and the challenges required to provide care for an entire school district. 

Original air date: 7/11/15