If You Knew Me Mondays: Recent Episodes
Arjuna Sayyed
If You Knew Me Mondays (IYKMM) is a student-hosted, Park Day inspired podcast that builds belonging by sharing stories and perspectives from the margins of our school and community.
In this first ever 2nd grade-made IYKMM episode, 2nd grade super slueths share all about their "Secrets of Living to 100" project. Tune in now to hear their learning about Blue Zones, the Power 9 and their field research at several local senior communities. This episode features 46 Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!
Right in time for Park Day Pride, our middle school Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) has made an episode centered around the importance of expansive gender expression - featuring conversations with four LGBTQ+ community changemakers. Tune in now to hear about the orgin story, impact and business model of the Out & About mobile bookshop, followed by an interview about the power of Drag artistry with Lei All Day and Lotus Boy. This episode features 16 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
We've got a new piece of Park Day history....our first ever Kinder-made podcast episode! Tune in now to hear these inspiring campus caretakers walk you through their journey creating our updated "Nature Zone". This part of our campus has a rich history and these precocious kindergarteners will help you connect this past with the present and promising future. They'll take you with them on their field trip to Blake Garden in Berkeley, on interviews with community members and the grand reopening of this campus treasure. This episode features 40+ Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
On this episode, our middle school podcast club has made a special episode to help our community prepare for our first ever all-school Holi celebration. Tune in now to hear a wide range of perspective about how this colorful holiday is celebrated across families, generations and geography. You'll hear from students, parents and grandparents as they reflect on how this holiday has evolved across the South Asian diaspora and unites millions of people across the globe. This episode features 24 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
Our middle school podcast club has been thinking deeply about what it means to belong at Park Day - what it looks, feel and sounds like. They even made an episode all about it! Tune in now to hear what their investigation on this topic turned up. This episode features 35 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
This 3rd grade-made episode highlights their three-month Oakland history unit that examines the historical impacts humans have had on the land we call home. Tune in now to hear key moments from several field trips, interviews with local historians and deep conversations with Oakland natives about the how our city has changed over the years. This episode features 29 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!3:23 / Topography Field Trip + Study
11:11 / Oakland Center Room Field Trip Field
18:11 / Liam O'Donoghue Visit (East Bay Yesterday Podcast)
25:42 / Mosswood Park Field Trip with Dania Cabello
In this student + staff hosted episode, we connect with members of the 6th grade Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion class (JEDI) to learn about their first audio production of the school year - a personal narrative inspired by their recent identity exploration. Tune in now to hear them discuss their learning experience. production process and to hear some of their "Me in a Minute" audio stories. This episode features 14 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
The first student produced podcast of the year is ready for your ears and it's all about our new school pavilion! Tune in now to hear this middle school-made story that includes scenes from the ribbon cutting ceremony, conversation with our facilities team about the design + build project and comments from students and staff about their first impressions and hopes for this new Park Day feature. This episode features 27 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
For the launch of Season 4 we've teamed up with lower school music teacher, Jackie Rago, to share one of our newest school artifacts and traditions - our Park Day School gong! Tune in now to learn about the history and purpose of Jackie's Healing Power of Music curriculum, to hear student reflections on this new practice and to hear how our school gong was introduced at our school assembly. This episode is filled with moments of mindfulness and features 24 different voices. Hear what they have to say (and play)!
In the final episode of season 3, our 3rd grade podcasters guide listeners around campus to explore the many historical markers hidden in place sight - some dating over one hundred years old! They interview two of our primary campus caretakers to help us all learn more about the histories and mysteries of these unique school features. This episode includes a visual map of these historical markers and features 19 different voices - hear what they have to say!
On this mini-episode, tune in to an impromtu conversation between Park Day Head of School, Angela Taylor, and the lucky 2nd grader who won the "Head of School For The Day" during this year's annual fundraiser.
In our latest episode - right in time for PRIDE - we highlight the efforts the GSA is making to honor the original intentions of the Queer Counter while also updating it to reflect the current identity of Park Day’s proud queer student community. This episode features 18 different voices - lower and middle school students, alum and staff - hear what they have to say!
Have you ever wondered what the inside of a middle school student's locker looks like...or maybe smells like? If so, our 6th grade IYKMM podcast club has just the thing for you! Tune in to our latest episode to hear Park Day students share about their relationship with their locker...how they use it (or not) and what it says about who they are! This episode features 20 different Park ay voices - hear what they have to say!
This one of a kind episode features intergenerational stories - spanning across 80 years!!! - captured in the recording booths and by the mobile student recording team during this year's Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Tune in now to hear Park Day students and loved ones reflect on their shared + unique experiences at school and in childhood. This episode features 38 different Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!
Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how Jackie and Yessy navigate their sisterhood while at work. Then hear how Angela, Jules and Karen have forged a deep partnership through their experiences leading Park Day through a pandemic.
Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how Lisa and Grecia finds ways to partner even though they work many grades apart. Then hear how Sarah and Dani have supported each other's professional growth, while laughing all the way!
Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how 3rd grade teachers Julia and Denise developed a deep sense of shared generosity in their first year working together. Then hear how trust is foundational to the 10 years that Jennifer and Ilya have been designing and building student agency and authentic community engagement.
Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how 2nd grade teachers, Michelle and Susan's, deep personal connection and 19 years of working together remains fresh and full of laugher and learning. Then hear how Concha and Jalen's student-teacher-turn-collegue dynamic supports Ashley as the three breath big fun and healthy balance into life in after school!
Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! This year, in honor of Women’s History Month, we're dedicating an entire week to these amazing women by highlighting the role of their varied partnerships. Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to the incredibly fun Kindergarten-combo of Paola and Victoria. Hear about their first impressions of each other, how they're grown in the 6 years they've worked together and the powerful women that have inspired them as educators and humans.
Do you like arcade games? Do you like making things out of cardboard? If so, you're in for a real treat! Welcome to the third grade's Cardboard Arcade! In this week's IYKMM episode our third grade podcast producers will take you through their Cardboard Arcade project from start to finish. Tune in to learn how they turned a fun classroom project into a community fundraiser for Sogorea Te Land Trust! This episode features 27 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
Have you ever asked your child about school at the end of the day and only heard about lunch time?! Well, on this latest episode of IYKMM, our 4th-7th grade podcast club take this favorite topic to a new level. Tune in now to learn about the incredible people and process behind our hot lunch program and hear what favorite dishes top the list. This episode features 40 different Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!
In this episode, our 3rd and 5th grade podcast club gets into the spirit of Valentine's Day with a silly, sappy reflection on what love is and why love is important in our lives. This is a perfect pairing for Valentine's Day card making and features 16 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say
On this episode, our 5th grade podcast club takes a trip down memory lane to explore the Park Day School archive room along with our school's archivist, Leigh Ann Davis. Glimpse into Park Day's founding years and find out what the oldest 100+ year old artifact is in our school's archival repository room! This episode features 12 different Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!
This week on IYKMM our 7th grade podcast club is highlighting a theme that's central to the middle school Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) class - "what makes you angry and what can you do about it?". Tune in now to hear why this topic was chosen and how it connects to the middle school student experience and quite possibly your own. This episode features 19 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
In this episode, our middle school podcast club sits down with the facilitators of this year's critical inquiry groups to help our community learn about their goals, personal connections and hopes. This episode features 14 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!
It's the launch of season 3 of Park Day’s signature student-hosted, community-centered podcast, If You Knew Me Mondays! Our first episode is all about friendship - key qualities, navigating conflict and the important role they play when adjusting to life in a new community. This episode is dedicated to this year’s new Park Day families and it includes 58 different voices. Hear what they have to say!
Season 3 of Park Day’s signature equity-centered podcast is around the corner and this week we’re helping you get ready with a retrospective season 2 review! This is a perfect episode for new community members or anyone interested in hearing about the student podcast experience, directly from students. This episode includes 51 different voices. Hear what they have to say about what they liked, learned and what they're looking forward to for season 3!
After years of nourishing the Park Day School community with unforgettable food, our beloved Nels is retiring! He's left a huge impression on our whole community, whether through the daily hot lunch program, catered events or through signature creations like his hibiscus lemonade and pão de queijo. Nels has truly made the "taste of Park Day" and now it's time for us to share our gratitude in return. This episode features 85 different voices - hear what they have to say!
The last IYKMM episode of the school year is here! This time around, our 3rd grade podcast club is sharing an intimate look into their spring Black Panther Party study, including student interviews with community leaders Ericka Huggins, Emory Douglas, Blanche Richardson and Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik, student and teacher reflections and a whole lot of rich Oakland history! This episode features 29 different voices - hear what they have to say!
9:45/ 10 Point Program + Oakland Community School with Ericka Huggins 22:28 / Lasting Panther Legacy with Blanche Richardson (Marcus Books) and Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik (People's Kitchen Collective) 37:10 / Activist Art and Message Music with Emory Douglas
Pride Week is here and the IYKMM Middle School Podcast Club has made a special Pride Week episode to help us celebrate! In this episode, we ask our community about their favorite Park Day Pride memory, review and discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ literature, and highlight a student-led design+build project all about creating belonging in our student body. This episode is made in collaboration with our Gender and Sexualty Alliance (GSA) and features 38 different voices - hear what they have to say!
Have you ever wondered where Park Day's Mighty Apple Mascot or the school anthem Park Day Hooray came from? Or, maybe you've wondered about what inspired your teacher to actually become a teacher in the first place. Well, if you're a curious community member who likes learning about unique Park Day history, fun trivia and perspective directly from students and staff, then the IYKMM podcast is made just for you! Find us and tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotfiy and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
Have you ever wondered how Park Day School got its name? In this episode, not only will you hear the origin story of our school’s name, you will also learn how our podcast ended up with the name “If You Knew Me Mondays”! This episode includes 15 different voices. Hear what they have to say!
Here's your chance to step into a fourth grade classroom and out in the community with our fifth graders! You'll hear about the Brown Bag Essay - all about student identity - and learn about the service project at Lake Merritt. This episode includes 21 different Park Day voices. Hear what they have to say!
In this episode we will explore some of our favorite spaces and unique places on the Park Day campus! Some old and some brand new. This episode includes 51 different Park Day voices. Hear what they have to say!
The spring athletic season is around the corner and the If You Knew Me Mondays Student Podcast Club put together this special episode to help you get ready! Tune in to learn about the origin story of the Park Day School mascot, the Mighty Apple! If you've ever wondered where this friendly, yet fierce character came from this episode is for you!
In this episode, we’re setting the stage for our upcoming Park Day Middle School student affinity group pilot program. Tune in to hear seven amazing middle school students talk about how identity shows up in their life. We'll be exploring what parts of our identity we have in common and what makes us unique and you're invited! Grab a piece of paper and something to write with so you can follow along with this interactive, student-centered experience!
Right in time for this winter holiday season, our student podcasters have made a special episode all about the spirit of giving. Tune in to hear students and staff share about what makes a good gift + learn about our winter toy drive. That and more on and this episode of IYKMM!
In this episode, we'll be waste scavenging on the yard with 3rd grade, exploring our favorite Park Day traditions and premiering our new school anthem - Park Day Hooray!
Join the 4th Grade Podcast Club as they explore the infamous Magnolia Building attic and dispel all the spooky tales they've been told about this mysterious part of the Park Day campus. Tune in, if you dare!
If You Knew Me Mondays is back for season two - remixed, student hosted, and community centered! Featuring dozens of Park Day people and perspective each episode. On today’s episode you’ll be exploring identity through collage in Lisa Ostapinski’s second grade art class, squirrel storytelling in 5th grade and interviewing 3rd grade Assistant Teacher Scott Keller!
If You Knew Me Mondays is back for season two - remixed, student hosted, and community centered! Featuring dozens of Park Day people and perspective each episode. Here's a taste of what's to come!
In episode 8 of IYKMM we gathered an Asian American affinity group of 12 community members to explore our shared and unique relationships with the Lunar New Year holiday. Tune in to hear about the various ways this holiday is celebrated across individual families, generations and cultures here in Oakland and across the globe.
In episode seven of IYKMM we speak with Park Day 8th graders, Luna Carillo and KK Mayo-McKnight, about their Equity and Justice Capstone podcast project and its relevance to their life in and outside of school. We also learn about their Knee A Knee In School project, a budding campaign inspired by athlete/activist Colin Kaepernick to bring more racial justice to our school community.
In episode six of IYKMM we sit down with 28 year Park Day veteran, Michelle McAfee, to learn about what makes 2nd grade the perfect grade for her to teach, how her mother inspired her to become an educator and her love for the art of storytelling. Along the way, we talk music and how she responded to racism in school when she was a student.
In episode five of IYKMM we catch up with Lower School Music Teacher, Jackie Rago, to talk about how she uses her life-long love for music to transcend cultural differences and to build unity in the classroom, on stage and in life.
In this Dia de Muertos edition of IYKMM, we speak with Middle School Spanish Teacher, Grecia Bloom, to learn about how her Mexicana roots inform her teaching practice, how she honors her ancestors and how she keeps her native home in her heart. We also interview 2nd grader, Djumi Sayyed, about how her Korean identity shapes the way she honors her elders and ancestors during the fall season.
In episode three of IYKMM we sit down with Middle School Director, Jules Greene, to learn about how her African American experience in a predominantly white private school world has shaped her role as a teacher and leader. Tune in to hear how Jules translates this experience into advice for her private school POC peers and how she keeps herself balanced while committed to this often emotionally taxing work.
Calling all student podcasters! If you're a 4th-8th grade Equity and Justice student and you've been thinking the If You Knew Me Mondays Podcast is in need of more student voice and perspective, here's your change to help make that happen! Check out this short commercial - one example of what you could make - to learn more.
In episode two of IYKMM we sit down with middle school drama teacher, Joyce Ting, to learn about her journey from being a performing pianist and opera singer on stage to a middle school drama teacher at Park Day. Tune in to hear Joyce speak about her evolving Taiwanese-American identity and how it informs how she moves through the world as an artist and educator.
In our first episode of IYKMM we'll be hearing from Park Day's new Head of School, Angela Taylor, to learn about what guides, inspires and fulfills her on her path as an educator, community leader and amazing human being. Using an intersectional framework, we talk about her childhood, adapting to and leading a new community in a time of crisis and how she sustains her ever-present positivity.