The #ProudToBeLBUSD Podcast: Recent Episodes
LBUSD Podcast
In-depth conversations with members of the Long Beach Unified School District community that provide insight and perspective on how they strive to champion the District’s mission of supporting the personal and intellectual success of every student, every day.
8 current LBUSD high school seniors advise incoming freshmen on making the most of their high school experiences.
Have you ever wondered what being a student at LBUSD's CAMS (California Academy of Math & Science) might be like? High school senior Nirja discusses the campus, pathways, school events, and the student community of CAMS.
Non-profit business owner, Alicia Coulter, discusses the positives and negatives of starting your own business and advises on how to make the dream of being an entrepreneur a successful one.
Applying to college is a crucial and exciting time in one's life! However, the process itself can be intimidating. Meet Alexa Ara, former College and Career Advisor from Wilson High School. She touches on how to nail your application and how the College and Career Advisors at your school can help you!
Nicole Howton Chiles, director of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, joins us to shed some light on all that the program has to offer! She makes key points about how the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program supports students in reaching their highest potential.
Noah Asher Golden, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at California State University, Long Beach, gives outgoing high school seniors advice as they transition into college.
Cabrillo High School student Valerie and Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science student Kira discuss their experiences at the Drone Soccer National Championship, which saw the Long Beach schools sweep the competition. Cabrillo won first place, while Sato secured second and third place.
Brandon Messina is the LGBTQ+ Students Initiative Lead for the Long Beach Unified School District. He discusses the district's LGBTQ+ resources and the importance of positive environments in helping all youth thrive.
Megan Berger is the lead teacher for the Millikan Business Academy (MBA) at Millikan High School. The Millikan Business Academy aims to provide an equitable, dynamic, and challenging learning environment through hands-on, project-based learning experiences connected to skills needed to be innovators and leaders.
Cabrillo High School Forensics Teacher Christopher Williams discusses Cabrillo's forensics program and the CALJ Summer Forensics Institute, which partners with LBPD, the LBPD Crime Lab, and the City Prosecutor's office to design a one-week internship for students.
"More For Students" is a program at Wilson High School that relies on voluntary staff donations to provide for students in need. Teacher Ted Hollister, Campus Staff Assistant Beatriz Nievez, and Counselor Lucas Clardy discuss the program's origins, how it maintains funding, and the positive impact it has had on Wilson students.
Athletic Coordinator Sharif of the Freeman E. Fairfield / Westside Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach discusses the club's activities, programs, and vision.
Vision 2035 is a new aspirational vision that reimagines education in LBUSD. Brian Moskovitz, Chief Academic Officer, discusses the System Portrait, which describes the changes needed in the school district to create the conditions that will enable adults to attain the Adult Portrait and support students in realizing the Graduate Portrait.
This week's guest is Silvia, a member of the Cabrillo High School Female Leadership Academy (FLA). Silvia discusses FLA's goal at Cabrillo HS, what members can get out of the program, and her hopes for the program's future.
Vision 2035 is a new aspirational vision that reimagines education in LBUSD. David Zaid, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary & K-8 Schools discusses the Adult Portrait, which describes what all adults in the District need to know, be, and be able to do in order to support each student’s journey toward realizing the Graduate Portrait.
This episode's guests are seniors Katelyn and Natalie, Co-Secretaries General of Poly High School's Model United Nations program. Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an “academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real-world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country.”
Vision 2035 is a new aspirational vision that reimagines education in LBUSD. Cabrillo High School Principal Mỹ Ngoc Nguyễn discusses the Graduate Portrait, which envisions the outcomes for students and the community's aspirations for what graduates will know and be able to do to thrive in their lives and careers.
Bryce Barbee is a PhD student at UCSB, and a proud Long Beach Poly graduate. He is also a member of the Aquarium’s 2023 cohort of the African American Scholar Program. From 2021 - 2023, the Aquarium of the Pacific's African American Scholar Program has provided financial support and community engagement to talented African American students pursuing marine science fields of study related to the work of the Aquarium.
Angelica Gonzalez, LBUSD's Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development, discusses the ENLACE program (Engaging Newcomers in Language and Content Education). ENLACE is a one-year program designed for students who have been in the U.S. for 18 months or less.
Cabrillo High School Principal Mỹ Ngoc Nguyễn discusses her journey in education, leadership techniques, and her vision for the future of Cabrillo.
Long Beach School for Adults Principal Nicole Lopez discusses the purpose, programs, and student outcomes the Adult School provides the community of Long Beach. For more information, visit: https://lbsa.lbschools.net
LBUSD Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Tiffany Brown, discusses how Core Values guide and align with LBUSD's actions and how they are the foundation of Vision 2035.
Cabrillo High School Senior and Black Student Union (BSU) president Kara discusses her role in BSU, ongoing plans for the club this year, honoring Black History Month, and her hopes for BSU's future.
Silvia, alumna de la Escuela para Adultos de Long Beach y madre de un alumno de educación especial de la escuela secundaria Wilson, habla sobre su experiencia con el programa de inglés como segundo idioma y de cómo las clases le han ayudado a implicarse más en la defensa de las necesidades educativas de su hijo dentro del distrito escolar.
Poly High School student Ruthie is the current Long Beach Green Schools Campaign leader. In this episode, we get an update on what the Green Schools Campaign has focused on since the Long Beach Unified School Board passed Board Policy 3510.1, Committing the School District to a 100% Clean Energy Transition.
Jordan High School senior Axel Aguilar speaks with AIMS lead teacher Pamela Canlas. AIMS Academy (Aspirations In Medical Sciences/California Partnership Academy) focuses on medical sciences and patient care. It is a program that incorporates integrated academic and career technical education, as well as business partnerships, mentorship, and internships.
Artist and Wilson High School alum Tidawhitney Lek just had her first solo exhibition at the Long Beach Museum of Art. In this episode, Tidawhitney discusses her journey in art and how growing up in Long Beach influenced her creative process. Visit https://www.tidawhitneylek.com for more about Tidawhitney and her art.#101 Artist Tidawhitney Lek
LBUSD Program Administrator Dr. Nader Twal discusses Vision 2035, a new aspirational vision that reimagines education in the District. Vision 2035 is the result of a year-long community-wide collaborative process centered on developing a long-term vision for how the District aspires to serve children from birth to 12th grade and beyond by 2035.For more information visit: www.lbschools.net/vision2035
The Long Beach Unified School District named Lakewood High School’s Thomas McNamee 2023 Teacher of the Year. McNamee, an Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles teacher for Lakewood’s Applied Technology Magnet (ATM) pathway, discusses his background and his current outlook on teaching and provides advice to teachers and students.
Kathy Leonard, Diné (Navajo), EONA Program Coordinator and Becky Sanchez, Yaqui, Mayo, & Mexican, OCIPD Ethnic Studies and History Coach, discuss the Educational Opportunities for Native Americans (EONA) program. The EONA program’s primary purpose is to meet the special educational and culturally related academic needs of Native American students (K-12) enrolled in the schools of the district.
LBUSD student Michelle speaks with Izzy about SELT (Student Equity Leadership Team), regarding its creation, what the team has accomplished so far, and its plans for the future.
LBUSD Student Board Member, Axel Aguilar, discusses the appointment process to the board, his experience so far, and why he wanted to become the student board member.
This week Anyeli speaks with Robin Thorne, the founder of DemoChicks. DemoChicks is a non-profit organization that empowers young women to become involved in the construction, engineering, or demolition industries.
Anyeli, estudiante de Cabrillo High School, habla de su experiencia al ingresar a LBUSD (Districto Escolar de Long Beach) como estudiante que no habla inglés. Ella cuenta sobre medios de apoyos que le ayudaron y los que no lo hicieron. Ofrece su consejo sobre lo que se puede hacer para los estudiantes que se encuentran actualmente en una situación similar.
Cabrillo High School student Anyeli discusses her experience entering LBUSD as a non-English speaker. She talks about supports that helped and ones that did not and offers her advice on what can be done for students who are currently in a similar situation.
Sato Academy Engineering Teacher and Aviation Club Advisor/Drone Soccer Coach, Albert Gallo and Fremont Elementary STEM Teacher, Andrea Gallo speak with Sato students Alana and Brayden about last year's championship drone soccer season along with their experience in the Engineering pathway.
English and Film teacher Paul Tran, introduces the developing film pathway at Renaissance High School. He discusses how the pathway began, the skills taught in his classes, and what he hopes students take away from the pathway.
Lauren Bouwman, LBUSD Teacher on Special Assignment in the Special Education, Teaching, and Learning department discusses the annual Hackathon event which is taking place this year at 5:00 p.m. on November 30th, at Sato Academy.
Local artist and LBUSD graduate, fuzzgarden, discusses her background, how she strives to capture inclusivity and diversity in her creative projects, and what led her to follow art as a career.
LBUSD's School Choice & Parent Engagement Administrator, Stephanie Heilig discusses what the community can expect from the new year of Parent University. From in-person workshops to virtual workshops and online presentations. For more information visit: https://www.lbschools.net/parentu
Twain Elementary kindergarten teacher, Jennifer Larsen, speaks with the producer of the L.A. Ukulele Festival, Mitch Chang about how the ukulele can make a significant impact on the musical education of students both young and old.
Dr. Kimberly Johnson, LBUSD's Female Leadership Academy District Coordinator, discusses the mission of Female Leadership Academy (FLA), the goals and objectives, and the exciting progress they have made since she last visited the podcast.
The Long Beach Early Learning Hub's mission is to facilitate access for all families seeking early care and learning services through an integrated network of partners (thehublb.org). Guests include Cindy Young, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education and Expanded Learning, Whitney Leathers, Chief Impact Officer of the Mayor's Fund for Long Beach, and Sarah Soriano, the Executive Director of Young Horizons Childhood Development Centers and current Chair of the Long Beach Early Childhood Education Committee.
Browning High School student, Halona, discusses the reasoning behind, and process of getting an Associate Degree as a high school student.
Dr. Brown, LBUSD’s Deputy Superintendent, discusses with two current high school students a newly created program called SELT (Student Equity Leadership Team) while also elaborating on the LBUSD dress code and its relevance today.
Dr. Jill Baker, LBUSD's Superintendent of Schools, discusses the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee and the importance of Raising Student Voices and Participation (RSVP) within the district.
LBCC Reading & Teacher Preparation Dept. Head, Megan Kaplinsky and recent Poly High graduate Daisy Martin discuss the Grow Your Own Initiative. In partnership with LBCC, LBUSD has completed a dual enrollment course outline that will allow students to achieve a certificate and be awarded a commitment to a teacher contract to teach in LBUSD.
LBUSD's Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning & Elementary Schools Brian Moskovitz speaks with Jeff Wood, the Program Administrator of Outdoor Education. In this episode, they discuss a returning outdoor learning opportunity for LBUSD students, Hi-Hill at Camp Oaks.
Ken Kato, Executive Officer, Personnel Commission & Classified Employment, discusses employment within the Long Beach Unified School District and the role of the Personnel Commission. For classified job listings, visit: https://www.lbschools.net/jobs
LBUSD's Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning & Elementary Schools Brian Moskovitz speaks with Cindy Young, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education and Expanded Learning. They discuss the updates to Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten and support for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program.
Poly water polo and swim coach Ishmael Pluton speaks with high school senior and swim team captain Colin Geer. They discuss Poly's historic swim season and Colin's future in the sport.
Aaron Volkoff, Co-Lead teacher of the Health Occupations & Sports Medicine (HOSM) pathway at Lakewood High School, and student Joselinne discuss what students can expect when joining HOSM, the hands-on learning the pathway provides, and what to expect in the future.
Cabrillo High School students Jasmine S., Lizbeth, and Jasmine C., discuss the positive and negative aspects of being women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and how to attract more women into the field.
LBUSD Student Board Member, Frania Lopez, discusses the appointment process to the board, her experience so far, and what she hopes to accomplish as a student board member.
Poly High School students Joséphine and Matthew discuss their experiences in Model United Nations and their recent trip to New York City for the National High School Model UN conference.
Jordan High School principal, Keisha Irving, discusses Jordan's winning basketball season with coach Chris Francis.
Rio Medina, the Career Pathways Coordinator from the Office of Early College Initiatives (ECI) at Long Beach Community College, talks about all of the programs ECI provides and how LBUSD students can take advantage of them. For more information about LBCC ECI, visit: https://lbcc.edu/earlycollege
In this week's podcast, Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) in LBUSD are discussed with Beth Cohen, principal at Prisk Elementary, and speech pathologists Sara Lupo and Katie Field, who is also an AAC specialist.
Ryan Moritz, a Forensic Science teacher at McBride High School, and student Tia have a conversation about Forensic Science and McBride's Criminal Justice & Investigation Pathway.
This week's guest is Dayne, president of Wilson High Schools Female Leadership Academy. Dayne discusses the history of FLA at Wilson HS, what members can get out of the program, and her hopes for the future of the Female Leadership Academy.
Lead Cabrillo Engineering & Design teacher Ken Fisher speaks with students Jasmine and Marcel about their experiences at Cabrillo High School, and more specifically, their experiences in CED.
Special Education teachers, David Carpio and David Rodriguez, discuss the Adult Community Transition program and its importance to their students and the community.
Browning High School student Thaiyir discusses his experience with the Early College Program. For more information on the Early College Program, visit https://www.lbcc.edu/earlycollege
Ingrid Palsgrove, Millikan High Schools' fashion program teacher, speaks with Natalie, the program's Fashion President and Millikan senior. They discuss Natalie's experiences as a student in the program, what incoming students can expect to learn, and what's to come in the future.
Host Miki has a casual conversation with Kaleya, a Renaissance High School Junior, about her background as a musician and what it is like to be a student taking an arts pathway within LBUSD.
Jonathan Evans, Performing Arts academic counselor, and faculty advisor to the Young Black Scholars Club at Wilson High School, speaks with Noah, a Wilson High senior and the executive director of YBS. They discuss the purpose of the club, why students should get involved, and what they see for the future of YBS.
Former English teacher Chris Itson sits down with his past student Gabriel Sanchez, who is a professional photographer, content creator and founder of Galz media. Gabriel shares his journey from struggling high school student, to successful digital marketer.
Samantha Brown, College Advisor at Renaissance High School, discusses important tips and information regarding the college application process.
LBUSD Program Specialist & Lead Social Worker Susana Cortes discusses the implementation of wellness centers in middle schools district wide.
LBUSD Superintendent Jill Baker, Ed.D sits down with student leader Arianna from Avalon K-12 School, to discuss the district's current strategic planning process and development of a new vision for ensuring student success. This year-long process consists of multiple community input sessions in which students, staff, families, and community members can provide feedback and help develop a shared vision for the future.
LBUSD Superintendent Jill Baker, Ed.D sits down with District Administrator Nader Twal from the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, to discuss the district's current strategic planning process and development of a new vision for ensuring student success. This is a year-long process that consists of multiple community input sessions in which students, staff, families, and community members can provide feedback and help develop a shared vision for the future.
Samantha Brown, College Advisor at Renaissance High School, discusses important financial aid information that every college-bound LBUSD student should know.
Ms. Susan Watson is a Japanese teacher at Long Beach Polytechnic High School who was recently awarded the 2023 Teacher of the Year Award from the California Language Teachers’ Association.
Podcast host Izzy talks to Thourn Heng, the Digital Media teacher at Wilson High School. Mr. Heng discusses what students can expect from his Digital Media classes and how they can benefit from the skills they've learned after graduating.
Michelle Thomassian, Administrator of Business Engagement & Strategic Partnerships and Kehau Fujikami, Business Development & Marketing Specialist discuss connecting LBUSD students to businesses and organizations through work-based learning opportunities, complementing what they learn in class, so they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills that empower and prepare them for success in college, career and beyond.
Poly high school student Alice speaks with Eric Gever, a LB Poly Rabbotics team mentor. The LB Poly Rabbotics team builds game-playing robots designed for the competition.
CALJ lead teacher, Scott Newman discusses the Cabrillo High School Law & Justice pathway with student Lauren.
Charles Lomack, a College & Career Specialist, discusses the Youth Employment Network which focuses on helping high school students and graduates successfully transition from school to the business environment.
School board member Dr. Juan Benitez, Ph.D., speaks to Cabrillo High School student Anyeli about her experience entering LBUSD speaking only Spanish and how speaking more than one language is so important in today's society.
In this week's podcast we talk to Lee Underwood, LBUSD's Teacher of the Year. Lee is an Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition teacher from Millikan High School.
Parent advocate, Robin, and LBUSD Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tiffany Brown, discuss accessibility within the district.
Ángel García, del departamento de Acceso al Idioma y Compromiso, habla sobre la promesa de LBUSD con el acceso al idioma y los servicios que ofrece.
LBUSD Business Services Administrator, Alan Reising, discusses school bonds, and more specifically, Measure Q which is on the November 8 ballot.
High school students Diana & Miki discuss the practice of mindfulness from a student point of view.
High school students Alice and Soleil discuss the effect social media plays in their lives and how to use it safely and responsibly.
Diana, founder of the Long Beach Green Schools Campaign, and GSC member Emma discuss the beginnings of the Green Schools Campaign, the energy and sustainability policy that LBUSD just adopted, and the future of the GSC.
On this week's podcast, graduating senior Shelby gives advice on applying to college based on her experience of going through the process.
Kaiwann is a high school senior at Avalon School on Catalina Island. On this week's podcast, Kaiwann shares what his experience has been like transferring to life on the island along with what his plans are for the future.
This week our guest is LBUSD's Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, Brian Moskovitz. Brian discusses the district's first time offering of full-day kindergarten and full-day transitional kindergarten.
In this week's podcast we talk to Sammie Hamilton. Sammie is a record-breaking swimmer for Wilson High School who has also done some acting and stunt work in television and films.
This week we talk to professional dancer and actor Aaron Cash. He discusses his background in dance, what it was like to audition for Cher, and his experience as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance Australia.
This week's podcast highlights the Khan Club Tutoring program, discussing it's background in LBUSD and how it is helping students throughout the district.
This week's guest is Anthony Lim, a college advisor at USC and at Wilson High School. He discusses and gives advice regarding how to prepare for both college and a career.
This week's guest is Anthony Barrios de la Loza, a student from Loyola Marymount University working toward a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. He currently works as a psychology intern at Renaissance High School and Muir Academy. Anthony discusses his experience and gives advice in regards to students and their mental health.
This weeks guest Rochelle Martin, Special Education Curriculum Leader, discusses the Collaborative Co-Teaching Model that is being implemented within LBUSD.
This weeks guest is Maya, a senior at Millikan High School and the 2022 Moore League Girls Tennis Champion. Maya discusses her experience as a student athlete and how to find the balance between athletics and academics.
Robert Hauck discusses his background in Wilson athletics and the correlation between motivation and success.
Jay, a current senior at Renaissance High School for the Arts, discusses the student experience at Renaissance and what advice they have for future phoenixes.
Kayla Coulter, class of 2021 graduate from Cabrillo High School and current UC Santa Barbara student discusses what to expect during the transition from high school to college, and how students can better prepare themselves for a smooth transition to college life.
In today's episode we talk to Jae, the ASB vice president at Cabrillo High School, as she discusses her experience and takeaways of being involved in student leadership.
Today we speak with Giovanni Cardenas, a Millikan High School alumni and professional fashion photographer. Giovanni discusses his artistic inspirations and the path he took to become successful in the arts and media industry.
Shelby and Izzy discuss the positive and negative aspects of social media in their lives.
Chris Itson, Assistant Director of LBUSD's Marketing and Media Services department, talks with Shelby about the different generational attitudes and approaches toward social media.
Enrique Brito, a local muralist, discusses his journey as an artist along with the exciting project he is working on at Poly High School.
Ryan Pellum, a sophomore at Millikan High School, discusses his accomplishments on the football team and his experiences as a student-athlete.
Samantha Flores, the Career Pathway Coordinator for the Long Beach City College Early College Initiatives Office, discusses Dual Enrollment opportunities for LBUSD students.
Daniel, a current senior in the Merit Scholars program at Lakewood High School, discusses his experience transitioning from middle school to high school in LBUSD and what factors can make a student feel more comfortable and supported at their school.
Former LBUSD Superintendent of Schools, Chris Steinhauser, discusses his journey as a long-serving leader in public education and some of his insights about how we can continue to improve our systems to support student success.
Avalon School principal Miruna O. Lascar discusses the unique educational experience of working and learning at LBUSD's island based school.
La coordinadora de servicios multilingües, Dra. Olga Grimalt, aborda cómo los programas de Inmersión Dual de LBUSD implementan un modelo de instrucción bidireccional en dos idiomas, sirviendo a hablantes nativos del idioma inglés junto con hablantes nativos de español para alcanzar las metas de bilingüismo y alfabetización bilingüe.
Multilingual Services Coordinator, Dr. Olga Grimalt, discusses how LBUSD's Dual Immersion programs implement a two-way dual language model of instruction, serving native speakers of English alongside native speakers of Spanish to reach the goals of Bilingualism & Biliteracy.
Abigail discusses her experiences as a student at Browning High School, why she chose the culinary pathway, and what incoming students can expect.
Student host Shelby speaks with Dr. Kimberly Johnson, the FLA District Coordinator, about the benefits and importance of the Female Leadership Academy in the LBUSD.
Counselor Jennifer Macklin speaks with student host Sophia about the new Wellness Center located at McBride High School.
LBUSD student Diana discusses the creation, current goals, and future of the Long Beach Green Schools Campaign.
LBUSD Administrative Assistant, Stephanie Heilig, discusses how to prepare, explore, and apply for High School Choice.
Shelby speaks with Elijah Sims, the Interim Director of the Long Beach College Promise, to discuss the program itself and its part in LBUSD's Academic and Career Success Initiative.
Student leaders from Millikan High School and Renaissance High School discuss the impact of career pathways on student success.
David Miranda, Executive Director of Facilities Development & Planning at LBUSD, discusses the collaboration between Facilities (Measure E) and Maintenance and how they work together to ensure a safe, functional, and inviting environment for students and staff.
In our final episode of Pandemic Reflections Podcast we close out with Katie and Shannon as we learn about their “I Teach Long Beach’ campaign.
Poly HS student Cosette speaks with LBUSD teacher of the year Sarah Schol who discusses her background as a teacher, the Poly PACE pathway, Black Student Union, and the Female Leadership Academy.
Our latest episode of Pandemic Reflections Podcast features Linda Patton, a teacher at Prisk Elementary.
Poly High student Anouska discusses her experiences as an intern at the Museum of Latin American Art.
In this episode of Pandemic Reflections Podcast, we chat with Sara Vega, a teacher at Jackie Robinson Academy.
Get to know Lori Andrews, a Restorative Justice Coordinator from the Long Beach Learning Center on this week’s episode of Pandemic Reflections Podcast.
Our first Pandemic Reflections Podcast kicks off as we get to know Jim Dowding and the partnership with the Port of Long Beach that Cabrillo High School's Academy of Global Logistics offers students.
LBUSD student leaders Cosette and Kayla, discuss their perspectives on the topic of equity and the impact of Ethnic Studies courses in public schools.
Teacher Yassaman Khairolomour discusses the Environmental Science pathway available at Lakewood High School.
Michelle Thomassian discusses connecting LBUSD students to businesses and organizations through inspiring work-based learning opportunities, complementing what they learn in class, so they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills that empower and prepare them for success in college, career and beyond.
Chef Carolyn Doll discusses the Culinary Arts pathway available at Browning High School.
Student leaders from Diversify Our Narrative LBUSD share their perspectives on equity in education , representation, and joy as a form of resistance.
Jandella Faulkner, ELD Curriculum Leader, discusses the SEAL program (Supports, Enrichment & Accelerated Learning).