Make, Animate, and Educate with Karen Burk

It’s the end of an era. For our 50th and final episode of the Tips and Salsa podcast, join hosts Jamie, Caleb, Carly, and Jenn as we look back on nearly a decade of countless memories. Tune in as our team reflects on our journey together, celebrates the massive evolution of educational technology across our district, shares what the future holds for each of us, and gives a final round of special shout-outs. Grab some chips and salsa, sit back, and enjoy this special series finale!

This episode is a true full-circle moment! For our penultimate episode, we’re reunited with our very first podcast guest and kindergarten trailblazer, Camille Dahnke. Camille reflects on the massive shift in education over the last decade, from sharing a single laptop cart to the widespread adoption of powerful tools like Google for Education and Canva. She shares how she uses AI-powered social stories and tools like ProWise Presenter to move her students from consumers to creators. Tune in for a look back on where we've been, where we are, and where we're going.

From Google Cardboard dinosaurs to the high-speed multiverse of Generative AI, we’re taking a nostalgic deep dive into the evolution of Ed Tech in RUSD! In this episode, we’re reunited with our "Original Ed Tech Coach," Nicole Howes, to celebrate how far the district has come since the days of sharing a single laptop cart for "Tech Tuesday." Nicole shares her front-row seat to our digital transformation, the rise of classroom staples like Canva and GoGuardian, and why Twitter for teachers finally fizzled out. Tune in for a hilarious walk down memory lane with an OG friend—plus the "savage" truth about oven mitts and, of course, lettuce.

Every hero has an origin story! In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Elementary’s Adam Johnson, who traded a 20-year career in professional graphic design for the "multiverse" of the 5th-grade classroom. Adam shares how he uses his design superpowers to teach students to master tools like Canva, Google Sites, and Minecraft Education. From building sleek digital portfolios to tackling diabolical coding challenges, tune in to learn how Adam prepares his students for middle school and beyond by emphasizing professional presentation, balance, and real-world digital skills.

Is gaming the new "team sport"? Clement teachers Darren Ching and Anthony Alacorn join us to discuss the rise of RUSD Esports and why competitive gaming is essentially "fast-paced chess". From "Golden Pikachu" victories to teaching sportsmanship and perseverance through Super Smash Bros, our guests share how they built a thriving gaming community. Tune in to discover the academic and social benefits students realize through gaming and why Esports belong in our schools.

Get ready to RAISE your AI game! Our special guest, Deputy Superintendent Jason Hill, breaks down RUSD’s new initiative for integrating generative AI into our schools. Learn all about the new Redlands Launchpad, how staff can use AI tools to boost their work, and the ultimate vision for innovation across the district.

In this episode of Tips and Salsa, we’re joined by sixth-grade filmmaking phenom Calvin Catania! 🎬 From taco-fueled inspiration to film noir flair, Calvin shares the stories behind his standout RUSD FilmFest submissions and what it’s like to see his work hit the big screen.2025 film: Cheap$kate2024 fim: The Young Cowboy

Is scrolling getting in the way of schooling? In this episode, we sit down with Sue Thotz from Common Sense Education to talk about online safety, digital citizenship, and the growing push for phone-free schools. Tune in as we explore the challenges, the new California law, and what schools, parents, and students need to know!

How does our district stay connected and protected? In this episode, we chat with David Monaco, Director of Technology Services, about the challenges of managing IT, the importance of cybersecurity, and what’s next for tech in our schools.

Join us as we chat with Karen Burk, our 2024 Garner Holt Teacher of the Year, about the amazing AniMakerspace Lab at Victoria, her favorite projects, and how it’s inspiring students to create and innovate! Meet our student guests!