Eye On The Valley

November 1, 2024On today’s show your host Matt Watson welcomes Zoya Kalinsky in studio.  Zoya is a 13 year old learner at iLead Exploration program with SCVi schools.  She is an advocate for anti-bullying and a Youth Ambassador for Skyway Transformative Education Platform.  She talks about the incredible experiences she has had including speaking for the 5th time at the UN as well as participating  in the Youth Power Summit and Feminist Futures Festival.  Zoya transferred to SCVi as part of their home study program so that she can travel the world, working as an advocate. Go to ileadschools.org for more information on their home study program as well as their online learning and other in person campuses.In the second half of the show, Matt welcomes Boys And Girls Club CEO Matt Nelson and Jenny Ketchepaw, President of the Boys And Girls Club.  They discuss the features that the Boys & Girls Club offers including after-school care, homework assistance, sports and mentoring.  Membership is $60 a child per year. Their annual fundraise, Festival Of Trees is happening at the Canyon Country Community Center on November 22-24.  The Gala is happening on the 22nd, and the trees will be on display through the entire weekend.  Go to scvbgc.com for more information.

October 18, 2024On today’s show your host Matt Watson talks with the middle school team at SCVi charter schools. Together, they talk about how they work to help their learners grow by using the Project Based Learning model which gives them a chance to work hands-on rather than strictly through textbooks.   The Fall Festival is happening on Saturday, October 19 which is a fundraiser for the schools on the SCVi campus. SCVi and iLead is a cluster of free, public charter schools with campuses in Lancaster, Castaic and Agua Dulce as well as an online learning program and home study school.  Go to ileadschools.org for more information.Next, Matt talks with Monica Gilchrist of Gilchrist Farms. They are hosting their annual Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch which is happening everyday until Halloween except for Mondays.  They offer ax throwing, pumpkins, crafts, pony rides as well as farm animals of all kinds with pig races and a maze.  Go to gilchristfarm.com for more information.In the second half of the show, Matt welcomes Senator Scott Wilk in studio. Senator Wilk represents the 21st Senate District and after 8 years in the Senate is ending his term in November. He will look to work on community projects such as the Westfield Shopping Center improvements as well as improvements at Henry Mayo Hospital.  They also discuss the future of the COC Board.

October 11, 2024On today’s show your host Matt Watson talks with Emilie Evenson, Leadership Resident at SCVi’s iLead online. Emilie and Matt talk about the benefits of the iLead program which gives parents and their children the flexibility they need for their schoolwork. Together, they create their own schedule to allow for freedom while still offering in person opportunities and even field trips. Additionally, learners are offered career options in their CTE pathways which includes business, technical, health care and the arts as well as internships to help the learner ear industry recognized certifications. SCVi and iLead are a network of free, public charter schools with campuses in Lancaster, Agua Dulce and the AV as well as the online school and home study programs. Go to ileadonline.comIn the second half of the show, Matt welcomes Cailin Garcia, Administrative Analyst Business Development for the City of Santa Clarita. Cailin works closely with potential local businesses in an effort to help bring companies into Santa Clarita.  Economic Development Division is important to our community to help us succeed financially.  A job fair is happening on October 18 from 10am-2pm at the College of the Canyons where over 90 employers will be looking for the perfect job candidate. Go to myscvjobfair.com

October 4, 2024On today’s show, your host Matt Watson talks with Kathleen Fredette, STEAM Initiative Director with iLead California.  Kathleen talks about the aerospace program which gives the learners a hands-on opportunity to work with professionals at NASA.  The Dream Up To Space program is open to the 4th grade through high school and focuses on microgravity experimentation, drones and more.  SCVi and iLead is a network of free public charter schools with campuses in Lancaster, Agua Ducle and Antelope Valley.  They also offer a home study program and online learning as well. Go to iLeadschools.orgIn the second half of the show, Matt welcomes Dr. Josh Wentz, Founder and Artistic Director of Mission Opera House. Dr. Wentz and Matt talk about the unique features of the opera house as it’s not a typical opera.  Mission Opera House operates out of Canyon High School Performing Arts Center and they produce American Operas which are more focused on multimedia design and videos.  Their upcoming performance is Cold Sassy Tree which is on stage October 25-27.  Go to missionopera.com for tickets.