Episode 16: Summer Programs at EWCSD with the Educational Support Services Team

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with 5th grade teacher Diane Danoff to talk about one of the most unique events in our District: the Scotty Olympics. Mrs. Danoff discusses the history of this three-day event and explains each competition that students participate in. Mrs. Danoff also acknowledges the many parent volunteers and PTA members who help organize the event and make the Scotty Olympics memorable for students. Listen to this episode to hear all about how the Scotty Olympics brings to EWCSD community together through competition, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Assistant Superintendent of Educational Support Services Dr. Alicia Aceves and Director of Categorical Programs Andrea Roman to discuss all the opportunities our students have over the summer. From a week of exploration at Camp Arbolado to building new skills during enrichment programs on campus, it will be an exciting summer for the EWCSD community!

In this episode, Dr. Patterson talks with Coach Mark Lopez from the Boys and Girls Club to discuss the Orchard Dale Wildcats' run to the Mamba League championship. Coach Lopez also gives the audience an overview of the entire Boys and Girls Club sports landscape across EWCSD. At the end of the show, we welcome a player from the championship squad to share his experience of the season.

In recognition of Autism Awareness month, Dr. Patterson sits down with Jeannette Valenzuela, founder of Gil’s Sweet Abilities. This mother and son home bakery is a dynamic team that works towards providing opportunities for adults with disabilities in the community. In this episode, Jeannette discusses how the idea for Gil’s Sweet Abilities came about through her son Gil, who has autism. Gil also joined the show to talk about his favorite baked goods to make as well as the work he and his mother do in the community.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Suman Rana from the YMCA to discuss the Camp Arbolado opportunity for 5th grade students. Suma talks about the benefits of going to camp and all the exciting activities students participate in. He also addresses some common parent concerns and gives a reminder on how to register for th spring and summer camp sessions. 

In this special edition of the Inside EWCSD Podcast, our District Speech Contest Winners join the show. Damian Ramirez (Granada Middle School) and Caddie Murphy (Laurel Elementary) talk about their experience with the speech contest and deliver their award-winning speeches. 

In this episode, Dr. Patterson talks with Gina Lopez from the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier. Gina discusses the after school programs that are available to students across the District. She highlights some of the activities that students engage in including, STEAM workshops, choir lessons, keyboard instruction, and a DJ program. She also introduces some new sports programs that will become available to our students this spring.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with Dipali Patel from The Coder School. Dipali discusses how her experience as a parent sparked her passion for making coding accessible to underserved children, thus leading to her opening The Coding School. She also discusses the EWCSD Coding Program that is now available to 3rd-5th grade students and what parents and students can expect from this program.

In this episode, Superintendent Marc Patterson talks with Rudy Hernandez from RMH Dance about the new dance program available to elementary school students here at EWCSD. Rudy starts off by revealing how a personal tragedy led to his love of dance and a new career path. He also discusses the types of skills students in the dance program will develop and the overall goals for the program. Rudy closes out the conversation by talking about his involvement with the Whittier Community Foundation and the work they do to support EWCSD and the greater Whittier community.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with the principals of Leffingwell and Ocean View Elementary to discuss their recent achievement as a National Blue Ribbon School. Ms. Songer and Dr. Blackwell provide some insight into how they found out they received this honor and how their schools celebrated with their communities. They also recount their trip to Washington D.C and the overall impact that this award has had on their students, staff, families, and communities.