oneSMFC

In this episode of the One SMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa invites four students to share how they explore Project-Based Learning at Lead Elementary—soon to become Cottage Grove Elementary—and how this approach puts students at the center of their learning. Project-Based Learning engages students in real-world projects that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students ask m...

In this uplifting episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Director of Communications Diego Perez is joined by Lead Elementary Principal Natalie Delahant, Fiesta Gardens International School Principal Daniel Robles, Boys & Girls Club Site Director Lorena Alcayaga, and Hector Lopez, a proud parent from Sunnybrae Elementary. Together, they explore the real impact of the San Mateo-Foster City School Distr...

In this special episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Board Clerk Maggie Trinh and Board Trustee Gene Kim join Director of Communications Diego Perez to offer valuable insights into the Board Trustee Area 3 vacancy. Together, they walk the community through the district's transparent and thoughtful approach to selecting the newest board member. If you’re interested in applying and live within one o...

In this heartwarming episode of the oneSMFC Podcast , Superintendent Diego Ochoa joins two dedicated preschool teachers, Miroslava Salmeron and Doa Higazi, along with parent Brisi Bautista, to delve into the impactful world of early childhood education. Together, they discuss the transformative benefits of free preschool access and how it enriches the whole child in the San Mateo-Foster City Schoo...

Current Kindergarten teachers are seeing some impressive skills from the new 2024-2025 students entering elementary school. Many of their students had access to our newly opened preschool classrooms at their neighborhood schools. In this episode of the onesmfc Podcast, we explore the vital role of preschool education and its impact on families. Joining Superintendnet Ochoa are the key leaders from...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Borel Middle School Teacher and Drama Director Alyssa Goldrath and the cast of Goosebumps The Musical! This episode spotlights the very unique journeys each student had during the making of the musical. Regardless of your background, the arts play a pivotal role in nurturing students' creativity, and we take immense pri...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by two rock star teachers, Ms. Lang and Ms. Dixon, and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Schools, Pam Bartfield. Our educators dive into the spirit of collaboration that's reshaping our approach to teaching by highlighting how our teachers have been revolutionizing the way our students learn how to...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by two Teachers on Special Assignments for Literacy, Ms. Nicole Habeeb and Ms. Larissa Kenny,   and the Director of Curriculum Instruction for Elementary Schools Pam Bartfield.  The three discuss our focus in early literacy at the San Mateo-Foster City School District, highlighting system changes, professional development, and...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Principal of College Park, Angienette Estonina, Teacher Yaou Liu, student Quincey and parent Helen. This culturally rich episode highlights the various events College Park holds to foster global citizens at their school. As a Mandarin immersion program, College Park embraces not just Mandarin as both the language and a c...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Coordinator of Enrollment Stephanie Gibson and Administrative Assistant at Meadow Heights, Robyn Holmes. The three shed light on the district's intentional approach to our enrollment season. Through the shared experiences and insights from district staff, we aim to share how all actions, like knowing a student's na...

What if you could influence the structure of your child's school, ensure they receive a quality education, and foster a vibrant community while doing so?  In this podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Dr. Christian Rubalcaba, Director of School Leadership, Anavela Calderon, a student from San Mateo Park School, and Tania Toala, a parent with children in the district. The four discuss the...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dennis Hills and Teacher on Special Assignment for LGBTQ+, Israel Cruz. The heartwarming episode provides our community with a journey into the world of educators who go above and beyond in their commitment to fostering inclusivity and acceptance. The LGBTQ+ ToSA position was crea...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast,  Superintendent Ochoa is joined by a top Footsteps2Brilliance user, Beatriz Oliveira Lima, and Mrs. Sandra Oliveita Lima. Beatriz Oliveira Lima is becoming a strong multilingual student who has learned to speak English within 30 days of using the F2B program. Their family arrived from Brazil in February 2023. This early literacy program gives our community a...

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by student Yuito, a top Footsteps2Brilliance reader in the district, and his mom, Mrs.  Akiko Motomura.  The three discuss the usage of F2B and its power to provide Yuito with the tools to learn English since his move from Tokyo, Japan, in 2022. With barely a year and a half in Foster City, Yuito conducted the podcast entirely...

In this special episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by three Empowering Student Voices Council members from Parkside Montessori, North Shoreview Montessori, and Abbott Middle School. The three decompress on the student panel led by Sueprintendent for the 2023 - 2024 Admin Launch in July 2023. Learn more about the Empowering Student Voices Council. Interested in learning...

In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Restorative Solutions' very own President and co-founder, Randy Compton,  and principal, Lead Trainer, and Consultant, Catherine Childs. The three discuss the How, the Why, and the What regarding to restorative practice and restorative justice. The district is excited about this partnership and for the nearly 600 distri...

In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Schools, Pam Bartfield, and the Principal on Special Assignment for the Annex Afterschool program Tiffany Kiniris. In this episode, the three discuss all things Annex Academic Enrichment Camp! The third installment of our initial Turkey Camp during the fall break in 20...

In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast Superintendent is joined by Coordinator of Special Education Dr. Kristin Vogel-Campbell and Beach Park Elementary's Moderate/Severe Special Day Class Teacher Jeremy Jarvie! The three discuss what Extended School Year (ESY) is and how it is different than a regular school year for our students with special needs. Interested in learning more? Check out our...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent is joined by the Director of Multilingual Learner Services, Aleyda Barrera-Cruz, the Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation, Mark Herrera, and the Principal on Special Assignment, Dr. Ryan Haven. The four discuss cross-departmental collaboration to create a safe, welcoming, and fun summer school experience for our students. Vi...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Executive Director for the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation, Sonja Tappan, and Beach Park Elementary student Zach Thorpe. This student feature podcast highlights the strong community and equitable focus Zach brings to life in our district. Zach highlights the impact of shoe waste on the environment and how GotSneak...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Librarians Barbara Sibley and Jennifer Alfonso-Punzalan, and the Instructional Material Center Technician Joanna O'Brien. The four have a conversation about the strategies at play to increase diverse content in our libraries and broaden access. Our school librarians have always provided an incredible service to our stud...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Davis Chambliss and Coordinator of Data, Evaluation, and Assessments Kiela Jimenez. The three discuss how the district is currently ranked on the new CA Dashboard . The San Mateo-Foster City School District published the California Dashboard L3 Update document to walk families t...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Director of Multilingual Learner Services Aleyda Barrera-Cruz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Pam Bartfield, and Principal on Special Assignment for the Annex Afterschool program Tiffany Kiniris. The four discuss the upcoming Spring Break "Sunshine Camp" and Summer School programs, all made p...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Coordinator of Math, Amy Burke, and two 3rd-grade teachers, Kimberly Amoroso from San Mateo Park Elementary and Dawn Presse from Foster City Elementary. The four discuss instruction in 3rd-grade math classrooms and how engaged students have become with the new approach to math instruction—reinforcing students to understa...

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Director of Special Education Heather Morgan, Assistant Director of Special Education Kira Walsh Nazario, and Coordinator of Special Education Monique Arbuckle. The four discuss the recent updates in the Special Education department, which includes a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and Registered Behavior Technician teams...