The RUSD Bridge Podcast

Kucera Middle School is making history. In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we celebrate Kucera being named a 2026 California and National School to Watch and highlight the culture behind that recognition. Joining the conversation are Principal Jennifer Cuevas, 2024 RUSD Middle School Teacher of the Year Miriam Trudeau, and seventh grade student Yanilen Johnson, who won Kucera's first ever Spel...

This throwback episode of The Bridge Podcast takes us back to a celebration of student achievement in science. The episode features Jehue Middle School science teacher Jessica Mendoza, Jehue student Michael Barajas, and Kolb Middle School student Tovah Caffee, who earned a Gold Medal at the San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties Science and Engineering Fair (SIMSEF).From science fair projects to...

In this episode, we sit down with the new Chief of Safety and Security Gustavo Paiz, Safety Operations Supervisor Victor Ramirez, and Lead Safety Intervention Officer Reedta Reed to explore what school safety looks like across Rialto Unified. From restorative practices to emergency preparedness and day-to-day campus engagement, the team shares their vision, strategies, and the personal passion tha...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we welcome Dr. Jon Black, Associate Superintendent of Education Services, and Dr. Denise Ellis, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources. Together, they share their journeys into education, their vision for serving students and staff, and how their experiences as educators and leaders shape their work in Rialto Unified School District. Tune in for an engag...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we explore what cultivating a culture of high expectations looks like in action. Joining us are Preston Elementary fourth-grade student Isabella Montoya, Assistant Principal David Yang (recently named CAAPLE Co-Administrator of the Year) and Kolb Middle School Principal Dr. Tina Lingenfelter. Together, they share how leadership, opportunity, and student voice...

In this special episode of The Bridge Podcast, we're joined by RUSD Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Álvarez and 2025–2026 Student Board Member Audrey Gonzalez. Together, they share their unique perspectives as district leaders, one leading the system, and one representing students across all grade levels. Tune in to learn about their stories, goals, and what it means to lead with purpose, passion, an...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we celebrate Simpson Elementary School's recognition as a 2024-2025 California Distinguished School. Principal Mrs. Ramona Rodriguez, teacher Mrs. Silk Jones, and fifth-grade student Lilyana Lozano join us to share what makes Simpson a model of academic excellence, student success, and school pride.

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we talk with Eisenhower High School student Angel Duarte about his passion for science and the educators who helped shape his journey. Joining the conversation are Dr. Edward D'Souza, Lead Academic Agent for Math, Science, College, and Career Pathways, and Juanita Chan-Roden, Agent of Science and Career Programs, as they share how Rialto Unified is fostering...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we spotlight fifth-grade Dual Language Immersion student Zachary Pena from Garcia Elementary School, an exceptional learner, model, and YouTuber. Principal Mr. Gilbert Pulido joins the conversation to share how the DLI program is shaping students and how Zachary's positivity and curiosity are making a lasting impact on the Grizzly community.

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we celebrate Rialto High School senior Carrington Davis, who helped lead the Knights to a CIF-Southern Section basketball championship, recently surpassed 2,000 career points, and was named 2025 Ken Hubbs Female Athlete of the Year. Joining Carrington are her father and assistant coach Tyrell Parks and RHS athletic director Mr. Troy Holland as they reflect on...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we sit down with 2024–2025 RUSD Student Board Member Ivan Manzo, an Eisenhower High School senior and standout student leader. Joining him are Eisenhower Principal Mrs. Kristal Henriquez-Pulido and AP Calculus teacher Mrs. Laurie Dunbar-Smalls, as they share insights on student leadership, academic excellence, and the impact of student voice in district decis...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we spotlight the vital work of Rialto Unified's Special Services team. Therapeutic Behavioral Strategists Mrs. Adriana Perez and Mr. Sedric Deason share how they support students, staff, and families through tailored behavioral services, and how events like the Divergent Games help celebrate the strengths of every learner. Tune in to learn how Rialto Unified...

In this very special episode of The Bridge Podcast, Grammy-winning producers and Rialto natives Bobby "Ahvlah" Ross Avila and Issiah "Iz" J. Avila, The Avila Brothers, return home to share their incredible journey from Rialto classrooms to the Grammy stage and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Joined by RUSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Judy White, the conversation explores the power of arts education,...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we highlight first-grade student Logan Dominguez, who made an incredible leap in reading achievement, alongside fellow student Chukwuemelie Ezeoke. Boyd Elementary Principal Mr. Alberto Camarena joins the conversation as we explore how Dual Language Immersion is helping young learners thrive.

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we spotlight Kolb Middle School and the power of inspiring education. Hear from 8th-grade honors student Anthony Blackwood, science teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Ms. Sarah Hernandez, and Principal Dr. Tina Lingenfelter as they share what makes Kolb MS a strong academic community and how curiosity and engagement are driving student success.

Join us on the Bridge Podcast as we celebrate excellence in alternative education! In this episode, Milor High senior Jordan Acree, teacher and ASB advisor Alexa Martinez Garcia, and Principal Dr. Kyla Griffin share insights on their school's recent recognition as a model continuation high school by the California Continuation Education Association, and what makes Milor a unique and supportive com...

This episode focuses on the USC Family Literacy Program, a groundbreaking initiative in the Rialto Unified School District that involves key figures like Dr. Rhea McIver Gibbs, Mrs. Jennifer Lim, and Mrs. Rebecca Baty. They discuss the program's objectives, the synergy between the district and USC, and its transformative impact on families, detailing how it supports broader educational goals and n...

Jehue Middle School has been recognized as a School to Watch, and in this episode, we discuss what makes it so special. Principal Ms. Carolyn Eide, Education Specialist Mrs. Yolanda Smith, and eighth-grade student Ace Pinota share their insights on the school's culture of excellence, innovative teaching methods, and how a strong sense of community contributes to their accolades and student success...

Meet the achievers setting the bar at Eisenhower High School: Valedictorian Daniel Vega and Salutatorians Brenda Guzman-Reyes and Manuel Perez. This episode delves into their academic journeys, future college and career ambitions, and the memorable experiences they've had at Eisenhower. Hear about their personal inspirations, challenges overcome, and their plans to use their education to make a po...

Join us on The Bridge Podcast for an in-depth conversation with Carter High School's top scholars, Valedictorian Riley Orlando and Salutatorian Isabella Quinonez Pena, alongside their Principal Dr. Robin McMillon. Discover the secrets behind their academic success, their future aspirations in fields as diverse as medicine and business, and the support systems at Carter High that have propelled the...

The Young Men's Summit at Kucera Middle School is more than just an event; it's a catalyst for change. Join Assistant Principal Mr. Nalik Davis and students Miguel Laguna and Michael Soto as they recount the summit's profound impact on their lives. This episode offers a closer look at how such initiatives can inspire personal growth, community engagement, and academic enthusiasm among students.

In this insightful episode, we explore the indispensable role of school counselors in nurturing student success and well-being. Featuring Mrs. Annemarie Delgado-Brown, Ms. Kaishauna Kern, and student Arturo Zavala from Kucera Middle School, learn about the various counseling services provided across different school levels and how these services impact students like Arturo both academically and pe...

Tune in to The Bridge Podcast for an inspiring episode featuring Mrs. Kristen Ursenbach, Kolb Middle School's celebrated art teacher, and her talented student Leslie Barraza-Enriquez. Dive into the world of creativity and expression as Mrs. Ursenbach shares her journey to becoming the Outstanding Middle School Visual Art Educator and her passion for nurturing young artists. Discover how Leslie has...

Join us on The Bridge Podcast for a fascinating discussion with Ms. Noelle Kreider, a tech-savvy second-grade teacher from Dollahan Elementary School, her enthusiastic student Joaquin Garcia, and the supportive Principal Mr. Daniel Husbands. Discover how Ms. Kreider's innovative use of technology and engaging math strategies are making learning more relevant and exciting for her students. Hear fro...

Tune into The Bridge Podcast for a special episode featuring Hughbanks Elementary's shining stars: student Yaretzi Mendez and her fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Juan Carlos Luna Vargas, a recent inductee into the Cal State San Bernardino Alumni Hall of Fame. Discover what makes Mr. Luna an exemplary educator through Yaretzi's eyes, from his innovative use of technology in the classroom to the memorable...