The RUSD Bridge Podcast

Join us on The Bridge Podcast for an inspiring dive into Eisenhower High School's rise in English Language Arts achievements, within the Rialto Unified School District. We're joined by English teacher Mrs. Trishri Campa, her student Aaron Ellard, and Principal Mrs. Kristal Henriquez-Pulido to discuss the collaborative efforts and innovative strategies that have led to remarkable academic success....

Step into the realm of educational and excellence in this edition of The Bridge Podcast. We are shining the spotlight on Simpson Elementary School in Rialto, where the commitment to nurturing the holistic needs of students is brought to life.   Meet our guests: Mrs. Laura Diamond, Rialto's Teacher of the Year (2022-2023), her dynamic  student Jon Valdovinos Mondragon, and Simpson Elementary School...

Dive into the world of innovation and creativity with this episode of The Bridge Podcast. We're spotlighting the revolutionary Makerspace Lab at Morgan Elementary School, where students step beyond traditional learning to embrace hands-on, interactive projects that blend science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).   Join fifth-grade student Cadence Bekke, Makerspace teacher Mr. Ronnie...

In this episode of the RUSD Bridge Podcast, we delve into the groundbreaking American Sign Language (ASL) program at Eisenhower High School, a vivid illustration of our commitment to providing rigorous and relevant learning experiences.   Join us as we sit down with Mrs. Rebecca Barbee, the pioneering ASL teacher, and her dedicated students, senior Daniel Ruiz and sophomore Alexis Zarazua. Discove...

In today's episode of The Bridge Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring story of high achievement, ambitious dreams, and steadfast dedication that characterizes our guest, David Luviano. This exceptional Carter High School senior is breaking boundaries and setting new standards by securing a full-ride scholarship to the esteemed Brown University. Tune in as we navigate his exciting journey towar...

Welcome to another episode of The Bridge Podcast, where today we're highlighting the crucial role of nutrition in education and celebrating our innovative Nutrition Services team in Rialto Unified School District (RUSD). Joining us are Ms. Cindy Long, Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service; Ms. Kim Frinzell, Nutrition Services Division Direct...

Welcome to this episode of The Bridge Podcast. Today, we're exploring the Rialto Unified School District's strategic plan that emphasizes the creation of supportive structures for students. A prime example of this initiative is our recently launched RUSD Tutoring Program. Joining us today are Mr. Erick Serrano, a dedicated first-grade teacher at Kelley Elementary School who is also involved in our...

Welcome to The Bridge Podcast. Today, we're discussing the RUSD Tutoring Program with guests Mr. Norberto Perez, Agent of Expanded Learning Programs, Mrs. Ofelia Fitzpatrick, Eisenhower High School teacher and tutoring lead, and student Luis Vidrio. We talk about the tutoring program's launch and its benefits to students. Luis will share his tutoring experiences, and Mrs. Fitzpatrick will provide...

Welcome to The Bridge Podcast, an open platform for inspiring conversations. We are incredibly honored to have two remarkable students from the Rialto High School Class of 2023 with us - Valedictorian Melanie Robles and Salutatorian Steven Ly, whose exceptional performance and diligence embody our mission of high expectations for student achievement. Joining these shining stars is Dr. Caroline Swe...

Join us in this exciting episode of The Bridge Podcast, highlighting the exceptional scholars of the Class of 2023 at Milor High School and Zupanic Virtual Academy. Meet Angela Garcia, top scholar at Milor High School, who carries a 3.2 GPA and is setting her sights on a future in psychiatry or finance. Hear from Daniel Streff, top scholar from Zupanic Virtual Academy with a 4.02 GPA, whose aspira...

Welcome to The Bridge Podcast, where we celebrate the achievements of our students at Rialto Unified School District. Today, we shine a spotlight on the top students from Eisenhower High School's Class of 2023: Valedictorian Jennifer Isita Nunez and Salutatorian Jessica Magana. They are joined by their high school counselor, Mrs. Suzanne Kull. In our conversation, we'll learn about their high scho...

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Bridge Podcast. Today, we are delighted to bring you a conversation with Carter High School's top-performing scholars from the Class of 2023 - Valedictorian Samantha Venegas and Salutatorian Shekinah Ulloa. Guided by their Principal, Dr. Caroline Sweeney, these two have not only surpassed academic expectations but are also shaping their future pathways...

Welcome to an extraordinary episode of the Bridge Podcast. In this unique installment, we break away from our usual format to give hosting duties to Mia Candelas, a talented student from Myers Elementary School's STEAM Academy. Join Mia as she sits down with the District Superintendent, Dr. Avila, for an engaging, enlightening, and unexpected conversation. They cover a wide range of topics, from D...

Welcome back to The Bridge Podcast! In today's episode, we are taking a deep dive into the life and learning at Myers Elementary School. We have the pleasure of hosting an extraordinary student, Darius Mickey Evans, the dynamic and tech-savvy teacher, Kathleen Schilreff, and their inspiring Principal, Alberto Camarena. We will explore the intricacies of school life at Myers, the school's focus on...

In this inspiring episode of The Bridge Podcast, we explore the story of Kolb Middle School, recognized as a State and National School to Watch. Our distinguished guests include Mr. Armando Urteaga, the former Principal of Kolb Middle School and current Lead Personnel Agent, along with Mrs. Helen Johnson and Mr. James Nava, dedicated teachers at the school. Our conversation explores the journey to...

In this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we honor the remarkable artistic talent of Emmalee Cano, an award-winning eighth-grade student at Kolb Middle School, and delve into her journey. Joining Emmalee are her art teacher, Ms. Kristen Ursenbach, who has been instrumental in nurturing her skills, and Mrs. Tina Lingenfelter, Kolb Middle School Principal. Emmalee has achieved notable recognition, winn...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Bridge Podcast, where today we spotlight a unique and enriching educational trip that our students recently took to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In line with the Rialto Unified School District's mission to offer learning opportunities beyond the traditional school setting and promote an appreciation of universal diversity, thi...

Welcome to The Bridge Podcast. Today, we are honored to feature a special young talent from the Rialto Unified School District, proving the value of our strategic plan's belief - everyone has a unique talent. In this episode, we celebrate the artistic prowess of Ariel Gonzalez, a Trapp Elementary School student who recently won a national competition, the SC Johnson Happy Hands Contest, with her c...

Dive into an enriching episode of The Bridge Podcast, where we spotlight the Girls Club at Curtis Elementary School in Rialto Unified School District. We're joined by founder Mrs. Lauron Pedroza, and vibrant fifth-grade members, Angelina Reyes and Amaya Perez. This club, initiated by Mrs. Pedroza, has been pivotal in cultivating self-esteem among girls transitioning to middle school. Hear from our...

Welcome to another episode of The Bridge Podcast, where today we're highlighting Rialto Adult School and introducing a veteran educator, Mrs. Jo Ann Lopatynski, who is a shining example of Rialto Kindness, our commitment to honorable and compassionate service. Joining Mrs. Lopatynski are Rialto Adult School Principal, Mrs. Kim Watson, and Mrs. Maribel Diaz, a dedicated student at Rialto Adult Scho...

In this throwback episode of the Bridge Podcast, we delve into the lives of two incredibly gifted students from Trapp Elementary School, alongside a chat with their extraordinary principal. Meet Ricardo Gonzalez, a creative third grader who made it to the finals of the SC Johnson "Happy Hands" contest with his innovative soap/hand sanitizer dispenser design. Then get to know Azyah Rice, a fourth g...

Are you interested in learning about college success in the Rialto Unified School District? Join us on the Bridge Podcast as we welcome two guests to discuss the Early College Program and their experiences in the RUSD. Our first guest is Kashmaila Ali, a first-generation college student and former valedictorian of Carter High School. She is currently in her first year as a medical student at UC Ri...

Are you curious about the Early College Program and its impact on student success in the Rialto Unified School District? Join us on the Bridge Podcast for part two of our Early College Program chat as we welcome Anahi Velasco and Dr. Ed D'Souza to discuss the program's evolution, benefits, and future direction. Anahi Velasco, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Moreno Valle...

On this episode we are talking to Carter High School's nationally recognized speech and debate team and the school counselor who coaches the team's success. 

On this episode of the Bridge Podcast, we have a conversation with award winning teacher Mr. Vinh Ho, outstanding principal Mr. Armando Urteaga,  and amazing student Jaslene Castillo, all from Kolb Middle School.