Tips and Salsa

It’s the end of an era. For our 50th and final episode of the Tips and Salsa podcast, join hosts Jamie, Caleb, Carly, and Jenn as we look back on nearly a decade of countless memories. Tune in as our team reflects on our journey together, celebrates the massive evolution of educational technology across our district, shares what the future holds for each of us, and gives a final round of special s...

This episode is a true full-circle moment! For our penultimate episode, we’re reunited with our very first podcast guest and kindergarten trailblazer, Camille Dahnke. Camille reflects on the massive shift in education over the last decade, from sharing a single laptop cart to the widespread adoption of powerful tools like Google for Education and Canva. She shares how she uses AI-powered social st...

From Google Cardboard dinosaurs to the high-speed multiverse of Generative AI, we’re taking a nostalgic deep dive into the evolution of Ed Tech in RUSD! In this episode, we’re reunited with our "Original Ed Tech Coach," Nicole Howes, to celebrate how far the district has come since the days of sharing a single laptop cart for "Tech Tuesday." Nicole shares her front-row seat to our digital transfor...

Every hero has an origin story! In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Elementary’s Adam Johnson, who traded a 20-year career in professional graphic design for the "multiverse" of the 5th-grade classroom. Adam shares how he uses his design superpowers to teach students to master tools like Canva, Google Sites, and Minecraft Education. From building sleek digital portfolios to tackli...

Is gaming the new "team sport"? Clement teachers Darren Ching and Anthony Alacorn join us to discuss the rise of RUSD Esports and why competitive gaming is essentially "fast-paced chess". From "Golden Pikachu" victories to teaching sportsmanship and perseverance through Super Smash Bros, our guests share how they built a thriving gaming community. Tune in to discover...

Get ready to RAISE your AI game! Our special guest, Deputy Superintendent Jason Hill, breaks down RUSD’s new initiative for integrating generative AI into our schools. Learn all about the new Redlands Launchpad, how staff can use AI tools to boost their work, and the ultimate vision for innovation across the district.

In this episode of Tips and Salsa, we’re joined by sixth-grade filmmaking phenom Calvin Catania! 🎬 From taco-fueled inspiration to film noir flair, Calvin shares the stories behind his standout RUSD FilmFest submissions and what it’s like to see his work hit the big screen. 2025 film: Cheap$kate 2024 fim: The Young Cowboy

Is scrolling getting in the way of schooling? In this episode, we sit down with Sue Thotz from Common Sense Education to talk about online safety, digital citizenship, and the growing push for phone-free schools. Tune in as we explore the challenges, the new California law, and what schools, parents, and students need to know!

How does our district stay connected and protected? In this episode, we chat with David Monaco, Director of Technology Services, about the challenges of managing IT, the importance of cybersecurity, and what’s next for tech in our schools.

Join us as we chat with Karen Burk, our 2024 Garner Holt Teacher of the Year, about the amazing AniMakerspace Lab at Victoria, her favorite projects, and how it’s inspiring students to create and innovate! Meet our student guests!

Join us as we dive into the California Science & Engineering Fair with teacher Colleen Duncan and standout student Michael Stodelle. Learn about the fair's impact and how to get involved, and hear how Michael's project last year reached the international stage! Google Classroom class codes: Elementary - cpdbbvo Secondary - mphc3gf

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Redlands USD Superintendent Cabral for a “one year later” check-in. We first spoke with him as he began his journey with RUSD, and now he’s back to share reflections on his first year, the challenges and accomplishments along the way, and his vision for the year ahead.

We're back! In this episode, we chat with Jenn Moore, President of the Redlands Educational Partnership Foundation, about REP's mission and the fantastic opportunities it offers RUSD teachers. After listening, check out rep4schools.com !

Join us as we reminisce about the past year, bid some heartfelt farewells, and explore the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Today, Canva's our guest, as we dive into the ins and outs of this fantastic tool for teachers and students!

Join us as Tiffany Feduska takes us behind the scenes of her incredible journey – from the airwaves to the classroom. What lessons has she carried from radio to education? Tune in to find out!

We're joined in this episode by all-star educator, Alan Aceto to talk about how he uses AI in the classroom and at home with his children. Give it a listen, then join us for our next RUSD AI Forum on January 18th ! ChatGPT Poe MagicSchool Diffit

In this episode, we get a chance to sit down with our new Superintendent, Juan Cabral to talk about what drew him to Redlands, his views on educational technology, and his vision for great teaching and learning.

Join us as we wrap up a successful year in Ed Tech and say goodbye to one of our team members.

Join us as we visit with very, very special guests Dan Merrill and Victor Saeijs from LEGO Education to hear about their visit to Redlands USD classrooms to see our LEGO Education program IN ACTION!

What are the ramifications for education with new natural language chatbots like ChatGPT? Join us for a deep dive into the implications for educators, students, and the shape of lesson design with special guests Paul Macomber and Rachael Rehage.

In the second part of our interview with Charlie Fitzpatrick we chat about GIS and ArcGIS in the classroom and the value of students developing GIS skills.

Join us for part one of our interview with Esri's Schools Program Manager, Charlie Fitzpatrick as we talk about his background in education, GIS, Esri, and The Science of Where.

We're joined in this episode by Redlands High School's Katie Baker to talk about student podcasting, video production, Rapidmooc all-in-one studios, and efforts to track campus culture and student engagement through platforms like Five-Star Students.

In part 2 of our interview with Redlands USD Board President Jim O'Neill, we delve into some questions about advancements in ed tech and what we think the future might hold for teachers and students.