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 School District. With stories of children's first steps in socialization, play, and self-discovery, the...
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 the Turnbull Children's Development Center, who have been instrumental in opening new preschool c...
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 pride in our district's thriving theater program, providing a platform for students to explore their artis...
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 read. Our conversation is an intimate look at the supportive teaching environment we cherish, high...
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 an upcoming 1st Grade Literacy Summit by teachers, for teachers!Interested in learning m...
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 culture, but makes time and space to include the diverse student body and the cultures they bring....
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 name, can make a world of difference in making families feel welcome.We'd like to welcome all families to att...
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 community schools project and the impact our community makes to create a school that serves thei...
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 created from the district's strategic plan. To provide ALL students with a support system that fosters...
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 great example of how parents can create a strong routine and strong reading habits that mak...
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 English.We are so proud of the fantastic work Yuito has accomplished here in the San...
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 district staff and employees trained in this field.Learn more about Restorative Solutions.Interested in ...
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 2022. The district thanks the County of San Mateo for the generous summer program grant t...
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 recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!
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.Visit our Summer School page to learn more about other summer offerings.Interested in learning more?...
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 GotSneakers has helped to reduce this waste and also provides shoes for many across the globe. Zach is ins...
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 students, helping to expand their views of the world, through the books they read aloud during class visits...
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 through how the district is doing overall and in the county.Learn more about the L3 Report.Read the ...
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 possible through a grant from the County of San Mateo. The district is strategically inviting students with ...
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 understand concepts and procedures, problem-solving and data analysis, and communicating reasoning.To lea...