Somos Sunnyside

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 16 featuring The Middle School Principals

Welcome to another episode of Somos Sunnyside! In this installment, we're honored to host five remarkable guests who embody the spirit of excellence and dedication in education. Joining us are Thad Dugan, Principal of Apollo Middle School; Matthew Craft, Principal of Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School; Adriana Molina, Principal of Challenger Middle School; Kathy Dong, Principal of Gallego Intermediate Fine Arts Magnet; and Angelica Encinas, Principal of Sierra K-8 School.
These passionate educators represent the Sunnyside Unified School District and are here to shed light on what makes their middle schools exceptional. From providing enriching fine arts programs to offering diverse career exploration classes, clubs catering to various interests, and robust sports opportunities, these principals ensure that every student's needs and passions are nurtured.
As you listen to these inspiring leaders, it's evident that Sunnyside Unified School District's middle schools are more than just educational institutions—they are vibrant communities dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student.
If you're looking for a supportive and enriching educational environment for your child, we encourage you to consider enrolling with Sunnyside Unified School District for middle school.
 
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE: Check out the new club and activity feature on our middle school pages to see what each school has to offer and while your visiting don't forget to enroll for the upcoming school year! 

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 15 featuring Leticia Craft, Brayan Rodriguez, and Mari Lujan

Welcome to another episode of Somos Sunnyside! In this edition, we take you inside the inspiring world of the Education Professions program at Sunnyside High School, led by the dedicated Leticia Craft.
Joining us for an insightful conversation are two passionate juniors, Brayan Rodriguez and Mari Lujan, who share their aspirations for a future in teaching. This program offers students like Brayan and Mari real-world experiences through internships at local elementary to high schools, providing a hands-on approach to learning.
Crafted to prepare students for both employment and post-secondary opportunities in the education field, the Education Professions program is a comprehensive journey into the various facets of education. From teaching and coaching, students get a taste of it all.
Our guests highlight the interactive experiences the program provides, exposing students to diverse age groups and content areas in educational environments. It's not just a classroom experience; it's a stepping stone into the dynamic world of education.
As we delve into the impact this program has on shaping the next generation of educators, we discover how it is molding passionate individuals who are destined to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth.
Tune in to Somos Sunnyside and explore the incredible work happening within the Education Professions program at Sunnyside High School, where the future of education is being shaped by enthusiastic students like Brayan Rodriguez and Mari Lujan.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 14 featuring Carlos Rue, Mark Acosta, and Ronnie Ventura

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we dive into the world of sports medicine with an insightful conversation featuring Sports Medicine Instructor Carlos Rue and two of his students, Mark Acosta and Ronnie Ventura. The sports medicine class at Desert View High School goes beyond the boundaries of traditional education, providing students with a hands-on experience that prepares them not only for sports medicine but also for a diverse array of medical career options.
Listeners will learn about the dynamic curriculum, which includes mastering anatomy terms, practicing skills such as taking blood pressure and dressing wounds, and gaining a realistic perspective on various medical careers. The program has successfully produced graduates who have gone on to pursue pre-med and nursing studies.
Discover how students get a unique opportunity to observe, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries firsthand. They also serve as valuable assistants to the athletic trainer for their school, actively participating in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and supporting student athletes by mastering techniques like taping and wrapping.
Tune in to hear about the students' appreciation for Mr. Rue, who not only imparts knowledge but also provides valuable insights into a spectrum of potential careers while maintaining a fun and engaging classroom environment. This podcast episode sheds light on the impactful Sports Medicine program at Desert View, where students not only learn but actively contribute to the well-being of their fellow student athletes.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 13 featuring The Rodriguez Family

Buckle up for an extraordinary episode of Somos Sunnyside as we dive headfirst into the thrilling world of rodeo with none other than the remarkable Rodriguez family! In the spirit of Rodeo Week in Tucson, our esteemed guests bring a wealth of experience, not only in the adrenaline-pumping arena but also in the heartwarming halls of education within the Sunnyside Unified School District.
Meet the dynamic duo of the Rodriguez family, where passion for roping and the pursuit of prestigious rodeo buckles are seamlessly intertwined with a steadfast commitment to learning and service. Mr. Rodriguez, a dedicated teacher at Desert View High School, and Ms. Alvarado, a compassionate SPED Personal Care Assistant at Challenger Middle School, exemplify the perfect balance between professional excellence and family values.
But the story doesn't end there—enter Auggie Rodriguez, a spirited 7th grader at Challenger Middle School, and the talented Camila Rodriguez, a vivacious 3rd grader at Elvira Elementary School. These young dynamos have not only inherited the family's rodeo prowess but have also found success in their academic endeavors.
In this captivating episode, we delve into the Rodriguez family's journey, exploring their passion for hard work, continuous learning, and the art of succeeding both inside and outside the classroom. With the Tucson Rodeo just around the corner, our hearts swell with excitement as we extend our heartfelt wishes to Camila, who is gearing up to compete in this weekend's rodeo extravaganza!
So, join us as we ride the waves of inspiration with the Rodriguez family, celebrating their achievements, embracing their dedication, and sending nothing but the best of luck to young Camila in her upcoming rodeo adventure. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 12 featuring Mrs. Lawrie, Golda, and Mariana

Dive into the rich world of agriculture on the latest Somos Sunnyside podcast! This time, we explore Desert View High School's Agriculture Science program with the incredible Mrs. Lawrie.
Mrs. Lawrie, a seasoned expert with roots deep in agriculture, shares her passion for cultivating knowledge in the classroom. Joining us are Golda and Mariana, offering a behind-the-scenes look into their enriching experiences within the program.
Golda and Mariana spill the beans on their summer internships, where they delved into agriscience care, explored the realms of food justice, and even raised adorable animals like chickens. 🐓✨ And speaking of chickens, don't miss out on the feathered sensation of Desert View – their resident rooster, aptly named "Chick Magnet"!
And here's a green twist: Desert View's partnership with the Community Food Bank is sowing seeds of change! Discover how they're enhancing their greenhouse, growing plants right in the classroom, and contributing to the community's well-being.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 11 featuring Matthew Coody and Soleil Ponce

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed episode of Somos Sunnyside! We hit the road and land at Sunnyside High School, where Mr. Coody and Soleil Ponce from the Emergency Medical Services CTE course share their exhilarating experiences. Fresh off an extraordinary triumph in HOSA State Qualifiers, these students are setting the bar high with 11 teams qualifying and being the top school in Arizona!
Dive into the world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as we uncover the cutting-edge training that prepares students to assess and diagnose medical and trauma cases with advanced equipment. But that's not all – they'll master the art of understanding and collaborating with first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement.
Guided by the dynamic Mr. Coody, a paramedic extraordinaire who not only teaches but also works in the field, these students are at the forefront of industry standards. Don't miss out on this riveting episode, and discover why the EMS program is just one gem in the treasure trove of CTE courses Sunnyside has to offer!

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Ten featuring Art Ortega

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we get to know Art Ortega, the Supervisor for Maintenance at Sunnyside Unified School District. With a wealth of experience dating back to 2008 when he joined as a carpenter, Art has been on a mission to bring positive changes to the educational landscape across our 21 schools.
 
Starting with a carpenter's toolbox and a vision for a better future, Art's mindset revolves around creating an environment where students can thrive and learn. His passion lies in putting the community first, ensuring that necessary repairs are prioritized to provide Sunnyside students with a safe and conducive space for growth.
 
But Art's connection with Sunnyside goes beyond his professional role. A true Sunnyside native, he walked the halls of Liberty Elementary School, Apollo Middle School, and proudly graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1978. For Art, this job is more than just a career; it's a calling and a sense of home.
 
Join us in this episode as we uncover the dedication and unwavering commitment of Art Ortega to make Sunnyside not just a district but a thriving community where every student's potential can flourish.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Nine featuring Elizabeth Soltero

Step into the new year with insights from a remarkable leader! Join us on this episode of Somos Sunnyside as we sit down with Elizabeth Soltero, the dedicated CEO of Sunnyside Foundation. With a wealth of experience in city governance, academia, and public library administration, Liz brings decades of passion to the table.
Throughout her illustrious career, she's been a driving force in co-developing community-centered projects and fostering meaningful relationships. Now, as the guiding force behind the Sunnyside Foundation, Liz and her team are on a mission to provide equitable educational opportunities to SUSD students on the south side of Tucson.
Tune in and unlock a world of amazing possibilities! Discover how the Sunnyside Foundation is shaping the future for our students and community. Don't miss out on the inspiration!

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Three featuring Rob Elias

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we are thrilled to welcome our first community guest, Rob Elias, the CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Rob is a native Tucsonan, deeply connected to the community and its growth. The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, under his leadership, is dedicated to fostering success for individuals and businesses through a myriad of opportunities.
 
 
His diverse path has provided him with a profound understanding of how a city functions and the essential components that contribute to its thriving. Grateful for the guidance and support he received from various individuals throughout his journey, Rob acknowledges that these influences shaped him into the person he is today. From learning about public policy to economic development, he leverages his insights to inspire and drive meaningful change within the community.
 
A passion close to his heart is providing opportunities for students in the Sunnyside District. Rob actively ensures that students have access to events hosted by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, believing that these experiences, coupled with their classroom education, play a pivotal role in shaping their dreams and aspirations.
 
Join us as Rob Elias shares his journey, insights, and his commitment to empowering the Sunnyside community and beyond in this impactful episode of Somos Sunnyside!

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Seven featuring Consuelo Hernandez

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we are honored to feature a dynamic community leader, Consuelo Hernandez. Currently serving as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives and the Sunnyside District Board, Consuelo's roots in the district run deep as an alumni, highlighting her enduring commitment to the community.
From her early years as a teenager, Consuelo has been a passionate advocate for positive change in her community. Surprisingly, she began attending school board meetings for fun during high school, a testament to her genuine dedication. Her continued involvement is fueled by a profound desire to create a better community and education system.
Consuelo's engagement in politics is driven by the belief that there is immense potential for community improvement. What anchors her in this line of work is the opportunity to uplift people. With a strong foundation in education, she sees her role as a means to serve students better, providing them with opportunities through strategic community partnerships.
Join us as Consuelo Hernandez shares her journey, insights, and the possibilities she envisions for the Sunnyside community in this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside.