Somos Sunnyside

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.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Six featuring Michelle Gottleber

We are delighted to have Michelle Gottleber, the principal of Esperanza Elementary School, join us today on Somos Sunnyside! Hailing from Michigan, Mrs. Gottleber has dedicated the past two decades to Southern Arizona, with an impressive 18 years specifically invested in Sunnyside schools. Originally, her intention was to gain teaching experience and then return to Michigan with her husband, but their deep love for this community led them to make Southern Arizona and the Sunnyside community their home. Transitioning from a dedicated teacher to a impactful school administrator, Mrs. Gottleber has left an indelible mark on Sunnyside, and she generously imparts valuable advice on maintaining motivation to achieve one's goals. Tune in to learn more about Mrs. Gottleber and the amazing tenure she's had as an employee of our District! 

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Five featuring Roberto Martinez

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we hear from Roberto Martinez, the current director of Mariachi Los Diablitos de Sunnyside. Mr. Martinez has had a fruitful career filled with travel and entertainment. After graduating from Sunnyside High School, Mr. Martinez continued his education at the University of Arizona which eventually led him to obtaining a B.A. in Secondary Education. He fell in love with teaching and was an instructor at one of our former middle schools, Chaparral Middle School. 
 
His musical talents eventually led him to another amazing opportunity to move to Orlando, Florida to spend 33 years as a member of Mariachi Cobre where he was fortunate to have Disneyworld Resort as one of the many venues to perform in. 
 
Through the years he traveled from Florida to Illinois and eventually found his way back home to teach at his alma mater Sunnyside High School. Mr. Martinez has transformed the program and through music he helps students build trust, confidence, creativity, identity, purpose, and agency! Tune in to hear what a wonderful journey it has been for Mr. Martinez! 

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Four featuring Desert View & Sunnyside Football

Get ready for an exhilarating game week as the anticipation for the Duel in the District reaches its peak! Join us this Friday at the Jaguar Stadium as the Desert View Jaguars clash with the Sunnyside Blue Devils. In this special episode of Somos Sunnyside, we delve into the minds of the head football coaches and two standout players from both teams, gaining insights into their thoughts and emotions leading up to this monumental game.
This district showdown has become the talk of the town, and we extend a warm invitation to all alumni for a spectacular Alumni Appreciation Night! The excitement is palpable as we look forward to an evening filled with electrifying football and the camaraderie of friendly competition between Desert View and Sunnyside High School. Don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable match-up!
 
Thank you to our guests: 
-Robert Bonillas, Desert View High School Head Football Coach 
-Diego Hindley, Desert View High School Football Player
-Thomas Romack, Sunnyside High School Head Football Coach 
-Samario Garcia, Sunnyside High School Football Player

Somos Sunnyside featuring Mary Acosta and Andy Townsend

In the latest captivating installment of Somos Sunnyside, join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with two distinguished individuals, Mary Acosta and Andy Townsend. Mary, an esteemed music educator and the Music Coordinator for an impressive 44 years in our District, shares her wealth of experience. Meanwhile, Andy Townsend, with a career spanning from teaching to principalship and currently serving as the Executive Student Services Director of the Sunnyside Unified School District, provides valuable insights.
Together, Mary and Andy delve into the profound impact of extracurricular activities on our students. Discover the significance of these activities in shaping well-rounded individuals as we unravel their perspectives. Don't miss out—tune in to this week's episode for a compelling exploration of the vital role extracurriculars play in our students' lives.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode Two featuring Hilaria Szelog

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we hear from Hilaria Szelog, a fifth grade teacher at Los Amigos Technology Academy, who found our District as a student teacher at the University of Arizona! 
 
She loved our District so much that she decided to stay and she  describes Los Amigos Technology Academy as one big "FAMILIA" for the culture and mindset the staff embodies at LATA. Tune in and get to know Ms. Szelog in this week's episode of Somos Sunnyside!