Somos Sunnyside
Stories about the bright side of education.
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Episodes
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
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!
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
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!
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
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
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
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.
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
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!
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
The inaugural episode of "Somos Sunnyside" kicks off with host Superintendent Jose Gastelum at the helm. In this episode, he sits down with Patrick Hart, a passionate 7th-grade teacher from Gallego Intermediate Fine Arts Magnet School, to explore his unique approach to teaching and the infectious love for learning he imparts to his students.
Main Highlights:
Meet Patrick Hart:
The episode begins by introducing Patrick Hart, a dedicated 7th-grade teacher at Gallego Intermediate Fine Arts Magnet School. Patrick's enthusiasm for teaching and his students is palpable.
Love for Music:
Patrick Hart's multifaceted personality is revealed as he shares his passion for playing the guitar. His love for music adds depth to his teaching philosophy, and he even incorporates music into his classroom to engage and inspire his students.
Infectious Love for Learning:
Patrick describes his teaching style as one that strives to make learning infectious among his students. He believes in the power of enthusiasm and curiosity to spark a lifelong love for learning.
Connecting with Students:
Patrick Hart emphasizes the importance of building strong connections with his students. He shares anecdotes and strategies on how he connects with them on a personal level to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Conclusion: The first episode of "Somos Sunnyside" provides listeners with an inspiring look into the world of Patrick Hart, a dedicated 7th-grade teacher with a passion for teaching and learning. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to connecting with his students serve as a shining example of the educators who make a difference in the Sunnyside community. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on education and community in future episodes of "Somos Sunnyside."