Somos Sunnyside

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.

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! 

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."