(dramatic music) - My guest is Evita Tapia-Gonzalez.

She is the Director of Communications for Corona-Norco School, Unified School District.

Thank you for joining us.

- Thank you for having me.

Pleasure to be here.

- So, as school districts start to open, one school in your district has developed a very creative flight-related strategy, to welcome students back to their campus, Kennedy Middle College.

And I wanna talk about that; it's Kennedy Middle College High School.

First share with our listeners and viewers what that is.

- Yeah.

John F. Kennedy Middle College High School is a unique program that, or a school rather that's offered here in the Corona-Norco Unified School District.

It's located on the Norco College campus, here in Norco.

Students have the unique opportunity to earn college credits while going to high school.

And so upon graduation, many students graduate with the ability to earn their AA degrees.

So in essence, they have the opportunity to get free college for two years, which advances their timeline when they leave high school and enter the college environment.

So it's a very successful program, very popular within our community.

We have a wonderful partnership with Norco College and it's, you know, a place where students thrive.

We have wonderful opportunities for students there.

- So in essence, they are going to college while they're going to high school.

So is it a three-year program, a two-year program, is it a three-year high school program but a two year college program?

Break that down for me a little.

- So, students have the option of doing the traditional high school track which is four years.

- [Lillian] Okay.

- You can also have the option of doing two years, where they receive college credits simultaneously with their high school credits.

And so they will graduate with their diplomas and an AA degree.

And so, many students, and there's some cases that students will attend JFK College or JFK Middle College High School, and just earn their credits for graduation without taking college courses.

And there are some students that will take some college courses, but perhaps not earn an AA degree, but the majority of our students that elect to go to JFK Middle College High School, do graduate with two years of college credits under their belt.

So-- - So they could be taking high school courses and college courses in the same semester?

- Yes.

- Wow.

That's quite a a load to carry for sure.

Okay.

So that's very unique and there are more of them.

We have one here at San Bernardino Valley College, and I'm sure there's more throughout the state, but it's still, it sounds like it's a great way for a student to save some money, if they're interested in speeding their education along, 'cause that's exactly what they're doing, right?

- Yes.

- Okay.

So tell me about the leadership at the campus, at this specific campus.

What were they thinking or what were they planning when they knew they were going to reopen their doors?

Let's just describe what they, who they are, and what they were thinking.

- So the leadership at JFK Middle College High School is under the direction of principal, Dr. Petria Gonzales and her assistant principal, LeRoy Welch.

As you know, the world of public education during a pandemic has required at a school administration and district administration to what we call "pivot."

Pivot to the changing conditions provided by our County Public Health and State Department of Public Health guidelines.

And so in the spirit of adhering to safety guidelines, to ensuring that our staff and our students felt safe upon their return to school, our productor Gonzales and Mr. Welch were walking the campus one day with their district's safety checklist, and were going through some creative ideas of how to communicate the new safety protocols to their high school students.

And so, as they were walking the campus, the thought of a of an airline parody kind of struck them both at the same time, and they looked at each other and thought, "Hey, this is a video that we can create."

And so they scripted out this video, they worked in conjunction with the district's Communications Office to develop the video, and it's been a great hit.

Yesterday was the first day that students returned to school, and it was, you know, speaking to the principal it went off without a hitch.

- Wow.

So, what's unique there is, they both kind of have the same parody idea at the same time.

So they were definitely on the same wavelength for sure.

Now, we're gonna see the video and we're gonna hear the video, describe it's idea, and maybe some of the actors that play a part in this video.

- Sure.

So we had the involvement of some students that, you know, students that are involved in the Renaissance Program and ASB Program on the campus that were readily available to get back on campus and help their principal with this project.

So you'll see students that are involved in the production as well as the principal is also involved.

I think she is, you'll see her with Mr. Welch, checking temperatures and sort of port being portrayed as a airline, a flight attendant.

So you'll see her, counselors were involved in the project, it was really the entire school staff almost, really took part in making the project come to life.

So, it's pretty unique, and it actually sparked other creative energy with our elementary principals who also developed some other creative videos to welcome their students back as well.

- All right.

Well, let's take a few minutes right now.

We'll watch, for those that are watching television and we'll hear it on 91.9 KVCR.

(dramatic music) - [Woman] Our grand reopening is underway.

And we are excited to welcome you back, and help you get to your destination.

Ready to fly?

So are we.

- [Man] Before you arrive, make sure you have everything you need to check in and ensure safe travels.

- [Woman] We know everyone will be excited to return.

You may experience some waiting in line.

To help keep the line moving, we have added place markers to assist travelers in maintaining a courteous and safe distance.

- [Man] When checking in, be sure to have your mask in place, ID handy, and get your temperature read at our convenient, hands-free temperature station.

If you happen to register warm, we'll invite you to take advantage of our cool (indistinct) where you can rest for a minute, enjoy a cool beverage, and have your temperature rechecked by one of our expert, handheld temperature specialists.

- [Woman] If you arrive before your scheduled time, we invite you to enjoy a safe and relaxing moment in our commons hub, where you can set your things down, and take a load off.

For the respect and privacy of others, seating is limited to only four per table.

- [Man] As you make your way to your terminal, please make yourself aware of which staircases ascend and descend, and please follow the posted signs indicating the direction of all foot traffic.

- [Woman] Each passenger is invited to use their assigned, complimentary storage compartment.

As a reminder to our guests, space is limited and passengers are encouraged to bring necessary items that can easily be carried.

- [Man] As you begin the boarding process, and arrive at your seat, please ensure that your desk shield is in the proper, upright position and make sure that your face mask is securely fastened.

- [Woman] In the event that you forgot your mask, JFK Air has complimentary masks and hand sanitizer available for you to use and keep you safe.

Thank you for flying JFK Air.

We're so glad that you're part of the Timberwolf family and we're excited to welcome you back to campus.

We'll see you soon.

Bye.

- [Man] Bye now.

- [Woman] Bye.

- [Man] Thank you for coming.

- [Woman] Bye.

- [Man] Right this way.

- [Woman] See you later.

- [Man] Bye.

Reminders; sneeze into your arm.

Don't come to school if you're not feeling well.

Make sure to self check every morning.

Keep six feet social distance, always wear a mask.

You may be pulled aside upon entry to double check your temperature, do not be alarmed.

Sometimes the thermometer reads you very hot if you've sat in your car for a while or wearing a beanie or a hat.

Remember close contact is within six feet for someone for over 15 minutes.

And remember, always social distance.

(dramatic music) (fast typing) (bell dinging) - Very cute, very engaging.

It's what, when I saw it, I thought, "Oh, I have to talk to the creators or talk about this," because it is so unique.

It's, it feels like it's a fun way to welcome the students back, and not a scary way, but kind of embracing that it's time to get back into the classroom, this is how we're going to do it.

We want you to know this before you walk onto the campus 'cause we're ready for you.

And that's what it feels like.

- Yeah.

And that's, the intent of the video, was to really ensure that students felt a sense of ease as they were going back to campus, with all of the safety protocols and guidelines in place.

The challenge was really how do we communicate this effectively to students, so they understand and they know exactly what to do the minute they walk on campus?

And that campus would feel different, and look different.

And so, it was really intended to be fun and lighthearted because we know that, you know, safety protocols under COVID conditions could be, you know, intimidating to students.

And so, we, one thing that we know throughout this pandemic is that our students continue to be very resilient.

And this was a way to, you know, make it, again, just sort of a lighthearted effort to welcome them back to school.

- And you said the campus has opened up.

What did, what was the response when they got there?

Were they, had they seen the video?

How was the video shared with the students and the parents, prior to class opening up?

- The video was shared by the principal in her weekly announcement.

So it was emailed to families along with a text message.

Parents were also provided with a YouTube link with the video and it was shared on the, or on the district and the school, social media pages.

- And what was the feedback from the students?

And what was the feedback from the parents?

- Oh, it's gotten such great feed feedback.

In fact, yesterday, a lot of students, I just spoke to the principal that, you know, as they arrived on campus, they knew exactly what to do, because they had viewed the video, and they were familiar with the safety protocols.

And so, yesterday, you know, as I mentioned was the first day back and students were welcomed back with music and balloons and the energy was great and it was excitement all around.

So, the video really helped promote that.

- You know what I really like about the video too is, sometimes when you're getting instruction you say it once and that's it.

But with the video, they can go back and look at it over and over, and really absorb the changes.

And let's talk about some of the changes that were made on the campus for the student safety, faculty and for the teachers.

- So, some of the safety precautions that the district has taken, are found in our safety handbook.

It's really our COVID Guidebook for all of our school site administrators, to ensure that they're adhering to certain COVID safety protocols.

One of them being is, temperature checks upon arrival of students and staff.

Another is, ensuring that there are identifiable markers on the floor to ensure six foot of social distancing.

In addition to that, desks are separated in the classroom at six feet, and also include plastic shields or desk barriers for students.

There are very stringent safety protocols that we ask parents to conduct prior to sending their student to school.

We ask that parents check temperatures, ensure that students aren't feeling any symptoms prior to being dropped off at school.

There are several hand-washing stations throughout campuses, hand sanitizers in every classroom, they're medical grade filters that were installed at our school campuses and regularly maintained and updated by our maintenance department.

- So a lot of different things were put in place.

And all of that comes with the price, right?

They don't just come for free.

They didn't just happen.

How has the district come up with their way to pay for those things so that we can make families feel safe, and the students feel safe, and the teachers feel safe?

- Yeah.

So, the challenge with COVID and ensuring that the safety protocols were in place also required that districts look at their fiscal solvency and the ability to implement these measures and finance them.

The California Department of Education, and also through the Governor's efforts, school districts have been provided some funding to assist with implementing these safety protocols.

Our district did have, was financially in a place to fund these implementation measures.

But we do know that it has been costly.

We know that we are not the only district that has endured this tremendous cost ongoing.

And we look forward to the support that will be provided by the state to help districts maintain, and in some cases recoup some of the funding.

- This is just one campus that we're speaking of, you have, how many schools do you have within your district if you have that at the top of your head?

- Yeah.

So there are 51 schools in the Corona-Norco Unified School District.

We are the largest school district in the Inland Empire.

We actually fluctuate between San Bernardino Unified and Corona-Norco.

We, the district spans 150 square miles, representing the cities of Corona, Norco, Eastvale, several unincorporated areas including Temescal Valley.

We're quite large district.

- And so, you had to put something in place at all the schools?

- Yes.

So all schools are required to have the safety protocols in place.

And so, that has happened.

Our school sites, our staff has been tremendous in ensuring that we're complying to all of the public health regulations.

- You must have another meeting up, and that was a reminder that it's coming, right?

All right, we'll keep moving along.

You said everything's gonna be put in place.

How long at all the schools, how long did it take to get everything up and running so that it would be ready for opening day?

- Our board of education, from the beginning had been, you know, adamant to ensure that our students, that our campuses were prepared and equipped with all the safety protocols to welcome students back, you know, quickly, there was an understanding that students social and emotional wellbeing requires them to really be in school, aside from the, you know, the academics.

And so, it did take, it's been such a long year, and so many different changes throughout the year, but it did take a few months to ensure that we had all of the guidelines in place, as those continued to change at the County level and at the state level and our principals and our maintenance staff, it was really all hands on deck effort by district personnel, to ensure that our school sites were ready and prepared and safe.

And so, a part of the safety protocols; all school sites were required to get a campus walkthrough with a safety checklist, that a district, we call them district evaluators conducted with different school sites, just to, you know, triple ensure that all safety measures were in place prior to welcoming students back on campus.

And yesterday, as I mentioned, was the first day that we welcomed our intermediate and high school students back to campus for in-person instruction.

- So, the middle school and high school have opened, and elementary is coming.

How are the teachers feeling?

What's been the feedback you're hearing at your level, of the teachers coming back into class?

- Yeah, that's a great question.

I do wanna clarify our elementary schools have been in session.

They were welcomed back, a couple of weeks prior to our secondary students.

So, our elementary students and staff have been, you know, really getting into to their stride with in-person instruction.

The feedback from our certificated and classified staff, I would say there's a sense of excitement.

Staff is overjoyed to see their students, and to welcome students back on campus.

There's a sense of in the beginning, you know, there's apprehension.

I think it's, you're unsure as you return to the workplace and you wanna, you know, we wanted ensure that our staff felt confident that the safety measures were in place and that their safety is prioritized.

And so, what I've heard overwhelmingly as we've welcomed back our students for in-person instruction, is just excitement, really a lot of excitement all around and enthusiasm.

And, you know, we are hopeful that we will be able to welcome students back in a more fuller capacity, because at this time our students are on a hybrid model schedule.

- [Lillian] Okay.

- And so, that is the hope moving forward.

- So all the grade levels are in a hybrid, or just the elementary level is on a, all grade levels are on a hybrid.

Got it.

Okay.

And the parents, what are the parents saying?

How are they feeling?

Did vaccines play a role with your staff?

- So, the district participates in weekly phone calls with the department of, Riverside County Department of Public Health to ensure that we have the latest information as it relates to vaccination availability.

And so, as we receive that information, we include it in our staff newsletters that are released every Thursday, so that staff's aware that those opportunities are available to them, should they choose to get vaccinated.

We've also, County Department of Public Health has been really great in giving us information when appointments are available on their website.

And we send a text message to all staff when those availability, when the availability is there for that.

The, you know, staff has been, you know, so, or I'm sorry, parents have been absolutely just partners as we've, you know, navigated this pandemic.

And, as I said, pivoted, to ensure that we're meeting the needs of our students.

Our parents, you know, continue to be resilient.

Parents have been asked to help us, you know, educate and be absolute, you know, educators, caretakers.

And so a lot of, we understand and realize that our parents have taken on, you know, an entirely different role this year in terms of the educational realm.

And so, we just can't thank them enough for their support.

And, you know, it's our job to ensure that they have the latest information that they need to make decisions for their children.

And so, as conditions change, we communicate with families on a weekly basis.

Every Friday, our parents receive the district's Community Newsletter, where we provide them with, you know, any changes in hybrid scheduling, updates on, you know, topics, you know, with negotiations, any safety protocols that have changed.

We communicate that with family, to families.

And so communication has been key in this pandemic.

And that's why creative ways to message to families, it has been, you know, one interesting element to this journey.

- So the parents felt pretty comfortable going back into the classroom and you feel like they felt, you know, they were good partners, as you just described, they were good stewards, teaching their kids, but they were ready for the schools to open, and they felt comfortable with the way you guys have done it.

- I would say so.

Yeah, our parents have the option of having their students in the traditional, what we call traditional and remote program, that essentially is remote instruction.

And as conditions continue to improve, students will then be offered the in-person instruction option.

So, our families that chose the traditional remote option, were for the most part, ready to return to school.

There were also a number of parents that were paying very close attention to public health metrics, to ensure that it was truly safe to bring, you know, students back.

And we wanna be sensitive to those parents as well, because we realize that although our safety protocols have been in place in our campuses, and our campuses are safe, we recognize that there's some parents that are still apprehensive to bring their students back.

And so, the other program offering is our virtual schools.

We have a number of students that are in families that have elected to do that option as well.

And so the virtual option is, will continue throughout the, this year and into next year as well.

- Evita, thank you so much for your time.

It's been great learning about your school district.

And my hats off to the principal and vice-principal for their such creative way of creating a video to welcome their students.

Thank you so much.

- Thanks for having me.

- That's one school district in our Inland Empire region, making a difference.

Now let's travel further North to the campus of Cal State University San Bernardino.

This next segment is provided by CSUSB's Office of Strategic Communications.

- During this competition, you're gonna get tired, frustrated, (man groans) glass will shatter, (glass shattering) (man groans) - Swap!

- There's only 30 minutes left!

My experience as the resident evaluator, on Blown Away, was really incredible.

How I got involved with Blown Away was seemingly kind of random at first.

But I found out later that one of my good friends, another glassblower had, they had reached out to her and she suggested that they reach out to me.

The more I was talking with the producers and directors, and, you know, they realize that I'm a art professor and they were asking me about, you know, my ability to critique artwork.

And I was like, "That's what I do in my day job.

I do that all the time."

We did a little screen test, and they sold it to Netflix people, and then they hired me.

(bright music) I love teaching here at Cal State San Bernardino.

I love that it's a state school.

I love that it's affordable.

I love that the students that I get wouldn't be necessarily the students that you would think would pursue a career in glass or in art necessarily.

And I love having that kind of impact on their lives and showing them kind of the possibilities that are out there, for how they can, you know, live a life in a creative field.

We have one alumni in particular from our Graduate Program, Nao Yamamoto, who was actually in our very first cohort when we started our MFA program here at Cal State San Bernardino.

And immediately after graduating, she moved to Seattle, which is a big sort of glassblowing kind of Mecca.

She just waltzed in and was able just kind of establish herself, and make a living and do really well.

She's ended up being on season two of Blown Away.

You know, when I started in glassblowing there were not a lot of women working in the field.

It's changed a little bit, not as much as you would think, but there definitely are like more female glassblowers now.

And I feel like Blown Away has done a really great job, of highlighting that diversity in the field now.

I really try to work with students a lot, especially the students that are really keen because I feel like they're the ones that are gonna benefit a lot from just maybe some extra mentoring or, you know, working with me on my own personal work.

CSUSB is a great place to learn glassblowing, because we have a really great facility.

We've got great students here.

I teach here, and I love teaching.

So I feel like I hope that's infectious and that, you know, students get infected with the glass blowing bug, and, you know, I think they will have a really great time and get a really great education here.

(whooshing) (howling) - Thanks for watching, and bye for now.

- [Voiceover] This program was originally produced for 91.9, KVCR Radio.

(dramatic music)