Inspire Shasta

What happens when we stop asking students to fit into school and start asking how school can better serve them?

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with Brian Harris, teacher at Reading Achieve and 2026–27 Shasta County Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Anders Benoit, assistant principal at Excel Academy and former teacher at River’s Edge Academy inside Juvenile Hall. Together, they explore how alternative education can help students rebuild trust, discover their strengths, and see new possibilities for their futures.

From rebuilding engines and designing custom hats to running a student-led café and connecting young people with meaningful community experiences, Brian shares how hands-on learning can spark passion, build confidence, and teach real-world skills. Anders reflects on the importance of relationships, restorative practices, and creating opportunities for students to feel understood and valued.

Their message extends far beyond alternative education: students thrive when they experience belonging, caring relationships, high expectations, and the support they need to succeed.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about redefining success, celebrating small steps forward, and helping every student believe in what’s possible.

In this episode, we explore:

• How positive relationships can transform a student's experience with school.
• Why hands-on learning and real-world skills matter, especially in middle school.
• How educators build trust with students who may have struggled to trust adults.
• What accountability looks like when it is rooted in care, consistency, and repairing harm.
• Why celebrating small gains can lead to meaningful, lasting growth.
• How schools can create a culture of belonging for students and staff alike.
• What it means to help young people believe in themselves and find their own definition of success.

At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that education is about more than academics. It's about helping young people discover who they are, what they can do, and how they can make a difference in the world.

What if improving student attendance starts with something as simple as making sure students know they are missed when they’re gone?

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, we explore the work of the RAISE Network (Raising Attendance and Improving Student Engagement) with three Shasta County educators: Nick Syrrist, SCOE’s Director of District and School Support; Kim Miller of Igo Ono in Shasta Elementary; and Megan Coates, principal of Black Butte Junior High School.

The conversation takes a closer look at chronic absenteeism—and why the solution goes far beyond simply getting students through the school doors.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What chronic absenteeism really means: Missing 10% or more of the school year can have significant impacts on students’ academic outcomes, sense of belonging and participation.
• Looking beyond the numbers: Attendance data is a starting point for understanding what may be happening in a student’s life—not the end of the conversation.
• Finding the root causes: Transportation challenges, family responsibilities, health needs and other barriers can all contribute to chronic absenteeism.
• The power of a welcoming first interaction: The RAISE Network’s “First Faces” approach focuses on how the people students encounter when they arrive at school can shape how they feel about coming back.
• Moving from punitive to supportive: Instead of approaching families with an “your child is in trouble” mindset, schools can ask, “What’s going on, and how can we help?”
• Using real-time data to make real-time decisions: RAISE teams receive attendance data every two weeks, allowing them to identify patterns and respond much sooner than they could with annual data.
• The power of collaboration: Schools in the network share strategies, resources and tools so they don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
• Building sustainable systems: Through improvement science, teams can test strategies, measure whether they work and build successful practices into their school culture.
• The unique strength of rural communities: Smaller schools often have the advantage of knowing students and families personally, while a regional network provides additional support and shared expertise.

One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is that attendance is about connection. When students feel welcomed, valued and like they are an important part of their school community, they have more reasons to want to be there.

As Nick puts it, the work gives educators an opportunity to move beyond the acronyms, forms and regulations of education and focus on a fundamental question: How do we want a school to look and feel?

Meet our guests

Nick Syrrist
Director of District and School Support, Shasta County Office of Education

Kim Miller
Igo Ono in Shasta Elementary

Megan Coates
Principal, Black Butte Junior High School

A hope for the next generation

The episode closes with each guest sharing a hope for the future of education.

Kim hopes every student graduates with “every door open to them”—prepared to pursue whatever future they choose.

Megan hopes schools can create quality programs that students genuinely want to be part of and, in doing so, build a lifelong joy of learning.

Nick hopes this work can help close the educational opportunity gap created by geography and ZIP code, giving students across California more equitable opportunities to succeed.

At its heart, the RAISE Network is about a simple but powerful idea: When students feel connected, supported and valued, they are more likely to show up—and when they show up, more possibilities open up.

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, we hear directly from two student leaders who are helping shape the future of student voice in Shasta County: Jacob Garcia, a senior at West Valley High School and returning SCOE student board member, and Deasle De Lello, a junior at Foothill High School and newly appointed student board member. 

Jacob and Deasle share their experiences as students, the educators who have influenced them, and what inspired them to step into leadership roles. They also introduce an exciting new initiative: a Shasta County Student Advisory Board, designed to bring student representatives from high schools throughout the county together to identify issues, share perspectives and work toward meaningful change. 

In This Episode

• Student leadership and representation: Why having students at the table matters when decisions are being made about education. 
• The Student Advisory Board: How the new group will bring together representatives from high schools across Shasta County. 
• Student voice beyond the meeting: Why advisory board members will be expected to engage with their own schools and communities—not simply attend monthly meetings. 
• Leadership through advocacy: How students can identify issues at their schools and work with others to create change. 
• The importance of representation: Why students from rural, urban, charter, continuation and private schools all need a voice. 
• Finding your courage: Jacob and Deasle share what they believe makes someone a strong student leader. 
• Creating opportunities for students: Their vision for a Shasta County where every student can find opportunities that match their interests and goals. 
• Looking toward the future: Their hopes for the lasting impact of student leadership and civic engagement in the county. 

What Makes a Student Leader?

Jacob offers three questions for students considering applying to the Student Advisory Board:

1. Is there an issue at your school that impacts other students?
2. Does that issue bother you?
3. What are you going to do about it? 

For Deasle, the key qualities are passion and bravery—being willing to identify an issue, speak up about it and take action. 

Looking Beyond Their Own Schools

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is the students' recognition that no two schools in Shasta County are exactly alike. Jacob talks about wanting to visit schools throughout the county, including places he hasn't yet experienced firsthand, to better understand the issues students face in different communities. 

The Student Advisory Board is intended to help bridge those differences by giving students a way to share what's happening in their own schools and communities.

Their Vision for the Future

Both students have ambitious goals for the impact their work can have.

Deasle hopes to create more pathways for students to become involved in local government, including a potential internship program connecting students with local elected officials and civic opportunities. 

Jacob hopes that, five years from now, every student in Shasta County will feel there is an opportunity for them—and that students will see the county as a place where they can make a difference. 

A Message to the Next Generation

The episode closes with a powerful conversation about hope and the future.

Deasle hopes his generation can help bridge divisions and give young people a stronger platform to share the positive things they're doing in their communities. 

Jacob's message is simple: stay bold. He believes young people can use their experiences—including the challenges they've faced—to drive positive change in their schools, communities and beyond. 

Key Takeaway

Student voice isn't just about being heard—it's about having the opportunity, courage and support to turn that voice into action.

This episode is an inspiring look at two young people who aren't waiting for someone else to create change. They're stepping forward, building something new and inviting other Shasta County students to join them. 

Guests:

• Brian Grigsby
• Kadence Angel
• Catherine Thompson

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, we explore how STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are transforming learning for students across Shasta County. From robotics and CAD design to collaborative math classrooms and NASA-inspired projects, this conversation highlights the power of hands-on learning, creativity, critical thinking, and student voice. 

In This Episode

•  How CTE courses connect students to real-world careers 
•  The impact of hands-on STEM learning and industry certifications 
•  Why failure, collaboration, and critical thinking matter in education 
•  New approaches to math instruction focused on confidence and problem-solving 
•  How student voice and peer collaboration are shaping classrooms 
•  The importance of industry partnerships and career exploration opportunities 
•  Encouragement for students to step outside their comfort zones and try new experiences 

Highlights from the Conversation

•  Brian Grigsby shares how students design robotics systems, spacecraft concepts, and 3D models using professional-level software and technology. 
•  Kadence Angel explains how self-paced, project-based learning has helped her build confidence, earn industry certifications, and explore future career pathways. 
•  Catherine Thompson discusses efforts across Shasta County to reimagine math instruction through collaboration, problem-solving, and “Building Thinking Classrooms.” 
•  The group discusses how creating safe spaces for mistakes helps students develop resilience, confidence, and deeper learning. 

Memorable Quotes

Resources & Topics Mentioned

•  Career Technical Education (CTE) 
•  Robotics and industrial automation 
•  CAD and 3D design software 
•  NASA design challenges 
•  Building Thinking Classrooms 
•  Industry certifications in AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, and SolidWorks 
•  Rural Math Collaborative 

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a powerful reminder that education is about much more than grades. It’s about creating environments where students feel safe to explore, collaborate, fail forward, and discover what excites them. Whether through STEM, math, engineering, or hands-on career pathways, students across Shasta County are building skills that will prepare them for whatever comes next.

In this powerful two-part episode of Inspire Shasta, we explore the challenges, strengths, and future of rural education through the lens of leadership, policy, and student voice.

First, Assemblymember Heather Hadwick shares her unique perspective as both a policymaker and lifelong rural resident, offering insight into the realities rural schools face, from funding and staffing shortages to the resilience and innovation that define North State communities.

In part two, we hear directly from Fall River High School students Lauren Giessner and Alexa Iniguez, who traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for rural school funding. Their story is a compelling reminder that student voices can drive real change.

🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways

🌄 The Reality of Rural Schools

•  Rural districts face unique challenges, including geographic isolation, limited staffing, and declining tax bases. 
•  Funding inequities and mandates often disproportionately impact small districts. 

🤝 Strength in Community

•  Rural schools thrive on deep relationships, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility. 
•  Community connection is a defining strength and often a model for the rest of the state. 

👩‍🏫 Workforce & Opportunity Gaps

•  Recruiting and retaining teachers, staff, and skilled professionals remains a major hurdle. 
•  Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways and “grow your own” workforce strategies are critical solutions. 

🗣️ Student Voice = Real Impact

•  Students advocating for Secure Rural Schools funding helped influence federal action. 
•  Personal stories and lived experiences proved more powerful than traditional lobbying. 

🌱 Leadership Through FFA & CTE

•  Programs like FFA build confidence, leadership, and real-world skills for all students—regardless of background. 
•  These opportunities are often the first to be cut without critical funding. 

🔥 Resilience Through Adversity

•  Rural communities often unite through challenges like wildfires and economic shifts. 
•  That resilience fuels innovation and a deep commitment to future generations. 

🌟 Featured Guests

Heather Hadwick, California Assemblymember, District 1

•  Former educator, school board president, and emergency services leader 
•  Advocate for rural communities and education policy 

Lauren Giessner & Alexa Iniguez, Students, Fall River High School & FFA

•  Youth advocates for rural education funding 
•  Emerging leaders using their voices to shape policy 

💬 Memorable Moments

•  “It’s not how small is too small—it’s how far is too far.” 
•  “Our voices made the biggest impact.” 
•  “These schools are the heart of our community.” 
•  “Be brave. Just go out there and do it.” 

🎯 Why This Episode Matters

This episode highlights the power of perspective—from policymakers to students—and underscores a central truth: rural communities are not just surviving, they are leading. By elevating student voice and investing in local pathways, the future of rural education is not only hopeful—it’s already in motion.

📣 Call to Action

•  Encourage student voice in your schools and communities 
•  Support CTE and leadership programs like FFA 
•  Advocate for policies that reflect the realities of rural education 

Episode Summary
In this special episode of Inspire Shasta, we pause to listen directly to the voices of students from across Shasta County. This recorded Student Voices panel features middle school and high school students sharing their honest perspectives about school life today—from AI in the classroom and cell phone policies to feeling prepared for life after graduation.

Students also reflect on what helps them feel included at school, the teachers who make the biggest impact, and how adults can better support young people. Their insights highlight both the challenges students face and the many ways educators, administrators, and communities can create stronger learning environments. This conversation is thoughtful, candid, and full of ideas for building more supportive schools.

AI in Education

Students discuss how artificial intelligence is increasingly part of school life. While many see AI as a helpful learning tool—especially for explaining difficult concepts—they also emphasize the importance of using it responsibly.

Students raise concerns about:

• Overreliance on AI for assignments
• Academic integrity and where the line should be drawn
• Inaccurate AI detection software
• The need for AI literacy education so students learn how to use it ethically and effectively

Many students agree AI should support learning—not replace critical thinking.

 Cell Phone Policies

Cell phone rules vary widely between schools, and students have mixed experiences. They highlight:

• Differences between strict phone bans and more flexible policies
• Frustration when rules are ignored and not enforced
• The importance of teaching responsible technology use rather than simply banning devices

 Preparing for Life After High School

Students share honest thoughts about how prepared they feel for the future.

Common themes include:

• Many students rely on their own research to learn about college pathways
• Counselor-to-student ratios can make personalized guidance difficult
• Students want more information about all post-graduation options, including trades and career pathways
• Some feel there is a gap in exposure to opportunities, especially at younger grades

Students also suggested more real-world learning opportunities, such as financial literacy, life skills education, career exploration, and internship and job shadow programs.

 Belonging and School Culture

Students emphasize the importance of feeling connected at school.

What helps students feel included:

• Clubs, extracurricular activities, and performing arts programs
• Supportive teachers who create welcoming classrooms
• Opportunities for student voice and leadership

Some students also shared that differences in beliefs or identities can make belonging more challenging in certain environments.

 The Teachers Who Make a Difference

Students repeatedly highlighted the impact of teachers who:

• Build genuine relationships with students
• Show understanding and flexibility
• Treat students with respect
• Create structured yet supportive learning environments

Many students described teachers who check in with them personally, provide encouragement, and help them feel seen.

This episode reminds us that students are thoughtful observers of their own education. When we create spaces for youth voices to be heard, we gain valuable insights that can shape stronger schools and communities.

Listening to students is one of the most powerful ways to inspire change.

In this powerful and timely episode, we explore what safety really means for schools and communities — not just in theory, but in action.

Hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with:

• Ayla Tucker, Safety Director at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE)
• Jennifer James, Region 3 Regional Disaster Medical Health Specialist with the Sierra-Sacramento Valley EMS Agency

Together, they discuss how collaboration, communication, and proactive planning are strengthening safety and preparedness across Shasta County and beyond.

🔍 In This Episode

🤝 Building Safety Through Partnership

• How SCOE supports districts internally and externally to enhance preparedness
• Why collaboration between schools, law enforcement, EMS, public health, and fire agencies is critical
• The importance of relationship-building before disaster strikes

🚨 What Counts as a “Disaster”?

From wildfires and floods to infectious disease and power outages, disasters look different depending on where you stand. The conversation explores:

• How rural and regional realities shape emergency response
• Why resources and scale matter
• The importance of after-action reviews to improve future responses

🏫 Schools as Community Hubs

Schools are more than places of learning — they often serve as:

• Emergency shelters
• Communication hubs
• Points of medical distribution
• Community gathering centers

This makes integrating schools into regional disaster planning absolutely essential.

📢 The Power of Clear Communication

Jennifer shares what matters most to her as a parent:

• Timely, honest communication
• Clear explanations of what happened and what’s being done
• Sharing the “why” behind safety decisions

The conversation highlights how strong communication builds trust and reduces misinformation.

💻 Navigating the Digital World: Online Safety Initiative

Ayla introduces SCOE’s upcoming three-part online safety series in partnership with Common Sense Media.

The initiative will:

• Provide tools for families, educators, and school leaders
• Focus on empowerment rather than fear
• Address social media, AI, online predators, and digital well-being
• Include a community panel discussion at Mercy Oaks

The goal? To bring the entire community together to better support youth in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment.

🏢 Safer Schools Coalition: Standardizing Campus Safety

One exciting new initiative involves collaborating with law enforcement to implement a standardized campus building numbering system across Shasta County schools — modeled after a battle grid system.

Why it matters:

• First responders may not be familiar with every campus layout
• Seconds matter in emergencies
• Standardization can improve response time and outcomes

💡 Key Takeaways

• Safety is not a single program — it’s a system built on relationships.
• Preparedness requires practice, planning, and honest evaluation.
• Communication is often the most critical (and most challenging) part of any response.
• Everyone plays a role — even small contributions matter.
• Human connection remains one of our strongest protective factors.

🌟 A Hope for the Next Generation

The episode closes with reflections on mentorship, service, and the importance of simplifying life in a fast-paced world. Jennifer shares her hope that future generations prioritize real connection, community involvement, and meaningful contribution — even if it’s just an hour a day.

Hosts:
Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb

Guests:

• Jacob Garcia, Student Board Member, West Valley High School
• Abby Deng, Student Board Member, Enterprise High School
• Emily Rogers, Youth Commission Member, Central Valley High School
• Reese DeCosta, Youth Commission Member, Shasta High School

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this powerful and honest episode of Inspire Shasta, we turn the microphone over to students. Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb are joined by SCOE Student Board Members and Youth Commission representatives who share what it’s really like to be a student today—and what they wish adults better understood.

From peer pressure and social media to substance use, mental health, and the importance of feeling seen at school, these young leaders speak candidly about the pressures they face and the adults who have made a lasting difference in their lives. Their insights offer a meaningful reminder that student voice isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

🌟 Topics Covered

• What peer pressure really looks like in 2026—and why it’s often subtle, not explicit
• How social media shapes popularity, identity, and mental health
• Easy access to substances and the role of education and awareness on school campuses
• Why asking for help can be one of the hardest things for students to do
• The hidden pressures students carry outside of school—jobs, family responsibilities, and stress
• What genuine support from teachers looks like (and what feels forced or dismissive)
• How small actions—checking in, listening, noticing—make students feel seen
• Ideas students would implement as “principal for a day” to improve wellbeing
• Advice for middle schoolers who are nervous about starting high school
• Coping strategies that help students stay true to themselves
• Adults—teachers, counselors, principals, parents—who have made a lasting impact

💬 Memorable Quotes

🌱 Key Takeaways for Educators & Leaders

• Relationships matter more than programs
• Students notice authenticity immediately
• Flexibility and understanding go a long way
• Student voice leads to real, positive change
• Small moments of connection create lifelong impact

❤️ Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that when we truly listen to students, we gain insight, clarity, and direction. Their voices help shape better schools, stronger communities, and more supportive systems for the next generation.

Guests:

• Nathan Fairchild, Science Director, Shasta County Office of Education; Director of Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES)
• Dr. Melinda Kashuba, President, WES Community (Nonprofit Partner)

Hosts:
Maggie Joyce & Jenn Cobb

🌲 Episode Summary

For more than 50 years, Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) has been a beloved rite of passage for Shasta County students—a week of cabins, night hikes, creek explorations, and unforgettable outdoor learning. In this episode, we sit down with two leaders at the heart of its rebirth: Nate Fairchild, SCOE’s Science Director, and Dr. Melinda Kashuba, president of the nonprofit WES Community.

They share the remarkable story of WES—from its origins in the 1970s environmental movement, to the devastation of the 2018 Carr Fire, to today’s extraordinary community-driven rebuild. You’ll hear how thousands of donors, volunteers, and partners have rallied to bring this outdoor school back stronger than ever—fully accessible, environmentally thoughtful, and ready to serve new generations of students.

This episode is filled with history, hope, and heartfelt stories about the power of nature-based learning and the community that refuses to let WES fade away.

🌟 Topics Covered

• Origins of WES: How environmental legislation in the 1970s created a nationwide need for hands-on outdoor education
• The WES experience: Cabins, night hikes, nature immersion, and the magic students remember for a lifetime
• Impact of the Carr Fire: Damage, safety concerns, and the long path toward recovery
• The $7.5M rebuild effort: How five volunteers and a community of supporters raised nearly $6M so far
• Partnership with the National Park Service: Unique land use, shared planning, and the long-term vision
• What’s being rebuilt
• Future programming
• Why it matters: Belonging, curiosity, resilience, and access to nature for every student
• How the community can help: Funding, volunteering, advocacy, and engaging in school district LCAP planning

💬 Memorable Quotes

🏕️ What Makes WES Special?

• It’s one of the last remaining outdoor schools still operating on National Park Service land.
• More than 155,000 students have attended since 1970.
• It offers rare access to creeks, trails, forests, and wildlife—all within minutes of Redding.
• It creates lifelong memories and deep emotional connections to nature.

🌱 Final Thoughts

WES is more than a camp—it’s a transformative experience that shapes how students see themselves, their community, and the natural world. Thanks to relentless volunteers, dedicated educators, and a generous community, Whiskeytown Environmental School is on its way back—stronger, safer, and ready for the next 50 years.

Guests:

• Jill North, Principal, Tri Mountain Academy
• Cheyenne Mizenko, Principal, Excel Academy
  Hosted by Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with two remarkable leaders from Shasta County Office of Education’s Student Programs—Jill North of Tri Mountain Academy and Cheyenne Mizenko of Excel Academy. Together, they discuss how alternative education is transforming lives, building hope, and redefining success for students who need something different from the traditional classroom.

From juvenile court schools to special education and independent study, Jill and Cheyenne share how their programs focus on relationships, safety, and belonging—and how they’re working to change the stigma around alternative education.

🌟 Topics Covered

• The unique missions of Tri Mountain Academy, Excel Academy, and Independent Study
• How SCOE’s Student Programs serve students with behavioral, academic, or social-emotional needs
• Redefining “alternative education” and dismantling old stereotypes
• Building safe, relationship-centered classrooms where students and families feel seen and supported
• Dual enrollment opportunities that help students earn college credit and envision a brighter future
• Innovative “warm handoffs” that support students as they return to their home districts
• Creative campus design, sensory rooms, and wellness centers that make learning spaces feel like home
• Staff mindfulness and mental wellness as a foundation for student success
• New initiatives in career technical education (CTE) to prepare students for life after school
• Beautification and school pride—how campuses like Tri Mountain and Excel are transforming their environments to reflect care, dignity, and student pride

💬 Memorable Quotes

🌱 Programs Highlighted

• Tri Mountain Academy: SCOE’s juvenile court school serving grades 7–12, where students receive direct instruction, dual enrollment options, and CTE pathways.
• Excel Academy: Serving K–8 students in special education who need intensive behavioral and emotional support in a structured, caring environment.
• Shasta County Independent Study: Offering flexibility and connection for students in grades 6–12, including dual enrollment and mental wellness support.

🧭 Learn More

Discover how SCOE’s Student Programs are helping students and families build resilience, confidence, and connection.
🔗 ShastaCOE.org

❤️ Final Thoughts

Alternative education isn’t a last resort—it’s a launchpad for growth. With compassion, creativity, and high expectations, educators in Shasta County are rewriting the story for students who once felt left behind. Every student deserves a safe space to learn, belong, and believe in what’s possible next.

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe:
Find Inspire Shasta on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.