Sage Studio

Back to School with Sage Oak's Personalized Learning Academy


In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster discusses Back to School with the Personalized Learning Academy (PLA). Featured guests include Christy Hartman and Taylore Coulombe, newly appointed Assistant Principals,  along with Lauren Holman, the Middle School Coordinator. They discuss the unique features of the PLA program, and the support available for parents and students.   They highlight the Sage Crate curriculum solution, Oakschool classes, and the variety of field trips and social events offered to enrich the student experience. Additionally, the podcast covers middle school-specific topics such as parent involvement and career exploration. The episode concludes with information on back-to-school events and resources available for families.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
02:16 Overview of the Personalized Learning Academy (PLA)
03:51 New and Exciting Changes in PLA
05:16 Field Trips and Social Events
07:33 Middle School Focus and Support
11:20 Role of Teacher Facilitators
13:27 Back to School Events and Final Thoughts

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring the Virtual Learning Academy at Sage Oak

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster discusses the Virtual Learning Academy at Sage Oak with Principal Lana Beshara and Assistant Principal Mary Hizon-Barry. They dive into the structure, unique features, and recent changes of the Virtual Learning Academy program. Topics include the integration of AVID strategies, approaches to career readiness for students from TK through 8th grade, and details about upcoming events and enrollment. They also highlight the blended learning model, support systems for students and parents, and the importance of executive functioning skills and organizational strategies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:37 Meet Lana Beshara: Principal of Virtual Learning Academy
01:27 Meet Mary Hizon-Barry: Assistant Principal of Virtual Learning Academy
02:01 Overview of the Virtual Learning Academy
03:36 Changes and New Initiatives for the Upcoming School Year
04:46 Building Community in a Virtual Environment
05:20 Introduction to AVID Program
06:35 Executive Functioning Skills and AVID Strategies
10:23 Career Readiness and Exploration
15:00 Enrollment Information and Back to School Events
17:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring Parent and Student Involvement Committees at Sage Oak

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster and guests Lorinda Loughlin and Bethany Burgos introduce the various committees available for parents and students to get involved with at Sage Oak for the upcoming school year. The committees discussed include the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), Student Advisory Committee (STAC), and the newly introduced Sage Connections Committee (SCC). They provide details on the purpose, structure, and ways to participate in these committees, emphasizing the importance of feedback and collaboration. Additionally, the episode highlights the upcoming virtual Parent Summit as an opportunity for parents to learn more about these committees and engage with other parents and staff.

00:00 Introduction to Sage Studio
00:38 Meet the Team: Lorinda and Bethany
01:23 Overview of Parent and Student Committees
02:06 Deep Dive: Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
07:26 Exploring the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
10:34 Student Advisory Committee (STAC): Student Voices Matter
15:08 Introducing the Sage Connections Committee (SCC)
17:51 How to Get Involved: Sign-Up and Parent Summit
20:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Introducing Sage Crates: Simplifying Curriculum for the 2025-2026 School Year

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster introduces the new Sage Crates initiative for the 2025-2026 school year with guest Jen Gibson, Sage Oak's Curriculum Coordinator. Jen explains the concept of Sage Crates, which are curated curriculum packages available to Personalized Learning Academy students from TK through eighth grade. These crates aim to simplify the process of selecting and purchasing high-quality curriculum by offering three types of packages: Traditional, Classical, and Book Shark. Parents can also opt for a la carte selections for more tailored needs. The initiative aims to streamline the curriculum selection process, provide high-quality materials at a discounted price, and free up funds for supplemental educational activities.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Meet Jen Gibson: Curriculum Coordinator
01:04 Introducing Sage Crates
01:58 Who Can Benefit from Sage Crates?
02:49 How Sage Crates Simplifies Curriculum Choices
04:08 Sage Crates: Package Options
05:37 Understanding Different Curriculum Styles
07:34 Additional Materials and Teacher Support
08:34 Ordering and Customizing Your Sage Crate
09:37 Discounts and Flexibility with Instructional Funds
12:44 How to Order and Timeline
13:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Simple, Fun, and Easy Summer Learning Activities with Allie Whalen

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster welcomes back school counselor Allie Whalen to discuss preparing for summer with a comprehensive and engaging summer bucket list. Allie shares valuable insights on how families can ensure their students remain active both academically and socially over the summer break. They explore various activities that can be done at home, within local communities, and even through travel. Allie also provides practical tips on how to create and execute a summer bucket list, including making it quantitative for added motivation and structure. The episode concludes with thoughts on the importance of summer engagement for students' ongoing development.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:59 Meet Allie Whalen: School Counselor
02:02 Creating a Summer Bucket List
02:22 Activities at Home
04:42 Local and Community Activities
07:50 Exploring Beyond the Local Community
09:49 Creating and Planning Your Summer Bucket List
13:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



Printable Summer Bucket List & Example PDF

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Celebrating the Sage Oak Graduates of 2025

In this heartfelt episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffany Webster celebrates the graduating class of 2025. Alumni Kenzie Robles, Rohit, Pooja Datir, Evangelina Hokey, and Amelia Hernandez share their inspiring journeys and offer sage advice for the future. Tiffany discusses the values of service, accountability, growth mindset, and excellence that Sage Oak students have developed. This episode serves as an encouraging send-off, reminding graduates of their potential and urging them to continue creating their pathways to success.

00:00 Introduction and Celebration
01:37 Messages from Alumni: Kenzie Robles
02:25 Messages from Alumni: Rohit Datir
03:07 Messages from Alumni: Pooja Datir
03:47 Messages from Alumni: Evangelina Hokey
04:31 Messages from Alumni: Amelia Hernandez
05:28 Reflecting on Alumni Advice
06:30 SAGE Values: Service 
08:28 SAGE Values: Accountability
10:14 SAGE Values: Growth Mindset and Excellence
12:28 Creating Your Future
14:17 Final Words and Encouragement

For more information about Sage Oak Charter Schools, visit www.sageoak.education 

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Empowering Through Volunteerism: Interview with Service Award Winner Ella Mendez

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster converses with high school student and this year's service award winner, Ella Mendez. Ella shares her passion for community service, detailing her extensive involvement in various volunteer activities, particularly in community theater. She talks about her journey in volunteering, from helping backstage and running fundraisers to mentoring children. Ella emphasizes the significant impact of volunteer work on personal growth and leadership skills. She also provides insights for other students interested in volunteering and discusses her plans to continue serving her community through theater after graduation. Tune in to learn more about Ella's inspiring story and her dedication to making a positive difference.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:39 Meet Ella Mendez: Service Award Winner
01:02 Diving into Community Service
01:34 Theater Volunteering: Behind the Scenes
06:02 Fundraising and Gaining Experience
07:24 Impact and Personal Growth
11:59 Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
14:52 Conclusion and Farewell

For more information about Sage Oak Charter Schools, visit www.sageoak.education

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Navigating High School Transformation: Madeline Murrow's Journey at Sage Oak

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster converses with Sage Oak High School senior Madeline Murrow. Madeline shares her four-year journey at Sage Oak, highlighting the flexibility and unique opportunities the school provides, such as independent study, ASB involvement, and dual enrollment at a community college. She discusses her extensive extracurricular activities, including her leadership roles, volunteer work at a library, and a magazine internship that allowed her to publish over 30 articles. Madeline also touches on her plans to attend UC Berkeley with sophomore standing due to her accumulated college credits. This episode provides insights into how non-traditional educational paths can lead to exceptional personal and academic development.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:35 Madeline's Journey at Sage Oak
01:05 The Untraditional School Experience
01:57 Starting High School at Sage Oak
02:42 Extracurricular Activities and Opportunities
05:20 Dual Enrollment and College Preparation
09:17 Volunteering and Internships
12:07 Future Plans and Advice for Freshmen
17:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell

  For more information about Sage Oak Charter Schools, visit www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring PE and Outdoor School at Sage Oak

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster discusses the importance of physical education (PE) and outdoor activities with Nicole Wilcoxon and Daniel Richter, Personalized Learning Teachers (PLTs) at Sage Oak. The guests share their experiences and methods for engaging students in PE and Outdoor School, highlighting their approaches to introducing various sports and outdoor skills. They also discuss the structure and scheduling of classes, including how parents can get involved and the benefits of these activities for student development. The episode emphasizes the personalized learning aspect of Sage Oak, allowing teachers to incorporate their passions and creativity into their instruction, enhancing the educational experience for students.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
01:12 Importance of PE in Independent Study Programs
02:55 Helping Kids Discover Their Interests
04:35 Personalization in PE Classes
04:53 Getting Involved in PE at Sage Oak
08:44 Outdoor School and Hiking Club
13:34 How to Sign Up and Participate
16:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information about Sage Oak Charter Schools, at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Emma Pierce's Journey to Early Graduation at Sage Oak

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster interviews Emma Pierce, a 10th grade student at Sage Oak who is on track to graduate early. Emma shares her educational journey, discussing how she first came to Sage Oak, her experiences with dual enrollment college classes, and how she balances academic pursuits with extracurricular activities like horseback riding and martial arts. Emma also touches on her volunteer work and how the personalized schedule at Sage Oak has helped her growth. This conversation provides insight into the opportunities Sage Oak offers its students for both academic and personal development.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Emma's Journey to Sage Oak
01:40 Balancing Academics and Language Learning
03:06 Dual Enrollment and Early Graduation
07:45 Extracurricular Activities: Horseback Riding and Karate
13:17 Giving Back: Volunteering and Service
14:05 Reflections and Future Plans
14:48 Conclusion and Farewell
For more information, talk to you student's EA and visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed.  We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below.  Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California.  Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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