Sage Studio

From Independent Study to University: A Conversation with Rosemarie Umipig

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster talks with Rosemarie Umipig, a Sage Oak student graduating in 2024. They discuss Rosemarie's experiences in the independent study program since sixth grade, her successful enrollment in community college courses during high school, and how these opportunities have prepared her to graduate with two years of college credit. Rosemarie shares her journey, the benefits of an independent study program, her college application process, and future plans including attending UCSB for forensic accounting and economics with a minor in music. She also provides advice for students considering independent study, emphasizing the importance of planning and a growth mindset.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Sage Studio Podcast
00:49 Rosemarie's Journey Through Sage Oak
08:43 Navigating College Applications and Future Plans
13:07 Advice for Prospective Independent Study Students
13:48 Key Takeaways from the Sage Oak Experience
14:54 Closing Thoughts and Congratulations

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Empowering Young Scholars: Insights into Sage Oak's Honor Societies

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster engages with key figures from Sage Oak's National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) to explore the programs' impact on students' academic, leadership, and community service skills. Brenda Ramirez, Coordinator of Student Success Support, elaborates on NHS's role in recognizing and nurturing high-achieving students for over a century through leadership, character education, and service projects, including their initiative to support an animal shelter. Madeline, the NHS president, highlights the importance of collaboration and flexibility in volunteer efforts, reflecting on a group project to benefit the Long Beach Animal Shelter. The conversation then shifts to NJHS, with Nicole, the TK3 Personalized Learning Academy Coordinator, and Charles Whitehead, NJHS president, discussing the middle school version of the honor society. They emphasize NJHS's focus on preparing younger students for high school through service projects, such as delivering get-well cards to hospital patients and fostering leadership among its members. The episode showcases how both programs contribute to student development, community service, and college preparation, underlining the significance of leadership and teamwork.

00:00 Welcome to Sage Studio: Exploring National Honor Society
00:31 Meet the Guests: Brenda and Madeline Share Their NHS Experiences
01:17 The Essence of National Honor Society at Sage Oak
02:36 Collaborative Projects: Making a Difference Together
08:28 Joining NHS: Requirements and Opportunities
09:34 Introducing NJHS: Expanding Leadership and Service
10:40 NJHS Service Projects: Fostering Community and Collaboration
16:14 The Impact of NJHS on College and Career Readiness
18:06 Encouraging Leadership and Community Service
19:54 Getting Started with NJHS: Steps and Inspiration

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Navigating AI Safely: Tips for Students and Parents

In the final episode of Sage Studio's three-part AI series, Tiffiny Webster and guest Christian Jackson delve into essential considerations for students using AI, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, avoiding plagiarism, managing dependence, and ensuring privacy. They also explore how parents can support their children in using AI responsibly, covering the need for parental education on AI, setting ground rules, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering balanced and ethical use of technology. Throughout the conversation, practical advice and strategies are offered to help students and parents navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in education and beyond.

00:00 Welcome & Series Recap
00:32 AI Cautions for Students & Parental Support
01:43 ChatGPT's Advice on Safe AI Usage
02:05 Addressing AI Challenges: Accuracy, Plagiarism, and Dependence
05:03 Privacy Concerns and Ethical Use of AI
14:05 Encouraging Critical Thinking and Varied Learning Sources
14:13 Parental Guidance on AI: Education, Monitoring, and Security
26:02 Concluding Thoughts on AI in Education

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Leveraging AI in Education: Insights and Innovations, Continuing the Conversation with Christian Jackson

Christian Jackson delve into the various ways AI and tools like ChatGPT are transforming students' learning experiences. They explore ten distinct areas where AI aids in education, including homework help, tutoring, writing assistance, language learning, research, study tools, scheduling, career exploration, personalized learning, creative projects, and mental health support. The discussion highlights anecdotes, practical applications, and the potential of AI to tailor education to individual needs, improve efficiency, and foster skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. The episode is part of a series examining the impact of AI on education, with promises of further exploration into the precautions and best practices for utilizing AI tools in future episodes.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to AI's Impact on Students
01:07 Exploring AI in Homework Help and Tutoring
02:14 AI's Role in Writing Assistance and Creativity
04:42 Leveraging AI for Language Learning and Accessibility
06:48 Utilizing AI for Research and Information Gathering
07:57 Study Tools and Revision Aids Powered by AI
09:11 AI in Scheduling, Time Management, and Repacing
11:54 Career Exploration and Planning with AI
16:02 Personalized Learning and Project-Based Education
18:51 Mental Health Support Through AI Tools
21:35 Recap and Preview of Next Episode

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Exploring AI in Education with Christian Jackson

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster engages in a detailed conversation with Christian Jackson, a Creative Technologist, and CEO of Edapt, who specializes in integrating AI within educational settings. Christian discusses his journey from studying technology's application to business to collaborating with educators to harness AI for enhancing teaching and learning processes. The discussion covers with the challenges and opportunities AI presents, such as combating the digital divide, personalizing learning, and sparking a shift towards goal-based education. Through examples from his experiences and specific examples of AI-forward curriculum, Christian illustrates AI's potential to not only support but enrich the educational landscape, emphasizing its role in fostering critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and project-based learning. This episode serves as part one of a three-part series on the impact of AI in education, touching on its effects on teachers, students, parents, and the broader education environment.

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

In this episode of Sage Studio, we speak with Stacey Mathis, a career counselor at MiraCosta College, about the crucial role of career counseling in helping students make informed decisions regarding their college and career trajectories. Mathis emphasizes the importance of beginning career exploration in high school and offers insights on how students can utilize career counseling services before and after enrolling in college. Additionally, the podcast covers the differences between career and academic counseling, the significance of internships and the critical thinking involved in career planning. Mathis also gives advice on course selection, the value of soft skills, and how to approach combining passions with practical career paths. The discussion delves into MiraCosta College's resources, including a unique dual enrollment course, CRLP101, aimed at aiding students in career and life planning. The episode concludes with an invitation for students to explore career counseling opportunities and the comprehensive support community colleges offer to guide students through their academic and career choices.

00:00 Navigating Careers and College Counseling: An Insightful Introduction
01:19 Meet Stacey Mathis: The Career Counseling Expert
02:08 The Essence of Career Counseling Over Academic Counseling
03:26 Unlocking Career Paths: Programs and Strategies for Success
05:15 The Power of Dual Enrollment: A Gateway to Career Clarity
06:42 Navigating Parental Expectations and Student Aspirations
09:52 The Importance of Internships and On-Campus Jobs
10:57 Emerging Career Trends: Cybersecurity and AI
13:27 The Value of Community College in Career Planning
13:27 Closing Thoughts: Leveraging Counselor Resources Before College

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Sage Sage Studio Podcast: Prioritizing Service Projects

The episode focuses on the importance of service, discussing two upcoming service events - the Ronald McDonald Walk and a special project from the Virtual Learning Academy with Jen Gibson, the Curriculum and Events Coordinator at Sage Oak, and Carleen Maurer, Assistant Principal for the Virtual Learning Academy. Jen shares about the experience of Sage Oak participating in the Ronald McDonald House charity walk, which supports children and families who rely on their life-changing services. Benefit from this charity helped shape personalized, home-based education options for a Sage Oak student battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Carleen speaks about a new initiative called 'One School, One Book', focusing on the book 'Long Walk to Water' which explores the struggle to secure clean water in third-world countries. She shares her personal involvement in building a water well in an impoverished community in Guatemala. The goal is to draw attention to global issues and contribute positively to them as part of Sage Oaks's core values.

00:14 Introduction to the Podcast
00:39 Meet the Guests: Jen Gibson and Carleen Maurer
01:30 The Importance of Service at Sage Oak
01:45 Upcoming Service Events: Ronald McDonald Walk and VLA Project
02:02 Deep Dive into the Ronald McDonald Charity Walk
03:59 The Impact of Ronald McDonald House
05:53 How to Get Involved in the Ronald McDonald Walk
07:14 Introducing the VLA Service Project: One School, One Book
10:05 Carleen's Personal Connection to the Cause
15:06 How to Participate in the VLA Service Project
16:48 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

The episode features two guests, Nancy Shaputis (Virtual Learning Academy) and Alexis Baxley (Personalized Learning Academy), who share their personal experiences of enrolling and educating their children using Sage Oak's unique independent study learning program. They highlight the benefits of personalized learning, teaching children in a safe environment, the flexibility and adaptability of the program, and the invaluable support system that Sage Oak provides. Both guests emphasize how the program fosters not just academic growth, but also the emotional, social, and personal maturity of the children, while enabling parents to engage deeply in their children’s education and development.  In the first half of the podcast, Nancy shares her enrollment experience in the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA).  In the second half of the episode, Alexis shares her enrollment experience in the Personalized Learning Academy (PLA). 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:14 Nancy's Journey to Sage Oak (VLA)
05:40 Transition to Virtual Learning Academy
07:02 Benefits of the Virtual Learning Academy
09:59 Social Connections in a Virtual Environment
11:47 Experiences with Field Trips and Social Events
11:47 Advice for Parents Considering Virtual Learning
13:50 Gratitude and Farewell to Previous Guest

14:30 Alexis' Experience with Sage Oak (PLA) 
14:45 Guest's Background and Initial Interest in Sage Oak
15:26 Challenges and Concerns in Choosing a School
16:58 The Decision to Choose Sage Oak
17:59 The Benefits of Independent Study
18:31 The Importance of Flexibility and Support
18:41 Experiences with Sage Oak Teachers
18:59 The Ability to Pivot and Personalize Learning
20:27 Taking Advantage of Sage Oak's Offerings
22:07 Advice for Parents Considering Sage Oak
23:59 A Day in the Life of a Sage Oak Parent
26:37 The Value of Family Learning and Bonding
28:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Prospective Parents
29:30 Closing Remarks and Farewell to Guest

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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Sage Studio Podcast: Enrollment and Program Details for the 2024-2025 School Year

Preview the upcoming open enrollment period for the 2024-2025 school year and get an overview of the enrollment process for Sage Oak. The episode features guests, Rebecca Childers (Senior Administrator overseeing parent support) and Mary Hizon-Barry (Coordinator for the Virtual Learning Academy), who discuss details of the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) and the Personalized Learning Academy (PLA), including curriculum, teaching methods, role of the parents, and webinar details for both programs. The final part of the podcast guides prospective families through choosing the program that best suits their needs. The guests encourage families to apply as early as possible and attend the webinars for both programs to make an informed choice.

00:14 Introduction to the Episode
01:04 Meet the Guests: Rebecca and Mary
01:45 Understanding Enrollment Webinars
02:44 Exploring Sage Oak and Charter Schools
03:03 Deep Dive into Virtual Learning Academy (VLA)
08:46 Insights into Personalized Learning Academy (PLA)
13:32 Enrollment Process 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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Transitioning From Middle to High School: A Roadmap to Success at Sage Oak

We discuss the transition of students from middle school to high school with Sage Oak educators Mary Hizon-Barry, VLA Coordinator, Nicole Case, Regional Mentor, and Kerry Cody, HS Assistant Principal. The team addresses the common concerns and fears of parents and students centered around this significant shift in their academic life. The episode highlights how Sage Oak is creating a supportive transition system for students with events like 'High School Preview Week' to give parents and students a hands-on experience. The panel also discusses the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society programs which have been aligned to support this transition. The importance of Parents' roles in high school decision-making was also shared. Finally, they share information about a special event taking place on March 7th - a Career Fair at Goldie Lewis in Rancho Cucamonga that offers information on high school courses, pathways, and career possibilities to students, along with opportunities for interactions with professionals.

00:14 Introduction to the Episode
00:17 Understanding the Transition from Middle School to High School
00:43 Introducing the Panelists
02:39 Addressing the Attrition Rate and Knowledge Gap
03:21 Supporting Middle School Teachers and Students
04:01 Understanding the High School Transition
04:41 Addressing Concerns in the Personalized Learning Academy Program
05:39 Addressing Concerns in the Virtual Learning Academy Program
07:09 The Role of Parents in the Transition
07:09 Introducing the High School Jumpstart Program
13:42 Supporting High Achieving Students
15:36 Upcoming In-Person Event and Career Fair
18:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, 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.

Sage Oak Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube