After the Bell: The Official Podcast of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools

Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
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After the Bell is the official podcast of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System — your all-access pass to the people, programs, and stories that make our schools shine. Each episode, we go beyond the classroom walls to highlight student voices, teacher perspectives, and the innovative programs shaping the future of education in Savannah. From academics and the arts to mental health, nutrition, athletics, and career pathways, we’re bringing you the conversations that matter most to our school community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or neighbor, After the Bell gives you a fun, informative, and inspiring look at the heart of SCCPSS.

  1. May 26

    SCCPSS Registration 2026–27: Online Enrollment, PowerSchool, Address Updates, and Transportation Tips

    Producer Dee Daniels interviews Heather DiTommaso, SCCPSS senior director of student information systems and an 18-year district employee, about preparing families for school registration.   DiTommaso explains that summer is a busy behind-the-scenes time to close out the year and set up transportation and other services, and notes that all SCCPSS students receive free breakfast and lunch. Registration for the 2026–27 school year is open now for new families and returning families with a break in enrollment, including pre-K students re-registering for kindergarten, and can be completed online at sccpss.com via Find It Fast > Registration, with in-person help available at 400 East Broad Street. Currently enrolled families should update address changes in the PowerSchool parent portal; residency affidavits must be renewed with a new proof of address before school ends.   Transportation routes can be viewed in the Here Comes the Bus app, and parents can request a PowerSchool account online to access attendance, grades, assignments, contact updates, absence notes, and report cards.   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:30 Meet Heather DiTommaso 01:13 Why Register Early 02:13 Free Meals Highlight 02:49 Online Registration Steps 04:25 In Person Help Options 05:02 Address Changes Explained 05:33 Residency Affidavit Rules 06:09 Transportation and Bus App 06:56 PowerSchool Account Setup 07:30 PowerSchool Parent Portal Benefits 08:40 First Day Feelings and Memories 10:20 Final Registration Advice 11:56 Wrap Up and Thanks

    14 min

  2. May 12

    SCCPSS After The Bell: Student Senate on Student Voice, Mental Health, Dress Code, Cell Phones, and AI in Schools

    On this episode of After The Bell, producer Dee Daniels talks with SCCPSS Student Senate members Shrila Patel, Senior at Savannah Early College and Elliot Smith, Junior at Islands High School about how the districtwide student leadership group elevates student voice by identifying problems and seeking solutions across schools.   They discuss key focus areas including mental health and stress supports, communication of available resources, and making policies more consistent across schools. The students share impacts already made, including changes to uniform/dress code rules such as allowing certain hoodies and spirit wear, and note the benefit of remote learning/mental health days.   They also address ongoing concerns like bullying and discipline, future work on cell phone, grading, and discipline policies, and the need to integrate technology and AI responsibly into learning rather than banning it. They encourage more student participation and explain how to apply via flyers, QR codes, and the SCCPSS website.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:  00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:41 What Student Senate Does 01:46 Why Students Join 02:11 Goals and Priorities 03:15 Dress Code Wins 05:09 Next Policy Targets 05:40 Big Issues Students Share 06:56 Mental Health and Stress 09:20 How to Get Involved 11:30 Real Impact Moments 12:39 Bullying and Discipline 14:04 Phones and AI in School 16:08 Advice and Shoutouts 18:09 Future Plans and Wrap Up

    20 min

  3. Apr 29

    HATS OFF: Graduation Season 2026 with Kimberly McGuire and Dr. Douglas Simmons

    "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System. This episode, producer Dee Daniels talks with Kimberly McGuire, Executive Director of Student Support Services, and Dr. Douglas Simmons, Director of Counseling Services, about graduation season and celebrating the class of 2026 in Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.   They discuss what graduation represents for students, families, and the entire school community, and share behind-the-scenes planning details at Enmarket Arena, including rehearsals, cap-and-gown coordination, security and clear bag policy, nursing/EMS support, and diploma logistics. They explain ticketing (15 tickets per graduate via Enmarket-specific Ticketmaster access), arrival timing, seating and accessibility, free parking, hydration, and that ceremonies are livestreamed with replays on YouTube via the district graduation page.   They also offer guidance for families supporting graduates emotionally and practically through postsecondary transitions, emphasizing self-advocacy, persistence, and using available resources.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:  00:00 Welcome to After the Bell 00:41 Meet the Graduation Team 01:54 Why Graduation Matters 03:29 Behind the Scenes Planning 06:39 Speeches and Student Moments 07:22 Tickets Timing and Entry Tips 12:19 Livestream and Replays 12:50 Supporting Graduation Emotions 16:27 Advice for the Class 19:18 Looking Ahead and Final Congrats

    22 min

  4. Apr 14

    Summer Level Up: Camps, STEM, Apprenticeships, and Literacy Support with Dr. Troy Brown

    "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System - this episode ... producer Dee Daniels interviews Dr. Troy Brown, network superintendent for elementary and K–8 schools, about SCCPSS Summer Level Up opportunities.   Brown outlines four summer learning tracks: initial credit for high school students seeking advanced credits; credit recovery/remediation for grades 3–12 tied to promotion or graduation; blended learning with targeted platform-based support; and literacy enrichment camps for English learners in K–2 and 6–8, plus RISE (adaptive recreational and instructional enrichment) and extended school year for special needs students.   Families will be notified if attendance is required, with registration and strict four-week attendance expectations; transportation is provided except for Choice program students. He highlights optional offerings like Oatland Island and Massey camps, scholarships so cost isn’t a barrier, Georgia Tech-linked Seismic STEM camp, and workforce apprenticeships. Brown also shares home learning tips and his path into education inspired by a former math teacher.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:35 Summer Level Up Overview 01:19 Four Summer Learning Tracks 02:24 Family Requirements and Logistics 03:32 Camps at Oatland and Massey 04:41 Scholarships and Extra Programs 06:19 Preventing Summer Learning Loss 08:20 Explorers Academy Breakdown 09:17 Ignite Reading Tutors 10:47 Dr Brown Career Journey 13:08 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up

    15 min

  5. Mar 31

    Early Learning Matters: Kindergarten Readiness, Literacy, and Play-Based Pre-K with Andrea Burkiett

    "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System   Recording at the Massie Heritage Center, producer Dee Daniels interviews Andrea Burkiett, Executive Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction at SCCPSS, about early learning and why it matters.   Burkiett shares how a childhood moment inspired her to become a teacher and explains early learning (birth–5) versus early childhood education (K–5), emphasizing that learning begins at birth and that 90% of neuron pathways develop from birth to five. She describes how early experiences shape vocabulary, book handling, routines, and peer interactions, and outlines misconceptions that pre-K is “babysitting,” noting it is standards-based, intentional learning through play.   The conversation covers early literacy (conversation, storytelling, sounds), early math (sorting, patterns, comparisons), social-emotional growth, enrichment to build background knowledge, and kindergarten readiness through language exposure and life skills. She highlights Georgia’s Child Find, encourages enrolling four-year-olds in available pre-K seats, and describes a typical pre-K day of large/small group centers and targeted instruction.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:30 Andrea’s Origin Story 01:56 Why Early Learning Matters 03:58 Foundations Kids Build 06:57 Early Literacy in Pre-K 08:24 Math Through Play 09:29 Social Emotional Growth 11:16 Enrichment Beyond Screens 14:13 Kindergarten Readiness 17:01 Support for Different Needs 20:09 A Day in Pre-K 22:16 Future Vision and Career Advice 25:10 Closing Thanks

    27 min

  6. Mar 17

    Educational Adventures at Oatland Island: A Conversation with Director Christina Maldonado

    "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System Producer Dee Daniels interviews Christina Maldonado, director of Oatland Island Wildlife Center, about her 30-year education career and path from district science specialist to director.   Maldonado shares Oatland’s history—from a 1927 railroad conductors’ retirement home to a 1941 U.S. Public Health Service research facility (including invention of the fly strip), then its 1974 agreement to be operated by Savannah-Chatham schools and full transfer in 2004.   She explains the mission to foster appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and discovery, featuring only native plants and animals. Oatland spans 100 acres with over two miles of trails, about 40 species and 100 animals that cannot survive in the wild, and nearly 30 staff. They offer field trips, camps, toddler Tuesdays, Citizen Saturdays, author events, volunteer opportunities, and membership and donation ways to support animal care and enrichment.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:40 Oatland Memories and Impact 01:14 Christina Path to Director 02:34 Oatland History Timeline 04:52 Mission and Native Wildlife Focus 05:57 Animals and Rescue Stories 08:05 Trails Habitats and Visitor Experience 10:00 Behind the Scenes Team 11:23 School Programs and Community Partners 13:05 Field Trips and Partners 14:05 Year Round Programs 14:36 Camps and Toddler Tuesdays 15:25 New March Reading Event 17:12 Why People Visit 18:42 Citizen Saturdays Explained 19:11 Youth OWL Program 21:15 Volunteers Make It Work 21:52 How to Support Oatland 23:48 Closing Thanks and Links

    26 min

  7. Mar 3

    The Evolution of Public Education at Savannah's Massie Heritage Center

    "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System   Producer Dee Daniels interviews curator Steve Smith at Savannah’s Massie Heritage Center about the site’s history, programs, and future. Smith traces Massie’s origins to Peter Massie’s 1841 bequest that funded a school built by architect John Norris and opened in 1856; it later served as a Union hospital, a Freedmen’s school, and then the first public school in Georgia’s first public school system formed by Savannah and Chatham County in 1866, operating until 1974.   After years of reuse, Friends of Massie helped reopen it in 1978 as a “museum school” using the “community is the classroom” model of place-based education. Smith describes exhibits on Savannah’s city plan, architecture, preservation, maritime history, Native Americans, and a 19th-century classroom, plus events like May Day and outreach programs such as History on Wheels, while noting building repair needs and growth in visiting school groups.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome to Massie 00:32 Origins After the Fire 02:46 From School to Heritage 05:30 Savannah First Public Schools 06:24 Where Massie Sits 08:49 Museum School Model 11:27 Touring the Exhibits 17:58 May Day and Programs 22:07 Future Goals and Repairs 24:34 How to Visit and Book 26:09 Closing Thanks

    28 min

  8. Feb 17

    The Future of Math Education: Curriculum and Teaching Insights

    "After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System   Producer Dee Daniels is at the Massie Heritage Center with District Math Content Specialists Stephen Salley - K-8 Content Specialist, Dr. Beth Tuck - Elementary Content Specialist, and Dana Marie - 6-12 Content Specialist.   They discuss changing the mindset that some people are “not math people,” emphasizing math as puzzles, games, and problem-solving—not just computation—and the reward of seeing students make connections. The guests explain the district’s K–12 math textbook adoption: 16 vendor proposals were rated by a nine-person group and narrowed to four products now being piloted in 24 schools for about six weeks, with educators and community members able to review materials and complete rubrics/surveys.   They outline how parent-teacher communication and events like Math Night help families understand instruction and advocate for students. Key dates are shared: public review at Port Wentworth on February 19 from 4–6 PM and the end of educator review and the classroom pilot period on February 27. The conversation closes with each guest naming influential educators and affirming math as their favorite subject.   QUICK LINKS: Contact Us - Main Page District Calendar Lunch Menus Literacy is Our North Star Engagement and Outreach Map of Schools Athletics Department Career Opportunities Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"     FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome to After the Bell + Meet the Math Team 00:29 “Everyone’s a Math Person”: Changing the Mindset 00:58 What Math Content Specialists Do (K–12 Roles) 01:33 The Best Part: When Math Finally Clicks 02:55 New K–12 Math Textbook Pilot: What’s Happening 03:35 How Textbook Adoption Works (16 Vendors → Top 4) 04:15 The “Why”: Consistency, Access, and Support for All Learners 06:06 How Teachers & Families Can Review and Give Feedback (Public Review Details) 08:08 Bridging Math at School and Home: QR Codes, AI, and Parent Advocacy 10:15 What a “Math Night” Is (and Why It Helps) 12:17 What the Adoption Means for Students: Models, Discourse, Real-World Math 15:49 What Happens Next: Scoring Rubrics, Key Dates, and Final Selection 18:30 Quick-Fire: Influential Teachers & Favorite Subjects + Wrap-Up

    22 min
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About

After the Bell is the official podcast of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System — your all-access pass to the people, programs, and stories that make our schools shine. Each episode, we go beyond the classroom walls to highlight student voices, teacher perspectives, and the innovative programs shaping the future of education in Savannah. From academics and the arts to mental health, nutrition, athletics, and career pathways, we’re bringing you the conversations that matter most to our school community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or neighbor, After the Bell gives you a fun, informative, and inspiring look at the heart of SCCPSS.

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