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

Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 1d ago

    Groves High School Lead Custodial Technician Brian Cruz on White Glove Service and School Support Careers

    On this episode of After the Bell, the official podcast of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, we welcome Brian “Cruz” Cruz, lead custodial technician at Groves High School in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, recently named a finalist for the district’s 2027 Instructional Support Person of the Year.   Cruz explains “white glove service” as consistency, accountability, attention to detail, and a customer-service mindset that supports students, staff, families, community members, and vendors by ensuring campuses feel clean, safe, and cared for. He shares his path from concierge work in New York and New Jersey to Savannah and discusses how student diversity and mutual respect shape his work, including students using service hours to help when the team is short-staffed.   Cruz highlights pride in positive feedback from events like the CTAE Success Expo and advises aspiring school support professionals to pursue excellence, professionalism, and education to advance in operations roles.   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 Show Intro 00:28 Meet Cruz 01:31 White Glove Mindset 02:35 From New York 04:22 Award Recognition 05:55 Custodial Day To Day 07:23 Lessons From Students 09:15 Best Part Of Job 10:35 Career Advice 14:16 Closing And District Info

    Groves High School Lead Custodial Technician Brian Cruz on White Glove Service and School Support Careers

  2. Sep 29

    Cracking the Code: Literacy, Tutoring & the Data Behind Student Success | Heather Corbett & Jessica Reid Sliwerski

    In this episode of After the Bell, we explore the science of learning to read, the impact of high-dosage tutoring, and what the data tells us about helping more students succeed. Heather Corbett, Director of Research and Evaluation for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, and Jessica Reid Sliwerski, Co-Founder and CEO of Ignite Reading and a longtime literacy advocate, join producer Dee Daniels for a conversation about the district’s 95 in 5 literacy goal and the importance of helping students become strong readers early.   They discuss why consistent attendance matters, how high-dosage tutoring provides students with targeted support during the school day, what research tells us about foundational reading instruction, and why giving students the right support at the right time can make such a meaningful difference.   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 00:44 Introducing Today's Guests 01:21 Guest Backgrounds and Experience 02:44 National Literacy Month and Moonshot 05:04 What is High Dosage Tutoring 07:05 Why Consistent Attendance Matters 09:30 Supporting Families and Students 10:43 Why 60% Need Structured Instruction 14:44 Cracking the Reading Code 16:01 The Joy of Learning to Read 17:45 Research Based Solutions That Work 19:21 Closing Remarks

    Cracking the Code: Literacy, Tutoring & the Data Behind Student Success | Heather Corbett & Jessica Reid Sliwerski

  3. Sep 15

    Strategic Business Partnerships and Workforce Development in Savannah-Chatham Schools with Clyde Newton

    On this episode of After the Bell - Clyde Newton, Strategic Partnership Coordinator for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System discusses how business-education partnerships strengthen student success and regional workforce development.   Newton, a Savannah native and SCCPSS graduate with 35+ years at Georgia Power, explains that strong relationships and alignment around the district’s new strategic plan help businesses and schools pursue shared goals, improve career readiness, and maintain economic competitiveness.   He highlights partnership opportunities including classroom career exploration, facility visits, work-based learning hires, teacher externships, and the Economic Development for Educators program with SEDA, which helped SCCPSS earn designation as an economic development school district by the Georgia Department of Education.   Newton shares outcomes such as graduates hired into welding, aviation, ports, and EMT roles, including high-earning careers, and invites businesses of any size to register via the district website to get involved.   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 Show Intro 00:44 Meet Clyde Newton 01:51 Why Partnerships Matter 03:17 Keys to Success 04:41 Student Opportunities 05:58 Business Benefits 08:30 How to Get Involved 09:22 Real Student Success 11:36 Call to Action 12:07 Wrap Up and Credits

    Strategic Business Partnerships and Workforce Development in Savannah-Chatham Schools with Clyde Newton

  4. Sep 1

    Rethinking School Cafeteria Food with SCCPSS Nutrition Manager Matthew Kubiak

    On this episode of After the Bell, Matthew Kubiak, Savannah Chatham County Public School System’s menu development, marketing, and promotions manager, to discuss how school nutrition supports student success and how the district is reimagining cafeteria food.   Kubiak shares his path from fine dining and executive chef roles to school nutrition, inspired by his kindergarten-teacher wife and a desire to improve how meals are cooked and received by students. They highlight free meals through the Community Eligibility Program, efforts to reduce stigma, increased participation, and a focus on appealing, nutritious menus featuring local items (including grass-fed burgers and Georgia shrimp), multicultural dishes, and student feedback via taste tests and surveys.   The conversation also covers school gardens supplying produce, improved presentation and tray logistics, literacy signage in serving lines, award-winning student recipes adapted to USDA guidelines, and new leadership under Dr. Rebecca Larson.   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 00:37 Meet Matthew Kubiak 01:43 From Fine Dining to Schools 03:17 Chef Favorites and Fun 04:01 Free Meals and CEP Impact 05:50 Local Sourcing and Farm Grants 06:51 Surprise Hits Like Carrot Souffle 09:55 Presentation and Cafeteria Experience 12:24 School Gardens and Taste Tests 14:39 Student Chefs and Awards 16:11 Whats Next for Nutrition 17:10 Feedback Food Shows and Events 21:04 Wrap Up and District Outro

    Rethinking School Cafeteria Food with SCCPSS Nutrition Manager Matthew Kubiak

  5. Aug 18

    Bringing SCCPSS’s “Unlimited Possibilities” Strategic Plan to Life

    On this episode of After the Bell, we welcome Shraddha Nunziata, SCCPSS senior director of initiatives and special projects, to discuss the district’s five-year strategic plan, “Unlimited Possibilities: Every student, every school, every day,” built with unprecedented community engagement including nearly 2,000 student survey responses.   Nunziata explains the plan’s focus on creating a high-quality, consistent baseline experience across schools—fair, consistent application of rules, grading, and learning expectations—while preserving each school’s unique signature programs. She outlines expected impacts for students and families: stronger reading, writing, math and critical thinking, expanded access to pathways and wellness supports, safer environments, clearer communication, and greater transparency to rebuild public trust.   The conversation also highlights SCCPSS’s selection for GaDOE’s Innovative School Design cohort to listen, design, and pilot middle school redesigns centered on trust, relationships, and relevance, plus examples of hands-on literacy inquiry projects like student-created podcasts.   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 After the Bell 00:31 Meet Shraddha Nunziata 01:36 Strategic Plan Overview 03:24 Student Impact Goals 07:13 Student Voice in Planning 10:04 Baseline Experience Explained 12:02 Innovative School Design Cohort 16:28 How Families Can Engage 19:33 Continuous Improvement Mindset 22:13 Inquiry Projects and Podcasts 24:40 Wrap Up and Resources

    Bringing SCCPSS’s “Unlimited Possibilities” Strategic Plan to Life

  6. Aug 4

    Emergency Preparedness: SCCPSS Approach to Severe Weather

    On After the Bell, we talk with Savannah-Chatham County Public School System COO Meagan Davidson and Emergency Management and School Safety Lt. Justin Pratt about severe weather preparedness and school closure decisions.   They explain the biggest misconception is that closures are based only on current conditions, when decisions also depend on student and staff safety, transportation over bridges, walkers and drivers, staffing across multiple counties and states, and changing conditions at arrival and dismissal. Preparedness is year-round and coordinated with SEMA, municipal partners, elected officials, and the National Weather Service through frequent briefings.   Closure recommendations consider power, access, food service, technology, and security, with families notified via the website, social media, BrightArrow texts/calls, and news outlets. They cover bus-route impacts, in-school alerts and drills, automated intercom weather warnings, post-storm facility assessments, and countywide damage tracking. They urge families to maintain emergency kits/plans and keep contact info updated.   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 00:28 Meet Meagan Davidson 01:21 Meet Lieutenant Pratt 02:30 Closure Misconceptions 04:49 Year Round Preparedness 07:35 Decision Making Process 09:11 How Closures Are Announced 12:45 Family Communication Channels 14:24 Internal Coordination 16:20 Bus Routes In Bad Weather 17:36 Severe Weather During School 19:57 Post Storm Reopening Checks 22:36 Damage Assessment Technology 23:46 Final Tips For Families 25:22 Closing Thanks

    Emergency Preparedness: SCCPSS Approach to Severe Weather

  7. Jul 21

    Back-to-School Safety: What Every Family Needs to Know

    As a new school year begins, safety is top of mind for students, parents, and educators alike. In this episode of After the Bell, producer Dee Daniels sits down with Assistant Chief George C. Washington and Lieutenant Justin Pratt of the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education Police Department to discuss the comprehensive safety measures in place across the district.   Learn how School Resource Officers (SROs) do far more than respond to emergencies—they serve as mentors, relationship builders, and trusted resources for students every day. The conversation also covers anonymous reporting tools, the "See Something, Say Something" approach, emergency preparedness, the Walking School Bus program, and the layered security strategies used at schools and athletic events.   You'll also hear important reminders about the district's clear bag policy, event security screenings, traffic safety during drop-off and pick-up, and practical tips to help families navigate the excitement of the first weeks of school.   Whether you're a parent, student, staff member, or community supporter, this episode offers valuable insight into the people and programs working year-round to keep Savannah-Chatham County schools safe.   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"

    Back-to-School Safety: What Every Family Needs to Know

  8. Jul 7

    Season 2 Kick-Off: SCCPSS Back-to-School Registration, Transportation, PowerSchool, and Family Engagement

    "After the Bell" - the official podcast of the Savannah Chatham County Public School System - kicks off Season 2 with host Dee Daniels and guests Tamika Tribble, Executive Director of Engagement and Outreach, and Idell Biles, Family and Community Engagement Liaison, discussing back-to-school basics for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.   They explain how the engagement and outreach team bridges families, schools, and community and business partners, and how families can connect via sccpss.com, Let’s Talk, phone/email, and community events. Key updates include registration now open online, in-person registration help at Southwest Middle School July 14 (11:00 AM–6:30 PM) and July 16 (8:00 AM–4:00 PM), and support at the Student and Family Service Center (400 East Broad Street).   They outline required registration documents, transportation tools including InfoFinder and the Here Comes a Bus app, bus “dry runs” for families, the importance of attendance, free breakfast and lunch for all students again this year, Parent University resources, and volunteer and business partnership sign-ups.   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 Season Two Kickoff 00:48 Meet The Guests 02:20 Engagement Team Mission 04:05 How Families Connect 05:25 Registration Opens Now 08:03 In Person Registration Help 10:36 Who Registers And Documents 13:24 Transportation And Bus Tools 15:43 Here Comes The Bus App 18:35 PowerSchool Parent Portal 22:32 Attendance And Free Meals 26:02 Parent University Resources 29:59 Volunteer And Partner Up 30:54 First Day Favorites 32:13 Closing And District Info

    Season 2 Kick-Off: SCCPSS Back-to-School Registration, Transportation, PowerSchool, and Family Engagement
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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.

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