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

Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

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. 5h ago

    SCCPSS Choice Programs: Application Window, Open Houses, How to Apply with Dr. Jessica Horton

    In this episode of After the Bell, filmed at Jacob G. Smith Elementary’s Media Center, host interviews Dr. Jessica Horton, Director of Choice Programs for Savannah Chatham County Public School System, about specialized themed academic and career-focused programs offered at select attendance-zone schools and six fully choice schools. Horton shares her career path within SCCPSS and explains how choice programs help students pursue interests and gain transferable skills.   Key updates include an expanded application window from November 16 to January 8, the ability to remain on waitlists for first and second choices even after accepting another seat, and open houses moved earlier, running from November 2 to December 1 with non-overlapping nights by grade band. Families can apply to up to three programs at choice.sccpss.com, where the Choice Program Guide and Horton’s contact information are available; she also notes limited transportation and encourages student voice in program selection.   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 Dr Horton 01:12 Her Career Journey 01:56 Why Choice Programs 03:07 What Are Choice Programs 03:39 New Application Dates 04:58 How Applications Work 05:50 Open Houses Schedule 07:35 Picking The Right Fit 09:49 Where To Apply 11:19 Student Success Stories 13:06 Mentors And Real World Learning 14:20 Final Reminders And Outro

    SCCPSS Choice Programs: Application Window, Open Houses, How to Apply with Dr. Jessica Horton

  2. Oct 27

    Inside SCCPSS: The Flag Football Revolution and Its Impact on Women's Sports

    On this episode of After the Bell, the official podcast of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, we welcome Khalilah Watson Cummings, a Savannah native, educator, and longtime athletics leader with the district, and Brianna Brooker, coach of the Jenkins High School flag football team. Together, they discuss the rapid growth of girls’ flag football, expanding opportunities for student-athletes, and the exciting future of athletics across SCCPSS.   Watson Cummings shares her journey from playing basketball at Beach High School and working as a special education teacher, dean of students, and athletic director to helping lead athletics at the district level. Brooker, a Jenkins High School alumna, Teacher of the Year, sports marketing teacher, and DECA advisor, reflects on building the school’s flag football program, including its historic run to the state championship game. They discuss how the addition of middle school flag football teams is creating a stronger foundation for high school programs, giving girls earlier access to the sport, and opening doors to potential college scholarships and future opportunities.   The conversation also covers athletic event ticketing, stadium entry policies, and how ticket sales help support school athletic programs. From encouraging young athletes to keep developing their skills to envisioning future state championships, both guests share their excitement for the continued growth of girls’ flag football and the opportunities it creates for students throughout Savannah-Chatham County.   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 00:28 Meet Today’s Guests 01:05 Khalilah Watson Cummings’ Journey in Athletics 02:03 Coach Brianna Brooker’s Background 03:17 Why Flag Football Is Booming 04:38 Tickets, Bags, and Entry Rules 06:04 How Ticket Sales Support Schools 06:51 Flag Football Growth and Milestones 09:29 Scholarships and Olympic Future 10:43 Building Middle School Feeder Programs 11:35 Sustaining the Sport Districtwide 14:13 Advice and Future Goals 15:59 Wrap-Up and District Information

    Inside SCCPSS: The Flag Football Revolution and Its Impact on Women's Sports

  3. Oct 13

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (30)

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.

Information