Cynthia Rachel from A.P.P.L.E is back! AB 84 has passed the Assembly and is now headed to the State Senate. If signed into law, this bill could significantly impact our flex-based charter school model and the families we serve. Cynthia breaks down where the bill stands, clearly explains the recent updates, and shares how we can take meaningful action to ensure our voices are heard by our representatives. Don’t miss this important conversation. Show Notes: A.P.P.L.E website A.P.P.L.E. Facebook Pa...
Jun 25, 2025•54 min
In this episode, your host, Rebecca LaSavio, sits down with Stephanie Slade, the visionary founder behind the Northern California Homeschool Convention. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just getting started, this conversation will open your eyes to the incredible value of homeschool conferences. From building community and discovering new resources to getting energized for the school year ahead, Stephanie shares why these events are much more than just vendor halls and workshops. Find o...
Jun 18, 2025•32 min
AB 84 is a bill that, if passed, could drastically impact our flex-based charter school model and affect all of our families. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Cynthia Rachel, who offers a knowledgeable and clear explanation of what this bill means for us and how we can take action to make our voices heard by our representatives. Don’t miss this vital conversation. Show notes: stopab84.com A.P.P.L.E. Website A.P.P.L.E. Facebook Group...
May 16, 2025•59 min
Rebecca concludes season 6 with a wrap up of 11 great episodes and asks you to join her in remembering the highlights! Show Notes: Clarksville Voice Message Feather River Voice Message Lake View Voice Message
Dec 04, 2024•6 min
Come back for more! In Part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca and her sisters-in-law continue discussing how to give our TK and Kindergarten students a healthy start to school. Dive into the conversation about the importance of play and music. This episode has lots of encouragement for parents and educators of our curious, busy, always-learning, littles! Featuring guests Eliza Reed and Elisabeth Harmon. Show Notes: “ Play is the serious business of children” seems to be an idea taken from psycholo...
Nov 21, 2024•38 min
In this week's episode, Rebecca sits down with Eliza Reed and Elisabeth Harmon to discuss homeschooling ideas for our littlest, and most excited learners—TK and Kindergarten students! Eliza, a mother of four and the owner of a Montessori-style preschool, and Elisabeth, a homeschooling mom of five, share their experiences and tips for teaching young children. From finding the balance between structure and play to discovering the "educational sweet spot" for 4- and 5-year-olds, this episode is pac...
Nov 20, 2024•43 min
Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. What are the implications of artificial intelligence for our students? Can AI be a helpful tool in homeschool education? How do we teach our kids to use it wisely when we may not fully understand it ourselves? In this week's episode of The Sequoia Breeze , Rebecca welcomes back Trisha Brandow, one of our administrators and a devoted homeschool parent, to help us navigate these and other pressing questions. Trisha discusses the benefits that AI can o...
Nov 13, 2024•40 min
In this episode, Rebecca welcomes Jenna Clifton, Lead Art Teacher, and Carrie Liebrich, Music Teacher to discuss the launch of Sequoia Studio, a brand new program dedicated to enhancing visual and performing arts experiences for TK-8th grade students enrolled in our schools. With the recent passing of Proposition 28, which provides funding for arts and music education in California schools, Sequoia Studio’s mission is to ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, and cultivate a deep appreciation of ...
Nov 06, 2024•30 min
Educational best practices increasingly emphasize using questions that ignite curiosity and engage students deeply in the learning process. This inquiry approach goes beyond simply asking what a student wants to learn; it's about sparking genuine interest. When applied effectively, it “hooks” learners by gradually shifting responsibility for the learning process from teacher to student. So how does this work in the homeschool setting? In this informative podcast, Erika Barrish, a Lake View HST a...
Oct 31, 2024•48 min
Rebecca sits down with a group of homeschooled teens to dive into what life is really like outside the walls of a traditional school. For many, the thought of homeschooling through high school can feel daunting—can it be done well? Will students miss out on important experiences? In this episode, these teens share their honest experiences, from friendships to academics. They answer the big questions: Are they thriving socially and academically? Do they feel they're missing out, or have they disc...
Oct 23, 2024•34 min
This week Rebecca welcomes Cori Doerrfeld, author of the book, The Rabbit Listened, a heartfelt story that was born out of Cori’s deep empathy and desire to comfort friends in difficult times. This book, along with many others she has written and illustrated, has become a gift to readers and a powerful tool for teaching emotional intelligence to both children and adults. In this episode, Cori shares her passion for books and demonstrates how the power of stories can inspire and connect us all. C...
Oct 16, 2024•51 min
Trauma can affect us in ways we don’t always anticipate, and children are especially vulnerable to its impact. It can alter brain function and emotional regulation, changing how young people learn and complete tasks. In this powerful episode, Sequoia Grove’s Reece Perez opens up about her family’s difficult experience with trauma and shares the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. Join us as we explore the profound effects of trauma and the resilience it takes to heal. Show Notes: Child...
Oct 09, 2024•49 min
Is your phone running your life? Do you find yourself getting sucked into it or other devices losing track of time that would be better spent doing other things? Does your (or your student’s!) phone use impact your school day? Our very own Jenny Johnston joins Rebecca to talk about the principles in the book How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price. Our phones are designed to addict us–so how can we combat it so that we are in charge of our time? Is it possible to reset our priorities,...
Oct 02, 2024•40 min
With a desire for healthy, flavorful food and a deeper connection to nature, many people are returning to their own gardens. This week, Rebecca speaks with Kaitlin Mitchell, creator of Rutabaga Gardening, about the benefits of getting children involved in gardening. Kaitlin says no one has a “brown thumb,” and encourages everyone, even those without gardening experience, to give it a try. Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation packed with tips and ideas to make gardening a fun and r...
Sep 25, 2024•48 min
The BookShark Way: Inspiring Learning Through Stories Have you heard the phrase, “Learning from living books?” Are you curious to know what it means and whether or not it’s effective? This week, Rebecca sits down with Janna Koch from BookShark, a popular, literature-based curriculum publisher, to learn more about: the advantages of learning through stories how to use BookShark effectively customizing BookShark to fit your family’s needs Make sure to tune into this week’s episode and discover how...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Having ADHD presents many challenges including difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Whether you or one of your students has ADHD, you’re not alone. Heidi Motto, Clarksville HST and mom of two, joins Rebecca to bring insight and experience to this subject. Listen in as she shares valuable insights and personal experiences to help families navigate the difficulties and recognize the advantages of having an active and creative mind. Show notes: Holderness Family: ADHD Needs ...
May 22, 2024•50 min
This week Rebecca welcomes Josh Manley from CADclass to explore the exciting world of learning to design and print on a 3D printer. Discover how these skills offer homeschoolers creative opportunities and valuable lessons in problem-solving with real-world applications. Check out this episode for an insightful discussion on unleashing creativity and practical skills through 3D printing! Notes CADclass SMUD Mosac Mark Rober...
May 15, 2024•48 min
Homeschooling mom and Feather River Board member Stacy MacDonald sits down with Rebecca to graciously share her family’s inspiring homeschool story. As a neuro-divergent family, Stacy and her children have navigated many challenges. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the ability to thrive against the odds. Tune in for this uplifting episode! Notes Feather River Charter School Board Let’s Get Real - Parents Weigh-in on Testing, Episode 3:2 of The Sequoia Breeze Bright Thinker Beast...
May 08, 2024•42 min
Join Rebecca as she welcomes Megan Nason, Director of Student Support and Special Education, to shed light on the many pathways available at Sequoia Grove to help support ALL learners. Megan will share about the various program options and address common concerns including whether or not a student needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is one episode you don’t want to miss. Notes Homeschool Helper/Support Services SpecialEducation@sequoiagrove.org Ladder Graphic: Steps to Student ...
May 01, 2024•59 min
In this episode, Sara Greco, Lead Family Liaison and homeschooling veteran, joins Rebecca to talk about homeschooling with our schools. From understanding our unique identity to unraveling the inner workings of our systems, together they explore the options we offer that make us stand out! Be sure to listen in as this episode is packed full of helpful information. Notes Clarksville Charter School Feather River Charter School Lake View Charter School Homeschool Helper Homeschool Helper - High Sch...
Apr 24, 2024•36 min
Choosing to homeschool is a big decision. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and have a TON questions. Where do you start? What options are out there? Is homeschooling right for me and my kids? In this episode, Rebecca guides you through the essential steps to kick-start your homeschooling adventure. From understanding your options to practical tips for getting started, Rebecca covers it all. Tune in, learn, and embark on your homeschooling journey with confidence! SHOW NOTES; Deschooling: https:/...
Apr 17, 2024•37 min
A powerhouse trio of highly experienced teachers and homeschoolers joins Rebecca today to discuss the “I Can” statements. How do these state standards work into our homeschools? What does the charter school need from us? Homeschool families and teachers alike will find this episode to be helpful and encouraging. I Can Statements on the Homeschool Helper...
Oct 18, 2023•51 min
This week, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Alex Ryan, one of our wonderful intervention teachers, to discuss Supporting Your Gifted Learner. Together, they explore the answers to questions including, Is your child gifted? If so, what does that mean for your homeschool? Does a child have to be gifted in all subjects to qualify? What if a child struggles in some areas and excels in others? Listen in as Dr. Ryan helps you identify whether or not your children are gifted and shares some ways you can feed their...
Oct 11, 2023•54 min
HR Mom Melissa Griffin is back! This time, we tackle the nitty-gritty of helping your kids learn to manage themselves and their everyday responsibilities. Don't miss another great episode loaded with great ideas. Lucy in the Chocolate Factory HRMom on Facebook
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Every parent wonders, "Have I prepared my kids to survive in the real world? Did I teach them enough?" Melissa Griffin, also known as HRMom, teaches us how to prepare our kids to enter real life with real problem-solving skills--and less anxiety. Find the HRMom community on Facebook .
Sep 27, 2023•59 min
In this episode, we confront the unsettling reality we face when we hear about yet another shooting incident on the news. The initial shock prompts us to turn off the radio and protect our children from the distressing details. However, beneath the relief that our kids are safe from a school shooting, there lingers a nagging fear. Do our children, and do we ourselves, know how to respond if a similar tragedy unfolds in a local store or restaurant? Homeschool dad and police sergeant Seth Cimino j...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 9 min
The blessing and the curse of homeschooling: Siblings! The challenges and opportunities that sibling relationships bring require a lot of energy and creativity from parents. Kendra Fletcher, mother and experienced homeschooler of 8 shares the lessons she learned and the ways she helped foster and restore the relationships between her own children. Show notes: Teaching Textbooks Kendrafletcher.com Find Kendra on Outschool...
Sep 13, 2023•41 min
More than 7 hours a day...that's how much time an average American kid spends in front of a screen. What would happen if they spent even HALF that time outdoors, exploring and playing? Ginny Yurich shares with us the immense benefits of setting a goal of 1000 hours outside--maybe even until the street lights come on. Notes: 1000hoursoutside.com There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurk 52 Ways to Walk by Annabel Streets Outdoor Kids in an Inside World by Steven Rinella Comfort Crisis ...
Sep 06, 2023•48 min
Is homeschooling for high school a good idea? Will your student miss out? Are you up for the challenge? Linda Qian, director of high school for Sequoia Grove, shares her story with us and lays our fears to rest--high school is a great time to homeschool!
Aug 30, 2023•51 min
Pam Barnhill joins in to talk about how to get your year under control! No more giving up before you've begun. Her book Plan Your Year outlines how to think through what you do and how to do it. Be inspired to keep going each day with some simple preparation. Show Notes: PamBarnhill.com https://simplyconvivial.com/2016/character-building/ Plan Your Year Contact me! Clarksville Button Feather River Button Lake View Button podcasts@sequoiagrove.org...
Aug 23, 2023•41 min
