What does it take to cultivate a confident, compassionate, and adaptable graduate? The NVUSD Future in Focus Podcast highlights the people, partnerships, and progress shaping education in Napa Valley. Through the theme — Future Ready — we amplify student and staff voices, strengthen community connections, and spotlight strong teaching and learning across our schools. Tune in to hear how NVUSD is building a future of excellence and opportunity for all.
Making the jump from 5th to 6th grade can feel like a big change—for students and parents alike. In this episode of the NVUSD Future in Focus Podcast, host Marcus Veal sits down with school counselor Caitlin Garcia, 5th-grade teacher Heather Feinberg, and Silverado Middle School teacher and athletic director James Waechtler to talk about preparing for middle school. They share practical tips on organization, independence, making new friends, managing schoolwork, getting involved, asking for help, and developing the confidence to keep going when things get tough.
23 Jul 2026
Reflecting on Impact: The 2026 State of the District
In this episode of NVUSD Future in Focus, Board President Dr. Lisa Chu sits down with Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Executive Director of Research, Data, and Assessment Dr. Peter Abboud to reflect on the 2026 State of the District. They discuss student achievement, belonging and safety, facility improvements, staff recruitment, the cell phone policy, and how Vision 2040 is shaping the future of NVUSD. Hear how the district is measuring impact, celebrating progress, and inviting the community to help move the work forward.
16 Jun 2026
Preparing Students for What’s Next with Behaviorist Jen Can
Join Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Dr. Peter Abboud as they welcome NVUSD Behavior Specialist Jennifer Can to discuss how behavior supports help students build confidence, adaptability, and essential life skills. Discover practical tips for families, strategies for easing school transitions, and why every challenge can be a learning opportunity.
15 May 2026
Cultivating Confident Students with NVUSD Teacher on Special Assignment Katy Bell
In the latest episode of the Future in Focus podcast, Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Dr. Peter Abboud sit down with Katy Bell, a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at McPherson Elementary, to explore the art of cultivating "Future Ready" students. Ms. Bell offers a candid look into the complexities of modern teaching, emphasizing the shift toward data-driven literacy through LETRS training, which provides targeted phonics instruction tailored to individual student needs. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of instructional clarity and "quiet wins"—those moments where students move beyond test scores to take genuine ownership of their learning. By balancing rigorous academic standards with a deep commitment to student agency, Ms. Bell illustrates how NVUSD educators are meeting students exactly where they are to build the confidence necessary for lifelong success.
15 Apr 2026
Practitioner Series: Literacy, Math, and the Future of Learning through a Dual Language Immersion Lens
In this episode of NVUSD Future in Focus, Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Executive Director Dr. Peter Abboud are joined by Yara Abad, a dual language immersion teacher at Pueblo Vista Elementary, to discuss what it takes to support student success in today’s classrooms.
The conversation explores the importance of strong relationships, inclusive learning environments, and the benefits of dual language immersion. It also highlights evolving practices in literacy and math instruction that build student confidence and engagement.
Listeners will gain insight into the everyday impact of teaching, the small but meaningful signs of student growth, and how district supports help improve outcomes. The episode concludes with a look ahead at how schools can balance academic rigor with student well-being to prepare learners for the future.
16 Mar 2026
The Lunchroom Lowdown: A Conversation with District Leadership
In this special student-led episode of the NVUSD Future in Focus Podcast, the microphones are in the hands of the students! Fifth graders Quetzali Anguiano González and Jimena Sandoval from Phillips Magnet Elementary join their teacher, Jennifer Ellison, to host “The Lunchroom Lowdown”—a conversation driven by real questions from students and families across the school community.
Turning the tables on the usual hosts, Quetzali and Jimena put Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Executive Director of Data, Research, and Assessment Dr. Peter Abboud in the hot seat. Together, they explore what it means to be “Future Ready,” how families can support learning at home, what after-school and expanded learning opportunities are available, and how the district ensures every student—no matter their needs—has a path to success.
Listeners will also hear about NVUSD’s strategic planning, the role of data in decision-making, and the big dreams district leaders have for the future of schools. Plus, the conversation dives into a topic many students are thinking about: the transition from elementary to middle school.
Packed with curiosity, insight, and a few laughs, this episode highlights the power of student voice and reminds us that the future of education is already in capable hands.
18 Feb 2026
Practitioner Series: How NVUSD Students are Reaching for the STARS with NVUSD College and Career Readiness Counselor Kelli Watkins
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Executive Director of Data, Research, and Assessment Dr. Peter Abboud sit down with NVUSD College and Career Readiness Counselor Kelli Watkins to spotlight how students are “reaching for the STARS.”
They explore NVUSD’s groundbreaking partnership with the STARS College Network, how it’s expanding access to top-tier universities, and the powerful mindset shift happening as students gain confidence, resources, and real opportunities to pursue their futures. From personalized advising to campus fly-ins, learn how NVUSD is building a true culture of possibility and preparing graduates to be Future Ready.
15 Jan 2026
Leading the Way: Voices of NVUSD’s First-Generation Students in College
In this episode of the NVUSD Future in Focus Podcast, Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Dr. Peter Abboud welcome NVUSD graduate Marco Caro, now a Senior Epidemiologist for Solano County. Marco shares his journey from English learner to first-generation college graduate, reflecting on the impact of ELD, AVID, and caring educators along the way. His story highlights the power of belonging, perseverance, and being truly “Future Ready.”
11 Dec 2025
Strategic Plan Spotlight
In this Strategic Plan Spotlight, Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Executive Director Dr. Peter Abboud break down how NVUSD’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan turns the district’s long-term Vision 2040 into actionable steps for students and staff. They discuss the 15 strategies guiding instruction, professional learning, and student support; the community input that shaped the plan; and how NVUSD tracks progress through its public dashboard. Tune in to learn how the district is shaping a future of excellence—one strategy at a time.
15 Nov 2025
Student Voices Shaping Our Schools
In this episode of the NVUSD Future in Focus Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Executive Director of Data and Assessment Dr. Peter Abboud sit down with two inspiring student leaders—Jackson from Unidos Middle School and Amaya from Redwood Middle School. As active members of the NVUSD Student Advisory Council, Jackson and Amaya share their firsthand perspectives on shaping school policy, strengthening student voice, and envisioning what it means to be “Future Ready.”Together, they discuss what’s working well in NVUSD schools, the challenges students face, and the meaningful ways young people are influencing district decisions. Authentic, insightful, and forward-thinking, this conversation highlights the power of student agency in building stronger and more connected school communities.
16 Oct 2025
Welcome to NVUSD: Your Enrollment Questions Answered
Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti and Dr. Peter Abboud talk with Susan Miller, Director of Enrollment, about everything families need to know to join the Napa Valley Unified School District — key dates, documents, online registration, school choice, and more. Whether you’re new to NVUSD or changing schools, this episode will help you start your journey smoothly.
15 Sept 2025
Leading the Way: Voices of NVUSD's First-Generation Students in College (Laura Ortiz)
NVUSD alumna Laura Ortiz Ortiz shares her inspiring journey as a first-generation college student, reflecting on perseverance, growth, and the power of support systems in achieving big dreams.
15 Aug 2025
AI in Education: Friend or Foe?
AI is rapidly reshaping the educational landscape—but is it helping or hurting? In this episode, Napa Valley Unified School District leaders explore the complex role of Artificial Intelligence in our schools. From personalized learning and adaptive assessments to teacher support, data privacy, and algorithmic bias, we unpack how AI can be both a powerful ally and a potential risk.
Hear how NVUSD is approaching AI with thoughtful strategy—leveraging its benefits while protecting what matters most: student equity, safety, and human connection.
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