If You Knew Me Mondays

IYKMM Snippet: Kinder Nature Zone

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:07:28 +0000

Here's a snippet of our first ever Kinder-made podcast episode! Tune in now to hear these inspiring campus caretakers walk you through their journey updating our “Nature Zone”. This part of our campus has a rich history and these precocious kindergarteners will help you connect this past with the present and promising future. They’ll take you with them on their field trip to Blake Garden in Berkeley, on community interviews and the grand reopening of this campus treasure. This episode features 40+ Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: KQED Youth Media Challenge

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:49:31 +0000

Here's a snippet from middle school made episode that highlights two of several student productions that were proudly featured on KQED’s Youth Media Challenge “Staff Picks”. This segment includes a Show What You Know piece about arachnids and artificial intelligence. This whole episode includes 14 different voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Holi Special

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:26:43 +0000

Here's a snippet of a middle school made podcast episode to help our community prepare for our first ever all-school Holi celebration! Tune in now to hear a wide range of perspectives about how this colorful holiday is celebrated across families, generations and geography. You’ll hear from students, parents and grandparents as they reflect on how this holiday has evolved across the South Asian diaspora and unites millions of people across the globe. This episode features 24 Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Black Panther Party 10 Point Program

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:20:00 +0000

Here's a snippet of a 3rd grade podcast episode that shares an intimate look into their spring Black Panther Party study. This selected segment includes an interview with community and Black Panther leader Ericka Huggins and student reflections about the Black Panther Party's 10 Point Program. This episode features 29 different voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Shuumi Land Tax PSA

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:10:41 +0000

Here's a short snippet of a Black Panther Party Profile episode that. This segment includes a public service annoucement about how to support indigenous land rematriation through the Shuumi Land Tax. This episode features 29 different voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Campus Historical Markers

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:59:50 +0000

Here's a snippet of a 3rd grade-made episode that guide listeners around campus to explore the many historical markers hidden in place sight – some dating over one hundred years old! They interview two of our primary campus caretakers to help us all learn more about the histories and mysteries of these unique school features. This episode includes a visual map of these historical markers and features 19 different voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Pride Book Review

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:53:21 +0000

Here's a short snippet of a special Pride Week episode. This segment includes a Pride book review and discussion about the importance of LGBTQ+ literature. This episode is made in collaboration with our Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and features 38 different voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Changing Schools

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:20:46 +0000

Here's a short snippet of the launch of season 3 of Park Day’s signature student-hosted, community-centered podcast, If You Knew Me Mondays! This segment is about the important role of friends play when adjusting to life in a new school community. This episode is dedicated to this year’s new Park Day families and it includes 58 different voices. Hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Snippet: Student Council Kick Off

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:14:25 +0000

Here's a short snippet of our season 6 kick-off episode, where the middle school podcast club takes you inside the launch of Park Day’s first Student Council. What sparked the idea? How will students decide who represents them? And what hopes are bubbling up for this new chapter of middle school life? From interviews with student council advisors, Hal and Jules, to student wish lists and introductions from the council members themselves – this episode shows how student leadership can shape the culture of belonging and student voice at Park Day. This episode includes 44 different voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Student Council Kick Off

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:48:12 +0000

In our season 6 kick-off episode, the middle school podcast club takes you inside the launch of Park Day’s first Student Council. What sparked the idea? How will students decide who represents them? And what hopes are bubbling up for this new chapter of middle school life? From interviews with student council advisors, Hal and Jules, to student wish lists and introductions from the council members themselves - this episode shows how student leadership can shape the culture of belonging and student voice at Park Day. This episode includes 44 different voices - hear what they have to say!

Songs & Stories From The Heart

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:42:41 +0000

Park Day's Young Mens Group share songs and stories about important people from the heart.

IYKMM: Stepping Up, Moving On

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:11:19 +0000

In this final episode of the school year, 8th grade podcast club shares the wisdom they collected from their peers and teachers with younger students just beginning their middle school journey. Stepping Up, Moving On features voices from across Park Day School, highlighting the importance of Step-Up Day and sharing advice for rising middle schoolers. From leadership lessons to saying goodbye, this episode is a tribute to growth, change, and everything in between. This episode includes 35 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Monkey Bar Madness

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:08:25 +0000

In this episode, Park Day 3rd graders launch a community-wide investigation into one of the most exciting - and divisive - playground activities: no-handed monkey bar flips. With curiosity and courage, they ask: How do we balance fun and safety? What do different generations think about risk and play? And what can history teach us about today’s recess rules? Featuring interviews, a lively staff v student debate and real-time field reporting, this episode models how young learners can spark important conversations that include every voice. This episode includes 56 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Morning Huddles

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:58:21 +0000

What if your school day started with a dance party, a shoutout from your teacher, or a moment of calm to reset and reconnect? That's exactly what lower school mornings at Park Day look like with the introduction of Morning Huddles. In this middle school-made episode you'll hear how these short, joyful gatherings are helping students show up ready to learn - and why both kids and teachers alike say the shift is making mornings matter even more. Lower School Head Azureé Harrison shares the vision, and we spotlight moments like Turn Up Tuesdays that show how this small routine can have a big impact. This episode includes 20 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: When It Rains, It Pours ️️

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:00:05 +0000

In this episode, we take you back to Grandparents and Special Friends Day - when Park Day was flooded with family, friends, endless rainfall and amazing connection! Our middle school podcast crew was on hand to document the moment and ask our guests about their "rainy school day memories". They spoke with family and special friends from Australia to Ethiopia, from Jamaica to Japan, and from all across the United States. Tune in now to hear about their shared and unique rainy school day routines, likes and dislikes and much more. This episode includes 47 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Read-A-Thon Special

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:15:07 +0000

In this special Read-A-Thon episode, our Park Daily Question inspires the community to reflect on the joys of reading and also features interviews with two of our visiting Read-A-Thon authors - Deepa Iyer and Laura Gao! Both of these inspiring authors share how their identities inform their work, encouraging young readers to embrace the complexities of their own identities and build meaningful community around them.

2:00 / Park Daily Question: What do you like about reading? 10:45 / Author Interview: Deepa Iyer 15:45 / Author Interview: Laura Gao

This episode includes 56 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: KQED Youth Media Challenge

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 01:04:49 +0000

This past May, 6th grade storytellers participated in KQED's Youth Media Challenge as a culminating project for their JEDI class and now this year's middle school podcast club is here to share the backstory of five student stories, including several that were proudly featured on KQED's "Staff Picks". Tune in now to hear 7th graders reflect on their project's original inspiration and their audio production process, not to mention their final projects. You'll hear a range of topics, including Show What You Know pieces about arachnids and artificial intelligence and First Person narratives about spicy friendships and the power of writing. This episode includes 14 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM SEASON 5 Opener!!! Park Day Campus Connections

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 23:23:52 +0000

For the Season 5 opener of IYKMM, our first episode is a series of personal narratives, each connected to a special place on the Park Day campus and told by members of our middle school podcast club. This episode includes 14 different voices - hear what students have to say!

IYKMM: Secrets Of Living To 100

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:13:10 +0000

In this first ever 2nd grade-made IYKMM episode, 2nd grade super slueths share all about their "Secrets of Living to 100" project. Tune in now to hear their learning about Blue Zones, the Power 9 and their field research at several local senior communities. This episode features 46 Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Prideful Expressions

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:27:36 +0000

Right in time for Park Day Pride, our middle school Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) has made an episode centered around the importance of expansive gender expression - featuring conversations with four LGBTQ+ community changemakers. Tune in now to hear about the origin story, impact and business model of the Out & About mobile bookshop, followed by an interview about the power of Drag artistry with Lei All Day and Lotus Boy. This episode features 16 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Park Day Nature Zone

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 13 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

We've got a new piece of Park Day history....our first ever Kinder-made podcast episode! Tune in now to hear these inspiring campus caretakers walk you through their journey creating our updated "Nature Zone". This part of our campus has a rich history and these precocious kindergarteners will help you connect this past with the present and promising future. They'll take you with them on their field trip to Blake Garden in Berkeley, on interviews with community members and the grand reopening of this campus treasure. This episode features 40+ Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Holi Special

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:47:12 +0000

On this episode, our middle school podcast club has made a special episode to help our community prepare for our first ever all-school Holi celebration. Tune in now to hear a wide range of perspective about how this colorful holiday is celebrated across families, generations and geography. You'll hear from students, parents and grandparents as they reflect on how this holiday has evolved across the South Asian diaspora and unites millions of people across the globe. This episode features 24 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Belonging at Park Day

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:56:48 +0000

Our middle school podcast club has been thinking deeply about what it means to belong at Park Day - what it looks, feel and sounds like. They even made an episode all about it! Tune in now to hear what their investigation on this topic turned up. This episode features 35 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Historical Layers of Oakland

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:30:00 +0000

This 3rd grade-made episode highlights their three-month Oakland history unit that examines the historical impacts humans have had on the land we call home. Tune in now to hear key moments from several field trips, interviews with local historians and deep conversations with Oakland natives about the how our city has changed over the years. This episode features 29 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

3:23 / Topography Field Trip + Study

11:11 / Oakland Center Room Field Trip Field

18:11 / Liam O'Donoghue Visit (East Bay Yesterday Podcast)

25:42 / Mosswood Park Field Trip with Dania Cabello

IYKMM: Me In A Minute

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:21:00 +0000

In this student + staff hosted episode, we connect with members of the 6th grade Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion class (JEDI) to learn about their first audio production of the school year - a personal narrative inspired by their recent identity exploration. Tune in now to hear them discuss their learning experience. production process and to hear some of their "Me in a Minute" audio stories. This episode features 14 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Park Day Pavilion

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0000

The first student produced podcast of the year is ready for your ears and it's all about our new school pavilion! Tune in now to hear this middle school-made story that includes scenes from the ribbon cutting ceremony, conversation with our facilities team about the design + build project and comments from students and staff about their first impressions and hopes for this new Park Day feature. This episode features 27 Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM: Healing Power of the Park Day Gong

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

For the launch of Season 4 we've teamed up with lower school music teacher, Jackie Rago, to share one of our newest school artifacts and traditions - our Park Day School gong! Tune in now to learn about the history and purpose of Jackie's Healing Power of Music curriculum, to hear student reflections on this new practice and to hear how our school gong was introduced at our school assembly. This episode is filled with moments of mindfulness and features 24 different voices. Hear what they have to say (and play)!

IYKMM Park Day Campus Historical Markers

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000

In the final episode of season 3, our 3rd grade podcasters guide listeners around campus to explore the many historical markers hidden in place sight - some dating over one hundred years old! They interview two of our primary campus caretakers to help us all learn more about the histories and mysteries of these unique school features. This episode includes a visual map of these historical markers and features 19 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Head of School For The Day!

Arjuna Sayyed — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 22:00:56 +0000

On this mini-episode, tune in to an impromptu conversation between Park Day Head of School, Angela Taylor, and the lucky 2nd grader who won the "Head of School For The Day" during this year's annual fundraiser.

IYKMM PRIDE SPECIAL: Queer Peers at Park Day!

Arjuna Sayyed — Wed, 24 May 2023 19:13:48 +0000

In our latest episode - right in time for PRIDE - we highlight the efforts the GSA is making to honor the original intentions of the Queer Counter while also updating it to reflect the current identity of Park Day’s proud queer student community. This episode features 18 different voices - lower and middle school students, alum and staff - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM What's In Your Locker?

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 08 May 2023 23:49:47 +0000

Have you ever wondered what the inside of a middle school student's locker looks like...or maybe smells like? If so, our 6th grade IYKMM podcast club has just the thing for you! Tune in to our latest episode to hear Park Day students share about their relationship with their locker...how they use it (or not) and what it says about who they are! This episode features 20 different Park ay voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Storytime at Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:49:08 +0000

This one of a kind episode features intergenerational stories - spanning across 80 years!!! - captured in the recording booths and by the mobile student recording team during this year's Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Tune in now to hear Park Day students and loved ones reflect on their shared + unique experiences at school and in childhood. This episode features 38 different Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Women's History Month: Pictures of Partnership (Jackie & Yessy + Angela, Jules & Karen)

Arjuna Sayyed — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 02:09:20 +0000

Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how Jackie and Yessy navigate their sisterhood while at work. Then hear how Angela, Jules and Karen have forged a deep partnership through their experiences leading Park Day through a pandemic.

IYKMM Women's History Month: Pictures of Partnership (Grecia & Lisa + Dani & Sarah)

Arjuna Sayyed — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:50:34 +0000

Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how Lisa and Grecia finds ways to partner even though they work many grades apart. Then hear how Sarah and Dani have supported each other's professional growth, while laughing all the way!

IYKMM Women's History Month: Pictures of Partnership (Denise & Julia + Ilya & Jennifer)

Arjuna Sayyed — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:45:05 +0000

Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how 3rd grade teachers Julia and Denise developed a deep sense of shared generosity in their first year working together. Then hear how trust is foundational to the 10 years that Jennifer and Ilya have been designing and building student agency and authentic community engagement.

IYKMM Women's History Month: Pictures of Partnership (Michelle & Susan + Ashley, Concha & Jalen)

Arjuna Sayyed — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:00:05 +0000

Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to two different Park Day partnerships. Tune in now to hear about how 2nd grade teachers Michelle and Susan's deep personal connection and 19 years of working together remains fresh and full of laugher and learning. Then hear how Concha and Jalen's student-teacher-turn-colleague dynamic supports Ashley as the three breathe big fun and healthy balance into life in after school!

IYKMM Women's History Month: Pictures of Partnership (Paola + Victoria)

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 23:12:00 +0000

Park Day School runs the way it does because of the remarkable women who work here - front and center and behind the scenes! This year, in honor of Women’s History Month, we're dedicating an entire week to these amazing women by highlighting the role of their varied partnerships. Women work together and inspire each other in so many ways in our community. We can learn more when we listen more, and today you're invited to listen more closely to the incredibly fun Kindergarten-combo of Paola and Victoria. Hear about their first impressions of each other, how they're grown in the 6 years they've worked together and the powerful women that have inspired them as educators and humans.

IYKMM 3rd Grade Cardboard Arcade

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 01:22:09 +0000

Do you like arcade games? Do you like making things out of cardboard? If so, you're in for a real treat! Welcome to the third grade's Cardboard Arcade! In this week's IYKMM episode our third grade podcast producers will take you through their Cardboard Arcade project from start to finish. Tune in to learn how they turned a fun classroom project into a community fundraiser for Sogorea Te Land Trust! This episode features 27 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Hot Lunch Highlight

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:17:31 +0000

Have you ever asked your child about school at the end of the day and only heard about lunch time?! Well, on this latest episode of IYKMM, our 4th-7th grade podcast club take this favorite topic to a new level. Tune in now to learn about the incredible people and process behind our hot lunch program and hear what favorite dishes top the list. This episode features 40 different Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM 3rd Grade Reflections On Love

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:12:00 +0000

In this episode, our 3rd and 5th grade podcast club gets into the spirit of Valentine's Day with a silly, sappy reflection on what love is and why love is important in our lives. This is a perfect pairing for Valentine's Day card making and features 16 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say

IYKMM Exploring the Park Day School Archives

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 02:20:00 +0000

On this episode, our 5th grade podcast club takes a trip down memory lane to explore the Park Day School archive room along with our school's archivist, Leigh Ann Davis. Glimpse into Park Day's founding years and find out what the oldest 100+ year old artifact is in our school's archival repository room! This episode features 12 different Park Day voices – hear what they have to say!

IYKMM On The Topic Of Anger

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0000

This week on IYKMM our 7th grade podcast club is highlighting a theme that's central to the middle school Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) class - "what makes you angry and what can you do about it?". Tune in now to hear why this topic was chosen and how it connects to the middle school student experience and quite possibly your own. This episode features 19 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Critical Inquiry Groups

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:56:00 +0000

In this episode, our middle school podcast club sits down with the facilitators of this year's critical inquiry groups to help our community learn about their goals, personal connections and hopes. This episode features 14 different Park Day voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM New Year, New Us!

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

It's the launch of season 3 of Park Day’s signature student-hosted, community-centered podcast, If You Knew Me Mondays! Our first episode is all about friendship - key qualities, navigating conflict and the important role they play when adjusting to life in a new community. This episode is dedicated to this year’s new Park Day families and it includes 58 different voices. Hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Season 2 Review

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 23:02:00 +0000

Season 3 of Park Day’s signature equity-centered podcast is around the corner and this week we’re helping you get ready with a retrospective season 2 review! This is a perfect episode for new community members or anyone interested in hearing about the student podcast experience, directly from students. This episode includes 51 different voices. Hear what they have to say about what they liked, learned and what they're looking forward to for season 3!

The Taste Of Park Day

Arjuna Sayyed — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:08:00 +0000

After years of nourishing the Park Day School community with unforgettable food, our beloved Nels is retiring! He's left a huge impression on our whole community, whether through the daily hot lunch program, catered events or through signature creations like his hibiscus lemonade and pão de queijo. Nels has truly made the "taste of Park Day" and now it's time for us to share our gratitude in return. This episode features 85 different voices - hear what they have to say!

IYKMM Black Panther Party Profile ✊

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:49:00 +0000

The last IYKMM episode of the school year is here! This time around, our 3rd grade podcast club is sharing an intimate look into their spring Black Panther Party study, including student interviews with community leaders Ericka Huggins, Emory Douglas, Blanche Richardson and Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik, student and teacher reflections and a whole lot of rich Oakland history! This episode features 29 different voices - hear what they have to say!

9:45 / 10 Point Program + Oakland Community School with Ericka Huggins

22:28 / Lasting Panther Legacy with Blanche Richardson (Marcus Books) and Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik (People's Kitchen Collective)

37:10 / Activist Art and Message Music with Emory Douglas

IYKMM Pride Week Special

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 23 May 2022 09:53:00 +0000

Pride Week is here and the IYKMM Middle School Podcast Club has made a special Pride Week episode to help us celebrate! In this episode, we ask our community about their favorite Park Day Pride memory, review and discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ literature, and highlight a student-led design+build project all about creating belonging in our student body. This episode is made in collaboration with our Gender and Sexualty Alliance (GSA) and features 38 different voices - hear what they have to say!

With Love, From If You Knew Me Mondays!

Arjuna Sayyed — Fri, 06 May 2022 06:53:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered where Park Day's Mighty Apple Mascot or the school anthem Park Day Hooray came from? Or, maybe you've wondered about what inspired your teacher to actually become a teacher in the first place. Well, if you're a curious community member who likes learning about unique Park Day history, fun trivia and perspective directly from students and staff, then the IYKMM podcast is made just for you! Find us and tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotfiy and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

IYKMM Park Day Names: Purpose & Perspectives

Arjuna Sayyed — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:52:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how Park Day School got its name? In this episode, not only will you hear the origin story of our school’s name, you will also learn how our podcast ended up with the name “If You Knew Me Mondays”! This episode includes 15 different voices. Hear what they have to say!