2023 Spring 4-5 Upper Element...

phone/text: 916.805.7333

Math Through Art: Spring Semester

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester (1 voucher)

The Spring 2023 semester of Math Through Art is great for new and returning students! There will be new

topics for returning students, and new students will fit right in because this year’s topics are not connected

to the previous semester. New students are welcome, and returning students will be exposed to new

material.

Art engages the right side of the brain! And it’s important for students who are right-brain dominant (and

also left-brain dominant) to activate that hemisphere when learning mathematical vocabulary and concepts.

It creates more well rounded learning.

Students who enroll in this course will learn about fundamental topics such as geometric shapes, symmetry,

ratios and mathematical expressions while creating visual art by drawing, coloring and painting. This class

will allow students a fun and exciting way to learn fundamental concepts that will be built upon in their

future. Have your student learn and have fun while using their creative side!

Teacher: Joe Vargas

phone/text: 916.805.7333

Geometry Architect: Spring Semester

Grades 4-8

$185 per semester (1 voucher)

The Spring 2023 semester of Geometry Architect is great for new and returning students! There will be new

topics for returning students, and new students will fit right in because this year’s topics are not connected

to the previous semester. New students are welcome, and returning students will be exposed to new

material.

Students who enroll in this course will design and build brand new three dimensional objects not seen in

previous years. These objects will include brand new houses, vehicles and cities using cardboard, dowel

rod and styrofoam. As we build objects, we’ll learn about concepts relating to perimeter, area, angles and

problem solving. Geometry is a branch of mathematics that gets covered extensively in high school. What

better way to get prepared than by participating in a class that covers all the basics. Anyone interested in

general math or Geometry help is encouraged to join!

Teacher: Joe Vargas

phone/text: 916.805.7333

Fun With Fractions: Spring Semester

Grades 4-8

$185 per semester (1 voucher)

The Spring 2023 semester of Fun With Fractions is great for new and returning students! There will be new

topics for returning students, and new students will fit right in because this year’s topics are not connected

to the previous semester. New students are welcome, and returning students will be exposed to new

material!

Whether your student is just learning about fractions or already an expert, there’s always something new

and exciting to learn. In this semester we will learn using interactive activities in orde to master the art of

using fractions! Some activities will consist of folding and cutting construction paper to teach the concept of

‘parts to a whole’. Other activities will teach students how to add, subtract, multiply and simplify fractions.

With a variety of many visuals and group activities, students will better understand how learning fractions

can be both easy and fun!

Teacher: Joe Vargas

phone/text: 916.805.7333

Decimals and Percentages: Spring Semester

Grades 4-8

$185 per semester (1 voucher)

The Spring 2023 semester of Decimals & Percentages is great for new and returning students! There will be

new topics for returning students, and new students will fit right in because this year’s topics are not

connected to the previous semester. New students are welcome, and returning students will be exposed to

new material!

Whether you are just learning about decimals or an expert, there’s always something new and exciting to

learn! In this semester we will continue learning to master the art of using decimals and percentages.

Students will learn percentages by using classroom coupons and purchasing items when they’re on sale.

Students will also learn about decimals by using plastic money to make their purchases. Whether a student

is struggling with a particular concept, or wants to take their decimal and percentage knowledge to the

highest level possible, this class is a must!

Teacher: Joe Vargas

phone/text: 916.805.7333

SCIENCE

Earth Science

Grades 4-8

$225 per semester (1 voucher)

Students will learn about the Earth's layers and how movement of the plates have shaped the Earth's surface over the past 4.5 billion years. They will create fault models to illustrate the three fault types, perform earthquake activities, and learn how a seismograph is used to measure movement. The rock cycle will be investigated using Starburst candy models to demonstrate sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock formation. Students will learn about the criteria used to identify minerals and perform various tests, use Skittles candies to observe weathering and erosion, and perform cupcake core sampling to learn how scientists study what is below the Earth's surface.

Teacher: Lisa Hindmarsh

email: lisahandsonscience@gmail.com

phone/text: 530.313.3789

website: www.handsonsciencefun.com

Science Magic
Grades 4-8

$225 per semester (1 voucher)

Have you ever wanted to discover the mysteries of magic? Well, you can... it just takes a little science! In this engaging hands-on class, students will explore how the center of mass, magnetism, light, friction, motion, inertia, gravity, heat, and optical illusions can be used to create fun magic tricks to mystify their friends and family. This is some physics in disguise!

Teacher: Lisa Hindmarsh

email: lisahandsonscience@gmail.com

phone/text: 530.313.3789

website: www.handsonsciencefun.com

Zoology

Grades 4-8

$225 per semester

Students will explore the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of various animals. Some of the hands-on activities include performing earthworm behavior experiments (no earthworms will be harmed!), making body symmetry models, dissecting an owl pellet and clam, using echolocation boxes to observe how bats "see", performing bird behaviors, and sorting beans to understand classification.

Teacher: Lisa Hindmarsh

email: lisahandsonscience@gmail.com

phone/text: 530.313.3789

website: www.handsonsciencefun.com

SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HISTORY

CA History

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester

Through hands-on, project-based learning, students learn the story of their home state, unique in American history in terms of its vast and varied geography, its many waves of immigration beginning with pre-Columbian societies, its continuous diversity, economic energy, and rapid growth. In addition to the specific treatment of milestones in California history, students examine the state in the context of the rest of the nation, with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution and the relationship between state and federal government. This is a year long class. In the Fall, students will build missions, in class, culminating with a CA MISSION FAIR. In the Spring, the emphasis will be on the gold rush.

Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

phone/text: 408-472-6155

National Treasure, Book of Secrets: US History through Cinema

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester

In this course, students will use the 2007 movie, National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG), as the backdrop to explore geography, historical events and figures, as well as literary themes. The historic events and individuals referenced through the movie will be analyzed and discussed in class. Additionally, we will examine themes within the movie such as liberty and freedom. Each week the students will complete one hands-on project based on the topic studied. At the end of the course, the students will watch the movie in its entirety, focusing on discerning fact from fiction. This class enhances, and does not duplicate, material presented in US History.

Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

phone/text: 408-472-6155

US History

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester

Students study the ideas, issues, and events from the framing of the Constitution (beginning with colonization) up to reconstruction following the Civil War. After reviewing the development of America's democratic institutions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution, students trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. They learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. They make connections between the rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions. This is a year long class.

Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

phone/text: 408-472-6155

FINE ARTS CLASSES

ART

Art Exploration

Grades 4-8

$190 per semester

Come explore the fun of creating through a wide array of art materials! In this art class, students will have the opportunity to paint in watercolors & acrylic, learn to draw with ink & chalk pastels as well as create 3D sculptures from everyday objects. Each project will include basic instruction on how to use the featured art material, an introduction to an artist who used it in their work and various samples of what they created. It will be like taking a trip to our very own museum and artist gallery each week. I hope you’ll join us for the adventure! Class fee includes all supplies.

Teacher: Angela Houk

email: newjoy@mac.com

phone: 973.270.4596

website: www.newjoyarts.org

Drawing and Painting

Grade 4-8
$205.00 including supplies

All new lessons! Fine art techniques of drawing, shading, perspective, and composition will be taught through drawing and painting animals, landscapes, and still life. Students will work from life, reference photos I select, and photos they choose. A variety of media including graphite, watercolor, acrylic, and pastels will be taught and explored in this class.

Teacher: Jennifer Rowe

email: jenniferrowestudio@gmail.com

phone: 916.212.3282

website: jenniferrowestudio.com

Fun with Fibers: Hand Sewing, Weaving & Finger Knitting

Grades 4-8

$200 per semester

Learn to make things from fabric, felt, yarn, string and more! In this class we will finger knit, weave and sew to create a wide array of projects for students to take home. Class fee includes all supplies.

Teacher: Angela Houk

email: newjoy@mac.com

phone: 973.270.4596

website: www.newjoyarts.org

Making our World: Mythology

Grade 4-8

$190 per semester

Combine history, language arts and visual arts as we first study then create artworks inspired by the mythology of the ancient world. This class will include a wide array of projects from drawing, sculpting, painting and creative writing. Class fee includes all supplies. Next semester, this class will be replaced with Making our World: Maps.

Teacher: Angela Houk

email: newjoy@mac.com

phone: 973.270.4596

website: www.newjoyarts.org

Painting

Grade 4-8

$200 per semester

Learn to use watercolors, guache, inks and acrylic paint with confidence. Lessons will include color mixing basics & techniques in a variety of projects & artistic styles. Class fee includes all supplies. Next semester, Drawing will be offered in this time slot.

Teacher: Angela Houk

email: newjoy@mac.com

phone: 973.270.4596

website: www.newjoyarts.org

Paper Creations

Grade 4-8

$195 per semester

Not your average crafting time! Learn how to create beautiful works of art using paper. We will dive into projects involving origami, paper maché, tear art, tissue paper and so much more. We will even learn how to make our own paper. Come for a cool creative hour!

Teacher: Rachel Wattson

phone: 760-716-2793

Masterpiece Art

Grades 4-8

$205 including supplies

Create your own art masterpieces by finding inspiration in and imitating famous artists' masterpieces! Learn about famous master artists and the fine art techniques they use to create artworks enjoyed for centuries to come. A variety of media including graphite, watercolor, acrylic, oil pastels, and pastels will be taught and explored in this class.

Teacher: Jennifer Rowe

email: jenniferrowestudio@gmail.com

phone: 916.212.3282

website: jenniferrowestudio.com

DRAMA

Theater

Grades 4-8

$180 per semester

Theater is the art of playing pretend! Actors get the opportunity to transport their audience to another time and place. Together we explore this performing art using acting games, vocal exercises, improv scenarios, and practicing scenes from well known plays and musicals. The goal is to improve vocal projection, situational awareness, understanding your character, and gain confidence in your performance!

Teacher: Leslie Timm

email: leslietimm3@gmail.com

phone/text: 707.301.9983

Musical Theater

Grades 4-8

$200 per semester

Be a part of a musical production! We are producing "Seussical Kids" this semester. This class is so much more than practicing methods! Students improve acting and singing simultaneously as they rehearse for the production. Each student will have the chance to audition and be given a part to play. Our classes will be our rehearsals with our last day of class being our performance!

Teacher: Rachel Wattson

phone: 760-716-2793

MUSIC
Guitar
Grades 4-8

$180 per semester

PLEASE NOTE: Students are expected to bring their own guitars to class each week.

Teacher: Jon Holowaty
email: musicteacherjon@gmail.com
phone/text: 605-576-2427

Website: mtj-studio.com

Vocal Performance

Grades 4-8

$ 185 per semester

A place to fine tune voice and style. We will work in small groups and as a class on pieces throughout the semester covering different genres of music including broadway, country, jazz and more. Students will choose a solo piece to perfect during the semester. Singing takes more than a pair of vocal chords. We will learn about how to create better sound through posture and support. We will develop the skill of how to sing harmony with two, three or more parts. We also cover basic music reading and the elements of having a top notch performance on stage in a group or solo!

Teacher: Rachel Wattson

phone: 760-716-2793

LANGUAGE

American Sign Language (ASL)

Grades 4-8

$185 per semester (1 voucher)

Students will begin to learn the basics of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. They will learn basic communication skills through ABC's/ ﬁngerspelling, numbers, ASL word order, sentence types, and verbs. We will play fun games and activities to help remember vocabulary.

Remote Learning Model: Pre-recorded lessons

Teacher: Jaime Layton

email: philandjaime@gmail.com

phone/text: 530-306-0786

Let's Learn Spanish

Grades 4-8

$180 per semester (1 voucher)

Do you want your children to learn how to communicate in Spanish and learn about different Hispanic cultures? This semester we will be learning about these fascinating Hispanic cultures: Puerto Rico, Panama, and Ecuador. This class will be taught by Debra Heiden, a credentialed Spanish bi-lingual teacher with many years of teaching experience.

This semester students will be learning useful conversational phrases and vocabulary pertaining to the following topics: months of the year, types of weather, money, modes of transportation, places in the community, community workers,planning a trip, and more. Students will learn through videos, handouts, worksheets, art projects, and fun and interactive games.

VAMOS HABLAR ESPANOL!!!

Teacher: Debbie Heiden

email: teacher_debbie@yourfunteacher.com

phone: 916.817.1821

COMPUTER SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

Block Coding

Grades 2-4

$250 per semester (one voucher)

Students are introduced to coding through educational games. Minimal typing required. All learning is self-paced, guided by the following coding games: https://www.mrcodeswildride.com/games

Students go through the games at their own pace with individualized instructor guidance. Class sizes are typically 5-6 students, with a maximum of 10 students, so every student receives adequate individualized help from the instructor. Laptops provided for in-class use.

Teacher: David Keller

email: kellerdb@gmail.com

phone/text:(916) 439-0991

website: www.mrcodeswildride.com

Python Coding

Grades 5-12

$250 per semester (one voucher)

Python coding - students learn coding by building programs using Python, which is a beginner-friendly programming language. All learning is self-paced, guided by our project-based curriculum: https://www.mrcodeswildride.com/python

Students go through our curriculum at their own pace with individualized instructor guidance. Class sizes are typically 5-6 students, with a maximum of 10 students, so every student receives adequate individualized help from the instructor. Laptops provided for in-class use.

Teacher: David Keller

email: kellerdb@gmail.com

phone/text:(916) 439-0991

website: www.mrcodeswildride.com

Web Coding

Grades 5-12

$250 per semester (one voucher)

Web coding - - students learn coding by building web apps and games using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. All learning is self-paced, guided by our project-based curriculum: https://www.mrcodeswildride.com/curriculum

Teacher: David Keller

email: kellerdb@gmail.com

phone/text:(916) 439-0991

website: www.mrcodeswildride.com

ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Cake Decorating

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester (one voucher)

Students will learn the basics of cake decorating by use of different tips and different techniques used to get fun designs. We will walk through the process of easily filling a bag, using a coupler, as well as use of a different tips for starting designs. We will explore design and color combinations, along with placement and creating unique cakes. No background knowledge is needed, just a willingness to come and have fun, maybe lick your fingers and learn something new.

Teacher: Leslie Timm

email: leslietimm3@gmail.com

phone/text: 707.301.9983

Cross Fit Fun

Grades 4-8

$160 per semester

Jump start the year with a fun filled exercise class. The students will get their heart pumping and muscles working as they exercise. This class will be a mixture of strengthening, cardio and conditioning exercises. As the weather permits, they will be outside and able to exercise without masks. Not only does this type of exercise increase health benefits but it reduces stress and increases energy. The students will need to wear comfortable clothes to move in and running shoes. Also they will need to bring a yoga mat or towel to lay on.

Teacher: Sara Schneider

email: saraschnei@sbcglobal.net

phone: 530.417.3230

website: http://ba-lates.com

Advanced Digital Photography

Grades 4-8

$190 per semester (one voucher)

Take your skills to the next level! We will focus on all your camera has to offer by shooting in manual mode! Post editing is key to bring out the details of your photos and your artistic flare! First semester Elements of Photography is recommended. DSLR cameras or cameras with a manual function will help get the most out of this class. Computers are required. Editing software will be provided.

Teacher: Rachel Wattson

phone: 760-716-2793

Lego Engineering
Grades 4-8

$180 per semester (1 voucher)

Does hands-on building and creating sound like fun? Then come join us and learn STEM concepts through building fun projects. We will use LEGO® parts and motors, and sometimes supplement them with common items such as string, paper, crayons, etc. Explore your creative boundaries, and connect your projects to real-world physics and engineering concepts, while guided by an experienced instructor. We do different projects each semester!

Format:

Project discussion/demonstration: 5-10 minutes

Design/Build/Experiment: 30-40 minutes

Review/Wrap-up: 5 minutes

Clean up (in-person only): 5 minutes

Teacher: Lynda Weiss

email: lynda.weiss@lyndaweiss.net

phone/text: 916.390.6530

Power of Sales

Grades 4-8

$185 per semester

We’re all in sales (whether we like it or not)! Parents “sell” their kids on the idea of making their bed. A child

“sells” his parents on the idea of getting a puppy. A doctor “sells” a patient on the idea of living a healthy

lifestyle. We live in a world that revolves around sales - and those who develop the skills early go on to

accomplish big things in life.

This course is meant to help students of all ages gain and improve valuable skills (usually associated with

sales) that are EASILY transferable to everyday life! Skills such as rapport building, active listening, goal

setting, objection handling, asking the right questions and many more will be developed and strengthened

extensively throughout this course. This class is excellent for students with natural people skills, as well

students who have an interest in developing them. This course has a foundation in sales and business, with

a real-world twist!

Teacher: Joe Vargas

phone/text: 916.805.7333

Speak Up! Speech and Debate

Grades 4-8

$180 per semester

Students explore concepts in public speaking, critical thinking, argument and debate. This course covers the different styles of speeches, rhetorical strategies and the art of debate. A major focus of the class will be the elements of rhetoric as it pertains to information, persuasion and debate. The students will give several speeches to classmates. Various styles of speech will be studied, including: persuasion, impromptu, extemporaneous, and debate.

Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

phone/text: 408-472-6155