2022 Fall 4-5 Upper Element...

phone/text: 916.805.7333

Math Through Art

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester (1 voucher)

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

Grades 4-8

$185 per semester (1 voucher)

The Fall 2022 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 cutouts, while continuing to learn about perimeter, area and volume! Geometry is a branch of mathematics that gets covered extensively in high school. What better way to get prepared than by participating in a math lab 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

SCIENCE

Biology A

Grades 4-8

$225 per semester (1 voucher)

Students will explore the animal cell, cellular respiration, osmosis, DNA structure, cell division (mitosis), genetics, bacteria, viruses, pathogen transmission, and protists. Examples of some of the activities/models: build cell, DNA, virus, bacterium, and protozoa models, extract DNA from strawberries, perform Easter egg genetics while learning about Punnett squares, and more.

Teacher: Lisa Hindmarsh

email: lisahandsonscience@gmail.com

phone/text: 530.313.3789

website: www.handsonsciencefun.com

Space Exploration

Grades 4-8

$225 per semester (1 voucher)

Using NASA curriculum, students will investigate many areas of space exploration. Activities include analyzing what food and clothing is best in space, designing and building a space vehicle and robotic arm, modeling the moon's surface, simulating fluid shift in the body in space, and more.

Teacher: Lisa Hindmarsh

email: lisahandsonscience@gmail.com

phone/text: 530.313.3789

website: www.handsonsciencefun.com

Electricity and Mini-Robots

Grades 4-8

$240 per semester

Students will explore the basics of electricity by building a bristlebot and dancing robot, creating circuit cards and assembling breadboard circuits, building an electroscope, testing conductivity of various materials, and building a battery, induction motor, and homopolar motor. This class does not cover robotics programming. This is the same class that was offered Fall 2021.

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

Monuments of Freedom

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester

Travel through history and across the United States visiting iconic monuments and memorials. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students will be immersed in these wonders, becoming actual architects and engineers as they build replicas of the monuments! Through an examination of the American monuments, students will develop an appreciation and recognition of American history's greatest people and principles. In-class activities will serve as a springboard for further discovery and exploration of the United States, its history and culture. Throughout the semester we will focus on different “Monuments of Freedom." This class enhances, and does not duplicate, material presented in US History. Next semester, this class will be followed by STEM.

Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

phone/text: 408-472-6155

National Treasure: US History through Cinema

Grades 4-8

$195 per semester

In this course, students will use the 2004 movie, National Treasure (PG), as the backdrop to explore geography, historical events and figures, as well as literary themes. In the movie, the protagonist uncovers a plot to steal the Declaration of Independence. 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. Next semester, this class will be followed by National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

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 a few weeks of a special topic (flavor and fizz), which will include techniques for cookie crumbs, melting butter, and bubbles seen rising after pouring a soft drink in a glass. A wide variety of styles will be explored by taking inspiration from the still life paintings of the Old Masters to the playful, stylized works of famous contemporary artists, such as Andy Warhol's Campbell soup pop art and the late Sacramento artist, Wayne Thiebauld's cakes. Students will also work from reference photos I select as well as photos they choose. A variety of media including graphite, watercolors, and pastels will be taught and explored in this class. All supplies included.

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

Rain or Shine Art Class

Grades 4-8

$205 including supplies

Join us in exploring art through drawing and painting based on your own observations, science, and famous paintings about weather. Artworks about rain, snow, sun, lightning, wind, etc., will be created as various media including watercolor, marker, and pastels are explored. Fine art techniques and gentle instruction for drawing skills are taught along with an emphasis on exploration of media and finding joy in creativity and discovery. The 12 artwork pieces created in this class could make for a beautiful 2023 calendar you could create for your family and extended family! All supplies included.

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: Rachel Wattson

phone: 760-716-2793

Theater Arts

Grades 4-8

$160 per semester

Step into the spotlight and delve into the elements of the dramatic arts in this exciting new class! Throughout this semester we will be participating in multiple theater related activities that will help build the students' communication, memorization, and listening skills. Students will explore their inner actor and build confidence through the use of script reading, improvisation, and group performances. They will also learn about vocal projection and techniques, expressing themselves through body and facial movements, and how to conduct proper theater etiquette. Students will learn to communicate a story or experience through their imagination, voice, and movement. We will also be dedicating a small portion of the class to explore the differences of theater in other cultures.

Teacher: Jane Frederick

email: jane.freddyy@gmail.com

phone/text: 916-337-9313

MUSIC
Guitar
Grades 4-8

$180 per semester

Why couldn't Woody play his favorite guitar? Because he was unable to find where his Pixar!

Learning guitar does not have to be difficult! It should and can be fun! It’s also really good for you! “Research shows that making music changes the brain and that these brain changes have tangible impacts on listening skills, learning and cognition.”

Beginning Guitar class participants can expect to achieve a working understanding of the guitar’s parts and their functions; play familiar melodies using basic music notation and strum and sing along with songs using chord and rhythm charts.

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

Teacher: Jeff Norman

email: Normanj51@gmail.com

website: https://sites.google.com/site/rocreekstudio/

phone: 530-306-2525

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!!!

Remote Learning Model: In the event of closure, online Zoom meeting with materials sent electronically.

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

Cheerleading

Grades 4-8

$160 per semester (one voucher)

Let's cheer for a new semester! In this exciting new class, students will be utilizing the traditional hip hop style of dance while learning to move rhythmically and in synchronicity as a team. We’ll learn proper cheer etiquette and technique, while also learning fun new chants almost every week. Students will additionally receive some great cheer themed goodies to take home and bring to class. Comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes are recommended.

Teacher: Jane Frederick

email: jane.freddyy@gmail.com

phone/text: 916-337-9313

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

Elements of Photography

Grades 4-8

$190 per semester (one voucher)

There is no need for a fancy camera to take a great picture! Learn the art of composition. Figure out how to get that perfect lighting. Understand the value of perspective and telling a story with an image. These things will make even a camera phone a tool for art. We will explore the functions of more advanced equipment, point and shoot pocket cameras, and how to make your camera phone do what you want it to! Basic digital editing will be covered as well.

Class requirements: a camera (even a camera phone) and access to a computer. All other materials 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