Spring - Ocean Grove Charter School

Spring 2008 Newsletter
Ocean Grove Charter School Office
16900 N. Highway 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Mailing address : P.O. Box 1824
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Phone: 831
831-338-7298
Fax: 831-338-9556
School Directors:
Becky Cote, Education Services Director
Janet Marsh, ES Support director
Resource Center Hours:
Mondays 2:30
2:30-4:30/Tues.-Friday 9:00-1:30
1:30
OG Secretary: Kim Beaumont [email protected]
Hope to see you soon!
Letter from the OGCS School Directors
It is hard for us to imagine that we are nearing the close of our third school
year since we opened our doors to you in the fall of 2005! We had under one
hundred students our first month of operation, and this spring we have nearly
seven hundred fifty students in our school! Each year we try to streamline our
processes and hire more of the most qualified and talented teachers in the state.
Many of our teaching staff have years of experience in the traditional public or private school
setting and choose to work for us because they love the cooperative interaction with your
students and you, their families. They also know that the creative alternative learning
opportunities our school offers helps make a difference in your students’ lives.
We are extremely excited that our OGCS became fully WASC accredited last year after our
initial visit, as accreditation gives our school an extra amount of prestige and creditability!
Your students’ credits should now transfer to another CA public high school, should you decide
to leave us prior to graduation. We may now submit courses for a-g approval to be taken by
your students pursuing the UC system as their college career choice. Your students’ credits will
also be more widely accepted at any college of their choice, as well. Our WASC accreditation
renewal date is spring of 2010.
Second and third grade through twelfth grade students SCANTRON tested this fall, as
required by our school charter, in the areas of reading, math, and language arts. Their test
results are measured in a four digit scaled score which is a reliable estimate ranging from 1300
to 3700 with about a 90% reliability factor. When a student in second grade takes the
Scantron test for the first time as their baseline test, they receive a scaled score that will
continue to increase as they attain new skills throughout their school career. Scantron is a
“vertical” assessment because unlike the STAR test, it compares the same student’s scores
from one year to the next to show progressive learning for that student. Your Education
Specialist is able to elaborate further if you have any questions about this assessment or your
student’s scores.
After reviewing our Scantron test results from this year to last year, it is evident and
documented that our students are making great strides in their learning while at OGCS! As
school directors, we find that very encouraging as we partner with you, the parents, to work
hard making a difference in your child’s education.
The CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) is an assessment that your tenth through
twelfth graders must take until they pass, as it is required by the CA education code in order to
receive a high school diploma. When your tenth grader is first required to attempt this
assessment, the skills assessed should still be fresh in their minds from their 9th/10th grade
coursework. They have about a 70% chance of passing it at that point. At OGCS’s May 2008
CAHSEE assessment, we will have 18% of our potential graduating seniors attempting to pass
the CAHSEE in order to graduate with a diploma. Here is the link to more information about
OGCS’s May 6th and 7th CAHSEE: http://www.ogcs.org/assessment/CAHSEEsite507.htm .
Please talk with your Education Specialist for more detailed information about your student’s
specific situation.
The STAR testing period is in full swing as we write this letter to you! This state mandated
achievement test assesses your student’s achievement towards the California State Standards
provided to you by your Education Specialist at the beginning of the school year for each
student. The following link http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp provides more specific
information on each of the standards by subject and grade level. We encourage you as the
parent to view these specific objectives that your child will be tested on each year and partner
with your Education Specialist to develop an individualized learning plan to prepare your
students for this yearly assessment. As we write, 80% of our Ocean Grove students have
tested at their assigned test date/time. If your student has not yet tested and you have not
made special arrangements for this, we expect and must have your student at their assigned
make-up testing site in order to meet our state mandated requirements. We want to thank you
for all of your time spent and hard work given to personally educate your students and prepare
them to have a successful assessment day with our staff. Many families use this time as a
great networking opportunity to get to know other families in your school and share educational
ideas, or just take a well-deserved time out break for yourself.
We look forward to seeing many of you with graduating students on Sunday, May 25th at 3:00
PM at our Boulder Creek district office multi-purpose room for the ceremony. Our school
secretary and your Education Specialist can provide you with more details as they become
available. (You may email Kim, our school secretary at
[email protected]. )
Sincerely,
Becky Cote, Director of Educational Services
Janet Marsh, Director of ES Support
The Play is the Thing
The great thing about an independent study program is that students get to learn in independent
and unique ways. Recently, several of our San Jose students participated in an outstanding
production of “The Winter’s Tale” by William Shakespeare. The play was produced by San Jose Youth
Shakespeare, a theatre company for young people in the South Bay who are interested in
performing in full-length productions of Shakespeare’s plays—without having to pay high tuition.
“The Winter’s Tale” is a study in misplaced jealousy, years of regret, comic misunderstandings, and
finally redemption and forgiveness. The production included 38 young people from the ages of 8 to
20 years of age. They auditioned in December and, under the patient direction of Mr. Bob Rumsby,
brought this “adult” tale to life and presented it to the public on April 10th through the 13th. They
received rave reviews from their audiences, several of whom claimed that this was the best
production by SJYS to date.
Many educators would say that the study of Shakespeare is beyond the grasp of young people of
this age range. But the director, Mr. Bob Rumsby, rejects this notion, encouraging the actors to study
and discuss the play and the motivations of the different characters in an attempt to make the play
their own. The students rise to the occasion with great results and a greater knowledge of the
greatest play write of the English language.
We are very proud of our students, and look forward to seeing them participate in more productions
throughout the community.
Students and their families are encouraged to submit short articles about their experiences in independent study. Submit the articles to your
ES or send them to the school secretary, Kim Beaumont, at [email protected].
Ocean Grove Charter School’s third annual ceremony
is on Friday, May 23rd, 2008 at 3pm.
The ceremony will take place at the outdoor amphitheater on the
grounds of the Resource center located at 16900 North Highway 9,
Boulder Creek, CA 95006. Our graduating eighth graders and high
school students are all invited to participate in the ceremony. Make sure to inform your ES of
your desire to participate so he/she can help you make the necessary preparations. To order caps
and gowns for Ocean Grove High School Graduation:
1) Go to graduateaffairs.com
2) Select Wonway Souvenir package (black robe w/antique gold tassel)
If you don't get this precise package, the black and antique gold is
what's important.
3) Shipping costs can be reduced when ordering with another homeschool
family.
4) Once order is placed, it is shipped within one week. However, ordering within the next week
is recommended.
Any questions regarding graduation may be directed to: [email protected] or call the Ocean
Grove office at 831-338-7298.
Congratulations to your Graduate!
All students of Ocean Grove Charter School should have a Student ID card. They are great for receiving
student discounts, and are crucial as a photo identification for the CAHSEE, when a picture ID is
required. It is very easy to get a Student ID card.
Please mail a one inch picture with the student's name and grade on the back of the photo to the school
office:
16900 North Highway 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006.
Your new ID card will be mailed to you, but please allow at least two weeks for the
processing and mailing.
$$$$$$$$$$ FUNDRAISING NEWS $$$$$$$$$$$
Money for extra projects is always hard to find. We have our graduation ceremony coming up in May and we would like
to make it a special day for our graduates. Providing snacks for our students during standardized testing would be a great
help to make the days more pleasant. Ocean Grove has found two great and simple ways for our families to help raise
money for the school.
The first is the eScrip electronic fundraising program. By registering your Safeway Card, debit cards, and/or credit cards
at the eScrip website, families will help raise funds for the school by simply using the cards. Log on to
www.escrip.com, go to "sign up" and follow the easy directions. Designate Ocean Grove Charter School to
receive contributions. Our Group ID is # 500007038. Register your grocery club cards from a participating
merchant -- and your debit, ATM and credit cards if you wish. After registration, each time you use these cards,
the store will donate a percentage of your purchase amount to Ocean Grove Charter School. In the last year,
with just 20 families registered, the eScrip program raised almost $400 for our school. Thanks to all those who
have already registered and helped so much.
The second fundraising program is through Office Depot. With every purchase you make at Office Depot, 5%
of the purchase price will be donated to Ocean Grove Charter School. Just mention our school code, 70211535,
at check-out and the donation is automatic. What could be easier?
Join the fun and participate in the fundraising programs for our schools. Thanks to all the families that have
made these programs a success so far.
At IEM schools, we take pride in the fact that we are truly committed to parent
choice. Unfortunately, state and federal laws are becoming more and more restrictive for
homeschool and independent study charter schools. Despite this, we work hard to give you the
most freedom within these boundaries, so that you can continue to focus your energy on doing
what is best for your children's education.
In order to meet the federal No Child Left Behind requirements of having access to highly
qualified teachers for high school core courses, South Sutter has come up with a great option
for your family! They are called Highly Qualified Teacher Subject Matter Expert (HQT SME)
courses. This is a great option if you do not want to enroll your child in an online course or at a
community college and would like some flexibility in curriculum and methodology.
HQT SME courses are designed to give parents freedom they need within the boundaries of the
federal NCLB laws. SMEs have created guideline syllabi with suggested curriculum for
you. They are also available throughout the semester for feedback and guidance on how to
tailor your course of study for a core area to meet the state standards. We are very lucky to
have some excellent SMEs at our school.
HQT SME INSTRUCTOR, ENGLISH
Kim Evans
B.A. English Literature
M.A. Applied Linguistics
CLAD
20 years experience teaching creative and expository writing to junior high, high school, and
college level students.
HQT SME INSTRUCTOR, SCIENCE
Dave Newberry
HQT SME INSTRUCTOR, FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Kim Evans
B.A. Spanish
BLAD
10 years experience teaching Spanish, Spanish for Spanish speakers, and English as a Second
Language to high school students.
HQT SME INSTRUCTOR, MATH
Art Hanjiev
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from California State University, Fresno
Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Fresno Pacific University
HQT SME INSTRUCTOR, SOCIAL SCIENCES
Victoria Brady Benefiel
Master of Science: Education, California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts: History/Social Science and English, California State University,
Fullerton
El Instituto de Lituratura Infantil, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid,
Spain
El Instituto de Español: San Jose, Costa Rica
HQT SME INSTRUCTOR,, ARTS (Music, Visual and Performing Arts,
Theater):
Nancy Meyer
Bachelor of Arts in Education from The Ohio State University
Clear California Teaching Credential in Art Education - San Jose State University
he California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is a requirement for graduation and for receiving a high
The
school diploma.
ploma. All 10th grade students MUST take thiss exam. Those who do not receive a passing score
in the 10th grade will have additional opportunities each school year to pass the exam. A passing score of
350 is required
uired in each area (Math and Language Arts) of the CAHSEE.
Make sure your 12th grader students take the CAHSEE in May if they have not yet passed.
passed It is also
important for 10th graders to take the exam in May, if they did not test earlier in the year, because
their results affect our schools report card
card, which could affect school funding.. Also, it has been proven
that the students that take the CAHSEE in 10th grade on average pass itt more often than those who
wait. For the 12th graders, they should ta
take
ke the CAHSEE so that they can graduate! Very important!!!
If a student cannot attend their assigned site, the family needs to inform their ES right away!
The ES can then have the assessment department make arrangements and adjustments as
necessary to have the student test at a location more convenient for them.
them Check our
Assessment page on our Website for the most current testing site information:
http://www.ieminc.org/Assessment/index.htm#CAHSEE
The last time this school year to take the CAHSEE is Tuesday, May 6th for the ELA portion and
Wednesday, May 7th for the math portion. Make sure to have your students take it!
STAR Assessment Information
STAR
These annual standardized tests are mandated by the State of California and in compliance with NCLB.
95% student participation is required for grades 2-11. Dates for grades 2-11 multiple choice portion of
the test are within the state mandated test window. Please check your school calendar for the test
window and your specific test site schedules for specific dates and times. The dates our students must
complete the STAR assessment are mandated by the State Board of Education. Students must test at
the grade level indicated on their student agreement (with the exception of students with specific IEP
statements).
Individual test scores are confidential and are sent directly to the parent/student by the assessment
department usually in mid to late August, after they are received.
Scores collected by the State are aggregates and merged into group grade level reports by subject.
Individual scores are confidential and are not collected by the State.
STAR study resources can be found online at the following link:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/resources.asp
Students will need to bring a lunch, snacks, water, and a quiet activity in the event they should finish
earlier than other students.
Top 10 Reasons for your kids
to take the STAR test
(a parent’s perspective)
By Mary Burns, Parent
10. Free tickets to the IMAX theatre (South Sutter only) or Marine World (yes, there are even more
important reasons than that)!
9. So you can tell your meddling mother-in-law that “Yes, we do regular assessments so we know they’re
learning,” even though YOU knew they were learning the whole time!
8. Test results are as private as you want them to be – the state only uses GROUP results, to ensure
that your school is working.
7. Your kids will like it – it’s probably easier than what they usually do at home. Remind them that its
multiple choice and they can bring something fun (and quiet) to do it they finish early.
6. Free childcare?! I mean, you can stay if you WANT to, but maybe you’ll schedule that long-overdue
massage instead.
5. You don’t have to plan or prepare any lessons for two whole days!
4. It can spark some interesting conversations about how we learn, how we remember things, and what’s
important to learn.
3. Don’t forget – even having them make their own bag lunches for that day can be educational!
2. All the information you could possibly need is conveniently located at
http://www.ieminc.org/Assessment
1. THE #1 MOST IMPORTANT
NT REASON TO TAKE THE STAR TEST
TEST:: Your Charter School needs
n
95% of
its students
ents to participate in the test
test, according to our charter and CDE.
S.T.A.R.
.T.A.R. Assessment Rewards
As a thank you to all of our students for completing the STAR assessment,
students will be receiving a ticket to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Thank you for all of your wonderful participation!
Group Educational Activities (GEA) Update
Students from Ocean Grove recently attended the Exploratorium, located on the breezy bay of
San
an Francisco! Students were able to investigate the science behind earth quakes, tornados,
wind, magnets, motors and even bubbles! Students also had the opportunity to observe science
experiments and even dissections! Students maximized their learning experiences at the
museum by exploring with all of their senses – especially with their sense of touch at the
several hands-on exhibits.
Upcoming GEAS
On May 16th, students will be able to attend a Group Educational Activity to Great
America for their math and physics day. Students will be able to observe and participate
in several educational activities throughout the park, such as the Egg Drop Contest, the
Buoyancy Contest and Paper Airplane Throwing C
Contest.
From the desk of
Shelly Ross,
Ross,
Curriculum Coordinator
“Read Naturally………”
THE NEED FOR DIRECT FLUENCY INSTRUCTION
There are some programs that simply work and work well in our school model, and Read Naturally is one
of them! Read Naturally is a direct fluency instruction program. It helps students read smoothly so
that their mental energy can go into understanding what the passage is saying instead of how to read the
passage. When a student’s reading fluency increases, their reading understanding (comprehension)
usually increases. As reading comprehension increases, students are better able to understand their
subject content and student test scores usually increase across all areas. So when you see a student
struggling in a course, ask yourself, “What is the reading fluency level of this student? Could this
student benefit from direct fluency instruction?” Most of the time, the answer is a resounding, YES!
HIGH SCHOOLERS NEED DIRECT FLUENCY INSTRUCTION
We need to stop thinking that reading fluency is something that only early elementary students learn
and practice. Studies are now showing that we need to consider continuing with direct reading fluency
instruction through high school. When federal studies show that over half of the 4th grade students in
the U.S.A. do not read at grade level, the need for direct reading fluency instruction is huge. The
students that are in most need of direct fluency instruction are typically at-risk and ELL students, but
Read Naturally and direct fluency instruction benefits ALL students and should be a part of everyone’s
curriculum program. There are few students who wouldn’t benefit from direct fluency instruction.
HOMESCHOOL USER-FRIENDLY Another reason I feel so passionately about the Read Naturally
program is that the research results from this type of direct fluency instruction is very compelling.
Studies show that consistent amounts of short daily practice (10 minutes a day) using a program like
Read Naturally can help a student’s reading fluency (and thus reading comprehension) increase
significantly after just a few months. I call it “lots of bang for your buck”. Because the student reads
with the teacher on CD, most of the practice is done without help from the parent. Other than a one
minute timing done at the beginning and end of each new passage, the student spends their time doing
their daily practice on their own, making it very homeschool user-friendly.
READ NATURALLY ORDER INFORMATION:
For specific ordering information about the Read Naturally program, go to www.readnaturally.com. I
usually recommend their Master’s Edition (ME) program using the CD’s, but they also have a Master’s
Edition Phonics Series for students that still need phonics reinforcement. The Placement Tests can be
downloaded from the Read Naturally website and I would recommend getting a Master’s Edition
Teacher’s Manual. If your ES needs help knowing how to administer the Placement Test, have them
contact the Curriculum Department. Upon request, Read Naturally will send out an Information Packet
that is very helpful in explaining the details of the program. If it does not include a Teacher’s Manual
then you will want to order one. There are 24 stories in each Master’s Edition reading level. It typically
takes a student about 3 days to complete each story, or about 3 months per level. So theoretically a
student could complete about three levels in one year. Each Master’s Edition level with CD’s is currently
$115.00 a level. But even if a family can only afford one level each year, the benefits from this program
are so worth it!
READING NATURALLY F.A.Qs:
Q: My student’s reading is jerky. He pauses a lot, does not pace his words, and
does not use the correct voice inflections at the end of his sentences. Would this
program help my student?
A: Yes, most definitely. Students often pause during reading because they are
sounding out the word in their head before reading it out loud. I would recommend that
this
student be tested in their phonics to see if there are any holes in their knowledge of the phonograms
and phonics rules. For older students, there are phonics intervention programs we can recommend that
come with reading books appropriate for their age level. If there are holes in their phonics, they should
receive phonics intervention along with using the Read Naturally program. By reading with the Read
Naturally teacher on the CD’s, the student will learn correct reading sentence inflections and word
pacing. The Read Naturally stories expose the students to the high frequency words encountered when
reading and their repeated practice of them helps them to read these words with automaticity and ease.
Q: My student reads smoothly and easily and doesn’t have problems reading the words he encounters,
but he continually scores low in reading comprehension. Will this program help my student?
A: When students read quickly and smoothly, but don’t have good reading comprehension, then we
assume they probably have good phonics skills (can test to be sure) but lack an understanding of the
words’ actual meanings. That is why they may read well, but not understand what they are reading. In
this case, we would work to increase this student’s vocabulary. If your student is young and you are still
reading aloud to them, stop to explain the meaning of the new words you encounter as you come to them
while reading. Look up the definitions to words that you come to and don’t know as you read out loud.
You may not want to do this for every book read or for every new word encountered, so keep it in
balance so you don’t lose the joy of reading out loud. Explain what the words mean that you use in your
daily conversation when you talk to your child and work on building and using new vocabulary words
yourself so your child can learn by hearing you. Parents’ vocabulary usage has a large influence on their
child’s vocabulary development. And lastly, have the student work in a direct instruction vocabulary
program that allows the student to read the word in the context of a passage. Homeschool families have
frequently used the Wordly Wise vocabulary program, as one example.
Have your student read novels that come with a good novel study guide, as these will include
vocabulary development in the context of the passage. Glencoe has student edition novel study guides
FREE on their website, www.glencoe.com, and soon your teachers will have access to the teacher editions
to those study guides for the classic novels in grades 6-12. If you can’t obtain a novel study guide, have
your child underline 5 words from each chapter that they feel they don’t know, look them up in a
dictionary, and write the meaning of the word as it was used in the novel. Then after the definition,
have them write the complete sentence
ence from the novel where the word was used. Some families use this
technique rather than a direct instruction vocabulary program and it works very well. Read Naturally
would also be a great supplement for this student because it disciplines the student to read daily and
exposes them to words that they might learn by just reading words in context. So Read Naturally could
benefit this type of student, but it would not be all I would use as it is not a vocabulary development
program.
In addition to vocabulary
ocabulary instruction, this student might also benefit from receiving instruction in
reading strategies that help to increase comprehension. Learning to look at the pictures, headings, and
subheadings before reading is one strategy that helps increase rea
reading
ding comprehension. Options
Publishing has an inexpensive workbook called Best Practices in Reading that can be used to supplement a
student’s reading program if they need more instruction in reading comprehension and strategies. This
is a great workbook for students to complete over the summer.
OGCS NEW VENDOR LIST!!!!
April 1, 2008
ABC.Kinderladen
Children's books in German.
Academy of Music Performance
Violin lessons for grades 7-12 on DVD.
Accurate Learning Systems Corporation
Online Math Program, focusing on math
practice, for grades 2-Algebra
Algebra I, developed by an MIT
graduate who scored a perfect 800 on SAT
math & has taught others to do so as well. Program aligns to
CA state standards; randomly generates math problems that automatically adapt difficulty based on student
performance. This enables every student to learn math at the ideal pace without boredom or frustration.
MathScore is paperless, fill-in-the-blank,
blank, resea
research-based, & completely online.
Advanced Keyboard Technology, Inc.
Keyboard / typing instruction products.
All About Spelling
Spelling program that utilizes multisensory learning: bringing together three paths to learning - auditory (listening),
visual (seeing), & kinesthetic (touching). Through this multi
multi-pronged
pronged approach, your child will experience
comprehension & integration of spelling strategies. Free Spelling Tips newsletter available by email.
American Red Cross (Santa Clara)
First Aid classes, CPR in Santa Clara.
American Swim Academy
Swimming lessons in Fremont, Newark, Dublin & Livermore areas.
Analytical Grammar, Inc.
A grammar, punctuation, & word-usage instructional program specifically designed for the home teacher.
Angela M. Mahan/Angela’s Voice Inst.
Voice Lessons for grades K-12 in Fremont.
Audible, Inc.
Audio books.
AYA Educational Institute
Online tutoring for middle school-HS African American Children. Provides quality educational alternatives &
resources for children of African descent. Programs immerse students in an African-centered educational & social
environment that is rich past & culture. Assessments, instruction & activities are designed to prepare students to
excel academically & socially.
Basics Plus
Educational Materials Supply Store for Preschool-8th grade in Modesto. No website, but can order catalogue.
Baywood Learning Center
Variety of classes in different subject areas, located in Oakland. An exceptional learning environment where
children with unique qualities & challenges of giftedness may acquire an education that provides the opportunity for
unlimited growth in their areas of interest while building compensating strategies as needed for lifelong learning &
well being.
Bella Quattro Violin Instruction, LLC
Violin Classes for grades K-HS in Pacific Grove.
Bianca McMaster dba En Francais
French Language Lessons for grades K-HS in Palo Alto.
Bio Corporation
Variety of Biology Products: preserved specimens, owl pellets, etc., books & manuals, reference
charts, anatomical models, educational movies & software.
Block Publishing
Webs to Whales Nature Tales books, interactive CDs that integrate reading, science and technology.
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, Inc.
Greek & Latin educational materials for high school & college students: complete set of school texts, grammars,
ancillaries, & enrichment materials, both for Latin & Greek instruction, from basal to advanced levels; Latin &
Greek pronunciation, time-tested aids that appeal to today’s students; & Latin music on cassettes, CDs, & books.
Cantabile Choral Guild
Cantabile Youth Singers operates four graduated choir levels for students grades 2- HS from the Peninsula
through the South Bay. A quality choral music experience offering curriculum designed with an emphasis on music
theory, vocal training, combined choral & instrumental performance, & a wide variety of traditional, modern, &
commissioned music. In addition to presenting annual Winter & Spring concerts, Cantabile singers perform
throughout the community, & are guest ensembles with Bay Area choral & orchestral organizations.
Catherine Codringten Rotes/Vly Tae Kwn Do
Tae Kwon Do lessons in Ben Lomond.
Cheap Joes Art Stuff
Fine Art Supplies.
Cheri Dana Kimmey
Piano lessons for any age in Hollister.
Chris George Stone
Guitar lessons for K-HS in Redwood City.
Classic Books Inc
Resource for books, CD-ROM, VHS/DVD materials.
Classic Education,Inc/Learning Thrgh Hist
Single Magazine orders: Each 64-page issue has 15+ unique articles, arts & crafts project plans, hands-on activities,
study guides for historical literature, discussion questions, web links, book & video suggestions - all with one
historical theme per issue.
Club Z In-Home Tutoring
Tutoring for all grades in all core subjects - reading, mathematics, science, history - as well as
study skills, foreign languages, standardized test prep, assessment testing such as ACT & SAT,
& music lessons. Program provides highly individualized, one-on-one instruction in the comfort &
security of home, free from distractions. Tutoring sessions may also be scheduled at
libraries or community centers.
CM School Supply
Vast array of the newest & most comprehensive school materials. Our CM School Supply stores have the best
prices on all School Supplies School Materials & Elementary School Supplies.
Continental Mathematics League, Inc
Product for Math, Science, Social Studies, Geography, Current Events, & Language Arts for Grades 2-12.
Creative Learning Ed Sply Store
Educational Supplies, Science Kits, Art & Craft Supplies in Sonora.
Crocker Art Museum
Docent guided tours through the art museum for GEAs, located in Sacramento.
Culham Writing
Writing materials that employ the Traits of Writing model for grades K-12.
Dan Sheffield (Help Me 2learn Phonics)
Online phonics program.
Dance Theatre International
Wide variety of dance classes for grades K-HS in various styles & techniques from beginning, intermediate, to
advanced levels: Ballet, Jazz, & Modern Dance. Located in San Jose.
DanceSynergy
Variety of Dance Classes for grades K-12 in Aptos: pre-ballet, ballet, acting & improv, beginning hip hop/jazz.
De Anza Cupertino Aquatics
Swim lessons for grades K-8 in the San Jose/Cupertino area.
Debbie's Dance Class
Dance classes for K-HS in San Jose: ballet, Chinese folk dance, & dance for special needs children.
Developmental Studies Center
SIPPS is a researched based phonics program.
Dolce Voce Music Patricia A. Nicolas
Piano & Voice lessons for grades K-HS in Los Altos.
Duo Dance Academy
Dance Classes for K-HS in classical ballet, tap, jazz & hip hop in Daly City.
Edge Games, LLC
Computer software teaching the periodic table.
Erinn Mary Turi (Art Beat, The)
Art lessons, all ages, painting and pottery in Campbell.
Esperanto League for North America, Inc
Curriculum materials in Esperanto, which is described as a second language that would allow people who speak
different native languages to communicate, yet at the same time retain their own languages & cultural identities.
Esperanto doesn't replace anyone's language but simply serves as a common second language.
Essential Bits
Tutoring for grades 3-HS in Science, Math, Computer Science & Music in Palo Alto.
Excellence In Education
Variety of educational books & games.
Explore Learning
Online supplemental curriculum material for math & science. Provides online simulations.
Failure Free Reading
Online Reading Program for 3rd grade and higher.
Follett (Rio Hondo College BookStore#890)
Community College Bookstore materials.
Friendship House
Sheet music & music education items.
Fun Math Club Cupertino (Yul J. Inn)
Math Classes K-8 in Cupertino.
Fury Tempo (Pamela L. Fury-Vilchez)
Horseback riding lessons for grades K-12,located in Cupertino.
Geography Matters
Geography textbooks, map titles, & CD-ROMS. Includes Mark-It Outline Maps & eBook format.
German International School Silicon Vly
German Language Classes in Mountain View.
Gorin School of Music, The (Rufina Gorin)
Lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, accordian and voice in Mountain View.
Got Game? Get Game?/Khalid J. Hicks
Basketball Classes in Watsonville for grades 3-HS. Small group sessions teaching skill development in basketball:
dribbling, passing, shooting & defense.
Graham Tut & Tchnlgy, LLC/Julie A. Graham
Various Arts & Enrichment Classes in Hollister: Art classes grades 1-3, 4-7, 8-HS in impressionist, cubism, modern
art--using pastels, pen & ink, charcoal, acrylics; pop art classes, animation technique; computer applications 1 & 2 in
Excel, Word, PowerPoint; sewing classes basic to advanced; tutoring K-8 all subjects.
Harbor Seal Company
Marine & wildlife educational supply store providing a variety of items: extensive collection of field
guides & books on inter-tidal life, bird watching, wildflowers, marine life, hiking trail books & maps
covering the coastal & SF bay areas, as well as brochures on nature related points of interest to visit,
such as the California Academy of Sciences, Monterey Bay Aquarium, & Auo Nuevo State Reserve.
Headsprout Early Reading
Early Reading Intervention on line. Especially for K-2, or older
struggling readers
» Fun, online interactive lessons
» "Ready-to-read" printed stories
» Automatic progress reports
» Easy for teachers, fun for kids
» Research-based, guaranteed results
Heinemann Books
Writing curriculum- teaching writing grades 3-5.
Holly Ota/Ota’s Piano Studio
Piano instruction grades K-12 in Watsonville.
Imagination Unlimited LLC (Monica Nulkar)
Enrichment program in many different areas for grades K-6: Science Explorers (scientific concepts through hands
on activities & fun experiments); Conversational Spanish; Conversational Mandarin; Chess; Homework Help. Located
in Cupertino.
Infinite Mind, LLC/EyeQ
Reading Software Program combines technology & scientific research to help students increase reading speed &
improve comprehension.
Inspiration Software, Inc.
Computer software teaching visual thinking & learning. Innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to
brainstorm, organize, plan and create. Award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—
inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills & improve their academic performance.
Intr School of Driving/Eduardo L. Labaj
Behind the Wheel driver's training in San Mateo County.
Jackris Pub, LLC/Growing with Grammar
Grammar program for grades 1-5 specifically designed for homeschoolers.
Jane Schaffer Enterprises
Curriculum guides written by teachers.
Jennas Tutoring Services (Jenna Ewing)
Tutor for K-8 Math in Fremont.
Jessica Janine SmileyWst Cst Msic &DnceFX
Variety of classes for K-12 ballet, tap, jazz,hip-hop, lyrical, tumbling/acrobatics, belly dance; & Music introduction
to music, piano, guitar, voice, & drum.
Josephine Anne Hogin
Tutoring for grades 2-HS in San Jose: reading, writing, comprehension, basic math, keyboarding, study skills &
organization.
Kelly Simons Total Tennis
Tennis lessons in San Jose.
KidzArt of the Bay Area/Artspira GroupLLC
Drawing program for K-HS in San Jose. Provides kids of all ages with the opportunity to have art in their lives,
increase skills & knowledge of various art media, learn to draw using a proven method, & most of all, to have fun!
Kinetic Books Company
Algebra 1& Physics Digital Textbooks, Virtual Labs--available in CD format or in print.
Digital Algebra I textbook: deep content, complete & comprehensive, hundreds of activities & whiteboards,
thousands of interactive problems, built-in scoring.
Physics digital textbook: comprehensive first-year physics textbook, available in three levels. Includes text,
illustrations, animations, simulations & homework problems. Several learning styles addressed at once, standardscompliant, adopted by multiple states, & listed by the College Board for advanced placement courses.
Virtual labs: topics ranging from one-dimensional motion to special relativity; students can discover the principles
of orbits & conduct a mission to Mars, see wave superposition, create stringed instruments, & much more.
Kumon Mth& Rdng Cntr (Mntry) SooEun Lee
Tutoring in Monterey to help children master basic skills in math & reading.
Lace Museum, The
Lace making classes for K-12 in Sunnyvale.
Lana Shaykevich
Piano classes in Pacifica.
Language Tree LLC
Foreign language teaching materials for grades K-4 that are effective & entertaining: Spanish, Chinese, French,
Italian, English, & Signing. Program features Multi-Cognition Approach™ developed by a cognitive scientist from
Stanford University; videos with exciting storylines, colorful 3D animation & fun sing-along songs; Comprehension
tested by fun games embedded in program, playable with DVD remote control. Each DVD also includes a learning
booklet enabling parents to follow along & get involved in the teaching process.
Learning Things
Variety of School & Home School Curriculum.
Lexi Lou’s (Linda J. Carter)
Quilting, Ceramics, Jewelry Making Classes for grades K-HS in Watsonville.
Library & Educational Services
Books & videos at wholesale prices.
Linda Kennedy Tutoring
Tutoring for grades 1-12 in math, language, reading, social studies, & science with the exclusions of chemistry,
physics, math analysis, & calculus. Tutoring provided in a local library in Santa Clara County.
Little Gym of Belmont
Developmental Gymnastics Classes for children 4 months-12 years, build physical, mental, emotional & social skills.
Non-competitive classes designed to provide increased skill development as they mature. Programs include
movement, music, gymnastics, sports, exercise, games, listening & cooperation. Located in Belmont.
Lively Latin (M. Catherine T. Drown)
Study of Latin for grades 3-6 in pdf printable workbook with online support.
Manor Music
Musical equipment: instruments, books, sheet music located in Pacifica.
Math N Stuff
Math Curriculum, Logical & Critical Thinking, Puzzles, & Manipulatives.
Mathnasium of Cupertino
Math Tutoring Center in Cupertino for grades 2-12: Center director & team of expert math tutors dedicated to
your child's success. Tutors available 5-7 days a week. Curriculum correlated to California Math Content
Standards. Assessment includes pre & post testing, performance charts, & personalized detailed progress reports.
Melissa Kidwell
Piano lessons for grades 1-12 in San Jose.
Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association
Outdoor environmental camp in Mendocino: includes on-site Nature Center, herbarium & Resource Library.
Students learn about wildlife & plant communities, to better understand & respect our natural world.
Mindy Sullivan dba Dreamor Ranch
Horseback lessons in San Juan Bautista: riding, grooming, western riding, genetics, feeds/feeding, diseases,
lameness, emergency procedures.
Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therp Cntr
Horsemanship, riding techniques & equine husbandry in Monterey Bay.
Moving Beyond the Page
Homeschool curriculum for gifted & creative students, grades K
K-4
4 or 5. Comprehensive research-based
research
curriculum
designed to challenge & stimulate students.
Museum Tour Catalog
on discovery materials, construction toys, books & videos, puzzles, games, etc. Provides quality,
Provides hands-on
entertaining, educational products that extend the museum experience into the home.
Music Dreaming, Inc. (Violin Mastery)
Violin materials for improving technique.
Music Village
Musical instruments, supplies, & music books.
Nikki C. Bostick
Piano & violin lessons for K-12
12 in students’ homes in the So. Bay area.
Njeri Mc Gillicuddy Children Art Center
Art classes for ceramics, painting, knitting in San Jose.
No Limits Dance & Performing Arts
Dance Instruction for K-12 in Soquel.
Ohlone College Bookstore
College level text books in Fremont.
Okada Martial Arts
Korean Martial Arts: Taekwondo lessons in Seaside.
Osgood Educational Services
Tutoring & small group instruction for K-8
8 students in Orff Music & Movement, math, science, social studies, &
language
guage arts. Instruction provided in student homes in Boulder Creek area.
Pacific Edge/Diane Marie Russell
Indoor rock climbing classes in Santa Cruz. Classes combine balance, flexibility, strength,
& focus, providing a physical & mental challenge.
Patch Products Inc.
Educational games, manipulatives, imaginative puzzles & creative toys for kids from 2 to
102.
Patricia M. Finlay
Piano lessons for grades 1-12
12 in Sunnyvale.
Peter Weiss/Singing Scientist, The
Group classes & individual tutoring for K-12
12 in environmental sciences & music in Santa Cruz.
Physlink.Com (Innovation Frontier,Inc)
Variety of unique science materials for all grades.
Picture Me Reading/Marlys Isaacson, PHD
K-2
2 Sight Word Flashcards & Support Materials. Visual
Visual-conceptual flash
h cards featuring pictorial cues within the
letters & words on one side, & plain letters & words without the graphics but with sentence cues on the reverse,
form the core of the “Picture Me Reading!” approach. Additional teaching materials, such as booklets
booklet & removable &
reusable Dolch Sight Word Stickers also available. The stickers (220 with pictures, 220 plain words) are for use in
making games & activities to complement the flash cards, while the booklets provide complete and easy-to-follow
easy
directions for
or teaching, with no formal training necessary. Dolch Words also available in Spanish on large flash
cards.
Private Eye, The
Hands on Science Program for grades K-12.
12.
Pruneridge Golf Club
Golf lessons, all ages in Santa Clara.
RAFT Resource Area for Teaching
eaching SanJose
Hands-on
on learning workshops for grades K
K-12 in science, math, technology,
(students cannot attend) will receive a complete student materials
of the workshop, to begin applying their new skills. This is a
only (inexpensive product available for purchase by the
RAFT Idea Sheets in various subjects for K
K-12 are also available on
Membership Resources. RAFT is located in San Jose.
& art. The ES or Parent
kit at the conclusion
service vendor
individual). Free
the website under
Randy Cono
Violin/viola lessons K-12 in Los Gatos.
Raul Christopher N. Castillo
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Jitsu martial arts classes for K
K-HS
HS in Half Moon Bay. AKA Half Moon Bay Mixed Martial Arts.
Revolution Prep
CAHSEE Prep for Math and ELA: Online curriculum program with bo
book.
ok. Intervention materials designed to provide
students with personalized & highly customized learning experience. One of 3 providers the California Department
of Education has recommended approval for.
Rockit Science
Science enrichment classes in Santa Clara and online.
Rosemary Hawthorne(Old Sierra Hist Ranch)
& overnight camps for students 3rd grade & up, located in Wheatland. Turn back the pages of
history & learn a new sense of how life was lived in a bygone era. Students learn how early
settlers
lived day to day, leave behind the city, the cars, video games, & television, & are transported
back in time to the 1850's. With the help of Miss Rose & the crew of Old Sierra Historical Ranch, children learn
about candle making, rope making, blacksmith
blacksmithing
ing & other skills that were a vital part of daily life moving west.
Day
Sally Ride Science
Science & Career textbooks, CDs for girls & boys grades 5
5-8.
8. Also have scheduled Science Festivals.
San Fran Mvment Stu/Valerie Baadh Garrett
Movement Classes in Brisbane for children of all ages. Developmental Movement classes help children who reached
developmental milestones late or incompletely.
San Jose City College Bookstore
Textbooks & educational materials in San Jose.
Sandy Spin Slade, Inc.
Skillastics Interactive fitness games for grades 1-8 in basketball, fitness, soccer, & half-pint musical activities.
Games allow children to participate in non-competitive exercises at a variety of skill levels. Kit includes floor game
mat(s), dice & other game equipment needed.
Sawdust Shop, The
Fundamentals of Woodworking for grades 5-12, located in Sunnyvale. Complete range of woodworking classes that
cater to both beginning & experienced woodworkers. Classes cover a broad range of woodworking topics from
carving & woodturning, cabinet & furniture making, to finishing & sharpening techniques.
Seaside Martial Arts Roberto Mendoza
Taekwondo martial arts and physical conditioning classes for all ages in Seaside.
Seikishin Dojo/Margarita Jimenez
Karate lessons in Morgan Hill.
Shu Dong Li / Li's Wushu Academy
Wushu Classes, a form of martial arts commonly known as Chinese Kung Fu, for grades K-HS in Cupertino.
Sierra At Tahoe
Ski Lessons at Twin Bridges. Prepay, requires 2 weeks advance notice and reservations.
Songs for Teaching
Educational Songs:Use music to teach content across the curriculum for students of all
ages. Songs from a wide variety of popular artists are presented by academic subject.
Educational experts bring you tested ideas for using the magic of music in your lesson plans.
Site contains thousands of pages for you to peruse -- many with lyrics, sound clips, &
teaching suggestions. Top educational pros offer practical suggestions based on the latest in brain-based learning.
Innovative teachers share their classroom pointers & extension activities using children's music.
Stephanie Olari
Reading & writing tutor for grades K-HS, & Math for grades K-6 in students’ homes in San Mateo & Santa Clara
counties.
Sunset Sky Nixon
Waldorf style wet-method watercolor painting for K-8th grade located in Santa Cruz.
Supercharged Science
Physical science kits for physics, electricity, chemistry, specifically designed for homeschoolers.
Sylvan Learning (Pacific Grove)
Tutoring programs in reading, writing & math in Pacific Grove.
Sylvan Learning Center (Pleasanton)
Tutoring for grades K-12 in Pleasanton.
Sylvan Learning Center (San Jose) Camden
Tutoring all subjects K-12. Located in San Jose.
Talking Fingers, Inc.
Innovative Phonics-to-Fluency Software for Hands-on Reading & Spelling Program: Children
learn a finger stroke for every speech sound. With no software available that would teach
typing-by-sound in this fashion, the plan to develop Read, Write & Type!™ was born. Program
integrates phonics, encoding, decoding, word-processing, & keyboarding skills into one
program--learning to read & write. Program is integrated with whole language activities,
engaging & fun for children.
Taylor Associates Communications, Inc.
Reading Plus assessment & instructional system, online help for improving reading.
Teach 4 Mastery Inc.
Scaredy Cat Phonics-based Reading & Spelling Program, written by a teacher with much experience teaching
children with learning disabilities. Materials available in auditory (listening to the CDs), visual (working with written
materials in the book), & kinesthetic (hands-on) activities depending upon the need.
Test Tools, Inc.
CAHSEE Prep software program.
Toadal Fitness
Fitness classes in Santa Cruz & Live Oak.
Todd Dissly Athletics, LLC
Tennis lessons: group, private lessons available for grades K-HS in Los Gatos.
Trust for Hidden Villa, The
Hidden Villa Organic Farm Tours located in Los Altos Hills.
Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy
Martial arts program in San Carlos. Combines the traditional art form of Kung Fu with the practicality & self
defense of Kempo Karate.
Two Little Hands Productions, LLC
American Sign Language instruction on DVD.
Ventana Wildlife Society
Natural Science Discovery classes: Students explore the wilderness right in Monterey County's back yard. Learn
the land as the native peoples did. Observe the environment as it changes with the seasons. Discover tracks for
bobcat, deer, boar, & turkey, & watch for them too! Develop skills used by explorers such as wildlife observation,
journaling, wilderness awareness & survival techniques. Located in Salinas.
Watsonville Family Y.M.C.A.
Swimming lessons, basketball, martial arts in Watsonville.
Watsonville Tae Kwon Do Academy
Martial arts classes, Tae Kwon Do. Located in Watsonville.
Willow Pond Ranch
Horsemanship Classes for grades 3-HS located in Soquel: Horse riding, grooming, & horse husbandry.
Wise Owl, The
Variety of educational materials/supplies for K-12 in Chico.
WordMasters
Curriculum for grades 3-8 & 9-12 focusing on vocabulary, analogies & close reading of literature (older grades).
Useful as preparation for the verbal SAT I, the SAT II in English, & the English A. P. exams in language &
literature.
WriteHomeStudio
Online course provides tailor-made writing instruction for each student; weekly assignments, continual monitoring &
adjustment based on student needs.
Yesterday's Classics, LLC
Out of print classic literature.
Yil Gyo Lee/Campbell Tae Kwon Do Academy
Martial arts classes which emphasize respect, discipline & confidence, located in Campbell.
Young Chefs Academy (Sunnyvale)
Weekly cooking skills classes for K-8: Organized by a monthly theme; Designed to help young chefs explore cuisine
while building upon basic skills; Ensures safety & enjoyment for each student, class sizes are limited to 20. Located
in Sunnyvale.
Young Chefs Academy Gilroy
Cooking classes for grades K-HS in Gilroy.
Your Creative Classroom
Curriculum, teaching & student supplies in Folsom.
Youth Digital Arts CyberSchool
Digital art online for grades 3-12: Every young person from 3rd grade to high school can create amazing video
games, music, paintings, films & documentaries, animations, using inexpensive, easy-to-use, & yet powerful
professional level PC programs.
Supplies needed:
•
paper
•
•
•
•
•
•
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A few pieces of colored construction paper (stiffer
makes a more durable butterfly)
A pencil
Scissors
Glue, tape or a stapler
Crayons
Googly eyes (optional)
A pipe cleaner
1.
Trace a child’s hand on a few pieces of
construction paper, for a total of 6 times and cut out tracings. These will
be the butterfly’s wings.
On a dark construction paper, draw a butterfly’s body (draw a long oval
plus a smaller circle at one end) and cut out.
Glue or staple the handprint tracings to the body, three on each side.
The fingers should point outwards.
Fold a pipe cleaner in half. Curl the ends a bit or wad them into balls.
The folded pipe cleaner will be the butterfly’s antennae.
Tape or staple the bent part of the pipe cleaner to the back side of the
butterfly’s head.
Either draw eyes on the butterfly’s head or glue on googly eyes. Decorate
the wings with crayons or markers.
With a few pieces of homemade chalk, your children can turn the sidewalk into
a summer canvas for a colorful mural. Making your own supply of sturdy sticks
is easy. Just gather some toilet-tissue tubes, plaster of Paris, powdered
tempera paints, and a few craft supplies. Then, follow these steps.
1. Make a mold by covering one end of the tissue tube with duct tape. Loosely
roll up a piece of waxed paper and slip it into the tube. This lining will keep the
plaster from sticking to the mold.
2. Measure 3/4 cup of warm water into a disposable plastic container. Sprinkle
in plaster a little at a time, until the powder no longer dissolves (about twice as
much plaster as water). Stir slowly and thoroughly with a spoon. Then, mix in 2
or 3 tablespoons of tempera paint. For pastel shades, combine white tempera
with a primary hue. Rinse the spoon under an outdoor faucet or in a jar
filled with water to avoid clogging sink drains.
3. Place the mold sealed-end down on a level surface and pour in the wet
plaster. Lightly tap the sides of the tube to release air bubbles in the plaster.
Let the chalk harden for a couple of days. Then, remove the tape and slide the
marking stick out of the mold.