Winter/Spring 2010 After School Programs

Classes are conducted by Mr. Kirk Holguin, an instructor from United Studios of Self Defense (USSD), "America's Self Defense Leader." USSD is the largest professional organization of its type in the United States and has been teaching students since 1968. Through training in the Martial Arts, children will develop confidence, strong self-discipline, and a healthy self-image. We will be teaching the techniques required for belt advancement, as well as incorporating themes from our "Street Smart Kids" and "Bully Proofing" programs. Materials fee includes the cost for the karate uniform, t-shirt, DVD/book, and final testing.
Mr. Kirk Holguin/Outside Lawn
Wednesdays, January 20-April 21
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $85, new students; $45, returning students

This class is designed to allow the primary student a comfortable atmosphere to explore the world of sports. Basic skill level sports will be taught and safe interactive games will be played. Students will develop spatial awareness, hand-to-eye coordination and social skills working with new and old friends.
Turning Point Coaching Staff /Turning Point GYM
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 20

If you are crazy about sports and want to improve your skills, then join Coach Colley and Mr. Reynolds on Fridays after school. Through team oriented and individualized drills, students will learn and practice a variety of sports including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and many more! Students will also have the opportunity to scrimmage and display their newly learned techniques while gaining a better understanding of gameplay and sportsmanship.
Coach Colley and Mr. Reynolds, Gym
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 20

Cooking with children is something we love to do and we’re always in search of healthy and fun recipes that kids love! To keep everyone safe in the kitchen, we provide developmentally appropriate activities for our youngest chefs, while challenging those who are a bit older and have more experience in the kitchen. Our goal is to give children the opportunity to participate at their level while teaching them about foods and flavors to fit their fancy. Get those spatulas, whisks and oven mitts ready . . . Let’s Cook!
Mrs. Lotts & Miss Van Trigt, MPAC Music Room
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 20
Materials Fee: $25

Challenge your palate with new and interesting food combinations and be comforted with family favorites. Join us for a food challenge! Students will learn about ingredients, portions, and how to prepare and cook amazing dishes. Along with learning the techniques of cooking, students will also learn how to make their own personalized recipe book. We'll learn about spices and what they are used for, along with different types of vegetables, fruits, and how to pair everything to make a delicious meal for friends and family! Students will have the chance to get creative and will be challenged to a cook off with their fellow chefs in the class. It's a challenge they won't want to miss. Put on your aprons and let's cook!
Ms. Windham, MPAC Music Room
Thursdays, January 21-April 29
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 10
Materials Fee: $40

Let’s make videos and photo stop animations!!! This class will consist of learning and exploring the basics of iMovie. Each week, students will be assigned to shoot a project outside of class. We will view student projects in class and discuss the work. We will examine the way each student chose to shoot each shot - the angle, colors, form, etc. We will also write a script in class and make a video together. At the end of the semester, we will have a video screening for teachers and families to see our masterpieces! Students will need a video camera, a laptop computer or a computer at home that they can burn a DVD from and bring with them to class. Preferred software: iMovie.
Ms. O’Brien, Computer Lab & Middle School Center
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15-4:15pm
Materials fee: $15

Instructor Kean O’Brien is a graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied film and photography. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree at CalArts.

Imagine huge bins of Legos of all shapes and sizes! No tedious instructions, no preconceived plans…the only limit is your imagination. Each class will have a theme that will be introduced with a literature selection for inspiration. Then the building will begin! Mr. Kline has collected thousands of pre-owned Legos and he’s ready to share. Join him for a relaxing hour of free building.
Mr. Kline, Room 202
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15

Imaginations run wild as students get to dream up ideas for superheroes, villains, products, architecture, books, fashion, and more! Each student gets to work on their own ideas and dream up new inventions. Then, their inventions come to life as students create prototypes, models, and real life versions of their ideas. Students will then create advertisements for their inventions and pitch their ideas to the class. Put on your thinking caps and I will see you at the Creation Station!
Ms. Ramos, Room 204
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $20

Do you love playing games? Do you miss those fun-filled days of summer camp? Come have some fun with friends after school as we play board games, tackle brain teasers, and work together to succeed. Cooperative play and learning combine in number games, word play, and outdoor challenges. Each week promises a new adventure and excitement for all. In addition to the fun and games, each student will receive awards and prizes for sportsmanship and success.
Ms. Ramos, Room 204
Thursdays, January 21-April 29
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $10

A world of enchantment awaits you as we explore the magic of wizards and fairies. We will make crafts including magic wands and wizard hats. Fairy dust and potions provide fanciful science experiments. We will learn about the legends and stories surrounding these fantasy creatures. In addition, students will dream up their own fairy or wizard. They will design a character with special powers and an out-of-this world costume. Then they will imagine their character’s back story. On the last week of class, students will dress in costume and present their fantasy character to the class during an enchanted celebration.
Ms. Ramos, Room 204
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $20

Learning a language can be hard, but learning it through cultural paths is quite an experience! Students will enjoy learning Spanish through various avenues that allow a variety of hands-on activities. How do you make flan? How do you play canicas? Where did the jive come from? These are all questions that will be answered when our "chicos" explore the countries that make up Latin America, all the while learning pronunciation and identifying letters and words.
Mrs. Garcia, Room 208
Thursdays, January 21-April 29
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 10
Materials Fee: $15

Calling all animal lovers! In this class, children will be introduced to animals that will take them on a visit to the seven continents and four oceans. Animals will be explored via art projects, stories, songs, and games. A passport will allow them to travel and clues will lead them to figure out what animal they are searching for, learning about the animals’ habitat and needs for survival. The class concludes with a diorama of a favorite mammal, one that they learned about or one that they simply love.
Mrs. Garcia/Room 208
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $25

Are you great at getting a point across? Are you a good listener? Do you have strong feelings but can't find the words to express yourself? Debate is an extremely fun way to develop skills of expression and assertiveness, increase awareness of the world around us, and learn to respect different opinions.
Mr. Segar/Room 111
Thursdays, January 21-April 29
3:15-4:15pm/MINIMUM: 8 MAXIMUM: 20
Materials Fee: $20

Come one, come all, to participate in a rock opera about a popular folktale. In this course, the young actors will prepare for and perform Stone Soup - A “Rock” Opera , a musical of Stone Soup. The budding thespians will rehearse the songs and memorize lines for the play. They will learn how to follow stage directions, project their voices, and express themselves through songs and words. The final performance will be on Monday, May 17th at 4:30 p.m. Prerequisite for the class: It's Showtime! or Young Theatre: Tikki Tikki Tembo . This class is also a prerequisite for participation in the L3-5 After-School Players
Ms. Meise, Drama Room
Mondays, February 1-May 17
3:15-4:15 PM/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $35

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis and is open to students in Levels 4 and 5, and Level 3 students who have completed the It's Showtime and/or Young Theatre courses . All students who enroll will have a part in the play. Please note that all play rehearsal classes are 90 minutes. Totally Red! is a series of variations on Little Red Riding Hood – from Broadway Musical to Melodrama to Hip Hop and Shakespeare. Additional rehearsals will be required Monday 5/10, Tuesday 5/11, and Wednesday 5/12. The final performance for family and friends will be on Thursday, 5/13 at 5:00pm .
Miss McEneaney, MPAC Drama Room
Thursdays, January 21-May 13
3:15-4:45 PM/MAXIMUM: 12
Materials Fee: $35

Calling all budding writers, directors, actors and literature enthusiasts! This year, Shakespeare will be reinterpreted by YOU! Use the stories, history and words of William Shakespeare to create your own unique works of art. Focus will be on mockumentaries, retold stories, and other forms of artistic expression. We will work on the rich characters and stories from the bard, engaging them in any way we find interesting. Many film adaptations of Shakespeare's works will be analyzed to inspire our class's production. A film screening and short performance will cap off this new spin on an old classic.
Ms. Ruud, Room 202
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15-4:15pm /MAXIMUM: 10

Do you love to make people laugh? How about listening to a great story? In comedy, students will study unscripted performance through improvisational games, scene work and storytelling. Never losing sight of our primary objective, to laugh and have fun, the course strengthens and encourages students’ public speaking and performance ability. Students improve decision making skills, build confidence, become active audience members, and enjoy each other’s humor as they learn improvisational comedy in a supportive, well-structured environment.
Mr. Segar, Room 111
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $20

Love to read? Love to act? Love to create something from practically nothing? If any of these questions speak to you, you will love Readers’ Theater! Each week, we will read through a play together and students will be assigned roles from popular literary stories. Next, students will work cooperatively to see familiar stories come to life through the use of props, costumes and stage backdrops. Prior to our final performance, students will have a chance to perform for other friends and offer helpful critique. We will conclude each day with a presentation to parents. Students will have time to allow their imaginations to run wild, tap into their artistic side, and let their inner actor shine through!
Mrs. Murphy, Room 108
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 14

The Elementary Rock Band will focus on developing pieces for an informal concert at the end of the semester. Young musicians who would like to further develop their skills and learn new music, as well as sight-reading, improvisation, and basic musicianship skills, should take this class. Open to all students who currently study an instrument.
Mr. Goldman/MPAC Band Room 114A
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 12

Come and have lots of fun with singing, playing and moving in Mr. Bersanetti's class. Children will enjoy songs and games to enrich and strengthen their musicality through story telling, play and dramatization. This class will explore the world of sound and literacy, and enhance cultural awareness and appreciation of music in all its creative forms, while nurturing musical discovery as our friends "find their voices."
Mr. Bersanetti, MPAC Room 114C
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15-4:15 PM/MAXIMUM: 20

A beginner’s guitar class, to which both new and returning students are welcome. Students become familiar with the guitar and - with determination, desire and enthusiasm - discover a lifelong hobby. Students will learn to play a few simple songs, read music and tablature, play chords and play with a partner. Students must bring their own guitar - small scale acoustic suggested (i.e. Baby Taylor model or Baby Martin model).
Mr. Szlachetka/MPAC Music Room
Thursdays, January 22-April 30
3:15-4:15 PM/ MINIMUM: 10, MAXIMUM: 15

Singer-songwriter Matthew Szlachetka plays in the LA-based rock band The Northstar Session. He received his BA in Music/ Music Composition from Bates College and has been teaching private guitar lessons between San Diego and Los Angeles for the past 5 years

Basic gymnastics and dance technique, combining ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tumbling/floor work, and balance beam skills. Achieve balance, coordination, strength & flexibility while building a great foundation for more advanced gymnastics, dance, and other sports! We will have an informal performance for friends and family at the end of the session.
So Fly Staff, MPAC Drama Room
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15-4:15 PM/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $25

So Fly instructors have been classically trained at some of the top dance studios, companies and gyms around the world with choreography and performances that can be seen on film, music videos and television including VH-1 and MTV. Most importantly, our instructors have extensive experience working with children, including volunteer work and inner city outreach, and thrive on teaching PROPER TECHNIQUE while making dance and gymnastics FUN!

The fundamentals of old and new-school hip hop dance. Skills include popping, locking, stepping, freestyling and breakdancing in precisely choreographed routines. We will have an end of session performance to show off your skillz! No previous dance experience is required (Knee pads recommended and tennis shoes/sneakers required.)
So Fly Staff, MPAC Drama Room
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15-4:15 PM/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $25

So Fly instructors have been classically trained at some of the top dance studios, companies and gyms around the world with choreography and performances that can be seen on film, music videos and television including VH-1 and MTV. Most importantly, our instructors have extensive experience working with children, including volunteer work and inner city outreach, and thrive on teaching PROPER TECHNIQUE while making dance and gymnastics FUN!

Travel to foreign countries and learn the traditions of dance! Students will explore a variety of different cultures. Each day we will travel to a new location and will become a part of that culture through expression and movement. Students will also learn about the style and traditional foods of each culture, along with their music. The class will also provide a craft to accompany the traditional dance we’ll be learning. Get your feet prepared to take a journey around the world!
Ms. Windham, MPAC Drama Room
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15-4:15 PM/MINIMUM: 5, MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $30.00

For those students who just can't get enough of robotics, we have a new and exciting class to offer. This spring, students will have the opportunity to work with new software created by the folks at Carnegie Mellon University . The program offers instructional videos, slide shows, and introduces hands-on exercises that force students to think critically and develop team working skills. This class is open to any student interested in working with LEGO Mindstorms.
Mr. Reynolds, Room 111
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 9
Materials Fee: $60

Our world is changing every day due to global warming. Do you want to know how you can help to preserve our world? You will learn about the environment, global warming, and the importance of the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. You will practice what you learn by growing a small flower garden, decorating a reusable bag to use when shopping, and making an herb garden to grow and eat.
Ms. Meise, Room 110
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15-4:15 PM/MAXIMUM: 15
Materials Fee: $35

If you love to make a huge mess…then this is the perfect hands-on class for you! Throughout this semester, we will use our hands to make lots of ooey gooey experiments. Our little experimenters will make oobleck, slime, silly putty and much more. Each child will participate in the making of the project, have a chance to work with the material, and take a sample home to keep. Beware! You must be willing to have fun and get your hands dirty!
Ms. Thomas and Ms. Escobedo, Room 106
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 24
Materials Fee: $25

Come learn the multidimensional facets of jewelry making. Class explorations include studying bead types, bead making, wire styling and bending, knotting, stringing and macramé. Students will also learn the creative use of pattern making with beads, colors and themes.
Ms. Sloan / Art Room
Mondays, January 25-May 10
3:15-4:15pm
Materials Fee: $40

This class explores the ins and outs of paper. We will create with paper making, marbleizing paper, collage, painting, inking, book making, origami, sculpture and all the possibilities that a creative mind can unfold with paper. Come join us for pulp!
Ms. Sloan, Art Room
Thursdays, January 21-April 29
3:15-4:15pm
Materials Fee: $40

A fun fashion and design class for both boys and girls! Each week, we will work on smaller activities, creating accessories for ourselves such as tote bags, jewelry and key chains. We will learn about sketching, material, fabric and patterns for entries into our fashion journals. Students will also get a chance to be inventive and use their imaginations to turn old things into something new. Each student will create their own fashion line and put together an outfit they will model for the last class, A PASSION for FASHION SHOW. If you have a wild imagination, enjoy dressing up and creating new things, this class is for you!
Ms. Thomas and Ms. Van Trigt, Room 107
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15-4:15pm
Materials Fee: $35

Have you ever been to a play and wondered where they got all those wild ideas for costumes? Go behind the scenes and learn the basics of costume design – from choosing colors, textures, and styles to designing your very own costume plot for a play! Learn to collaborate with the director and playwright. Students will also spend time in the Fabrication Station, cutting patterns and assembling pieces for future Turning Point productions. Each student will receive a Designer’s Toolbox and Portfolio with fabric samples, colored pencils, embellishments, a sketchbook and 2-D dress forms. Become part of the theatre tribe!
Ms. McEneaney and Mrs. Garcia/Jazz Room
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 10
Materials Fee: $35.00 per student

Learn the basic techniques of woodworking and build a new project every week. All woodworking secrets for beginners will be revealed in this class. We start with the essential and learn how to sand, use hammers and nails, screwdrivers and hand drills. After finishing our wooden project, we will use our creative imaginations and embellish our pieces by using a variety of materials. Have fun & create!
Ms. Schorn/Art Room
Fridays, January 22-April 30
3:15-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 10
Materials Fee: $30 per student

Sylvia Schorn is a Jewelry and Accessory Designer, painter, ceramist and art educator. She teaches the art of wood working and sewing to children ages 3 to 12 years in various schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area and the South Bay. She is also an art educator at LACMA. Her art work is featured in galleries and exhibits in Europe and the US in select commercial establishments and private collections. This is Sylvia’s second year as a teacher in Turning Point’s After-School program.

Let's get creative with Ms. Greco! You can paint the sky purple and the sea red! Through the balance of color, space and form you will learn to express your unique talents. We will have fun drawing looney cartoons, water color landscapes and portraits. Using clay, wood, and other medias we will sculpt unique, as well as abstract, forms and designs. And yes, with our popular tie-dye techniques, you will design your very own t-shirt. This class is designed to expand your confidence and uncover your hidden talents through art.
Ms. Greco/ Art Room
Tuesdays, January 19-April 20
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 10
Materials Fee: $35.00 per student

Come join Ms. Greco in a unique experience working with clay, wood, core board and stones to sculpt your favorite creations. Students will learn how to use different sculpting tools to help join their pieces together and also how to texturize the surface of clay for magical effects. They will choose their favorite animal to sculpt from clay and will use a variety of techniques to enhance their creations. Using special paints and finishes, we will complete our projects. Children will gain confidence through self-expression and expand their creative ideas while sharing with other classmates. There will be individual instruction to help address and solve any problems so that the children can uncover their talents in sculpture.
Ms. Greco/ Art Room
Thursdays, January 21-April 29
3:15pm-4:15pm/MAXIMUM: 10
Materials Fee: $35.00 per student