This two-day core course will focus on reading and composition and can accommodate a range of skills. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing.  Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for the analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc). The focus in Session 4 will narrative and creative writing; students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays. Basic conventions, mechanics and editing will be practiced each week. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice if needed. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students.

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This year-long course aligns with the recommended curriculum for Golden Valley 9th graders but is open to 8th-11th graders who are proficient in foundational English skills (composition/grammar) and can read proficiently at or above an 8th grade level. In this course, students will analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. (For GVCS students, this course will fulfill most of the core reading/writing requirements for GVCS 9th Literature and Composition; grammar practice outside of composition editing, some study guide activities, and GVCS required text-based lessons are not part of this course). Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections this year may include Fahrenheit 451, The Outsiders, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a Mockingbird), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include poems by Sandburg, Hemingway, Whitman, Frost, Hughes, Angelou, etc), and relevant articles and/or speeches. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note-taking, critical analysis, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. Lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis) will be included. This is a full-year course of study. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10 students. 

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This course is designed for students needing to solidify their foundational math skills before Pre-Algebra, typically 6th grade, but the course is open to any student 6th-8th in need of foundational skills in math. Using Everyday Math, participants will practice foundational skills including basic algorithms of multiplication and division.  They will also explore relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and perform all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games and activities will be used to enhance understanding. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and a pencil. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. $25 lab fee for Everyday Math Text, volumes 1 and 2. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Laura Erlig.  Max: 9 students.

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Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting pre-algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying proportional relationships; rational numbers; algebraic expressions and linear equations; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts.  This course will align closely with 7th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. Format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. The family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from their student’s charter school. Materials Required:  1 subject spiral-bound notebook, loose-leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 students.  

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Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying rational numbers; algebraic expressions; linear equations and functions; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course will align closely with the 8th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for 9th-level Algebra 1.  Format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. The family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from their student’s charter school. Materials Required:  1 subject spiral-bound notebook, loose-leaf lined paper, graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler.Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9

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A high-school level class in the language and practice of math, aligned with the Common Core Standards for 9th-grade Algebra. This class will prepare students to successfully demonstrate their mastery of elementary algebra skills on high school placement tests. Equally important, this class will prepare students to use algebra to understand and solve real-world problems in math, science, and life. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Glencoe Algebra 1 (2012 edition, ISBN: 9780076639236) and a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus). Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk.  This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 9

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“How can learning from nature help us solve a local sustainability problem that is connected to global climate change?”  This is the relevant question that the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge for 2019 is asking. Students will dive into the concepts of biomimicry and describe how it can lead to sustainable solutions for real-world issues.  How does nature deal with climate change, for example? Students will work collaboratively to study this issue and consider our local area and what effects are happening. They will research local organisms that can be models for a solution, while studying their natural defenses.  They will finally create a video to communicate all that they have learned and what they consider effective solutions to local concerns. Independent work may be assigned, up to 30 min/wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10

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This 90-minute class features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and comprehensive exploration of space and its features.  Students will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of planets, stars, the big bang and history of astronomy and telescopes, asteroids, comets, meteors, galaxies, nebulae, supernovae, black holes, space travel and research.  We will even touch on more abstract concepts like parallax, white holes, wormholes, dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of aliens and other universes.  The format of lessons given is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, and project-based learning. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 

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This is an ongoing course with lessons adapted to the season. Students will create an edible class garden that will connect their learning to our healthy eating.  Students will have an opportunity to plan what is needed to update a garden and plant for the season, working toward a sustainable, year-round garden.  Lessons will include the importance of decomposers and composting, life science, soil composition, seeds, pollinators, pests, and careers in agriculture. Hands-on activities will include time to plant, care for the garden. Field trips may be included. Some independent work may be assigned, up to 30 min/week on average. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Laura Erlig with Deneen Cienfugeos assisting. Max: 10 

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 This full-year course will allow students to immerse themselves in world geography, starting at any level. By the end of the year (IF attending all four sessions and completing all assignments and independent practice), students will be able to draw a map of the world from memory, on an equirectangular grid, and (dependent on his/her starting point of knowledge) will include most of the world’s 195 countries, major bodies of water, and major landforms. Like anything, the final product is determined by the time and effort put into it, which begins in September! Lessons are taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, as well as video and other sources, and will include the understanding of various maps, regions, climate, GPS, the spatial relationships of countries and continents to one another, and regional/cultural and historical information about MANY countries. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, sketchbook (at least 8 x 11″) and a pencil/pen (optional: a personal set of sharpened colored pencils). It is recommended that each student has their own physical world atlas and know how to use it. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project in each session. This is a full-year course of study. (Recommended: National Geographic Student World Atlas, 2014 or newer) Instructor Lori Peters has taught this unit many times before, and former students claim was one of the most beneficial projects they ever had. Max: 12  

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This course will look at a few newsworthy issues affecting our country from various viewpoints. We will review media literacy, helping students understand what constitutes fact-based news, fakes news and propaganda, as well as the political bias ranking on various journalism news outlets. Then we will explore several current issues. Our goal will not be to sway student opinion, but to allow students to determine their own viewpoints on an issue after carefully weighing different perspectives. We will do our best to gather legitimate, fact-based, timely, and cited sources for our class. This will not be a debate class as much as it is a discussion class, and an opportunity to share informed perspectives with maturity and a willingness to hear others. Some previous topics have included gun control, immigration, climate change, or other issues currently unfolding. A range of opinion is expected and welcomed! Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max 10 

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This is an excellent course for 8^th graders and especially those who just took Our American Story, but open to mature students in any grade. Using a program called iCivics* as well as related articles, videos, and discussion, this course will improve students’ civic knowledge, civic attitudes, and core literacy skills. Students will learn how our political systems work and will use that knowledge to address real-world issues.  Students will grow more informed and curious about being engaged in government. They may step into the role of a Supreme Court or Federal judge, a member of Congress, a community activist, or even a President– and do the job they do. Students gain civic knowledge and skills in a learning experience that is both fun and challenging. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12

*About the program: When Justice Sandra Day O’Connor retired from the Supreme Court in 2006 after nearly 25 years on the bench, her exemplary career was already the embodiment of civic engagement and the American pioneer spirit. An aspiring cattle rancher as a child, Justice O’Connor went on to forge a legal career at a time when few women did, serve in all three branches of Arizona state government, and become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Over the course of her career, Justice O’Connor grew concerned about a growing lack of understanding about our system of government and the disengagement that inevitably follows. She discovered that civic education had been disappearing from curricula across the country for decades. Where it was taught, it was often dry and uninspiring. So, in 2009, Justice O’Connor founded iCivics with the goal of transforming civic education for every student in America with innovative, truly engaging games and resources. Of all her accomplishments, Justice O’Connor considers iCivics to be her most important work and greatest legacy. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. 

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This popular and unique OSA course has been offered annually, to rave reviews by kids! Students learn about the physical, emotional and social changes experienced during puberty in an age-appropriate, safe environment. It’s not just about puberty and sex… the course deals with media, pressures, and gender roles. Level 2 is for older students, grades 8th and above, or mature 7th graders who have already been exposed to comprehensive sexual education (7th graders need prior approval). There will be some homework assignments, although returning them is not expected. The assignments are only for students’ own personal growth and interest and usually involve talking to parents or other trusted adults about the topic discussed in class. Classes are split by gender or age/maturity level, when needed. Classes dealing with puberty are split by gender; boys will have a male adult trained to lead the class. Instructor Robin Lindsey has taught human sexuality classes to teens for many years. Jon Baker and Melanie Ware will assist. Max: 10.

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 Each unique 1.75 hour, 1.5 hour, or 1-hour math class features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and support with your homeschool math curriculum. Although a variety of levels are welcome in any class, the longer math blocks are recommended for students who need extra assistance. If further practice is needed, students may be introduced to excellent math websites, including Khan Academy, which offers individualized lessons and immediate feedback. Dependent on homeschool curriculum, students will be offered small group or individual lessons from a variety of resources, such as Saxon. Materials needed: spiral notebook and independent math work. Students MUST come to each class prepared with their assigned homeschool math materials.  Instructor: Laura Erlig, Lyra Porcasi, or Tim Handley. Max: 9

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Students will create their very own new planet for humans to colonize! They will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of goldilocks planets, engineering, technology, biomes, plant and animal evolution, research, agriculture/farming, sociology, government, and artwork.  Then they will utilize their full creativity in all of these aspects to create a final presentation on their planet.  The format of lessons is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, web-based instruction, and project-based learning! Fun and creative independent work will be assigned, about 30 min/wk.  Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 10  

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In this broad, lab-type science course, you will learn about botany and plant ecology in a hands-on manner. Topics will include different types of plants (e.g. moss, conifer, flowering plant), plant structure and function (e.g. how leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, and stems work), and the ways that plants interact with their environment (e.g. seed dispersal, phenotypic plasticity). Each meeting will include a mixture of lectures and activities. Activities will include making a dichotomous key, plant dissections, working in the OSA garden, and collecting data/samples from the plantings around the Teen Center. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/wk. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 9 

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Using Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance: Middle School Curriculum (for home school), students will learn about how money works and how to start thinking about their relationship to spending and saving, including preparation for the easy credit opportunities that will challenge them.  Session 1 focused on saving and budgeting; credit and debt; and education, careers, and entrepreneurship.  Session 2 will focus on investing, insurance, and identity theft; global economics; and marketing and consumerism.  Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10 students.

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Everyone who has had some practice with stronger instruments is in Session 4 (due to the amount of practice other students have had). This session we will focus more on collaboration with a hands-on experience of stringed instruments, culminating in the performance of some songs (“jam session”). We will use a chordal approach that encourages playing “by ear” and with a group, with an emphasis on modern styles. Along the way, we will learn about chord voicing, harmony, melody and rhythm. The class may incorporate a variety of stringed instruments including the acoustic guitar, ukulele, acoustic bass guitar, electric guitar and bass, hammered dulcimer, quatro, and Hawaiian slide guitar. Song structure and chord charts of familiar songs will be practiced. Those with experience with instruments will be challenged with more advanced parts. Those who would like to participate with singing or percussion instruments will also be encouraged. Please Note: Students will be expected to choose an instrument on which to practice on their own; acquirement of an instrument and/or its rental fees are the family’s responsibility. Instructor: Jack Lee. Max: 10 students. Independent practice is highly recommended 10-15 min/day.

Private or Semi-Private instruction available from 1:00-1:30 Tuesdays, or as arranged.

About Jack:  Jack Lee signed his first recording contract with CBS Records at age 18. He toured extensively with the bands Oz, Mother Earth, and the Earl Scruggs Band. He performed at Carnegie Hall twice, opened for Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner, and The Byrds. He has worked in Nashville and Los Angeles for many years as a studio musician and producer, performing on keyboards, guitar, and bass. 

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From scarves, belts, to dishcloths and potholders, crochet has a long history. Once thought to be a handcraft only for the wealthy, crochet has become more and more popular for all students. Crochet is also relaxing for busy minds! In this class, we will cover basic stitches and how to read a pattern. From there you can make whatever you want. Perhaps you want a potholder for Food Fascination, a belt, or a cap. Crochet also build fine-motor skills.  The cost of the class includes yarn and a crochet hook. Instructor: Robin Lindsey. Max: 10

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What would you do with a thousand holey popsicle sticks, a thousand bolts, a thousand nuts (the threaded steel kind), and a team of friends? Build something awesome, of course! Following in the spirit of the venerable Scrapheap Challenge and the inestimable Junkyard Wars, we will split students into teams, and challenge these teams to engineer solutions to terrifying tasks. The floor is lava, you say? Then we need a bridge, and fast! The evil Dr. Zero is dropping stink bombs on the Fuzzy Bunny Orphanage? Then we need a catapult to launch those stinkers right back where they came from! It could be great, it could be terrible, but it sure won’t be boring! So, join us for popsicle engineering.  Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 12

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This course will enable students to better understand themselves and the type of career pathways open to them. Rather than narrowing ideas down to specific careers (which can change rapidly), this innovative curriculum helps students identify strengths, needs, and opportunities through a series of low-pressure activities designed to spur thinking. From the program overview: “Too many middle school students believe that they will not be successful in high school.  This curriculum was designed to address those fears by helping students understand more about their attitudes, self-concept, self-motivation, and self-management.  Woven throughout this beginning career exploration course are important activities for social and emotional development.  This course will:

• Prepare students to engage in a rigorous career exploration, decision-making, and planning process in high school.
• Raise the self-efficacy of students so they believe that they can be successful in high school and beyond.
• Introduce students to the 10-year Plan process and get them enthused about becoming long-range planners as they enter high school.”

Due to the abbreviated nature of this program, priority for the program is 8th grade, or mature 7th. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/wk. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8

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Wow! We are thrilled to bring Shakespeare Kids back to One Spark Academy! This two-session course, from January 17-May 29 is open to 6th-12th! Get ready for high energy FUN, which will include performance, stage combat, humor, improvisation, costume design, and collaboration. Feeling shy? Feeling bold? This course has a place for you! There will be 17 classes on Fridays, 11:00 – 1:00 (the classes in May will meet until 1:30) and will include one date during OSA’s Session break (Friday, April 24). The last day of class on May 29th is a performance, most likely a shortened version of Twelfth Night. All will be welcome to attend! Important to know: Students must attend all classes (or miss no more than two). Students can expect to practice (read scripts) 1.5- 2 hrs./week outside of class, or about 10-15 minutes/day. Parents are encouraged to help! (Organize a “cast party”, get kids to rehearsal/class on time, filming…). Communication is key. Owner/director Rebekah Czarnekci will be your email contact. Costume expense is MINIMAL! Shakespeare Kids provides lots of ideas so students can creatively and inexpensively pull together costumes. Instructor: Shakespeare Kids, with Melanie Ware assisting. Max: 18.

• About the Instructor: Tamara Koltes holds her BFA in Theater from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. She is a recent graduate with an MFA in Acting from East 15 Acting School of Loughton, England, where she has worked on the stages of Shakespeare’s Globe and Off-West End. Tamara has taught and performed in Seattle, New York, Minnesota, and the United Kingdom. With years of experience teaching many different age groups in dance and the theater arts, she has worked with Boden’s Performing Arts, Children’s Theatre Company, Stepping Stone Children’s Theatre, Youth Performance Company, Broadway Bound, Green Stage, and Seattle Children’s Theater. Her directing credits include youth productions of Seussical Jr. and the original jukebox musical The Buddy Bench with Lakeshore Player’s Theatre, as well as We Are Monsters and Musicville with Ashland Productions. Recent stage appearances include: A Dream Play (East15), The Tempest (Car Crash Productions), The Penelopiad (East15), Around the World in 80 Days (East15), Three Winters (East15), Never Wonder Land (Laughing Nomad Productions), Romeo and Juliet (Mission Theatre Company), The Bernice Project (Phoenix Theater), Consumed (Playable Artworks), Rumors of Shadows (Kinetic Fusion Physical Theatre), The Cruel Painter of Radostdale (Laughing Nomad Productions), Tales from Wonderland: A Common Night (Maximum Verbosity), Broceliande; The Death of Merlin (Six Elements Theatre), along with the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe debuts of High School English and Splashback with Car Crash Productions.  

FITNESS CLUB Wednesday, 1:30-2:30 

Welcome to the Fitness Club! In the next seven weeks, we will work on a variety of different styles of workouts, including, but not limited to: running/interval running, obstacle courses, H.I.I.T (High Intensive Interval Training), strength training, circuit work, core work and stretching, with a little bit of yoga thrown in, all set to motivating music, some of which Sue would love to have the students supply.  Classes will be flexible, depending on the weather– working out can be fun inside and/or outside! The Fitness Club will be a low-pressure, no judgment workout class; students will work out at their own pace. We might even have a surprise host or two for our classes. Sue looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for fitness with the students! Instructor: Sue Eaton. Max: 10 students.

About Sue: Most of you know Sue as one of our amazing chefs, but did you know that Sue is a fitness pro? Sue taught aerobics in college (remember Elaine Powers?!), trail runs with the “Tuesday Tribe”, mountain bikes on Fridays, has run multiple 10ks, completed a 30k trail race, completed the Solvang Century bike race, participates in a summer challenge every year (Santa Monica Mountain Trail Challenge) that includes 15 trail runs, 30 mountain bike runs and 15 road bike segments– although not all at once! She also enjoys hiking, taking spin classes at the gym and strength training at her home gym. Her running group (Tuesday Tribe) is a major fund-raiser for the Love Run, which is a local event that raises money for Senior Concerns, which provides thousands of free meals for seniors in our community.

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Learn to create nutritious, delicious meals that will help your body be strong and healthy.  Students will learn about seasonal produce, the importance of nutritious food and what it provides our bodies, and will prepare a balanced meal for their peers.  They will research interesting recipes and bring them to the group.  They will also learn the basic home economic skills of reading recipes, cutting and chopping up a variety of foods, proper use of cooking and food prep tools, baking, and exploring a bounty of organic fruits and vegetables. Important! Participants are required to bring a clean apron to each class, which must be worn while cooking (brought home for laundering), and hair that hits shoulders must also be worn off the face during the kitchen portion of the class, either in a ponytail or pinned back. Those with short hair need to wear a bandana, hat, wide hairband or hair net to adhere to health and safety guidelines. Anyone repeatedly forgetting an apron may be denied participation. Instructor: Laura Erlig, assisted by Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students Please note: Thursday’s class will attend a Four Seasons cooking lab on May 14. Additional fee is required.  

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Students will spend the first part of the course learning how to paint intricate designs on polished rocks, which will be perfect for gardens or shelf displays. Then, they will work with mosaic tile, learning how to cut, place, and grout their masterpieces. Projects may include the restoration of the tile tables and benches that OSA built several years back. The course may also include a field trip to Venice, CA to see the Mosaic Tile House, a home that is completely tiled over and artistically redesigned by its craft owners (proposed date is 5/22, pending reservation). At least two parent drivers are needed for the field trip. $10 field day donation needed. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Max: 12  

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This time is for independent study only, and a chance for students to practice valuable self-directed study skills. A trained educator or qualified assistant will support, monitor and/or supervise students in their learning as needed, but students must come to EACH class with homeschool or OSA course materials to work on for the full-allotted time, an assignment notebook (so supervisor knows what is to be accomplished), and an appropriate book to read if done with assigned work. Parents should help students create a schedule of lessons to complete per day. Wi-Fi available if students bring laptops/iPads. Students may listen to their own music (with earbuds) during study session. Facilitators vary. Max: 10 students per session.

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This special time prior to the first break is for group discussion and practice of critical interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, such as empathy, listening, body language, and effective conversational abilities. During Circle, we also clarify and discuss expectations for a peaceful, proactive and positive learning environment. Finally, time is set aside for an open forum discussion to share what matters to students, resolve any conflicts that may be brewing or support peers in their needs. ALL students on the premises during this time are requested to attend this important time for connection. Facilitated by Lori Peters, although other adults/students may lead at times. 

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This class is part FOUR of a four-part foundational Molecular Science Series. Taking ALL FOUR courses (Shapes of Nature, Chemistry R Us, parts 1 and 2; and Our Biological World in Session 4) is highly recommended. See syllabus for course description. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Max: 15

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This Physical Science lab is to supplement the text-based course for 8th or 9th graders, but is appropriate for 8th-11th students. It is designed for students who require a solid background for continuing high school science in biology, chemistry, and physics. If your student’s math and science exposure have not been comprehensive, then physical science should be taken instead of chemistry or biology in 9th grade. This is a rigorous high school level science laboratory in physical science. Over 25 experiments are planned. Students will learn to write laboratory reports and conduct experiments in a safe and responsible manner. The labs generally correlate with the topics presented in the Physical Science text (text: Conceptual Physical Science; Prentice Hall, 2016). A $75 lab fee is required by the first class and will cover the entire year. We will use laboratory kits from Quality Science Labs, LLC, a comprehensive kit with over 30 experiments and a bonus of Special Molecular Biology Labs during select weeks. This is a great opportunity to work with real laboratory equipment.  Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Max: 12

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Learn the fundamentals of basketball in a fun environment. Instructor: Joe Riccio, former Agoura H.S. Basketball Coach. Max: 20  

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