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 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 of Session 4 will be 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 assignments are required (2-3 hrs/week). Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. This is a full year course of study. *9:00 class is recommended for levels 6th/7th. 11:00 class is recommended for those at 7th-9th level. Subsequent sessions will focus on argument writing/presentation, literary response, and narrative. 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 may include novels by Bradbury, Golding, Orwell, Hinton, and Steinbeck), 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. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10 students. This is a full year course of study. (Text selections may vary dependent on students enrolled and will be included in the syllabus.)

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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. Instructor: Laura Erlig.  Max: 9 students. A course syllabus will be available mid-August. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full year course of study. $20 lab fee for Everyday Math Text, volumes 1 and 2. 

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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, linear equations, and appropriate geometric and probability and statistics concepts.  This course will align closely with 7th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra (8th-grade math).  The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. A family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from student’s charter school. Materials Required:  1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), ruler. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students.  Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Pre-assessment is required for placement into class.  This is a full year course of study.

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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, functions, and appropriate geometric and probability and statistics concepts. This course will align closely with the 8th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for high school level Algebra 1.  The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. A family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from student’s charter school. Materials Required:  1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), ruler. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class.  This is a full year course of study.

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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: 9

*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 

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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. Session 1 will focus on major world regions and the Americas, with an independent country study presentation. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and a pencil/pen (optional: a personal set of sharpened colored pencils). It is recommended that each student has his/her own physical world atlas and know how to use it. (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 students. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project in each session. This is a full year course of study.

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Students will find and collect interesting sedimentary, metaphoric, and igneous rocks and minerals, observe them with magnifying lenses and compare different samples, how they change and are related to each other. In addition, the students conduct simulations and experiments to find out more about how rocks, minerals, and crystals are formed.  Students will learn about the rock cycle and the different classifications of rocks. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10

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This course will introduce students to archaeology and will enhance their skills related to critical and analytical thinking, multiculturalism, writing, mathematics, art, and other areas of science.  Students will explore the archeological process, by developing note-taking skills, studying historical evidence, understanding science inquiry, and participating in hands-on experiences.  Students will recreate an archeological dig and utilize their skills to interpret their findings. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10 

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Our space unit is going to be interactive and hands-on while including some reading, researching, and writing.  This is a new class for those who took the space course last year.  Some of the exciting topics we will explore include galaxies, inner planets, the electromagnetic spectrum, solar and lunar eclipses, and the life cycle of stars! There may be independent work if in-class work is not completed. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max 10. 

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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.  Lead instructor: Robin Lindsey. Team-taught with Jon Baker and Melanie Ware. 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. Max: 9

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From fine lace to scarves, 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. 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 cap for the winter? The cost of the class includes yarn and a crochet hook. Instructor: Robin Lindsey. Max: 10

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Making “chain mail” in this class is much like knitting, but with metal. You will enjoy this class if: you need some bling for an upcoming Renaissance Fair, you are concerned about a possible zombie (or vampire) apocalypse, you admire the wardrobe of medieval knights, and/or your favorite color is goth. If any of these apply to you, then link up with us–  the weird and crafty folks of The Chain Gang! Attached photos are samples of what students can create. The photo on the right is a necktie!  Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10

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This course will look at a few issues affecting our country from various viewpoints. We will start with a lesson on 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 viewpoint on the issue after carefully weighing all sides. 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 possible topics include: gun control, immigration, climate change, or other issues currently unfolding. A range of opinion is expected and welcomed!  Instructor: Melanie Ware.Max: 12. Some independent work expected.

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The first rule of NJC is that if the day ends in ‘y’, you must go outside. Once outside, we’ll watch squirrels, chase lizards, catch turtles, and seek the shapes in clouds. On warm days, we’ll enjoy the sanctuary of shady trees. On cool days, we’ll venture out beneath the open sky to walk and sweat and explore. When we have parental support, we’ll take field trips to local trails. When we’re on our own, we’ll appreciate the gardens and parks around the Teen Center. The punchline is that every day, hot or cold, wet or dry, we’ll be out in the outdoors to appreciate whatever is available to appreciate – and we’ll record it all in our journals. Volunteer chauffeurs/ chaperones will be needed for field trip days. The more you can help us out, the more we can get out and about.Nature Journaling is an honest-to-goodness thing (here). Special journal included. Appropriate clothes, shoes, and curiosity required. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10

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A STEAM-style class in physics, art, and rocket construction – with a rocket for every student! On the very first day, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of rocket construction: fins, engine mounts, shock absorbers, and more! Six weeks in, EARLY on Saturday, May 18, we’ll take a field trip** to the Santa Fe Dam, where we’ll join the Southern California Rocket Association’s (fire department approved) launch day – and launch our rockets! In the final two weeks of class, we’ll talk about the reality of modern-day rocket travel, and embark on an imaginary journey to the ringed planet of Saturn. Will anyone survive this ambitious and technologically challenging journey? Maybe so, but maybe not. What we do know is that at the end of this class, everyone will have a working, reusable, custom-built rocket that they can be proud of. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 12

**Field trip is not required for participation in this course. However, there are very few areas in SoCal where rockets can be launched safely. The field trip is highly recommended. The May 18 launch date is a smaller launch. However, there is a larger launch at the Santa Fe Dam on Saturday, June 22. Families can arrange to meet then, too.

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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 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. The Building a Bridge to Your Future middle school curriculum was part of a generous grant from the California Department of Education’s Career Pathways Trust program that will fund an unprecedented effort to provide career and technical education to local students. The VCOE (Ventura County Office of Education) is one of only ten education agencies in the state to be awarded grants at this level. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Some independent work required. Text provided. Max: 10

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 Wow! We are thrilled to bring Shakespeare Kids to One Spark Academy! This two-session course, from January 18-May 31 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 18 classes on Fridays, 11:00 – 1:00 and will include two dates during OSA Session breaks(Friday, March 22, and Friday, April 26, either at the Teen Center or the park). No class on Friday, Feb. 15 or Friday, April 19. The last day of class on May 31st is a performance, most likely a shortened version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 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. Due to the commitment involved in offering this course, payment up front (single-class fee or supplement) for the full course is required.

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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 hair band or hair net to adhere to health and safety guidelines. Anyone repeatedly forgetting an apron may be denied participation.  NOTE: The Tuesday class will attend the special Four Seasons cooking lab on May 14. This lab includes lessons with a professional chef and dietician, as well as cooking in their professional, world-famous kitchen! Instructor: Laura Erlig, assisted by Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students

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Students will create 3-D masterpieces using a variety of materials: clay, wire, foil, cardboard, plaster, and more. They will also study the various techniques used by sculptors, such as Giacometti and Nevelson.  Instructor: Helle Rasmussen Max: 10

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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 meant 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 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. This course will introduce students to the joys of our biological world, covering many current 6th-8th California science standards in a fun, interactive way. Classes include lecture, video, demonstration, and hands-on activities. 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 (likely text: Glencoe Physical Science with Earth Science, 2009). 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 in last week of session 1 and Weeks 1 and 2 of Session 2. This is a great opportunity to work with real laboratory equipment.  Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Enrollment: Max 12 Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week.

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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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