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 (presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus in Session 1 will be writing skills and summarization. Students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays and a short story. 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: 10 students per class.

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This year-long course aligns with the recommended standards-based curriculum for 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. 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. Session 1 will focus on short story analysis, with one required novel. This is a full year course of study. (Text selections may vary dependent on students enrolled and will be included in syllabus.) This is a full-year course of study. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 8 students. 

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This course is designed for students needing to solidify their foundational math skills beforePre-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: 6 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 are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. 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), ruler. Recommended: a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (suggested: Wacom Intuos). Pre-assessment is required for placement into class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students per class.  

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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 are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. 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. Recommended: a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (suggested: Wacom Intuos). Pre-assessment is required for placement into class.  Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students per class.

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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), a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus), and a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (Wacom Intuos recommended. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk.  This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students

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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: 7 students per class  

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This course will look at a few events and movements in history that were met with controversy and a broad range of 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. In addition, we will discuss the importance of history and how politics and media sway public opinion. Through discussion and research, students will determine their own viewpoint on the event after carefully weighing all sides. 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. A range of opinions is expected and welcomed! Possible topics for this session include the Equal Rights Amendment, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Native American Boarding Schools. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max 10 

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With all the unrest and uncertainty in America right now, it is vital that we understand our electoral process and the importance of voting and being engaged. We will look at the impact that the media has on elections and how we can all sift through it to determine fact from fiction. The bulk of the course will focus on the dynamics of elections, including the history of our political parties, what goes into choosing candidates, political advertising, how campaigns are run and what polling means. We will also look at important current event issues and arguments that candidates will be expected to debate on, from the environment and the economy to immigration and foreign affairs. In addition, we will look at state and local governments as well as research propositions on the California ballot, and then fill out our own ballots. Despite any personal opinions, this class is bipartisan, where civil discourse and independent thinking are encouraged.Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 

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A STEAM-y, project-based introduction to the art, craft, and imaginative application of computer programming. With strings and lists and imagination, you will create a poetry-generating program. With control structures and subroutines, you will create spy-worthy code-making and code-breaking tools. With abstraction, intuition, and clever design, you will create a custom world of artificial life. To make this happen, we will use Scratch – a remarkably accessible and powerful programming system developed by MIT. No software installation or management is necessary, just an internet connection and a web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.). REQUIRED MATERIALS: Reliable internet connection. Internet-connected device with mouse and keyboard, such as a Chromebook, laptop, or desktop. Independent work expected, about 2 hrs/wk. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8

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True Connection is about empowering youth to build empathy and creatively solve problems, from a personal to a global level. Lessons will help them foresee a brighter future, as they build the foundation to become resilient, purposeful leaders who collaborate to act for the greatest good. True Connection’s signature HiEQ Curriculum incorporates mindfulness, best practices in SEL (social emotional learning) exercises, journaling, and creative art activities. The curriculum is also aligned with core educational and career-ready standards. This program provides students with the tools they need to cultivate strong core values, break down stereotypes, transform negative thought patterns, manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and set/achieve their personal and academic goals. Together we are love in action. This course will take two sessions to complete.  Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students per class.

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Mindfulness is “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations”. Using the curriculum developed by the Goldie Hawn Foundation “Mind Up”, we will look at the neuroscience of the brain to develop our focus, mindful awareness to sharpen our skills, and practice positive psychology (which relates to attitude, and social emotional literacy) to take mindful action. Teens will gain insight about themselves and work on self-regulation. Some light weekly homework that should take no more than an hour. Below is a description from the Mind Up Curriculum Guide to add more insight to the class.  Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students.

Note: “The MindUP classroom is an optimistic classroom that promotes and develops mindful attention to oneself and others, tolerance of differences, and the capacity of each member of the community to grow as a human being and a learner. MindUP’s expansive dynamic is built to a large extension of routine practices that are inherent to the MindUP Curriculum. Over the course of the MindUP experience, students learn about the brain and how it functions, in the process gaining insight into their own minds and behaviors as well as those of the people around them.”  ~Mind Up Curriculum Guide.

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 Each unique 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.Recommended: a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (suggested: Wacom Intuos). Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 5 per class.

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Discover how math and art work together by using mathematical concepts to create beautiful art pieces at home. Students will learn about the Fibonacci sequence to create beaded jewelry; fractals in symmetry; tessellations through the study of artist M.C. Escher; perspective in line drawings; using a compass to create a personal mandala; and more! Instructor: Candice Renaker. Max: 8 students.

Please note: some materials will be delivered if students don’t have them on hand for their lessons. A materials list will be provided prior to Session 1.

About Candice: We are so excited to welcome Candice back to OSA! Candice was one of OSA’s amazing and beloved math instructors years ago, creating unique classes like Math Thru Art as well as building our middle school math program, before her husband Brett’s military career required a move out of California. Candice will be teaching from her home in Virginia Beach. She is so excited to meet a new group of awesome OSA students!

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Mars!  Students will learn all about the red planet and current colonization efforts on it.  They will learn about designing a Martian human colony, including the logistics of building structures, obtaining food and water, surviving harsh climate and little atmosphere, using technology, designing new sports and entertainment, and creating a society and government.  The online format is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, web-based research, 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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Everybody is susceptible to it, and everybody is doing it. Teachers, parents, kids, heads of state, fast food restaurants, heroes, and villains and everyone in between. What is it, you ask? This is, after all, the Information Age. Battles are no longer fought with swords and axes, or even guns and cannons, but with words and pictures. And the battlefield is your mind. How can you protect yourself from nefarious memes? How can you save the whales, be effectively anti-racist, and get your parents to stock more ice cream in your fridge? The answer to all these questions is the same: the art of Subliminal Sorcery. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max:  8 students

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Join us as we apply creative story writing, character exploration and storytelling through the vehicle of the ever-popular fantasy building tabletop role-playing game D&D.  Each student will create their own character which will then embark upon a made-up adventure.  Our teacher will be the Dungeon Master serving as the game’s referee and storyteller. Students will work as a group and do a weekly character writing journal and take turns updating the weekly story summary journal.  Not only learning logic and problem solving, this will be a creative adventure for all! Please note:  The content can often be dark, but we will strive to avoid anything too dark or demonic. *This program will take place on Roll20.net in addition to Zoom. Instructor: Cylan (Cy) Brown of Shakespeare Kids. Max:  8 students

About Cy: Not only does Cy have a professional theater background, but he has a degree in (and passion for) literature. Cy has been playing Dungeons & Dragons for almost 20 years. He’s an excellent Dungeon Master and is loved by kids and parents alike!

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Improvisation is an enjoyable and safe environment for an individual to experience self-growth.  Plus, it is SUPER FUN!  Through interactive activities and exercise, our students get the chance to experience growth on a physical, emotional and physical level.  This program teaches acting techniques AND improves confidence, has social benefits and promotes communication skills. Commedia dell’arte is an Italian style of theatre that was popular in Europe in the 16th century and most of the comedy and stock characters we see today originated from this art form. Instructor: Shakespeare Kids. Max:  8 students

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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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These days of social distancing are actually a good time to acquire new skills and level up our musical abilities! Group and individual instruction will be provided for guitar, ukulele, and bass. Students will learn songs, new chords, single note patterns, advanced picking and strumming techniques and the basics of music theory. The emphasis is on fun, playing with other musicians and learning the fundamentals of how music works. We will use new and classic songs that are player-friendly to get rolling quickly. Instruction takes into account each student’s individual ability and experience. Along the way, students will learn by listening to popular, classical and world music. Continuing OSA music students will receive a continuation of their instruction with fresh techniques and materials, but new and beginning students are also welcome. Instructor: Jack Lee. Max: 6 students. Independent practice is highly recommended 10-15 min/day.

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. His playing appears on hundreds of album projects.

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Our focus in Session 1 will be Community Food Heroes. Our food source is so important and our local chefs/restaurant owners are working hard to create a safe environment for outdoor dining.  One Spark Academy is planning on inviting guest speakers to Zoom with us; perhaps they can prepare an amazing dish before our eyes. The following week it will be your turn, as each instructor will walk you through preparing a dish. If County orders allow, we hope to arrange a safe class picnic outing at a local park with take-out from the restaurant. During the course, students will learn how to read a recipe, use basic tools (like measuring cups and spoons), even chop with a knife (under supervision).  We will need parents to supervise or give permission to allow students to use different tools in their kitchen. Instructor: Laura Erlig, Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 10 students

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We are living in strange times and find ourselves learning to adapt and change, and in doing so, some of us are turning to tactile tasks such as bread making to soothe our souls and stomachs.  Come join Bread Camp where we will be baking breads such as Italian Focaccia, Banana Bread, Pizza Runza, Artisan Biscuits, Finnish Pannukakku, Milk Bread, and possibly Beginner Sourdough Bread.  AND, while waiting for our Bread to Rise and Bake, students will participate in churning butter, making jam and zines, and watching videos on EVERYTHING BREAD.  Cost includes most ingredients, which will be delivered to local homes. Instructor: Jerri Baker. Max: 6 students per class

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Explore the wonders of watercolor! This is a class designed for students who want to learn the art of watercolor painting. Basic artistic concepts pertaining to the medium will be covered, such as techniques, transparency, composition, and basic color theory. A fundamental, hands-on working knowledge of the medium and equipment will be addressed. Emphasis will be on skill building, and helping students develop a personal style. Specific techniques will be addressed to help students make decisions and work through and complete paintings. The first half of the lessons will be “directed” but then students should think about & assemble the kinds of subject matter they would like to paint in order to create paintings that they are passionate about. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Max: 8 students per class.  

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This workshop will provide time for students to practice their best penmanship while learning (or relearning) all cursive, standard print, and calligraphy. For the last class, students will handwrite a special letter to a loved one.  Note: Although this is a low-pressure course, students should be willing to practice as much as possible in class and out to gain proficiency. Independent practice is highly recommended, about 10-15 min/day. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students per class. 

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The Earth is our home. We are here, together – with plants and animals and mountains and each other. Eco is a virtual home-away-from home, also with plants and animals and mountains and each other. Unlike Earth, a meteor looms in the sky. If we do nothing, it will destroy our world at midnight on December 18. To stop the oncoming meteor, we’ll need lasers. Big lasers. Those lasers require high-tech factories that create pollution which harms the plants that feed the workers in the high-tech factories. Lasers require electronics that require metals that require smelting that require mines. It’s a knotty problem. And all you have is a handy tent and a friendly hatchet. And us. Thank goodness, we have us. Can we do it? Can we save the world? We shall find out. Together. This course is planned as part one of a two-session game; independent time is needed if students want to finish the game. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Reliable internet connection, and a middle-strength gaming computer. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10 students

Recommended hardware:

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1500X 3.5 GHz Quad-Core or Intel i5-6500 3.2 GHz Quad-Core or similar
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 7850 or NVIDIA GeForce GT 640 or Intel HD Graphics 540 or similar (2 GB memory recommended)
• If you have any questions about the compatibility of your hardware for this class, please email Tim Handley at Tim@onesparkacademy.com

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This special time prior is for our group to come together to learn and practice critical interpersonal skills, such as empathy, listening, body language, and effective conversational abilities. That time is as important as ever during this time of upheaval. Each week, we will address a topic that will help our community grow in their relationships and their resilience. During Circle, we will also clarify and discuss expectations for a peaceful, proactive and positive learning environment. Finally, this 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 members of our OSA community are asked to attend this important time for connection. Facilitated by Lori Peters, although other adults/students may lead at times.

Circle will be offered from 10:30-10:55 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We would like all students to attend at least one Circle per week, on a day that works within their schedules. (They may attend daily, but only commit to one)

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This class will be held at the Las Flores Community Garden. Parents will need to drop off and either pick up, or transport can be arranged. Students will be involved in what it means to have a plot in a community garden.  Weekly reading will happen at the garden from a book called Seedfolks.  Weekly gardening responsibilities will be integrated with the research topic of the week, scavenger hunts in the garden regarding different types of plants, guest speakers, art and craft activities related to garden.  Research topics this session include soil, compost, microclimates, annual vs perennial plants, seeds, vermicompost, and water. Instructor: Laura Erlig, with Deneen Cienfuegos assisting. Max: 8 students per class.

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Students will find and collect interesting 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 and minerals are formed.  Students will learn about the rock cycle and the different classifications of rocks. Please note: This class will be outdoors and offsite at different locations each week. Parents will need to drop off at various locations in the Conejo Valley area and arrange for transport home. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students.

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Welcome to the Fitness Club! This class will be held offsite at a local park. Parents will need to drop off students at the location in Thousand Oaks; pick up/diving home will need to be arranged in advance. Over the next seven weeks, we will work on a variety of different styles of work outs, 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. Classes will be flexible, depending on the weather– working out can be fun inside and/or outside! Dependent on the desires and flexibility of the group, trail runs may be included. The Fitness Club will be a low pressure, no judgement workout class; students will work out at their own pace. Sue looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for fitness with the students! Instructor: Sue Eaton with Jerri Baker assisting. Max: 10 per class.

NOTE: Due to Covid-19, equipment cannot be shared. With ample spacing, students can work out without face coverings, but must wear them upon arrival and pick up, or when in close proximity to others. Yoga mats should be brought to each class. 

About Sue: Most of you know Sue as the 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. About Jerri: Most people don’t know that Jerri was an “All American in Track and Field and Cross Country” in her days at Occidental College. But these days, Jerri has taken a different path:  she is walking, meditating, a gentle yoga seeker, and most recently can been seen dancing in her butter-churning class. She is excited to join Sue and the OSA kiddos for their fitness fun.

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Come join us as we hit some of the lesser known local trails and enjoy all that nature has to offer – views, vistas, flora and fauna. Water, sunscreen, hat, and face covering* required, and families welcome! Moderate hiking level, and weather will be taken into consideration. *Students must come with a face covering (mask or bandana) which can be removed once out on the trail, where social distancing can be maintained.  Please note: Location for drop off will be emailed the Monday of each week to be ready for the hike ahead.  Instructor: Sue Eaton and Deneen Cienfuegos. Max: 10  

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