Summer Programs 2013
Class Descriptions (Non-Credit)

Reading comprehension is a critical skill for success in school. This course teaches students to read critically, see themes in literature, and focus on comprehension. Games and fun competitions keep students’ attention as they learn new ways to approach literature.
Instructor(s): Julie Fine & Staff
 

Designed for students preparing to enter Algebra I in the fall, this course touches on the introductory topics of Algebra I, such as solving multi-step equations, simplifying algebraic expressions, graphing in the coordinate plane, linear functions and exponents. The course has a strong emphasis on teaching students to organize their written work. Applications of fractions and decimals are included.
Instructor(s): Sue Mazzolini
 

Designed for students who have completed Algebra I and want to strengthen their understanding of it or re-visit the course to prepare for Algebra II. The course reviews the central topics covered in Algebra I, such as factoring, quadratic functions, exponents, and rational functions, with a central focus on teaching students to organize their written work. Includes practice with fractions and decimals.
Instructor(s): Sue Mazzolini & Jared Neufer
 

Take your love for zoo animals to a whole new level! Students research zoo animals, keep journals, make posters, and present what they've learned about different animals to the class. They also practice reading, writing, and public speaking skills daily.
Instructor(s): Julie Fine
 

Engaging lessons inspire the inner artist as students expand their creativity and technology skills. Students explore the Animation-ish program and develop animation projects relevant to age-appropriate topics.
Instructor(s): Julie Fine, Teeraya Tomlin, Staff
 

Students learn the history, physical, emotional, and social benefits, safety strategies, skills, and techniques of archery necessary to participate in and enjoy the sport as a lifetime activity. Taught by an instructor certified by the National Archery in the Schools program.
Instructor(s): Shane Lewis
 

Summer is a time to be creative, discover the wonders of your senses, and connect with our natural curiosity. In this playful summer class, rising kindergartners explore in the areas of art, science, and music. Through hands-on work and rich sensorial experiences, students are encouraged to use their senses and whole body in work and play. Time is set aside each day for small group practice with writing, number concepts, Jolly Phonics, and beginning reading. Dress for a mess, although paint shirts are provided. Materials included for exploration include clay, paper, paints, glue, fabric, water, and other natural materials!
Instructor(s): Kelli Newsome & Claire Tyra
 

Students create a variety of age-appropriate projects using modeling clay, mosaics, watercolors, iron beads, and more.
Instructor(s): Staff
 

Boys and girls have the opportunity to focus on improving skills, game strategies, and teamwork. Instruction is organized and managed by experienced coaches who utilize drills, small group activities, and scrimmages in order to make classes educational and fun. Each class takes place in the air-conditioned gym.
Instructor(s): Mark Corliss, Jim Judge, Sean Newland
 

In this introductory course, students learn how to make several types of baskets including split reed, fabric coiled, and even a basket made from cardboard strips!
Instructor(s): Cindy Fowler
Materials fee: $15
 

Improve reading strategies, critical thinking skills, and vocabulary through high interest short stories. Then relax with a traditional book, Kindle, or Nook to accomplish your summer reading goals.
Instructor(s): Marie Bippus
 

Learn the art of making books. Using simple supplies, students learn to make several book types, from accordion books to Ziploc books and others in-between. Students leave with the skills to make more books at home!
Instructor(s): Desiree Ong
 

Students learn how to make various types of cards including thank you and birthday cards using scrapbooking paper, stamps, embossing powder, glitter, and other materials. Students learn fun crafting techniques and complete the class with their own hand-made cards to send.
Instructor(s): Heather Arguello
 

Learn to play the ancient game of chess or improve current skills. This fascinating game, with elements of art, science, and competition, is played all over the world, including thousands of games daily on the Internet. Join the international world of chess and learn from a master.
Instructor(s): Will Wharton
 

Learn the important elements of how to use Photoshop to create works of art. Students learn how to change color and create digital paintings, as well as how to draw and sketch from a blank file. Each student is given a digital textbook of all techniques and tools learned in class that can be used to create more works of art at home. Students are required to bring one portable flash drive to save all assignments. Each student receives an 8x10 photo of their favorite piece.
Instructor(s): Peter Pagnotta
 

Explore what goes into the news every night! From writing the news to being a live reporter to putting it all together, learn what it takes to work in the news industry and have fun doing it!
Instructor(s): Scott Minard
 

Students take photos using digital cameras, and then image the files using Adobe Photoshop on Apple computers. No prior experience required. This class gives students the basic skills necessary to create, edit, and produce their own photographs for digital or print- based media. Also covered are the basic, most useful aspects of Photoshop for beginning photographers. Student’s own camera is helpful but not required.
Instructor(s): Peter Pagnotta, Krista Tomlin
 

Students explore their theatrical talents. Beginning with their own creative ideas, students learn a step-by-step approach to develop, write, and present their ideas in the form of a play. Writers, actors, set designers, crew – all creative people are welcome!
Instructor(s): Teeraya Tomlin
 

Develop a sense of style and creativity exploring the world of a fashion designer. This class helps boys and girls discover what it takes to become a designer, where to find inspiration, and how to identify their individual style by creating a Fashion Board and a Look Book for their designs. Students also will have an introductory sewing lesson.
Instructor(s): Susan Alexander
Class fee: $50
 

Students choose to research one of the following: a significant historic event, a college, a sport, a career, a company, a country, an important person, or a topic of their choice. Then they create fun foldables to creatively display information about their topic.
Instructor(s): Heather Arguello
 

Learning comes to life as students improve skills in math, language arts, and science. Students are guided to work independently on EducationCity.com, an award-winning eLearning resource for children, which harnesses interactivity, animation, and humor to make learning fun.
Instructor(s): Julie Fine, Kristine Stevens, Staff
 

Students conduct fun scientific experiments to explore the worlds of chemistry, physics, and life and earth science. Each day, students conduct a simple, hands-on experiment to stimulate the curious mind and discover new ways to look at our world.
Instructor(s): Maki Fullerton
 

Fun with a purpose! Class time is used primarily to play games such as Taboo, Charades, Word Association, and other games of expression and quick thought to help students develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, verbal and physical expression, humor skills, social interactions, and more. Explore the importance of taking "safe risks," accepting and celebrating mistakes, and expanding avenues of communication, all of which can be valuable life skills. It sounds serious, but is centered on fun and a lot of healthy game playing.
Instructor(s): Keith Burns
 

Learn or refresh your skills in world geography: continents, countries, cities, landforms, and water. Students learn not only facts about the world but also skills for success in social studies using maps, worksheets, and computer programs. The last day of class will include a Geography Bee.
Instructor(s): Jill Scott
 

Grab your passports and prepare for a trip around the world through food! Discover new foods from other nations that can be easily prepared. Students are introduced to basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and cleanliness, as well as etiquette and social skills that go along with enjoying a meal with friends and family.
Instructor(s): Bethany Richardson
 

Students learn how to design pages and edit photos like the pros! Using Photoshop, students learn how to remove blemishes, whiten teeth, remove wrinkles, and correct red eye, as well as how to use all of the cool Photoshop filters! Students then create their own digital books using InDesign, the program that professionals use to design magazines and newspapers. Each student takes home a professional-looking digital book loaded with their favorites: movies, games, sports, actors, singers, bands, TV shows, books, friends, family, and anything else they want to showcase.
Instructor(s): Katie Zink
 

Before they can save the day, heroes must exercise, practice, and drill. Likewise, Handwriting Heroes work to improve their handwriting and penmanship by exercising small muscles in their fingers and hands, practicing proper form and technique, and participating in special activities to save the day (or at least the class). Class is built on a research-based handwriting curriculum that incorporates developmentally appropriate and multisensory tools.
Instructor(s): Emilia Massimi
 

Students explore all the wonders of clay as they make imaginary creatures and fantastic objects. They learn how to form and sculpt creations by using the three hand-building techniques - pinch, coil, and slab. Students also learn simple painting techniques to finish their works of art.
Instructor(s): Kristine Stevens, Staff
 

Using fun and interactive programs, students set their own speed and accuracy goals to improve their keyboarding technique. Skills are put to the test at the end of the session when students type the summary of a movie with hands covered. Each lesson’s printout shows progress and demonstrates speed and accuracy improvements, which help to build each student’s keyboarding confidence.
Instructor(s): Kelsey Neal
 

Come to this class ready to create! Students explore art using different materials and media. They use their imaginations and stretch their creative muscles while producing masterpieces. A great way to kickstART your summer!
Instructor(s): Bethany Richardson
 

Boys and girls focus on improving fundamental skills through drills, small group activities, and possibly scrimmages. The goal of the class is to learn the basics in an educational and fun setting. Lacrosse takes place early in the morning on the lower fields. Students must have their own lacrosse stick and cleats or sneakers. A helmet and gloves are recommended.
Instructor(s): Staff
 

Students will learn about different types of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Students will read about the characteristics of each natural disaster, choose one to research, and then present their research topic to the class in a method they choose.
Instructor(s): Heather Arguello
 

These are not your ordinary LEGOs. Using the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kit, students construct and program LEGO robots to complete a set of tasks. Beginning by programming the robots to drive, students ultimately use sensors to aid the robots in completing the tasks.
Instructor(s): Joe Tamer, Chris Mattinson
 

Enjoy your summer by making meaningful gifts and treats of your own. Students learn how to use tools from a hammer and pliers to a level and tape measure, as well as kitchen gadgets like a hand juicer. Students learn the art of cooking (ice cream in a bag?), herbal tea, making homemade toys, gift-wrapping, and even creating unique art objects from yarn, felt, and leaves. This class is great for boys and girls with a lot of imagination and minds ready to explore!
Instructor(s): Teeraya Tomlin
 

Isn't it time you discovered why Mandarin is one of the world's most widely spoken languages? In addition to learning enough basics to handle yourself at a Chinese restaurant, you'll uncover the beauty of writing Chinese characters, learn a couple of contemporary songs, get up to speed so you're ready for the next Chinese holiday, and learn the best way to make ?? (dumplings). China is the oldest continuous civilization on the planet --over 5,000 years. Find out why the 21st century may be its most interesting century yet. Come get your Chinese on!
Instructor(s): Mark Corliss
 

Learn the basics of one of the world's most widely spoken languages. Through interactive songs, stories, games, and oral and written practice, students will experience the fun of learning Mandarin. We'll explore the foods, customs, and holidays of China while developing rudimentary language skills. How exciting will it be to use an ink stone, brush, and rice paper as you learn the strokes necessary to write beautiful Chinese characters? Be able to use ?? (chopsticks) and order simple dishes the next time your parents take you to a Chinese restaurant. It's summertime and the Chinese is easy!
Instructor(s): Mark Corliss
 

This course provides practice working with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students work individually and in small groups on skill review and problem-solving activities. A diagnostic test on the first day identifies each student’s individual needs.
Instructor(s): Kristin Stevens, Staff
 

Tour the world of mathematics, using middle school skills, looking for patterns in sequences and connections between new problems, old problems, and the world around us. Students look at classic problems, famous numbers, and the rich relationships between seemingly different problems. This course enriches the mathematical experience and enhances students’ appreciation for the wonders of mathematics.
Instructor(s): Jared Neufer
 

This course strengthens the student’s conceptual understanding of mathematics and provides ample time for drill and review. A complement to the regular mathematics curriculum, it’s specifically designed to consolidate the mathematics skills that students need to proceed to the next level.
Instructor(s): Lee Edwards
 

A course intended for students who either wish to preview Pre-Algebra or consolidate their background in Pre-Algebra prior to taking Algebra I next year. All students take a diagnostic test to identify individual needs. Where appropriate, students engage in small-group problem-solving activities.
Instructor(s): Marie Bippus, Jared Neufer
 

Dust off the chain mail and travel back in time to the age of knights, castles, kings, and queens. Through readings, videos, and discussion, students explore Medieval Europe and its folklore and legends. Students design a coat-of-arms and banners and learn how to build model catapults, drawbridges, and towers.
Instructor(s): Jill Scott
 

This course aims to enhance student understanding of why we write via demonstration and experimentation with both creative and persuasive modes. In the first week, students become familiar with the styles and conventions of many types of creative writing, including a hands-on opportunity to create their own. Then the focus shifts to the development of organized, unified, and coherent paragraphs as a foundation for middle and high school composition.
Instructor(s): Brian Mensinger, Ryan Joyce
 

This game-based class uses a variety of fun and fast paced activities to help students learn multiplication tables and commit them to memory. The class focuses solely on multiplication, numbers 0-12. Students have both guided and independent practice. In this non-competitive class, the goal is to have 100 percent proficiency and lots of fun! Prizes awarded daily.
Instructor(s): Kimberly Abbott
 

Students explore the vast history of western music by listening, watching, and reading about composers, bands, and orchestras across the world.
Instructor(s): Maurine Fleming
Class fee: $50
 

Students share in many aspects of musical performance including rhythm, melody, harmony, and notation in a fun and relaxed environment. No instruments needed.
Instructor(s): Maurine Fleming
 

This “playful” class is for students who want to learn about dancing, singing, and acting. Students learn basic dance steps, vocal exercises to strengthen the diaphragm and encourage proper breathing, and acting exercises and games to strengthen the ability to become a character using facial and body expression. Students learn these disciplines in the style of Broadway shows or current movie musicals. The goal is to increase presence and confidence for the stage and daily life.
Instructor(s): Keith & Karen Burns
 

Students draw a still life using conte crayon. Drawing concepts of line, shape, perspective, and shading are used.
Instructor(s): Patricia Bomberg-Roth
 

Experience the fun of paper folding and cutting. Students learn to read and interpret universal origami symbols in order to create a variety of models. Students draw and color a repeating pattern to use in an origami model.
Instructor(s): Patricia Bomberg-Roth
 

Boys and girls have the opportunity to improve performance in their sport(s) of choice by training with a certified strength and conditioning coach. Each student is guided through an age/skill appropriate training program that includes plyometrics, weight training, speed training, agility training, and conditioning. Training is designed to improve the physical characteristics that help improve performance in sports - speed, power, agility, strength, fitness, balance, and flexibility. Class takes place outdoors as well as in our air-conditioned fitness facility.
Instructor(s): Kai Etheridge
 

This course provides extensive practice with typical PSAT and SAT I questions. Students are presented with test-taking strategies designed to enable them to perform at a level commensurate with their abilities. Students are actively involved in discussing different approaches to the questions being attempted.
Instructor(s): Jared Neufer
 

Given the emphasis on these tests in awarding National Merit Scholarships and in making college admission decisions, it is critical that college-bound students hone their verbal and test-taking skills. This course focuses on the two basic components of the PSAT/SAT: critical reading (sentence completion and passage-based reading) and writing (identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, improving paragraphs). Students learn test-taking strategies, take sample tests, and review the principles of grammar, usage, mechanics, and style. Homework is assigned.
Instructor(s): Desiree Ong
 

Reader's Theatre is a literacy activity in which students read directly from scripts to tell a story in the most creative way possible without using props, costumes, or sets. Students are encouraged to be creative and use all of their dramatic reading skills to bring the script to life. Reader's Theatre promotes fluency, comprehension, and cooperative learning.
Instructor(s): Bethany Richardson
 

Learn how to make a relief print using either a collagraph print or a linoleum block print. Students in grades 2-4 create a collagraph print by creating a design with cardboard, fabric, and organic material glued to a backing. Then they ink the protected design and print it. Students in grades 5-8 create a linoleum block print by carving a design into the linoleum, inking the block, and then printing it.
Instructor(s): Patricia Bomberg-Roth
 

Learn from an experienced director of the Phoenix Boys Choir in this unique summer class! Open to both boys and girls who are eager to learn music reading and vocal technique, and who will enjoy performing music from various genres and diverse cultures. No experience required!
Instructor(s): Phoenix Boys Choir
 

Students create a robot using the Boe-Bot robotics kit. They learn how to wire basic electric circuits on their robots and program them in the BASIC programming language. Students initially program their robots to drive and then progress to utilizing sensors to create a more intelligent robot.
Instructor(s): Chris Mattinson
 

Always dreaming of being in a rock band? Looking cool for your friends? This is the class for you! Looking for guitar, bass, and keyboard players, plus drummers and singers to form the ultimate rock band. Learn a few classics and have some rock-n-roll fun. Musicians need to bring their own instruments.
Instructor(s): Peter Pagnotta
 

Have a blast in this scientific endeavor! Students explore the basic science and engineering associated with rockets in a hands-on approach with a former NASA scientist. Students build a series of air-powered, liquid-powered, and engine-powered rockets and consider elements of their design to accomplish certain goals. Learning science has never been so fun. Students take home their model rockets at the end of the course.
Instructor(s): Joe Tamer
Materials fee: $20
 

Beginners learn basic sewing fundamentals by hand and machine. Through crafting various personalized projects, boys and girls learn how to sew fabric pieces together, creating functional pieces of sewn art in a fun and relaxed environment. Sample projects include: stuffed animal, pillow, bandana book cover, and crazy socks.
Instructor(s): Susan Alexander
Materials fee: $15
 

The first step to learning a language is to become comfortable with oral communication. This course focuses on listening and speaking skills for beginning and intermediate students of Spanish. Fun, technology-based activities are used to reinforce and expand students’ real-life communication skills. If time permits, the class will review grammar and reading lessons.
Instructor(s): Alvaro Otalora
 

This class is designed for students with no prior experience or no more than one year of experience playing a stringed instrument. In this exploratory course, students have an opportunity to understand each of the four instruments. Some basic note reading and rhythms are presented. (Instrument rental fee, if applicable: $25.)
Instructor(s): Maurine Fleming
 

Tape, that is! Are you stuck on everything duct tape? Or looking for something fun to do? Make awesome accessories from the funkiest duct tape colors you've ever seen! Want to make a wallet, bracelet, flowers, bag, cell phone case or something else just as fun? Perfect - we'll show you how using cool colors from camouflage to neon, zebra, leopard print and everything in between! Bring your creativity and we’ll supply all materials.
Instructor(s): Emilia Massimi
 

Have fun while reinforcing reading, math, writing, and research skills. The beach theme lends itself to a relaxed and productive learning experience. Students “surf” between classes in small groups “pooled” with daily hands-on projects, snacks, and free-choice activities. Individual support provided on a regular basis by three of the most-experienced PCDS elementary school faculty members.
Instructor(s): Cindy Davis, Karen Bruntz & Evelyne Macrodimitris
 

Through various drills, students work to improve skills on the four main strokes, with proper technique, safety, and fun emphasized. Also included is an introduction to turns and pace clock use. Games include water polo, pool basketball, swimming races, tag, Marco Polo, and Treasure Hunt. All games are designed to encourage exercise and teamwork and develop students’ swimming skills.
Instructor(s): Shane Lewis, Sean Newland
 

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that literally means “The Way of Hand and Foot.” This dynamic and exciting martial art is taught by Master David Bohreer, a 5th-degree black belt with 16 years of experience and the owner of Core Strength Martial Arts. (www.corestrengthma.com).
Instructor(s): David Bohreer
 

Students learn tennis through fun teaching techniques! The emphasis is on fundamentals, sportsmanship, fitness, excellence, success, competition, and fun. Don’t worry about the heat; the 9:20 a.m. class is conducted inside the air-conditioned gym. All skill levels welcome. Coach Jerry says, “Give your child a sport for life.” Teaching professionals are certified with the U.S. Professional Tennis Association.
Instructor(s): Jerry Keever
 

This class offers instruction and practice in the skills needed for comedy improvisation. Listening, quick thinking, character development, and scene building techniques are developed through exercises, games, and improvisational scene work. Perfect for students with interest in the performing arts, this class also helps develop acting skills in addition to improvisation. No experience necessary.
Instructor(s): Keith Burns
 

In today’s technological age, almost everyone has access to a camera, but not nearly as many people know how to turn that raw video into a film worthy of Harkins Theatres. Students learn all the basic editing techniques needed to put together their own films, titles, cuts, and even some effects.
Instructor(s): Scott Minard
 

Students are introduced to Processing, an open source programming language used to create images, animations, and interactions. Play favorite video games, analyze what makes them fun, create physical prototypes, and program them. Review of basic computer skills helps students navigate the network and practice presentation skills applicable in an educational environment. No experience required.
Instructor(s): Jared Neufer
 

Learn the art of digital video production. From scriptwriting, to filming, to editing, this class covers everything students need to make their own films, the culmination of which will be making a film to be entered in a film competition.
Instructor(s): Scott Minard
Class fee: $50
 

Boys and girls have the opportunity to focus on improving skills, game strategies, and teamwork. Instruction is organized and managed by experienced coaches who utilize drills, small group activities, and scrimmages in order to make classes educational and fun. Each class takes place in the air-conditioned gym.
Instructor(s): Sean Newland, Jim Judge, Emilia Massimi
 

Cool off this summer with a themed tea party everyday. We will have lots of fun doing crafts, playing games, and of course, enjoying tea and treats.
Instructor(s): Kimberly Abbott
 

Designed for students who wish to refine their writing skills and prepare for the demands of later, more advanced work, this course reinforces grammatical principles, standards of correct usage, editing, and vocabulary development. Through the use of daily journals, expository prose, and exercises in writing for argument, students learn the process and form of good writing.
Instructor(s): Lee Edwards