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FAMILY   -   EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT
Back to School Cool
September, 2012 - Issue #95
Fun Activities that Lead to Better Academic Performance
When you think, "improve your child's reading skills," do you think about flash cards or back flips? When you plan on ways to help your son or daughter grow their love for math, do you knit a sweater or knit your brow (and then hire a stern tutor)? Science has shown that extracurricular activities - what moms and dads in the highly-competitive year of 2012 often construe as "just for fun" - can actually build brain pathways that work to enhance academic performance. You may see higher grades after engaging your child in these activities, but the only thing they'll see is a good time (and more friends, less stress, better health...!).

"Building the HEARTS of champions."


Wallers' GymJam Academy
What they offer: Wallers' GymJam Academy offers gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling and dance instruction for all levels, pre school age through high school. There are both non-competitive recreational classes as well as one of the best competitive boys, girls and T&T programs in the country.

Why they get an A+: Wallers' GymJam Academy is owned and directed by 1992 Olympian and 2004 Olympic Coach Chris Waller.

How it will help your child "stick their landing" outside of the gym, too: "Gymnastics and early childhood movement education is directly attributed to developing neurological pathways in students and promoting reading readiness," according to the United States Elite Coaches Association for Women's Gymnastics.

How they can help your budget: New recreational clients can take advantage of a great "Back to School" special! Register for a new class by September 30, 2012 and take a whopping 50 percent off October's tuition.
251-3390 www.gymjamacademy.com

"A CREATIVE WAY to improve your student's math skills."


Creative U Studios
Why making a sweater can help your child make better grades: If you've done any amount of knitting (or crocheting), you know math is involved. Whether it's calculating your gauge, or something as simple as counting your cast-on stitches (The pros at Creative U Studios go in multiples of 10; what about you?), you have to have at least a basic understanding of math.

What the academics say: "Knitting and crocheting are helping us think about math we already know in a different light," says Carolyn Yackel, a mathematician at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

What kids say: "Classes at Creative U Studios help you make friends and learn a new skill!"

What you can do: Sign them up (Call or drop by the new studio!) for the Handwork Class. The next session starts on September 14, runs from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and is for kids ages 6 to 13. No matter what their ability, your child will be patiently taught handwork skills like knitting, crocheting, needle felting, embroidery and cross stitch. As their ability grows, so will the complexity of their projects.
250-4600 www.creativeu.net

"Giving children the OPPORTUNITY to
explore & experience
the world around them."


Creative Years Preschool
Who they are: Creative Years has been successfully preparing children for kindergarten since 1979 by educating the whole child. Through their exciting, creative curriculum your child will form a love for learning and look forward to every day of attending school. Preschool is the greatest gift you can give your child to prepare them for their scholastic career.

The "seeds" you'll plant: At Creative Years, your child will be taught to have self confidence, creativity and self-help skills along with social and scholastic skills that will not only make them successful in elementary school, but the rest of their life. Children learn in a creative and professional environment, with highly qualified, experienced teachers.

The money you'll save: Mention Inside SCV Magazine and get FREE registration - a $150 value.

What's new: Creative Years is offering a Transitional Kindergarten program for children who have missed the new cut-off date of November 1 or for children who wish to have another year of preparation before entering kindergarten. This program is Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with before- and after-school care available.

What you may not know: Creative Years has Full Time and Part Time preschool available to accommodate your family's needs.
254-0718 www.creativeyears.com

Bullying not Tolerated in the Hart School District
by Robert Challinor
One issue of concern by William S. Hart District administrators and staff is the growing incidence of cyber-bullying. While bullying is not a new phenomenon, it is an issue that the Hart District has always taken seriously and we have addressed head-on with special student and staff programs. Cyber-bullying is a newer problem that is growing due to the increasing use of social media, particularly by teenagers, and the ability to have some anonymity. Cyber-bullying is defined as any bullying, harassment, or intimidation when such is accomplished utilizing electronic communication media or electronic signaling devices. Such media includes, but is not limited to, e-mail messages, text messages, instant messages, social networking sites, internet-based video sites and postings on blogs. Examples of cyber-bullying include mean text messages or e-mails, rumors sent by e-mail or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites or fake profiles. Cyber-bullying can happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While bullying behaviors are certainly of great concern to the school district, please understand that our jurisdiction extends to conduct that occurs on the school campus, at school-sponsored activities or events (regardless of the location), on school-provided transportation, or through school-owned technology or that otherwise creates a significant disruption to the school environment. Parental cooperation and support is essential to help mitigate these problems. Parents, family members and other caring adults have a role to play in preventing bullying. Keep lines of communication open, listen to concerns, help kids understand what bullying is and that it's not acceptable and make sure kids know how to get help if they are a victim of bullying. Parents, please help by supporting anti-bullying messages and internet safety at home.
Robert Challinor is the superintendent of the William S. Hart
Union High School District.


Mom & Dad can "Go Back to School" & get a Better Job, Too!
by Arleen Orland
When I went to school we were taught to read the book, listen to the teacher's lecture and take tests. I had a difficult time learning because I was not a good reader, good listener and was horrible at tests. I was a hands-on and visual learner.

Not all people learn the same way.

That is why, at Santa Clarita Technology & Career Development Center (287-3599), I teach students different methods so they can choose one that works for them to obtain the same results. Our small, private classes help students learn at a moderate pace and retain what they learn. It all comes down to our mission: to enhance the employment of our students by providing innovative, competency-based vocational training; professional skills for those wishing to develop occupational skills leading to initial job entry; and upgraded skills that lead to career advancement
or retraining.

Free Fundraising and More at Mountasia
Push the easy button with a birthday party at Mountasia Family Fun Center & Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. A sweet $99 gets you a party for eight kids with an hour and a half of lazer tag, golf or rock wall climbing; 200 video game points; a slice of pizza and a drink. Everyone knows this is the place for fun and games, but what about some fundraising? Their "Play it Forward" program provides 100 free Play Cards (Loaded with $625, in total, worth of play!) with random values from $5 to $20 to any local school that requests them. The school then sells them for $5 each for an instant $500 fundraiser. Or, consider a three-hour party for your charitable organization - just get 75 guests to attend and your group will earn 50 percent of the ticket-sale proceeds. Whether you're there for a party, some fundraising, or just a day of action-packed fun, be sure to take a shot at winning an iPad in their Key Master redemption game. 253-4FUN (4386)

"An EDUCATION is key
to success in our society, and one lucky SCV student
will get a set of Nissan keys for their efforts!,"

~ Daniel Sterkel, general manager of Nissan of Valencia


Stay in School, Win a Nissan from Nissan of Valencia
Yes, your kids should be internally motivated towards academic success. But wouldn't the chance at getting a car for staying in school work even better? (It would have with us!)

Last year, Nissan of Valencia gifted one SCV high schooler with a brand-new Nissan. Coordinating with the car giveaway was Nissan's donation of three $1,000 scholarships for SCV students and thousands of dollars gifted to Hart District drumlines.

This year, Nissan of Valencia wants to make another local high schooler's dreams of car ownership come true. "The goal is simple," says Daniel Sterkel, general manager of the all-new Nissan of Valencia. "We want to do everything we can to help kids stay in school. An education is key to success in our society, and one lucky SCV student will get a set of Nissan keys for their efforts!"

Full details on the contest will become available on Nissan of Valencia's website this fall.
Nissan of Valencia 255-2020 www.nissanofvalencia.com
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