Summer Enrichment – LAEF4KIDS.ORG

Summer enrichment institute 2023
Dates: June 20-july 14, 2023
Flyers and course offerings coming soon...

Elementary Campus = Rossmoor Elementary
High School Campus = Los Alamitos High School
SEI Session 1
June 20 - 30
SEI Session 2
July 3 - July 14 (No Class on July 4)

Online Registration will open on March 30 at noon.

Summer enrichment institute 2022 information
below for reference

2022 Elementary SEI Flyers

2022 Middle & High School SEI Flyer

2022 Other High School Offerings

Please note that the Multi-Class discount applies to SEI classes only. It does NOT apply to Summer Sports Camps run by High School Coaches or Camps in the Arts run by High School Directors or the High School Health Graduation class.

Elementary Class Descriptions – SEI 2022

Click on the arrow to read class descriptions

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.
All Jumpstart Classes are aligned with Common Core State Standards.

Let’s explore the Art in STEAM! Did you know that art plays a big role in a lot of STEM fields? Get ready to use your creativity and imagination to add an artistic twist to a variety of STEM projects. Participants will design and build a birdhouse, make crystals, and do a variety of nature inspired art projects. Let’s learn about the world around us while exploring the world of art.

Cheer is a sport involving the performance of organized cheering, chanting, and dancing. Cheer-leading teaches teamwork. The ability to work with other people to achieve a goal is an aspect of cheer-leading that carries over into your non-cheer life. This is because cheer-leading instills a strong work ethic. Cheerleaders are high achievers because cheer-leading teaches the following five key traits: Confidence, Dependability, Responsibility, Accountability and Difficulty.

In this class, students can expect to learn how to write different comic strips that will explore their creative side. Students will learn the importance of character choice, word choice, and the purpose in which they write. In addition, students will come to understand how comics began while learning different events in history and science in which they have been used. Students will look at different stylistic choices that famous comic book/strip authors use to pull in their readers. This will help students in writing, reading, speaking, and communicating.

With technology advancing at a very rapid pace, this course will not only allow students to increase their technology abilities in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and typing, but also in web skills and coding. Students will learn how to use, create, and save a word document and a PowerPoint presentation. This course will also utilize typing software and fun activities for students to learn the “home row” on the keyboard. Students will increase their web skills by learning how to research, navigate, and bookmark scholarly websites and articles. It will also increase students’ ability to become beginners at computer programming.

Did you know an earthworm has five hearts? Or that wasps make nests out of paper and that a grasshopper breathes out of holes on the sides of his belly? Nature is filled with some incredible creatures and we’ll explore the creepy and crawliest. We’ll build a bug, create our own paper pinata wasps’ nest and learn how to make friends with good bugs and avoid the bad ones…and maybe even eat a bug or two in the process! Join the adventure in Creepy, Crawly, Science.

This Beginning/Intermediate Gymnastic class will introduce your child to the exciting sport of gymnastics! Our program will teach your child stretching, locomotor skills, and basic gymnastics skills on the vault, bars, balance beam, and floor. Your child will improve coordination, strength, and developmental skills in a fun and safe environment. Gymnasts will be challenged with skill progressions as they advance in their abilities.

In this class, students will acquire basic vocabulary and grammatical structures that will allow them to engage in basic and daily conversations in Spanish. We will focus on high frequency vocabulary, which supports fluency. Students will acquire the language through personalized and engaging activities, such as student-centered conversation, songs, acting, compelling stories, and games. Essential vocabulary and grammar will be presented slowly, in context, and with visual, auditory and kinesthetic supports to make it comprehensible and accessible to all students.

What do you get when you combine curiosity, creativity, and an imagination? You have the perfect ingredients for solving the STEM challenges in our class. Come participate in a variety of STEAM activities that range from coding, designing, constructing, and testing various structures, and programming Ozobots. Get ready to learn about the Engineering Design Process, plus Science experiments: here we come! Let’s make slime and learn how crystals are formed. Come join us for a STEAM-tastic class!

This class will focus on bully prevention and self-defense, while helping students gain confidence in their physical abilities using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is a grappling style of martial art where children will learn to use takedowns and positional control to protect themselves. Our goals are to learn safety techniques, get/stay in shape, build coordination and strength, gain better focus and have fun! Classes will be divided into conditioning/general warm up, skill and techniques specific movement drills, technical instruction and practice, and conceptual mat chats. See you on the mats!

Children will engage in developmentally appropriate activities that will promote mathematical higher thinking skills. Your child will take part in fun and enjoyable large movement games and art activities that address kindergarten math goals. This course gives your child a jump-start with mathematical skills that include the following: counting, number recognition, patterning, adding, subtracting and more!

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.

Children will be exposed to the Soundabet phonics program and Houghton Mifflin Alpha-friends through writing activities, music and movement, and hands on activities. This course gives your child a head start in reading, which can lead to kindergarten success. It also builds confidence in your child, which will ease some first day of kindergarten jitters.

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.

Students will encounter daily activities that will prepare them for second grade success. They will use manipulatives to solve and discuss CGI math story problems, participate in guided reading groups, participate in Writers Workshop with an emphasis on adding details, editing and revising with a published story at the end of each week. First grade sight words, language conventions and math fast facts will be reviewed.

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.

Students will be exposed to fundamental third grade concepts and skills so they are prepared for and continue their forward momentum towards 3rd grade success. The course will include lessons in reading, fast facts, C.G.I. and multiple writing activities that focus on paragraph development and descriptive language.

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.

Students will encounter activities in writing and math that will prepare them for fifth grade success. They will participate in various writing activities with an emphasis on sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. Students will be exposed to fundamental fifth grade math concepts in Number Sense, Algebra, and Measurement & Geometry to prepare them for a smooth transition to fifth grade.

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.

Leadership instills confidence and helps children solve problems creatively, work in a team and work collaboratively with others while also developing crucial social-emotional learning. Social Emotional Learning is an essential piece of the puzzle to help students learn the soft skills they need to be productive, successful adults. Our curriculum pairs specific learning pillars with games, team-building, exercises, activities, self-assessments, and a custom reflection workbook.

Students will do daily stretches and a warm up activity. Next, they will get into a sports lesson including skills, drills, and game play. Cool down stretches to conclude the day.

Students will be learning a variety of different sports and activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, wiffle ball, and the 5 components of fitness. Students will learn the importance of participating in sports, fitness, and exercise for their lifelong health. Students will learn a variety of cooperative games that will help with their physical activity, social skills, teamwork, cooperation, and leadership roles.

Students will be learning about different art styles and mediums, and experiment with a wide range of art materials. The projects include painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking and mixed media art. We will practice and discover the love of creating by using our unique imagination and developing our technical skills. This class will be lively and fun, and encourage students to think out of the box, create from their imagination, and tell a story through art.

Chef Ollie will teach children about California food history, agriculture, gardening, cooking and safe food preparation. Children will make snacks and small dishes using fresh produce from local farmers markets and from garden harvests. All classes are peanut-free, however some ingredients may have been processed in the same facility that processes nuts. Chef Ollie is happy to make any reasonable accommodations and modifications to ensure your child has an inclusive and fun experience. *$50 Material Fee is added at checkout.

Students in this upbeat class will learn vocal technique, basic music theory, as well as how to perform a song. Using both classic and contemporary songs as a guide, students will enjoy learning how to portray character and emotion, giving each song meaning. We will incorporate free-form dance to loosen up the body and strengthen the diaphragm. This is the perfect class for the child that loves to sing.

Elementary Teacher Bios – SEI 2022

Lesli Ayers is happy to be back for her 12th year teaching SEI for LAEF! She has taught elementary education for the past 36 years between Los Alamitos Unified, Long Beach Unified and the city of La Cresenta. She is a proud graduate of Long Beach State and a proud parent of a Los Alamitos High School Graduate. Lesli looks forward to helping students reach their full academic potential through academics and the arts.

Melisa has a passion for teaching and motivating young people to discover their own passions, while striving to accomplish their goals. This fall will be her 15th year of teaching. As a Titan alum, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a Multiple Subject Teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton. Melisa has worked with a diverse group of students during her years of teaching, ranging from grades TK through 12th grade. She also has numerous years of experience teaching STEM with the Tiger Woods Foundation, through their enrichment and afterschool programs. As an educator, Melisa is driven by one philosophy; Inspire young people to believe in themselves and empower them to create positive change in the world. Melisa and LAEF are both excited to have her on board for her second summer teaching during SEI!

Chloe, a senior at Biola University in La Mirada, CA is from Lemoore, CA. She is a triplet and the youngest of six children. She is majoring in Communications Studies and plans on continuing her education to obtain her masters degree in Marketing and Communications. Chloe played college soccer at Fresno State University as well as Biola University. She also has experience playing varsity level volleyball and is passionate about coaching and encouraging your athletes to become the best versions of themselves.

Ollie graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Comparative Literature, English, Italian and Spanish. Ollie is a fully credentialed and highly qualified classroom teacher. She earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Long Beach, and an Ed Specialist Credential from the Orange County Department of Education with English Language Learner and Autism Authorization. Ollie earned her director’s credential from UCLA and has run an enrichment program and preschool as both a non-profit and a small business. She has 16 years of teaching experience and integrates inquiry-based and hands-on learning into her cooking classes. She cooked in Spain and Rome while completing her undergraduate work; and traveled extensively throughout Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii and Europe. Ollie brings her traveling experiences to the kitchen with simple, rustic dishes using local and sustainable ingredients. While living in Berkeley, Ollie was inspired by Alice Waters’ cooking, edible garden, and farm-to-school programs. She currently works as a private chef and teaches organic cooking and biodynamic gardening classes. Her family’s roots are from Ischia, a small island off of Naples, which is reflected in her Italo-California fusion cooking and passion for gardening. In her spare time she enjoys cooking with her family, creating cheese plates, caring for a baby California desert tortoise and Zucca the puppy (Italian for squash). Ollie is excited about teaching for LAEF again this summer!

Brittney Davidson is a fourth-grade teacher in the Cypress School District. She attended Los Alamitos High School and is overjoyed to be back with the Los Al community. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in the Inclusive Classroom from Concordia University. Brittney believes in creating an engaging and equitable atmosphere where all students are comfortable sharing their learning. She expects her students to be kind, joyful, and scholarly in the classroom. Brittney has a passion for making real world connections to academics to peak student interest. Brittney is excited about teaching for LAEF again this summer at SEI!

Melodie graduated from Hope International University in Fullerton with a B.A. in Human Development and has taught in several private elementary schools throughout southern California for over twenty years. Developing her own curriculum and spear-heading an innovative after school program on the east coast, she moved back to California to pursue her love of hands-on teaching in the classroom. She is currently a projects coordinator at Oakwood Academy in Long Beach and regularly teaches for LAEF after-school and during the summer.

Carrie is in her 9th year as an elementary school teacher at McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach. This is her 21st year as a teacher. In her career she has taught from 1st grade to 4th grade but has been teaching 3rd grade for the last 6 years. She grew up in Long beach and went to schools in Long beach. She then spent the next 2 years at Long Beach City College and transferred to Oregon State University where she graduated as a Broadcast Journalism Major. She is married now with 3 boys who are 17, 15 and 11. They are a water polo family and that is what she does most weekends. Her oldest will be attending Long Beach State in the Fall to play water polo and they are so excited to cheer him on! She loves being around kids, watching sports and being with her GoldenDoodle, Sailor.

Free to Be Me Performance Academy provides quality performance training in a positive, enthusiastic, nurturing, and embracing environment. Through their classes students learn essential life skills such as teamwork, respect, responsibility, care and compassion. They emphasize the importance of character both on and off the stage and work to inspire each student to BE a positive light out in the community. Most importantly they encourage FUN!

Mrs. Marisol Garcia, M.Ed. comes to Los Al with 21 years of experience specializing in elementary education (science and math are her favorites) and Professional Learning Support for K-8 students. She has two education-based master’s degrees and recently added Mild/Moderate Special Education Credential to her repertoire. Mrs. Garcia has a true passion for teaching and helping each of her students realize their full potential and achieve success in a variety of areas and levels. Each child is equipped with a unique skillset, and Mrs. Garcia celebrates and embraces each challenge they encounter together!

David Grace received his degree from California State University Fullerton, in the field of Kinesiology. He has a range of experience working with young athletes through the Boys and Girls Club, National Junior Basketball League, and AYSO. He has worked for the Anaheim and Garden Grove school districts as a paraeducator in the Autism and Special Education departments where he worked in classroom, home, clinic, and community settings with his students. He is currently the head freshman/sophomore basketball coach at Garden Grove High School. He is a father of two young children, enjoys playing sports, and camping with his wife and kids.

Sonya has been teaching voice, musical theater, and dance for the past eleven years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton in Theatre Arts and continues to perform herself in both theatre and television. Ms. Henning owns and operates an academy for arts in Long Beach, Emerging Artists Musical Theatre Academy, where the mission is to give every child the opportunity to experience a performing arts education.

Julie is an upper grade teacher at Rossmoor Elementary School who has been teaching for over 20 years. She has taught 1st through 5th grade and her experience has allowed her to see the foundations and extensions of learning through multiple subjects across the grade levels. She spent over 12 years teaching in the primary grades helping students learn to read and she has been in upper grade teaching students how to read to learn. Ms. Hinsche received her teaching credential from Pepperdine University and her masters in curriculum and instruction from Cal State Long Beach. She is a parent of two children who attend schools in the Los Alamitos Unified School District, and she is looking forward to making learning an engaging and valuable experience for your child.

Michelle graduated in 2014 from CSULB with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (K-12) Physical Education. She is currently working on her master’s degree at CSULB. Michelle is working as a PE teacher at Hollydale School in South Gate. She student taught under Janet Fettig, Los Alamitos High School Softball coach and PE teacher. Michelle is the head coach for the volleyball, basketball and soccer teams. Michelle prides herself on instilling the importance of good sportsmanship and character in all sports activities. She has also won championships in girls’ basketball/soccer in 2017 and volleyball in 2018. Michele has camp counselor experience from the CSULB 49er camp. Michele is excited to teach SEI again with the students of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach.

Madison is currently a Reading Intervention Teacher at Los Alamitos Elementary School. She grew up in Rossmoor and attended Lee Elementary School, Oak Middle School, and Los Alamitos High School. She continued on to receive her BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Spanish at Sonoma State University and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters of Arts in Teaching at UC Irvine. She has always wanted to be a teacher and loves working with children!

Monik began dancing at the age of 8 in church. She trained at the Los Angeles High School of the Performing Arts, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in World Arts and Cultures, concentrating in dance with a minor in education from UCLA. She went to the University of California, Irvine where she was mentored by the legendary Donald McKayle and earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance. Miss Monik has founded Monik’s Creative Movement Education Program where the goals are to focus on gross motor skills, coordination, rhythm, creative expression and self-confidence through the medium of dance. Ms. Jones teaches all forms of dance but is best known for her reputation as a liturgical dancer, choreographer,and a teacher. She is the Artistic Director of Vessels of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry from the Judson Baptist Church. Ms. Jones has developed a liturgical dance curriculum that she teaches across the country. She joined Plaza Production One team in September 2006.

Susie received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and her multiple subject credential from CSULB. She has a master’s degree in reading instruction. Currently, she teaches kindergarten at McGaugh Elementary. She has over 14 years of teaching in the primary grades. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, bowling, and attending concerts. Susie is looking forward to teaching for LAEF for her 4th year.

Abbie is a 2020 Los Al graduate and was a member of the Varsity cheer team! She now attends Long Beach State and is a member of the Cheer team on campus. She is majoring in Liberal Studies in hopes of becoming a Kindergarten teacher! Abbie is a dance teacher at Onstage Dance Center and also worked at Rise Up Athletics teaching gymnastics and tumbling. She is so excited to meet all of you!

Hilary McGilton is starting her 5^th year teaching. She is a teacher in Colorado where she’s taught 2^nd and 4^TH grade. Hilary grew up in Rossmoor; attending Rossmoor Elementary, Oak Middle School and Los Alamitos High School. After high school, Hilary earned degrees at San Diego State University in Journalism and Political Science. After working in television news and law enforcement, Hilary decided her real passion was teaching. She received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. As an educator, Hilary fosters growth in her students by being dedicated to develop a learning community filled with love, wonder and respect.

Kristin is a veteran teacher starting her 16th year teaching, her 11th year with Los Alamitos Unified, and her fourth year with LAEF’s Jumpstart program. She’s taught all grades and subjects K-8 and loves to make learning hands-on, active, and fun. After teaching Science at Oak Middle School for 8 years, she has happy returned to her elementary roots and now teaches 4th grade at Rossmoor Elementary. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family at the beach or a baseball field.

Luis, originally from Brazil, has been a Physical Education instructor and soccer coach for twenty years in Southern California high schools, community colleges, university, and soccer/futsal clubs. Luis’ expertise lies in fostering physical development, promoting exercise and health, and encouraging team building by incorporating fun and interactive games. He has been teaching for LAEF this past year and is looking forward to his first summer with LAEF’s Summer Enrichment Institute!

Whitney has been employed with Los Alamitos Unified for 13 years as an Extended Day Care Center Assistant and more recently as a substitute teacher for TK-12th grade. While attending Los Alamitos High, she “accidentally” discovered her passion for teaching through an ROP program for preschool teacher assistants. While learning how to work within a preschool setting, she knew her future career would involve educating children while inspiring them to discover their passions and a love for lifelong learning. After attending Cerritos College and receiving her AA in Child Development she transferred over to CSULB to obtain her BA in Communication Studies, and then later to complete the Multiple Subjects Credential Program in order to become an elementary school teacher. When she isn’t studying you can find her at Disneyland (pre covid) or with her dog, Mr. Sy.

Katie, a California native, is an accomplished artist and teacher. A recent graduate from California State University, Long Beach, Katie has already led her students to art competitions and had their work shown in the Nixon Public Library. Her art, especially in the classroom, focuses on the collaborative. Katie has a heart for her community that can be seen not only in her work, but also in the way she interacts with others. She is both detail oriented and creatively flexible, allowing students to explore their ideas while holding them to a high artistic standard.

Yesenia Quezada comes from a strong Hispanic household who values education. At a very young age, her parents taught her the value of education, and today she wanted to share this value as an educator. Yesenia Quezada is currently in her last semester as an undergraduate student at Chapman University. She will be graduating this May with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Disability Studies. This summer she will begin the Graduate Program at Chapman University to complete her credentials and MA in Teaching with Elementary Education Emphasis. Her patience and dedication to children has driven her in this path to work toward a career working with children in a school setting. She has the determination and knowledge to create a welcoming, creative, and engaging learning environment for all students. Through her courses in psychology and disability studies, she came to realize that the educational system lacks individuals who truly understand disabilities, which she strongly believes is an essential component to anyone interested in becoming a general education teacher.
During her time working at Michael’s, she had the privilege of instructing Sunday afternoon classes. This was a life changing experience for her because it was then she realized she wanted to become a teacher. Using their hands as their voices and their smiles as their emotions, she found her passion for teaching. Valuing the importance of inclusion, Yesenia Quezada changed her minor to disability studies. She took this opportunity to get involved with students with disabilities and is currently an Instructional Assistant in Special Education at LAHS. She hopes to continue to get involved in the Los Alamitos School District as she is an alumni from Weaver Elementary, McAuliffe Middle School, and Los Alamitos High School.
Yesenia Quezada is confident that her educational background at Chapman University has well prepared her for the next step into her career as a school teacher. The compassion and wholeheartedness she has toward educating children is a huge component as to why she wants to become an elementary school teacher. As a LAHS alumni, the Los Alamitos School District has opened a number of doors for her, and she hopes one day it will help her open the door to my own classroom.

Devin is a motivated educator that has just completed the multiple subject teaching credential program at the California State University of Long Beach. She received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in education in 2021. She has worked with a variety of students over the last seven years and is eager to continue her journey as an educator. She has had professional experience working with students in educational settings such as being a teacher assistant at a preschool, one on one therapy for students with disabilities, substitute teaching at the Cypress school district, and working with students at an after school daycare program located at Jack L. Weaver elementary school. Devin is dedicated to working with students of all ages and is passionate about education.

Sara is the proud mother of an inquisitive, creative 8-year-old and is currently attending California State University, Long Beach to obtain a teaching credential in Biology. Sara graduated from CSULB in 2008 with a B.S in Dietetics and Food Administration. During her time as an undergrad, she worked as a laboratory tech and volunteered teaching elementary school students nutrition and science. While pursuing her teaching credential, Sara has worked in a variety of capacities with students of all levels, including AP Biology. Growing up, Sara spent a lot of time at schools helping her Aunt, a teacher. Her love of learning grew into a passion to help others love learning as much as she does. Sara loves science and hopes all of her students love science as much as she does, but above all that they become life-long learners who are endlessly intrigued by the amazing world around them.

Nalani owns the mobile gymnastics program Leap of Faith Gymnastics with her husband, Chris. She fell in love with the sport of gymnastics at just four years of age. Nalani competed for Newhope Gymnastics in Fountain Valley where she began coaching in high school, working her way up to recreational supervisor, special events coordinator, and competitive team coach. Nalani has been coaching for over 20 years. She has been a USA Gymnastics professional member and a certified compulsory judge.

Jasmine finished her teaching credential at CSULB in December 2021. Jasmine Tapales worked at Kids Korner at Rossmoor Elementary in Los Alamitos for 4.5 years before she started student teaching. Jasmine is a substitute teacher at Savanna School District and Los Alamitos School District. Jasmine is proficient in communication with teachers and students. She has great classroom management and she has a people-centric nature. Jasmine shows compassion towards her students and she is hardworking. She also gained hands-on experience with students on how to teach them and handle certain behaviors. She is great at multitasking, time-management, and encouraging student engagement and collaboration. Ms. Tapales has a positive outlook on everything she does and is very patient with her students. Jasmine has shown an enormous passion for teaching and will be a great asset to becoming part of the team. She is extremely excited to begin teaching with LAEF this summer!

Coach Jay is a college athlete that currently plays at Hope International University. She has been playing soccer since she was four years old and loves soccer deeply. She has also been named All GSAC for her college conference! Since she is a collegiate athlete she knows what it takes to get to play college soccer! She currently coaches at Beach FC and at Saint Joseph High School. She wants to share her passion with the kids to see them progress and get to the level that they dream of being! Lastly she enjoys having fun while training because its all about loving what you are doing!

Mrs. Vida grew up speaking French as her native language. She was raised in the Loire Valley, in France; graduated from college with a language degree, and worked in Paris in an American Company, before moving to the USA in her thirties. She is very familiar with our Los Alamitos Unified School District as she volunteered on PTA Boards for over 20 years. This is Mrs. Vida’s second year working for LAEF and she is so excited to get back at it!

Gabrielle has been a third grade teacher in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2018. She was born and raised in Seal Beach and is a LAHS, Oak, and Weaver alumna. Gabrielle attended Northern Arizona University and then decided to continue her stay in Arizona because she loved it so much! Of course she couldn’t stay away from California for too long so she is back here for the summer. She has always enjoyed school, especially writing and can’t wait to share what she loves!

Jerry is the founder of Red Zone Threat Management and travels nationally and internationally teaching seminars to members of the DEA, Local Law Enforcement, and civilians on the topic of personal protection. He is the author of the book “Red Zone Prime: A Foundation for Personal Protection”. In addition he is a passionate instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts which he teaches at the facility he has owned and operated for the last 14 years, Centerline Martial Arts and Fitness. Jerry runs kids classes daily in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as the kids BJJ competition team. He has two children who both attend schools in Los Alamitos Unified. Jerry firmly believes that every child has the right to enjoy their school days without fear of being bullied and is committed to helping them develop the necessary tools and attitude to help them on their journey.

Secondary Class Descriptions

Personal Finance – EVERFI* financial literacy curriculum, Marketplaces* investing curriculum, Pathways* financing higher education curriculum

Cooking (following a recipe), grocery shopping/meal planning

Basic house cleaning

Laundry and ironing, sewing a button

Home Repair (plunging a toilet, unclogging a sink) and car maintenance

Filling out job applications, resume creation, interviewing for a job

Manners/etiquette (professional communication), conflict resolution

Vaping* and Alcohol* education, K12 Prescription Drug Safety* education (EVERFI)

Cars – used v. new, lease v. own, utilizing public transportation

Filing your taxes, paying bills (including addressing envelopes and writing checks)

Do you need to improve your organizational skills? This class is a sure fire approach to assist all students in this very essential piece of their education success. Students will learn how to keep class schedules, upcoming assignments and assessments organized. Note taking skills and study skills will also be addressed. If you’re an Incoming 6th grader, this class will help ease the transition into middle school. If you are an incoming 7th grader, learn skills to help you in middle school and in life!

Health will satisfy the state requirements of instruction of Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco, in addition to the California Healthy Youth Act. It satisfies the Health requirement for a high school diploma. Topics covered include Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) & Hands-On CPR, First Aid, Injuries, Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, Sexual & Reproductive Anatomy, Sexual/Gender Identity, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) & Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Birth Control, Healthy Relationships. The course will be completed in sixteen hours. This Health class is for the class of 2023 through 2026 graduates who are Performing Arts students and athletes!

Secondary Teacher Bios

Ms. Tamara Copeland is a seasoned educator who comes to Los Al from the Diocese of Orange and Huntington Beach City School District. She has 25 years experience in both public and private education serving as a primary and middle school teacher. She has several years of graduate studies under her belt and never sees herself quitting school. Ms. Copeland is an HB local and the proud mother of two young adults. Last spring, her daughter graduated from Oregon State University and is considering a career in education administration. This fall, her son will begin his junior year at UCLA as a history major and looks forward to being a high school teacher in the near future. In her free time, Ms. Copeland reads, enjoys walks on the beach, and cooking meals with friends.

Emily Ledterman holds her Master’s in Education and Educational Counseling, before becoming a school counselor she was an Elementary and Middle School teacher in Orange Unified. She spent 15 years working with teachers on professional development and implementing digital resources in their classroom. For the past year, Emily has been an Intervention Counselor working with students from McAuliffe, Oak, and Los Alamitos High School. Emily has a long history with Los Alamitos Unified as she and her husband attended school in Los Al, her mother taught at McGaugh and her three children attend school in Los Alamitos Unified. Emily has worked with Los Al graduates this year to adjust to online college, register for classes, declare majors, and helped them navigate financial aid and transfer guidelines. She is thrilled to be working with LAEF this summer!

Mike Whitcomb has been a teacher in the Social Studies department at LAHS for sixteen years. He has taught U.S. History in the past and is currently teaching AP Psychology and Economics. Before becoming a teacher, he spent five years as a cook in a small mom-and-pop restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Not only does he love to cook and eat, but he also loves learning about all things ‘food’, including its history and evolution, its diversity, and the way it profoundly influences our daily lives.

The Summer Enrichment Institute (SEI) offers fun, engaging and educational courses designed to keep our LAUSD students entertained during the summer…and your children (students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade) will absolutely love it! Our courses also counter the effects of something called “summer learning loss.”

What’s “Summer Learning Loss”? Research shows that on average, all students lose skills over the summer. Educators increasingly promote quality summer learning ON ANY TOPIC as a key strategy to improving achievement. Plus, studies conclude that the effects of summer learning programs endure for at least two years after the student has engaged in the summer program. LAEF really cares about this! Since our very first SEI in 2010 we have increased the number of students attending summer classes each year…and students and parents continue to rave about the sessions.

LAEF offers opportunities for quality enrichment programs, both those typically offered during the school year and courses that encourage students to expand their interests, while still reinforcing reading and often incorporating math skills. SEI also offers courses for high school graduation credit on-campus at LAHS and online.

Our SEI programs feature all of the research-supported measures of a quality program: smaller class sizes, differentiated instruction and small working groups, high-quality instruction, aligned school-year and summer curricula, engaging and rigorous programming, maximized participation and attendance, sufficient duration and involved parents.

Here are a few quotes from some SEI students, proud parents, and teachers:

"Sydney has been with LAEF Summer programs since Kindergarten. Thank you for all of the great teachers! We have attended Hopkinson, Lee and this year, virtual classes. Great experiences!"

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

"The Rights/Wrong class was very informative and my daughter really enjoyed it!"

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

"Kids REALLY enjoyed, I'm an Artist, Survival Science, and Perfect Paragraph. Each teacher was incredibly engaging and the kids really learned."

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

“I learned a lot in my art class at SEI. The best part was doing all the art projects. I loved using colored pastels and paint. It was so much fun.”

Rochelle Ner,

LAUSD 1st grader

“LAEF is doing great things! In the past few years, our three children have participated in various offerings from LAEF, like the Summer Enrichment courses, the after school art classes and even the Young Americans weekend program. WOW, we are so lucky to have so many options that provide our children great learning opportunities, filled with fun and education. We can’t say enough about how fantastic the Young Americans weekend was for our fifth grader! She loved the singing and dancing and experiencing art and music in a totally new and exciting way. Our youngest enjoys attending art class after school. She is learning to apply her imagination and creativity through painting and drawing. And lastly, Summer Enrichment really motivated all three to expand their knowledge of various academic subjects, preparing them for the new school year, while engaging them in new concepts and exciting activities. Thank you LAEF, we are so grateful to you all for putting together these amazing programs. Keep up the great work!!”

Eric and Kristi Kirkendall,

LAUSD Parents

“It was a privilege to join SEI as an educator this last summer, because it was a chance to teach subjects that I love and are close to my heart: Jump Start First Grade and Poetry. The jump start program is well named…we jumped into the beginning of the first-grade year! Students were introduced to math wall, writer’s workshop, reader’s workshop and CGI at a first-grade level. The smaller class sizes and highly engaged students allowed for a quick jump into the material. As a teacher and mother of a 1st grader, I loved the fact that children were going to start off their year hearing familiar academic language and participating in similar routines that they’d already been introduced to in the SEI program. Many students took a 2nd class in the afternoon and enjoyed art, poetry, singing, dancing and more. The SEI program is a valued part of the Los Alamitos School District with its commitment to excellence and continued growth in adapting the National Core Standards in a fun and concise program. I would definitely recommend signing your child up to experience the SEI program next summer!”

April Schmietenknop,

LAEF Teacher, First Grade Teacher and Parent

" Please keep up the great work!"

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

"Teachers and coaches were great. They make time to check in on each student to make sure they are focused and learning."

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

"As an educator who incorporate SEL into my curriculum, I truly appreciate the expertise shared, scaffolding in the unit, socratic engagement, and the development of interpersonal/intrapersonal skills in this class. Excellent teacher. Would recommend this class and specifically her instruction for all students in the district."

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

"As a first time kinder mom, I found the class to be a great tool to ensure my son was ready for kinder. I feel that he is now set up to succeed. I also thought Mrs. Kim did an excellent job."

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

"My daughter really enjoyed each session of her jump start classes. She was able to follow along and complete her work each day with a sense of accomplishment and success. We really love having classes on a virtual platform."

Virtual Summer Enrichment

"Ms. Moushon was amazing! My child was excited to share what she learned and thought the class was fun. Also, Ms. Moushon communicated with parents before the session began, during and after. She was truly amazing!"

Virtual Summer Enrichment Parent

Enhancing Educational Excellence

Enhancing Educational Excellence

Summer enrichment institute 2023
Dates: June 20-july 14, 2023
Flyers and course offerings coming soon...

Elementary Campus = Rossmoor Elementary
High School Campus = Los Alamitos High School
SEI Session 1
June 20 - 30
SEI Session 2
July 3 - July 14 (No Class on July 4)

Online Registration will open on March 30 at noon.

High School Campus = Los Alamitos High School

Summer enrichment institute 2022 information
below for reference

2022 Elementary SEI Flyers

2022 Middle & High School SEI Flyer

2022 Other High School Offerings

Please note that the Multi-Class discount applies to SEI classes only. It does NOT apply to Summer Sports Camps run by High School Coaches or Camps in the Arts run by High School Directors or the High School Health Graduation class.

Elementary Class Descriptions – SEI 2022

Click on the arrow to read class descriptions

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.
All Jumpstart Classes are aligned with Common Core State Standards.

Elementary Teacher Bios – SEI 2022

Secondary Class Descriptions

Secondary Teacher Bios

Here are a few quotes from some SEI students, proud parents, and teachers:

Connect with us!

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

Corporate Partners

Corporate Partners

Enhancing Educational Excellence

Enhancing Educational Excellence

Summer enrichment institute 2023Dates: June 20-july 14, 2023 Flyers and course offerings coming soon...

Elementary Campus = Rossmoor ElementaryHigh School Campus = Los Alamitos High SchoolSEI Session 1June 20 - 30SEI Session 2July 3 - July 14 (No Class on July 4)Online Registration will open on March 30 at noon.

High School Campus = Los Alamitos High School

Summer enrichment institute 2022 informationbelow for reference

2022 Elementary SEI Flyers

2022 Middle & High School SEI Flyer

2022 Other High School Offerings

Please note that the Multi-Class discount applies to SEI classes only. It does NOT apply to Summer Sports Camps run by High School Coaches or Camps in the Arts run by High School Directors or the High School Health Graduation class.

Elementary Class Descriptions – SEI 2022

Click on the arrow to read class descriptions

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.All Jumpstart Classes are aligned with Common Core State Standards.

Elementary Teacher Bios – SEI 2022

Secondary Class Descriptions

Secondary Teacher Bios

Here are a few quotes from some SEI students, proud parents, and teachers:

Connect with us!

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

Corporate Partners

Corporate Partners

Summer enrichment institute 2023
Dates: June 20-july 14, 2023
Flyers and course offerings coming soon...

Elementary Campus = Rossmoor Elementary
High School Campus = Los Alamitos High School
SEI Session 1
June 20 - 30
SEI Session 2
July 3 - July 14 (No Class on July 4)

Online Registration will open on March 30 at noon.

Summer enrichment institute 2022 information
below for reference

Please note that each Jumpstart Class is the same in Session 1 and Session 2.
All Jumpstart Classes are aligned with Common Core State Standards.