registration is now open!

Session Dates
Sept. 13 - Dec. 17, 2021

Weaver Session Dates
Sept. 7 - Dec. 17, 2021

FREE Online World Language Session Dates
Sept. 20 - Dec. 17, 2021

Click on the arrow next to your school name to download class offerings flyer.

Here are the benefits of After School Enrichment Programs:

Give children activity choices, engage them in enrichment activities, and support socialization and team learning.
Pay academic dividends during the school day, whether or not the class is classified as “academic,” because programs feature reading, language comprehension and analytic thought.
Provide opportunities for group projects in music, art, theatre, and computer activities.

Let students connect with teachers in a lower teacher-child ratio setting.
Allow students greater flexibility to make choices in their class activities, which research connects to better social skills with classroom peers.
Decreases screen time for children! In numerous studies, time viewing television has been associated with lower reading achievement and more frequent behavior problems among children.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALENDAR

*LAEF classes will not be held on designated "No School" Days

August

September 2021

October

SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA

29
30
31
1
2
3
4

5
6 No School
7 Weaver Fall Classes Begin Early Bird Pricing Ends
8 Weaver Fall Classes Begin
9 Weaver Fall Classes Begin
10 Weaver Fall Classes Begin
11

12
13 Fall Classes Begin (all schools)
14 Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)
15 Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)
16 Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)
17 Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)
18

19
20 Online World Language Classes Begin
21 Online World Language Classes Begin
22 Online World Language Classes Begin
23 Online World Language Classes Begin
24 Online World Language Classes Begin
25

26
27 Weaver ONLY – No School
28 Weaver ONLY – No School
29 Weaver ONLY – No School
30 Weaver ONLY – No School
1
2

fall 2021 Class Descriptions

Click on the arrows to read class descriptions

Do you have a student who loves to argue? This course will build upon the inquisitive nature of your child and teach them the correct way to advocate for something they are passionate about. Students will learn what makes a good argument and develop fundamental critical thinking skills. In this course, students will focus on SPAR debate which stands for spontaneous argumentation. Students will learn to evaluate evidence, learn facts versus opinions, and use information to advocate positions. Participants will explore current events and real-world scenarios. Through this process, students will develop critical communication skills such as evaluating evidence, listening, and leadership. At the end of each session, students will have the opportunity to compete in an optional tournament and showcase their development.

The beginning of volleyball is an introduction to both volleyball and developing a child’s love for fitness. Volleyball is a team sport and gives young kids a chance to learn how to work together as a team, one unified group. More than anything, the beginnings of volleyball gives kids a chance to be outdoors, having tons of fun, and learning about volleyball all at the same time. Teamwork, fitness, and fun. A class any kid will enjoy!

This class uses a fun, story-based curriculum to get children excited about chess! Our lessons are tailored to the skill level of the students; all chess levels are welcome! In each class, children will get a chess lesson followed by chess playing time! We use chess to teach many life skills including sportsmanship, patience, strategic thinking, planning, and working toward a goal. The class will end with a fun tournament where children have the opportunity to win trophies and prizes!

At Drama Kids, we push the tables and chairs aside and ask students to throw their inhibitions out the window. Drama Kids provides an environment that encourages students to experiment with their voices and express themselves creatively without judgment. This fun, unique class teaches students acting skills while enabling them to also develop important life skills such as leadership, confidence, communication, verbal expression and team building, regardless of age or prior experience. Students will have the opportunity to present what they’ve learned at the end of the session. With Drama Kids, “THE DIFFERENCE IS DRAMATIC”!

Bonjour! Would you like to learn how to «parler le français ?» Have fun learning the basics of French language in a dynamic and interactive environment! In this class students will be introduced to foundational French vocabulary and phrases. Students will practice conversation with their classmates and learn about French culture, arts and cuisine. Instruction will include movies, videos, games and fun activities that will immerse you in all things French. Très bien!

Experience the challenging martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is a grappling style 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!

Strategic Kids Principles of Engineering will expose children to general engineering concepts. The concepts that will be discussed include the Six Simple Machines: levers, wheels and axles, pulleys, inclined plane, wedge and screw. These lessons are a combination of instruction based builds and “open design” building that encourages exploration and experimentation to meet assigned challenges.

Calling all 4th and 5th graders who like to build, create, explore, collaborate, and tinker! In this class, students will be presented with a variety of hands-on creative projects with a focus on teamwork, GRIT, and creativity. We will explore circuitry and coding with an Arduino board, learn the basics of 3D design with Tynkercad, and complete other fun, hands-on STEM activities.

This class offers children an introduction to the Mandarin Chinese language and culture through games and interaction. The children will study basic words: greetings, food, animals and counting. They will try their skills at calligraphy and making their own first strokes of Chinese characters. Each lesson will have dedicated time for learning about culture and time for fun, including learning rhymes and songs.

Find your “Golden Ticket” and join us for a marvelous fall Musical Theater experience.

We will learn Acting, Singing, Movement Skills as we explore scenes and music from the great musical, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with Willie Wonka, the Oompa Loompas and the Interesting Characters in the show! We look forward to having you join us on this exciting adventure!

By encouraging the learning process of trial and experimentation, students in this class will build upon their out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving skills. Elemental art lessons will incorporate traditional mediums and techniques while studying and utilizing found objects and materials from nature. As artists we celebrate individual creativity and self-expression by pulling from our own experiences, telling visual stories, and creating unique works of art each week.

A fun and exciting class where children will learn the Japanese art of origami along with a different aspect of Japanese culture each week! Every student will receive an origami instruction sheet on what was covered that day. They will take home projects after every class! Students will make origami hearts, origami cups, samurai helmets, and several animals such as dogs, cats, cranes and more! They will start with easy creations and get more and more complex.

This course will help students develop and improve public speaking, argumentative, and critical thinking skills in communication settings. Students will prepare and deliver speeches and participate in several in class debates and forums on current topics. Techniques will be taught to control speech anxiety, as well as build the skillset to structure and organize information for a variety of audiences. As such, the fundamentals of physical and verbal delivery skills, use of language and gesturing, as well as listening skills will be learned or enhanced.

An age-appropriate fitness class that gets kids moving, builds balance and coordination skills, and instills the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle. During class kids will learn fitness through games, obstacle courses, as well as speed, agility, and quickness drills. Each week the class will follow a basic format while the activities change. Our emphasis is teaching kids that fitness is fun!

Fall 2021 TEACHER BIOS

We are an organization solely devoted to promoting chess among children. Academic Chess teaches using its own unique set of cartoon characters to represent each chess piece. These characters pique the interest of children and get them involved in the lessons. Also, this visual approach gives kids mental “hooks” on which to hang new concepts. Using posters, booklets, and energetic instructors centered on these characters, we fire up the kids to learn chess!

All of ACLA’s Communication Arts Speech and Debate courses are designed by Professor Willie Washington. Willie is currently a college instructor at CSU Fullerton and Irvine Valley College. Professor Washington was a member of the coaching staff for Irvine Valley College’s national championship speech and debate team. He obtained his Communication B.A. from San Francisco State University and M.A. from CSU Fullerton. The ACLA program Professor Washington developed combines the collegiate discipline of Communication Studies with Speech and Debate. In ACLA courses students not only learn competitive Speech and Debate events. They will also learn valuable communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills that will be utilized inside and outside of the classroom.

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 16th 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 third year teaching after school!

Leslie is an experienced basketball coach and player who loves the game dearly. He enjoys all aspects of the game including: playing, watching, teaching, and coaching. He has been playing since age 5 and continues to play in multiple competitive men’s leagues to this day. He has coached all ages ranging from Kindergarten (age 5) up until high school kids. While attending UC Riverside, he even assisted the women’s team as he participated as a practice player. Currently Leslie coaches skills academies and an AAU middle school girls basketball team. Even though he is always playing he makes sure to watch and follow the majority of all NBA games. His favorite team is the LA Lakers. Leslie is excited to teach for LAEF during the fall 2021 season.

Shelby Burney is a primary school teacher from Seal Beach. During her undergraduate career at USC, she studied English Literature and volunteered in Los Angeles reading to elementary school students. This experience inspired her to earn her Master of Arts in Teaching from UCI in 2019, where she researched mathematics fluency in first-sixth grade students. Today, she is the Media Center teacher at Weaver Elementary, where she loves creating lasting relationships with her students and fostering a love of learning!

Jerry Wetzel 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 attend LAHS. 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.

This school year will be her 21st year teaching! She has experience as a classroom teacher in grades 1, 4, and 5, but has spent the last 13 years as Lee Elementary’ s part-time Media Center and Makerspace teacher. She absolutely loves working with her students and supporting the classroom teachers by instructing Lee students in Internet safety, computer programming, and engineering. She has taught the LAEF STEAM Fair workshop class at Lee for the past five years and has coordinated Lee’s STEAM Fair.

Pilar DeNardo was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain and in Perú. After graduating from college, she came to the United States to learn English. Pilar earned an M.A in Bilingual Education as well as multiple teaching credentials. After teaching elementary school for 5 years and becoming a mom, Pilar decided to open her own business and teach her native language to elementary age students.

Coach Deyan Doychev has been surrounded by sports culture since he was very young, with more than 33 years in soccer and 12 years of coaching, the experience and values he brings to the players and teams are priceless. He will provide guidance and mentoring with patience and professionalism. It will be a great asset for team and player development. As a multilingual and possessing multicultural education, he understands the diversity in the new generation, inspiring a challenging mentality and physical performance, but also understands the road to success will take time and dedication.

Jeff is the Director of Drama Kids North Orange County. Drama Kids International is the largest after-school drama program in the world with students at nearly 2000 locations in over 25 countries. As a teacher, performer and business owner, Jeff recognizes the invaluable impact that teaching children strong communication skills can have on their daily lives. He received his BA in Psychology and MBA from UC Irvine. Jeff is passionate about helping kids build confidence, leadership skills, verbal expression and creative thinking at a young age. He lives in Seal Beach and enjoys performing with his band, teaching courses at UCI and UCLA, facilitating improv classes with children and adults and, of course, spending time with his family and friends.

Angie is the Director of Drama Kids North Orange County. She graduated from San Francisco State University where she completed her teaching credential and majored in Child Development. She is a former elementary school teacher, after-school program instructor and camp counselor. She’s passionate about working with children and is a true believer that boosting confidence is key to developing successful individuals ready to take on the world. She is a mom with two fun and beautiful little girls and can’t wait to bring Drama Kids to her community!

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 in CA to pursue her love of hands-on teaching in the classroom. She is currently a projects coordinator at Oakwood Academy in Long Beach.

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!

Elena graduated from People’s Friendship University of Russia, earned her B.A. degree in World History. Her diploma comes with teaching credentials. Elena spent three years at Tianjin University where she earned certificates in Chinese language proficiency (including a HSK certificate) and she took Master degree courses in economic and trade law in Mandarin. She worked in Russia as a middle school ESL teacher. In China she tutored ESL to groups of students from preschool to middle school age and individually tutored Russian language to Chinese and Korean students. Elena has experience developing individual teaching plans suitable for different ages, skill sets and requirements, creating fun activities to make classes interesting and fun. She strongly believes that anyone can learn a foreign language and enjoy the process. Elena is a proud parent of two students in the Los Alamitos Unified School District. Elena is extremely excited to teach for LAEF!

Arcadia Hartung is an interdisciplinary artist originally from New York and currently based in Laguna Beach, California. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts in 2013. She is currently pursuing her Single Subject Credential in Art at California State University- Long Beach. Her professional experience lies in Studio and Project management, working at art galleries, fairs, and creative educational programs. Her personal artistic work is best described as collage; intertwining materials and methods such as fiber arts, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, animation, and natural dying. As an artist she welcomes the mistakes that are made through the art practice, because as we grow, we learn from trial and error. This aspect is central to her philosophy as an art educator. Arcadia is looking forward to teaching, working with, and learning from her students.

Angel is a recent CSUF graduate in Psychology. His career goal is to become a sports psychologist to help athletes reach their highest potential. He has coached an elementary track and field team and successfully led the team to place 3rd within their school district. In addition, Angel has 5 years of experience working with students ages 4-18. Angel has played various sports since the age of 5 and is excited to take on the role of the after-school soccer coach.

A native of El Salvador moved to the US in 1986. She loves sharing language and culture with students and has been teaching in Orange County since 2008. Claudia earned her Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University and a B.A. in Education and Child Development from National University. As a language teacher, her goal is for students to be exposed and gain a deeper appreciation of the beautifully diverse multilingual, multicultural, and multiethnic communities we are so blessed to have in California and in our world. She is currently teaching as a reading intervention teacher in Los Alamitos Unified.

Kristina works at the before and after school program at McAuliffe Middle School and also works for Garden Grove Unified as an elementary special needs Instructional Assistant. She is finishing up her teacher credentialing program for a single subject credential in Science, and will be student teaching this fall. She is very passionate about science and very excited for the opportunity to teach with LAEF again this fall as she taught with us this summer too!

Play-Well TEKnologies was founded by Tim Bowen in 1997. Introduced to the LEGO® building system in 1996 and recognizing it to be both a popular play medium and a tremendous learning medium, Tim began to develop projects which drew on his professional experience and combined the elements of fun, challenge, and learning. He began operating a summer camp program in 1997, followed by after school enrichment classes in 1998. We explore, solve problems, and express ourselves through LEGO. Our curriculum is designed by engineers and refined by teachers, but the kids just think it’s fun!

Coralie Prince’s life has been music from the time she was born! Her father was a singer/songwriter/pianist and producer of shows. Mother, a nurse, performed at home and supported the arts. Coralie began piano when she was a toddler and violin when she was 6. She most recently taught elementary classroom music at Hopkinson and Lee from 1980 to 2014. She directed grade level shows and produced, directed, and accompanied a large musical each year with the 5th grade and/or the 4/5 chorus. She taught piano privately for many years and later, a summer Musical Theater Workshop for grades 3 thru 12. She is so excited to continue working with the students in the LAEF Musical Theater Class.

Vivien Ridgway is an American Sign Language interpreter and Deaf Studies student originally from Seattle Washington. Vivien moved to Orange County six years ago to study American Sign Language Interpreting, and has been heavily involved in the Deaf community ever since! She was a sign language interpreter at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, and when she isn’t working enjoys playing guitar, swimming, and hanging out with her dog, Sheila. Vivien last taught American Sign Language for LAEF in 2019. She is excited to be teaching students in Los Alamitos once again.

Raul earned bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and American Studies at Cal State Fullerton. Raul competed in varsity policy debate at CSUF, winning multiple awards, including 1st place speaker, top-10 speaker finishes, and octo-final finishes in 2 national tournaments. He was also awarded the All-American debater award at the national CEDA tournament in 2018. His training in performative-style argumentation fueled a passion for teaching others how to use debate to refine civic leadership skills.

Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and positive programs that emphasize critical lessons in sports and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. Our programs are designed to give each child a positive introduction into sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. Our patient and knowledgeable staff use a variety of skill-building games and activities to give each athlete a complete understanding and overview of the sport.

Andrea has been a student of Kenpo Karate for over 30 years and is currently a 5th Degree Black Belt. She has been the International champion six times and has won more than 150 1st place trophies in her tournament career. Ms. Solow owned and operated a karate school in Telluride, Colorado for 15 years. She has instructed several hundred people over the years, having many advanced students, and bringing several people to the rank of black belt. She recently moved back to her home state, California, with her husband and two children who attend school in the Los Al school district. Ms. Solow is passionate about teaching kids and is excited to be an instructor for the LAEF program!

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 School District as she volunteered on PTA Boards for over 20 years. This is Mrs. Vida’s second season working for LAEF after-school and she is so excited to get back at it!

WeBreak Hip-Hop Dance Company was founded in 2011 by Brian Wright. Brian Wright is a natural and gifted instructor in dance and has been teaching dance for the past 12 years. He loves working with children, teens and adults and has been dancing for over 17 years and breakdancing for over 12 years. He, along with a friend, founded and designed the California State University Breakers, a campus club committed to teaching the art form of breaking at Cal State University Long Beach. The CSULB Breakers won the very first intercollegiate breakdance competition at LMU in 2006. Brian also received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from CSULB.

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 attend LAHS. 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.

Savannah is a fun and great addition to our team. This is her second season working with LAEF. Her love for volleyball began at age 6 and continued through the years. She traveled around the country playing tournaments for club volleyball, recreational volleyball, high school volleyball, and just for fun. Savannah is extremely dedicated to teaching, and sharing her knowledge of the sport. Most importantly, her goal is to be able to share the love of volleyball with all her students.

Toshiko moved to the U.S. from Japan eight years ago when her husband was transferred to the U.S. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Asian Languages and Linguistics and Asian Humanities. She has been teaching Japanese to elementary school students at the Gardena Buddhist Church Japanese Language School for five years. She is also teaching Math, Japanese, Science, and Social Studies to Elementary School Students at Saniku Tozai Gakuen for over a year.

Her goal is to teach Japanese at a University in the future; thus, she has been gaining a lot of experience as a Japanese teacher. She is planning to enter a graduate school to further her studies in teaching Japanese.
On her personal note, her family consists of her husband, three wonderful children, and two dogs. On weekends, she often goes to the beach with her husband and dogs.

Toshiko is honored to be working as a Japanese teacher at LAEF. She hopes to teach in a way that makes students look forward to learning Japanese.

Enhancing Educational Excellence

Enhancing Educational Excellence

registration is now open!

Session Dates
Sept. 13 - Dec. 17, 2021

Weaver Session Dates
Sept. 7 - Dec. 17, 2021

FREE Online World Language Session Dates
Sept. 20 - Dec. 17, 2021

Click on the arrow next to your school name to download class offerings flyer.

After School Enrichment

Here are the benefits of After School Enrichment Programs:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALENDAR

*LAEF classes will not be held on designated "No School" Days

September 2021

No School

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Early Bird Pricing Ends

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Fall Classes Begin (all schools)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Weaver ONLY – No School

Weaver ONLY – No School

Weaver ONLY – No School

Weaver ONLY – No School

fall 2021 Class Descriptions

Click on the arrows to read class descriptions

Fall 2021 TEACHER BIOS

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

Corporate Partners

Corporate Partners

Enhancing Educational Excellence

Enhancing Educational Excellence

registration is now open!

Session DatesSept. 13 - Dec. 17, 2021Weaver Session DatesSept. 7 - Dec. 17, 2021FREE Online World Language Session DatesSept. 20 - Dec. 17, 2021

Click on the arrow next to your school name to download class offerings flyer.

After School Enrichment

Here are the benefits of After School Enrichment Programs:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALENDAR

*LAEF classes will not be held on designated "No School" Days

September 2021

No School

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Early Bird Pricing Ends

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Weaver Fall Classes Begin

Fall Classes Begin (all schools)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Fall Classes Begin (except Weaver)

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Online World Language Classes Begin

Weaver ONLY – No School

Weaver ONLY – No School

Weaver ONLY – No School

Weaver ONLY – No School

fall 2021 Class Descriptions

Click on the arrows to read class descriptions

Fall 2021 TEACHER BIOS

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

Corporate Partners

Corporate Partners

Session Dates
Sept. 13 - Dec. 17, 2021

Weaver Session Dates
Sept. 7 - Dec. 17, 2021

FREE Online World Language Session Dates
Sept. 20 - Dec. 17, 2021