The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents: Recent Episodes
The Classical Academies
The Classical Academies is an organization of award-winning, tuition-free, California Public Charter Schools serving North San Diego County since 1999. With over 5,800 students in grades TK-12, the schools prepare students to think, communicate, and achieve.
Partnering With Parents educates, encourages, and supports parents in their role as the primary educator.
Hearing and vision play a pivotal role in a student’s growth and learning; problems often go unnoticed until issues arise. The Classical Academies test hearing and vision in K, 2nd, 5th, and 8th grade. They also test hearing in 10th grade and test boys for color blindness. School Nurse John Fitzgerald highlights the significance of proactive testing during these formative years, shedding light on the warning signs and testing processes. He explains how addressing hearing and vision concerns early can positively impact a child's academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Behavior Analysts work proactively in the classroom, with Independent Study Plans, and with parent partners to lower behavior disruption and increase engagement. Special Education Teacher and Behavior Analyst Dave Urban shares tools and strategies such as scheduling breaks, encouraging exercise, contingency management, and planning rewards to minimize negative behavior and set students up for success.
TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Youtube, Discord, Minecraft, Fortnight, and Roblox... the list of social apps, games, and video apps are ever-changing. Teens spend an average of 7 hours daily on screens, and many of these apps are designed to be physically and psychologically addictive. School Counselors Alyssa Atkins and Lisa Taylor share how parents can be more aware and involved in their teen's online activities. They offer helpful strategies and tools to set up family passwords, boundaries, and phone-free zones to teach teens to self-monitor and regulate better.
Contact: counseling@classicalacademy.com
Smart Social
Jumpstart your school year with nationally renowned psychotherapist, school counselor, and parenting expert, Tom Kersting. Author of the books Raising Healthy Teenagers and Disconnected, Tom explains that he sees a mental health epidemic among teens. He shares how to break the cycle of anxiety and depression and hopes to provide impactful strategies and tools parents can implement to raise healthy, happy teenagers.
Tom has been featured on CBS, MSN, FOX, A&E, Today, and Oprah Wellness Network and is the founder and owner of Valley Family Counseling Center in Park Ridge, NJ.
https://www.tomkersting.com/
Dr. Judy White is a retired Superintendent and educator and is now a master trainer for The Third Option. Dr. White explains how The Third Option celebrates our commonalities and addresses blind spots and labeling, She feels meaningful conversations create positive group interactions that value and honor our humanity.
Nutrition profoundly impacts learning and cognitive function. Poor nutrition can impact brain development, cognitive function, memory and recall, behavior, and focus. School nurse John Fitzgerald explains the importance of a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet. He shares the importance of eating foods rich in complex carbohydrates and protein to stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent energy crashes, and enhance learning.
My Plate
All Recipes
Healthy Eating
Research shows that incorporating moving and movement breaks throughout the day while studying has numerous benefits for our brains, memories, and academic performance. Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Sarah Thomas shares creative strategies and ideas to encourage activity and incentivize movement breaks during the school day. Incorporating movement into daily lessons keeps students engaged, excited about learning, and better able to retain content.
Executive dysfunction disrupts the brain's ability to control thoughts, emotions, and behavior and is related to conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Korrine Hilgeman, a teacher at e3 Consulting, works closely with students with ADHD. She offers resources and tips to help students stay focused, more organized, positive, and engaged. She shares how diet, exercise, and mindfulness can significantly impact learning.
https://habitica.com/
https://www.additudemag.com/
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
https://www.ethreeconsulting.com/
Meet District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond. Retired Navy Veteran, Delta Airlines pilot, and former Mayor of San Marcos, Supervisor Desmond represents Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Fallbrook, Borrego Springs, and Ocotillo Wells. He has been working to reduce homelessness, improve mental health resources, increase affordable housing, and raise awareness of the dangers of Fentanyl.
To learn more visit: https://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
Mother and daughter, Kathleen and Jessica Novello discuss common pressures girls face, including social media, body image, and self-worth. They share their own experiences of learning to understand each other and moving into a new relationship as adults.
Students aged 16-22 with an Independent Educational Plan have access to transition services to help them transition to college or career. Melissa Hilbig is a Special Education Transition Specialist and explains the options available to students. She empowers students to help them discover life skills, job skills, and what they hope to accomplish in the future.
Molly Griffin is a homeschooling mom of three and foster parent to a baby girl. She explains the process, requirements, and challenges of becoming a foster parent in California. Molly shares how foster parenting has impacted her family and provides them with the opportunity to teach her children to be compassionate and share with others less fortunate.
Molly Griffin is a homeschooling mom of three and foster parent to a baby girl. She explains the process, requirements, and challenges of becoming a foster parent in California. Molly shares how foster parenting has impacted her family and provides them with the opportunity to teach her children to be compassionate and share with others less fortunate.
North San Diego County is experiencing broad economic changes that continue to create economic opportunity. Erik Bruvold, CEO of the San Diego North Economic Development Council (SDNEDC), discusses career opportunities for the future in our region, including careers in life sciences, healthcare, biotechnology, hospitality, and engineering.
https://www.sdnedc.org/
North San Diego County is experiencing broad economic changes that continue to create economic opportunity. Erik Bruvold, CEO of the San Diego North Economic Development Council (SDNEDC), discusses career opportunities for the future in our region, including careers in life sciences, healthcare, biotechnology, hospitality, and engineering.
https://www.sdnedc.org/
As students prepare to leave for college, parents are wondering what this new relationship might look like. Kyle and Wendy Menig, founders of The Two10 Group, a coaching and consulting non-profit, share how parents can move from coach to counselor and learn to set boundaries to help students develop and grow into responsible, independent adults.
Author, speaker, and YouSchool founder Scott Schimmel has identified 30 conversation starters that can help students yield clarity and confidence and serve as a roadmap to building a meaningful life. These questions can help individuals of all ages develop a strong foundation for constructing a life poised for success and prepared for meaning.
Learn more about the book here.
Michaeleen is an author, scientist, and global correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR) and shares lessons from her New York Times bestselling book, Hunt Gather Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans. Michaeleen's global travels introduced her to cultures that model an easier way to raise helpful, confident, cooperative, and kind children.
The normalization of substance abuse in the media is conditioning our children to think a chemical can solve their problems or that self-medicating can improve their lives. Retired Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA) Rocky Heron shares how emotionally drained and fatigued children are experimenting with dangerous drugs at younger and younger ages. He shares how drugs are much more potent, concentrated, and deadly than ever before and offers advice on when to be concerned and when to begin conversations about the reality of drug culture.
FIRST, ® Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. The acronym FIRST ® is For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. The program aims to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders and innovators by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build STEM skills. Parent and robotics Mentor Jeremy Usher shares more about the three available programs, how to get involved, and the skills students can learn by participating.
https://www.sdftc.org/
https://www.firstinspires.org/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXrO1cIvNTt/
The Classical Academies sent a team of educators on a trip to learn more about our American history. Teachers David Morningstar and David Standifird discuss highlights and lessons learned from their experiences.
Credit is one of the most important factors in becoming an adult. Pre-teens and teens can get started establishing credit and learning about the importance of this financial report card. Kaleena Sturman teaches financial literacy at Cal Coast Credit Union. She explains the purpose of credit, establishes it, and uses it responsibly.
Get a free account here: https://www.calcoastcu.org/
May Vorachack / Business Development Officer/MLO# 442922
California Coast Credit Union
619-540-8352
mvorachack@calcoastcu.org
Classical Academy High School Science Teacher Al Smith discusses the importance and benefits of allowing students to fail. He shares the value of constructively teaching students to learn to move past failure, take risks, develop independence, and learn self-advocacy.
Michaeleen is an author, scientist, and global correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR) and shares lessons from her New York Times bestselling book, Hunt Gather Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans. Michaeleen's global travels introduced her to cultures that model an easier way to raise helpful, confident, cooperative, and kind children. Michaeleen is our featured Keynote Speaker at our Jumpstart Parent Education Conference on Thursday, August 11, 2022. Save the date!
Purchase Hunt Gather Parent here.
Learn more about the Keynote Speaker at Michaeleendoucleff.com
Research has shown that between 40%-60% of students have testing anxiety at some point and 26% indicate that they almost always feel anxiety before a test. Classical Academy High School math teacher, David Morningstar, offers tips to help your student plan, prepare, and feel less anxious when testing.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System consists of the following assessments: Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy and mathematics (SBAC). California Alternate Assessments for English language arts, mathematics, and science (CAA) and California Science Tests (CAST). Chief Academic Officer Dave Meyer explains the primary purpose of the CAASPP System is to hold schools accountable, help shape instruction, and assist teachers in providing high-quality teaching and effective curriculum.
Before the pandemic, many thought education should look like it did when they were in school. Jeanne Allen, CEO, and Founder of the Center for Education Reform, explains how post-pandemic parents realize that diverse learning can occur in flexible environments with flexible approaches. Jeanne also explains the Parent Power Index and how parents can discover innovation, opportunity, and policy to make the best choice for their child's education.
https://edreform.com/about-2/
https://parentpowerindex.edreform.com/
Social development defines our ability to share space with others and is dependent on exposure and experience. Speech and Language Pathologist Regina Darling explains what normal and abnormal social development looks like, when to be concerned, and what steps to take if you suspect your child might need additional attention and resources.
Most of us grew up learning math by repetition and regurgitation. The new Into Math Curriculum teaches students to think critically, problem-solve, make connections, and communicate their reasoning. The Classical Academies Math Coordinator, Andrew Shields, shares how the transition to the new math program can help our students achieve 21st-century skills and provides guidance and direction for additional teaching resources.
Children of all ages are dealing with numerous emotions daily and often lack the basic skills to process them. Author, speaker, and Marriage and Family Therapist, Cyndie Claypool DeNeve, explains how to teach children to identify these emotions through conversation. Asking questions can lead to a meaningful discussion, shared mutual understanding, and the validation of feelings and emotions. This helps children process complicated feelings and learn to release them.
Before marriage, most couples spend endless hours of quality time dating, discussing hobbies, and dreaming about the future. As children arrive and family obligations increase, it becomes easy to slip into the familiar daily routine of chores and busyness. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jamie Pyatt reminds us of the importance of prioritizing the marriage relationship for each other and our children. Dating in marriage can improve communication, reduce stress, increase intimacy, and strengthen the family unit.
The Card Deck
The Davenport Podcast
Charter schools across the nation are accountable public schools, open to all students, to raise student achievement, and allow students to have access to high-quality school choice. Now more than ever, parents are looking for educational options. President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools, Nina Rees, provides an overview of the national landscape of public charter schools. She shares how families and communities can advocate and inform legislators to secure future educational opportunities.
www.publiccharters.org
School Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Charles Threatt III, has seen an increase in people experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. These feelings can lead to charged emotional responses when we least expect them. Charles explains how we can learn to slow down, process thoughts, identify feelings, and choose a better response instead of reacting. We can learn the skills to regulate our emotions and communicate better.
Leslie Salazar Carillo homeschooled her son with The Classical Academies K-12th grade. Now that he has graduated from college, she reflects on what her new role is like as the mother of an adult child. She shares what she has learned when it comes to setting boundaries, showing respect, and empowering her adult child.
High School history teacher, Derek Montgomery, shares how to disagree while maintaining and valuing personal relationships. By embracing radical kindness, we can act with compassion, patience, and humility, leading to better communication and understanding.
David Merril and Roger Reid’s Social Styles Model describes four personality types: the Driver, the Expressive, the Amiable, and the Analytical. Classical Academy High School Life Skills Teacher, Steven Ferreira, shares how these personality types can help us better understand ourselves and others.
Charter schools exist to provide academic choice and address the problems in the traditional school system. Jed Wallace, Charter Advocate, CEO, and founder of Charter Folk, explains how COVID, political backlash, and the success of charter schools have led to increased pressure from the establishment.
https://www.charterfolk.org/
Over 50% of California parents agree with school choice. Todd Maddison is a K-12 education activist and the San Diego County Chair for Californians for School Choice. He is mobilizing the community to gather 1.5 million signatures to put school choice on the ballot. He explains the benefits of school choice and how parents can advocate for options.
www.Californiaschoolchoice.org
Stress and anxiety can manifest physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. They can also lead to lower brain function, which can, in turn, impact learning. School counselors Charles Threat III and Andrea Strickland discuss stress and anxiety responses and offer healthy management tools.
North County Lifeline HERE Now program: https://www.nclifeline.org/here-now-teen-suicide-prevention
Access and Crisis Line: https://www.optumsandiego.com/content/sandiego/en/access---crisis-line.html
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
Trevor Lifeline: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
At Classical Academy High School, sometimes you win and sometimes you learn! Principal Dana Moen shares the benefits of participating in high school sports, including improved physical, social, and emotional well-being, perseverance through adversity, and a stronger sense of community.
Anxiety is irrational and uncontrollable and causes a lot of stress on young bodies and brains. School Psychologist Francine Lehman explains when stress and anxiety are healthy and normal and when they become detrimental. She shares how developmental windows are normal causes of stress, but when a student can no longer participate in normal activities, it may be time for professional help and treatment.
Research shows that every healthy kid needs five meaningful relationships with adults in their lives. Co-Founder and President of YouSchool, Scott Schimmel, explains how we can be intentional about asking those close to us to play a more meaningful role in our children's lives. He shares how helping kids to understand their emotions and teaching them to name their feelings can help them have more meaningful and satisfying lives.
https://www.theyouschool.com/
Kyle and Wendy Menig are Classical Academy parents and founders of The Two10 Group, a coaching and consulting non-profit. They share their own emotional experience of dropping their college students off at college.
Colleen Carroll Campbell is an award-winning author, broadcast journalist, and former presidential speechwriter. She is also homeschooling her four children. She discusses how parents can learn to be more focused and free in the age of distraction. Raising children in an attention-driven economy, we can often lose our joy as we compete with screens and overscheduling. Colleen discusses how we can be inspired, informed, and empowered by reclaiming what brings us true joy when we focus on what really matters.
Colleen has authored several best-selling books and has been featured in the New York Times and Washington Post. She has appeared on CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, ABC News, PBS, and NPR.
The summer between junior and senior year is the time for college-bound students to focus on the college Common App. Allowing for plenty of time to complete financial aid forms, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) will allow students plenty of time to focus on selecting the right college for their future. Coastal Academy Academic Coach and senior share their experience with finding financial aid options for college.
www.Bigfuture.com
www.californiacolleges.edu/#/
Coastal Academy High School Academic Advisor Colleen Wyrick and student share their experience with the college application process. Learn how one student determined which college to choose, how to plan college visits, and how to approach the application process. This is part one in a two-part series.
Classical Academy Alumni Coral James is a Junior at University North Texas. She reflects on her time in high school and her experience moving away and attending a large university.
Coastal Academy High School Teachers Shannon Mitchell and Alex Pop offer suggestions to help your student transition from middle school to high school with ease. They suggest making SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely) goals and using the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to prioritize homework assignments.
Lisa Taylor is a parent and counselor who has seen a rise in depression. Students are isolated, disengaged, and not following their normal social activities or routines. Lisa explains the symptoms of depression, when to be concerned, and when to seek medical help. She shares how important it is to be educated, understand risk factors, and ask the right questions with the goal of understanding.
https://www.familyaware.org/
https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. School counselors Alyssa Atkins and Chad Chandler discuss the positive and negative choices and behaviors that can impact our mental health. The risk factors that someone struggles with mental illness can include isolation, anger, worry, reckless behavior, grief, feeling out of control, substance abuse, exercising or dieting obsessively, or hurting others. The counselors share how being physically healthy is just as important as being mentally healthy, and there is no stigma in asking for help.
Mental Health Awareness Month Podcast Resources:
Counseling Department Schoology Group: Access Code: 2B5D5-ZWVCX
Mental Health America- https://www.mhanational.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- https://nami.org/Home
MentalHealth.gov- https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
TCA Virtual Calm Room- https://sites.google.com/classicalacademy.com/virtualcalmroom/home
"You can't pour from an empty cup" is a saying we find true all too often. When we are not taking care of ourselves, we find we are exhausted, irritated, and short-tempered. We pay so much attention to those around us and fail to pay attention to ourselves. Mark Steven Reardon is an Executive Coach who teaches about the law of infusion. He provides daily actions to make rest and reflection a priority so we are better able to love and support those around us.
View the Law of Infusion presentation https://classicalacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Law-of-Infusion.pdf
The pandemic has impacted families and disrupted public education in every community worldwide. It has proved to all of us that parents are co-educators and not just guides-on-the-side. Michael B. Horn is an author, speaker, and senior strategist at Guild Education. He shares his ideas on how education will be shaped post-pandemic. He believes parents will be much more active in pushing for a new experience that is more personal and effective.
Michael B. Horn is the author and co-author of multiple books, white papers, and articles on education, including the award-winning book Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns the Amazon-bestseller Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools.
Developing the skills for healthy social-emotional health takes intention and repetition. Author, podcast host, and licensed mental health counselor, Jill Sylvester discusses the importance of asking our children questions and creating space for conversations. She shares techniques from her book, such as recognizing, acknowledging, and naming feelings and being aware these answers impact behaviors.
https://jillsylvester.com/
Teaching your children about money can begin before they start kindergarten. HomeStreet Bank Branch Manager Chris Weissman offers age-appropriate tips for teaching financial literacy. He emphasizes that the most important lessons to teach are delayed gratification and controlling impulse spending.
Now, more than ever, we are experiencing increased stress, grief, anxiety, and isolation. Lalaine (Lala) Oliveria is a licensed marriage and family therapist with North County Lifeline. She explains how shifts in normal behavior, such as withdrawal, irritability, anger, and mood changes, can be signs of depression or even precursors to suicidal ideation. Lala shares when to be concerned, how to have tough conversations, and provides recommendations such as listening to understand and validate feelings.
www.northcountylifeline.org
Need to talk to someone?
1-888-724-7240 (free)
Teaching your children about money can begin before they start kindergarten. HomeStreet Bank Branch Manager Chris Weissman offers age-appropriate tips for teaching financial literacy. He emphasizes that the most important lessons to teach are delayed gratification and controlling impulse spending.
The traditional four-year college experience isn't for everyone. In fact, many students who pursue technical careers have an engineering mindset and are interested in solving problems. Margie Fritch, the Dean of Career Technical and Extended Education at Palomar College, explains how students can earn a certificate for a technical career in as little as one semester to two years. Careers such as Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, EMT, Paramedic, Auto Technology, Fabrication, Public Safety, and more can be explored for free with the Palomar Promise. Many of these careers offer lucrative pay in demanding fields.
With January being National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Kathleen (K) Thomas, from North County Lifeline’s Project LIFE, discusses how human trafficking is happening in our own community. K shares statistics, risk factors, and tools to increase awareness and prevention.
Resources:
Human Trafficking in America’s Schools
Tools that Teach: What is Human Trafficking?
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Citizenship education involves developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enable people to make their own decisions and to take responsibility for their own lives and communities. Classical Academy High School Teachers Derek Montgomery and Chris Vansickle explain the importance of educating students about their duty as productive citizens.
Elizabeth Hauris is an entrepreneur and the founder of History Unboxed. She also homeschools her 7 children. She shares tips for homeschooling multiple ages and bringing subjects to life. Elizabeth offers advice to other mom-treprenuers who are considering pursuing their passions.
https://www.historyunboxed.com/
Summit Learning is the student-driven teaching and learning platform used at Classical Academy High School PLC, Coastal Academy High School, and Classical Academy Middle School. English Teacher Kellye Bojorquez explains the benefits of Summit and how the platform offers a customizable curriculum, mentoring, grading, and progress reports that allow students to take ownership of their learning.
Father of two sons, Joseph Sabol, was inspired by the song Cat's in the Cradle to spend more time with his boys. He reflects on their opportunity to learn and explore while homeschooling together. Joseph addresses the doubts, fears, and misconceptions that are common to those new to homeschooling while sharing a unique perspective and deep gratitude for being meaningfully involved in his children's lives.
Learning math is about much more than solving equations and executing rote procedures. Students must be able to effectively apply what they have learned and develop a deep understanding of the procedures being executed. No doubt, technology has impacted how we approach math. The Classical Academies Math Coordinator, Andrew Shields, discusses how new technology creates a shift from memorization to understanding and allows students to develop 21st Century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and flexibility.
Vocabulary is a great predictor of reading comprehension and all other subject matter. Inadequate vocabulary restricts an individual from achieving grade-level reading readiness. Laura Eagen, from William H. Sadlier, discusses strategies to improve vocabularies, such as reading rich literature, becoming word conscious, modeling, playing games, journaling, and more.
Often students and adults believe that they are "math people" or not. Rachelle Araos shares how this misconception can be changed with a growth mindset. Rewards, goals, and positive reinforcement can change the thinking process and lead to student success and confidence.
Traditional parent-teacher conferences involve adults discussing a student's progress. Student-led conferences allow the student to direct the conversation, discussing their strengths, goals, and challenges. Educational Specialists Laura Slough and Monica Houston, explain how student-led conferences improve engagement, confidence, and greater reflection, lending to more meaningful conversations about their education.
Andrew Pudewa is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. As a global speaker, he addresses issues related to listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills are interdependent and necessary for the organization and expression of written composition. Andrew explains how reading aloud to students above their de-coding skills builds their language database, attentiveness, and is the #1 predictor of good writing skills.
https://iew.com/
Jennifer Allard's son has ADHD and is on the Autism spectrum. Even with an Independent Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan, he still struggled with concentration in school and became increasingly withdrawn. Jennifer began researching Autism and gave homeschooling a try, working with teachers to customize his curriculum to best fit his needs. She found his intelligence and progress transformational and shares her journey and encouragement with other parents.
Resources:
Out of Our Minds by Ken Robinson
Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta L. Hammond
You don't need a credential to be successful at teaching your child, but you do need to outlaw the word "can't". Veteran homeschooling parent and teacher, Barbara Curry, gives practical advice for the new homeschooling parent. She shares how having the right mindset, attitude, and letting go of perfection can lead to meaningful learning.
"Whether you think you can or you cant, you're right" -Henry Ford
Join this year's Keynote Speaker, author, and globally recognized educational psychologist and parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba, as she discusses the impact the pandemic is having on children. She explains how to recognize the physical and behavior signs of stress and how to initiate conversations that lead to improved communication and understanding. Be sure to register for the JumpStart Parent Education Conference on August 13th to hear more from Dr. Michele Borba.
With the cancellation of graduations, promotions, vacations, and long anticipated social events, many of our children feel as if they are "missing out". YouSchool President, Chief Guide, Co-Founder, Scott Schimmel, shares how students can still find their identity, purpose, and belonging while discovering a meaningful life during the pandemic. He offers tips to help kids process with disappointment and cope with change.
YouSchool, Curriculum for a Meaningful Life
www.theyouschool.com/the-team
Jennifer Allard's son has ADHD and is on the Autism spectrum. Even with an Independent Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan, he still struggled with concentration in school and became increasingly withdrawn. Jennifer began researching Autism and gave homeschooling a try, working with teachers to customize his curriculum to best fit his needs. She found his intelligence and progress transformational and shares her journey and encouragement with other parents.
Resources
Out of Our Minds, Ken Robinson
Growth Mindset, Carol Dweck
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, Zaretta L. Hammond
Dr. Lisa Hasler Waters has worked in Technology Education for the past 20 years. She explains how traditional school districts are discovering that students thrive in distance learning programs. Students are getting more sleep, are less stressed, and less busy. Lisa shares what it takes to be a successful distance learning teacher and suggests that more training and support is needed for students, parents, and teachers alike.
Asking the right questions, such as "tell me more" and "walk me through that" and "how do you see this playing out" can lead to more meaningful conversations and better understanding. Coastal Academy Educational Specialist, Koreena Enns, explains how powerful asking the right question can be. She offers tips for phrasing stronger questions, controlling tone, paying and becoming a better listener.
Our children learn conflict resolution from social media, television, the news, and our own relationships. Coastal Academy High School Social Emotional Counselor, Jessica Novello, explains how age-appropriate ground rules can lead to improved conflict resolution skills. She shares the importance of teaching our children to have the grace to let the little things go and the courage to face the big things on their own. She warns of the dangers of rescuing our children from experiencing conflict and consequences.
Are you frustrated with your response to your child's meltdowns, power struggles, and talking back? Even if you don't struggle with anger, you may be struggling with negative emotions and ineffective, explosive responses. Classical Academy parent, author, and international speaker, Wendy Speake, shares her own experience with finding better ways to respond to triggers in a way that is kind, respectful, and loving.
Loneliness, worry, fear, boredom, anxiety, and lack of control. These are just some of the feelings many are experiencing during COVID-19 and orders to shelter in place. Counselor, psychotherapist, and pastor, Chip Whitman, shares how our need for control, understanding, support, and purpose defines our personal sense of well-being. He shares practical tips for mental well being during a time of crisis.
The Classical Academies Director of Special Education Cori Coffey discusses strategies for success for both general and special ed students, including setting clear expectations together, completing a reinforcement survey, making a visual schedule, and implementing a check-in, check-out system to encourage students to work independently.
Relocation, deployment, miscarriages, and an injury that led to paralysis and ultimately landed her in a wheelchair. Sharon is a homeschooling mom of four who has experienced many emotional and physical challenges in recent years. She has managed to successfully continue homeschooling by reaching out to her support network and finding ways to adapt and be grateful.
Sarah Springfield has been homeschooling her children for the past 7 years. When Sarah discovered the "Morning Basket," she reconnected with her vision for teaching and rediscovered the joy of homeschooling.
The Enneagram is a framework that offers in-depth insight to help improve personal awareness. Author and speaker, Cyndie de Neve, explains how the Enneagram can lead to better understanding of family dynamics and how it can impact your approach to teaching and learning.
References:
https://www.target.com/p/the-enneagram-made-easy-by-renee-baron-elizabeth-wagele-paperback/-/A-11743198
Website:
https://www.cyndiedeneve.com/
The Classical Academies began in 1999 after being approved by the Escondido Union School District (EUSD). EUSD Superintendent Dr. Luis A. Rankins-Ibarra discusses the relationship between charter schools and sponsoring districts.
French trained chef, Ashley Tarr, is the Culinary Arts teacher at Coastal Academy High School. Ashley explains the importance of teaching students to cook and the critical life skills that are taught, including time management, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership.
Mouth breathing, snoring, a narrow palette, and restless sleeping can all be signs of sleep apnea. This can lead to low energy and the inability to focus and pay attention, which directly impacts learning. Dr. Christy Fortney of Hidden Valley Orthodontics explains the process for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in children.
www.hvortho.com
The influence of a parent or teacher in a child's life is powerful. Author and speaker, Darin Sargent, discusses the importance of having the right mindset and attitude in our home and classroom. He shares how learning from failure and consistently practicing kindness points our youth in the right direction.
As we find ourselves in the thick of the holiday season, we reflect on our fortune and ability to be generous to those in need. Classical Academy parent and entrepreneur, Mike Meziere, shares his experience with volunteering and how giving can be more meaningful than receiving. His family finds joy in volunteering together.
Interfaith Community Services Chief Executive Officer Greg Anglea shares how loss of income, loss of employment, and the inability to afford housing are impacting homelessness in our community. He discusses the importance of being kind, respectful, and treating people with dignity.
Charter schools are facing challenging times in the current political landscape. Chief Executive Officer and President for The California Charter Schools Association, Myrna Castrejon, shares her experience with recent legislation and discusses the local and national narrative.
Every child has unique strengths and talents. Author and Marriage and Family Counselor, Cyndie de Neve, shares how to discover your child's purpose and passion. She explains how homeschooling provides the perfect environment to pursue interests, modify lessons, partner with teachers, and create margin for exploration with your children.
Generation Z refers to generation born in the mid-1990's to mid-2000's. They are the first generation to grow up with technology and social media. Journalism teacher, Mike Owen, explains how parents can stay connected and communicate with Gen Z... and it isn't digitally!
Teen vaping is on the rise and many parents have questions. Jared Baez, Director of Safety and Security, reveals what every parent needs to know before they address vaping with their child.
Every child has a distinctive learning style that may be different from our own. Teachers Suzanne Duncan and Patty Eastman discuss three main styles of learning , including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, and offer advice on how to teach to each type of learner.
Stay organized and keep your sanity while homeschooling students in multiple grades. Educational Specialists Melissa Johnson and Leah Ferkins share how organization and time management can positively impact your homeschooling day. They discuss how creating a learning space, setting expectations, and making a schedule can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction.
Some of the biggest mistakes parents make when homeschooling include not having a daily schedule or plan, multi-tasking during teaching, and being distracted. Veteran teachers Laura Morford and Debbie Crites share their insight on how to prepare and plan for a successful homeschool day. They offer suggestions to help you enjoy the journey.
The Classical Academies is launching a new English Language Arts program this fall, known as Reader's Choice. Inspired by Donalyn Miller's book, The Book Whisperer, the new curriculum will invite and challenge students to read 40 self-selected books each school year. Curriculum Specialists, Corie Shields and Lisa Ivans, explain the new curriculum and how it is better "caught than taught". Be sure to attend a Reader's Choice workshop at this year's JumpStart Parent Education Conference.
The Book Whisperer:
https://bookwhisperer.com/books/the-book-whisperer/
Parenting is challenging. Homeschooling is challenging. Doing both well simultaneously is hard work! Mark Steven Reardon is this year's JumpStart Parent Education Conference Keynote Speaker. Mark informs us how parenting styles, such as Helicopter, Drone, Snow Plow, Tigger, and Zamboni, all stem from good intentions of wanting our children to succeed. Be sure to join us at JumpStart on August 15, 2019 to learn more!
https://classicalacademy.com/communityengagement/jumpstart-conference/
Students struggle with reading for a number of reasons, including negative associations, difficulty, or the feeling that reading is too much work. Classical Academy Online English Teacher, Kellye Bojorquez, shares her suggestions for improving the reading experience. She shares how modeling reading, encouraging positive behavior, and having positive conversations can lead to improvement and success.
Parents are often concerned about their child's emotional well-being and unsure how to respond to statements like "I'm fine". Classical Academy High School Counselor, Charles Threat III, counsels parents and students on conflict, self regulation, and taking ownership of actions and reactions, which lead to open communication. He shares the importance of making sure your child knows they are loved, safe, and supported and giving them the time and space to be vulnerable.
Students spend an average of nine hours a day online, and much of this is spent on social media. Increased time on social media can lead to loneliness, anxiety, depression, and perceived self-worth based on "likes" and "friends". Coastal Academy High School Counselor Jessica Novello shares how to start a conversation with our children about their social media usage and the importance of modeling healthy behavior and boundaries.
CAHS Counselor Laura Hughes and Chief Executive Officer at Pathway Health Clinic Leslie Salasar Carrillo discuss how to have the difficult conversation with your child about sex. They recommend tips for opening up communication and talking "with" your child and not "at" them, as well as helping them understand the consequences of their decisions. This is part two in a two part series.
CAHS Counselor Laura Hughes and Pathway Health Clinic CEO Leslie Salazar Carillo discuss how to start the difficult conversation with your child about sexual health. They recommend tips for opening up communication and talking "with" your child and not "at" them, as well as helping them understand the consequences of their decisions. This is part one in a two part series.
CAHS coach and leadership teacher, Jon Goodman, teaches the value of servant leadership in the classroom and on the field. Core values, such as working hard, living pure, leading with courage, and honoring the team help students live with purpose in all areas of life.
Middle school is a time to prepare for the rigors of high school. Many students struggle with confidence and independence during these years. Veteran teacher Dawn Sullivan shares how teaching students to receive feedback, communicate with teachers, and advocate for themselves leads to a growth mindset that ultimately helps them find success in high school.
Statistically, 1/3 of college students don't show up for their sophomore year of college. Kyle and Wendy Menig are founders of the Two10 Group, a coaching and consulting non-profit that prepares high school students for the transition to college by establishing values, building confidence, and helping students make wise decisions.
Links: https://shop.two10.org/
As parents and educators we are helping students discover their strengths and prepare for their future careers. Classical Academy High School physics and robotics teacher, David Bower, shares how to find your passion and personal calling. He discusses the process of creating an inventory of your successes to help you discover a career you love.
Super STEM Saturday is an annual, hands-on science festival that welcomes 12,000 attendees to the campus of California State University San Marcos. Join Katherine Kantardjieff, Ph.D. Dean, College of Science and Mathematics and Tory See, Social Impact Manager at ViaSat, as they discuss the importance of early STEM education in our region. Learn more about Super STEM Saturday and how it is inspiring future innovators.
Super STEM
CSUSM
Viasat
Classical Academy High School Athletic Director Chedly Benattia discusses the goal and purpose of organized team sports and how parents and coaches can better partner together. He shares the importance of parent involvement and mutual trust and respect.
Veteran teachers Barbara Curry and Wendy Moen discuss the benefits of homeschooling and the reasons parents are choosing to homeschool. They address the many concerns and questions that are common to those new to the idea of homeschooling.
Digital Citizenship includes everything we do online; how we respond to it and how we engage with it. Teacher Amy Pankratz discusses our digital identity and shares ideas for keeping children safe on their devices. She suggests helpful tips, tools, and apps for filtering and limiting time online.
Parental App Links:
Bark.us: https://www.bark.us/
Our Pact: 0https://ourpact.com/
Reading Specialist Elaine Brazele empowers young students to become more effective readers.
She shares how learning to read for pleasure is essential to building reading skills such as fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
https://lexile.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1430
History teacher, Kelly Schaller, discusses the redeveloped California History Framework and how it encourages inquiry, discussion, and discourse. The new framework doesn't specifically direct teachers how to teach, but provides guidelines for developing conversations while aligning with other standards.
Homeschooling multiple children at different grade levels can be a challenge. However, there are strategies you can incorporate into you days and weeks that will allow you to be more productive, provide students with one-on-one time, and build independence.
Father, coach, and teacher Jon Goodman grew up being told to “be a man” without a proper example of what that meant. He found inspiration in the book Raising a Modern Day Knight. Goodman practices transformational coaching by encouraging his own athletes to work hard, live pure, lead with courage, and honor their family.
"Raising a Modern Day Knight" by Robert Lewis: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Modern-Day-Knight-Fathers-Authentic/dp/1589973097
How much time should your kindergarten student spend playing vs. schooling? Kindergarten teachers Jill McNiff and Shannon Andolina address this common question they get from parents.
Class of 2018 seniors, Dalton and Gabby have a transparent conversation about being a teenager. Their hardest years, things they wish their parents understood, social media, the pressure of college, and the idea of "adulting".
Bullying comes in various forms and can lead to depression and suicide.
School Counselors Alissa Atkins and Jennifer Meehan explain the five
types of bullying, and how to know if your child is being bullied. They
offer resources and ideas on how to address a bully at school.
Signe Watson- 8 Keys to End Bullying- Strategies for Parents and Schools
https://www.amazon.com/Keys-End-Bullying-Strategies-Parents/dp/0393709280
Pacers National Prevention Center
https://www.pacer.org/bullying/
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
http://www.spookley.com
Dr. Stacey Perez shares the importance of incorporating Personalized
Learning into your homeschool day. She has found that her students
grow, thrive, and take personal responsibility for their own learning when
challenged to pursue their interests and passions.
Teen suicide is the second cause of death among teenagers. The warning signs aren't easy to spot and it can happen to the happiest of families. Join school counselor Laura Hughes and her honest discussion with Mike and Jennifer Hardy who lost their son, Sebastian. Recorded on the 6 month anniversary of his death, and released during Suicide Prevention Month, they discuss how anxiety, stress levels, and overachieving impact teens differently. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
National 24 Hour Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line- Text "Connect" to 741741
Social emotional growth and academic success are closely linked. When students feel safe, they are ready to learn! Join Coastal Academy Principal Marcy Cashin as she discusses the 8 Keys of Excellence and Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS). These programs improve trust, build character, and lead to better student outcomes.
PBIS- http://www.pbisworld.com/
8 Keys of Excellence- http://www.8keys.org/
What if there as a way to have have clarity about who you are and where you are heading in the future? This year's closing keynote JumpStart speaker, Scott Schimmel is the Chief Guide at Youschool. He discusses finding your purpose, self-definition, resiliency, and guiding young adults to passionate, meaningful futures.
Dr. Jean Twenge is a psychologist, professor, author, and speaker who specializes in researching generational differences. Dr. Twenge discusses the trends she sees with those born after 1995. This generation, knows as iGen, is safer, less likely to take risks, are delaying independence, and taking longer to find careers and marry. Dr. Twenge offers advice for helping teens unplug and engage.
When students feel safe they are ready to learn! School counselors Charity Marino and Charles Threat III discuss the importance of students establishing relationships, becoming self-reliant, and managing their feelings and emotions. Social emotional skills can be taught at a young age and lead to happier, healthier teens and adults.
Create self-directed, passionate learners! Join middle school teacher, Tyler Powell as he discusses the 5 Habits of Success that lead to success in the classroom and beyond.
The ACT, PSAT, SAT, FASFA, and the Common App…there are many acronyms to be familiar with when preparing for college! College Counselor Karen Withem decodes the college preparation and application process and offers practical suggestions for students and parents.
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial or disastrous - but how do you know when anxiety is normal or debilitating? School counselors Jennifer Meehan and Jessica Novello will explain the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder. They offer suggestions for overcoming learned behaviors and ways to cope and respond to anxiety.
Teach your student to push through learning challenges, be resilient, and embrace a growth mindset by praising the process. Teacher Karrie Tardiff has learned how changing the narrative can help students (and adults!) overcome perfectionism and be successful in and out of the classroom.
Carol Dweck:
https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve
Teacherspayteachers.com
Cameron Curry Executive Director for The Classical Academies and Board Member with the California Charter Schools Association hosts an in-depth conversation about charter schools in celebration of National Charter Schools Week, May 7th-11th. Learn what charter schools are, how they operate, how they are funded, and how they are different than traditional public schools.
Your student can learn to love reading! Reading Specialist Mindy Weate has over a decade of experience teaching struggling readers to overcome challenges. She shares strategies, activities, and tools to help homeschooling parents and teachers help their students be successful.
Program Specialist Dana Lenahan discusses the learning challenges associated with ADHD. She shares her own journey with her son’s ADHD diagnosis and how she was able to help him find success.
Veteran homeschooling parent and teacher, Kristin Mitchell, shares how to teach for retention and effectiveness across all grades and into adulthood. Change how you teach, and learn the five ways to make learning permanent.