ALA Fall 2016 Back to School Newsletter

Armenta Learning Academy Achieving Excellence Through Education Armenta Learning Academy 28062 Forbes Road, Suite B Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

(949) 367-WISE (9473) phone (949)433-0898 cell www.armentalearningacademy.com

Back to School Newsletter Fall 2016 Volume 3, Issue 2

Welcome Back To Armenta School!

ARMENTA AT ITS BEST Every child has an opportunity to succeed with a curriculum customized and tailored to each students’ needs, interests, talents and learning styles. We tailor hours, instructional tools, and curriculum to meet each student and their abilities and tap into each student ‘s maximum potential through individualized attention.

Students of various backgrounds, strengths and challenges, from Pre K to Adult, benefit from our small class sizes and approach. 98% of families show our curriculum and teaching has improved their child’s learning experience to a successful outcome and are completely satisfied with our programs and the results!

Our graduates have been accepted in top ranking universities all over the country and achieve the highest test scores on SATs, ACTs and standardized and content based tests.

We build a solid foundation for students to be happy and confident for the real world, not only with academics, but also life!

We ENRICH ~EMPOWER ~EDUCATE and engage in excellence! Armenta offers wonderful instructional programs for all levels, including Special Needs to Gifted students!

We Offer Wonderful Educational Programs for All Ages and All Needs! ·6:1 Ratio Schooling/1:1 Opportunities ·Early High School Graduation/ Accelerated Studies ·Grades Raised 2-3 Levels in One School Year ·Individualized Programs to Meet Child’s Needs ·Multisensory Approaches to Learning Including Linda Mood-Bell ·Highly Qualified Staff-Credentialed or 15+ Years Experience Working with Children: Pre-K-Adult Education ·Student Evaluation/Assessments ·Small Group or 1:1 Tutoring ·At Home/Offsite Tutoring ·Correspondence with Student’s Teachers & Parents ·Weekly Updates ·Quarterly Progress Reports ·Comfortable Environment Where Kids Can Learn & Take Risks ·Daily Communication with Parents ·Classes for Credit to Get Ahead or Catch Up ·Fall Prep for Students for a Better Upcoming Year ·Workshops: SAT, SAT II Subject Tests, CHSPE, ACT, GED. ·ESL/Foreign Language/Sign Language ·Counseling/Mentoring for All Ages ·Volunteer/Internship Programs ·Armenta Angels Outreach Program

Enrich * Empower * Educate

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events .............2 Summer Success.................3 Staff Biographies ...............4 Social Skills Classes…………5 Standout Student ...............6 School Success Article ........7 Success Stories…………….8-9 Armenta Pet Academy…...10 ARMENTA HIGHLIGHTS  Armenta Events  Armenta Fishing Club  Summer Fun Photos  ALA Upcoming Birthdays  Armenta Recommendations

ARMENTA EVENTS Costume/ Pumpkin Carving Contest On October 31st, join us with your carved pumpkins and costumes. The best pumpkin and costume will be given a prize!

Creative Turkey Contest On November 17th, students will have a chance to win a prize for the most creatively created turkey!

Canned Food Drive During the month of November students and staff will work at putting as many cans of food together as possible to be donated to local food banks to help the less fortunate.

Clothes/Toys Drive During the month of December students and staff will work at putting as many Toys and clothes together to donate to Operation Christmas Child!

Please bring un wrapped toys and clothes to ALA and make a difference.!

Book Drive During the month of December we will help The “I Am Foundation” with their goal to provide 1,000,000 books in 2016.

Please bring any books you have that are new or slightly used, to ALA!

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CALENDAR 2016-2017 OPENING DAY OF SCHOOL Monday, Sept. 12, 2016 End of First Progress Reporting Period (High School) Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 End of First Quarter (Middle School) Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 End of First Reporting Period (Elementary) Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 End of Second Progress Reporting Period (High School) Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 VETERANS DAY (Legal Holiday) Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2016 THANKSGIVING RECESS Mon.-Wed., Nov. 21-23, 2016 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS (Legal/Local Holiday) Thurs.-Fri., Nov. 24-25, 2016 SCHOOL RESUMES Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 Final Exam Days, High School Mon.-Wed., Dec. 19-21, 2017 End of First Semester (Middle & High School) Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2017 First Semester Wrap-up Activities (Middle & High School) Thursday, Dec. 22, 2017 WINTER RECESS Fri.-Fri., Dec. 23, 2016-Jan. 6, 2017 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS (Local/Legal Holiday) Fri. & Mon., Dec. 23 & 26, 2016 NEW YEAR’S DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 SCHOOL RESUMES Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 Second Semester Begins Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 End of First Progress Reporting Period (High School) Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 LINCOLN DAY (Legal Holiday) Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 WASHINGTON DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 End of Second Progress Reporting Period (Elementary) Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 End of Third Quarter (Middle School) Friday, Mar. 10, 2017 End of Second Progress Reporting Period (High School) Friday, Mar. 31, 2017 SPRING RECESS Mon.-Fri., Apr. 3-7, 2017 SPRING HOLIDAY (Local Holiday) Friday, Apr. 7, 2017 SCHOOL RESUMES Monday, Apr. 10, 2017 MEMORIAL DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, May 29, 2017 Final Exam Days, High School Tues.-Thurs., May 30-June 1, 2017 End of Second Semester (Secondary) Thursday, June 1, 2017 End of Third Progress Reporting Period (Elementary) Thursday, June 1, 2017 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Friday, June 9, 2017 FIRST DAY OF SUMMER SCHOOL Monday, June 13, 2017

SUMMER SUCCESS!

Science Experiments & Art Projects

Declan & Isabela, the winners of our August Clay Contest!

Amazing New Students!

Armenta Olympics

ARMENTA RECOMMENDATION Armenta Academy is happy to announce our newest business partner! Cruise Planners (SeaviewVoyage.com) is a travel agency franchise located in Corona del Mar and owned/operated by Eve & Thomas Chauvel. This dynamic couple are avid travelers having spent time in French Polynesia, Antarctica, the Mediterranean, Western and Northern Europe, South America (including the Amazon River) and Australia. Thomas previously worked aboard three cruise ships and has extensive knowledge about how to best plan for a cruise vacation. Their agency focuses on cruises (ocean and river) yet can also book land packages such as guided tours, all-inclusive resorts or hotels. Their website also allows visitors to purchase tickets for concerts, theater performances, musicals, and sporting events! This full-service agency is dedicated to making customers’ vacation dreams a reality. Visit their website today to sign up for exclusive offers and early booking discounts. As an added bonus, every customer who mentions Armenta Academy will receive a special gift upon returning from a trip booked through Cruise Planners (SeaviewVoyage.com). For more information, call (949) 386-4261 or send an email to thomas.chauvel@cruiseplanners.com or ve.chauvel@cruiseplanners.com.

To travel is to live!

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MEET OUR STAFF Julie M. Armenta, M.A. Educational & Family Specialist I am the Founder, Educational and Family Specialist at Armenta Learning Academy. Since the age of 5, I have had the dream of having my own school and impacting the lives of children. After 10 years in public and private schools I saw a need to make a place for students who don’t fit into the “normal” school system.

I realized my dream in 1989 when I opened Armenta Learning Academy and we’ve been in business for 25 years. I have my Bachelor’s in Psychology, my multiple subject teaching credential, a Master’s in Education, and I’m also completing my Doctorate in Education. I am also a certified counselor for both students and families. I started a shelter for abused and abandoned teens in Chula Vista which still exists today. I am a public speaker and reach out to parents and the community to instill values, techniques, and approaches for more success with their children and within their families to impact generations to come. I am also finishing my book “Success for Every Child,” (the parent manual we have all been waiting for) which helps parents

with the social, academic, behavioral and general life issues within the family unit. I am involved with several organizations: Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders, Council for Special Education Administrators, the Council of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners, and Association for Dyslexia and Autism. I am involved in the community with volunteer work to help and support less fortunate children with organizations such as Families Forward, Olive Crest, Kids Connected, and The Joyful Child Foundation. I am available at ALA for specialized assistance for students and parents, private counseling, consultations, educational and family workshops and support. My passion is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower all families and children I come in contact with. Thank you for allowing me the honor and opportunity to work with you and your precious children. It is truly a privilege and honor! Contact me at: (949) 433-0898

“My passion is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower all families and children I come in contact with.”

Bruce Smith, Lead Teacher

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Mr. Smith is our Lead Teacher at Armenta Learning Academy. He has been with ALA for 15 years and he has over 25 years of experience in education, with a credential in Education. Mr. Smith is fantastic with all subjects, but his specialties are Math and History. Mr. Smith engages his students’ interest in every subject with his personable and humorous approach to teaching. His mother is a professional story teller and teacher and he is a 4th generation teacher. Mr. Smith’s main focus and passion, is to work with the students at ALA with life-impacting issues that need the skills and strategies to become responsible men & women. in society.

He is an excellent Life Skills coach both on and off campus. He impacts the lives of all the students by always presenting a good role model of a responsible, caring, and aware adult. He is a proud father of two boys, and has over 25 years

experience working with youth. He looks forward to the opportunity of working with your children. We at ALA, feel that it is important for our ALA students to have a positive role model as well as a safe place to turn in the process of their maturing and development at ALA. Mr. Smith provides that positive role model with his unending encouragement and support of all our students at ALA. While Mr. Smith is our Lead Teacher by day, he is also our best after school tutor. As well as teaching and tutoring the students, Mr. Smith is available for counseling for both the students and their parents. He is a fabulous Social Skills, Life Skills, Job Skills and Parenting Skills coach. Mr. Smith is also an enthusiastic leader for many of our school clubs such as the Fishing Club and Pet Education Club. He is also an encouraging physical trainer for the Armenta Olympics & Games.

SOCIAL SKILLS CLASSES

BY JULIE M. ARMENTA M.A. EDUCATION & FAMILY SPECIALIST

Basic Manners & Etiquette Workshops / Social Skills Classes

Armenta Fishing Club Summer 2016 Trip

Classes can be individualized to meet your child’s needs!  Appropriate Dress for various settings  Personal grooming  Handshaking - The Ultimate Greeting  Introducing yourself and others - The Ultimate First Impression  Responding to introductions  Name tag etiquette  Conversation skills  How to remember names  Body Language & Eye signals

 Thank you notes  Netiquette - Cell phone and electronic etiquette  Telephone manners  Respecting cultural differences  Being a thoughtful traveler Travel etiquette  Dating etiquette  General manners and common courtesies  The Job interview

Summer School Fun!

School Success!

We Love What We Do!

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STANDOUT STUDENT sepTember sTudenT of The monTh Tanner samuelian

Tanner is a graduating college student and has the best attitude and effort while working on his college courses. He is very athletic and loves to work out, swim and play basketball.

ALA Birthdays Declan Henry September 25th Maria Dzuiban October 8th Jack Bogdanovich November 5th Emma Cohen November 10th Nico Del Nero Pires November 27th Cassidy Walsh January 18th Mrs. Armenta April 3rd Mr. Smith April 4th Delaney Samuelian April 27th Ms. Dawn Hopkin June 13th Kim Hwata June 27th Tanner Samuelian July 6th Ethan Anapoell July 9th Lily Turkzadeh July 12th Kendall Bogdanovich July 17th Marina Wild July 24th Grace Geoffreys July 28th Isabela Del Nero Pires August 8th Wilabeth Hood August 19th

TANNER’S FAVORITES Animal: Jaguar Color: Green

Day of the Week: Friday and Saturday

Lucky Number: 26 Sports: Football and Basketball

Subject: US History

Teacher: Mrs. Armenta Grade Year: College Graduate Movie: Star Wars Theme Park: Six Flags Song: The Beatles Magic Mountain Book: Star Wars and Harry Holiday: Thanksgiving and Potter Christmas Phrase: Just Do It! Memory: Going on walks Food: Pizza with Mrs. Armenta Favorite Place to Go: Hero: Mrs. Armenta Hawaii and Costa Rica Actor and Actress: Johnny Job: To be in the NFL Depp and Penelope Cruz Dream: Wide receiver in Restaurant: Baja Fish the NFL Tacos Armenta Recommendations

Robyn Rakov, O.D. FCOVD Board Certified in Vision Therapy Vision Development Center 25301 Cabot Road, Ste.112 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949-768-7225

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How to Help Your Child Start a Successful School Year Written by Julie M. Armenta, M.A. Education & Family Specialist Parents often ask me how they can help their child be more successful in school. Your child’s success will increase by building good study habits, and by getting involved with your child’s learning. Listed below are several ideas to assist you. I hope these ideas will help you challenge and motivate your child to learn.

Top 10 Study Tips and Habits From Mrs. Armenta: 1. Provide a quiet work place that is free of noise and distractions. The focus needs to be on studying, not watching television or talking on the telephone. Make sure family members and visitors are respectful of your child’s study time.

2. Create a daily study schedule. Begin by setting 20 to 30 minutes of study time, depending on your child’s age. For children in the primary grades, the most common time frame is 1 hour. For middle school grades, the time frame can range from 2-3 hours. High school students usually spend at least 3 hours daily doing homework. The best time of day to study is right after school or right after dinner.

3. Keep the same study schedule even if your child does not have homework. That time cam be spent reading, doing math, or something you assign. Encourage your child to work ahead, as this will help your child become disciplined.

4. Continual review of material learned is one of the most IMPORTANT keys to educational success. Review in the car with your child, in a line, in a store, anytime you are with them.

5. If your child is having problems getting started with homework, help them with the first problem, or give an example. This will enable you to ask questions and to show an interest in the work.

6. Encourage your child to check his/her homework for completion and accuracy. You should check your child’s work, as well. Feel free to work with them and ask your child to explain the material if you have any questions. This will build verbal communication skills, and it will show you whether your child has mastered the concept in question.

7. If your child tends to procrastinate and waste study time, set limits on how long she/he has to complete a task. Encourage your child to set daily, weekly and monthly academic goals.

8. Work before play is still one of the BEST study rules. This builds discipline– not procrastination.

9. Check with your child’s teacher to see what schoolwork is to be done. Consider asking your child’s teacher for weekly or monthly contracts.

10. Praise and rewards tell the child he/she is being successful. This builds self-esteem and encourages your child to learn.

Article written by Julie M. Armenta, M.A. Founder & Education & Family Specialist Armenta Learning Academy 28062 Forbes Road, Ste B Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-367-WISE(9473) or 949-433-0898 www.armentalearningacademy.com academicsuccessnow@yahoo.com Mrs. Armenta looks forward to working with your child on their academic journey, and having a successful school year. Armenta Learning Academy provides Academic & Enrichment Programs, Pre-K thru Adult, Onsite/Offsite, 7 days a week. Call for support in all subjects in your home or at the academy.

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It was very pleasant meeting Mr. Smith and Mrs. Armenta. They are both very sweet and welcoming. My daughter is very excited to be part of this amazing academy. As soon as we walked in we felt the family atmosphere. I am looking forward to my daughter's first day!!!

- Mary “THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING FOR MY SON. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE SEEN HIM BE EXCITED FOR SCHOOL, HE CANNOT WAIT TO START SCHOOL WITH YOU! YOU HAVE DONE SO MUCH WITH HIM DURING THE SUMMER AND HE IS SO EXCITED TO BE WITH YOU THE WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR. THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH MY GIFTED CHILD.” - KELLY “Thank you so much for what you've done for my daughter. Not only have you helped her focus and have more attention, she also loves school again! You have helped me in so many ways to make her more successful and happy here at home and in the community. Lily enjoys her time with you and comes back to me excited about learning. She loves you and your school.

Thank you Mrs. Armenta!”

- Cassandra

“Mr. Smith and Mrs. Armenta, you both have been angels to our family and you have taken both of my children to a safe and happy place to learn, to grow, to blossom and to be themselves. You have done so much in just such a short time. Our children are excited to continue with you through the school year. We have seen such great results and strides and we're looking forward to more with you! Thank you again, you both are truly the best.”

- Missy 8

“I love this school! I can't wait to come here, it's been such a fun summer Mrs. Armenta and Mr. Smith are the best, they teach me in creative and fun ways. I love all my classes here, especially Science. ” - Declan

"Thank you Mr. Smith. I have never had a teacher like you. You’ve taught me so many things in 3 weeks! My grades are high in school now and I'm doing so much better. I’m so thankful to come to a place where you can teach me all my subjects and make school easier and actually fun for the first time.”

- Wilabeth “Thank you Mrs. Armenta for always being so nice and helping me to learn. I love coming here and I love seeing you! We always have so much fun.”

- Lily

“Thank you Mrs. Armenta for believing in me. It's fun to have a school that sees my poten al and not labeled in my reading groups anymore. You helped me believe in myself and do well and all my subjects. We always have so much fun and you understand me. Thank you for just ge ng me, this is the first me a teacher really understands me.”

- Grace “Mrs. Armenta, you are the best and most amazing teacher ever! You're my hero and you have helped me achieve so many things. Not just in school, but in my life with my jobs with my confidence in my community and with my volunteer work. I love taking college credits with you and graduating with ALA. You and Mr. Smith have taken me so far and I'm so thankful for you .”

- Tanner

“I just wanted to take the me and say thank you. My daughter, Gia, instantly loved you she's so excited to start the school year with you. You made her feel so comfortable and so empowered. She's ready for success and she is so enthusias c about star ng the 5th grade. I’ve never seen her get excited about school my life!

Thank you, again, Mrs. Armenta.”

- Mercedes 9

SUCCESS WITH ARMENTA PET ACADEMY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CONNECTING WITH THE ARMENTA PET ACADEMY FOR TRAINING YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER! AFTER JUST A FEW SESSIONS MY DOG WAS QUICKLY WALKING WELL ON LEASH, SITTING, STAYING, AND DOING A FEW 'TRICK' COMMANDS ON CUE. I COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD OF WHAT A GREAT TEAM MY DOG & I ARE BECOMING THANKS TO JULIE’S GUIDANCE. JULIE AT ARMENTA PET ACADEMY IS AS MUCH A PEOPLE TRAINER AS SHE IS A DOG TRAINER. SHE WAS GREAT ABOUT GENTLY POINTING OUT HOW SOME OF MY (NOT ALWAYS FIRM ENOUGH) BEHAVIORS WOULD AFFECT MY DOG’S DEVELOPMENT. HER TRAINING METHODS ARE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT BASED, WHICH IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. I DID NOT WANT TO CRUSH MY DOG’S SPIRIT WITH HARSH METHODS. A FEW MORE GREAT THINGS ABOUT JULIE: SHE'S FRIENDLY, PUNCTUAL, FLEXIBLE, AND VERY COMMUNICATIVE. SHE WAS FIRM BUT ALWAYS VERY LOVING WITH MY DOG. - KIRSTEN

ARMENTA PET ACADEMY At Armenta Pet Academy we believe in establishing a rapport with you and your pet to build trust and respect for a great experience with your pet. Training that should be stimulating and fun as well as enriching for your pet. We use positive reinforcement methods to get quick results. We will train in your home or you can have your pet stay with us short term for day school or long term for a new, improved pet for day school or boarding while you are away for great results.

Contact us at (949)433-0898 we accept emergency calls!

Custom Care & Training for Your Canine Family Member Get quick results with house breaking, chewing, barking, jumping, digging, mouthing & more!!  Private or group/In home or At Site  Problem Solving  Behavior Meditation  Obedience Training

Julie’s former student from 20 years ago, Kirsten with her dog, Finn, and APA’s mascot, Brody.

 On & Off Leash Training  Personal & Family Protection  Trauma Support/ Esteem Building  Separation Anxiety, Pet Therapy  Tricks & Performance Training  Puppy Basic Skills Training  Socialization/Field Trips

Armenta Learning Academy 28062 Forbes Road, Suite B Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Phone: (949)367-WISE (9473) Cell: (949)433-0898 academicsuccessnow@yahoo.com www.armentalearningacademy.com

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