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 2018 Volume 5, 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!
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We Offer Wonderful Educational Programs for All Ages and All Needs! ·4:1 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 ………...3-4 Standout Students..…………5 School Success Article…..6-7 Success Stories……………….8 New Courses…………………..9 Armenta Pet Academy…...10 ARMENTA HIGHLIGHTS Armenta Events Armenta Fishing Club Summer Fun Photos ALA Upcoming Birthdays Armenta Recommendations
CALENDAR 2018-2019 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 January we will help The “I Am Foundation” with their goal to provide 1,000,000 books in 2018. Please bring any books you have that are new or slightly used, to ALA!
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OPEN ENROLLMENT * STUDENTS MAY ENROLL ANYTIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR LABOR DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, September 3, 2018 OPENING DAY OF SCHOOL Monday, September 10, 2018 End of First Reporting Period Friday, October 26, 2018 VETERANS DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, November 12, 2018 THANKSGIVING RECESS Monday-Wednesday, November 1921, 2018 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS (Legal Holiday) Thursday-Friday, November 22-23, 2018 SCHOOL RESUMES Monday, November 26, 2018 Final Exam Days, High School Tuesday-Thursday, December 1820, 2018 End of First Semester Thursday, December 20, 2018 WINTER RECESS Monday-Friday, December 24, 2018-January 4, 2019 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS (Legal Holiday) Monday-Tuesday, December 24-25, 2018 NEW YEAR’S DAY (Legal Holiday) Tuesday, January 1, 2019 SCHOOL RESUMES Monday, January 7, 2019 Second Semester Begins Monday, January 7, 2019 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, January 21, 2019 LINCOLN DAY (Legal Holiday) Friday, February 15, 2019 WASHINGTON DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, February 18, 2019 End of First Progress Reporting Period Friday, March 1, 2019 SPRING RECESS Monday-Friday, April 1-5, 2019 SCHOOL RESUMES Monday, April 8, 2019 MEMORIAL DAY (Legal Holiday) Monday, May 27, 2019 Final Exam Days, High School Tuesday-Thursday, June 4-6, 2019 End of Second Semester Thursday, June. 6, 2019 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Thursday, June 6, 2019 SUMMER SCHOOL SCHEDULE Monday, June 1, 2019-August 31, 2019
SUMMER SUCCESS!
Science Experiments & Art Projects
Oceanography Fun!
The winner of our July Bubble Gum Jar Guessing Contest Sienna McGrory August Play-Doh™ Contest Winner Catelyn McCleester
Amazing New Students!
Armenta Olympics
ARMENTA RECOMMENDATION DR. DEBBIE HOPPER, RD Debbie Hopper is a Lead Therapeutic and Educational Consultant and a Partner at Academic Answers’ Orange County office. She specializes in working with parents and guiding families to explore options that will lead their children to success. A Registered Dietitian, Debbie has extensive knowledge in nutrition systems and support, and public health. Debbie previously worked in the specialty school and treatment program industry, where she led professional outreach for a continuum of residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, programs for young adults and outdoor behavioral health programs.3 During her 11-year tenure,
she helped 3,000+ families make appropriate therapeutic treatment choices for their children. As a single mother, raising 2 teenage daughters, Debbie is humbled to continue working in Orange County and offering help and sharing knowledge with parents who are searching for answers and hoping to restore their families. Find Dr. Hopper at Academic Answers Partner – Orange County office Therapeutic and Educational Consultant dhopper@academic-answers.com
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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 29 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 16 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.
July 2018
SUMMER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH August 2018 Megan Shook
Megan is a smart and hardworking 8th grader. She loves to take walks with Mrs. Armenta. She is an excellent student and enjoys Math, Reading, Writing, and Science. In less than 3 months, Megan stands out Brianna Bodo as a Star Student! Megan is Brianna is a star 4th grader. She is an amazing a pleasure and joy in class gymnast and trains 5 hours a day! She loves her and loves her family and the outdoors, as well. She has Neurofeedback program. advanced in Math, Reading Comprehension, Mrs. Armenta loves having Reading, and Spelling. Congratulations, Brianna! her in class! Way to go, Megan! ALA Birthdays Declan Henry September 25th Maria Dzuiban October 8th Joel Watts November 10th Julianna Valdovinos November 23rd Ms. Malinda DeSilva November 25th Nico Del Nero Pires November 27th Archita Deshpande January 2nd Megan Shook January 27th Ms. Judy Pegram February 22nd Ms. Borden March 22nd Brianna Bodo March 31st Nick Clute April 2nd Mrs. Julie Armenta April 3rd Mr. Bruce Smith April 4th Marissa Keene April 5th Izzy Lockman April 14th Catelyn McCleester April 21st Ethan Kfoury April 26th Delaney Samuelian April 27th Tristan Van Dam May 7th Gianna Vanessen May 18th Leo Murphy May 25th Ms. Dawn Hopkin June 13th Tanner Samuelian July 6th Ethan Anapoell July 9th Kendall Bogdanovich July 17th Ms. JoRene Axford July 25th Sophia Eide July 28th Isabela Del Nero Pires August 8th
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Armenta Fishing Club Summer 2018 Trip
School Success!
We Love What We Do!
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How to Avoid Anxiety in the Classroom This School Year Written by Julie M. Armenta M.A., Education & Family Specialist & Founder of Armenta Learning Academy Sometimes anxiety is seen in our children and unfortunately, it is on the rise in the classroom. More anxiety has been seen due to pressures at school and in society. Symptoms are easily identifiable, including upset and nervous stomach, nail biting, disruptive or angry attitude, ADHD and severe learning or behavior disorders. Here are some tips for a successful school year and how to identify and avoid anxiety in the classroom.
Anxiety Disorders and How to Help General Anxiety: This happens when children worry about everyday things and situations. The pressures of how to perform in school and struggles with being perfect or living up to parents’ standards are often reasons for anxiety. It’s helpful to support your children in a routine schedule. Discuss goals for the day and prepare the child to relax and perform for what feels comfortable to them. Remind them to always try their best and that is enough. Separation Anxiety: We tend to see this in our children’s earlier years, such as preschool or Kindergarten. Children have a difficulty of being separated from their parents. It’s beneficial to start kids off early and getting them used to being left alone with other trusted family members or friends for a smooth transition into school programs. Social Anxiety: Children feel self-conscious about how they look, act and perform, which can make it difficult to participate in class and with peers in social situations. It’s important to put them on sports teams and in activities at a young age to build confidence and esteem to avoid social anxiety in later years. When children are overly-emotional and have a fear of failure or to take risks in the classroom, it can sabotage their performance and efforts in school. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Other Phobias: Children can get stressed over the little things that they usually can’t control, these can result in anxiety. Kids with OCD try to alternate their anxiety by compulsive rituals, like switching on and off lights, washing hands or other OCD rituals to provide comfort and calmness. Phobias can result to anxiety being consumed and stressed about things around them, such as fear of heights, too many people in one place and so on. It is best to listen to your children on concerns and fears. Providing counseling or family time is highly 6 beneficial to calm your child’s phobias or OCD. It is best to pull them from groups and respect their space and time needed to adjust.
What Should We Do? ѼModel Healthy Behavior: For our children, we must teach them to
build confidence and decision making skills. We need to watch how we handle situations, stress and solutions, so our children can learn healthy living and decision making through us. ѼPraise Positive Behaviors and Skills: Always listen to your child
first, never interrupt or interject while your child is sharing concerns and fears. Validate their feelings, provide solutions and move on. Do not divert from the issues at hand and over comfort. Refrain from negative talk or judgment, which will provide a safe place for your children to share and grow. Learn to put your child’s feelings and experiences into context, which will help your child gain comfort, perspective, resilience, coping skills and more. ѼCreating Structure and Goals: Good rest, nutrition and
communication is an integral part of preventing stressful situations that lead to anxiety. Talking about their day and focusing on new goals daily can provide a safe and effective way to start the day more relaxed. For example, waking up early to prevent the feeling of being rushed and also taking 10 deep breaths between classes. These goals can change daily or weekly to meet your child’s individual needs. It is important as a parent and educator, such as myself, to see the signs and provide comfort continually and constantly for these children to grow, blossom and be successful; not only at home and in school, but also comfortable in their “own skin” and any situation or setting. Mrs. Armenta and her staff teach strategies for socializing, social thinking, problem-solving skills, coping skills and teaching children how to identify with their feelings of anxiety. We are available for one on one or small group sessions and through counseling, coaching and esteem building classes. At ALA, we can alleviate anxiety and learning and behavior disorders through our individualized and personalized programs for your child. We offer pre-K through adult school and tutoring programs for all learners that move at each child's learning pace and we offer accelerated studies and remediation programs, as well! Your child finally gets the attention and expertise they need and deserve to be successful in school and in life. Call for support in all subjects in your home or at the Academy. We guarantee success!
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“Thank you for loving and caring for my daughter and seeing her God given gifts. Thank you for helping her learn and grow. Thank you for welcoming her into your school with open arms. Thank you for doing what others either could not do or were not willing to do. You saved my baby girl. You are her light. Bless you Mrs. Armenta!” - Janice Keene
“HELLO, THIS IS MARISSA KEENE'S GRANDMOTHER. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THERE FOR HER. I AM VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT HER FUTURE WITH YOUR ATTENTIVE TEACHERS ON BOARD. I ALSO RECEIVED A VERY NICE THANK YOU NOTE FROM ISABELA REGARDING INFORMATION I SHARED WITH HER ABOUT WORKING FOR A VETERINARIAN. HER NOTE WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THIS WORKING WORLD. IF SHE WOULD LIKE ANY MENTORING REGARDING MY TECH KNOWLEDGE PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS AGAIN FOR GIVING MY GRANDDAUGHTER A MUCH NEEDED BOOST IN SELF ESTEEM AND CARING.”
“Mr. Smith is positive and engaging. Both of my kids have benefited from his teaching, my daughter in Physics and my son in English/Writing. Mrs. Armenta always adjusts to my schedule changes and is very accommodating. I recommend them to all my friends! Five Stars!“ - Lyn Clute “DEAR MRS. ARMENTA, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL TEACHER. YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE! EVERY TIME I COME INTO THE SCHOOL, YOU BRIGHTEN MY DAY. THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU FOR THAT!” - TANNER SAMUELIAN
- LINDA
Dear Mr. Smith, You are an amazing teacher! You are so full of knowledge. Me and you have a lot in common. You are the best!" - Tanner Samuelian 8
Classes at Armenta Learning Academy Classes can be modified and individualized for your child’s needs.
Au sm Reading Comprehension Classes Ages 5-9 These classes are geared toward children from grade K to 3rd. The program will give your child the founda on and support they need to successfully begin or improve on their journey with reading. They will also be taught reading comprehension tools. This will build words, sentences, vocabulary and comprehension. We have programs for Au s c and Special Needs children, specifically language-delayed and nonverbal learners. Cer fied Play A en on Courses Ages 14-18, Ages 10-13 and Ages 5-9 We are licensed for the Play A en on Program, which is a Neuro feedback tool. Play A en on gets quick results in focus and concentra on with ADHD, au sm, cogni ve, behavior, thinking skills for kids and adults. This is the leading learning program with 91% success rate in a very short me. Play A en on is the global leader in educa onal, cogni ve, and behavioral interven ons for ADHD. Lindamood-Bell Classes Grades 9-12, Grades 7-8 and Grades K-6 This cu ng-edge teaching techniques offers tools to help your child who struggle with learning issues, especially readers. We use a mul -sensory approach that uses different senses to help make connec ons
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between sounds, le ers, and words. We use sight, sound, and touch to enhance and empower the learner. This approach is highly beneficial for students with dyslexia, auditory processing disorders, and dyscalculia. Sessions range from 1 to 4 hours daily for best results. Mul -sensory Handwri ng Program Grades 9-12, Grades 7-8 and Grades K-6 This technique incorporates music with handwri ng classes to help your child get skills for focusing more effec vely during school. We challenge memory, logic, a en on, and verbal skills through a variety of brain and wri ng exercises. Reading Program Ages 14-18, Ages 10-13 and Ages 5-9 Our reading course is Phonics based with a whole language approach that will bring your child up an en re grade level! We make reading fun and come alive. We cover fluency, phonemic awareness, decoding skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary building and more. Wri ng Classes Ages 14-18, Ages 10-13 and Ages 5-9 Our wri ng course covers paragraph building, crea ve wri ng, flow and format, The 5 Paragraph Essay for more advanced writers, confidence building, and developing a lifelong, enthusias c writer and reader.
SUCCESS WITH ARMENTA PET ACADEMY “MOST TALENTED TRAINER I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS. JULIE'S PASSION AND LOVE FOR ANIMALS IS SO APPARENT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ARMENTA PET ACADEMY! YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY WITH THE AMAZING PROGRESS IN YOUR DOGS BEHAVIOR. I WOULD GIVE 10 STARS OR MORE IF I COULD. THANK YOU JULIE FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR MY FAMILY.“ - MALINDA “WE SENT OUR TWO CHIHUAHUA MIXES PANTS AND XOCHITL (SO-SHE) TO APA FOR TRAINING SESSIONS. PANTS NEEDED HELP WITH EXCESSIVE BARKING, SHARING, AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, AND LISTENING. XOCHITL ALSO NEEDED HELP WITH BARKING AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, CHEWING, BEING FRIENDLY TO GUESTS AND BATHROOM HABITS. THEY CAME BACK TO US AS NEW DOGS! WE NOW HAVE A TRAINING PLAN AND KNOW WHAT TO DO TO KEEP THEM ON TRACK! WE ARE TRYING TO HAVE A BABY AND WE KNOW THAT TRAINING THEM HAS HELPED GET THEM MORE READY THAN EVER! THANK YOU, ARMENTA PET ACADEMY!” - VANESSA
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 Mediation Obedience Training
Angela Burton from Muttly Crew Inc. educating students at ALA 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
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Phone: (949)367-WISE (9473) Cell: (949)433-0898 academicsuccessnow@yahoo.com 10