Malibu Coast, CA August 2023

Back to School!

EDUCATION

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION

INNOVATIVE TEACHERS

ARTS + CULTURE

MR. MALIBU

The Los Angeles Daily News, one of the most widely-circulated paid daily newspapers in the city, holds an annual poll where readers nominate their preferred individuals, locations, and objects within Los Angeles. For an impressive six consecutive years, Rosemary has been awarded the prestigious title of “BEST Real Estate Agent” by the discerning readers of the Daily News. Additionally, in the four years prior, she had also earned the distinction of “FAVORITE Real Estate Agent”.

European romance mingled with California magic in this incomparable Solano Estate home spanning over 3600 square feet found within the city limits of Camarillo. Dramatic Spanish style steps lead you to the private courtyard which contains an exquisite hand tiled fountain. This two-story Mediterranean masterpiece boasts an impressive five bedrooms and five bathrooms making it the perfect home for a large family who love to entertain. This architectural masterpiece offers extraordinary artisanship, and a stylistic confluence of modernity and sophistication, with stunning extensive use of travertine flooring, wrought iron & crystal light fixtures, decorative beam ceilings, and handcrafted curved staircase with solid Maple handrail and wrought iron balusters. Classic elegance featuring volume ceilings. The fabulous gourmet kitchen open to the family room is sure to impress even the most discerning chef, with top-of-the-line appliances including a warming drawer, walk-in pantry, caramel stained maple cabinetry. Oversized island and breakfast bar provide plenty of space for cooking and entertaining, in addition to eat-in kitchen dining nook. There is a downstairs bedroom with full bath which can either be an office or downstairs guest bedroom. The large and luxurious master suite offers ample space to relax, with walk in closets and the spacious master bath featuring a jetted spa tub. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream, complete with a stone deck, iAquaLink controlled PebbleTec pool and spa, built-in Viking BBQ, bar counter, in ground raised fire pit with built in stone seeding, and a wood beamed covered patio perfect for dining alfresco or watching a beautiful sunset. Three car garage. Overall, this home is a true masterpiece of Mediterranean style, luxury, and comfort. Features include: whole house Life Source water purification system. Price reduced to $1,900,000

Learning What’s Best to Learn

In order to see my perspective, first, a little history.

I raised three kids, who are now well-educated, successful professionals. All three set their own course and chose their own goals in school and in the working world. How much I had to do with that is up for grabs. Between me and their mother, I assume their academic ability gene pool was well above average. But even that is no guarantee. I was a habitual underachiever until the Air Force told me to “fly or crash.” Flying seemed like a better choice, so I finally flapped my wings. On the other hand, all three kids were self-motivated overachievers. I give their academician mother credit for that. There was stress, financial aid and scholarships, and finally joy and also relief once it was all over and the birds left the nest for good.

The path to what might be considered a quality education was somewhat easier when I was trying to help navigate their way into college. I believe it is twice as hard today. There is more competition and far too much attention paid to super elite schools vs. darn good schools that cost less and educate just as well. Then, like now, it started early. As early as K through 5. Public school or private school? What is best? What can we afford? Is there financial help? Will we have enough money to pay for their college education? Should my son or daughter even go to college? Maybe a trade or technical training is a better path, or first gaining some maturity in the job market. Perhaps the Army, Navy or Air Force (think about all of the tuition help that would provide).

Now that I am a grandparent—PaPa to two and Opa (that’s Dutch) to one—all I can do is observe. Zoe just finished her first year in bioscience at Pitt, and Sophie is entering her senior year at a STEM academy and wants to change the world for the better. Bellefleur is 10 going on 21 and is presently an open book. Me? I am the world’s oldest cheerleader.

August 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@citylifestyle.com

Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn

Tracy.Marcynzsyn@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Barbara Burke | Barbara.Burke@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker, Alicia Doyle, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Cary ONeal

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cary ONeal, Blanca Schnobrich

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

BEN MALKIN, PUBLISHER @MALIBUCOASTLIFESTYLE

Oaks Christian Engineering Students Solve Real-World Problems

Not too long ago, Oaks Christian faculty and staff started asking What if questions.

What if we could create a space where students could be innovators and creators? What if that space would give our students a jump in the STEM fields? What if students invented not just for the sake of invention, but to solve realworld problems to improve people’s quality of life?

Four years later, the question is no longer What if, but What next ?

In just 4 short years, a former pet supply building has become a modern, state-of-the-art Ross Family IDEA Lab, home to the OCS Institute of Engineering which focuses on aerospace, electrical, biomedical, industrial, architectural and environmental/ humanitarian fields of study. In May 2023, the first seniors to complete their course of study presented their capstone projects to a full house.

“Four years ago, this was all just a dream,” said Associate Head of School for Academics and Arts Dr. Matt Northrop. “We have come so far, so fast. And it's not that we are so impressed with the presentations, but that we know these students will be difference makers, change-makers in our world who will, no doubt, be a light.”

Students shared their yearlong process from postulation of an idea or thesis, discover (research) phase, modifications (failure/try again) phase and completion (success/works) phase. Skills learned included critical thinking, risk taking, idea articulation and vision, and collaboration.

“These students exemplify grit and perseverance. They understand that you need to ask for help from your team. You can’t go it alone,” said Institute

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLANCA SCHNOBRICH

Director and Engineering Teacher Greg Gillis-Smith. “These are life skills they are learning here.”

Tyler Moore invented a custom 3D-printed surfboard with pressure-controlled fins that allowed a wider range of control.

“One of the important things I have learned from Dr. Moon (math and electrical engineering teacher) is to keep trying,” he said. “When we submit something, we aren’t just done. Every mistake on the board is a signal to me to keep improving. Otherwise, I am not an engineer: I am just a tinkerer,” said Moore.

That mindset is what distinguishes the OCS engineering students. They don’t see themselves as just students but as bona fide engineers ready to contribute to industry and the world.

Moore, along with classmate Tim Kabilafkas, also designed an anti-theft gasoline cap to solve the problem of gasoline and diesel fuel theft from automobiles, a definite real-world problem with the high price of gas today. Through extensive testing and product research they are now ready to market their invention, moving from the What If to the What Next stage.

For most high schoolers, the thought of being published in an international journal is far-fetched. But for OCS senior Kayla Youhanaie, it’s just another notch in her engineering belt.

Beginning last year, Youhanaie worked with fellow students Finley Buckner, Kenny Dott, Sammy Jackovich, Alex Leal, Hope Mbakadi Jr., Daniel Niednagel, Aiden Rouse, Haven Tan, and Enming (Tiger) Zhang on a water purification device. The device is the result of a partnership with an organization called Global Bridges. For the past 3 years, the OCS Institute of Engineering worked with Global Bridges to design water storage and distribution systems for rural villages in Honduras and Nicaragua.

“We are able to talk to the community using Zoom, trying to figure out the best way that we can help them,” explained Gillis-Smith. “We met Maria, a single mom with a couple of kids, and she said of her jobs that she does is to do people's laundry. She takes the laundry out to the river and washes the laundry.

So, we said, ‘You have a river. Why are we designing all this system that has a well and all this if you guys have a river that you can use?’”

The reason the river could not be used is because of the contaminated surface water. It is completely polluted through farms and waste upstream, with no way of purifying it. Because of that, Gillis-Smith challenged his students to find a way to purify the water in the most cost-effective way possible.

“We were really inspired by how that project could have real-world impact and help real people and how water is such an important kind of necessity of life,” said Youhanaie, who is headed to Northwestern University to study mechanical engineering this fall. “We started by researching how water is purified: heat, UV and ozone. We split up into groups and researched the energy efficiency of each of those methods and concluded that ozone was the most efficient way.”

Students built a prototype of the purification system. It started with a repurposed 35-gallon fish tank and some solar panels. After they ran the first tests with local pond water that tested positive for bacteria such as e coli, the class realized

that although the ozone was purifying the water, there were still particulates that were byproducts of the purification. The team added a sand filter to target the particulates, and after the final tests, put the water in a petri dish to test it. The results came back that the water was 100% pure and safe. After the system was confirmed to work, the process of publishing the findings was next. The class finished at the end of the 2021-22 school year, so Youhanaie took it upon herself to write the research reports. The findings were published by the International Conference on Water Pollution and Purification Technologies.

Youhanaie spoke about the Institute of Engineering and how it has prepared her for a future in the engineering field.

“The institute really trained me how to think like an engineer and know how to identify a problem that doesn't have a solution and then figure out how to solve the problem without using worksheets like a normal class. You just have to kind of figure it out. That prepared me for engineering: thinking about innovative or creative solutions to real-world problems that need solutions and then using engineering to solve those problems.”

To learn more about Oaks Christian, visit OaksChristian.org.

“We were really inspired by how that project could have real-world impact and help real people and how water is such an important kind of necessity of life.”

La Reina:

For the past 6 decades, La Reina has stood as the leading institution for young women in Ventura County. As a Catholic school, we recognize the importance of spirituality in education and the faith life of each of our students. The Catholic faith permeates all aspects of the educational experience, shaping the curriculum, teaching methods and values integrated into the learning progress.

The story of La Reina traces back to 1964, but its educational vision is rooted in its origins much earlier. The Sisters of Notre Dame, who laid the foundation for the beloved La

Reina we know today, emerged during the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. Their Spiritual Mother, Sister Julie Billiart, harnessed her faith and used her voice and compassion to challenge the times and fight for the education of children.

At La Reina, our foremost objective is to educate each individual student. Guided by our Christian anthropology, we firmly believe that every student possesses the potential to positively impact the world. We have built our school guided by the principle that quality and the individual count.

The curriculum at La Reina reflects a profound integration of the Catholic worldview. Whether it is our innovative robotics program or our Humanities Department grounded in classical principles, we ensure that our students are exposed to a perspective that upholds the acceptance and respect for every human being, recognizing their inherent value and rightful place in society.

Encouraging parental participation in the school’s mission and life is a hallmark of Catholic education and the La Reina experience. With this teamwork in place, La Reina has restructured its approach to technology integration and continues to make enhancements to learning. Through a thoughtful and purposeful approach that emphasizes that students should first grasp the essence of their humanity within a broader context before engaging with online learning platforms and social media, changes were made to the ways students interact with and use technology.

In the 2022-23 school year, we set additional parameters in the 6th grade around students' access to their academic and personal devices. School-issued iPads were available solely for academic purposes with teacher guidance and then placed at an onsite charging station, supported by new studies that prove even when a device is nearby, albeit not in a student’s hands, the device will continue to occupy the child’s thoughts and distract from learning. The positive effect that this adjustment had on our youngest students encouraged our decision to keep all academic devices for Grades 6-8 on campus during the upcoming school year. All school-issued devices will now remain on campus after school hours and during vacation

periods, allowing students to fully engage with their families and outside activities.

Acknowledging current research and parent/ student feedback around the deleterious impact technology has on students’ social and emotional health, La Reina is also increasing limitations around personal devices for middle school students during lunchtime using a system of positive incentives. This past school year, students were motivated by a reward system for voluntarily placing their phones in a safe location during lunch. At the end of each month, the team of students with the most tokens enjoyed a pizza party with their peers.

Additionally, the lunch period was expanded to help foster friendships with classmates and the pursuit of healthy and fun activities was encouraged. Wellness stations were established that offered girls the opportunity to quietly read or draw, play ping pong and other games or have fun in a staffed art room.

Initially, middle school students reluctantly placed their phones in the basket at lunch. After 6 weeks, they began tossing their phones in to run off to play and socialize with friends. Parents report that their daughters are happier and more carefree, and faculty members have observed a significant increase in engagement in the classroom as well as positive behaviors. This is but one example of the thoughtful changes made to the way students interact with technology.

Continuing to lead the way in education, La Reina is introducing a new year-long freshmen course requirement in the 2023-24 academic year focusing on logic, rhetoric and the ethics of technology. Through this class, we aim to instill

“This past school year, students were motivated by a reward system for voluntarily placing their phones in a safe location during lunch.”

in our students a genuine appreciation for their human nature, equip them with an ethical framework to navigate the complexities of technology and prepare them for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

These pioneering classes and other efforts to improve our students’ lives and futures through safe, effective and ethical integration of technology is one more way that La Reina lives its commitment as a Catholic school that nurtures students in mind, body, and spirit.

Building relationships with parents based on trust is pivotal to successfully addressing issues like the safe, effective and ethical integration of technology in learning. Trust is actively fostered by teachers and administrators alike, who listen to parents and offer opportunities for dialogue. Increasingly, new parents to La Reina credit

our deep commitment to family partnership in their decision to enroll their daughter.

We are pleased to invite the Ventura County community to join us for La Reina’s 2023-2024 Parent Education Series. Throughout the year, these evening workshops will be focused on vital topics such as the impact on children of growing up in a technology-saturated world. Please visit La Reina’s website at LaReina.com to stay informed of upcoming opportunities.

La Reina warmly welcomes transfer students and is currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year on a limited basis.

For more information, please visit LaReina.com or email Director of Admissions Renee Biezins at  rbiezins@ lareina.com.

“Encouraging parental participation in the school’s mission and life is a hallmark of Catholic education and the La Reina experience.”

World-Class Educational Options Prime Students’ Potential

ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN & ALICIA DOYLE

Local schools offer world-class education delivered by talented, dedicated educators aimed to equip students to pursue their dreams and excel in their future endeavors. With myriad co-curricular opportunities and award-winning academic programs, local educational options serve multiple learning styles and interests.

MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The decades-long discussions about forming a separate Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) and breaking away from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SM-MUSD) that Malibu schools (Malibu Elementary, Webster Elementary, and Malibu Middle & High School) have been a part of since before the City's incorporation are gaining momentum.

Since 2011, community groups, including Advocates for Malibu Public Schools (AMPS) and the Malibu Unification Negotiations Committee (MUNC), have lobbied for the creation of an independent Malibu Unified School District.

Proponents note that a separate district dedicated to excellence in education for the Malibu community would benefit local students, pointing to the “physical distance between Malibu and Santa Monica, the distinct character of these communities, inadequate representation of Malibu on the SM-MUSD Board of Education and the need for local control over the education of Malibu's children.”

Following stalled negotiations by Malibu City Council and staff to reach a mutual separation agreement and financial plan for the proposed districts in 2020, the City of Malibu/ SMMUSD recently released a joint statement on school district separation negotiations.

“Negotiations between the City of Malibu and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), initiated in October 2022, led to agreement on a ‘Term Sheet,’ which outlined a framework to accomplish formation of an independent Malibu Unified School District and Santa Monica Unified School District. The Term Sheet identified a goal of finalizing three agreements by April 15, 2023,

but clarification of additional details will be required to accurately reflect the agreement between the parties,” noted the May 15, 2023, statement.

“Most importantly, the parties have reached an agreement that all students will benefit from the creation of independent school districts. Hence, the parties will continue to finalize key terms for the three agreements that will define the separation.” The next mediation session is scheduled for August 8, 2023. Visit MalibuCity. org/MUSD for updates and more information.

POINT DUME SCHOOL & EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING

Offering progressive educational services to support all types of learners, Point Dume School & Educational Consulting provides a full-day school program for students seeking an individualized and progressive approach to a top-quality education. At Point Dume Day School, students receive highly individualized attention tailored to their academic, social, emotional and developmental needs and goals. Services include one-on-one educational tutoring, subject-based tutoring and thorough academic assessments.

The school’s highly trained credentialed teachers and educational therapists provide students with a wide range of individualized educational strategies and techniques targeted to meet the students’ specific needs.

PDS’s mission is to empower students to realize their individual potential and to foster their innate desire to learn and act with social responsibility. Choosing to educate your child at Point Dume School ensures a low student to educator ratio. Educators assess your unique child and customize a learning plan, including necessary support elements designed to address each child’s academic goals. The result: A child who is thriving, learning, growing, and most importantly, happy and confident.

Educational therapists work with students with dyslexia, nonverbal learning disorder, reading and writing difficulties, visual processing problems as well as poor motivation, low academic self-esteem, organizational and study skills challenges and school and test anxiety.

In addition to the day school, PDS uses researchbased methodologies in its Online Learning Center utilizing cutting-edge technology and offering a project-based curriculum to educate and enrich each child’s knowledge.

Point Dume School’s educational therapists communicate with other professionals, teachers and the student’s family to develop a team approach to support each student’s learning. Educational therapists collaboratively set goals and develop an educational plan that addresses academic difficulties as well as psycho-educational and socioemotional aspects

of lifelong learning. Summer Academic Recovery Programs help to bolster students’ success.

Contact Kellye McKinna, PhD, at drkellye@pointdumeschool.org, visit PointDumeSchool.org or call 310.589.8144 for more information.

LA REINA HIGH AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

La Reina High and Middle School offers a unique opportunity for young girls in Grades 6 through 12 to grow in an environment where there is a clear vision for her future through high school and beyond.

“At La Reina, we strive to create an atmosphere of genuine intellectual curiosity, open and honest friendships, and personal accountability,” says Principal Maggie Marschner.

“Our vision is to educate young women who are at capable of navigating the turbulent times of today, by recalling the beauty and wisdom inherent in Catholic feminine spirituality,” she continues. “We welcome girls of all faiths and cultures, because the Catholic faith appeals universally as Christ did. Every cultural heritage we welcome contains something of the Divine, as we are all children of God.”

La Reina offers a true Catholic education.

“We seek to educate mind, body and spirit,” emphasizes Marschner, noting that La Reina offers unparalleled academics in the fields of science, mathematics, the arts and the humanities.

“Our school culture seeks to inclusively weave the individual spirits of our students into a continuous tapestry of friendship and sisterhood, based upon mutual respect and friendship,” Marschner explains.

Through La Reina’s classroom pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, the faculty addresses learner variability by developing lesson plans that support a personalized academic experience focused on growing each student’s individual gifts.

The extracurricular programs La Reina offers include mock trial, speech and debate, journalism, literature magazine, babysitting and first aid.

“Our athletics program includes basketball, cross-country, golf, equestrian, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball,” Marschner says. “We welcome all levels of athletes and talent as we seek to grow our students in all areas towards excellence.”

The most popular programs are in the Visual and Performing Arts Department.

“Our students also greatly enjoy our academic co-curricular through participation in our robotics program, where students compete in the VEX robotic tournaments, as members of the teams, speech and debate, academic decathlon, and mock trial,” Marschner says. “What each of these programs have in common is a pathway for the young women of La Reina to lean into their strengths and nurture their passion.”

Above all, the ultimate goal of La Reina is to graduate faith-filled, confident, capable and compassionate young women able to navigate their world.

“We seek to engage our students and bring them to an understanding of the beautiful vision of love that Jesus Christ calls us to,” Marschner adds. “We do not seek to build a monolithic culture at La Reina—rather, we seek to build students who can impact the larger culture.”

For more information, visit LaReina.com or call 805.495.6494.

OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Oaks Christian School is a vibrant, dynamic learning community where each student is inspired and encouraged to discover their God-given gifts, talents and passions.

“We have a vibrant campus community that is committed to educating the ‘whole child’ and who puts the student first while also partnering with our parents,” says Head of School Rob Black.

“We offer students a rigorous curriculum, delivered by a highly engaged faculty who mentor and model wisdom, coupled with small classes that delivers a highly successful record of placement into many of the finest colleges and universities in the country and throughout the world.”

Oaks Christian’s signature institutes are considered “unparalleled” among high schools—beginning with an Institute of Arts and Innovation that offers pathways in songwriting, music production, film and television, dance, photography and vocal performance.

“Students gain real-world opportunities with industry professionals and master classes with experts in these fields,” says

Black, adding that these students have gone on to produce award-winning documentaries, full-length feature films premiere in theaters and commercial music on Spotify, to name a few.

Additionally, students in the Institute of Engineering have developed complete water delivery systems for rural villages in Honduras, complete fiber optics systems, miniature housing with full electrical and plumbing, affordable wheelchair prototypes and readied products for the market, such as an anti-theft gas cap.

“Our Institute of Global Leadership students have explored the United Nations 17 Sustainable Goals and written papers in these areas with proposed solutions to issues such as gender pay equality, the fentanyl crisis and the balance of the justice system,” Black says. “We are now poised to establish two new institutes: The Institute of Health and Sciences and the Institute of Biblical Studies.”

The most popular offerings at Oaks Christian include AP and honors courses in English, math, science, modern and classical languages, engineering and STEM, performing arts (theater, dance, choral and instrumental music), history (WWII, U.S. Government) and visual arts (film, graphic design, drawing and painting, and ceramics).

“We aim to graduate students who will represent our Portrait of a Graduate characteristics,” Black emphasizes. “Oaks Christian School is an exceptional community where students graduate as caring and compassionate servant-leaders who will use their knowledge, gifts and abilities to be positive influences in the world. We teach from a Biblical worldview which is paired with a culture of care to form our three pillars.”

“We do not seek to build a monolithic culture at La Reina—rather, we seek to build students who can impact the larger culture.”

Christian School welcomes

These three pillars are as follows:

• Knowledge and Wisdom: An Oaks Christian graduate is a discerning, discipline individual whose curiosity propels him/her to innovate.

• Well-Being and Community: An Oaks Christian graduate is purpose-minded person who acts in a loving manner towards all while maintaining a joyful and sacrificial outlook.

• Leadership and Character: An Oaks Christian graduate acts with integrity and humility. Collaboration and courage are hallmarks of their character.

As far as the future is concerned, the board of trustees recently announced that Oaks Christian will become a TK to 12 school— starting with adding the fourth grade this fall.

“Oaks Christian School welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds regardless of their personal religious beliefs,” Black adds.

“As a Christian school, we offer all students an opportunity to embrace and further develop their relationship with God or to explore the Christian faith and learn more about the richness of its offerings—we encourage you to learn more about all the many opportunities that Oaks Christian School has to offer and we can’t wait to welcome you to our campus.”

For more information, visit OaksChristian. org or call 818.575.9900.

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE: IN MALIBU, FOR MALIBU

This beautiful and innovative satellite campus, in operation since February 2023,

is SMC’s first in Malibu. Sitting on a 3-acre lot directly across from Legacy Park and adjacent to the Malibu Library, this twostory educational building includes a science room, a computer lab, a dedicated art studio, two general classrooms and a lecture hall that sits up to 100 with sloped seating, ideal for lecture series and presentations. The unique multipurpose room, which doubles as an Emergency Operating Center when needed, offers open floor spaces for dance and yoga classes as well as community gatherings.

With plenty of airy open green spaces outdoors, SMC-Malibu is a place where the community can come together to do great things.

There are four types of classes offered at the Malibu Campus: For-credit classes that can be used toward an associate’s degree or transfer to a 4-year college; noncredit classes for shortterm vocational and workforce preparation and certificates; Emeritus classes for older adults seeking self-enrichments that are free of cost, and Community Education classes that are priced reasonably to address the interest of the community at large.

With so many options for varied subjects that range from sciences, arts, music and fitness to informative lecture series and political sciences across different dates and times, anyone who wishes to take a class at SMC-Malibu will find one to their liking. Class offerings change from semester to semester; visit SMC.edu/malibu for the most current class schedules.

For more information, email malibu@ smc.edu or call 310.434.8600.

“Oaks

students of all faiths and backgrounds regardless of their personal religious beliefs.”

Innovative Teachers Granted Funds for Special Projects

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” —Nelson Mandela Ventura County teachers know firsthand about the power of education to spark a student’s interest that can lead to a lifelong love of learning. In their pursuit to create meaningful educational experiences for students, 15 exceptional teachers were recently recognized by the Ventura County Office of Education for their unique and creative lessons.

Named as 2023 Ventura County IMPACT II grant recipients, local teachers received funding—$500 each and $1,000 for teams—for their projects in a variety of subjects, including history, language arts and social sciences.

ARTICLE

BY TRACY

MARCYNZSYN

IMPACT II aims to share excellent teaching ideas throughout the county and recognize innovative teachers with funds to continue their cutting-edge classroom projects, raising community awareness of exemplary classroom practices and boosting teacher morale. Learn more at VCOE.org.

From creating community mini book libraries to understanding feelings and health and safety issues, the projects aim to inspire, instruct and elevate student learning and can be replicated for years to come. Grant recipients shared their detailed lesson plans for free use by other teachers near and far online at VCOE.org.

Funded by local businesses and organizations—Amgen Foundation, Sage Publications and Corwin, and STS Education—in support of classroom innovations, the nine Impact Grants include the following projects:

• A Day on the Farm, by Mia Rogers, Glen City Elementary

• ¿Quién soy yo?: Defining Identity Nomenclature in Our Community, by Gloriana DeCandia, Isbell Middle School

• Loteria: Not Your Abuela’s Mexican Bingo, by Jennifer Epley, Isbell Middle School

• A World of Feelings: Understanding Our Emotions to Help Ourselves and Others Thrive, by Holly Johnson, Ventura Charter School

• Covid 19 - Coping and Resiliency, by Tess Potchen, Brittnee Veldman and Danna Lomax, Los Primeros, CSUCI and VUSD Educational Services Center

• Mini Libraries: Access to Books for ALL!, by Emily Noel, Hector Rodriguez and Michelle Wilson, Ventura Charter School

• Informational Podcast: Discovering your Voice, by Mona Pinon, Channel Islands High School

• Roxaboxen is. . . Empowering Young Children to Learn and Grow Through Imaginary Play, by Karen Mercer and Eric Cowen, Oak Grove School

• Our Traits Are Great!, by Maria Geib and Alli Silverman Quiroz, Junipero Serra Elementary School in Ventura

In the past 3 decades, with the support of local organizations, more than $400,000 has been awarded to approximately 1,000 local educators for innovative and creative curriculum. Each year teachers of Grades K-12 submit their projects to be judged by a team of fellow educators and representatives from the business community.

FDA approved SMILE Eye Laser Surgery

SMILE is short for Small Incision Lenticular Extraction. SMILE Laser eye surgery is a game changer in laser vision correction. Dr. Khanna is experienced in the use of the only FDA approved laser for SMILE, Visumax. Dr. Khanna is experienced in the use of this laser to carve a sliver of tissue in 30 seconds within the cornea. Cornea trained surgeon Dr.Khanna, skillfully and painlessly removes this thin tissue through a small opening. The recovery is quick with patients returning to work and sports in a day or two. The absence of the cornea flap causes less dry eye. Flapless also makes it safer, as there is less chance of the flap getting displaced. Therefore, even people who could not have Lasik, like surfers or those engaged in contact sports can SMILE.

SMILE vs Lasik

Lasik has a flap which can get displaced or allow debris, cells or bugs to creep in. There is no flap in SMILE making it safer.

SMILE vs PRK

The healing in PRK is slow and painful while that in SMILE is painless and fast.

Who can perform SMILE?

Only highly competent Lasik eye surgeons, like Rajesh Khanna, MD who are certified by Zeiss can perform SMILE laser eye surgery.

Am I a candidate for SMILE?

Khanna Vision Institutes has an advanced diagnostic machine to detect the shape and curvature of your cornea and eye. Dr. Khanna uses this information to decide if he will do SMILE surgery for you. Therefore, he offers a free consult to find out if you are a candidate for this latest procedure.

Dr Khanna and happy patients.

LEARNING DISABILITIES AND ADHD:

FORMS OF LEARNING DISABILITIES

There are multiple forms of LDs. Some pose input problems, which means a child struggles with either sound or visual input. What happens is the information is not processed correctly or gets stored incorrectly in the brain. This can pose problems with the retrieval of information as well as short- or long-term memory.

An LD can also cause output problems. This can sometimes be seen in motor skills such as handwriting difficulties. Another common problem is verbal output. This is usually evident in kids that have trouble organizing their thoughts either in writing or orally. Punctuation, grammar and spelling may also suffer as a result.

Dyscalculia is a math learning disability. Kids with dyscalculia may have difficulty learning to tell time, counting money or counting in general, learning math facts, calculating, understanding measurement, or performing mental math.

Dyslexia is a reading disability, although the symptoms are not exclusive to reading. Children with this disorder may have difficulty with spelling, vocabulary or comprehension. They may read slowly, have trouble learning left from right or have organizational problems with both written and spoken language.

What Parents Need to Know

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

Approximately 10% of American school-age children suffer from a learning disability (LD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a report by the  Centers for Disease Control . About 4% of children have both. But for many kids, these disorders go undetected, despite their ongoing struggles with schoolwork and behavior issues that often accompany the conditions.

Often, parents do not suspect learning disabilities because many people associate LDs with low IQ. However, LDs affect children of all intelligence levels and have nothing to do with IQ. In fact, it is not uncommon for a child with a learning disability to excel in one or multiple subjects, while struggling in another. Also, kids with LDs or ADHD may do well under certain conditions, yet, in other situations, they have great difficulty. Depending on the LD and severity of it, a child might struggle in all areas.

Dysgraphia is a writing disability. Poor handwriting and often an awkward style of holding a pencil or even contorting the body while writing are hallmarks. A child may also have trouble drawing lines. With dysgraphia, kids can often better express their understanding of the material through speech than in writing.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a problem with input. It is not a hearing problem. Instead, the brain has difficulty processing sounds. As a result, kids with APD can be distracted by loud noise or struggle to follow conversations. This can be especially problematic when there are a lot of background noises, which makes it difficult to distinguish sounds.

Visual Processing Disorders (VPD) are also a problem with input. However, VPD is not a vision problem. It is actually a problem with the brain processing what the eyes see. It can result in a child bumping into things or being unable to distinguish the shapes they see. It can also pose difficulty in identifying letters or numbers or result in problems with visual sequencing, among other symptoms.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is similar to Asperger syndrome and shows up as difficulties with social skills. Academic problems are sometimes present as well but often do not show up until kids reach higher grade levels. Those with NLD may be afraid of new situations, struggle to make friends, lack common sense and experience social withdrawal. Academic problems can include reading comprehension and working out math story problems.

ADHD is marked by attention problems and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls often have only attention issues, while boys are more commonly impulsive or hyperactive. Symptoms can include difficulty staying on task or paying attention. Yet, they often hyperfocus on stimulating activity. Children with ADHD may fidget or have trouble staying seated, interrupt and act without thinking.

The symptoms listed for each of the LDs are not exhaustive. Learn more by visiting the website of the Learning Disabilities Association of America at  https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/.

If you Suspect Your Child has an LD or ADHD

The first step is to talk with your child's teacher and find out what the teacher has observed. Then speak to the school principal. Public schools are required by law to provide an assessment. This should include an IQ test, assessments of math, reading and writing, and testing of processing skills. If your child is in a private school that does not offer this service, you can request it through your public school district.

Once your child has received a diagnosis, your school psychologist should be able to recommend and help you set up services or accommodations for your child. Depending on the specific learning disability, your child may qualify for special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or accommodations through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Keep in mind, you are your child's best advocate. So read books and articles on your child's LD and learn how you and your school can help. Talk to your child's teacher about additional ways the teacher can assist your child. Most teachers are eager to help. Although, depending on the student-teacher ratio and the school's resources, it is sometimes challenging for teachers to do as much as they would like. There are likely other kids in their classrooms with special needs as well. If you feel your child is not getting the help needed, talk to the school administrator.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer who owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at SageRareBooks.com .

Indulge a Moment in ourShangri-La

Mountains rise toward the sky; rows of vines stretch out and your journey of self-discovery begins. We invite you to ignite your passions, awaken your senses and come away inspired.

Mizel Lifestyle Experiences

Mizel Mindfulness - Yoga in the Vineyard Wednesdays 4-5pm

“My goal is to get you out of your head and into your body, release blocked energy and learn how to flow with life, on and off your mat!” — Mizel Yogi Emily Sutton. After yoga, indulge in a sip of Mizel Wine and Divine Chocolate!

Mizel Wine & Art with Bobbie Rich Select Sundays 3-5pm

“Happiness is sharing my passion for creativity and art.” — Mizel Artist Bobbie Rich. Bobbie is an internationally acclaimed artist who is also a gifted teacher, gently guiding budding artists to explore their unique visions. Delight in Mizel Wine as you bring your masterpiece to life.

Scan QR code for details. Spaces Limited! RSVP 805/795-2506.

Mizel Estate Wines 1050 W. Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

WWW.MIZELESTATE.COM

MR. MALIBU EXPLORES POWER OF LEARNING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARY ONEAL

Famed woman psychologist Byron Katie says, “if you knew how beautiful you are, you would fall at your own feet.” For me, learning self-love may be the most useful learning of all. Coming to know the vast riches and wisdom we all are simply by virtue of being alive is the type of knowledge I would have loved to be experientially introduced to in my childhood, especially in elementary school.

Whoever coined the phrase “back to school” seems to have been out of alignment. The word “back” infers going backwards or the need to go back. Should we change the phrase to “forward to school”? “Okay kids, next week we’re going forward to school!” When we discover how powerful and essential learning is, we see how vital it is to be utterly delighted and excited to be in any environment where we learn (which is everywhere if that is our desired focus). And of course, ultimately, the only environment there is is us, in the sense that everything we’re seeing externally is being projected from our consciousness via our conscious interpretation. Our brains are taking in billions of bits of information 24/7 and converting it all moment to moment into our experience of life.

Looking at my early “education” attending Malibu Webster Elementary, we were not introduced to simple but profoundly important principles such as HOW to learn, the power of simplicity and the fact that the word “education” derives from the Latin word “educare,” which means “to draw out of” because they had the understanding that all knowledge exists within us and just needs to be drawn out or re-membered. The giant missing link to this understanding is HOW to access the ocean of answers inside. Is it by learning to read words so we can read the thoughts and information from others that will activate the knowledge within?

One part of the mystery is that the energy causing us to breathe contains all wisdom and intelligence, and when we learn how to experience that energy without mental interference or without “the logical interpreter,” the wisdom and intelligence is automatically transferred to our conscious awareness, and in a way that not only can be understood but actually experienced. It is materializing in a way we can know as part of our awareness if we just listen and feel what is from pure observation.

According to Patrick Glynn, people have different learning styles because they vary in their ability or need to process information by sight, sound and touch. Some may prefer visual aids like charts, while others will learn better through listening (auditory) or doing things physically (kinesthetic). The benefits of learning styles are that we feel more self-assured, leading to more productive learning and improved working relationships now and in the future.

Learning actually and literally extends our lives because when we learn new information, it creates neurons in our brains and extends our telomeres. Studies have shown that when people begin to stagnate in their minds, it can lead to dementia for example. Our brain is an organ that grows and expands without taking up more space! We have ten thousand galaxies’ number of synapses in our brains all acting simultaneously in perfect concert for us to be able to learn.

To be taught at an early age about the power of fluidity and flexibility in our thinking is beneficial and can lead to resolutions of resistance and mental blockages which themselves can even cause physical illness. This reminds me of the bumper sticker, “Don’t Believe Everything You Think.” I can extend this and listen to my thought-maker itself and ask if that is really me doing the thinking or is it something happening that I cannot stop? Many experts say our thought life in some sense is the product of our collective momentum being passed down generation to generation and that the conclusions of our thoughts are not only our own.

When I was in the second grade, we were forced to go through drills hiding under our desks in case there was a nuclear attack from Russia. The Benson family residence on Malibu Road actually had a bomb shelter filled with canned goods! We were led out of the classroom at Webster in single file and hiked up to the Hughes Research Lab, where we would hide in the event of a nuclear attack. Think of how this affected children’s perception of the world and our fellow humans.

Another vital element in learning for me that seemed to have been missing in elementary school was what inside me was actually doing the learning. Was it all about simply remembering new information? Also, I do not recall a single class or subject matter being introduced regarding how to increase my focus and concentration.

There was missing information about what was inside of me that was doing the focusing. How could I see or know my own mental binoculars that could clarify anything? It’s one thing to focus on a thought or a feeling, or a word or math equation, and an entirely different thing to exercise continual focus on energy that is moving like our breath.

Amazingly enough, when I focus on the breath as a practice, my ability to concentrate increases dramatically while revealing how my thought life can be experienced as nothing but passing clouds and does not have to be taken seriously, as our over-riding “higher self” is forever residing in perfect stillness, the source of all creation. Walter Russell explains that virtually everything throughout all creation is either gravitating toward or radiating out from stillness.

I am so excited that all of these considerations of learning and education are gradually permeating our learning institutions and that humanity is constantly evolving into a greater understanding of the value of each other, recognizing that we are all a part of one another and that to dissent or fight with anyone for any reason is ultimately fighting with ourselves. As all of us ultimately want the same thing, there must be a way we can all coexist peacefully even if we agree to disagree.

Mr. Malibu’s high-profile events and celebrity interviews reach over 22 million on television, 500,000 via social media and nearly 4 million on YouTube. Visit MrMalibu.net to learn more. Look for more Mr. Malibu chapters in next month’s issue.