Focus on Education 2021 by Signal

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SCVi Charter Schools

or 13 years now, SCVi Charter School, iLEAD’s founding school serving grades TK-12, has been a leader in our region and beyond, partnering with learners and their families to provide a personalized 21st-century education. We combine project-based and social-emotional learning to give each learner boundless opportunities to pursue their dreams, passions and interests. Our learners don’t wait to impact the real world. Rather, they engage with the real world now, addressing global challenges and improving their communities. Partnering with SCVi means your child will have a team of fully credentialed teachers to unlock their endless potential. Our customized program is built around your child’s unique interests and strengths, empowering them to make their mark on the world. Highlights include: • Personalized education that meets the needs of your learners with individualized education plans. • A K-3 Dual Immersion Language Program. • Diverse curricular and cocurricular opportuni-

Enroll Now!

ties, such as aerospace, the arts, career technical education, clubs, field studies, internships, leadership, robotics, service learning and student travel. • Rich opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education. • iCREATE, an engaging after-school program that includes curricular and cocurricular activities. • Little iLEADers, a partnering preschool for ages

six weeks to five years. To learn more about SCVi Charter School’s tuition-free TK-12th grade learning opportunities, go to ileadsantaclarita.org/.

Project-based deeper learning is thriving at SCVi! A tuition-FREE public charter school serving grades TK-12.

Hybrid, online and home school learning options.

What makes us unique? Social-emotional development. Innovative, independent critical thinking. Entrepreneurial and collaborative. Personalized education plans. Caring, passionate, adaptable & fully credentialed staff.

28060 Hasley Canyon Rd. Castaic, CA 91384 (661) 705-4820

Go to iLEADSantaClarita.org for updated learning options during COVID-19

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A P R I L 25, 2021

F O C U S O N E D U C AT I O N

Insight: Caring For Your Mental Health In Times Of Uncertainty

uring times of adversity, we need to look for “silver linings” and tend to search for “lessons learned.” During the past year’s pandemic, the need for community support and hope is greater than ever. Many thought leaders and psychologists have named what we are all feeling right now as a type of “grief.” This can be oddly comforting because it names the chaotic experience that is filled with the loss of normalcy and uncertainty about the future. This past year has brought an increase in mental health challenges for all of us — isolation from loved ones, uncertainty about the present and future and economic stress. For homeschool families, providing structure, encouragement and support while maintaining their own jobs can stretch their bandwidth to a breaking point. We tend to like routines, and so much uncertainty is bound to cause

an increase in irritability, a shortened capacity to be there for our loved ones and heightened stress. What I hear often in my practice is that people can make it through many challenging experiences as long as they know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We not only don’t know where that light is, we don’t yet know what our new “normal” is going to be. We’ve also experienced greater restriction and deprivation — deprived of close contact with the people we love and meeting new people. Paying attention to one’s mental health is paying attention to how the current circumstances are affecting our stress levels, our attitudes about the world around us, and how we are coping. Are we snapping at others more than usual? Are we drinking in unhealthy ways? Are we isolating more than usual, watching too much TV or playing too many video games? Normal reactions to abnormal circumstances for sure, but not a place we

want to live for the long run. It is important to find meaning in suffering and adversity. However, we can be tempted to rush meaning and acceptance in order to avoid discomfort. So we need to learn to sit with our feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger. Paying attention to how we cope can address both the present and our greater need for meaning. How stress affects us is unique to our personalities. Some people overeat in response to anxiety. Some feel so stressed they don’t eat at all. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help to regulate blood sugar levels and also mood. Find a routine for self-care. Establish a regular time for sleep with bedtime rituals, like showering at night to wash away the stress from the day, or reading or meditating to transition to a place of calm. Stay connected to your loved ones — make contact, face-to-face via

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION TREATMENT

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800.599.8820 www.insighttreatment.com

video if needed or an old fashioned phone call. Express appreciation for your children and family. Move more and sit less. Make time for exercise and activity, even if it’s a daily walk with your pets. We need exercise to release all the unwanted stress and energy. For children and teens, there is both confusion and frustration as life as they knew it suddenly changed. Parents are their role model for how to cope with stress. Validate their frustrations and talk with them about their losses and their wishes for normalcy. This is a time when our mental health is tested and the need for support and community is more important than ever. It is a time when we need to pay attention to how we are stretched and compromised. There is no shame or stigma in seeking therapy or outside help. Taking care of ourselves can help and is even necessary for taking care of the people we love.

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INFANT CENTER TODDLERS PRESCHOOL TK KINDERGARTEN

Montessori of Valencia 24925 Anza Drive

NEW ENROLLMENT SPECIAL! $100 OFF First Month’s Tuition

Cannot be combined with any other offer. MUST ENROLL BY 5-31-21

Career Opportunities Looking to join a great team of teachers?

661-257-4161 Montessori on Copperhill 27908 Seco Canyon Road

661-673-5676 Now Hiring Teachers

Email Resume to MontessoriofValencia1@yahoo.com

Montessori of North Park

28180 McBean Parkway (1 blk south of Copperhill)

661-263-3265

Montessori of Stevenson Ranch 25940 The Old Road

661-259-5500

• Full & Part-Time Positions • Competitive Pay & Benefits • Paid Internships & Educational Opportunities to Enhance Your Career • Flexible Hours & Ongoing Training • Education to give you the professional edge for your growth

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Montessori Schools of Santa Clarita Valley

Is Preschool Considered Essential?

any preschools stayed open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though there were many important precautions taken to flatten the curve and keep everyone safe and healthy, it was widely recognized that preschool aged children were still in need of consistent, quality early childhood education. What makes preschool so essential? Consider the Noah’s Park Preschool Core Beliefs: • We believe that the majority of a child’s learning foundation is established at a young age. We focus on providing an accepting, nonthreatening, learning environment that is developmentally age appropriate. • We believe that basic Christian principles provide children with a sound foundation for their future growth. We provide simple Bible stories, prayers, and positive reinforcement to foster social development through basic Christian concepts. We help children learn the privileges and limits of group life, begin to develop a caring attitude toward others, and begin to develop self-discipline

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F O C U S O N E D U C AT I O N

Montessori of Valencia Montessori of Stevenson Ranch Montessori on Copperhill Montessori of North Park

through gradually learning to make wise choices • We believe that play is the method that children use to understand their world. We provide a hands-on learning style environment that allows exploration and discovery through the use of the five senses. • We believe in smaller class sizes and smaller ratios. We have a 1-6 ratio with up to 12 students and 2 teachers in each class. So, is preschool essential for your family? The only way to know for sure is to give it a try! Contact us for a tour today! Contact Noah’s Park Preschool Director Cari Byers at cari.byers@ northpark.com; (661) 621-6010.

ith over 24 years of dedication to Early childhood education in Southern California, we have built a positive reputation in the Santa Clarita valley since 2006 and operate four locations throughout the valley for your convenience. We offer an Infant / Toddler Program, Preschool and Kindergarten Program for ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Our schools operate a year-round program with an exceptional curriculum. We are currently operating under strict guidelines from the CDC. Our comprehensive curriculum includes Spanish, Dance, Music and Movement. We provide healthy nutritious meals for your child and offer afternoon enrichment programs. In our four locations, we understand that each child is unique and grow at his/her own pace. We re-

spect their individuality and create a program to guide them through their path of learning and development. Our classrooms are prepared with love, care and with multi-sensory, hands-on learning materials. With our approach, children are able to reach their highest potential not only in a classroom environment but in everyday life. Our experienced staff is loving, kind and have profound respect for children and their independence. We are committed to excellence and invite you to call and schedule a personal tour of our beautiful childcare centers or email inquiries to montessoriofnorthpark@yahoo.com Montessori of Valencia (661) 257 4161 Montessori of Stevenson Ranch (661) 259 5500 Montessori on Copperhill (661) 673 5676 Montessori of North Park (661) 263 3265

Welcome to Our School! We offer: Christian Curriculum, Small Classes, Safe and Clean Classrooms, Loving Certified Teachers, AND MORE!

http://www.noahs-park.org cari.byers@northpark.com (661) 621-6010

28310 Kelly Johnson Pkwy Valencia, CA 91355 Off Copper Hill & Newhall Ranch Rd. LIC# 197417908

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Keeping our kids safe emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically since 1992.

SUMMER CAMP, BEFORE SCHOOL, AFTER SCHOOL, & VIRTUAL CLUBS!

TK-8th

Enrolling at all locations! Newhall, Canyon Country, and Acton Benefits of SanSar Inc Child Care Include: • Transportation to and from school • Care is provided by qualified, caring, experienced staff • Engaging activities and clubs • Social Emotional Learning Curriculum • Makers Space Curriculum • Large outdoor area to keep kids active 1 4/7/21 7:13 PM Page 1 •NSD_Postcard_PRINT.qxp_Layout Snacks provided, meal plan available NSD_Postcard_PRINT.qxp_Layout 1 4/7/21 7:13 PM Page 1 • Following CDC Protocols for School Age Centers

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For more information, visit our website www.scvafterschoolprograms.com Newhall, CA: 661-542-3018 Canyon Country, CA: 661-251-3182 Acton, CA: 661-208-0575 Lic: 197418166, 197750063, 197750078

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Enrollment is open to all children. • 10 Award-Winning Schools • Consistent Academic Excellence

CALL Enroll Today!

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F O C U S O N E D U C AT I O N

NSD: Working Strategically, Getting Results

amilies and Friends of the Newhall School District, I wanted to take this opportunity to reassure you that the Newhall School District continues to focus on the safety, well-being, and education of our students, their families, and our entire community. We have shifted our learning models and teaching approaches to be within the state mandated guidelines, but we have not changed our vision to empower every child every day. Our mission of creating global citizens who think critically, solve problems, embrace diversity in people and viewpoints, and have a passion for learning and the arts remains at the forefront of everything we stand for as high-performing school district. As we transition back to holding our school days in the classroom, this same mission will be incorporated into the lessons our students learn every day. We are committed to collaborating and building on each other’s strengths, innovating for the future, persevering through whatever new and challenging learning and teach-

ing opportunities we may face, continuously striving for improvement in all that we do, all while keeping the social-emotional well-being of our students as our main priority. The qualities that we work to instill in every one of our students each day are the same qualities that help us to navigate the future. At the Newhall School District, we use the skills we teach our students every day. We know that these skills will help our students not only through their academic journey, but well into their careers and their adult lives. I would be honored to have your student join us at the Newhall School District and I personally invite you to visit our website or call our office to learn more. We cannot wait to welcome you into the Newhall School District Family. Kindest Regards, Jeff Pelzel Superintendent, Newhall School District.

Sand Castles

andSar Inc has been serving the Santa Clarita Valley since 1992. We have 3 locations in Newhall, Canyon Country, and Acton! We have stayed open all through Covid, assisting with distance learning and homework support. We offer transportation for students to and from school in the Santa Clarita Valley and in Acton. We provide an environment where children feel safe mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Our program leaders go through

high quality training with program specialists for lesson planning, Social Emotional Learning, classroom management, and technology. We have been recognized for developing a model program for one of our sites. All of our locations follow the CDC Covid Protocols for School Age Centers. We are excited for the brighter days to come! For more information, visit https://www.scvafterschoolprograms. com.

Lighthouse Christian Preschool & Academy Now Enrolling Pre-K to 1st Grade

Why choose us?

For more information or to register

• Quality Education • School Readiness Curriculum • Developmentally Supportive Environment and Staff • Small class size

Call: 661-257-7688 Email: lighthouseofcastaic@gmail.com Website: sloancanyonchurch.com 28355 Sloan Canyon Road, Castaic (Formerly Sloan Canyon)

Come Play With Us!

Opportunities For Learning (OFL) is a fully accredited public charter school that has spent the last two decades helping students earn their diploma and find success in high school and beyond! OFL creates customized learning plans for every student, combining small group classes, guided independent study, and online classes to match your individual strengths and needs. Combined with one-on-one support from highly-qualified teachers and free single-subject tutoring, counseling, and special education services, every OFL student is provided with the tools, resources, and nurturing support they need to succeed. experience, and form a college and career path for FREE! No matter what your dream is, know that it’s possible with OFL!

Come visit us at our new locations! Canyon Country | 18824 Soledad Canyon Rd., Canyon Country CA 91351 | 661.424.1337 Newhall Ranch | 27616 Newhall Ranch Rd. #A-15, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | 661.607.0153

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Preparing students for the return to school

s we re-emerge into the world and adjust to a “new normal,” what should we expect? As parents and kids make the transition back to school, they are anticipating a myriad of changes, managing anxiety and discomfort, and adjusting yet again to a new reality. We’ve made adjustments and had losses that we were not prepared for — losing connections to teachers, learning losses and loss of contact with our communities. There’s no question that witnessing kids’ loneliness, difficulties with on-line learning and endless hours on social media has been stressful and painful for many parents. And yet this year has also come with extraordinary resilience — the ability to pivot, adjust, and make meaning are all things to be celebrated as we know that we grow from adversity. But most kids are having anxiety about returning to school — anxiety about safety, about an increase

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in rules, and even how to socialize. The insistence that kids’ return will depend on the family’s and child’s unique situation — do they need socialization because they have been isolated? Do they learn better with live instruction? Attention spans will be shorter, there will be more rules and it will take patience to abide by new social distancing structures. In addition to talking to kids about their fears and anxieties, the following tips & tools may help to prepare everyone: • Strategize your schedules — talk about what adjustments need to be made • Have kids get ready the night before and have their schedule ready • Keep a personal and family calendar • Gradually get back to school year schedule routines • Do not shy away from asking the deeper, harder questions about strugSee INSIGHT, next page

Castaic Union School District Advancing Hearts and Minds

e have much to celebrate and be thankful for in Castaic Union School District. We are extremely proud of all of the accomplishments during the past year in a global pandemic shifting our instruction to Distance Learning. Our staff, students and families have shown remarkable patience, resilience, and perseverance

for the last 12 months. Our mission is that the Castaic Union School District advances the hearts and minds of students through innovative learning and differentiated teaching to challenge all learners and provide a holistic approach to wellness in a secure, safe environment. The Castaic Union School District will develop independent, high achieving and socially responsible students. The continued successes of our students validate the direction set by the Board of Trustees and encourage us to stay the course. We are proud of our students, teachers, support staff, and administrators who are dedicated to improving student achievement each and every day. We are confident that our daily classroom instruction focus will enhance the learning outcomes for all Castaic children! We encourage all parents and community members to visit our schools and see the great things happening.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO EXCEL

• • • • • • • •

Award-Winning Schools Preschool-Eighth Grade Innovative Technology Project-Based Learning Visual & Performing Arts Career Pathways Enrichment Programs Before and After School Care

We shape the leaders, thinkers, and change-makers of tomorrow.

ENROLL TODAY! www.castaicusd.com

Castaic Union School District Advances the hearts and minds of students through innovative learning and differentiated teaching to challenge all learners and provide a holistic approach to wellness in a secure, safe environment. The Castaic Union School District will develop independent, high-achieving, and socially responsible students.

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Castaic Union School District

Lighthouse Christian Preschool & Academy

Newhall School District

Insight Treatment

Montessori of Valencia

Noah’s Park Preschool

28131 Livingston Ave Valencia 91355 661-257-4500 www.castaicusd.com/

26330 Diamond Pl Suite 120/130, Santa Clarita 91350 661-765-8445 insighttreatment.com/

28355 Sloan Canyon Rd Castaic 91384 661-257-7688 sloancanyonchurch.com/ school/

24925 Anza Dr Valencia 91355 661-257-4161 montessoriofvalencia. com/

25375 Orchard Village Rd #104, Santa Clarita 91355 661-291-4000 www.newhallschool district.com/

28310 Kelly Johnson Pkwy Valencia, CA 91355 661-621-6010 www.noahs-park.org/

Opportunities for Learning

SCVi and iLEAD Schools

SandCastles Child Care Center

Small World Preschool

27616 Newhall Ranch Rd A1-A15 & A25 Valencia, CA 91355 661-607-0153 oflschools.org/

27303 Luther Dr Canyon Country 91351 661-251-3182 www.scvafterschool programs.com/

28060 Hasley Canyon Rd Castaic, CA 91384 661-705-4820 iLEADSantaClarita.org

26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd Santa Clarita, CA 91350 661-296-1155 www.scumc.org/smallworld

Lighthouse Preschool and Academy is Enrolling

he ministry of Lighthouse Preschool and Academy (formerly Sloan Canyon) was established to provide an educational experience in a secure, nurturing, consistent, well organized, and clean environment for children. We recognize the importance for balanced growth, and we will provide many Christ-centered opportunities for the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual development of

INSIGHT

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gle, like suicidal ideation or feeling depressed • Help kids ﬁnd a sense of agency — what can they control? Parents have also suffered during this pandemic and talking about it will help kids. Talk about how they cope with stress themselves. The availability of adults and whether parents are keeping it together is a predictor of childrens’ resilience.

the children in our care. We have small class sizes, so children receive more individual attention. Our programs have been servicing the children and families of our community since 2001. This service has grown out of love for the children and a sincere desire to help them adapt and succeed in today’s world. The Purpose of Lighthouse Preschool & Academy is threefold. 1. To glorify and magnify the Lord Jesus Christ in our conduct, in the classroom, and in all activities supported in and through the school. 2. The education and safety of our students, and excellence in our faculty and staff to provide an exemplary education. 3. To provide an atmosphere where the teacher/educator comes alongside Kids do need certain kinds of experiences in their lives to develop normally but there is no reason to think an interruption like this is going to cause permanent damage. We have to consider how we are going to frame this period as we emerge from it. We need to focus not just on hardship and tragedy. We need to praise ourselves and our kids for their ﬂexibility, resilience and ability to change if we are to help them recover and return to normalcy. Jennifer Campoy, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker www. jennifercampoylcsw.com

the parent in the education of their children but not to usurp the role of the parent. Currently we offer preschool to 1st grade. Our hope is that each year we can add a new grade. Come be a part

of our steadily growing school, schedule a tour today! Now enrolling for 2021-2022 school year! Now Hiring! Lighthouse Preschool & Academy, 661-257-7688.

Small World Preschool provides a safe, comfortable and challenging learning environment allowing your child to be part of their own “small world” where they can try new things and learn by having fun!

Small World Preschool 26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 661-296-1155 smallworld@scumc.org www.scumc.org/small-world

YEAR ROUND ENROLLMENT • Serving ages 2 to 5 years • Morning, Half-Day & Full-Day programs available 2-5 days a week.

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$50

on registration fees Just mention this ad when registering.