Crib to College 2021

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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CRIB to COLLEGE

WELCOME TO

CRIB TO COLLEGE Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose its challenges to education, our schools, families and community are working to ensure our children are able to learn. In this edition of our annual education guide, “Crib to College,” we have information to help guide parents through this unprecedented journey. Prepare your child with the healthiest packed lunches within Gina Cousineau’s column. Learn about available resources for any extra assistance your child might need outside the classroom, through public library programs and top tutoring programs. To nurture your child’s curiosity beyond an academic environment, local organizations including Casa Romantica, Ocean Institute and The Ecology Center have ideal programs to suit a variety of interests. For kids looking ahead to the next chapter of higher education, Saddleback College also offers programs for youth. We hope this guide helps bring some peace of mind as we continue navigating our world despite the obstacles of COVID-19 and serve our children’s access to education and opportunity.

How to Communicate with Your Teen

By Shawn Raymundo

W

e were all young once—a shocking revelation, I know.

But growing up, we all remember what it was like hitting those angst-filled and awkward teenage years.

There’s a desire to become more independent, which naturally leads to becoming a bit more distant—particularly when it comes to interacting on personal and deeper levels. As teens, it’s simply not easy to open up about any mental health struggles we’re going through in general, let alone with our folks.

When it comes to the perception of our parents and guardians, Susan Parmelee, the executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center at San Clemente High, noted in a November 2020 column that many teens just don’t believe the adults in their lives have the will or are capable of talking about mental health.

To dispel that belief, she often challenges those teens to take the first step in opening up to their parents, which, she says, usually leads to meaningful dialogue.

While that bridge can be a tough one to build for both the teens and parents, there are a handful ways that adults can also help lead the charge in having, what’s referred to as, “The Talk.”

According to a list of useful tips from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the organization first suggests being genuine with the teen, who “can see right through an adult who is ‘faking.’ ”

“If you’re feeling uncomfortable in a discussion with a young person, admit it,” the council advises. “Say something like, ‘This is hard for me to talk about, so I totally understand if it’s difficult for you, too.’ ” Adults should also refrain from using slang terms in order to sound hip or cool, and they should be patient, giving the teen time and space to express their feelings by not interrupting moments of silence.

Doing so, the organization says, “may prevent someone from having enough time to formulate their thoughts.”

Another helpful tip for parents or guardians is to choose the proper setting for those tough conversations.

The organization finds that talking things out during activities such as washing dishes, walking the dog, or going for a drive—which all require minimal eye-contact—can make the conversations more comfortable.

Lastly, the organization advises that adults shouldn’t trivialize the teenager’s feelings.

“Mental health challenges occur at any age,” the organization notes.

“Wondering what a young person has to be depressed or anxious about implies that their life experiences and emotions are less valid just because of their age.”

For more information on how parents can better engage with their teens and have “The Talk,” head to the Wellness & Prevention Center website at wpc-oc.org.

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Parents of Special Education Students Find Community in Capo CAC

By Collin Breaux

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s Rachel Niemeyer-Sutherland puts it, they’re a very involved group of parents.

Niemeyer-Sutherland is the chairperson for the Capistrano Unified School District Special Education Community Advisory Committee—or Capo CAC, for short. The group meets almost monthly throughout the school year and is committed to ensuring special students are successful and lifelong learners.

The CAC consists of parents and community members, and it is mandated for school districts throughout California.

“It has to be made up mainly of parents with students enrolled in that school district,” said Niemeyer-Sutherland, whose daughter is starting her freshman year at Dana Hills High School.

Other members of the Capo CAC include people such as Jillian Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of Surf & Turf Therapy, which uses equine and water activities to help disabled children. Capo CAC’s executive

board regularly meets with district staff to discuss concerns not addressed at school campus levels, and to hear about special education programs.

The meetings also often have a guest speaker. Upcoming meeting speakers will discuss post-secondary education options, for instance.

Capo CAC also helps families who are transitioning between grade levels, including for students starting high school. The group facilitates informational opportunities so families know what to expect when making the big leap, and provides support for parents and students.

One of the fun parts of Capo CAC is its annual Sunshine Awards, which honor educators and other district staff members who help brighten the lives of special education students.

“There was a security individual we honored,” Niemeyer-Sutherland said. “We have a lot of transportation people who are honored.”

An event is usually held in which award recipients are honored with pins.

“We have special education students

perform,” she said. “We read off everyone’s names. It’s a beautiful time.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Capo CAC meetings—like most other meetings—have been held over Zoom video conferences. The attendance for those has been 50 to 60 people, close to the average number they had for in-person meetings, Niemeyer-Sutherland said.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS HELP KIDS THROUGH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

By Collin Breaux

S

ometimes, kids might need more of an educational push beyond textbooks and the classroom—and that’s where a new supplementary program working with schools in Capistrano Unified School District steps in.

Active Discovery and Team Long Run—which promotes literacy and physical fitness in kids through reading and exercise activities—have provided educational kits for students in R.H. Dana Elementary School and Las Palmas Elementary School that variously contain musical instruments, bilingual activity books, and cooking instructions. The kits are intended to get students interested in various activities.

Mary Ann Sprague—founder and executive director of Active Discovery, which spun off from Team Long Run, of which she is the West Coast director—said she recently started the initial program in Maine with a friend before moving out to the West Coast. When considering how to help kids in need, the programs ended up focusing on ensuring kids are able to read at their grade level.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

Team Long Run and Active Discovery are getting kids involved in reading, music, and other activities through kits they work on with their families. Photo: Courtesy of Mary Ann Sprague

Literacy reduces the risk for homelessness and other adverse conditions, Sprague said.

In addition to reading, getting children’s heart rates up for at least 10 minutes a day is also emphasized in the program to ensure the children’s well-being.

In order to make the reading lessons fun

and interactive, the kits usually contain some activity the students can do themselves.

“It’s one thing to learn to read for the sake of it,” Sprague said. “It’s another thing to read something with cooking instructions, so they can make their own cookies. Our sense of learning is to help them find something to love.”

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Email capocac@gmail.com if you’d like to learn more information. All their documents are translated into Spanish for Spanish-speaking families.

“We really welcome anyone who would like to join us and learn more,” Niemeyer-Sutherland said. “We love to collaborate. We could use more help.”

Sprague said there are different kits sent out so the students can learn about all sorts of things, including computer coding. The kits are also tailored to include the whole family.

“We want the parents to be able to do something with them,” Sprague said.

The outreach programs are intended to reach low-income kids so they don’t feel left out in musical and sports activities. Team Long Run has also filled supplementary needs by giving out running shoes to students. Last fall, they gave nearly 100 pairs of new shoes to students who previously had only hand-medown shoes, Sprague said.

A Team Long Run manifesto shared by Sprague sheds light on how physical activity is linked to a student’s success.

“Every product we give has activity included, because research shows students who are physically active (even for just 10 minutes a day) tend to have better grades, school attendance, memory, and on-task behavior,” the manifesto said.

Team Long Run and Active Discovery work with the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, and they have also teamed up with YMCAs throughout Southern California.

“We believe that we can help level the playing field by giving at-risk kids and their families opportunities (through our products) they don’t currently have, and this can lead them to grow in how they see their future and give them a pathway to progress regardless of their current circumstances,” the manifesto said. thecapistranodispatch.com

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Events and Programs for Kids Around Town Compiled by staff s the new school year begins and kids get back to campus, there are additional educational opportunities for them outside the classroom.

Casa Romantica and The Ecology Center have numerous activities for children to engage in and have fun and experience a little culture.

generous underwriters, continues its commitment to providing family-friendly events at little to no cost for the local community,” says Amy Behrens, Executive Director.

Casa Romantica also has recurring free admission events: Storytime at the Casa every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and D. Yoder Family Sundays held every first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with different crafts and activities each month.

CASA ROMANTICA

THE ECOLOGY CENTER

Family-friendly performances under the Casa Kids Concert Series will begin at Casa Romantica—a nonprofit cultural center—starting in October.

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards will perform on Oct. 9; Pacific Trio: Music of China will perform on Jan. 29; and The LA Troupe: Alice in Wonderland will perform on May 14. All the concerts will be on Saturdays at noon.

All performances take place in Casa Romantica’s outdoor Redmond Amphitheater and are included with general admission ($5 for ages 13 and up; free for children age 12 and under) to Casa Romantica, a news release announced.

“Casa Romantica, with support from our

The Ecology Center—a nonprofit farm and environmental educational institution—offers various school-aged programming, including a hands-on learning experience for kids and families called Eco Tots.

Eco Tots is for children up to 5 years old and held Saturday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. Instructors will guide children through feeding and interacting with chickens, watering gardens with compost tea and harvested rainwater, and other activities.

The Ecology Center will also offer field trips for school groups, starting in September. For more information, email colleen@theecologycenter.org.

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415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, casaromantica.org

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, theecologycenter.org

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HOW TO MAKE SCHOOL LUNCHES FUN FOR ALL

By Gina Cousineau

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s a mother of four, I spent 23 years making school lunches in some capacity. Like the household chores, you better learn to like it or you could spend a large portion of your life fighting the inevitable.

Back in my days of raising adolescents, life was less complicated. Today, with the plethora of food choices made available to our youth, I see lunchboxes full of high fat and sugar-laden “packaged items,” putting our children at risk for “adult diseases” and health challenges early in life, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

My hope with this column is to help you come up with a plan for the entire family to participate in what should be a bit of a game, rather than a chore, and get back to more wholesome food choices.

Allow the kids to choose their lunchboxes.

Be sure to inquire where lunches will be stored at school, as I often see backpacks containing lunches hung in direct sunlight. It is imperative, regardless of whether lunch contains an icepack, which I highly recommend, that lunches are stored inside the classroom and away from the sun.

It is important to know that younger children don’t need large quantities of food. “Bento” style boxes are ideal for little ones, helping provide a variety of options for this age group.

As kids grow, they seem to prefer insulated coolers with small containers, which help to separate items and keep them fresh. And high schoolers typically desire the old brown bag, but, again, keeping their food safe with an icepack is suggested. A small Thermos to hold hot food leftovers like soup or chili is often a hit.

Try to have the kids, regardless of age, participate in packing their lunch the night before tidying up from dinner. Parents need to allow kids a few choices from each category below, but they may not stray from those choices.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

Even if the child doesn’t eat the item, we know that these exposures will eventually get them to try the food.

Think about these four food groups with each lunch: 1. Fiber: Pick from whole grain/wheat (most of the time) versions of bread, pretzels, crackers, tortillas, and more.

2. Veggies: Raw or cooked veggies paired with a dip like Ranch or hummus, or stuff celery with nut butter and raisins.

3. Fruit: Choose fresh, frozen, dried, or single-serving packaged items, preferably with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

4. Protein: Hard-boiled eggs, oven-roasted deli meats (low sodium and nitrate-free, preferably), leftover chicken leg or tenders, nuts/ seeds, beans; and/or dairy or soy products for both a protein and calcium boost.

And, lastly, do allow one packaged item to make its way into your kid’s lunch. Make sure it is single-serving. Read the ingredient and nutrition facts label to assess the quality of the food stuff. And always attempt to include a small treat/splurge, making it a surprise, if possible, be it a few malted milk balls, a special note, a small toy, etc. Recall how much fun it was to get the little treat in the bottom of the Cracker Jack box.

And, remember, in a blink, the kids will be out of the house, and while you won’t miss the lunches, you will miss the chaos. Enjoy each moment.

Here are two credible sources to help you though the school year: • holleygrainger.com offers 125 lunchbox ideas and so many other wonderful ideas.

Holley is a mom and registered dietitian.

• superhealthykids.com is another wonderful website with loads of inspiration for your kids’ lunches. Both can be followed on social media.

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, sees clients in person and virtually out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education and training—a BS in dietetics, MS in integrative and functional nutrition, chef training, and more than 30 years as a fitness professional—allow her to help clients with finding a practical nutrition that works for their lifestyle. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle.

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Between the Pages What Your Local Library Has to Offer for Early Learning

By Lillian Boyd

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ith students returning to the classroom, parents and families may be relieved to know that OC Public Libraries have been open for in-person services as of June 15.

Service hours for branch libraries throughout Orange County are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online services continue to expand with e-book checkout and Virtual Programs, which include virtual storytimes, Zoom book clubs, crafting, food literacy, reading programs, and more.

You can make sure your family has access to public library resources and robust digital services available to library cardholders, 24/7 free access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, resources and more. You can also enjoy virtual programming. A digital card

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

DANA POINT LIBRARY

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY

SAN CLEMENTE LIBRARY

33841 Niguel Road 949.496.5517

31495 El Camino Real 949.493.1752

242 Avenida Del Mar 949.492.3493

ocpl.org/libraries/dana-point

ocpl.org/libraries/san-juan-capistrano

ocpl.org/libraries/san-clemente

gives you access to a wide variety of downloadable media.

In order to get your child ready for kindergarten, Orange County Public Libraries have compiled book lists, e-learning links, rhymes of the month, readiness activities and more.

Children who enter kindergarten with basic reading, math, and social skills are more likely to achieve success in school, attain higher levels of education, and secure employment. OC Public Libraries have compiled resources and

designed programs to support your families in getting ready for school: • Early Childhood OC is a resource to ensure that young children reach their developmental potential and are ready to succeed in school and life. The community collaborative was formed to develop Orange County’s Early Childhood Policy Framework. The Framework helps to guide communities, businesses, and organizations in prioritizing children and families, which results in economic and social

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benefits for all of Orange County.

• Early Years OC is an emotional wellness program that offers parents of newborns through age 8 living in Orange County with supportive services to address concerns in their child’s developmental and social/emotional health.

• Families and Communities Together: Families and Communities Together (FaCT) is a network of Family Resource Centers (FRCs) located throughout Orange County’s highest-risk communities providing essential family support services, education, and resources.

• Help Me Grow: Help Me Grow connects children and their families to developmental services to enhance the development, behavior and learning of children from birth through 8 years.

• Kindergarten in California: Guidance material designed to address several public school kindergarten issues.

Visit ocpl.org for more information on these resources.

Additionally, most Friends of the Library Bookstores are now open. Donation acceptance will vary by Friends of the Library locations. Please call your local branch for updates on Friends of the Library bookstores and if they are accepting donations.

If you have questions, please contact any branch during service hours or library staff at admin@occr.ocgov.com, via social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or use library chat at ocpl.org.

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

BEACH CITIES ROCK CLUB Located in San Clemente, the Beach Cities Rock Club was founded by professional musicians on the idea that the joy of music is for everybody! A place where anyone, of any background, can learn to understand and communicate in the language of music. We believe goals are paramount to the measurement of success and that nobody’s goals are exactly the same.

With that philosophy, we hatched our school’s MISSION STATEMENT: to guide students toward artistic achievements in a safe, creative, and goal-oriented environment.

The “Rock Club” is an after-school music program that operates in the back of Record Stores in an effort to help those cultural centers stay open and continue to enrich their communities.

As a pillar in our community’s art & music scene, we keep a direct line to the music cultures in and around our area. When you visit BCRC, you are faced with a buzz of creative energy. It’s a place where shows are being booked, music videos filmed, people are learning and practicing. A place where an old vinyl is played up front while a new song is recorded in the back! The Rock Club offers different things for different students. Some students simply aim to become proficient at their instrument. Some students want a fun, after-school activity that keeps their mind stimulated in a healthy way. Some want the experience of writing and recording. Others are looking for positive outlets to cope with difficulties in their life. At the Rock Club, we cater our lesson plans to each individual student to best support them whatever their goals may be.

73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com

Bella Collina is a premier venue for your next social celebration, meeting, corporate retreat, golf tournament or awards gala. The unique Tuscan-inspired design at Bella Collina will give you and your guests the experience of a lifetime. Their award-winning wedding and events facility sits on 230 acres of lush rolling hills with panoramic views.

Custom designed packages are available for charitable organizations.

Bella Collina San Clemente is currently welcoming new golf, junior academy, and social members. New golf memberships enjoy one month of free dues!

Bella Collina is located at 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, CA 92673. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit bellacollinasanclemente.com or call 949.498.6604.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE SOUTH COAST AREA The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is here for your family this new school year and always. Our affordable after-school program, open until 6:30 p.m. daily, provides academic support, extracurricular activities including sports, drama, and arts and crafts, and so much more. For high schoolers, our College Bound Program provides comprehensive support from freshman through senior year in every aspect of the college admissions process—from choosing classes and homework help, to submitting applications and determining a plan to pay for college, we’re here every step of the way. Our club is a fun, safe, encouraging environment for kids to be kids again! Our programs are affordable for every family, with financial aid available. Visit our website at bgcsca.org or call us at 949.492.0376 for more information.

1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente, 949.484.0122, bgcsca.org

BELLA COLLINA SAN CLEMENTE Nestled in the rolling foothills off Avenida La Pata, Bella Collina is the only private golf club in San Clemente.

The course features a 27-hole, Gary Player-designed golf course, complete with driving range, chipping and putting greens. The clubhouse features restaurants, fitness facilities, patio dining, and a fully stocked golf shop. Golf members and their guests enjoy 27 holes, and fast rounds 7 days a week with no lotteries!

The club offers an engaging schedule of tournaments and social events. From festive holiday celebrations, kids club activities, and wine dinners, to live music, golf clinics and more, there’s something for everyone at Bella Collina.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Welcome Back to the 2021-2022 School Year!

Kirsten Vital Brulte, Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District While the events of the 2020-2021 school year were endlessly changing, one thing remained constant within Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)––our unwavering commitment to student success. I am honored to welcome our students, families, teachers, classified staff,

PAID ADVERTISING SECTION and administrators back to school for a full day, every day!

Every school year is an opportunity for a new beginning, and this school year is no exception. Throughout the pandemic, our work has been dedicated to providing engaging and flexible learning options for all students and families. We are thankful to offer a traditional in-person learning model this year, as well as options for online learning. Students who wish to remain in a fully remote learning setting may enroll in Capistrano Home/Virtual School (K-8), or California Preparatory Academy (9-12).

In support of a strong academic and social emotional learning environment for the 2021-22 school year, and because of state and federal COVID funds, we have hired over 300 more teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists, counselors, and classified staff this summer. We have also worked to reduce class sizes, increase electives, bring credentialed physical education teachers to elementary schools, purchase 35,000 new Chromebooks, and continue a strong investment in professional development for our certificated and classified staff.

I want to assure our community that we are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment to all students and staff. We will continue to monitor and receive guidance from state and local agencies and public health officials to ensure our schools and classrooms follow all safety protocols.

I am grateful for your partnership and support. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work to follow guidelines provided to us by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

I wish you a wonderful school year!

Visit capousd.org for more information and to view our School Safety Plan.

FAIRMONT SCHOOLS Providing Academic Stability During Uncertain Times Your child is unique and full of potential. As a parent, you want to give them the very best opportunity to learn and grow. Educating in the age of COVID has been quite challenging. Yet, Fairmont students have not only survived academically during the pandemic, they’ve thrived—test scores confirm they did NOT experience the “COVID Slide” that affected so many others!

Fairmont has prioritized two pillars in our response to the pandemic, both of which have informed all of our decision-making during this unprecedented time: protecting the health and well-being—both physical and emotional—of our community, and providing academic stability for our students.

Fairmont meets children where they are—from high achievers to “late bloomers”—and provides a rich learning environment where excellent instruction and accelerated curriculum are paired with athletics, the arts, clubs, and activities. Our secular, co-educational P-12 educational program balances time-honored fundamentals with innovative approaches to learning, taking into account intellectual, as well as social and emotional, growth.

We are pleased to offer families a choice of two learning opportunities: • On-campus, In-person (5 full days/week)—Fairmont spent considerable time preparing for on-campus

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learning last year, which led to a zero transmission rate at our campus. Those extensive preparations are propelling us toward a healthy 2021-22 school year. We continue to follow enhanced health and safety precautions and sanitization procedures, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health.

• Remote Learning (5 full days/week)—Fairmont successfully delivers academic stability through our innovative remote learning program. Testing data reveal that our remote students scored at the same level as our on-campus learners. The remote program provides live-stream classroom instruction, creating an immersive experience.

Fairmont is now enrolling P-12 grade students at our San Juan Capistrano campus. To learn more, visit FairmontSchools.com/SJC or call 714.984.0289.

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Academic Excellence | Culture of Innovation | Transformative Tartan Experience We believe in our students—their natural curiosity, talents, interests and intellectual vitality. St. Margaret’s surrounds students with a vibrant and engaging learning environment that guides their individual development, character, well-being and intellectual pursuits. St. Margaret’s is active and alive with students who are motivated and excited to be here, learning and growing together.

From Early Childhood to Upper School, our everyday leaves a lifetime impact on our students.

A vigorous liberal arts academic program and expert faculty challenge and inspire students to discover, learn, grow and excel to their fullest potential. Opportunities abound in arts, athletics, STEAM, experiential and service learning, and leadership.

We advance our academic program with a student-centered innovation strategy. We invest in new curriculum and teaching approaches, modern technologies, world-class learning environments, community partnerships and collaborations that pave relevant, exciting and rewarding paths for students.

St. Margaret’s students are known for their character, poise, thoughtfulness and integrity. An inclusive, loving community rooted in shared values and our Episcopal identity is the foundation for a transformative student life program that fosters belonging, life skills, purpose and well-being, instills a strong moral compass and inspires responsibility, leadership and service to the world.

St. Margaret’s is a premier, independent school educating 1,234 students, preschool through grade 12.

The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates.

31641 La Novia San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, smes.org thecapistranodispatch.com

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SADDLEBACK PROGRAMS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS

By Shawn Raymundo

S Tutoring Resources Mathnasium

Give your child an edge in school this fall with Mathnasium. They’ll get the personalized instruction they need to accelerate their math skills and take on the rest of the school year with confidence.

Mathnasium offers live, face-toface instruction either online or in-person. There are Mathnasium locations throughout South Orange County, with instruction costing from $30-$75 an hour depending on the tutor.

24841 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.240.6284; 1051 Avenida Pico, #A, San Clemente, 949.481.6284; mathnasium.com

Kumon

Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Contact Kumon directly for an estimate on pricing.

801 Via Suerte, Suite #102, San Clemente, 949.429.8008, kumon.com

Under Pressure Homework Help

Tessa Tutors

Tessa Weinstein is fully vaccinated and offers in-person tutoring, which starts at $75 within a 25-mile radius of her home in San Juan Capistrano, with no mileage charge.

All in-person visits are followed up with a summary of the session, including observations and suggestions. Expertise includes math levels from algebra to Calculus 1, 2 and 3.

San Juan Capistrano, 949.229.9326, tessatutors.com

Acumen Tutoring

Acumen Tutoring offers assistance and enrichment in all math and physical sciences from pre‑algebra to AP Calculus, from 6thgrade science to AP Physics and Chemistry. Sessions are charged by the hour as follows: four hours in advance: $85 per hour; 10 hours in advance: $75 per hour.

31726 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 106, San Juan Capistrano, 949.357.3798, acumen-tutoring.com

San Clemente Tutoring

Under Pressure Homework Help’s tutors teach to the needs and styles of your student. Their tutors effectively tailor every session to your student’s specific needs, whether it is homework, test preparation, remedial work or advancement. Tutoring is available for students near Dana Point, including cities of Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach.

Tired of feeling helpless in that math class? Not getting that grade you want on your chemistry labs?

San Clemente Tutoring offers experts in various subjects and makes sure that the focus lies with you. At San Clemente Tutoring, students can benefit from private face-toface sessions in individual rooms with your personal tutor. Bring in your questions, homework, or study guides. The hourly rate for individual tutoring is $69/hour and $30/hour for group tutoring.

34091 Unit B Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.283.4646, underpessurehomeworkhelp.com

111 Avenida Del Mar, Suite 205, San Clemente, 949.415.4935, sanclementetutoring.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

addleback College has a handful of Learning Pathways comprising a plethora of programs, courses and curricula to help young college students discover the right educational track that will ideally lead to their dream jobs and the careers of the future.

Among those programs are Health and Wellness; Science, Engineering and Pre-Med; and Applied and Advanced Technologies. Those programs specifically include majors that happen to correlate with some of the most in-demand jobs in the coming decade.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing practitioner was listed among the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, second only to wind-turbine service technicians. Nursing practitioner jobs, which had a median annual income of $111,680, are expected to grow by 52% between 2019 and 2029.

“Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics explained.

Becoming a nurse practitioner, or related fields of nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, requires a master’s degree. However, Saddleback’s Health and Wellness pathway includes a nursing program that prepares graduates for a career as a registered nurse, putting them on the path toward a master’s degree for a nurse practitioner.

The Health and Wellness pathway also includes majors that could lead students to careers as medical and health services managers—expected to grow by 32% between 2019 and 2029—as well as restaurant cooks, a job category expected to

grow by an estimated 23% in the same period.

Under Saddleback’s Science, Engineering, and Pre-Med pathway, students can find majors and courses that will prepare them for becoming statisticians or data and mathematical scientists.

Statisticians, a job with a growth rate of 35%, had a median annual salary of $92,270. Data scientists similarly had a median salary of $98,230—a job projected to grow by 31%.

BLS explained that statistician roles are projected to grow because “businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.”

As for the Applied and Advanced Technologies pathway at Saddleback, it has a certification program for students interested in a career as a cybersecurity or information security analyst—a job estimated to grow by 31% between 2019 and 2029. The median yearly income for an analyst in 2020 was $103,590.

The program, Saddleback described, “provides students the opportunity to master the necessary computer information security concepts to implement safe, secure, digital systems and also the ability to detect and repair various cyberattacks.”

According to BLS, the position of a security analyst is expected to be in very high demand, “as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.”

These are among a handful of programs and majors that Saddleback College offers, and they represent just a few of the most in-demand jobs of the future. To find out more about Saddleback’s pathways, head to saddleback.programmapper. com/academics, and for a complete list of the fastest-growing jobs, head to bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm.

SADDLEBACK PROGRAMS FOR KIDS AND TEENS To help children and teens prepare for those next steps in their educational journeys, Saddleback College has several partnerships and programs that are offered year-round for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Here are just a few of the programs in which you can enroll your students: College For Kids: This summer program allows kids aged 7 through 17 an opportunity to see what college life on a campus is all about. During the program, students can put together their own class schedule comprising courses such as math, writing, science, Spanish, art, film and sports, to name a few.

After-School Experience: For this program, Saddleback partners with the Capistrano Unified School District to allow students to participate in enriching activities meant to increase their intellectual, social and recreational needs. CUSD teachers lead classes on academic enrichment, art, cooking, science and sports.

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K-12 Concurrent Enrollment: Under this program, high school students could be eligible to concurrently enroll at Saddleback, taking courses recommended by their school principal.

S.T.E.P.S.: Because of socioeconomic factors, foster care youth are less likely to enroll in colleges, studies have shown. Based on those findings, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office sponsors the Foster Youth Success Initiative to help improve foster youths’ ability to access higher education opportunities. Under that initiative, Saddleback offers its Shifting Through Education Pathways (S.T.E.P.S.) Program that’s meant to support current and former foster care youth students. S.T.E.P.S. supports the students’ access to on-campus and off-campus resources to help increase retention and academic success.

For more information on Saddleback’s programs for kids and teens, head to saddleback.edu/k-12partnerships.

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com