Back To School 2019 by Times Media Group

a special presentation by

WHERE THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A WILL

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER WORKS AT STRENGTHENING LEARNING SKILLS OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ADHD, DYSLEXIA, AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDERS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

BUILDING EMPATHY

STUDENTS NOW REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER FIND THEY ARE BETTERING THEMSELVES BY HELPING OTHERS

FEEDING HUNGRY MINDS

PUSD IS OFFERING MORE FREE MEALS AND SIMPLE SCRATCH MENUS IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

DIRECTORY OF EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 PASADENA WEEKLY

BUILDING EMPATHY

STUDENTS NOW REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER FIND THEY ARE BETTERING THEMSELVES BY HELPING OTHERS BY SHEILA MENDES COLEMAN

11 WHERE THERE’S A WILL

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER WORKS AT STRENGTHENING LEARNING SKILLS OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ADHD, DYSLEXIA, AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDERS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS BY SHEILA MENDES COLEMAN

15 DIRECTORY OF EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS 28 FEEDING HUNGRY MINDS

PUSD IS OFFERING MORE FREE MEALS AND SIMPLE SCRATCH MENUS IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR BY MICHAEL SPRAGUE

EDITOR Kevin Uhrich DEPUTY EDITOR André Coleman ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Yumi Kanegawa WRITERS Sheila Mendes Coleman, Michael Sprague SALES AND MARKETING Lisa Chase, Rick Federmen, Javier Sanchez OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turriett BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Lam ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, Quinton Wright PUBLISHER Dina Stegon TIMES MEDIA GROUP V. P. OF OPERATIONS Steve T. Strickbine PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

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Building Empathy STUDENTS NOW REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER FIND THEY ARE BETTERING THEMSELVES BY HELPING OTHERS BY SHEILA MENDES COLEMAN continued on page 6

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ducation comes in many forms. In an ever-changing world, it has become increasingly important to focus on balance. Instruction in technology, history, communication, mathematics and English are all vital to a student’s intellectual growth, but there are equally important, less tangible lessons to be learned in the classroom, and in life itself. . One of the ways young people learn empathy and compassion is by volunteering. The act of serving the community without promise of payment is a character builder than cannot be captured on standardized tests. The Pasadena Uniﬁed School District (PUSD) currently lists volunteering as a requirement for graduation. According to the district’s website, pusd.us, the PUSD is “committed to providing every student with a foundation of knowledge and character necessary to excel in higher education, work, and life.” This aligns directly with the district’s views on what constitutes a balanced education — and a mindful citizen. The district’s requirements for graduation are three-fold; 21st Century Skills (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity/innovation), College and Career Readiness, and lastly Global Citizenship and Cultural Competency, as well as other attributes for graduates to lead a healthy life. As of 2019, all three are now requirements for a high school diploma from PUSD. In addition to the required 220 credits of coursework, 40 hours of community service is also mandated for each student to graduate. According to the website, continued on page 8

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“Students may complete service activities at school, home, or in the community as long as credit or payment is not received.” Blair High School in Pasadena is a shining example of how volunteerism can be taught at lower grades with remarkable results. According to Blair’s website, “Community service is an important part of who we are at Blair. All students in grades six through 10 must complete community service as part of our International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme.” Blair requires 20 hours of community service for sixth and seventh graders, 25 hours for eight graders, 30 hours for ninth graders, and 35 hours for tenth graders. This reflects the recently revised guideline for graduation, beginning with the class of 2019. One of the many reasons volunteering can be such a worthy education for students is that many of them may come from fairly affluent communities where they’re unlikely to meet those coming from families struggling economically. Perhaps there are peers they may interact with from differing socio-economic backgrounds, but it is not until a student immerses him or herself in the lives and circumstances of others that he or she sees how many in the world may have fewer opportunities, not necessarily through any fault of their own. Knowing a person’s hardship and witnessing how many in the same community have dissimilar opportunities goes a long way toward building empathy, and the kind of compassion that makes one want to work to change lives for the better. Promoting selflessness through community service is indeed a powerful tool to motivate young people to be the change we so desperately need to see in the world. Young people who have volunteered at hospitals and in other roles as caregivers will tell you that, aside from being stirred and often saddened by the plight of the sick or chronically ill, they develop a new appreciation for their own

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healthy bodies. Those with issues at home may develop a new outlook on their own problems and grievances with family. According to Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com), there are specific neurobiological changes that occur in the brain when one gives of themselves without expectation of compensation. Researchers utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify three distinct advantages to the brain that altruism provides. According to the study, these advantages were; reduced stress-related activity in one area of the brain, greater reward-related activity in another, and fi nally, greater care giving-related activity in another. According to the Psychology Today website, the results of the study reported that “in all of these brain areas, fMRI scans showed specific activation when a participant was giving support, but not when receiving support.” When all study data was collated and reviewed, it became evident to the participants and researchers that, “On a neurobiological level, this research pinpoints specific ways that when you help others, you’re also helping yourself. The rewards of giving and

receiving social support create the ultimate win-win situation.” I can remember in middle school my mother taking my brother and me to the Union Rescue Mission in downtown LA to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless. It was a startling, eye-opening and very worthwhile experience. We served a turkey dinner to many of the most down-and-out people in the city: men with open headwounds, those battling mental illness and bewildered, and frightened young families struggling to stay together and stay warm. The grief and sadness in the room was palpable, but what also wafted about, in abundance, was the feeling of community; the feeling of being part of someone’s better day, full belly, and slightly improved circumstance. The gratitude that was shown to us volunteers moved me inexplicably, and I left feeling wiser, more mature, and above all, more grateful for what I’d been given. ■

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Where Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Will

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER WORKS AT STRENGTHENING LEARNING SKILLS OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ADHD, DYSLEXIA, AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDERS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS BY SHEILA MENDES COLEMAN

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 PASADENA WEEKLY

oes your son or daughter ﬁdget in his or her seat, or have trouble concentrating, or blurt out answers before a question is fully asked? If so, he or she may be suffering from diagnosed or undiagnosed disabilities or disorders that include dyslexia, attention deﬁcit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), auditory processing disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Rather than call them disorders or disabilities, however, Jill Stowell, a former special needs teacher who founded Stowell Learning Center in 1984 with her husband David, labels these various conditions learning and attention “challenges.” “So many parents, when their kids are failing in school, they worry if they’re going to be productive adults,” Stowell said in a recent interview. “Our kids have gone on to be doctors, pharmaers. s. It’s It s amaz zing.. cists, teachers and lawyers. amazing.” continued on page 12

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From F rom 10 10 aa.m. m tto o noon Saturday Aug. 17, Stowell Learning Center is presenting a workshop called “Two Hours to a Better School Year.” Among the subjects being discussed at the session are strategies for managing learning routines, preparing for parent-teacher conferences, studying for tests, understanding and solving problems, eliminating homework battles and improving nutrition. The recently opened learning center is located at 572 E. Green St., Suite 200, Pasadena. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), ADHD is “one of the most common neurological disorders of childhood” and estimates that in 2016 over 6 million children were diagnosed with ADHD symptoms. This ﬁgure is slightly lower than the previous study’s ﬁgures in 2011. The somewhat bad news is that ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. Although its symptoms begin in childhood, they can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. A variety of remedies can improve 12

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the lives of students with ADHD. A diet high in Omega 3, for instance, and other holistic choices work wonders for some, while a more hands-on approach is better suited for others. Some research shows that yoga and breathing exercises also help. It was once believed that the only thing that could help with ADHD was medication, most famously Ritalin, also known by its generic name, methylphenidate. Taken two or three times a day, Ritalin, a stimulant, can help increase a child or adult’s ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavioral problems. It may also increase one’s ability to organize tasks and improve listening skills. For some parents, Ritalin is an answer to a prayer. But for others it is another medication that must be taken regularly, perhaps even for the rest of one’s life. While the up side in the short term may be better he do down side es m ay grades, th the sides may continued on page 13

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mean bouts with depression, mood changes and suicidal thoughts. It may even lead to addiction. “While there are no simple, overnight solutions, most learning and attention challenges can be dramatically improved or completely corrected through developing the weak underlying skills and remediating the affected academic areas,” Stowell, author of the free book “At Wit’s End: A Parent’s Guide to Ending the Struggle, Tears and Turmoil of Learning Disabilities,” recently told the Pasadena StarNews The book is available on Amazon.com or at stowellcenter.com. “We really are on a mission to get this out there, because typically if you are struggling in school with a learning disability, dyslexia or attention challenges, and you haven’t been diagnosed, it’s just assumed that you’re going to have to live with it and try harder,” Stowell told this reporter. “We have helped over 5,000 students and their families overcome the devastation of learning problems. Our students have gone from special education to graduation with honors, to college, and many even have masters and doctorate degrees,” Stowell said. “We help children and adults permanently correct learning challenges.” ■ To make reservations for the Aug. 17 workshop, call (877) 774-0444, or visit stowellcenter.com.

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DIRECTORY OF OPTIONS

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Altadena Children’s Center At Altadena Children’s Center, the families of the children in our programs who range in age from 2 months to prekindergarten find programs that meet the needs of the whole child within a developmentally appropriate framework. Our family-centered approach helps to nurture healthy partnerships between teachers and parents as we all work together to support the children. We are eager to help families from diverse backgrounds to discover that Altadena Children’s Center is the best place for their child’s early education. Contact Director Toni Boucher at (626) 797-6142 or visit accc-kids.org.

Barnhart School We believe that education is a lifelong comprehensive human experience; that social and emotional learning is as important as academic learning. Accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Barnhart is distinguished through its focus on Early Literacy, Writers’ Workshop, the Virtues Program, conversational Spanish at all grade levels, daily PE and a stellar middle school program where students are graduating with acceptance to their top choice high schools. In addition to a robust and rigorous academic base of subjects, we provide a full range of co-curricular programs including music, art, technology, Spanish and PE. In middle school, we further extend learning to include classes in public speaking, life skills, woodshop, theater arts, yearbook production, student leadership and much more. Barnhart is known as a “down to earth”, diverse community. We invite you to take a tour and talk with our parents and students. Come meet our dedicated team of professionals, spend some time in our community, and watch our students in action! 240 W. Colorado Blvd., Arcadia (626)446-5588 barnhartschool.org

Brain Balance Brain Balance provides a comprehensive non-medical approach that combines physical and sensory exercises with academic skill training and healthy nutrition. Brain Balance creates a holistic view of your child through an initial set of tests that identify areas that need attention and strengthening. From the results of that assessment, we create a plan focused on getting your child back on track. Your child’s journey starts in our center, but continues at home with exercises and a clean-eating nutrition program. Parent conferences occur every 12 sessions, and a one-year post assessment is conducted after completion of the program. Contact us at 626-737-5000 or email pasadena@brainbalancecenters.com to schedule your assessment. You can ﬁnd more information at brainbalance.com

California College of Music The CCM CHOICE program offering at California College of Music is designed to give interested students a taste of CCM at a low cost. Join our ensembles, get acquainted with the latest in music technology, learn music theory, study the music business, or explore the history of popular music. Work on your instrumental technique, take a songwriting course, train your ears, practice your sight-reading, or build your press kit. All this and more is possible through the CCM CHOICE program at CCM. To receive more information, please call (626) 577-1751 or email admissions@ccmcollege.com.

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California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley The mission of California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArtsSGV) is to provide an unparalleled arts and academic education to a diverse group students who are passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential. Our dynamic school culture enables students to flourish in a uniquely challenging and nurturing environment that celebrates creativity, individual growth and supportive learning. Students receive a robust and rigorous college-preparatory curriculum in addition to pre-professional arts conservatory training in their chosen discipline of dance, fine and media arts, music or theatre. CSArts-SGV is a tuition-free, donation-dependent program serving 1,200 seventh through 12th grade students from across the San Gabriel Valley. Come learn more at our Preview Days coming up on October 12, December 7 and January 11. www.sgv.csarts.net/previewday

Dance Conservatory of Pasadena Dance Conservatory of Pasadena is a non-profi t 501(c) 3 school is celebrating its 10th anniversary. We are proud to have achieved the goal of creating a place for all dancers to share and foster the love of dance. We aim to continue this excellence for another 10 years. We have three programs to serve you: (1) Children’s, (2) Pre-Professional, and (3) Adults. DCP’s teachers are dedicated to providing the highest technical and artistic level instruction. Students are invited to share their gift of dance through several opportunities including participating in performances and dance competitions throughout the year. This school year, DCP will produce full length Nutcracker and Swan Lake. DCP has added classes in contemporary, hip hop, jazz and tap to round out our curriculum. For new students, take a class for free and see for yourself the joy of dancing. Visit dancepasadena.com for more details. continued on page 18 BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 PASADENA WEEKLY

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Emmaus Lutheran School For 78 years, Emmaus Lutheran School has nurtured children from Preschool through Eighth grade. Rigorous academic standards and Christian-based life skills produce well-rounded students. Graduates go to universities including Johns Hopkins, MIT, West Point, Oxford College, USC, UCLA and other UC campuses. Before and after school care, sports, student government, field trips, music, art, Spanish and technology, with SMALL CLASSES and INDIVIDUALIZED CARE help students achieve. Several after school enrichment classes available on campus with cooking and violin new for this year. Please call to tour our campus. Emmaus can issue form I-20 for international students wishing to study in the US and all our teachers have training in English Language Learning methods. Learn more at: emmausalhambra.org or visit 840 S. Almansor St., Alhambra (626)289-3664

The Gooden School: A Values Driven Community At The Gooden School, a K-8 independent, co-ed day school nestled in the foothills of Sierra Madre, strong and clearly expressed values create identity, focus, unity, and drive. Gooden’s new head, Jo-Anne Woolner, is proud to be leading a community where the school’s motto, “Respect for self, others, and the world” answers the questions, ‘what do we belong to?’, ‘what’s important to us?’, ‘what holds us together?’ and ‘why do our collective efforts matter?’ The school’s values, rooted in its Episcopal identity, inspire its students to try harder as individuals so that collectively the school community thrives. The curriculum facilitates cooperative and independent learning, promotes unconditional acceptance of self and others, recognizes the interdependence of mind and body, inspires a love of learning, encourages self-determination, and develops global awareness. Open houses will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. For more information please call (626) 355-2410 or go to the school’s website at goodenschool.org

High Point Academy High Point’s mission is to awaken the joy of learning by inspiring students to their fullest potential in a collaborative, stimulating community of caring and academic excellence. Dedicated, talented faculty provide a strong K-8 curriculum enriched by world languages, music, art, library, technology, and daily physical education. High Point’s 2019 graduates gained entrance into acclaimed independent high schools, earning over $700,000 in merit scholarships. Experience why High Point instills self-confidence, good character, and an exceptional foundation for success. For more information, attend an Open House or sign-up for a tour. HighPointAcademy.org

Immaculate Heart High School & Middle School A Catholic, independent, college preparatory school, Immaculate Heart educates and empowers young women in grades sixth through 12th grades. Founded in 1906, Immaculate Heart offers a distinguished history, with more than 10,000 graduates. Its hillside campus, centrally located in Los Angeles near Griffi th Park, welcomes students of geographic, ethnic and religious diversity. Virtually 100 percent matriculate to college, including the most

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prestigious universities in the country. The high school’s curriculum offers 14 honors classes and 18 Advanced Placement courses, including the new twoyear AP Capstone course. IH fields teams in basketball, cross country, diving, equestrian, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. Students participate in community service, retreats and liturgies, theatrical productions, the visual arts, and more than 30 clubs. Bus transportation serves Pasadena! 5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028. immaculateheart.org (323) 461-3651

Los Angeles Children’s Chorus An introduction to vocal instruction from an award-winning children’s chorus. Children are introduced to the wonder and excitement of singing and key music concepts in First Experiences in Singing (FES), a non-auditioned, nonperforming class for 6-7-year-olds. New singers develop vocal and musical skills, are exposed to general tonal and rhythmic concepts, and introduced to bel canto singing. Through the FES program, children gain experience and confidence singing in bel canto technique in group, small group, and solo settings; learn tonal and rhythmic skills through Kodály-based sequential lessons, from master teachers; become familiar with high-quality folk songs, singing games, and dances; demonstrate the skills learned through a final demonstration for parents, family, and friends, followed by a social gathering. 585 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 793-4231 lachildrenschorus.org

Maranatha High School A School Where Your Student is Known, Challenged, and Transformed Maranatha High School has a long-standing reputation of providing an excellent college preparatory education in a Christ-revering context. Maranatha is a unique and vibrant community where your student can be known and supported, learn to embrace and accomplish challenges, and be transformed in their spiritual maturity and growth. Maranatha offers 39 advanced placement and honors courses and has continually proven to be exceptional in the performing and visual arts, as well as competitive in athletics with CIF and state level wins. In addition, there are many other great opportunities on campus, including a wide variety of clubs, as well as mission trips and service opportunities locally and globally. Learn more by visiting maranathahighschool.org today.

Mentor Preschools Located in the heart of Pasadena, Mentor Avenue Preschool and Mentor Preschool, students are engaged in the joy of discovery. Everywhere there is fun and excitement while learning through art, science, music, cooking, games, and other activities. Our loving staff encourages independence in the younger students, especially in the area of potty training, along with healthy eating habits and good table manners. Class projects involve team work in order to build good social skills. Our innovative approach to the outdoor classroom inspires a natural learning environment. Mentor Preschools are Christian Preschools dedicated to providing quality early childhood education, while nurturing Christian Values, to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. Limited capacity call for prices and availability. 308 N.Mentor Ave. & 232 N. Lake Ave. #100 Pasadena (626)396-7008 www. mentorpreschools.com

Modern Music School Pasadena Music School Celebrates Expansion To match a rapidly growing demand, Pasadena’s Modern Music School is expanding this summer with the addition of eight new classrooms. Since taking over in 2016, owner Ulf Geist has seen enrollment triple, maxing out the available space. “Most of our success comes from our great community...Our students are actually excited to come to their lessons,” Geist says. Instructors at MMS tailor their teaching methods to each individual student. “I learned that a great teacher can make all the difference,” Geist explains. “I believe in always trying new ways to reach each student.” Current programs at MMS include guitar, piano, drums, bass, vocals, music production, DJing, early childhood music education, rock band classes and more. To learn more call (626) 578-9242 or visit www.modernmusicpasadena.com

Mundo Academy Mundo Academy offers competitively priced in-home test preparation, tutoring and academic coaching services in the Pasadena area. We tutor students in all learning levels of math, science and Spanish. We not only target students’ needs, but also work to fill in the gaps in foundational knowledge so as to ensure future success. We also offer support with study skills, time management, homework, organization and grade management. Our individualized test prep programs for the SAT, ACT, HSPT, and ISEE take a three-pronged approach. We select substantive material that targets commonly tested concepts, we teach test-taking strategies, and we give practice tests so students apply that knowledge to develop speed and accuracy. Let us help you achieve! For more information, visit mundoacademy.com or call (626) 354-2032.

Options for Learning Free, low cost & high quality full-day & half-day preschool for 3 to 5 year olds. Head Start Pasadena provides half-day comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Cost: Free for qualifying families. Call (626) 204-8900 to enroll. Full-day Preschool provides full-day, 12 month program to prepare children for a successful future by meeting and enhancing their intellectual, emotional, social and physical development in a supportive, developmentally appropriate manner. Cost: Free, low cost & full cost depending on income and family size. Call (626) 858-0527 to enroll.

Paciﬁc Oaks Children’s School Nestled in a campus of Craftsman houses and tree-shaded pathways in Pasadena, Pacific Oaks Children’s School provides an unparalleled setting for early childhood education. Through an emergent and play-based curriculum, PO has inspired a love of learning and confidence since 1945. Children learn through active exploration, as our indoor and outdoor classrooms spark inquiry, creativity and reflection. Enrichment programs include art, music, and literature, and our close-knit classes help children develop compassion for others, value the individual, and positive expressions of emotions. Parttime and full-day programs are available for ages 2 to 5. We also have our Outdoor Classroom and Spanish Immersion programs, and our new STEAM program. Infant/toddler programs focused on parent/child participation are also offered. Please contact us for scholarship information. To learn more and schedule a tour, visit paciﬁcoakschildrensschool.org or call (626) 529-8011.

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Pasadena Civic Ballet Pasadena Civic ballet with directors Diane De Franco Browne, Tania Grafos and Zoe Vidalakis has been training dancers as young as 3 1/2 years old from every local community and many local public and private schools. Their class offerings include ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, musical theater, hip-hop, and tap. The faculty at PCB has dance professionally with renowned companies around the world including ABT, New York City ballet, Berlin Opera ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. Pasadena Civic Ballet Company is the nonprofi t entity of the school. The cornerstone of the company is philanthropy. PCB Company has donated numerous performance and other contributions to benefi t Children’s Hospital, Young and Healthy, Kids for Cancer, Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, Kidspace and LA Opera. PCB is committed to passing on their legacy of excellence to new generations of well-rounded dancers. (626) 792-0873 pcballet.com

Pasadena Suzuki Music The Pasadena Suzuki Music Program offers private and group lessons in early childhood music and movement, violin, viola, piano, and flute for students of all ages and abilities. PSMP is a chapter of the Suzuki Music Association of California, Los Angeles branch. We embrace the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki by fostering the musical and personal growth of children of all abilities, including the underserved, by creating and appreciating musical excellence, and developing sensitivity, discipline and endurance so that our

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students will nurture their musical talents, become ambassadors of peace, hope and understanding, and have beautiful hearts. For more information about our program Please visit www.psmp.org

Pasadena Waldorf School Early Childhood through High school Visit our beautiful campuses and discover why Waldorf Education (celebrating it’s 100th year!) looks different. See how robust and rigorous academics and immersion in the arts work together. Learn more about our diverse curriculum including music, drama, crafts, movement, world languages, camping, and field trips. Tours and open houses are available throughout the year. Offering High School; grades 1-8; kindergarten; preschool; and a Parent Child program. Full and half day schedules available for preschool and kindergarten. Tuition ranges from $13,730 to $26,759. Tuition assistance is available. Schedule a visit on our website: pasadenawaldorf.org.

Pasadena City College Fall Semester at Pasadena City College Offers Something for Everyone As summer turns to fall at Pasadena City College, area residents are returning to the San Gabriel Valley’s premier two-year institution. What many don’t know, though, is PCC serves any student that comes to its doors, no matter where their educational journey has taken them. While most

students arriving this fall will have recently completed high school, more than one-quarter of the credit-earning students will be older than 25 years of age. These students could be folks who took a few years off before returning to college, or people seeking a change in their career. Many PCC students are mothers and fathers, balancing the responsibilities of raising families in addition to school and work duties. The college offers a range of support for students, no matter their needs. Why not start something new at PCC this fall? Learn more at pasadena.edu.

Piano Play Music To inspire and create a world that has healthy visions for all people using music as a tool is the philosophy Sharon Shaheed has emphasize in her music programs taught at Piano Play Music Systems since 1987. Ms. Shaheed believes the best way to encourage children to want to learn how to read, play and compose music is to establish trust, make learning fun in a nurturing environment. At Piano Play the teachers strive to do this in their group and private lessons. Our group programs start at 19 months to 9 year old and children are placed in these classes based on their age and skill level. The success of our theory-based teaching method has been featured on the OWN network series “Raising Whitley” and on the Oprah & Friends Radio talk show with Dr. Robyn Smith. Our fall semester begins on Sunday, August 12th to Saturday, January 19th. For more information visit our website: www.pianoplaymusic.com

Realtime Captioning DIANA BRANDIN REALTIME CAPTIONING & ASL! - Specializing in K-12, colleges, & university CARTcaptioning. Communication Access Realtime Translation and American Sign Language. (On-site and remote). ADA Compliance. Communication access for public/private academic institutions (universities, colleges, K-12, special events, on-site and online learning), businesses, corporations, non-profi ts, for-profi ts, corporate meetings, conferences, conference calls, live-streamed webinars, legal, court, hearings, medical, hospitals, doctor appointments, social services, weddings, funerals. Realtime captioning and American Sign Language plus transcription of recorded media, closed-captioning or subtitles for videos, webinars, DVDs, YouTube clips, and other media. Live captions displayed via tablet, smartphone, laptop, flat-screen TV, projector-to-screen, jumbotron and more. We hire only seasoned professionals! Local small business and woman-owned business. FREE DEMOS onsite and remotely. OnPointCaptions.com | (818) 279-8136

Ribét Academy Ribét Academy is a co-ed nondenominational private school, which provides an all-inclusive setting for superior academics, arts and athletics. As a Pre-K through 12th grade college preparatory school, Ribét Academy is academically challenging, but students are also taught how to become responsible, thoughtful and well-rounded citizens Ribét Academy encourages students to become effective communicators, creative problem solvers and enthusiastic life-long learners. Serving the surrounding community of Eagle Rock, Glendale, Silver Lake, Pasadena, La Canada, Los Angeles, Ribét Academy is home to many international students from around the world. For more info call 323-344-4330 for visit Ribét Academy on 2911 San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90065

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Sci-arc SCI-Arc, the Southern California Institute of Architecture, is an independent, non-profi t architecture school in the Los Angeles Arts District dedicated to educating the next generation of architects. The SCI-Arc Bachelor of Architecture program (B.Arch) is built around an integrated core of design studio, visual studies, history and theory, and technology courses, into which interdisciplinary arts, sciences, and humanities seminars are woven. In their final thesis, students apply their expertise to real world scenarios. Upon graduation, students participate in leading architectural practices— including Gehry Partners, Morphosis, Zaha Hadid Architects. The 2019 America’s Best Architecture Schools survey ranks SCI-Arc #9 nationally in undergraduate programs in the US. For information or to schedule a campus tour, visit www.sciarc.edu or contact the Ofﬁce of Admissions at (213)356-5320 or admissions@sciarc.edu.

Southwestern Academy “Southwestern Academy is a co-ed boarding and day school offering grades 6-12. Founded in 1924, our school is rich in culture and diversity, catering to the educational needs of both domestic and international students. Southwestern Academy has two campuses, located in San Marino, California and Rimrock, Arizona. We provide a peaceful, safe, and beautiful space for students to thrive in our close-knit community. Our small class settings allow students to receive the required attention while maximizing their abilities. Academic programs in both campuses include college preparatory courses, ESL (English as a Second Language), post graduate curriculums, and extracurricular activities. We invite you to explore our Southwestern community to discover what we offer. Our students have found a place to belong. Maybe it’s your place, too.” 2800 Monterey Road San Marino (626) 799-5010 southwesternacademy.edu

St. James Parish St. James Parish Day School believes in a developmental approach to focused learning through play. Their dedicated, experienced teachers provide a nurturing environment in which children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually. St. James Parish Day School, located at 1325 Monterey Road South Pasadena For more information visit www.stjamesparishdayschool.org or call 626799-6906

St. Phillip Apostle St. Philip the Apostle School was founded in 1927 as a ministry of St. Philip the Apostle Parish. We are a TK-8 Catholic, parish school with two classes 22

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per grade serving 570 students. For 92 years, we have been dedicated to teaching, inspiring and nurturing children through rigorous academic training and strong faith formation. The school’s modern, urban campus features an advanced technology platform that supports a broad range of web-based research and instructional resources, dedicated classrooms for art, music and Spanish and a multi-purposed facility that functions as a gymnasium and theatre. For more information or to schedule a tour go to stphiliptheapostle.org/ school or contact Tricia Ortega, Development Director at (626) 795-9691 ext. 449, 1363 Cordova Street, Pasadena

Stratford Schools Stratford School provides an unparalleled education where children are inspired to be creative problem solvers, innovators, and leaders. These 21st century qualities provide children with the knowledge, confidence, and ingenuity to help them excel in future careers! Stratford’s accelerated curriculum from preschool through eighth grade emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) while incorporating music, physical education, foreign language, and social skills development. By combining a safe and nurturing learning environment, Stratford teachers ensure a stimulating and balanced curriculum while cultivating a child’s natural joy of learning. Evident at all its schools is the Stratford motto, “Summa spes, summa res,” meaning “Highest hopes, highest things.” Grades: Preschool-8th. 2046 Allen Ave., Altadena (626) 794-1000 stratfordschools.com

Walden School Walk through the hallways and yards of Walden School and you’ll see something magical: children of all ages and backgrounds engaged in learning. You’ll see artists at work, writers drafting a story, musicians practicing a song, scientists verifying principles and mathematicians solving problems. You’ll see students who respect themselves and their environment. You’ll see active, inquisitive learners who are thriving in a safe, communityoriented place. You’ll see teachers, parents and administrators encouraging curiosity, nurturing talents and promoting creativity. Walden is a small environment where big things happen: questions are posed, solutions are explored and answers are discovered by our youngest learners to our 6th graders preparing for their next challenge in middle school. Our forwardthinking program helps children develop the foundation that will support them for a lifetime, understanding that we all have stewardship for the world in which we live. 75 South San Gabriel Blvd., Pasadena (626) 792-6166 waldenschool.net ■

Feeding

Hungry Minds

PUSD IS OFFERING MORE FREE MEALS AND SIMPLE SCRATCH MENUS IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

BY MICHAEL SPRAGUE

hile local students enjoyed summer break, Pasadena Unified School District’s Food and Nutrition Services Department was hard at work providing free summer meals at more than 30 locations citywide, and revamping their menus to better serve low-income and at-risk students. The upcoming 2019-20 school year marks the second year of the district participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that allows eligible schools in low-income areas to offer free breakfasts and lunches to all enrolled students at the school without any individualized means-based application. Elizabeth Powell, director of food service for PUSD, said that for the coming school year, nine more schools have become eligible for the CEP program, doubling the number of sites that participated in the first year. Erin Meza, the district’s food service operations supervisor, explained that schools

taking part in the CEP saw an increase in the total number of students receiving school meals. Meza explained, as more students eat lunch at school it helps in reducing stigmas associated with free and reduced-price lunches. In addition, Powell explained, the program benefits parents who may have found themselves on the cusp of receiving free and reduced-lunch benefits yet struggling to pay for their children’s meals. “This way [the parents] don’t have to worry about that because the children can come in and eat breakfast and lunch at no charge.” Powell said. By state law, free or reduced-price nutritionally adequate meals must be made available to those children who qualify for such benefits. Further, states the California Department of Education website, “these meals must be made available in such a way that it is not readily apparent that children are continued on page 24

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receiving free or reduced-price meals,” and meticulous records must be kept for each student. Funding for these programs can be reimbursed through CEP and other federal programs. On July 1, PUSD announced that it was serving meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and/or the Afterschool Snack Program. Through June 30, children are eligible for these free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines. Meza and Powell said they are moving local schools cuisines away from pre-packaged and prepared foods into what they call “simple, scratch cooking” wherever possible due to the limitations of the school kitchens and number of students being served. Powell said they are also sourcing fresh produce and

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baked goods to use for things like hamburgers that used to come fully prepared and frozen. “We’re making our own salad dressings, we’re making our own mashed potatoes and we’re roasting our own vegetables, those types of things make it more appealing for the students.” Powell said. Meza said the early reviews on the simple scratch items that were given out during the summer meal program were overwhelmingly positive. With more students expected to be participating in the school lunch program, the menus have been revamped based on student input. Although the menu is undergoing some changes, Meza promised the spicy chicken sandwich, which is the undeniable favorite across all grade levels, is not going anywhere. “Last year we surveyed the students at the three different levels and we asked them what they prefer and then we built a three week menu cycle around that.” At the high school level, Powell and Meza are most excited to announce the new changes coming to the districts high school cafeterias — namely a weekly concept bar every Thursday. “When you go to a restaurant and you can have a mac and cheese bar with all the different continued on page 26 BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 PASADENA WEEKLY

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toppings — we’re doing that in the schools,” Powell said. “One week they’ll have mac and cheese, another week they’ll have a fry bar with all the different toppings; and we also have a ramen bar.” Powell and Meza explained the disparity at the high schools where some students have every meal delivered to the school via an app simultaneously there are a high number of students experiencing homelessness and poverty who may only eat school lunch. High schoolers will no longer have to use the spork packets and trays when they head back to school in the fall. Instead, they will receive silverware and food will be served on a nine-inch plate rather than pre-divided trays. They plan on rolling the new cutlery out to the elementary and junior high school students in the near future. “We’re competing with UberEats and where some students will order McDonald’s, paying $20 for their meal versus coming into the cafeteria because there’s a stigma that you’re [receiving] free or reduced lunch if you come to the cafeteria and eat.” Powell said. “We’re trying to treat them like adults and make them feel good about coming in and eating with us.” Meza said. ■ 26

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