Peninsula Enrichment Program - PEP
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Mastering Math - NOTE: CLASS IS CANCELLED AT RIDGECREST ONLY
Miraleste Mr. Godbold
Ridgecrest Mrs. Hockensmith
This class is designed to help strengthen the basic math skills of incoming 6th graders before beginning intermediate school math.  Class includes fundamentals, computational skills, basic operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
Math 6 - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL AT RIDGECRESTONLY
Miraleste Mrs. Steinbach
Ridgecrest Mrs. Hockensmith

For students coded for regular Math 6 in the fall and 7th and 8th grade students needing additional support in these topics: Rational numbers (fractions, decimals), percents, and number theory. If time permits, integers will be covered. In addition, there will also be math puzzles.

Math 7
Miraleste Mr. Godbold
Ridgecrest Mrs. Starodub

For students coded into Math 6 Accelerated, regular Math 7, and 8th grade students needing additional support in these topics: Variables and expressions, order of operations, application of integers, graphing on the coordinate plane, rules of divisibility, and exponents. In addition, there will be puzzles, number patterns, and mathematical "short cuts." (Entering 6th graders must have a recommendation from their current math teacher. See back of Registration Form.)

Math 8 - NOTE CLASS IF FULL AT RIDGECREST ONLY
Miraleste Mrs. Steinbach
Ridgecrest Mrs. Mairs

For students coded into Math 7 Accelerated, Algebra 1 or Algebra 1A. This course covers material needed for success in an Algebra course, including: problem solving, simplifying radical expressions, functions, graphing equations in two variables, application of percents, exponents, solving equations, and graphing inequalities. There will be puzzles, number patterns, and logic problems. (All 6th and 7th grade students must have a recommendation from their current math teacher. See back of Registration Form.)

Math Whiz - Ridgecrest Only
Ridgecrest Mrs. Thom

For students who have completed Math 7 Accelerated during the school year, thiis course is designed to combine a study of some topics regularly taught in an algebra course such as polynomials, factoring, systems of equations, simplifying radical expressions, sequences, and problem solving. Students will test their wits on a variety of brain teasers, puzzles, logic puzzles, and number tricks and  explore some of the skills needed in math competitions. (All students must have a recommendation from their current math teacher. See back of Registration Form.)

BioLab - Ridgecrest ONLY - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL
Palos Verdes
Ridgecrest Miss Fisher

Have you ever looked inside an animal? Enter a scientific laboratory to learn about the anatomy of animals. Under a microscope, see the magic world of creatures too small to be seen by the human eye. Dissect a variety of specimens.

ChemLab - CLASS IS FULL AT BOTH SCHOOLS
Miraleste Mr. Colburt
Ridgecrest Mr. Oschman

Explore the world of chemistry through extensive laboratory experimention.  Study acid-based chemistry and molecular composition and decomposition. Savor the chemistry of candy making, turn pennies into "gold," and  experience the "magic" of polymerization. Extensive lab experience for the young scientist.

CSI Science - Ridgecrest ONLY - NOTE; CLASS IS FULL
Ridgecrest Miss Zotter
Everbody loves a mystery, learn to solve "crimes" while practicing important scientific concepts,methods, and techniques.  Assue the role of a crime lab chemist by carefully observing, thinking critically, and conducting forensic lab tests on evidence.

 

Marine Biology - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL AT RIDGECREST ONLY
Miraleste Ms. Borstel
Ridgecrest Miss Fisher

An introduction to the study of marine science. Acquire an appreciation and knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants from invertebrates to the great whales. Class includes the use of microscopes and dissection of marine life. .

Physics Pfun
Miraleste Mr. Colburt
Ridgecrest Ms. McDonald

Explore physics through hands-on applications of mechanics, electricity, magnetism and optics. Try your hand at experiments and projects such as water rockets, penny launchers, simple circuits, microscopes/telescopes and a "mouse trap mobile."

Beginning Chinese - Ridgecrest ONLY
Ridgecrest Mrs. Ou
Have fun beginning to learn to understand and speak Mandarin Chinese.  You will be taught by an experienced language teacher from the South Bay Chinese School, which is currently partnering with the PVPUSD in the FLAG program at Lunada Bay, Pt. Vicente, Palos Verdes Intermediate, and Palos Verdes High schools.  You will also learn to recognize some basic simplified Chinese characters.

Beginning Spanish
Miraleste Ms. Laughlin
Ridgecrest Mrs. Scott

Join in the fun of learning to speak, read, and write a new language. Develop basic vocabulary in Spanish. Very helpful for students who plan to study Spanish in the future.

Public Speaking - NOTE CLASS IS FULL AT RIDGECREST
Miraleste Miss Keller
Ridgecrest Mr. Bell
Make your own personality work for you as you learn to give impromptu and prepared speeches to the class.  Learn the effective use of voice, action, image and language in public speaking.  Face an audience or camera with confidence and control, and make the most of your own natural speaking style.  Have fun without fear!
Build-A-Skateboard - Miraleste ONLY
Miraleste Mr. Nimick,
(For incoming 7th & 8th grade students who have taken woodshop at Miraleste in school or summer school.)  Design, draw, cut templates, and shape two different skateboards.  Learn proper tool usage, drafting and designing skills in addition to the techniques necessary to cut, shape, and drill a skateboard.  You will be supplied with two rough blanks that can be turned into prized boards, a long board of Russian birch and a short board of prebent maple.  Hardware not provided.   Parent's permission is required for this class.  Skateboarding practice (not allowed on campus) will not be included in this class.
Ceramics - NOT CLASS IS FULL AT BOTH SCHOOLS
Miraleste Mr. Guerrero
Ridgecrest Mrs. Goza

A complete course in designing, forming, decorating, and glazing pottery.  Learn basic hand building techniques including pinch, slab (tile making), and sculpture..

Chinese Brush Painting/Calligraph - RIDGECREST ONLY - NOTE: CLASS IS CANCELLED
Ridgecrest Mrs. Ou
Learn the basics of the beautiful ancient art of Chinese brush painting.  Using a special brush, create each character with a series of single brush strokes.  You may keep your brush to continue practicing after the end of summer school.

Drawing & Painting - NOTE CLASS IS FULL AT BOTH SCHOOLS
Miraleste Mr. Guerrero
Ridgecrest Miss Madison
Would you like to be able to put what you see on paper? Learn the basics of pen and ink drawing, sketching, and perspective. Water color, tempura painting, charcoal, pastel, and collage may be included.

Jewelry Creations - Ridgecrest ONLY NOTE: CLASS IS FULL
Ridgecrest Miss Madison
Make bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and pins using beads, stones, clay, fabric and more.  Learn special techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces including wire-wrapped and knotted necklaces, key chains, glass holders, and purse chains.
Woodshop - Miraleste ONLY
Miraleste Mr. Nimick

An introduction to woodworking. Learn the care and use of hand tools and various power machines. Use your skills in creating fine projects for your family and friends.

Drama Festival - Ridgecrest ONLY - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL
Ridgecrest Mr. Bell

Explore many aspects of drama, monologues, mime, scenes, and story theater. Receive some commercial training and practice. Develop your abilities in creative dramatics through improvisation, movement and characterization.

Chef's Corner - MIRALESTE ONLY - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL
Miraleste Mrs. Califano

Discover the fun of being a chef. Prepare everything from fancy hors d’oeuvres to luscious desserts. Make such things as pasta, pizza, tostadas, and more. 

Junior Great Books - Ridgecrest ONLY - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL
Ridgecrest Mrs. Levy

Increase your reading comprehension skills and learn how to develop a sense of language while you explore your curiosity about reading through the Junior Great Books series. Solve genuine problems of meaning. Learn how to discuss and interpret selections and grow in your ability to read and enjoy challenging literature. (Students should be reading at or above grade level.)

Creative Writing
Miraleste Miss Keller
Ridgecrest Mrs. O'Neill
This is the class for all you spiring authors.  Create short stories, poems, the first chapter of your novel, and much more.  Respond to a variety of prompts designed to stimulate creative ideas and innovative thinking.
Reading Power
Miraleste Mrs. King
Ridgecrest Mrs. Simoncini

An introduction to effective reading skills for academic success in intermediate school, high school and beyond. Lessons will include practical experience using textbook selections to identify main ideas (stated and unstated), plot, multiple meanings, context clues, inferences, vocabulary (prefixes and suffices), etc. Readings include selections from social studies, literature, science and math (word problems) texts. Some speed reading techniques may be included. (For advanced readers only; students should be reading above grade level.)

Reading Prep
Miraleste Mrs. King
Ridgecrest Mr. Kohler
This class is designed for incoming 6th graders who need extra help in their reading skills before entering intermediate school.  Emphasis will be placed on improving vocabulary and comprehension while reading material of interest to young people.
Word Wizards - Ridgecrest ONLY - NOTE CLASS IS FULL
Ridgecrest Mrs. O'Neill
You can become a wizard with words!  Improve your word power and word usuage through mazes, word puzzles, spelling bees, mysteries, and poetry.  Learn the parts of speech, the building blocks of verbal and written communication.
Writing Skills - NOTE: CLASS IS FULL AT RIDGECREST ONLY
Miraleste Mrs. King
Ridgecrest Mrs. Simoncini

Practice writing paragraphs using good grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Learn how to use the topic sentence, supporting statements and summary in writing effectively. Develop the kind of writing skills needed for intermediate school papers and projects. (For 6th graders only.)

Writing Workshop - NOTE: CLASS IF FULL AT MIRALESTE ONLY
Miraleste Miss Keller
Ridgecrest Mr. White

This course is designed for 7th and 8th graders.  Learn the basic organization of a 3-5 paragraph essay, effective use of transitions, thesis statements, and supporting sentences. Improve your vocabulary and use of descriptive adjectives. Develop your creative writing skills -- poetry, essay, journal writing, etc. Prepare a book of your best work. (For 7th & 8th graders only.)

Cheer: Ridgecrest ONLY
Ridgecrest Mrs. Hockensmith

Learn a beginning cheer.  Practice jumps and stunts with instruction from a former cheer coach.  Have fun while learning proper cheer styles and movements.

Sports-A-Field - NOTE CLASS IS FULL AT RIDGECREST
Miraleste Ms. Borstel
Ridgecrest Mrs. Toombs
Would you like to have fun while improving your skills in basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, flag football and other sports? Emphasis will be placed on improving the basics, but watch your skills (and enjoyment of team sports) soar!

Fantasy Baseball Ridgecrest ONLY -
Ridgecrest Miss Zotter
 Examine the way everyday math concepts such as addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, percents, etc. apply to baseball and the real world.  Learn how batting averages and player statistics are computed by playing a variety of games.  Have fun using actual baseball cards to create your own team and compete against other teams in the class.  (This class is intended for students who have a solid understanding of basic math facts.)
History Through Film - Ridgecrest ONLY
Ridgecrest Mr. Kohler
Participate in a fascinating approach to learning about the history of our country.  View recent and classic Hollywood films depicting actual historical events and join in classroom discussions to evaluate the significance and the accuracy of the films.  Topics will include the discovery of America, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the life of George Washingtn, the Battle of Gettysbury, and the Wright brothers.

How To Succeed In School
Miraleste Ms. Laughlin
Ridgecrest Mrs. Levy

For incoming 6th grade students ONLY!

Learn the skills necessary for success in school. Learn how to determine what is important to study, how to plan your time, and how to design a suitable environment for study at home. Participate in activities designed to help reduce anxiety and increase your speed while maintaining accuracy during tests. Notetaking, outlining, library and resource material usage will be included.

Computer Graphics - Miraleste ONLY NOTE; CLASS IS FULL
Miraleste Mr. Woodward
Use PowerPoint, Photoshop, Paint, Publisher, and ExcelArtwork to create character animations, product label designs, and art tessellations.  Design your own book cover, travel brochure, picture alterations, and more.
Keyboarding - NOTE CLASS IS FULL AT RIDGECREST
Miraleste Mr. Woodward
Ridgecrest Mr. Wells

Learn to type accurately on the computer with proper finger positions, without looking at the keyboard.  Using the Gregg system, you will be introduced to all the letters and numbers in addition to various drills to increase your speed.

Web Page Design - Ridgecrest ONLY - NOTE; CLASS IS FULL
Ridgecrest Mr. Wells

Discover how to safely navigate cyberspace using some general graphic design concepts, basic HTML, and Netscape Composer, and learn how to design web pages. Our research-based web pages will include backgrounds, bullets, lines, hyperlinks, tables, images, animactions, and more.