Category Archives: Youth

Art classes for kids ages 7 to 12 while their parents shop at the Mall

Fridays & Saturdays 6:00 – 8:00pm.

We will help everyone enjoy their shopping experience even more. Kids can come to the Arts Collective Studio for wonderful, busy creative time. Several options will be available for them to choose from.  Parents just need to sign the children in.

More information and reservations required  676-1540 or [email protected]

$10 per 1 hour class. Sibling discount for additional children from same family $8 each. Older children and adults welcome if there is room

The Arts Collective Studio is an initiative of the Ventura County Arts Council with generous support from Macerich Corp and Pacific View Mall.

An Hour of Code with DATA Students

DATA Coding student, Ethan Herrell, putting his knowledge to use. Photo by Zachary Leppaluoto, 7th grader at DATA

by Roxana Llano and Tomas Gaeta

Students at DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA) recently had a unique opportunity to collaborate with a nearby elementary school. A group of 35 middle schoolers enrolled in a Computer Science elective were able to teach coding lessons at EP Foster STEM Academy. Students in grades K-5, including students in bilingual classrooms, participated in the ‘Hour of Coding’. Coding is basically what makes it possible for us to create computer software, apps, and websites. In the simplest of terms, it is telling a computer what you want it to do.

Learning how to code is a very valuable skill for someone to have. This is because there are lots of career options that involve programming and you can check out these upskilled side hustle ideas to learn more about them. Coding really has changed the face of software development as we know it. For example, up until very recently, the benefits of code refactoring services were largely unknown. With coding showing no signs of slowing down, it is important that we educate the next generation about the potential of computers and technology. With this in mind, the children really enjoyed learning about programming and a few of them definitely took a shine to the idea of a future career in it!

For younger students, the lessons were conducted using plastic cups – an easy, fun way to grasp the basics of the step-by-step nature of writing computer code. While the younger students were learning the basics, older students were given the opportunity to write code during lessons taught by the DATA students. Lupe Gomez, Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher, stated that “the DATA students did a fantastic job teaching my kindergartners how to code. They were all engaged able to follow the directions. My students would love to invite them back soon!”

In most classrooms a video from Code.org was shown followed by a coding lesson. For many EP Foster students it was their first exposure to coding in the lower grades while the upper grades were able to build upon what they already know about coding and computer science. Additionally, for many DATA students, it was their first teaching experience. Logan Erickson, 7th grader at DATA, said that it was “a really cool experience to teach 3rd graders. The kids were really nice and it was a lot of fun. I wish I had learned coding in 3rd grade”. A 5th grader at E.P. Foster replied, “I’m so glad to have had this experience. I want to be an engineer and I need to learn how to do this kind of stuff!”

The “language” of code is taught in DATA’s Computer Science elective. DATA was the first middle school in the district to offer this elective and its impact has been positive campus wide. Students apply the skills learned in the course during their entire time at DATA in all subjects. Following the hour-long coding lesson, the students from DATA walked the short distance back to campus. As a magnet school with a diverse population from throughout the school district, for many it was their first time walking through the neighborhood and participating in a community event while providing the students at EP Foster a chance to experience the type of exciting, hands-on instruction that is taking place at DATA.

This event represents just one of the many opportunities available at DATA to learn through technology integration, to incorporate visual thinking strategies, and to use project-based learning to foster creativity and critical thinking so that students are ready for the fast-changing, connected future. The school looks forward to collaborating on more fun projects in the future and showcasing their innovative programs to families during the ‘Schools of Choice’ window from January 6th through the 20th. If a family is interested in learning more about DATA they can schedule a tour by calling 641-5165 or by visiting www.dataschool.org.

Winner of  “Fire Hydrant Award” Essay Contest is Brody Daw

Brody’s very proud parents , her brother and Fire Chief David Endaya were all smiles at the presentation. Photo by John Ferritto

The Ventura City Fire Department announced the winner of the 4th Grade “Fire Hydrant Award” essay contest in a surprise presentation, Monday, Dec. 12 at Mound Elementary School. Brody Daw whose winning essay was selected received the “Fire Hydrant Award” presented by Fire Chief David Endaya and firefighters from Ventura City Fire.  The Fire Hydrant Award remains on display year-round at the winning school, and includes a plaque engraved with the names of current and past award recipients.

More than 1,400 students from Ventura Unified Elementary Schools attended the 4th Grade Fire Safety Days event in October 2016, where they experienced hands-on demonstrations, fire science, and fire safety lessons from members of the Ventura City Fire department.  Students then wrote essays about the important safety lessons they learned at the event. Teachers selected the top essays from their school, and submitted those to Ventura City Fire Chief David Endaya.  Chief Endaya reviewed the student’s works and selected the winning essay, along with two honorable mention essays.

Todd Tyner, Principal of Mound School told the Breeze.

“Fire Safety Days is designed to be a day of learning how professional firefighters apply math and science concepts that are generally introduced to students in 4th grade, such as conversion formulas, time/rate/distance, mass/volume, transfer of energy, resource conservation, natural hazards, and the influence of modern engineering and technology. When students return to classrooms, they are invited to write what they’ve learned in an essay. The essays are collected and turned over to the Fire Chief, where his team begins the difficult process of narrowing down several hundred entries to declare a winner.”

“ Mound School is proud to have a student who produced the winning essay this year, and Elmhurst School is equally proud that the two runner-up essays were from their students. Past winners have come from Pierpont, Lincoln, Portola, Junipero Serra and Sunset School. In actuality, several essays could potentially be chosen as the winning essay because VUSD students have proven to be fantastic writers with much to say about their experience with the firefighters. We applaud Chief Endaya and the Ventura Fire Department for their effort and commitment to the students in Ventura. This has become a valuable partnership for our community.”

 

 

 

 

 

Teen volunteers and women head of households

Soroptimist International of Ventura, a local service club for business and professional women with the goal of making a difference in the lives of women and girls, announces that applications are now available for two scholarships.

Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek assistance to go back to school or receive special training can apply for the Live your Dream Award (Formerly the Women’s Opportunity Award) to help them improve their skills, education or training to upgrade their employment status.  SI Ventura’s cash award will be a minimum of $1,500 and the winner is eligible for additional regional and international awards. Applications are available at Ventura College, from Sherri Tarpchinoff Bennett and online at www.soroptimistventura.org. Applications must be received by January 15, 2017 at SI Ventura, P.O. Box 6133, Ventura, CA 93006 or by following the online instructions.

Teen volunteers are encouraged to apply for the Violet Richardson Award which honors young women for their volunteer efforts in their school or community in such areas as fighting drugs, crime and violence, improving the environment, feeding those in need, working to end discrimination and poverty. It is awarded annually to a Ventura teen, ages 14-17 and her volunteer organization. The minimum award from SI Ventura is $1,500. Applications are available in the Counseling offices of Buena High School, Foothill Technological High School, El Camino High School, St. Bonaventure High School and Ventura High School. You may also download the application online at www.soroptimistventura.org.   Applications must be returned by January 15, 2017 to SI Ventura, P.O. Box 6133, Ventura, CA 93006 or by following the online instructions.

Step Up Ventura helps homeless youngsters thrive

Step Up Ventura is a non-profit organization that changes the lives of homeless children by providing resources needed for family stability and early childhood educational success. This month, Step Up Ventura launched their new Outreach Program, focused on helping displaced families address the challenges of raising young children in crisis by positively affecting parent-child relationships and providing educational materials in an effort to create a better living environment.

Homelessness can bring physical and emotional hardship to both the parents and young children, often breaking down family ties. The Outreach Program is designed to help parents identify their child’s specific needs, strengthen language skills, help develop strong basic math skills and form healthier family bonds. The Outreach Program targets infants, toddlers, and young children, tackling the trauma associated with homelessness.

The Outreach team consists of a Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Specialist who meet the parents and children at a place they feel most comfortable. Coaching sessions occur up to twice a week for 6 to 12 weeks. Within the sessions, an assessment is done to help identify the specific physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral needs of the young child. Team members will give parents materials and tools to help them effectively manage difficult situations and build confidence in their parenting.

“The Outreach Program is the first-of-its-kind for this organization and we’re confident it will create a positive impact for families in need,” says Outreach Program Coordinator, Mary O. Kerrigan. “We understand the challenges that many parents with little to no resources face when raising a child. We are here to give a helping hand.”

The non-profit organization is in need of donations to expand the Outreach Program. Goals include raising $500,000 to expand and sustain the program for years to come. Donations can be made on their website at StepUpVentura.org.

Volunteers with a background in early childhood education and infant/toddler care are also needed. Step Up Ventura will train these volunteers, with the focus on helping reach more children in the region.

The Outreach Program launched at Tender Life Maternity Home in November, serving residents of Tender Life and City Center. For more information on how you can donate or volunteer, please visit StepUpVentura.org or call  665-3385.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Young women introduced as 2017 Debutantes

Debutantes in front row Sidney Shinsky, Audrey Shinsky, Madison Jaffe, Tatiana Anderson, Carissa Christianson. Back row Sydney Clevenger, Grace Resnik, Samantha Walsh, Julia Cote, Margaret Morris, Gianna LoPresti, Rebecca Belleville. Not shown Elizabeth Fedde.
Debutantes in front row Sidney Shinsky, Audrey Shinsky, Madison Jaffe, Tatiana Anderson, Carissa Christianson. Back row Sydney Clevenger, Grace Resnik, Samantha Walsh, Julia Cote, Margaret Morris, Gianna LoPresti, Rebecca Belleville. Not shown Elizabeth Fedde.

Thirteen local young women were introduced at the 60th Annual Las Patronas Tea.  The Tea was held November 19 at the home of Mrs. Jeffrey Douglas in Camarillo.

The girls were presented to the members of Las Patronas, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Ventura County and their guests.

The Tea is a first in a series of events that will culminate in the Las Patronas Debutante Ball on March 11, 2017 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Proceeds from the Ball are used to benefit Assistance League philanthropies, including Assistance League School, Girls Club/Teen Club, B.U.F.F.Y. Bear Program and Operation School Bell®.

The Vision for Assistance League is: “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children”

All young women are high school seniors, the debutantes represent eight high schools in Ventura County.  In their high school careers, they have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, leadership, the arts, and philanthropic service.

The 2017 Debutantes:

  • Miss Tatiana Stephanie Anderson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Todd Michael Anderson.  Camarillo High School.
  • Miss Rebecca Nicole Belleville, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jon P Belleville.  Thousand Oaks High School.
  • Miss Carissa Nicole Christianson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lee Christianson.  Camarillo High School.
  • Miss Sydney Grace Clevenger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dean Clevenger.  St. Bonaventure High School.
  • Miss Julia Victoria Cote, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mark Cote.  Rio Mesa High School.
  • Miss Elizabeth Juliet Fedde, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Scott Fedde.  Ventura High School.
  • Miss Madison West Jaffe, daughter of Mrs. Lisa West and Mr. David Charles Jaffe.  Ventura High School.
  • Miss Gianna Angela LoPresti, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Salvatore LoPresti. Oaks Christian School.
  • Miss Margaret Rose Morris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Chapman Morris, Jr.  Oaks Christian School.
  • Miss Grace Marie Resnik, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy David Resnik.  La Reina High School.
  • Miss Audrey Louise Shinsky, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Neale Shinsky.  Ventura High School.
  • Miss Sidney Lillian Shinsky, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Neale Shinsky. Foothill Technology High School.
  • Miss Samantha Rogner Walsh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Raymond Walsh.  La Reina High School.

 

 

 

Veterans shared their lives with high school students

Pacific High School  "Voices of Veterans" was on display at Ventura City Hall.
Pacific High School  “Voices of Veterans” was on display at Ventura City Hall.

Pacific High School students spent time with veterans learning about history and military life. Which they turned into a school project called “Voices of Veterans”.  The students created a display of the stories including black and white photos.

The project was organized by  Pacific High School English teacher Alyssa Soles and teacher Ann Griffin.

Several of the fifteen veterans who shared their stories are now with the Ventura Police Department.

English teacher Alyssa Soles would like more veterans to come to the school and work with students because the project was so successful. Interested veterans should email her at [email protected].

Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government Delegates host bill hearing night

Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government delegates introduce a mock bill at their bill hearing night held Nov. 28 at the California Court of Appeals.
Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government delegates introduce a mock bill at their bill hearing night held Nov. 28 at the California Court of Appeals.

The Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government team introduced and debated three mock bills on Nov. 28 at the California Court of Appeals. The bill hearing night is part of their preparation for the 69th Model Legislature & Court conference held in February in Sacramento, which brings together more than 3,500 youth from across the state.

The 24 student delegates from Ventura presented three mock bills to a panel of local judges, an attorney, and a commander. The panel provided the students with feedback to help the delegates refine their final bill for the state conference.

The Youth & Government program offered at YMCAs — including the Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Stuart C. Gildred, and Ventura branches of the Channel Islands YMCA — gives students a chance to learn about California’s legislative and judicial processes by writing bills, preparing briefs, and governmental role-play (lobbying, running for office, debating bills, voting on legislation).

As a delegation, youth create bills about pertinent issues, research and practice court cases, develop public speaking and networking skills, and attend three annual Model Legislature & Court conferences. The youth meeting weekly for six months in preparation for the final Model Legislature & Court conference.

California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model Legislature & Court (MLC) has been the State’s premier youth leadership and civic development program since 1948. This program provides teens with the opportunity to experience the government first-hand through a specialized “youth-run, youth-led” model.

Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information at the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call  642-2131.

 

USCIS to Present Citizenship Certificates to 60 Young People

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) on Nov. 10 by presenting 60 local kids their citizenship certificates at Channel Islands National Park. This ceremony is representational of the partnership between USCIS and the NPS, and is a step towards our goal of holding at least 100 naturalization ceremonies in national parks throughout this centennial year.

This ceremony is in recognition of children and youth who obtained citizenship through their parents. Some were adopted by U.S. citizen parents; others derived citizenship when their immigrant parents became naturalized citizens.

USCIS Supervisory Immigration Officer Mike Gorman will provide introductory remarks to youth and guests while Section Manager John Holland will deliver the keynote address and administer the Oath of Allegiance. Families and guests will also enjoy a welcome message from a NPS Ranger scuba diver from 14 miles off the coast of California. Immigration Service Officer Leon Jackson, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance along with local youths.

The 60 children hail from 23 different countries, including: Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Eritrea, Philippines, Colombia, Vietnam, Israel, Armenia, S. Korea, Iran, Guatemala, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Thailand, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, China, Romania, Yemen, Ethiopia and El Salvador.

The NPS has partnered with USCIS on promoting awareness and understanding of citizenship since 2006. Since the launch of the partnership, the NPS has hosted naturalization ceremonies for thousands of new Americans at sites across the country including on the rim of the Grand Canyon, on the Civil War battlefield at Vicksburg National Military Park, the base of Mount Rushmore, Ellis Island, and at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

To view a complete list of naturalization ceremonies held in units of the National Park Service today, please visit uscis.gov/news.

We encourage new citizens, their families and friends to share their experiences and photos from naturalization ceremonies held at National Park Sites on social media using the hashtags #newUScitizen and #FindYourPark.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at 10:30 a.m & 2:00 p.m.

NOTE:  Please arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow yourself enough time to check-in with the Public Affairs Officer.

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura