IPM Summer Special 2018

IPM Summer Special 2018

www.indiaparentmagazine.org • Summer Camp Special 2018

Movie Reviews

How young students, at STRATFORD’S De Montfort campus, are helping Nanhi Kalis in India

Ohlone for kids & Teens

Appleseed opens New Branch

@Stratford Summer

Discover where the Extraordinary begins Stratford School infuses its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum into an innovative and enriching summer camp experience for children in Preschool through Middle School. Camp Sessions June 18 – August 10

Explore Summer@Stratford StratfordSchools.com/summer-camp

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AccreditingCommission for Schools

Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 013417816, 013420588, 434404890, 434408056, 434407977, 434404336, 434406722, 434408877, 384001837, 434410807, 434410816, 073406680, 013420939, 414004014, 434413440. Copyright ©2018 Stratford Schools, Inc.

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AppleSeed Montessori School 1302 Warner Ave, Sunnyvale CA 408-245-7338 www.appleseedmontessori.com Appleseed De Anza/Children’s House 972 S De Anza Blvd. San Jose (Cupertino Academy border) 408-470-4701 • www.childrenshouseacademy.com AppleSeed International School 1095 Dunford Way, Ste 300, Sunnyvale CA 408-260-9333 www.appleseedinternational.com

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AppleSeed Montessori School 1095 Dunford Way, Ste 500, Sunnyvale CA 408-260-7333 www.appleseedmontessori.com AppleSeed Affiliated Schools: AppleSeed Almaden Montessori School 5200 Dent Ave, San Jose CA 408-264-7333 www.appleseedalmaden.com

Sunshine Montessori School 1321 Miller Ave, San Jose CA 408-996-0856 www.sunshinemontessorischool.com

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“Ou r k i d s l o v e DACA ” say Indian Parents. Find out why

Founded in 1981, the DACA Competitive Swim Team has built a program that competes success- fully at the highest level of local, regional, national, and internation- al competition. DACA age group team accomplishments include Zone 1 North, Junior Olympic, and Far Western Championships. The National Team has won Junior National and Sectional Championships, and has been a top-ten team at the United States Swimming Nationals. DACA student-athletes have represented the United States in international competitions all over the world and have been awarded scholarships to the finest colleges in the country. With a stated team philosophy of “…our aim is not to produce champions but to produce an atmosphere in which champi- ons are inevitable,” DACA takes pride in developing student-ath- letes that excel in the classroom and in the pool. With proven success in every DACA program, we look forward to continued achievement in years to come!

classes consist of a maximum of four students with private and semi-private classes also available. For infants and toddlers ages three months through three years, Water Babies classes are offered. These classes are designed to help intro- duce children to swimming skills through songs and games in a safe and warm environment. Additionally, the DACA Swim School offers an accelerated sum- mer learn-to-swim program, Splash classes that provide flexibil- ity in meeting your scheduling needs, and a Pre-Competitive pro-

With an unparalleled breadth of programming and a track record of excellence, De Anza Cupertino Aquatics (DACA), has developed into the most comprehensive aquatics program in the United States. An award winning staff and state of the art facilities are provided in all of DACA’s aquatic programs. Complete program- ming includes: Learn-to-Swim and Special Needs instruction for all ages, Swim Team for all levels of skill and experience, Pre- Competitive Swimming for ages 5- 14, and Fitness Swim for adults.

gram available on nights and weekends. With extended hours and availability seven days a week, the DACA Swim School has some- thing for everyone. The DACA Pre- Competitive Program is an introductory pro- gram designed to improve stroke and

Ultimately, DACA strives to pro- vide a quality experience for every DACA member from beginner to Olympian. The award winning DACA Swim School has been the premier swim school in the Bay Area for twenty years. The DACA Swim School was founded with the pri- mary purpose of teaching infants, children, and adults to swim prop- erly. To that end, DACA has devel- oped a proven method of teaching that ensures skill development, a love of the water, and a healthy respect for water safety. Typical

turn technique in preparation for the DACA Competitive Team . Small class sizes of no more than seven swimmers of similar ability

allow for first-class instruction that is both focused and personal- ized. Instruction in the DACA Pre-Competitive Program provides a tech- nical skill base, igniting a love of the water and inspiring swimmers to continue on in all levels of the DACA Competitive Team.

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WHAT IT IS AND THE STUDENTS AND TEACHER THAT ARE MAK - ING IT POSSIBLE Along with a few 4th and 5th grade students at Project Team Pos i t ive How young students at Stratford’s San Francisco De Montfort campus are helping Nanhi Kalis in India

Stratford’s San Francisco campus Ekta Vasishth founded Team Positive in November 2017. Team Positive is a project that aims to support the education of female children in India through selling canvas totes designed by the stu- dents. SELLING TOTES TO HELP YOUNG GIRLS IN INDIA “The much-awaited Project Positive Totes are here,” said Vasishth. “With the purchase of one of these totes, indi- viduals/families help us fund education of a few under- privileged girls in India. Our goal was to sell 50 totes and help educate 10 girls for a year. The cost of each tote is $20. I am glad to announce that we have already sold all 50 to support 10 girls for a year. Ordered additional 25 which are also almost sold out.” All proceeds will go to Nanhi Kali , non-profit organiza- tion in India. Please visit www.nanhikali.org for more information. The funds raised will provide the girls in grades 1-5 with the study materials, uniform, bags, books, and hygiene materials they need. These funds will also be used INTERVIEW WITH Ekta Vasishth, THE TEACHER BEHIND THE PROJECT

Picture: Stratford students that have been involved in this project include: (L-R)Ava Nekoomaram, (artist), Bianca Cordero, Chaya Ettenson, Noor Ilami, Shreya Sheth, Joshua Karpanty, Adriene Barki (not pictured)

to help the recipients teachers create a learning environ- ment in the public school they attend. India Parent Magazine (IPM): Tell us about Team Positive and how it got started? Ekta Vasishth (EV):Along with a few 4th and 5th grade students at our San Francisco campus I founded Team Positive in November 2017. Team Positive is a project that aims to support the education of female children in India

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to providing academic support to the girls, Nanhi Kali also provides uniform, school bags, shoes, and basic hygiene material to them. Because of the well-rounded support it provides to female children, we chose Nanhi Kali. IPM: How did the team decide on which organization to support and why? EV: The aim of the project is to support education of underprivileged girls and provide a learning experience for our students. As I was thinking about the project, I wanted it to be designed by the kids, sold by kids, for the benefit of the kids. Already knowing the great work Nanhi Kali does, I decided to expose their work to our students and got them excited to support the organization. EV: Team Positive collaborated with Kathleen Kelly, our office administrator and a skilled artist, to decide the art theme, “Blossom”, for the totes. Once the theme was decided, we conducted a design contest for our elementary and middle school students, where we were able to discov- er the wonderful artwork of Ava Nekoomaram, our 6th grade student. The art is now present on the totes! IPM: What inspired you to start this program? EV: Stratford’s founder Sherry Adams has described Stratford's philosophy as, “Minds on, hands on, and hearts on." What this means to me is that in addition to focusing on our day-to-day curriculum, our students should devel- op the values and the skills to make our world a better place by doing meaningful work through a hearts-on approach. I'm proud to be doing just that! IPM: Who came up with the idea and design of the Totes?

Ekta Vasishth, THE TEACHER BEHIND THE PROJECT - TEAM P OSITIVE

through selling canvas totes designed by the students. Growing up in India, I was exposed to a large dispari- ty when it came to the education children received. I was most impacted by the sight of female children working at construction sites and providing domestic help to affluent families instead of being in a classroom where they should have been. Unfortunately, despite my empathetic feelings for these girls I didn’t do much about it. Thirty years later, along with my principal, Rachel Altreuter’s support and encouragement, and our students’ leadership, I was finally able to go from simply being empathetic to taking action. And because of this desire to take action, Team Positive was formed. This project is aligned with values our students and staff hold dearly. EV: At Stratford we learn about the six character traits: Responsibility, Fairness, Trustworthiness, Caring, Citizenship, and Respect. Project Positive has been devel- oped to live up to these traits. As a team we have a vision of a world where there is equal opportunity for all children. Through our weekly meetings, our team works diligently to meet project deadlines. In addition to the hard work our team puts in we share a common set of values and are determined to create better opportunities for female chil- dren. Thus, Project Positive is a demonstration of responsi- ble, selfless students working towards making this world a better place. EV: Nanhi Kali is an organization based in India that supports education of underprivileged girls. I came to know about the organization through my son, Rohan Vasishth. While we were living in India a few years ago, my son initiated a similar project at his school to support the education of underprivileged girls, which became my inspiration as well. He had researched a few organizations to support and came across the great work Nanhi Kali does with supporting the girls with their education. In addition IPM: How does Team Positive relate to the Character Counts program? IPM: How did the Team Positive fundraiser come about to support the Nanhi Kali organization?

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What makes Delphi Summer Camp stand out?

Academics, Athletics, Arts & Adventure! Join campers from all around the Bay Area at Delphi Summer Camp for your best summer ever. Discover the perfect balance of fun and learning as you make new friends, explore exciting destinations from Monterey to San Francisco, and build new skills and knowledge during morning academics and afternoon athletics and electives. What makes Delphi Summer Camp stand out? Campers say they love the weekly day trips and optional overnight and camping trips. Exploring the Bay Area's beautiful redwood forests, sandy beaches, many museums and parks gets kids out in nature and keeps campers active and engaged all summer long. Morning academics are a time to improve in an area of difficulty or to dive into a brand new subject. Hands-on science is a camper favorite. Our Goals Each summer, Delphi strives to provide each camper with a fun, engaging, safe and friendly camp. We want every camper to have a great time learning new things, challenging themselves, making friends and becoming more able and confident. Summer is a great time to take on new adventures, have new experiences, and grow up a little more along the way. We work to create an inclusive and

R EGISTER FOR 3 S UMMER W EEKS OR J OIN U S FOR A LL 8 Delphi Summer Camp runs from June 11 - August 3. We recommend the full eight weeks for maximum academic progress, but shorter sessions are also an option. Call 408-370-7400 or contact us online at www.bestsummerever.org to ask questions or to register.

happy camp environment that: •Balances indoor and outdoor activities •Offers new experiences and topics to explore •Empowers campers to achieve their personal best •Enriches each camper's natural curiosity •Models and teaches respect for one another •Encourages creative thinking and firsth and discovery •And above all, is a lot of fun!

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enjoy a delphi SUMMER of fun & learning! June 11 - August 3, 2018 | ages 4 - 14

s.t.e.a.m. + adventure = best summer ever! mornings: get help in an area of study (english, math, writing, etc.) or learn something new! the science lab is open all summer long. younger students can improve in reading, handwriting, math & enjoy science themes & S.T.E.A.M. activities. afternoons: grades 4-8 choose from fun electives! volleyball, photoshop, arduino programming, animation, basketball, badminton, 3d modeling, drama, hspt prep & more.

adventure weekly day trips overnight science sleepovers camping trips outdoor fun in nature athletics

DELPHI ACADEMY Summer Camp Register Today! Call 408.370.7400 www.bestsummerever.org 1 w. campbell avenue, building a in campbell

©2017 Competent Educational Services, Inc. Licensed to useApplied Scholastics TM educational services.

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With the Right Foundation, Everything is Possible! West Valley College for Kids is steadily weaving its way into the hearts of Indian parents

mum of 24 students with one teacher while some may have an aide due to the types of activities the students will engage in. Swimming accepts as many as 40 students due to having lifeguards who act as class aides in addition to the instructor. Our College Prep Camp for High School stu- dents will have a maximum of 30 students with two teach- ers. Most of our teachers are middle school teachers while others might be professionals. We like to hire the people we think will bring the best experience to the students in the form of interesting curriculum, activities, expertise and enthusiasm to actively engage students in learning. For example, we are offering “Living History” classes this year in which students will learn about ancient civilizations or American history. Each of these themed classes will have activities, such as simulating the making of a mummy, to immerse the students in the topic. The Drama and art class- es will present works to the students on the last day of the camp. Our schedule This year the camp is offering flexible schedules for families that cannot commit to an all day camp. Classes begin with first period at 8:30 am and the day ends after fourth period at 4:00 pm. For children staying for most of the day there is a lunch period between second and third periods. Lunch is eaten in the campus center under staff supervision. Children may bring a lunch or purchase lunch from the cafeteria. Snacks are also available from the coffee stand and the bookstore, both located in the campus center. We believe in Diversity Our students are as diverse as our community! We are very proud that the ethnic mix of our student reflects the community we serve. Not only do we see our students learning new topics, but they grow in confidence and poise as they make the most out of their camp experience! IPM SPECIAL India Parent readers can save $50 off of the reg- istration fee for any of the 3-week camps. Call to check the deadline! Join us for a summer of learning and fun! For more information about the camp including pricing, specific time schedules and informa-

What we believe in: The basic philosophy of our camps is that every child deserves a high quality, fun and enriching summer experi- ence. At College for Kids we believe that academic enrich- ment doesn’t have to be boring or painful for kids. Our teachers make classes fun and interesting by presenting lessons and activities in an engaging manner. Breadth of knowledge and experience is also at the heart of College for Kids. Parents and children have over 20 classes to choose from each session including creative writing, math, science, art, sports, swimming and much more. Every year new topics are added to keep offerings fresh and exciting as chil- dren often attend each summer through their middle school years. A plan for College: Our College Preparation Camp helps students going into 10-12 grades develop a plan for college. Each student receives guidance on selecting a career/schools, and how the right extracurricular activities, volunteering opportuni- ties or internships can boost their chances of success. The camp covers college and financial aid applications, person- al statements, resume building, some test preparation and other resources available to high school students. We are different: West Valley College for Kids is a dynamic, engaging enrichment program for children ages 10-14. All classes are held on the West Valley College campus and parents and children can create a schedule with up to four different classes a day. With more than 25 classes to choose from in areas from writing and mathematics to robotics and app development, there is something for everyone. Many stu- dents return year after year until they age out of the pro- gram. The motto of the camp is “A summer of learning and fun” and it is apparent in each teacher’s approach to their subject. Curriculum is designed to be fun and easily under- stood while challenging the students baseline knowledge. Some class learning is experiential or project-based so stu- dents can reinforce lectures and reading with experiences that make knowledge stick. Whether the students are learning about water filtration, fractions or building a robotic arm, they are actively engaged with their teachers. You can fit us in your budget: Affordability is also something that sets College for Kids apart from other camps. In addition, this year we are offering a special 1-week STEM camp for $150. And a Robotics camp for only $295. Good Teacher/student ratio Most of our classes middle school classes have a maxi-

tion on signing up, please visit the College for Kids website at wvcollegeforkids.org

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COLLEGE FOR KIDS S UMM E R C AM P S B Y W E S T V A L L E Y C O L L E G E

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 2018

FOR STUDENTS AGES 10-14!

College for Kids Session I – June 18 – July 6 Session II – July 9 – 26 STEM Camp Session I – June 11 – 15 Session II – July 30 – August 3

Technology Camps Session I – June 11 – 15 Session II – July 30 – August 3 Academic Enrichment in: Art / Digital Art | Creative Writing Dramatic Arts | Language Arts Mathematics | Science Sports | Technology

wvcollegeforkids.org | 408.741.2096 14000 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga CA 95070

STEM Camp by

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Ohlone for Kids and Teens Summer Enrichment Program (OFK) Our students love that every 1.5 hours, they get to switch focus to another subject, so their day is never boring!

gible for our extended-care program that ends at 5:30pm. Most of our instructors are credentialed teachers, area experts, or teachers who have extensive experience teach- ing camps for the same age groups. Each teacher goes through several interviews and after hire, finish a train- ing. Our students love that every 1.5 hours, they get to switch focus to another subject, so their day is never bor- ing! Many other camps in the area are full-day and focus on only one subject per day, so students often tell us that our camp is more fun and interesting. Our child/teacher ratio for most of our classes is 1:24, although there are some classes with 16 or 20 students max. Because our pro- gram allows families to build a personalized schedule for their child, it offers ultimate flexibility, which is crucial especially when children have more than one activity per day. Each class is priced by itself, and with classes starting at only $110, our program easily adjusts to all budgets. Families who want classes for the entire six weeks would register for 12 classes, but we also have families who reg- ister their children for two classes in the morning or two classes in the afternoon because they have other plans for their children in the other half of the day. Curriculum for all of our classes is closely monitored to make sure that it is not lecture-style. We ask all instruc- tors to prepare projects and interactive activities in their classes to make sure students are not only learning mate- rial but also learning actively with their classmates through collaborative work. Due to the diversity of the Bay Area, we have a great mix of backgrounds at our camps. At the same time, we make sure the students are learning in a safe and engag- ing environment, by making sure students know our behavior expectations of them. We are quick to let parents know of any behavioral incidents in the classroom, and really work with them to get the child back on track in the classroom. Overall, I would describe our summer program as a balance of quality summer enrichment for your children in an affordable customized manner. It offers flexibility and really gives families the choice to personalize their child’s summer experience. Check us out today, at Ohloneforkids.com !

The Ohlone for Kids and Teens Summer Enrichment Program has been serving youth in the Fremont commu- nity since 1989. Although our largest group of students tends to come from the local surrounding schools in Fremont, our program sees students from many sur- rounding cities, including Milpitas, Union City, Hayward, Newark, Dublin, and Pleasanton. The summer program started with only a few class- rooms but the number of classes offered each year has grown from tens to hundreds, and the program now oper- ates at two sites. Our philosophy is giving local youth a

safe place and fun options to explore and discover their interests. We strike for diverse course offerings for the entire age range served (4 th through 11 th grade). While other camps may be heavily STEM-focused, we believe that healthy youth development requires a diverse array of activities. Therefore, we offer a lot of hands-on learning on many things from English to SAT/PSAT prep, from Economics to Art, from robotics to speech/debate, from biology to sign language. Most of our students choose four classes in one of our three two-week sessions. Each class takes up one of the four class periods of the day. The first class begins at 8:30am, there is a lunch from 11:45am-12:30pm, and their last period ends at 3:45pm, after which students are either picked up or, if they are 8 th grade or younger, they are eli-

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Learning life skills through Swimming L A P ETITE B ALEEN Co-founder Irene Madrid explains the advantages of learning to swim at LPB Special to India Parent Magazine

great pride in guiding children through the peaks and valleys of swim class. Irene Madrid, one of the owners, at- tends a conference every year on Learning and the Brain. We are the only swim school in the nation that attends that conference and brings cutting edge material back to curriculum. Other staff go to professional conferences to share and learn. New infor- mation keeps us all inspired to stay the best swim school in our country. Meet La Petit Baleen co-founder Irene Madrid who in detail explains the advantages of learning to swim at LPB.

La Petite Baleen began in the backyard pool of John Kolbisen and Irene Madrid’s Half Moon Bay home in 1979. As public school teachers, they were looking for a creative outlet for their love of children and the water. With three young children of their own and several local families, they developed an in-depth curriculum and ribbon level system for their “Aquatic Classroom.” John and Irene’s developmental aquatic program emphasizes a balance between love and discipline, thus teaching not only swimming, but also self-esteem and cop- ing skills. Learning life skills through swimming is our philosophy at La Petite Baleen. Through progress reports, phone confer- ences, newsletters and our knowledgeable staff, we educate and inform parents as an important part of our teaching team. We believe that aquatic child development ex- tends beyond our swimming pools and into the heart of our families’ homes. In ad- dition to physical swimming skills, our students learn emotional skills such as: Listening to and following directions Social interaction and team work Respect for oneself and others overcoming obstacles and facing fears Learning to swim is hard work, albeit fun, and requires much effort. How much a child enjoys this work and how rapidly s/he progresses depends greatly on the at- titude of the parent(s). It is not only re- warding, but also contagious when children master goals in the swimming pool (and in life!). By working as a team with our parents and swimmers, our staff takes

lessons are a whole body activity, yet gen- tle on immature joints. The brain thrives on novelty in a safe environment and the feedback from the skin--the largest organ in our bodies--is enormous for balance, en- hancing the immune system....and the pure joy of moving through warm water and cognition. IM: We were the first swim school in the nation to develop such a strong child development swim curriculum and the curriculum manager and adviser are con- stantly in tune with research on best learn- ing practices in the educational field. We are leaders in our professional group when it comes to curriculum and employee rela- tions as well. IPM: How do you think it's different from other such camps? IPM: What is your Child/Teacher Ratio? IM: We have a 4:1 ratio in most of our classes and a 6:1 in baby/toddler classes. Advanced Swim is higher so we can give good swimmers a taste of pre competitive techniques. We also offer private (1:1) and semi-private (2:1) class options. IM: We introduce skills that are appro- priate to the most tender age, gently bring- ing higher layers of skills over time. Music in the form of songs attached to skills are connected to baby/toddler classes be- cause music is a universal language, highly recognizable. If there is a layer of competency that a child does not fully un- derstand or can do, we back up for a reme- dial layer until that child understands and IPM: Can you explain a little bit about method of education?

India Parent Magazine (IPM): Can you please tell us your philosophy and the basic premise of the Summer Classes/Camps? Irene Madrid (IM): Young children learn best through "DOING.” The mind/body connection is strong and swim

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constant and consistent atmosphere so we have no special programs specifically for Summer. We began our Free Infant swim program, where infants 2-6 months swim for free, as a way to encourage the concept of early year-round swim lessons to young families. IM: The message is simple: LPB is PASSIONATE about our child develop- ment curriculum and how it is delivered to our children. We sincerely believe we are the BEST program in the nation! We are eager to grow and learn more about education all the time and have a dedi- cated staff that lives these messages. IPM: What is your message to our readers? IPM: Any upcoming open houses /information events/early bird discounts? IM: We encourage anyone who is interested to get started with a free trial to see if we are the best fit for their fam- ily. If you love it and would like to con- tinue, just mention "India Parent Magazine"

children. A teacher may bring a new idea to us and if it is psychologically and kines- thetically appropriate, welcome another approach to teaching.

performs before going back to the regular layers of skills. This way of teaching makes every child feel successful and competent over time. It is all so gradual, children learn seamlessly and naturally.

IPM: How is the ethnic mix in your

camps? Do you welcome all?

IPM: What is the daily schedule for a

IM: LPB is INCLUSIVE!!! We know we are all part of the universal family of People. Compassion, empathy and rela- tionships are everything. IPM: Do you think a well-rounded happy child can be expected from your camps? IM: Absolutely, children from our swim schools leave not only with wonder- ful physical abilities, but they make good friends with everyone at LPB. As I said previously, relationships are everything and the mind/body connection is strongly developed at LPB. We teach LIFE SKILLS, coping skills through our swim lessons. Children learn through doing so words are not as effective when a child's pre frontal cortex is not very developed for discern- ment. WE are their pre frontal cortex and create the safe foundations for skill sets.

child?

IM: The daily schedule at LPB is a les- son plan that encompasses a beginning, middle and end, always keeping it fun, in- teractive, reasonable and appropriate to age and level of competence. IPM: How do you deal with challenging kids? What are your disciplining methods? IM: With the youngest children, dis- traction, silly games and songs, ritual ac- tivities, cuddles and play bring out the best in a swimmer. In baby/toddler classes the caregiver may need emotional support and we are there for them! At first we must develop mutual respect ...and trust! This takes time but once a child has been with us a short time, they thrive and learn quickly.

IPM: What kind of background do you ex-

at the time of registration to get $40 off of your first month of swim lessons.

IPM:.Do you have any specific summer

pect from your teachers?

IM: We like to have teachers from all kinds of backgrounds....but the key is that they enjoy teaching and understanding

specials?

IM:We are a year round swim school because we know children learn best in a

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408-254-0954 • e-mail: [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meena Yeggina

Mora Oommen Natalie Daprile Rishi Ravuri Stephen E. Von Till Vanessa Kahlon

PUBLISHERS Meena Yeggina

PHOTOGRAPHY Jill Johnson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashok Swain

Gerald Cumings Jacqueline Payne

WEB SITE www.indiaparentmagazine.org

From the Editorʼs Desk

Why Summer Camps are important for your Child

It’s a very common notion among Indians here that summer camp is only for those kids whose both parents work! I thought so too, almost 10 years ago. I heard many moms say, “I dont work. So my kids need not join any summer camp. They can just relax at home. They had a tough school year.” This notion has been proved wrong by many studies and expert verifications. Various studies seem to prove that kids at home during summer are more likely to play video games, watch TV or just lag before a laptop. With these gismos acting as their baby sitter (how long can a mother or father entertain them?) kids lose study skills and physical stimula- tion. As neighborhood play is limited to arranged hourly structured sections, they are most likely to stagnate more and play less. Please see page 32 for an expert article on this topic for more information. Summer camps need not be all study and no play. Fantastic camps which in addition to stimulating a child’s thought process are equally entertaining and fun. CDM, Emerson and Hacienda writing camps, Stratford, Elan, Appleseed and Delphi Schools, Ohlone, College For Kids, Rock-it-Science, Tech Know How, DACA Swim, Le Petite Baleen, Pacific Boy Choir, Basketball camps and Debate camps are only a few very good examples. There are many more. Check this issue carefully for your interests. There are some great resources for your child. They are interested in you because they know what most of the Indian parents want and expect from a camp. We here at the India Parent Magazine carefully selected camps that might be very interesting to our commu- nity. Just us. Because we are very choosy. From music to dance, science to art, swim to tennis, we have several summer specials listed here to suit your needs. Moreover, most offer great deals and coupons to make it easier for you to choose.

What does your child want? This question may sound simple but explore options with your child carefully before you decide and discuss these questions with him/her before you make a decision For all you know a summer experi- ence might change your child’s entire outlook. • What do you and your child want to gain from the camp experience ? Learn new skills, develop more self confidence, improving proficiency in certain areas, become more independent? • What are other expectations of the camp experi- ence? • What are the special interests that your child wants to explore? • Are there any physical, intellectual, or social limita- tions that should be considered? • What kind of emphasis will your child profit from the most? For example: Is a lot of structure desirable, is social interaction with members of the opposite sex important, or does your child need a place where he or she is encouraged to develop at their own pace? • You should take some time to consider what you can reasonably afford. • Ask for references of families who have had their child attend the camp. Speaking with these families can give you valuable insight about the camp and the families that send their children there. Finally and more importantly, involve your child in the selection process. Review your child's prefer- ences and let you child ask questions too. We, here at the IPM office, sincerely hope that you find this Summer Camp Special issue helpful. Please send your feedbacks and suggestions and we will post them online at www.indiaparentmagazine.org.

-Meena Yeggina

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It’s Summer!

Meet Dr.Jiang, expert at Ivy League Admissions! See Pg 74

Stratford Excels!

See Pg 62

Camps and more Camps Academic, Sports, Swim, Dance, Music, Tech and Tutoring Camps! Dont miss a single page of this Special Resources Issue! Tailor made for every concerned parent!

Emerson School and Hacienda School Teaching kids to hate writing

See Pg.30

With the Right Foundation, Everything is Possible! West Valley College for Kids See Pg 12

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Participants also have the opportunity to build friend- ships and have fun as they start each morning with active group games, and travel to a different Bay Area field-trip destination each session, as a reward for all their hard work. a nationally-recognized Summer Day Camp SOS for youth entering Grades 7–10 Children’s Discovery Museum offers

Each year families are challenged to find activities to engage youth in for the summer. Responding to the needs of young teens, Summer of Service (SOS) at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a unique and innovative summer program where youth entering 7th through 10th grade in the fall of 2016 can have fun, make friends, meet new challenges, and make a difference in the community. Studies show that students who participate in service- learning programs do better in school, are more likely to graduate high school and go to college, and are more like- ly to become active, engaged citizens. Participants of SOS can serve on one of five teams, each with its own unique theme of service. Themes include envi- ronment, early childhood education, museum and media, outreach and leadership. Youth in SOS perform projects while learning about their environment; serve as role mod- els while assisting at a local preschool; work with families at the Museum while building digital media skills through photography and film production; work in shelters and senior centers, and build leadership skills while planning and facilitating programming for SOS. Youth are given the opportunity to give back to the community while they build leadership and teamwork skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. In addition, youth learn to value their community and to see themselves as a vital asset to it. A parent recently wrote about her experience with Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose and the SOS pro- gram: “SOS is a wonderful idea. This is my daugh- ter’s second year. The benefits of my daughter’s involvement in SOS is being with kids her age, working together to improve and give back to the community. It gives her an idea of what’s out there while under supervision. And, she’s seeing what the community is like on her own terms without the input of her parents. In addition, she’s getting community service credit.” SOS is an ongoing part of many young lives. Service in the community has a deep impact on participants, who express the desire to continue working to benefit their com- munity. Many SOS graduates have developed an enduring bond with the Museum, and continue as volunteers, SOS staff, and Museum staff.

SESSIONS OFFERED FOR 2018 • Session 1: June 25 – June 29 • Session 2: July 2 – July 4 (with programming on July 4)

• Session 3: July 9 – July 13 • Session 4: July 16 – July 20 • Session 5: July 23 – July 27 • Session 6: July 30 - August 3

Register your child today for a Summer of Service with memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information or to register go online at www.cdm.org/sos or contact the Youth Programs Educator at [email protected] or call 408-673-2833.

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R o c k - i t S c i e n c e “Nobody else in the Bay Area does science like this!”

At Rock-it Science STEAM Camps, Kids Do Hands-on Experiments in a Real Inventor’s Laboratory! Nobody else in the Bay Area does science like this. Our Founder and Director, John McChesney (known to his students as “Mr. Mac”), is a lifelong engineer and inventor, and his labora- tory is our classroom. Surrounded by fantastic gadgets and exotic equip- ment, kids have the chance to do experiments they would usually never see until college, including exploding bubbles, million-volt lightning bolts, chemistry with real chemicals, and hundreds of other experiments. A Stress-Free Environment We make science fun, so kids will become confident and excited about learning science. We begin our lessons by telling the kids tall tales that blur the sharp boundary between reality and fantasy. This frees up their creative imagination and prepares them for exploring and problem-solving. After the story they get to do hands-on experiments where they don’t know what the outcome is going to be. Inventioneering Most of our lessons are based on

verbal warning or a time-out. For repeat- ed or serious misbe- havior, they may be sent home. If your child does not understand the meaning of "No" or "Stop," he or she is not ready for Rock-it Science. Our camps are best suited to kids who are focused, inquisi- tive, inventive and adventurous– but mindful of safety!

Every Day at Camp is Different Our camps are full-day, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a lunch hour and two breaks. Each camp is limited to 12 campers with 2 staff. Our students encompass the varied races and cul- tures of Silicon Valley, and we often have the kids collaborate on projects. They may work on one project in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. Other projects may take an entire day or more to complete, such as building robots or a laser-triggered obstacle course. The kids get so excited about their projects, the hardest part for us is getting them to leave at the end of the day!

physics and chemistry, and this year’s camps will be maker-type activities (what we call “Inventioneering”), where the kids take the principles from the basic science lesson and expand on them. They'll find ways to make the experiments work even bet- ter -- by asking, “I wonder what would happen if I did it this way instead?” We don’t give kids the answers. Instead, we guide them to explore and discover the answers for themselves. Why? Because we love to see their eyes light up when they have that “Aha!” moment. We Do Dangerous Things – Safely! At Rock-it Science we use hot glue guns, sharp blades, flames, high voltage, power tools, and dan- gerous chemicals. In the process, the students learn how to deal with dangerous situations in a manner that will enable them to keep themselves and others from harm. In order to ensure a safe and fun experience for all, campers are required to follow all instructions. If they fail to do so, they may receive a

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themselves), practice good decision making, make friends and bond with others. At the APJCC Preschool, each day we offer a combina- tion of free play and organized activities. Activities are designed to enhance children's skills in all areas of devel- opment, including physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and spiritual. We offer a mix of indoor and out- door activities, weather permitting. A typical day includes experiences such as art, sensory activities, building or play- ing with manipulatives, singing, storytime, and a group project, as well as snack and lunchtime. Children also enjoy a weekly music class with our music specialist, and gym class with our movement specialist. Children who are at school for the full day (rather half day) also have naptime. At Camp Shalom, the preschool-age program is similar to our regular APJCC Preschool program that was just described. For grades K-8, a typical day starts with an all- camp song circle, followed by a variety of activities with the child's age group, which might include sports, art, cooking, science, lunch, and children's choice electives, as well as daily swimming in our heated pool. Every week has a spe- cial theme, and the children also enjoy weekly field trips to fun locations around the South Bay. W E WORK WITH KIDS AND FIND SOLUTIONS We work with children to help them regulate their own behavior. The emphasis is on finding solutions to challeng- ing behavior. When necessary, we reach out to parents to involve them in finding a solution. At the APJCC Preschool, each class has two teachers, a senior teacher and a junior teacher. Senior teachers are required to have, at a minimum, 24 college credits in Early Childhood Education/Child Development and at least 175 days of early childhood teaching experience within the past 4 years, or an Associate's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development and at least 3 units of supervised field experience. Junior teachers are also required to have college credits in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. All teachers have com- pleted a fingerprint scan and background check, and are carefully selected for their warmth, enthusiasm, and caring attitude toward children. At Camp Shalom, all our camp counselors have experi- APJCC EMPHASIZES ON DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS , HAVING FUN AND MAKING FRIENDS !

The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center (APJCC) is a Los Gatos community center that offers sum- mer day camp, year-round preschool, and many other pro- grams for kids and families. E VERYONE IS WELCOME The APJCC Preschool follows a developmental philos- ophy. This means we follow developmentally appropriate practices in a play-based program that helps children grow in all developmental areas — social, emotional, cognitive, language, and motor development. Our summer camp, Camp Shalom, emphasizes having fun, developing new skills, and making friends. Kids can choose a traditional day camp experience with daily games, arts & crafts, swimming, singing, and a variety of other activities such as science and nature, field trips, theme weeks, and more. Or they can choose from a variety of spe- cialty camps in areas such as circus arts, cooking, dance, LEGO engineering, STEM, and sports including basketball, martial arts, parkour, soccer, and tennis. APJCC IS DIFFERENT Some of the things that make our preschool and camp programs special are the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the quality of our staff -- many of whom have been with the JCC for many years -- and the focus on non-academic areas of child development, especially during the summer. We're proud that our day camp is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), which certifies summer camps for quality and safety. And we're proud of our licensed preschool, license #430709398. In the APJCC Preschool, the child/teacher ratio follows state licensing requirements for the various age groups: for 18-month-olds it's 1:4, age 2 years 1:6, age 3 years 1:8, and age 4 years 1:9. At Camp Shalom, our counselor to camper ratio is 1:8, except in our preschool camps where the ratio follows the same state licensing requirements as our preschool. Our philosophy is that play is the work of children, and that children learn valuable lessons through a play-based, experiential approach. By interacting with peers and by finding creative solutions to challenges, children learn to self-regulate (regulate their emotions and behavior by

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ence working with children. Our preschool counselors are licensed preschool teachers from the APJCC Preschool. Camp counselors for the K-8 age group all have experience working with children, are at least 18 years old, and are carefully selected for their warmth, enthusiasm, and caring. All camp counselors complete a week-long pre-camp train- ing session, and have completed a fingerprint scan and background check. All staff are certified in CPR and first aid. And at the swimming pool, American Red Cross certi- fied lifeguards are always on duty, and counselors are in the water with the children at all times. I NCLUSIVE P HILOSOPHY We welcome everyone. Our camp and preschool pro- grams are grounded in Jewish values and traditions, and welcome families from all backgrounds. You don't have to be Jewish to participate in camp, preschool, or any Jewish Community Center program. The main focus of our pro- grams is on producing well-rounded, happy children. SUMMER SPECIALS For summer camp, we offer discounts for siblings, for kids who sign up for multiple sessions, and for JCC mem- bers. Registration for summer 2018 day camp and fall 2018 preschool is now underway! We look forward to seeing you at the JCC.

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Action Day Primary Plus A Unique And

Nurturing Learning Environment!

encourage their small and large motor development, as well as their social and emotional development.

Preschool Program - ACTION DAY PRIMARY PLUS Our Preschool program consists of developmentally appropriate curriculum for children as they move through the preschool years focusing on all areas of development, including Social, Language Development, Math Readiness and Science, Gross Motor, and Fine Motor Skill Development. It is our goal to provide an environment that encourages maximum development for children, as posi- tive experiences during the early years lead to much greater success in the future. We maintain a philosophy that

encourages a semi-structured program to allow for specific growth and individual free- dom. The teachers create lesson plans based around weekly themes to focus on each area of development and set out spe- cific goals for each day.

Since 1968, Action Day Primary Plus has been provid- ing quality education and enrichment to families through- out the Bay Area. Today, our award-winning programs include infant care, preschool programs, a private elemen- tary school, a private middle school, extended-day care across 11 locations, as well as onsite dance, sports, and so much more. Infant Care - ACTION DAY PRIMARY PLUS Our Infant Centers offer a developmentally appropri- ate, semi-structured program that focuses on nurturing all areas of the development for young children, birth through age 2. Even at the youngest age, our daily routine includes circle time and art, as well as plenty of time for exploration. Our infant programs are very special because we provide

Private Elementary School - PRIMARY PLUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Primary Plus Elementary School offers a well-rounded private Junior Kindergarten through 4th grade academic program. Integrated into our STEAM-centered curriculum are a Science Lab, a Technology Lab, and small class sizes. We provide before and after school care, and enrichment and after school programs include dance, sports, and a wide variety of specialty camps, all offered on-site. At West Valley Middle School, students are provided with the means by which to excel. With small class sizes, STEAM integrated curriculum, dedicated teachers, and ful- filling, onsite enrichment opportunities, our students con- sistently outperform others at grade level. Additionally, our Middle School students thrive academically with the advantage of our 1:1 iPad program and choice of elective classes. By offering our students a balanced education with core fundamentals, WVMS prepares its students for what lies ahead. www.wvmiddleschool.com Private Middle School - WEST VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

your child with a consistent Primary Caregiver who is responsible for his or her care each day. The Primary Caregiver carries out the daily schedule in a consis- tent, gentle, and timely way so that your child and care- giver have maximum inter- action and build a close relationship. Each class- room provides develop- mentally-appropriate mate- rials and equipment for each age group to help

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