Author Archives: the local dish
St. Anne School
Let’s face it, this year has been anything but normal. Although this school year looks different than others, if you could walk onto St. Anne’s campus in Laguna Niguel, you would likely hear students practicing musical instruments or singing at weekly Mass being livestreamed into their classrooms. You might witness eighth-grade students sitting outside, engrossed in their laptops designing their own websites in their Navigating Our World class, second-graders discovering their ancestry by dressing in period costume for Ellis Island Day, or preschool students exploring together in their outdoor classroom. In previous years, you might see a bus in the parking lot loading up fifth-grade students for a field studies trip to Astro Camp, but this year you might see parents filling their cars with donated supplies for a campus ministry project.
This year, St. Anne School has reimagined how it provides students with a learning experience that continues to offer opportunities for exploration and discovery. With strict safety protocols in place, the school has offered in-person instruction since late August, with an online option, Knights Live!, for students who feel more comfortable learning from home.
The devoted teachers at St. Anne are trained in differentiated instruction, using strategies that stimulate deeper thinking and discussion with students. Additionally, a dedicated student support team ensures the educational and emotional needs of each student are met. Rigorous core academics are enriched by a variety of elective classes. Next school year, St. Anne students can continue discovering their passions through the resumption of after-school programs such as an award-winning show choir, after-school sports, instrumental music classes, a robust performing arts program, Chess, and Future Problem Solvers.
Whether educating students online or in-person, St. Anne School provides an education where students can explore their gifts, discover their passions, and envision their future.
Please join us for a virtual Admissions Open House on January 21, 2021, from 9 to 11 a.m. Registration is required. Visit www.st-anne.org/open-house
St. Anne School
32451 Bear Brand Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
www.st-anne.org
Foundations Cognitive Schools
The Foundations program methodology is to move past the traditional concept of simply managing the symptoms of learning disabilities and, instead, address the root cause of these challenges. Based on the concept of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change, heal, and grow in response to targeted training), each day, students perform cognitive exercises that have been scientifically proven to strengthen weak cognitive capabilities. In other words, the goal of Foundations is to transform the brain, establishing capabilities that did not exist and, thus, begin to instill a newfound confidence and a love of learning. By strengthening cognitive capacities, students are able to work through tasks which were once incredibly challenging for them. In addition to its scientific approach to cognitive improvement, Foundations includes state-certified reading and mathematics programs. When combined with the cognitive exercises, these programs have helped many students achieve dramatic improvement in reading, writing, and math.
INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES INCLUSION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
For the 2021-2022 school year, Foundations will have two multi-grade Elementary classes, one Junior High class, and one High School class. Each classroom will have a student-teacher ratio of 4:1. Each student is assessed and works at a pace and level that is appropriate for his or her particular needs. In order to ensure that students are connected socially to others in their peer group, Foundations is located on the campus of a large private school, which allows students to attend recess, lunch, and enrichment/elective classes (P.E., art, music, etc.) with mainstream students in their grade. They also have the opportunity to play on sports teams and to participate in extra-curricular school activities offered at the partner school, such as choir, dance, cheer, clubs, etc. High School students are offered the option to pursue a High School Diploma, or to participate in a Certificate of Completion program.
OUR PARTNER SCHOOL
Foundations is located on the San Juan Capistrano campus of the prestigious Fairmont Schools. The beautiful campus, spanning 66,000 square feet, includes two educational wings full of classroom space, playgrounds, gymnasium, a music room, science labs, and more.
Foundations Cognitive Schools
26333 Oso Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.482.0383 • foundationscognitive.org
Our Savior’s Lutheran School
Conveniently located on the South end of San Clemente, Our Savior’s Lutheran School (OSLS) is a developmental, play-based, Reggio- inspired, Christian Preschool and Infant Center. Our Savior’s is a close-knit family that understands and values exceptional education, equipping children to be positive members of their community.
OSLS is committed to excellence through a creative and energizing curriculum, with a strong social, emotional, and Christ-centered foundation. Curriculum is modeled around Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The school’s highly qualified and inspirational staff provide a quality educational experience. All OSLS families receive constant communication regarding their child’s growth, supported by assessments and progress reports along with parent-teacher conferences. This partnership facilitates an extension of the child’s day into the home and bridges the learning opportunities both at school and beyond.
Our Savior’s Lutheran School provides a unique opportunity for children to be engaged in a developmentally appropriate environment with a childcentered approach. The preschool team designs their curriculum and lesson plans starting with the California Preschool Learning Foundations, customizing instruction based on the child’s individualized goals and needs. These developmentally appropriate practices and classroom experiences intentionally foster exposure to the world around the child and capture the many moments of curiosity. Throughout the day, OSLS teachers guide student learning individually and in groups to explain, educate, and empower the children, encouraging them to ask questions and explore their learning environment. They understand that every child develops at their own pace while being committed to continuous growth and excellence in all levels of early childhood education. With a long-term education in mind, OSLS’s most important goal is to foster and encourage a love of learning.
Infants, 3 to 24 months, are cared for by highly trained staff. They enjoy their own grassy space with a shade tree and ocean breeze. The teachers take them for walks around the campus in our four-seat strollers.
To find out more about Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool and Infant Center, please call the school at 949.492.6165 or email the Director, Joan Lundbohm, at (j.lundbohm@oursaviorsschoolinet)
Our Savior’s Lutheran School
200 Avenida San Pablo
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.6165 • OurSaviorsSchool.net
Mathnasium
Mathnasium Learning Centers’ slogan is simple: “We make math make sense!” Whether your child starts out far behind or is ahead in math, Mathnasium helps students advance because they know that any child can be successful in math—it is a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.
The experienced math tutors utilize proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™. This instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop an understanding and build a love for math. Students are evaluated with a written and assessment, unique to Mathnasium, to to deliver a customized learning plan. Based on the results, Mathnasium develops an individually tailored program designed to address each student’s specific needs and close any educational gaps they may have so they can jump ahead and be ready for advanced math challenges.
Students engage with their instructors in a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written exercises. Basic math concepts and skills are specifically designed to help students build number sense. Mathnasium’s proven technique does more than just meet state math standards; it surpasses the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards.
Instructors also help students understand their homework as part of each session and can prepare your child for school tests, as well as standardized tests such as the California High School Exit Exam, SAT, ACT and ISEE.
If math is a problem, Mathnasium can solve it. At Mathnasium, students grow more excited and confident about math—and their grades reflect that. For students who already excel in math, the sky’s the limit. All students will discover that doors open to them by being proficient in math and how math can be applied to interesting areas such as computer science, biology, and psychology.
By giving your child a firm foundation—and confidence—in math, Mathnasium can unlock the potential for continued educational success in the future.
Mathnasium
Dana Point • 949-240-6284 • Mathnasium.com/danapoint
Ladera Ranch • 949-429-3020 • Mathnasium.com/laderaranch
Laguna Niguel • 949-360-6284 • Mathnasium.com/lagunaniguel
San Clemente • 949-481-6284 • Mathnasium.com/sanclemente
St. Edward The Confessor School
Faithful to Catholic values, St. Edward the Confessor Parish School (Preschool – 8th Grade) offers a dynamic schoolwide learning environment that inspires each student to achieve his or her God-given potential inside and outside the classroom. Through rigorous academics, innovative and creative curriculum, service opportunities and Catholic values, Monarchs are confident and compassionate students who are Always Learning and make a difference well beyond their St. Edward years.
SAFE, FULL-TIME IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Since September, St. Edward has offered fulltime, in-person instruction for preschool – 8th grade. Reduced class sizes, self-contained classrooms (TYKE – 6th grade) and learning cohorts has ensured that students can continue to attend school in-person, five days a week. COVID-19 safety measures include protective plastic desk barriers, required face coverings, hand washing and sanitizing stations, physical distancing in classrooms and at lunch tables, daily electrostatic classroom disinfection and eliminating shared materials and devices.
Should the school need to pivot to remote learning due to state or Diocesan guidelines, or for those students who choose Optional Distance Learning, St. Edward uses streaming technology and a robust learning management system to ensure students receive live, full-time instruction five days a week.
ALWAYS LEARNING
St. Edward students are #AlwaysLearning. Students don’t just memorize math equations or recite spelling words. They ask questions. They explore. They love not just school – but the process of learning. And learning comes not just through doing things right, but through doing things wrong. We develop resilient, innovative learners who try, grow and achieve.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
St. Edward utilizes a standard-based curriculum aligned to the Roman Catholic Church teachings which prepares learners for high school and beyond. The faculty and staff continually expose learners to meaningful hands-on experiences, resulting in thoughtful risk-taking, problem solving and collaboration.
CREATIVITY
Through art and music classes and afterschool activities, The Parish School builds creative and confident leaders. It’s also one of the only elementary schools to offer Makerspace – a hands-on studio that integrates technology, engineering and creativity with project-based solutions to real-world situations.
FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Each day, the school community prays, serves and grows in their relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is present in the books they read, the history they teach, and the music they sing. Students attend weekly Mass, participate in hands-on service projects, and provide mentorship through Prayer Partners.
The Parish School | St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
33866 Calle La Primavera
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.496.1241 • www.StEdSchool.org
Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)
CUSD is dedicated to preparing students from transitional kindergarten through high school to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. CUSD is steadfast in its goal of providing all students with meaningful, challenging, and innovative educational experiences to increase postsecondary options. During this challenging time, CUSD is very proud of the resilience and support of students, teachers, staff, and administrators in response to the ever-changing modifications in learning this year.
School counselors and psychologists support social, emotional, behavior, and academics to ensure that every learner can be successful. Counselors provide academic, college and personal counseling and are available on all campuses. CUSD has about 50 school psychologists who assess students’ learning disabilities, family situations, mental and emotional issues, and other psychological concerns, and recommend measures to accommodate their education. CUSD schools received four of seven designations by the American School Counselor Association as Recognized Model Programs (RAMP).
PUBLIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE
- Rigorous and engaging curriculum and collaborative learning
- California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon Schools
- Best Communities for Music Education Designation from the NAMM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education
- Visual & Performing Arts dedicated to artistic excellence
- Championship caliber Athletic programs
ELEMENTARY
- Full-day Kindergarten
- Seven #CapoForward schools: STEM/STEAM, Environmental Studies, Arts & Communication, Next-Generation Learning, Technology, College & Career Prep, Language & Science
- Spanish & Mandarin Language Immersion
- Gifted & Advanced Learners (GATE)
SECONDARY
- College & Career Advantage: 28 career pathways and over 500 partnerships
- High School Academies: Health and Medical Occupations, South OC School of the Arts, Monarch Beach Resort Culinary Arts, STEM, Automotive Technology, and Biotechnology
- Futureology helps students navigate the college and career track by providing 1:1 counseling, workshops, webinars and a resource library
- Annual College Fair with over 150 participants
- International Baccalaureate Programs
- Advanced Placement Courses in multiple subjects
CURRENT K-12 ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE LEARNING OPTIONS
Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten: 100% all day on campus or 100% online. Elementary Program Options: (1) Full day on campus (2) Hybrid: 50% on campus/50% independent learning (3) 100% online with daily teacher instruction. Secondary Program Options: Hybrid (50% on campus and 50% independent learning) or 100% online.
Capistrano Unified School District
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.9200 • bit.ly/CUSDInfo
Fitness Guide 2021
Fitness Guide 2021
Studio A Pilates
Studio A is a space created for and dedicated to mindful movement and wholistic wellness, presenting specialized and certified instruction in the arts of Pilates and Yoga. Additional classes are offered in The MELT Method, a simple self-treatment system to boost athletic performance, speed recovery and eliminate chronic pain. At Studio A, clients and students are guided according to their unique, individual strengths and challenged through functional and integrated methods of mindful movement, supporting a clear, unified relationship of mind, body and spirit. Classes come in a variety of options, including group class settings, semi-private duet sessions or one-on-one private instruction. All yoga and mat-based classes are live-streamed as well, giving you the opportunity to practice safely from home. The atmosphere at Studio A is inviting and calming with clean lines, soothing tones and textures as well as organized, professional surroundings. Outstanding safety protocols and procedures ensure your peace of mind and comfort while visiting the studio. Say hello at studioApilates.yoga or call 949.218.0233 to learn more and to schedule your complimentary first class.
24849 Del Prado • Dana Point • 949.218.0233 • studioApilates.yoga
Sweat House OC
Sweat House OC invites you to check out one of Orange County’s hottest workouts! Voted #1 in Orange County, Sweat House OC uses the Lagree Fitness Method and is the only licensed studio in San Clemente and Mission Viejo to offer the trendy Megaformer workout. Providing constant resistance, the Megaformer effectively combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core, and flexibility, not only in one session, but in each and every move. In a 50-minute workout, you will shake, you will sweat, and you will quiver, but most importantly, you will get strong, and toned! Try one of these new client specials: 3 classes for $25 or 10 classes for $69! Experience for yourself why celebrities and athletes around the world are addicted and just can’t get enough of Lagree Fitness. Email info@SweatHouseOC.com or visit SweatHouseOC.com for more info. All levels welcome.
1001 Avenida Pico, Suite H • San Clemente • 714.421.2127
24000 Alicia Parkway Suite #30 • Mission Viejo • 714.421.2127
Mantra Fitness
Mantra is a Pilates studio specializing in the Lagree Method, which can be better described as “Pilates on Steroids.” The workout, a celebrity favorite, is a combination of Pilates, Cardio, Strength Training, Balance, and Flexibility. The entire workout is done on a machine called the Megaformer, which is a more modern version of the Pilates reformer. Classes are 50-minutes long and combine all five elements of physical fitness into a single class. Get ready for a high intensity, yet low impact, workout that will tone, burn fat, lengthen and strengthen your muscles like never before. Mantra is the only Lagree Studio in San Juan Capistrano and is conveniently located directly off the I-5 Freeway, adjacent to St. Margaret’s school and next door to the Donut Shop. Mantra Fitness offers small group classes, semi-private and private training. To book a class or to receive more information, please visit MantraFitness.com or call at 949.388.0002.
31654 Rancho Viejo Rd #9A, San Juan Capistrano
949.388.0002 • MantraFitness.com
YogaSix
YogaSix is all about a sensory yoga experience which is accessible to all. It believes that everyone deserves the mind-body experience of yoga by connecting you to a practice that is energizing, empowering, and fun. YogaSix delivers life-enhancing benefits through six core classes: Y6 101, Y6 Restore, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, and Y6 Sculpt and Flow. The staff is taking proper precautions to assure everyone feels safe coming to class. Call 949.966.0677 or email sanclementegm@yogasix.com to schedule your first free class. YogaSix is conveniently located at the Outlets in San Clemente. Visit YogaSix.com/san-clemente for the class schedule.
The Outlets in San Clemente
101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, #472
949.966.0677 • YogaSix.com
San Clemente Villas By The Sea
San Clemente Villas By The Sea
Our Family Caring For Your Family
From the moment you walk through the doors at San Clemente Villas by the Sea, you’re welcomed by friendly smiles and a courteous staff who care. The luxury senior living facility is owned and operated by the Brazeau family, and this year they celebrate 18 years in business. Paul and his wife, Aileen, built the Villas in 2002. Following Paul’s passing last year, the family has carried on his tradition of delivering excellence and exemplary service, in a fun and friendly environment. To honor founder Paul Brazeau’s legacy, the family puts their hearts and souls into every aspect of making San Clemente Villas a warm and comfortable place for its residents, and the difference is evident.
San Clemente Villas is the only family owned and operated assisted living community in Southern California. The Brazeau family plays an active role in the day-to-day operations at the Villas, and they are very involved in maintaining the high level of care and meeting the expectations their father established. Paul Brazeau often referred to San Clemente Villas by the Seas as “The cruise ship that never sets sail,” and it’s easy for visitors to understand why.
Beautiful, well-appointed apartments, some with coastal views, balconies or patios, offer residents ample living space with a coastal flair. Vaulted ceilings are also offered in many units, giving the spaces and expansive feel. The lavish, heated pool and jacuzzi boast an ocean view and provide opportunities for relaxation, poolside happy hours, special events, and outdoor exercise. An aqua therapist, available weekly, is also provided to residents at no additional charge.
San Clemente Villas offers month-to-month residential options, in comparison to the expensive buy-ins required at many other corporate-run retirement communities. Rates include fine dining with three delicious home-cooked meals daily, weekly housekeeping, bedding and bath laundry services, all utilities (except telephone and upgraded cable), an emergency alert system and much more. A scheduled transportation system assists residents in getting to and from local appointments, along with taking them to a wide array of activities, entertainers and social programs.
For residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the Memory Care Unit provides one-on-one attention in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. With ample caregivers per shift, a dedicated nurse and medical technicians, seniors in this comprehensive program can be assured of 24-hour, individualized care from experienced specialists.
Paul’s son, Dan Brazeau, recently shared this message regarding his family’s appreciation for the outpouring of love and kindness they received after his father’s passing. “On behalf of our family, I would like to thank all of our residents, family members, local businesses and our beautiful San Clemente community for 18 years of support. With the passing of my father, Paul Brazeau, we lost the patriarch of our family. His dream was for San Clemente Villas to remain a family-owned and operated luxury senior care facility. I have owned and operated a successful assisted living facility in the Inland Empire since 2006. As a licensed RCFE Administrator, I was fortunate to be included in the location and development of San Clemente Villas — along with Paul’s wife Aileen Brazeau and my siblings, Mark Brazeau, Debbie Chapple, and Leslie Brazeau. After my father’s passing, I stepped in to oversee the operations. We have made many improvements this year, including our new Woody Surf Bus rolling around town! We have some big plans for renovations in 2021, including Paul’s Bistro and Wine Bar (my father loved his wine!). Our family will continue to provide excellent care and beautiful amenities for years to come. We invite you to stop by for one of our many COVID-safe happy hours or social events soon!”
Give San Clemente Villas by the Sea a call to learn more or to arrange a private tour of the community.
FOR MORE INFO: Email Lauren Davidson, Marketing Director at lauren@sanclementevillas.com or call (949) 489-3400 ext. 108.
San Clemente Villas By The Sea
660 Camino de Los Mares
San Clemente * 949.489.3400
SanClementeVillas.com
LIC # 306001485