Author Archives: the local dish

Stratford School

Stratford School
CONNECTING STUDENTS TO THEIR UNIQUE FUTURES
Enrolling Preschool – 8th Grade

 

stratford school sideAt Stratford School, high expectations lead to extraordinary results. The school’s advanced, innovative, and intentionally balanced curriculum inspires, challenges, and nurtures the minds and hearts of every student. It also produces impressive results. Stratford students outscore independent school students, are recognized for academic achievement, and contribute to their communities.

The curriculum is created in a thoughtful and deliberate way to provoke curiosity, nurture exploration, and encourage inquiry. Students develop a love of learning, study above grade level, and prepare themselves for the future.

Stratford infuses its broad liberal arts curriculum with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). It combines traditional teaching styles with 21st century learning principles, integrating technology with careful intention. The school provides a variety of extracurricular pursuits, personal development activities, physical education, and play time. The teachers cultivate a physically and emotionally secure classroom environment. The staff both welcome and listen to the feedback of students’ parents.

The result is a rich spectrum of hands-on learning opportunities — provided in an energized classroom atmosphere where students are mentally focused and highly engaged — that enable students to learn, question, collaborate, and develop the diverse skills and talents they need to compete in today’s world.

Harnessing the collective power of over 6,000 students, 800 teachers, 100 administrators, and 300 classrooms, Stratford School is able to explore and rapidly implement new teaching practices to achieve the ultimate goal of preparing students to become the next generation of creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators, and confident, insightful leaders.

To learn more, visit:  www.StratfordSchools.com/mission-viejo

Stratford School
24741 Chrisanta Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949.458.1776
www.StratfordSchools.com

 

stratford school

Our Savior’s Lutheran School

Our Savior’s Lutheran School
LOVE, LEARN, SERVE

our saviors lutheran school side

Conveniently located on the South end of San Clemente, Our Savior’s Lutheran School (OSLS) is a developmental, play-based, Reggio-inspired, Christian Preschool. 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 and emotional foundation. Curriculum is modeled around Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The 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 pre-academic environment with a child centered approach. The preschool team designs its curriculum and lesson plans starting with the California Preschool Learning Foundations, customizing instruction based on classroom personality and 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’ most important goal is to foster and encourage a love of learning. To find out more about Our Savior’s Lutheran School and its new Infant program starting in Fall 2019 for 3 to 24 month children; (license pending) email the Director of School, Joan Lundbohm, j.lundbohm@oursaviorsschool.net for more information.

Our Savior’s Lutheran School
200 Avenida San Pablo
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.6165
www.OurSaviorsSchool.net

our saviors lutheran school

Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El
PROVIDING TOP QUALITY EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STAGES OF LIFE

temple beth el side

Temple Beth El’s acclaimed Early Childhood Center has been enlightening children for over 16 illustrious years. The school has forged a strong reputation within the local community for its loving, experienced and long-term staff who are dedicated to each and every child in the program.

Temple Beth El offers a multitude of classes including Parent/Toddler classes for 7-24 months, Preschool for 2-4 years and a Pre-K/ TK program. In addition, Temple Beth El offers dynamic after school enrichment classes and before and after school care.

Each year, Temple Beth El has been able to provide early education for children with varying special needs in a traditional classroom setting. For example, a child in need of a support facilitator would be welcomed and immersed in the program. Temple Beth El’s preschool curriculum is built with a balance between academic and developmental philosophies of education, with an emphasis on the whole child. It is designed to create an environment that encourages a love for learning, with a focus on the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child.

Pre-K students prepare for Kindergarten by utilizing the “Get Set for School/Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. All Pre-K teachers have been trained in this program to best implement the curriculum.

The Temple Beth El facility is clean, bright and cheerful and has large playground-facing windows in each room. The school goes the extra mile to help create not just a vivid and cheerful atmosphere, but a splendid learning environment.

Registration is now open. Make sure to check the Temple Beth El website at tbesoc.org for registration forms and to learn more about current programs being offered. The school welcomes prospective families to schedule a tour of Temple Beth El this August. You can contact the admissions office at (949) 362-3999 ext. 317 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Temple Beth El
2A Liberty
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.362.3999
www.tbesoc.org

temple beth el

Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)

Capistrano Unified
School District (CUSD)
AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS

capistrano unified school district side

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 post-secondary options.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) programs support social, emotional, behavior, and academics to ensure that every learner can be successful. Counselors provide academic, college and personal counseling. Tools and resources enable principals, teachers, and staff to collaborate to ensure students will be college and career ready. CUSD schools received four of seven designations by the American School Counselor Association as Recognized Model Programs (RAMP).

The Family Resource Center provides information about interventions, reference materials, online and in-person resources to support the individual needs of every student.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

  • Rigorous curriculum and collaborative learning ensures every student thrives
  • 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

  • Seven #CapoForward schools: STEM/STEAM, Environmental Studies, Arts & Communication, Next-Generation Learning, Technology, College & Career Prep, Language & Science
  • Full-day Kindergarten
  • 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 150+ colleges & universities, technical & trade schools, art & film programs and military academies
  • International Baccalaureate Programs
  • Advanced Placement Courses in multiple subjects

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.9200
www.CAPOUSD.org

capistrano unified school district

17th Annual Two Stepping Under the Stars

17th Annual Two Stepping Under the Stars

17th Annual Two Stepping Under the Stars

Saturday, August 10

17th Annual Two Stepping Under the StarsThe San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, in conjunction with Blenheim EquiSports, is pleased to host the 17th Annual “Two Stepping Under the Stars” on Saturday, August 10th. This wonderful family event is held every year under the oak trees on the beautiful grass fields of the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. Thanks to the generous support of Blenheim EquiSport, this event is free to everyone. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with free line-dance lessons from the beloved local country band, The Kelly Boyz.

The main event begins at 6 p.m., with dancing, an array of tasty eats from a caravan of food trucks with plenty of beverages for kids and adults (wine, beer & non-alcoholic). The little ones will kick up their heels and stay busy at the children’s area with games, face painting and more. Two Stepping Under the Stars is a dual-purpose event, not only a celebration of the cowboy heritage of San Juan Capistrano, but a fundraiser for the Equestrian Coalition. A silent auction and raffle will delight attendees with big prizes up for grabs. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly back into the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community through charitable projects.

This year’s event promises to be the best ever, so please join in the festivities for another unforgettable evening. It’s a great night for all. Please no coolers or outside alcohol. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is devoted to maintaining the standards and infrastructure of San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian profile, activities and facilities. Please go online to www.sjcec.org for more information, including upcoming activities and events or to provide donations for auction items.

Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

27174 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano • sjcec.org

Dr. Mogavero

Dr. Mogavero – INBRACE… Are you in?

From Mammoth to Orange County, Dr. Frank Mogavero sets the standard in state-of-the-art orthodontics

by Victoria Kertz

Is it time for a trip to the orthodontist? Dr. Frank Mogavero offers everything from early childhood treatment to new invisible braces technology for adults.

Orthodontic work may fill you with dread, but Dr. Mogavero’s office will make you want to shred…on the slopes that is. His extreme sports-themed San Clemente office transports you to the slopes of Mammoth Mountain with authentic ski lift chairs, alpine murals and autographs from some of today’s hottest snow and skateboard athletes.

With a Mammoth office that he shares with a local dentist, he’s able to see area patients twice a month. Since the mountain is open until August this year, he’ll be snowboarding this summer, too. His favorite run? Upper Dry Creek.

Dr. Mogavero (pronounced Mo-GAH-ver-oh) can talk sports with his patients and knows many local athletes (six members of the 2020 U.S. Olympic skateboarding team are former patients), but what sets him apart is his determination to solve patients’ orthodontic problems. Last year, he was one of the first Orthodontists to offer InBrace, a brilliant new form of braces that are positioned behind teeth for a truly invisible treatment for teens and adults. Today, his office is one of the largest InBrace practices in the country. “People are beginning to hear about InBrace and are asking for it,” says Dr. Mogavero.

The Irvine-based InBrace system is revolutionary, not only for its hidden “smartwires,” but because procedures that previously took two years, have now been reduced to just seven to eight months. Dr. Mogavero says InBrace can be used on anyone with all of their permanent teeth and that he’s placed it on patients between the ages of 13 – 78. They’ve all been thrilled with the results, as well as the unexpected ease of treatment.

Orange County mom Kristi Milius says she feels amazing and the treatment itself was a breeze. “It comes down to being a time saver. I have three kids and this was fast! I love it!”

Everyday use is easy, too, which is important for adults who travel for a living. Additionally, InBrace won’t get lost or left behind at a restaurant since it’s not necessary to remove it when eating like tray aligners. “There’s nothing to take out,” Dr. Mogavero says, unlike plastic, invisible aligner products, which must be removed before a meal. “Nothing has to be placed on a table when you’re out to dinner. In my 29 years of practice, this is the greatest innovation I’ve seen in my career.”

New advances in orthodontic technology, like InBrace, have meant an increase in adult patients for many orthodontists. Dr. Mogavero says the bulk of his patients are children, but about 30 percent of them are adults. Some older patients declined to have braces put on as teens and others have experienced shifts that required later-in-life dental work.

Dr. Mogavero

“I’m glad I waited,” says retired Boeing 777 pilot Gary Pacheco, “I would give it 10 stars! I’m glad I waited 50 years for the technology.” Pacheco says it took about a month to get used to having InBrace behind his teeth, but he’s happy he did it. The treatment is one thing, he says, but Dr. Mogavero’s accommodating and efficient staff really made the difference for him. “Everyone you meet is just outstanding,” he says.

While new technology is great news for adults who have waited to improve their smiles, Dr. Mogavero says that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic visit by age 7 at the latest, and earlier if orthodontic problems are suspected. Some breathing disorders, like snoring, in young children can be alleviated with orthodontic work.

No matter your age, Dr. Mogavero’s decades of experience and cutting-edge technology means a healthy smile could be in your future. Call for a consultation today.

Dr. Mogavero
Dr. Mogavero

San Clemente Ocean Festival

San Clemente Ocean Festival

San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 20-21

San Clemente Ocean FestivalJoin the excitement with a weekend of activities on and around San Clemente Pier, July 20th and 21st at “The Greatest Show on Surf!”

This year’s Ocean Festival has a treasure trove of new and exciting events. Joining the Ocean Fest’s fun-in-the-sun lineup are the Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest (sure to be a crowd pleaser), Pier Bowl Surf Classic (both long and short boards welcome) and Junior Lifeguard competitions (including the action-packed return of beach flags).

Head down to the end of the Pier on Saturday for an all ages Fishing Clinic and Derby and the Push-In Division of the “Groms Rule” Surf contest for ages 7 and under who will ride waves north of the Pier. The 11th Annual Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run, with nearly 200 children from ages 4 to 12, will take place south of the Pier.

Ocean lifeguards will compete for cash prizes and awards in multiple events that include the Surf Race, Rescue Relay, Surf Ski, Paddleboard Rescue Relay, International & American Ironman’s and 10’6” Paddleboard Sprint. Don’t miss the super exciting thrills and spills of the National Doryman Association Races — where two person teams paddle 300lb. dory boats in and out of the crashing surf!

Learn about ocean safety and how to ride waves at the bodysurfing and new tandem bodyboarding clinics south of the Pier, just beyond the event’s entertainment, games and family fun at the Youth Pavilion. Check out 15 different Woody cars being displayed on the Pier each day, and Saturday evening you can pull up your beach blanket as the sun sets over Dana Point to enjoy a barbeque and free concert featuring Dead Men Don’t Surf – the ideal way to end an amazing day of surf and sun.

Start off both days from 7 to 11 a.m. with a hot and tasty pancake breakfast prepared by the San Clemente Lifeguards and Cadets. Monies raised will support the San Clemente Surf Lifesaving Association for lifeguard equipment and programs.

Sunday brings mouth-watering corn-on-the-cob, sweet and delicious strawberry shortcake, juicy watermelon, and more. Stroll along both sides of the San Clemente Pier to check out the Sand Sculpting competitions, family entertainment and activities. Don’t forget to stop by the ocean art show just above the beach in Parque del Mar for that something special to take home.

To the north side of the historic San Clemente Pier, check out a 5K beach run, 1-mile ocean swim (separate competitions for men and women), Biathlon, and Splash & Dash Relay. The first-ever Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest will feature two-person teams riding oversized bodyboards in the surf. The Pier Bowl Surf Classic, showcasing the speed, athleticism and style of open surfing competition is open to all and is fiercely competitive among the many high-level surfers who hail from Orange & San Diego counties. You can also check out the next generation of surf stars with the continuation of the Groms Rule Surf Contest, a hotly contested surf competition for local kids (boys & girls, 14 and under).

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at San Clemente’s Ocean Festival. To avoid traffic and parking hassles, park at the Outlets at San Clemente and grab the complimentary shuttle from the Outlets at San Clemente or take the train right to the festival.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

For more information about the different activities, a complete schedule of events, to register for competitions and contests, or to volunteer, please visit the website at oceanfestival.org.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c) non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of San Clemente. Monies raised from the Ocean Festival help fund many worthwhile local community organizations and provide scholarships to local high schools.

Guided Nature Hike

Guided Nature Hike
June 14

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Integrity Repipe

Integrity Repipe
San Clemente

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SC Furniture and Mattress

SC Furniture and Mattress

SC Furniture and Mattress

Family-Owned in San Clemente for 60 Years

SC Furniture and Mattress is a family company to its core. While serving in the U.S. Navy in 1943, Richard Ross traveled through the idyllic seaside town of San Clemente. Eleven years after World War II ended, he relocated his family from Minnesota and set up roots in the tiny beach town. In 1957, Richard opened the doors of The Second Hand Store, in a building he constructed in the Los Molinos Business District, where it remains today.

Five years later, his wife Alma and her sister, Elsie, opened The Sleep Shop in downtown San Clemente, where they sold mattresses and new furniture. A few years later, they relocated the business to its permanent home next to The Second Hand Store. When the couple was ready to retire, they passed the business on to their son, Richard Jr. and his wife Nancy.

During their tenure, Richard Jr. and Nancy further expanded the family business. As its success grew, a need for additional space eventually led to a third neighboring building. In 2000, they passed the business on to Richard’s brother, Dale, and his wife, Mary. Today, it’s owned and operated by the founder’s grandson, Eric, and his wife Sophia, making them the third generation of Ross’s to take the reins. “It was my grandpa’s dream to have the business continue in the family,” says Eric Ross proudly. “We’re one of the oldest businesses in town and that drives me to continue the legacy.”

Ross began working in the shop when he was just ten years old, helping his father sweep and accompanying him on deliveries. He acquired the business from his uncle in 2018 and now his three kids help him in the shop, just like he had done more than thirty years ago.

When you step through the doors at SC Furniture and Mattress, the past and present collide. The shop consists of three buildings: one housing a mattress store, another with new furniture, and a third offering secondhand merchandise. Between the three, SC Furniture and Mattress has everything you could possibly need to outfit your home, from brand-new, oversized couches, to rustic centerpieces, and everything in between. “Our hope is to be San Clemente’s go-to place for all your home furnishing needs,” says Ross. “We focus on supplying items at an affordable price and offer personalized service that is being lost in today’s big box store mentality.”

The mattress shop showcases a variety of mattresses and frames, available in all sizes, and ready for pickup or delivery. The furniture business offers customers a curated collection of furniture, lamps, art, and accessories—the style is mostly coastal modern, but it carries mid-century and traditional items as well. Most of the pieces on display are on the smaller side to accommodate condo and apartment dwellers, but can be customized in any size.

The Second Hand Store is located in the original building and is a treasure hunt of hidden gems. It carries retro, revamped pieces of furniture, inexpensive, previously loved items looking to be restored, potted plants, funky signs, an array of books, antiques, appliances, art, and patio furniture. Secondhand inventory is acquired from private parties or from customers trading in old pieces for new ones.

SC Furniture and Mattress is a business that has been sixty years in the making. In a world of online shopping and outlet malls, Ross hopes to maintain a sense of local pride and community through his decades-old business. When you step through the doors, you’re treated like family; the quality service and unique pieces have kept generations of customers coming back time and time again. Sixty years from now, Ross hopes the legacy of his family will continue, and his great-great-grandson will show customers the same quality, value, and customer service as his grandfather did so many years ago.

In honor of his grandfather and all the service men and women in our community, SC Furniture and Mattress is proud to extend its 10% Military Discount to all customers this June. Please stop by and see what’s kept this family tradition in business for generations.

SC Furniture and Mattress