Author Archives: the local dish

Mission Basilica School

Mission Basilica School
National Blue Ribbon School

Mission Basilica School

Mission Basilica School embraces a rich heritage from its founding in 1928 as part of the Mission community founded by Saint Junipero Serra in 1776. The school honors Saint Serra’s mission by preparing every student for a life of leadership and Catholic values. The beautiful campus, uniquely located in the historic setting of the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano, has a student body of 250 in grades Pre–K to 8th. Mission Basilica School is a WCEA/WASC accredited, National Blue Ribbon School, staffed with highly skilled and credentialed teachers. Mission Basilica School continues to foster faith formation and academic excellence through its highly acclaimed programs.

FAITH

  • Strong Catholic Identity
  • Christ–Centered Learning
  • Weekly Mass in the Basilica
  • Ongoing Christian Service
  • Spiritual Retreats

ACADEMICS

  • Popular TK Program
  • Accredited by the WCEA
  • National Blue Ribbon School
  • Rigorous Academic Curriculum
  • Student–centered classrooms
  • 1–to–1 iPads
  • STEM Laboratories
  • Fitness, Sports and Health Education
  • Rich Fine Arts Program
  • Spanish Language Program
  • After School Clubs and Programs
  • Extended Day Care

Mission Basilica School
31641 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.1385 x2
www.MissionBasilicaSchool.org

Mission Basilica School

New Vista School

New Vista School
A Supportive School for Students with Autism

New Vista School

New Vista School is unique in that it is the only Southern California school of its kind designed specifically for secondary and post–secondary school students with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). New Vista School provides a welcoming and supportive environment with teachers and other specialized staff members prepared to address the special needs that go along with an ASD diagnosis. Its programs maximize the personal achievement and independence of its students. The school offers small class sizes, research–based programs, and integrated learning environments.

Academics
The school is accredited by WASC and the California Department of Education as a nonpublic school that meets common core requirements. Over 70% of students score at or above national averages on standardized testing. There are opportunities for dual credit college courses in the upper grades and internships for employment during the transition years.

Social Skills
New Vista’s social skills program is integrated into every aspect of its students’ educational experience, with additional support to bridge the gap between high school and adult life.

Testimonials
“We are so grateful for the program… watching his growth in learning and improvement in his social skills has been heart–warming. You are true miracle workers!”

“You took a boy who was spiraling down further each year and turned him around. You gave him the joy and pride of learning, interacting with peers, being part of a school and a fuller life at home and in the community. Our young man is now a happy and successful student, hard worker, and enjoys a social life.”

Students enter New Vista School from a wide range of educational backgrounds including public, private and home–schooling programs. Students range in age from 11–18+ and have a primary diagnosis of high–functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome. New Vista’s school community is guided by the following values: Respect, Responsibility, Initiative, Problem Solving, and Resiliency. Through these care values, the school demonstrates care, support, and high expectations for its students.

Contact New Vista School at (949) 455–1270 to speak with the admissions director and schedule a tour. New students are welcome for the 2017–2018 academic year.

New Vista School
23092 Mill Creek Dr.
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 455-1270
www.NewVistaSchool.org

New Vista School

Saddleback Valley Christian School

Saddleback Valley Christian School
The Christian School for All

Saddleback Valley Christian School

“Unlike his roommates, the young man didn’t go to college to ‘find’ himself. He was never lost. In fact, he wanted to build a company. He studied Finance and International Law. He interned at a start–up near his university to become more expert in Technology. He launched his company after graduating. It monitored water supply networks in developing countries to minimize pollutants. It thrived. It also improved the lives of millions of people. On long flights overseas, the man thinks back to his high school… to ‘The Tree,’ Friday night football, and inspiring teachers. He knows he found confidence there. He knows he found character. But more than anything, he knows he has found his purpose.”

PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

  • Independent Christian School
  • WASC–Accredited
  • UC–approved college prep program
  • Small classroom sizes/low student to teacher ratio
  • 1 to 1 technology program
  • Abundant athletic, arts, mission and service opportunities
  • Serving all of South Orange County since 1997

MISSION
To educate and disciple all students as they discover their purpose in the work of God’s Kingdom.

VALUES
Kingdom–Minded:

  • The advancement of the cause of Christ in the world.
  • Model and emulate Christ while seeking to disciple students.
  • Worship God in every way possible.

Student–Centered:

  • Believes that every student is fearfully and wonderfully made.
  • Understands that every decision should be made through the lens of student experience.
  • Affirms that diversity and accessibility are central to the development of Christian community.

For more information, email Grant Waggoner, Director of Admission at gwaggoner@svcschools.org

Saddleback Valley Christian School
26333 Oso Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.443.4050
www.TheChristianSchoolForAll.org

Saddleback Valley Christian School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Find it here

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs and activities; competitive, character–building athletics and an award–winning arts program – all in a nurturing, Christ–centered environment – Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally.

Be You
At Santa Margarita, the uniqueness of each individual is celebrated. Athlete? Great. Dancer? Super. Game designer? Perfect. Writer? Awesome. Straight–A student and Harvard’s your fallback? Understood. At SMCHS, students can stay true to themselves and discover their God–given talents.

Believe In Yourself
In addition to the academic foundation, critical thinking skills and character developed at SMCHS, the school provides a nurturing environment where self–confidence grows. All through college, in the big meeting on the job, and in millions of moments to come, there is no expiration date on the confidence gained at Santa Margarita.

Achieve More
Achievement matters at SMCHS, whether a “C” student striving for a “B” or a student–athlete pursuing a national high jump record while managing multiple AP courses, Santa Margarita students are supported by their classmates, teachers and coaches who expect them to succeed. This school–wide culture of positive peer pressure instills an enduring desire to excel – to do more and be more.

Love as Christ Loved
Inside and outside of the classroom, Santa Margarita students are encouraged to love as Christ loved. Empowered and inspired, SMCHS students become more thoughtful sons and daughters, act with greater compassion to friends and strangers alike, and harness the courage to consistently do what’s right, no matter the consequences.

Make a Difference
At every grade level, SMCHS opens students’ minds to social issues by providing opportunities to apply problem–solving abilities to real world troubles. By demonstrating a commitment to the global community, the school equips students to be far more than just bystanders when faced with exclusion and inequality.

Change the World
In prominent colleges and universities throughout the United States, and diverse organizations and companies around the globe, Santa Margarita graduates are making this world a better place – learning, leading and thriving.

Find It Here
While some students already know what makes their hearts beat faster, it’s a journey of discovery for most. Whether it’s the daily rigor of the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, mastering the choreography of a school musical production, assembling a robot, or simply enjoying new friendships at a club meeting, there is something for everyone at SMCHS.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.766.6076
www.smhs.org

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

St. Anne School

St. Anne School
Empowering Students to Explore a World of Possibilities

St. Anne School

Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School, an independent Catholic school in Laguna Niguel.

St. Anne School stirs a passion for learning with stimulating, engaging, and rigorous academics. The learning environment for Preschool through grade 8 students is intimate with ideal student/teacher ratios and a commitment to fully developing each child in mind, body, and spirit. The school uses the latest, proven teaching methods, curricula, and technology—combining techniques that make learning fun with a sweeping range of academic studies. St. Anne School students become curious, confident and well–prepared for a life of learning and leadership.

Students of all faiths develop their talents through a wealth of extracurricular and scholastic activities. Starting with two–year–old students, imaginations are sparked through hands–on collaboration solving real–world problems. There’s something to engage every inquisitive mind both in and outside the classroom. St. Anne believes children who explore their interests are more comfortable with themselves and the world around them. Children who are well–rounded become adults who are well–informed. Ultimately, they are more successful in life. For St. Anne School, that’s the purpose of education.

A National Blue Ribbon School, St. Anne is also accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The school experience at St. Anne promotes a love of learning through academic, artistic, and athletic programs. With the guidance and dedication of faculty, students gain a solid foundation rooted in problem solving, collaboration, creative expression, leadership, faith, technology, and global citizenship.

To schedule a private tour and learn more about St. Anne School, please contact:

Lil Ray Reed, Kindergarten – Grade 8 Office of Admission
949.276.6753, LRay@st–anne.org

LuAnn Wilson, Preschool Pre–K Admission
949.276.6783, LWilson@st–anne.org

St. Anne School
32451 Bear Brand Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

www.st-anne.org

St. Anne School

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
Discover Yourself

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School

Some describe it as a hidden jewel by the sea. Perched hillside along Coast Highway; Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School overlooks a panorama of the Pacific Ocean. This backdrop sets the scene for a unique educational experience, blending academic excellence, spiritual development and a focus on the arts.

When an Emerald Bay family moved from Los Angeles four years ago, they were looking for an easy school transition for their two children. “St. Catherine has the academics, arts, music and small classroom environment that made us feel welcomed and comfortable,” the family says. Whether it is the speech competition, talent show, Christmas or spring concert, sports teams or academic decathlon, the school allows students to identify their talents and shine. St. Catherine is not just a school but also a community where children learn and build character.

Serving students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, this tightly knit academic community offers a well–rounded curriculum designed to educate the whole child — mind, body and spirit. This is achieved through a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on cross–curricular, active learning that incorporates state–of–the–art technologies.

Originally opened in 1957, the school was completely reconstructed in 2008. The facility offers larger classrooms, separate elementary and middle school buildings, a science lab, cutting–edge computer facilities, art lab, library, music room and gymnasium with a stage for performing arts.

Laguna Beach is known for its flourishing artistic environment, a heritage St. Catherine of Siena eagerly embraces. The school employs experts in visual arts, music and theater, holds its own annual Pageant of the Masters, and partners with the Pacific Symphony Class Act Program.

As a Catholic institution, St. Catherine of Siena nourishes each student’s spiritual journey while embracing a diversity of faiths. The inclusive community makes catechesis and faith formation part of daily learning, developing students into responsible citizens ready to serve the global community.

Saint Catherine of Siena welcomes prospective families to schedule a campus tour. The school is hosting an Open House on February 1, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., the same evening as its community–wide Pasta Dinner. Come take a look at the beautiful campus, meet the teachers and sit down with the families.

For information or to schedule a campus tour, please call the school office at (949) 494–7339.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
30516 S Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.7339
www.StCathSchool.org

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School
Faith Formation, Academic Excellence, Leadership

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School is valued as a leading Diocesan Catholic Parish Elementary School located in South Orange County. Motivated by the teachings of Saint Junipero Serra, it nurtures students to live and model their Catholic faith as servant leaders of Christ, living the Schoolwide Learning Expectations on a daily basis:

  • A Catholic Faith–filled Life and Missionary Spirit
  • A Life–long Love of Learning
  • A Reverence for One’s Own Physical Being
  • A Positive and Realistic Self–Image
  • A Willingness to Share One’s God–Given Gifts

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School inspires its students from preschool through eighth grade to become the innovative thinkers and ethical leaders of tomorrow. The school’s Catholic faith–based education aligns with the Common Core Standards and offers students a diverse curriculum, using technology as a tool for learning and educating students to meet the spiritual, academic, and moral challenges of the future. In the spirit of the Gospel, its qualified, credentialed teachers use innovative teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students and develop the unique potential of each student.

SERRA CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School offers preschool programs for three and four–year olds. Now located on the main campus, the school days are filled with a variety of activities to engage children developmentally and academically in a rich Catholic environment.

CHAPEL & STUDENT CREATIVE CENTER – CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
St. Junipero Serra Chapel – Scheduled to open late Spring 2018, this 175–seat chapel will not only bring the Blessed Sacrament to the campus, but will also offer a quiet place of prayer and reflection for students, staff and parents, along with regular grade–level liturgies. This sacred space will also include a beautiful outdoor Rosary Walk and Stations of the Cross, promoting a richer practice of its Catholic rituals.

Student Creativity Center (SCC)
Commitment to STEAM Education –

The school’s Student Creative Center will be a place for students to think, research, design, produce, build and perform. With flexible learning spaces inside and outside the building, students will be able to move throughout the space as it pertains to their learning needs. Just a few highlights of the Student Creativity Center include:

  • THINK space to share ideas by writing on walls and projecting images
  • PRODUCTION studio with video equipment and green screens
  • PERFORM and PRACTICE rooms to support music and theater programs
  • BUILD space for creating prototypes and art projects

Administrative Building/Parent Hub –
The second floor of the Student Creativity Center will house the new Administrative Offices and Parent Hub. Parent leadership and volunteerism are keys to the overall success of SJSC. Parents will have their own area to work, collaborate, plan and build community as they aid SJSC in accomplishing its goals.

Grades offered: Preschool – Eighth Grade

Accreditations:
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School is a WCEA/ASC WASC fully accredited school

For information on enrollment, please contact Shirley Merchant, Admissions Director, (949) 888–1990 ext. 123 or smerchant@serraschool.org.

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School
23652 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-1990
www.SerraSchool.org

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School

Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El
Providing Top Quality Educational Opportunities for All Stages of Life

Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El’s acclaimed Early Childhood Center has been enlightening children for over 15 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 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.

Check the Temple Beth El website at tbesoc.org/childhoodcenter.htm for registration forms and to learn all about programs being offered. Registration is now open. The school welcomes prospective families to schedule a tour of Temple Beth El Early Childhood Center. 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

Dr. Mogavero

Dr. Mogavero

Dr. Mogavero

Smile Success Stories

For the past 27 years, Dr. Frank Mogavero has been perfecting the art of the smile, helping thousands of patients find confidence and success in every aspect of their lives. His unique approach to dentistry always puts his patients first, and provides an energetic, fun, yet professional atmosphere where even the most anxious patient feels at home.

His tricked-out, San Clemente office includes genuine ski lift chairs from Mammoth Mountain, autographed photos from professional athletes, and a killer wall of signed skateboards from popular names in the sport. Known for treating X Games skaters, snowboarders, and extreme athletes, television personalities and other recognizable faces, Dr. Mogavero understands how important a great smile is for all of his patients, but especially those in the limelight. “I’ve always liked people,” relates Dr. Mogavero, “and working with kids. I love creating beautiful smiles and seeing how it transforms people’s lives, watching my patients grow down the line.”

The art of the smile is about more than cosmetics, which is why Dr. Mogavero specializes in both surgical and airway orthodontics — the science of realigning the teeth and facial bones to improve breathing and to alleviate airway obstacles. Patients who have suffered from chronic snoring, asthma, and ear infections can suddenly find relief through this often overlooked dental procedure.

Being a patient of Dr. Mogavero has never been easier. His conveniently located San Clemente office at Pico and La Pata is now accessible from San Juan Capistrano via the new La Pata Road connection. A redesigned website allows for online appointment requests and health histories so that managing your treatment is just a click away. Visit
SyncYourSmile.com to learn about Dr. Mogavero, his stellar team, Orthodontics, Invisalign and more.

Dr. Mogavero is a Board Certified Orthodontist (Baylor Orthodontics) with degrees in Dentistry and Biomedical Engineering from UCLA and is also a Premier Preferred Provider of Invisalign. He and his wife, Anna, live in San Clemente with their five children.

Sean

SEAN HARLOW, 22

Professional Football Player

Smile success story and former patient, Sean Harlow, now playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

Connor

CONNOR BRASHIER, 18

Lifestyle & Fashion Photographer

Taking photos and videos has always made me smile, and inspired me to start my own independent video business.  I now have over 19,000 followers on Instagram! Thanks to Dr. Mogavero, my great smile makes me feel more confident when working with notable clients such as Madison Beer, Jake Paul, and Jay Alvarez. I’m so lucky that my job is my passion, and look forward to a successful career in videography.

Brooke

BROOKE KRUFAL (B’RAYNE), 14

Dancer, Rapper, Model

After losing my baby teeth and watching the crooked ones come in, I stopped wanting to smile for pictures. I felt really insecure about my smile. Now, thanks to Dr. Mogavero and his awesome staff, I have my confidence back. It makes a huge difference when going to auditions, performing at concerts, and shooting music videos. I love meeting my fans and smiling for the camera!

Ariana

ARIANA WINSTEN, 18

Graduating Senior, Community Volunteer

Community service is a big part of my life, and I volunteer hundreds of hours in Orange County and LA, bringing food and necessities to hungry individuals and families. I make it a point to smile at each person and try to get to know them, because sometimes that’s all it takes to make a huge difference in someone’s life! Dr. Mogavero and his staff made me confident in my smile, ready to face the world.

 

San Clemente 1031 Ave. Pico, Ste. 101 • 949.373.3737
SyncYourSmile.com     Instagram & Twitter @drfrankm

San Clemente Ocean Festival

San Clemente Ocean Festival

2017 San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 15-16

Summer is here, and the San Clemente Ocean Festival is ramping up for its 41st year — celebrating ocean and beach activities, lifeguarding, entertainment and events for everyone to enjoy at the San Clemente Pier on July 15th and 16th.

Come hungry and have a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast prepared by our very own San Clemente lifeguards from 7 to 11 a.m. on both days. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer delicious fare, from corn on the cob and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice and more near the Pier.

Stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the Festival, to find that something special. Car enthusiasts can walk onto San Clemente Pier to check out the 25th Annual Woody Car Exhibit, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. There will also be a Fishing Clinic and Derby on Saturday at the end of the Pier for all ages.

Saturday hosts an action-packed day of lifeguard competitions that include the ever-popular National Doryman Association’s 2-man lifeguard boat races, Rescue Relays, International and American Ironman competitions, and Stand-Up Paddleboard contest. Love to run? Join the 5k Beach Run on Sunday, or if you prefer swimming, check out the 1-mile ocean swim. The “Groms Rule” Surf Contest also takes place on Sunday for boys and girls (14 and under) and includes a new push-in division. For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, please visit OceanFestival.org. Don’t miss the surf lifesaving competitors from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, Santa Barbara Swim Club, and local S.C.A.T. members, joining many other athletes competing at the event.

Looking for family activities? Head south of the Pier to the Youth Pavilion, packed with crafts, face painting and games, as well as demonstrations and performances for all ages to enjoy. Saturday’s events include a Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run for ages 12 and under (all participants will receive an Ocean Festival medallion!) and Body Surfing clinics just south of the Youth Pavilion where kids can learn about rip currents and the how-to’s of body surfing.

As the sun sets Saturday evening, drop your towel on the sand, grab some grub, and enjoy a free concert on the beach, featuring Soul to Soul, a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band. On Sunday, head south of the Pier for the sand sculpting competition. The weekend’s finale will be the always anticipated and never duplicated Great Rubber Duck race. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on as the entire flock is released and heads back to shore to win a prize!

 

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, working in partnership with the City of Clemente, that has become a “tradition” for many within the community, the inland empire, and as far reaching as the East Coast, Hawaii, and Australia. Funds are raised through product sales, and the generosity and support from sponsors. Net proceeds from the Festival provide support for worthy local organizations such as San Clemente Lifeguards, Ocean Institute Adopt-A-Class program, Summer Beach Concerts, and scholarships for local students.

 

 

Entry is free. Avoid parking hassles and take the Metrolink. If you’re diving to the event, take advantage of the complimentary parking and shuttle service to and from The Outlets at San Clemente from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visit OceanFestival.org for schedules, athletic event registration and for information on how to volunteer or become a sponsor.