ENROLLMENT STARTS NOW FOR THE SEVEN GOLDEN SECRETS TO WRITING WORKSHOPS AT THE CORNER STORE; CLASS BEGINS NOV. 17

…AND COMMENTS REGARDING LAUSD  POSSIBLY STARTING SCHOOL AUG. 16

SEVEN GOLDEN SECRETS TO WRITING

The Seven Golden Secrets to Writing Workshop features an unorthodox approach to learning this useful, fantastic skill with ease and fun in a safe, nurturing environment.

Students are given permission to be creative in a positive manner as they gain confidence and improve their writing while learning to enjoy it. This workshop focuses on ages 6 to 12.

Workshops are conducted by Diana Chapman, a longtime San Pedro writer. 

The next session begins Nov. 17 and runs to Dec. 22. Workshops are from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. every Wednesday at the Corner Store, 1118 W. 37^th St., San Pedro.

Cost is $50 per student per six-week session and $60 if done on the day the class begins. There are no refunds and classes must be prepaid.

In addition, Corner Store owner Peggy Lindquist has offered for us to use her store for Monday.  If I received enough interest, I will open another class.  in this please email Diana at hartchap@cox.net or find me on facebook.

If you have questions or would like to enroll for the Wednesday class, you can reach Diana at hartchap@cox.net.

REGARDING LAUSD STARTING SCHOOL AUG. 16/2011

• I don't think Vladovic and Cortines should just support this calendar change just because the principals support it for educational reasons?  (I'm skeptical about that anyway.)  WHAT ABOUT PARENTS AND FAMILIES?  Shouldn't we be considered in the equation?  Dang, Camp Whittle at the YMCA was the week of August 14th through the 21st last summer.  That is about the highlight of the summer for my boys for years.  What about stuff like that?  I simply hate this idea.  I also agree with you one thousand percent about testing.....don't even get me STARTED!  It's absolutely out of control and ridiculous.  The overemphasis on standardized testing is ruining schools.  I could go on and on but I'll spare you! - 
• Beth Sohngen

·        I am so excited that someone is actually thinking about our kid's education. Great article.

Kim Kromas

----------------------------------------

·        Good article, Diana. Initially I thought the early start was ridiculous, but once I realized the difference it would make for our students in terms of preparation for the high stakes testing it makes complete sense. It'll mess with one summer - we already had the LONGEST summer ever just behind us - and I'm afraid for what that may mean for our students this year. We're working hard to mitigate the loss of the furlough/instructional days. We can use all the advantages we can get! This is an easy one.

               Dayna Wells

-----------------------------------------

·        I just hope that the people who put together summer programs for kids can handle one month less of enrollment and survive financially until the following year.

               Rachel Fischer

----------------------------------

·        I think this change is a long time in coming.  I loved it when my kids were on "A" Track, so they were more in line with the private high schools.  The LAUSD traditional schedule means a lot of dead time at the end of the year for all students, not just the high schoolers.  Most assessments are due in May; AP exams are in early May.  The earlier start means the Fall Semester is done by the time Winter Break rolls around.  This gives all students the advantage of not starting over after the three week break to gear up for finals. 

For high school kids, there is more opportunity to take summer college classes and camps.  My kids always missed out on certain summer programs because the schedules were aligned with an August to end of May/early June school schedules.  The parent who fears her children missing out on certain activities for one transitional summer should take heart that this change will open up more summer opportunities in future years.

Teresa Feldman

------------------------------------

·        Interesting idea... but why make it a surprise? Why not plan in a year out, so early planners for big summer trips aren't surprised? As it stands now, the district and my union will go back and forth, and we may know when we are working at some point before the summer, after we have made plans... and summer programs at local places need to know this too... now! I wonder what it would take for our district to work through a big change in a timely manner?

                Cathy Skubik.