Performers Academy – Gift Certificates available now.
Holiday Gift Certificates are Available…..
Gift a fun gift this holiday season.
Gift Certificates are printed with the recipients name….
$50.00 gives them one month of classes to try.
Tired of shopping? Finding gifts that no one will use…
here’s the answer.
Call or come in to get your certificate for this holiday season.
949-609-1600
DON JUAN AVILA MIDDLE SCHOOL
DJAMS NEWS
Principal: Chris Carter
December 12, 2008
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WINTER BREAK DATES
CUSD schools and the Education Center will be closed for winter break from December 22 through January 2. All offices will reopen on Monday, January 5th, 2009.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC STUDENTS
Special message for Instrumental Music students: Instruments must be brought home on Thursday, December 18 – please do not leave instruments at school over break as they will not be needed in class Friday, December 19. Thank you!
TOYS FOR TOTS
Our Toys for Tots Drive is going well so far and PAL students will continue to pick up unwrapped gifts that have been donated through homerooms until December 18. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate children in our community.
AAA/GATE UPDATE
AAA/GATE testing letters have been mailed out to qualifying students, but very few permission slips have come back. Students who do not have permission will not be tested, so please send in the lower portion of the letter to DJAMS as soon as possible. Testing is on January 14!
Tracy Alexander
AAA/GATE Coordinator
CAMDEN PARK COMMUNITY
The Camden Park community is having problems with students walking through their landscaped areas. Students are reminded to please be respectful of our neighboring communities and use sidewalks when walking home.
SHOP ONLINE AND SUPPORT THE DJAMS PTSA
Do you still have a few gifts left on your holiday shopping list? Enter www.escrip.com then click on At the Online Mall in the upper left corner of the site and shop! Your favorite online vendors will make a donation to the DJAMS PTSA with each and every purchase! It’s easy and it’s free to you, the store makes the donation. Hundreds of your favorite stores are accessible from the site — Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Nordstrom, Toys R Us, and many, many more! Remember: www.escrip.com, then At the Online Mall.
Thank you for your support,
DJAMS PTSA
YMCA TEEN CLUB NEWS
Did you know we are located right on campus for before and after school care for your middle school student? Did you also know that we are now currently open for enrollment?
The YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities and we are doing it every day at your child’s school! We encourage you to come join in the fun! We have affordable rates that are structured to remain consistent throughout the year. We offer full and part time rates, which include: 5 day, 3 day, 2 day, and before school only options. We also have a diverse membership program that includes: Y Guides, Y Arts, Sports, Aquatics, and YMCA Fitness Facility. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Parker at (949) 360-9517, mparker@ymcaoc.net; or Chris Spitler at (949) 360-9517, cspitler@ymcaoc.net .
* As we approach Winter break, the YMCA will be offering Daily Drop In Rates.
*The YMCA will be open Mon-Fri, December 22nd – Jan 2nd from 7:00 am – 6pm
*The YMCA will be open 1/2 day on Wednesday, December 24 and 31 from 7:00am- 1pm.
PREVIOUS NEWS
AAA/GATE FEE-BASED TEST
Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) is offering public and private school parents living within the CUSD boundary area an opportunity to have their children take the fee-based Otis-Lennon School Abilities Test (OLSAT). The OLSAT is used by CUSD to identify students for the Accelerated Academic Achievement/Gifted and Talented Program (AAA/GATE). The OLSAT tests both verbal and nonverbal reasoning.
The fee-based OLSAT will be offered on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at George White Elementary School, in Laguna Niguel (Grades 2-8) and on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Capistrano Valley High School, in Mission Viejo (Grades 9-10). The cost for taking the OLSAT is $65.00. OLSAT registration forms will be available in all CUSD school administration buildings in December. Parents may also download the “Fee-Based AAA/GATE Test Application” from the CUSD AAA/GATE Website at www.capousd.org/aaa. Checks and registration forms must be postmarked by January 21, 2009 or delivered to the AAA/GATE Office before 4:30 pm on January 22, 2009, so that the appropriate number of tests can be ordered. No late registrations will be accepted.
Please Note: Kindergarten, first grade students, and students who have taken the OLSAT/NNAT in January 2009 at their school site are not eligible to take the Fee-Based OLSAT in February.
DJAMS SCIENCE
DJAMS Science Department is continuing its Ecophones fundraiser. Please help support the science department by donating old, working or not, cell phones, ink jet printer cartridges, digital cameras, laptop computers and ipods. Have your student bring these items to their science teacher for recycling. DJAMS science is compensated for each item donated. Thanks for your support in DJAMS and our environment.
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 15 Area Choral Concert at ANHS Gym, 7:00 p.m.
December 22-Jan. 2 Winter Recess – No School
January 8 PTSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Library
January 19 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Legal Holiday
January 30 Student Holiday/No School – First Semester Wrap-up Activities
February 13 Lincoln Day, Legal Holiday
February 16 Washington Day, Legal Holiday
February 16 SRLA Team Runs the L.A. Marathon
March 12 PTSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Library
April 6-10 Spring Recess – No School
May 14 PTSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Library
May 20 Open House, 6:30 p.m.
May 25 Memorial Day, Legal Holiday
June 18 Last Day of School
SAN JUAN HILLS THEATER GRAND OPENING
On Wednesday, December 10, San Juan Hills High School celebrated the grand opening of its theater facility with a Winter Spectacular performance featuring acts from the music, dance, drama, video production and photography departments. “This is an exciting day for the San Juan Hills Stallions to debut a spectacular facility which will most certainly serve the San Juan Capistrano community for years to come,” noted Tom Ressler, Principal of SJHHS. “We are delighted to celebrate this evening with Trustees, Superintendent Carter, and so many in our CUSD family who have supported us along the way to make this possible.”
The evening was a festive occasion, highlighting the school’s performing arts programs and setting an impressive vision for the future. With a seating capacity of 500, an orchestra pit, elegant staging props, and state-of-the art sound, lighting and technical systems, San Juan Hills will be able to offer high quality programs in a beautiful facility which is among the finest in the county. The success of the Winter Spectacular program boldly announced San Juan Hills High School’s arrival into the family of excellent South County high schools.
The San Juan Hills Collaborative Arts Program is led by an excellent faculty which includes Instrumental Music Director Dean McElroy, Drama Director Robb Rigg, Choral Music Director Tiffany Tarleton, Dance Director Kristine Calder, Video Production Director Brian Devaney, Digital Photography Director Ryan Norgren and Theater Manager Robert Stewart. “To think that we’ve already come this far since opening two years ago is amazing. I can’t wait to see these students as they continue to develop under the leadership of this great faculty,” admits Principal Ressler. “These kids are simply amazing.”
SAN JUAN HILLS THEATER GRAND OPENING
On Wednesday, December 10, San Juan Hills High School celebrated the grand opening of its theater facility with a Winter Spectacular performance featuring acts from the music, dance, drama, video production and photography departments. “This is an exciting day for the San Juan Hills Stallions to debut a spectacular facility which will most certainly serve the San Juan Capistrano community for years to come,” noted Tom Ressler, Principal of SJHHS. “We are delighted to celebrate this evening with Trustees, Superintendent Carter, and so many in our CUSD family who have supported us along the way to make this possible.”
The evening was a festive occasion, highlighting the school’s performing arts programs and setting an impressive vision for the future. With a seating capacity of 500, an orchestra pit, elegant staging props, and state-of-the art sound, lighting and technical systems, San Juan Hills will be able to offer high quality programs in a beautiful facility which is among the finest in the county. The success of the Winter Spectacular program boldly announced San Juan Hills High School’s arrival into the family of excellent South County high schools.
The San Juan Hills Collaborative Arts Program is led by an excellent faculty which includes Instrumental Music Director Dean McElroy, Drama Director Robb Rigg, Choral Music Director Tiffany Tarleton, Dance Director Kristine Calder, Video Production Director Brian Devaney, Digital Photography Director Ryan Norgren and Theater Manager Robert Stewart. “To think that we’ve already come this far since opening two years ago is amazing. I can’t wait to see these students as they continue to develop under the leadership of this great faculty,” admits Principal Ressler. “These kids are simply amazing.”
CUSD SCHOOLS NOMINATED FOR CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL PROGRAM
In a notification from State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell, Aliso Viejo, Arroyo Vista, Bernice Ayer and Las Flores Middle Schools learned that they have been nominated for the California Distinguished School Program. Focusing on secondary schools this year, the California Department of Education seeks out schools that have successfully demonstrated academic excellence based on Academic Performance Index, Adequate Yearly Progress, and closing the achievement gap to nominate for this prestigious award.
As part of a plan to highlight reliable and vetted resources that are proven to be effective with students in their classrooms, nominated schools will be asked to share signature practices across the state. “Making our schools work for all students, regardless of their background, condition, or circumstance, is imperative for the future of California,” notes O’Connell.
Applications are required to be submitted by December 19th, for final evaluation and approval to acquire the Distinguished School status. Participating schools will receive a site visit by a team of educators to validate the implementation of the best practices. “I am not surprised to see so many of our CUSD schools nominated for this honor,” states A. Woodrow Carter, Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District. “Having served as an educator across the nation, I can validate that CUSD has the most talented group of teaching, administrative, and classified staff that I’ve had the privilege of working with. We are committed to advancing learning on a daily basis.”
St. Mary’s Not Raising Tuition Next School Year
Commitment to Support Families Through Economic Downturn
Aliso Viejo, CA, December 12, 2008—In an unprecedented move, St. Mary and All Angels School will not be raising tuition for the 2009-2010 school year. This decision was made after careful analysis and consideration by the school’s Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Administration. The tuition at St. Mary’s will remain $10,800 for full-time preschool through grade five and $11,050 for grades six through eight.
“In the midst of this extraordinary challenging time for our nation’s economy, St. Mary’s continues to thrive thanks to the talented teachers and dedicated families who together help to create a uniquely joyful, warm and welcoming environment in which children flourish,” said Headmaster John O’Brien.
School leaders felt this was an appropriate step to recognize the sacrifices families make to provide their children with the independent Christian school education that is offered at St. Mary’s, as well as the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which focuses on global awareness and 21st century learning.
To help offset the school’s operating expenses, efforts are underway to grow St. Mary’s Annual Giving Fund. The goal is to reach at least 85 percent participation from enrolled families and 100 percent participation from faculty and staff by June 30, 2009.
Founded in 1994 by Father Ernest D. Sillers, St. Mary and All Angels is a non-denominational Christian school (preschool through grade 8). Students are equipped to be life-long learners, have faith-based principles and proceed as global-minded citizens. St. Mary’s is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), International Baccalaureate (IB), California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a member of National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). For more information, call (949) 448-9027 or visit www.smaa.org.
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Dear 12th Grade Parents,
Don’t let your senior miss out in all the fun at their Grad Nite Event at the Grove of Anaheim! Just a reminder for those of you who have NOT purchased your student’s ticket that the price will go up after December 19th. The ticket price is $125 through December 19th 2008. The ticket price will increase to $135 through June 12, 2009. After June 12 the price will be $145 so please get your payment in early!
The Reservation and Consent form can be found in the main office at school or online on the PTSA website, www.anhsptsa. Just click on the Grad Nite hat to go to our informational page. You can drop the completed form, signed by both student and parent along with your payment to the main school office or mail it to:
ANHS Grad Nite
PMB #32
23411 Aliso Viejo Parkway #K
Aliso Viejo, Ca 92656
Please feel free to contact us with any questions,
Mona Hamlin, monahamlin@cox.net
Michele Langham, mlangham@cox.net
Beth Weber, bethtalk@cox.net
Local Christmas Production – “Savior Of The World”
Categories: Religions
Savior Of The World Musical Production – This Week at LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Laguna Niguel California Stake Center
22851 Aliso Creek Rd, AV, CA
Proudly presents “Savior Of The World”
December 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 7:00PM; December 13 – 2:00PM Matinee
$10.00
A sacred musical drama and testimony of Christ and His divine mission as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
The first act, “Savior of the World: His Birth,” depicts the events leading up to the Nativity, including stories of Mary & Joseph and the shepherds of Bethlehem. The second act, “Savior of the World: His Resurrection,” begins with Christ’s burial and recounts the visitations of the resurrected Savior to Mary Magdalene at the garden tomb, to the Apostles in the upper room and by the Sea of Galilee. The production closes with the Savior’s charge to take the gospel to the entire world and the joyous anticipation of His millennial return. The production is a powerful testimony of Christ and His divine mission as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
To purchase tickets online; www.sotwtickets.com
questions; orders@sotwtickets.com or call ( 877) 806-7736
Children under the age of 8 not suggested
due to the 2 hour length of the production
Joel Lautenschleger is elected Laguna Hills mayor for 2009.
He was sworn in on Tuesday Dec. 9, 2008.
From The City Of Laguna Hills Website:
Joel Lautenschleger was first elected to the Laguna Hills City Council concurrent with the vote on incorporation in March 1991 and has served on the City Council ever since. He served as Mayor in 1995, 2000, and 2004. Prior to incorporation in 1991, Mayor Lautenschleger served as Chief Petitioner and Co-Chairperson for the successful cityhood drive.
A Laguna Hills resident since 1985, Mayor Lautenschleger, his wife, and four children have been extremely active in school, youth athletic, and community programs. He has always considered community involvement a priority and has been actively involved with scouting, AYSO, coaching, refereeing, Saddleback Valley YMCA, and area schools.
As an inaugural City Council Member, he shared the dream of building athletic fields and a Community Center as a gathering place for the community. That dream became a reality as the long-awaited Community Center and Sports Complex opened in June 2002. Joel has represented the City of Laguna Hills on the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency Board of Directors since 1992. He presently serves as its Chairman helping to make this vital South Orange County transportation link a reality. Joel also serves as the City Alternate Board Member to the Orange County Fire Authority and serves as a board member for the Saddleback Valley YMCA and the Laguna Hills AYSO.
Mayor Lautenschleger recently sold a very successful healthcare facility to spend more time with community programs, grandchildren, and a fairly extensive involvement with property management throughout Orange County. He received his Bachelors of Biological Science Degree from Cal Poly Pomona, and a Masters Degree in Medical Technology Management from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He has appeared before numerous committees regarding long-term care, as well as appearing on KOCE-TV to discuss health care issues.
Mayor Lautenschleger was very proud and happy to be a part of the effort to defeat a commercial airport at El Toro and preserving the quality of life that Laguna Hills residents have so long enjoyed.
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The voting in his favor was unanimous. This is his fourth time as mayor.
Councilman Randal Bressette was elected mayor pro tem also on a unanimous vote.
“One of the primary goals for this city will be to maintain our fiscal responsibility to our residents,” Lautenschleger said in his address as mayor.
“This is going to be a very busy year because this is also the year we will be developing our two-year budget,” Lautenschleger added. “There’s going to be many capital projects that we want to do, but we’ve got to use judicious management of our resources and continue to follow our fiscal policies to truly best serve our residents.”
Lautenschleger said it is important that the city continue to make economic developments in the city’s retail areas and that more effort should be put forth in improving some of the city’s hill sides and slopes. He also said he would look into having the City Council meetings accessible online.
During his campaign, Lautenschleger’s key issues included maintaining fiscal responsibility, protecting city funds from the state, and working toward further commercial center development.
He said what made the difference for him this election was the large amount of time he spent walking the streets in the community.
“I really spent a lot of time going door to door. It wasn’t so much me having to convince anybody. It was more people telling me we’ve done a good job,” Lautenschleger said in a previous interview.
San Juan Capistrano 4th Grade Students to Participate in Ocean Institute’s Watershed Program on Dec. 18th
Dana Point, CALIF., December 11, 2008 – The Ocean Institute will welcome 80 4th grade students from San Juan Elementary School in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, December 18, 7:30 – 11:30 a.m., who will be participating in the Institute’s Watershed Program, The students are being sponsored through the Institute’s Adopt-a-Class program, funded by the City of San Juan Capistrano, CR&R Waste and Recycling Services and Friess Construction. Special guests include Ziad Mazboudi of the City of San Juan Capistrano.
“The Watershed Program is one of the Institute’s most popular programs,” remarked Dan Stetson, the Institute’s President. “We’re grateful to our donors for allowing these young people to participate.”
During the four-hour Watershed Program, students explore the science of watersheds. In the lab, students learn scientific techniques, as they perform a fish dissection, conduct water chemistry tests, work on a biological assessment and record weather data. They complement their lab research onboard the RV Sea Explorer, where they form research teams to test the offshore water chemistry, conduct a bio-assessment of the sea floor habitat and perform a plankton count.
Stetson continued, “It’s our goal to have our students understand how pollutants, improperly disposed of, will negatively impact our beaches and oceans and their marine inhabitants. By doing so, we hope to create a generation of environmental stewards.”
For more information on the ways you can help support students in your local community through the Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class program, please contact Lara Hughes at (949) 496-2274, ext. 413.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
2008 Business of the Year – The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has selected the Ocean Institute as Dana Point’s “Business of the Year.” The award recognizes the positive contribution the Ocean Institute has made to the Dana Point community.
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) — A Korean immigrant who lost his wife, two children and mother-in-law when a Marine Corps jet slammed into the family’s house said Tuesday he did not blame the pilot, who ejected and survived.
Dong Yun Yoon addresses reporters Tuesday, a day after a jet crashed into his home and killed four of his relatives.
“Please pray for him not to suffer from this accident,” a distraught Dong Yun Yoon told reporters gathered near the site of Monday’s crash of an F/A-18D jet in San Diego’s University City community.
“He is one of our treasures for the country,” Yoon said in accented English punctuated by long pauses while he tried to maintain his composure.
“I don’t blame him. I don’t have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could,” said Yoon, flanked by members of San Diego’s Korean community, relatives and members from the family’s church. Watch Yoon discuss relatives’ death »
Authorities said four people died when the jet crashed into the Yoon family’s house while the pilot was trying to reach nearby Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Another unoccupied house also was destroyed.
Yoon named the victims as his infant daughter Rachel, who was born less than two months ago; his 15-month-old daughter Grace; his wife, Young Mi Yoon, 36; and her 60-year-old mother, Suk Im Kim, who he said had come to the United States from Korea recently to help take care of the children.
Fighting back tears, he said of his daughters: “I cannot believe that they are not here right now.”
“I know there are many people who have experienced more terrible things,” Yoon said. “But, please, tell me how to do it. I don’t know what to do.”
Marine Corps authorities said the pilot, whose name was not released, was hospitalized after he parachuted from the jet, and an investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched. iReport.com: Eyewitnesses describe chaos in aftermath
The jet had just performed landing training on a Navy aircraft carrier before the pilot reported having trouble, according to the Marine Corps. Authorities described the jet as disabled.
Three bodies — those of two adults and an infant — were recovered hours after the crash on Monday. The fourth body — that of a child — was recovered Tuesday, as firefighters sifted through the rubble of the Yoon house.
Authorities said they did not expect to find any other victims of the crash.
The area’s congressman, Rep. Duncan Hunter, said after a briefing from the Marine Corps that a power failure was the likely cause of the crash, not any structural problem with the aircraft.
“At this time, my deepest sympathies are with all those who have been affected by this incident, especially those who lost loved ones,” Hunter, the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement from his office.
Yoon’s minister, Daniel Shin, told reporters the Yoon family had moved into the house a little more than a month ago. He said Yoon came to the United States in 1989 and had since become a naturalized citizen. Yoon works as manager of “a variety store — a store where they sell a variety of things,” Shin said.
Yoon’s wife came to the United States about four years ago, Shin said.
Yoon spoke softly when he talked about his wife.
“It was God’s blessing that I met her about four years ago. She was a lovely wife and mother,” he said.
His voice fading, he added: “She loves me and babies. I just miss her so much.”
The Marine Corps said Tuesday it would take “a minimum of five to seven working days” to clean up the crash site.
San Diego resident Ian Lerner said he was heading to lunch at a shopping center about a half-mile from the neighborhood of about 20 homes when he saw the jet flying low.
“It was, oh, gosh, maybe a couple of hundred feet off the ground. And it was quiet; I think the engine was off,” Lerner said. iReport.com: See Lerner’s photos
“Then all of a sudden, we saw the canopy of the jet explode and go up, and then we saw the pilot blast out of the plane and the parachute open,” Lerner said. Watch a witness describe the pilot’s main concern »
Another witness said the jet was flying at a low altitude and “just spiraled, right out of [the movie] ‘Top Gun.’ ”
A photograph taken at the crash site showed the pilot, after ejection, sitting on the front lawn, making a call on his cell phone before he was taken to a hospital. Watch burning debris near crash site »
The pilot was the only occupant of the two-seat aircraft, according to the Marine Corps.
The Union-Tribune spoke with Steve Diamond, a retired naval aviator who said he found the pilot in a tree behind a house. He told the paper he helped the man, who Diamond said was a lieutenant in his 20s, down from the tree. See satellite photo showing crash site, airfield »
The pilot told him that after he lost power in one engine, it was decided he would try to get the jet to Miramar on the single working engine, Diamond told the paper.
The pilot was in communication with military air traffic controllers before the jet crashed about two miles from the airfield, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the pilot ejected moments before the crash and landed in a tree. Jason Widmer said he talked to the pilot, who said he had tried to steer the jet from the homes and into a brushy canyon.
“He was pretty shook up and pretty concerned if he had killed anyone,” Widmer told San Diego 6. “He had seen his bird go into a house.”
A retired general, a pilot who has flown for 40 years and more than 270 missions in Vietnam, said the decision to eject is up to the pilot. F/A-18D planes are very dependable, but any aircraft is subject to error.
That model has two engines, and it can operate with one engine. But if one engine malfunctions, it’s possible that a blade can break off and fly into the other engine, causing it to malfunction, too. If both engines are inoperable and the plane descends below 10,000 feet, it’s likely the pilot will soon lose control.
When the pilot pulls a ring-like lever, a series of automatic actions is set off: The pilot’s harness comes loose, and he is pushed through a canopy, which is rigged to facilitate him breaking through it without causing injury. A pilot can opt to manually activate his parachute, but if he doesn’t, the parachute will open on a timer.
The plane would crash randomly once the pilot is no longer in control. See photos of fiery crash site »
Inside a house in the neighborhood, Robert Johnson sat in his living room with his daughter, Heather Certain, and her 2-year-old son, Nicholas, according to the Union-Tribune. They heard the explosion and then saw a giant fireball in the picture window facing their front yard, the newspaper reported. They ran out of the house. Watch aerial footage of crash site »
“The house shook like an earthquake,” Johnson said. “I saw the flames right there in front of my house.”
