COVID Friendly Summer Family Activities
Summer break.
In a normal, non-pandemic year, it's the most anticipated time for students. It's that classic movie scene showing students finishing up their very last assignment before the metaphorical bell rings and they can celebrate the start of summer. They finally have all the time in the world to hang out with their friends, go to the movies, maybe take a long family vacation.
For 2020? The story's a little different. We've been diligently trying to stay at home and social distance for months now. Students have not been on their regular schedule with extracurricular activities. So that "summer slump" parents and students start to feel around August, where those glittery hopes turn into dealing with bored children is already here.
It's not that you don't love your children, it's that both you and your children can only enjoy so many unstructured, unproductive days. Because let's be honest, trying to entertain your kids for months is exhausting. Unless you have signed up for our Year Round Program, you may be desperately looking for things to do!
But there's a lot of great things about being at home more, primarily that you have the opportunity to reconnect with your family. So to keep your sanity, and help you make the most of the 2020 summer, we recommend trying out some of these simple, daily activities to keep your child's brain active and ready for school.
Explore somewhere other than the beach!
Of course, going to the beach is awesome. And if you can find one that's open and not too crowded, go for it! But there's a lot of beauty in the valley of Southern California to discover! Places far away from crowds and close to natural wonders.
Why not take a hike? It's easy to social distance, and it keeps you healthy physically and mentally--both extremely important this summer especially.
Check out Adventure Lead Tom Olson's Video to learn about hikes in your area.
If you have space for a garden - start one
First off, if you don't have space in your backyard (or don't have one), you're not excluded from this activity! Plants like succulents, tomatoes, herbs and spices will do just fine in a windowsill. You could even go all out and build your own plant terrarium from an old fish tank or even just a jar.
But, if you can get outdoors while staying at home, it will do so much for your mental health. You don't have to spend thousands on garden tools and supplies! Building a garden space is not as difficult as it sounds; check this tutorial out. And you don't even need a box if you don't want. Pots are very cheap and a great way to get started.
The amazing part of living in Southern California is that you can grow just about anything here! But here are a few good ones to plant in the summer for beginners:
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Summer flowers like dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers or marigolds
Create an obstacle course with toys or items from your garage
This is a great one to get creative with. Find pool noodles, blankets, chairs, benches, laundry baskets or whatever you can think of and build your best obstacle course. Time each other and see who can get through the fastest.
When that's done, maybe turn the course into an indoor mini golf game?
Visit your local library
Grab your mask and head to the library! They aren't just for books; libraries these days have games, movies audiobooks and sometimes even discounted tickets to the zoo or other events.
If you don't feel comfortable going to the library in person, many of them have apps to access digital books for free! You will have to go in person to get your library card, but after that you can read from your digital devices at home. Reading is so good for keeping your brain active. Don't stress what your child takes interest in reading, it doesn't have to be a novel! Reading a comic book will still help your child retain vocabulary and comprehension skills they gained during the school year. As long as it's not SnapChat or texting lingo, it's progress. :)
Start a virtual book club with your friends
Now that you're equipped with your library membership card, why not make it a club? Try out Zoom for club meetings, or did you know Facebook and FaceTime allow you to do group face chats now? And those are free! Set a time with your friends and family. Assign the book and discuss chapters each week until you've finished the book together. It's a great way to bond and keep your brain sharp over the summer.
And, of course, no club is complete without snacks. So have each person bring a snack to the virtual meeting and showcase what they made!
Make dinner as a family - try new recipes
Involve your child in cooking this summer. And if they're old enough, assign them nights to make dinner for the family. You can plan it out together, grab the ingredients at the store and see what masterpieces they come up with.
You can teach the family secret recipes, but also try something new! If you're looking for easy snack recipes to make with your child, check out this article we posted awhile back.
Family Game Night
At home is safest when needing to social distance. So, make it an opportunity to spend quality time together with a family game night.
There are the classics, like Charades, Taboo or Apples to Apples. Then, there are the more active games like Twister or indoor bowling. You can even get a little educational with something like Yahtzee, Skip-BO or 31.
Even just going on the Nintendo Switch or the Apple Arcade and playing together is a great activity.
Family Movie Night, with closet cosplay!
You've probably already watched more TV than you have in your life with this quarantine. But, hey, you're probably still going to for a little while longer. So, get the creative juices flowing with a closet cosplay, meaning you dress up to the character using only what's in your closet. You can also make a costume with materials in the home as well!
You pick the movie. Maybe it's a Marvel movie, for example. Then each member secretly picks a character from the movie to dress up as. When you all come out and try to guess who each person is. Maybe you both end up coming out dressed as "Fat Thor," and that makes it all the more entertaining!
You can also make desserts and snacks that go with the movie to really get you in to the spirit of the movie night.
Picnic in the park
A lot of restaurants aren't allowing dine in at the moment, and if they do allow it, the reduced occupancy makes for long wait times.
But thank goodness the weather is beautiful here in Southern California! Support your favorite local restaurant and order take out, then take it to a nearby park for a family picnic.
If you don't want to eat out, then make a traditional picnic. Put together some sandwiches and maybe even bake a pie and head out for a picnic.
At-home spa day
Self care is still so important. Whether you have boys or girls in the home, you can enjoy a spa day! Get some robes (or comfy clothes) on, slice those cucumbers and treat yourself! You can get cheap skin masks and foot baths on Amazon. Play some relaxing music and take care of yourselves for a day.
We will make it through this summer! Remember to take care of yourself and find gratitude where you can. We'll see you this fall!
Interested in Elite? Click here to get info.
Teacher Spotlight - Mrs. Catheryn Reardon, PhD
Catheryn, Reardon, PhD is an Elite educator with the Virtual Program who has been a teacher for 15 years. She loves helping students in meeting their goals to succeed! She works with students one on one, and their families, to ensure that they are progressing in their courses, and receive the support they need when challenges arise.
I am also their cheerleader when it comes to their academic progress and working towards their long term goals! I also love to support my student athletes, and those involved in the arts! I am also the content teacher for High School English in grades 11 and 12, and love to assist my content students by providing tutoring and live sessions that go over difficult concepts.
Mrs. Reardon, her husband and 2 daughters enjoying some sun!
Mrs. Reardon was inspired to get into teaching after her first of three daughters was born.
I spent my first career in journalism and publishing, but fell in love with teaching after the birth of my first daughter. I went back to school to earn my credentials to become a teacher, and then taught in the physical classroom for several years before switching to online teaching in 2008. I continued my learning so I could better serve my students in the online environment and went on to earn a Master's degree in Education, and then a Ph.D. in General Psychology in Technology and Learning. As a lifelong learner myself, I try to promote that love of learning for my students so they not only see the value of education, but how accessible it is for them too!
She really enjoys teaching at Elite and has found a home with the Virtual Program!
I love teaching in the remote environment and appreciate that this format of learning allows students to attend in a flexible setting that best meets their academic needs and busy schedules. This is a wonderful setting for many student athletes, and those who need a more flexible format of learning. It is also a wonderful option in light of current events!
We asked Mrs. Reardon what she would like to say to her current and future students:
I would tell them that I will be their biggest cheerleader, and I am on their team! I think often times it can be scary to be an online student because you are unsure of who is on the other side of the computer screen. However, I take joy in my student's successes, and in their failures too so that we can create a game plan to help them succeed. There is no one size fits all in education and it is my job to find that perfect fit for my students in their online learning so that they can gain confidence and grow as a student! :)
Mrs. Reardon definitely stays busy outside of the virtual classroom. She love to swim and take long walks, watch her daughter's Water Polo teams, and attend many athletic events. She is a huge Disneyland fan, or in her words, a "Disney Geek"! Our Elite Virtual students are very lucky to have such a caring, experienced and hands on teacher. Thank you Mrs. Reardon for everything that you bring to Elite Academic Academy!
Elite's 2020 Graduating Class Valedictorian - Emily Rowley
Our 2020 Graduating Class is nothing short of fantastic. They have all worked very hard and it has been a joy to see them grow and work towards their goals. Elite Academic Academy (EAA) has chosen Emily Rowley, a senior from our Homeschool Program, as our Valedictorian for the Class of 2020. Jenny Soulias, her teacher, explains why Emily exemplifies what it means to be "Elite" and is the perfect choice for Valedictorian:
Emily has a heart of gold. She is a kind, warm person who is simply a joy to be around. Academically, her eagerness to learn is exhibited in everything she does, and her work is impressive. She perseveres through challenging times and looks at everything as an opportunity to grow. It was wonderful having Emily as part of the Elite family!
Emily will be attending UC Berkeley this fall and majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She was honored to accept the position as Valedictorian, just one more accomplishment before she heads off to college.
My favorite thing about Elite has been working with my teachers to create a class schedule and even custom classes that are specific to my interests. I've been able to take a lot of classes in computer science, deep learning and math that have helped me achieve my goals and prepared me for my major at Cal. My teachers have always been super supportive of my goals, and their encouragement has been invaluable in my high school journey.
We know this is just the beginning for you Emily, and we cannot wait to see everything that you accomplish in the future! Congratulations Emily and to the entire 2020 EAA graduating class.
The Virtual Academy Experience, Through the Eyes of 8th Grader Hannah Phan
Elite teacher Vanessa Vosburg is very proud of Hannah Phan, a hard working and dedicated 8th grade student in Elite's Virtual Academy. Hannah is a joy to meet with and her enthusiasm rubs off on the teachers who get to work with her. Hannah is very thoughtful and insightful, often turning meetings with Ms. Vosburg into literary analysis and various discussions. When she isn't conquering her classes, Hannah enjoys reading, playing board games and video games, or practicing skateboarding!
Recently, Hannah was asked to share her thoughts about her experiences with Elite. In response, Hannah penned the below essay, which she has graciously allowed us to share with everyone.
*****
Lately, because of the outbreak of the coronavirus, many schools have been converting to online schools and students have had their first experience in the world of virtual school. Online school has earned a smudged reputation because of this. Students entered virtual school in a
harsh and swift manner and in an unprepared state of mind, and therefore some have negative feelings towards it. They were not able to be eased into the virtual school environment and instead were thrown into it without a choice. This essay is for students and parents alike to
inform them of why online school is actually the most favorable choice for them or their child.
The environment of a home virtual school is, well, home! Because of the ongoing virus, schools have needed to transform their educational environment into virtual studies to allow people to stay home and social distance. Students can work on their schoolwork in the comfort of
their own home or anywhere they have an internet connection. All of their supplies and materials are easily accessible. Students of official online schools and academies do not have a tight and early schedule to adjust to; instead they can craft their own daily work calendar to keep
themselves on task. Even while working at home, they can still easily separate their school and home life. Crafting a daily work schedule for school will help them to set times to work and times to chill, nap, eat, read, exercise, etc. Virtual students can also separate their school and
home lives by having a designated work area, such as a desk or table, that is separated from where they spend their free time. The comfort and accessibility of a home environment allows students to focus more easily on their schoolwork. At first, having your school life in the comfort of your own home can feel intrusive and it can be a challenge to separate work from play, but both lives combined in one place is more advantageous than you would think.
There are virtual school advantages for parents, too! Having your kids get ready to go to school in the mornings and picking them up when school is out can be a hassle and frustrating to your own work and home life. With online school, you also don’t have to worry too much about your gas tank. A survey by SchoolCountry.com shows that commute costs can make up 12-18% of total school fees. Yet, students could get restless at home without any school events to attend; however, Elite Virtual Academy (EVA) offers many different exciting and engaging field trips for virtual students. Students can choose from local or long-distance field trips and can find activities that meet their needs; such as music or dance lessons, or even joining a sports academy if they are interested.
Virtual school comes with many more perks and advantages than just being at home. Elite Virtual Academy charges no fees of any kind for any applications, classes, tutoring, materials, etc. In fact, EVA gives students the opportunity to earn free mailed goodies and prizes
to them. They host art contests, video contests, name drawings, and more that earn students goodies and cool Elite merch. I have personally won art supplies for placing in an art contest (a sketchbook and fine tip gel pens along with Elite Academy sunglasses). Parents don’t have to worry about that extra burden on their wallets and bank accounts by not having to pay for books, tuition, tutors, stationary, uniforms, commute fees, lunch, and more.
With online school comes quite a few personal benefits. In Elite Virtual Academy you can work at your own pace and there are no mandatory due dates, only at the end of each semester. Students of EVA have periodic virtual meetings with the teachers that are both educational and enjoyable. They are especially helpful and productive because of the one-on-one help and tutoring that the students usually would not receive in the average school classroom. Virtual students also have the opportunity to spend more personal time going out and spending
time with family and friends. Students gain both academic and personal advantages when schooling at home.
Doing physical education (P.E.) in the comfort of your home is a much more enjoyable activity because of the ability of personalization. As an eighth grader, in P.E. class I am required to perform forty minutes of P.E. daily and to submit what I did and for how long at the end of each week. The best part is that any type of exercising is acceptable. You can walk your dog, swim, dance, skateboard, bike, do cardio, play sports, weightlift, do yoga... you get the idea.Having the choice of choosing what to do for P.E. class while still having to meet a certain criterion makes us students work and play hard while still having fun by doing our own undesignated physical activities. P.E. makes up for sitting at our screens a majority of the day, and, of course, it helps us stay in a healthy, happy condition.
Studying at Elite Virtual Academy is a blessing for students and parents alike. You or your child being able to stay in the safety of their homes during this pandemic is both reassuring and beneficial. The accommodations and compromises made to fit a student’s personal life are immensely useful to their individual lifestyles and academic well-being. The absence of fees and the companionship of their teachers also contribute greatly to their education. The capability of personalized and private physical activities motivate students to stay on task with their P.E. and contributes to a healthy mind and body. My experience as an eighth grader in Elite Academy has genuinely been exciting and influential. The material I learn on the daily inspires me to continue to learn more and I truly retain that information. One of my favorite perks of online school is the personal free time, which I can utilize to work on my mental health and physique. Virtual school allows me to use my time for self care and it puts no strain on my academic performance, unlike the pressuring workloads and schedules of traditional schools. Taking everything into account, online school is the most desirable option for both children and their parents because of the easygoing, financially beneficial, and low-pressure environment at home.
Building Resiliency through Adversity
Post by Sal Becerra, School Counselor
While there is still much uncertainty concerning the impacts of the unprecedented COVID-19, this pandemic has forced us to adjust to a new normal. Many, like myself, have been forced into confinement in our own homes. Only going out to purchase the essentials and even then using the “Drive-Up” option to minimize the need to walk into a public place. Aspects of our professional lives have had the same impact as we have ventured to work virtually.
Whether it is as a student, parent, teacher, the administrator, many of us have to balance a life of working and being with family all at the same time. Our priorities for school, work, and personal responsibilities have been impacted by this pandemic. For that same reason, it is crucial that we work on self-care and focus on our mental health wellbeing. Finding that balance within this chaos is key. Here are some steps to take to help build your resiliency.
STEP 1: Focus On What You Can Control
When there is uncertainty or things that are beyond our control it causes us to feel stressed and/or anxious. It is extremely important to focus on what we can do in the present moment, even if it's to pause and breath, or take a mindful walk to recenter ourselves.
Take a moment and think about the things that are out of your control and the things that are within your direct influence. It is crucial to focus on the things we can control in the present moment and take those small steps to feel better. What small steps can you take to minimize the impact of stress/anxiety today?
Take some time and fill out your own What’s In Your Control thinking map (What's In Our Control).
STEP 2: Practice Self-Compassion
The second step in building resiliency is to practice SELF-COMPASSION. As human beings, we are sometimes our worst critic and something we criticize ourselves, even more, when things become overwhelming or don’t go as planned. Dr. Kristin Neff from the University of Texas at Austin has developed the three parts of Self-Compassion. Here are some ways you can implement it in your own lives:
Steps In Practicing Self-Compassion
| Practice Self-Kindness |
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| Find that Common in Humanity |
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| Be Mindful of the situation |
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Practicing Self-Compassion can help interrupt our inner critic and help us get centered. Take a minute or two each day to practice these. It will help reduce negative thoughts and allow our minds to be in the present moment.
Step 3: Create a Self-Care Plan
The final step in this journey is to develop our Self-Care Plan (Self-Care Plan). This self-care plan serves as a reminder to take care of ourselves physically and mentally every day. These small actions will contribute to making you more resilient. The Self-Care Plan below is an example of what you can do.
As you look into building your self-care plan think about the following:
| Physical | What is one thing that you can do to take care of yourself physically? |
| Mental & Emotional | What is something you can do each day to support your mental and emotional wellbeing? |
| Fun |
What is something you can do for fun? Note: within 5 to 15 minutes of doing something fun, the central nervous system starts calming down. |
| Social | What can you do to stay socially connected with your friends, family and/or significant other? |
Remember that practicing self-care is never a selfish act, it is important that we find that balance in our lives to keep us centered and psychologically healthy. I hope these tools can help you stay resilient and healthy. For more information or for further resources, please contact me at [email protected]
Inspirations of a Young Lady
Guest Blog Post by Elite Student Chaya Shmukler
I started painting when I was about 10-years-old. One day, I picked up a canvas, some paint, and a brush and decided to create something to see what would come out of it. Since that day, I have continued to paint because painting calms me down. When my creative thoughts start flowing, my whole being relaxes. It has now been almost six years. Two years ago I started taking oil pastel and watercolor art classes, but I only attended them for two months because I was ahead of what the teacher was presenting to the class and I did not like being taught how to paint. I found that it crushed my creativity so I decided to continue learning how to paint on my own.
I am featuring two of my most recent paintings. The first is painting is inspired by Pop Art. The painting depicts two people kissing. I chose to paint the male in blue and the female in hot pink with features such as plump lips with a rounded profile.
The black and white painting is a representation of a dream I had, foreseeing my own future. It is a type of surreal silhouette. You have to look at the painting from a specific angle in order to see what it is. Can you see it? Do you see one person? Two people? Or is it an animal or plant? Look first before reading on. Here is a hint: Focus your eyes on the black. The white is empty space that looks a little like Pikachu, but this is not the image. The painting is of a mother and father with their newborn baby.
These two paintings brought much inspiration into my heart. This summer I am hoping to take more art classes, so I can pursue my dream of painting.
Together We Can Make The Difference
Submitted by Sal Becerra, Elite School Counselor
It’s important that we all care for each other during this challenging and uncertain time. Suicide is the leading cause of death among school-age youth. However, suicide is preventable and together we can help keep each other safe and away from self-harm.
Individuals who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs of their distress. Parents, teachers, and friends are in a key position to pick up on these signs and get help. Most important is to never takes these warning signs lightly or promise to keep them a secret. When all adults and students in a school community are committed to making suicide prevention a priority and are empowered to take the correct actions, we can help someone in need before they engage in behavior with irreversible consequences.
During this pandemic time, social distancing can create further isolation and enhancing the feeling of being lonely or disconnected from support systems. It is during this time that we as a community can keep supporting each other and help someone be uplifted.
Every one of us has a role to play in supporting love ones during the COVID outbreak. Here are some things we can do:
- Regularly check on your friends, neighbors and family members by calling them or by contacting them through facetime.
- Ask how they are doing during this period of time, how their daily routines might have changed, and what kinds of things they are doing to cope with the stress.
- Encourage them to keep doing the activities that are allowable during COVID for their local area. Some ideas can include daily exercise or a walk, stretching, listening to or playing music, reading, enjoying favorite or humorous shows, puzzles, games, social activities, and meditation.
- If they are experiencing symptoms of physical or mental health decline, help them seek adequate medical care or call a lifeline.
- Express gratitude and appreciation for any support you get from your relationship with them. Let them know what you admire about them and the positive impact they have on you.
Our routines and daily interaction with those we love may have changed temporarily but we can still keep in close contact using creative ways. Reach out to those you love and check-in to see how they are doing. Seeing your face and smile through FaceTime may just make their day more positive.
If you or you have knowledge of someone needing help please call one of these numbers below:
| National | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | (800) 273-TALK (8255) |
| Imperial County | Imperial Valley Crisis Hotline | (760) 482 - 4000 |
| Orange County | TeenLine Hotline Help Center | (714) 639 - 8336 |
| Los Angeles County | Suicide Prevention Center | (877) 727 - 4747 |
| Riverside County | California Youth Crisis Line | (800) 843 - 5200 |
| San Bernardino County | Family Service Agency | (800) 832 - 9119 |
| San Diego County | United Behavior Health Access and Crisis Line | (800) 479 - 3339 |
| San Fernando County | CSUN Helpline | (818) 349 - HELP (4357) |
| Ventura County | Crisis Team-Suicide/Crisis Line | (805) 652 - 6727 |
Bringing Education Alive Through Travel
Ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time? How people lived? What their lives were like? Elite Academic Academy students were able to experience just that. 7 students took a trip to Washington DC on March 10th, 2020 and had the opportunity to visit some amazing historical sites.
Many students just read about the Battle at Gettysburg, George Washington’s plantation, The U.S Constitution and the Bill of Rights. But the experience of being present and actually seeing it up close and personal makes it more relevant to what we read in books. Students visit the plantation of our first president, George Washington, they were able to learn more about how people lived and the conditions they lived in.
Elite students also saw our The Declaration of Independence and the U.S Constitution in person at the National Archives Museum. They were able to learn more about the conversations and key movements that lead our countries birth.
The Civil War couldn’t of come more alive without the visit of Gettysburg, PA. Students had the opportunity to visit and step foot on one of the sites that brought our country together. Students heard about how the war started, how it landed in Gettysburg, and how people from across the country to this one site for battle. Through monuments that were created to represent key moments to our tour guides animated depictions of the battle that took place, it really made our experience being there more realistically.
Elite Academic Academy partnering up with EF Tours has brought the opportunity for students to learn in an immersive and enrichment environment. To sign-up for the next adventure sign-up to be part of the Travel Academy. Your next adventure awaits!!
Introducing Our New VAPA Club
Elite is excited to announce the newest addition to our Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, the VAPA Club! Visual and Performing Arts is growing at Elite Academic Academy, and with further student interest and participation brings a growing department with new opportunities. Our Visual and Performing Arts Lead, James Fowler, is very excited about this addition to VAPA:
“I have observed the unique talents and interests of our VAPA students. Each Elite VAPA student is deserving of a preparatory Arts community and communication platform. The VAPA department at Elite is proud to launch the VAPA Club April of 2020. This club will allow students a SAFE online communication platform, discounts on special VAPA field trips/events, free VAPA workshops from industry professionals, exciting VAPA themed parties, VAPA College and Career readiness coaching, fun giveaways and more. More information to come soon!”
Travel the World Without Leaving the Couch
By Dr. Laura Spencer, Director of Instructional Technology Integration
If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be? What would you visit when you arrived? I've always loved museums, and zoos, and other cultural centers. I find that, no matter what town I am in, I can learn so much about the people when I visit their gathering places.
Recently, travel has been restricted worldwide to curb the coronavirus outbreak, but that doesn't mean you can't visit some really cool museums, zoos, and parks (and even some colleges!). It's just that you'll now be visiting them via your computer screen instead of in person!
Our school counselor, Sal Becerra, and our VAPA Director, James Fowler curated an awesome list of places you can virtually visit from your couch.
Where will you go today?
Share with us your favorite virtual tour, or one you'd like us to add!
