Grades 5–8: Take the Stage in SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical, Jr. GET READY TO DIVE INTO BIKINI BOTTOM Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and all your favorite characters on an unforgettable adventure packed with show-stopping songs and dances, and nonstop fun. Featuring music by incredible artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, Panic! At the Disco, John Legend, and more. As Bikini Bottom faces its biggest challenge yet, SpongeBob and friends discover that courage, teamwork, and the power of optimism really can save the world. LED BY LJCDS Christy Yin, Dance and Musical Theater Educator; Liesl Hansen, Middle School Music Educator; and Wendy Clemente, Lower School Music Educator and theater costumer. Program highlights Rehearsals twice a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Dance Studio, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1. A full production arc: 32 meetings from the first rehearsal in August through the December performances — the longest-running program in this catalog. Auditions for those who want them: Tuesday, September 1 and Thursday, September 3, with a place in the ensemble for everyone. Three educators, three specialties: dance and staging, music, and costuming, so students get coached by someone who knows each craft. Two public performances: Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3 at 5 p.m. in the Four Flowers Theater, plus a preview for Lower School and ECC. Students leave with: a fully staged musical under their belt — songs learned, choreography performed, and a role they owned in front of a live audience. Ways to take part Ensemble — sing and dance as part of the company: no audition required and no prior experience needed. Named roles — audition for a larger part with more speaking, singing, and dancing. Expect more lines to learn and more rehearsal focus.Key dates for families Tue, Sep 1: First rehearsal · Dance StudioThu, Sep 3: Rehearsal, followed by the All Hands On Deck parent meeting, 4:30–5:15 p.m. · Dance StudioSep 8–Nov 12: September 8 and 10, Auditions, 3:30–4:30 p.m. · Dance StudioRehearsals continue Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. (No class on Oct. 1 or Oct. 29)Nov 16-Nov 19: Rehearsals Monday through Thursday, from 3:30–5:30 p.m.Nov 23–27: Fall Break — no rehearsalsMon, Nov 30 and Tue, Dec 1: Dress rehearsals 3:30–5:30 p.m.Tue, Dec 1: Lower School and ECC preview · time to be confirmedWed, Dec 2 and Thu, Dec 3: Performances, 5 p.m. · Four Flowers TheaterThis program runs past the fall session and finishes with the December performances. Attendance builds toward a live show, so consistent rehearsal attendance matters.

Compete in the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering FairFUEL YOUR CURIOSITY! Are you a sixth–eighth grade student with a passion for science, technology, engineering, or math? Do you enjoy asking questions, solving problems, designing experiments, building things, or inventing new ideas? Whether you’re hoping to compete for top honors or simply want to experience what scientific research is really about, this program is for you. LED BY Matt Bessler, Middle School Science Educator and two-time Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year, and Chris Uyeda, Upper School Science Educator.Contact: mbessler@ljcds.org Program highlights A proven record: every student project submitted to the fair over the past 11 years has been accepted. Top honors earned: students have won the Grand Award, the highest honor presented at the fair, as well as Runner-Up Grand Award, category awards, and special recognitions. 16 meetings, September through January: The weekly, 2-hour sessions are a full research arc rather than a single term. Two experienced science educators: individualized coaching on research, experimentation, data analysis, engineering design, and scientific writing. Detailed written feedback: on research papers and project development throughout. Students leave with: a completed research project and, for those who choose it, a county fair submission. Ways to take part Competitive Pathway — for highly dedicated students aiming to compete formally at the fair. This track requires substantial time outside weekly meetings from both students and parents, strict adherence to deadlines including the digital submission deadline of Monday, January 25, 2027, and preparation for external judging. Expect additional time at home to conduct research, collect data, build prototypes, and prepare presentations. Families are responsible for any project-related expenses. Discovery Pathway — a relaxed, hands-on experience for students who want to explore the scientific process without the pressure of external competition. Students design projects and present internally to peers entirely during meeting times, with little outside homework, no strict deadlines, and no formal judging. No meetings on November 25, December 23, and 30. Digital project submissions are due to the county on Monday, January 25, 2027.