Fuel your curiosity! Are you a sixth to eighth grader passionate about science, technology, engineering, or math? Do you thrive on thinking creatively and solving problems? Do you enjoy building or inventing things and want to make a difference in the future? If you answered yes to these questions, this fall and winter session is perfect for you! Join LJCDS Middle School Science Educator Mr. Bessler, a two-time Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year, in an outstanding program to help students craft engaging science fair projects. For more information, visit the fair’s website or contact Mr. Bessler directly at mbessler@ljcds.org. Please note that completing the project will require additional time beyond weekly meetings, and the student’s family must cover additional project-related costs. Deadlines: Jan. 20: Grades 6 and 7 digital project submissions due Jan. 27: Grade 8 digital project submissions due Led by LJCDS Middle School Science Educator Matt Bessler

Participants join varsity cheerleaders to learn the basics of cheerleading and create a routine. Cheerleaders will perform at a pep rally and during halftime of the Homecoming game. All participants will receive a Little Torrey Cheer T-shirt, poms, and bows. The Lower School Pep Rally is on Thursday, Oct. 17, during school hours, and the Homecoming game is on Friday, Oct. 18, with a 5:30 p.m. call time (7 p.m. game). Led by Varsity Cheerleading Coaches Christine Mitchell and Sandra Bashore

These after-school lessons are available through a partnership with Villa Musica, a local non-profit community music center. They take place on campus and are designed to be a nurturing environment where students can further develop skills they learn during the day with music classes and ensembles directed by LJCDS music teachers. Parents will be billed through the school for lesson fees. Lesson options include: Private violin lessons (Grades 1–12) Private piano lessons (Grades 1–12) Private voice lessons (Grades 1-12) Private guitar lessons (Grades 3–12) Students with private lessons will meet with their teacher for 30 minutes between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. one day a week. Dates: Mondays (10 sessions): Sept. 9–Nov. 18 (No class on Nov. 11) Tuesdays (12 sessions): Sept. 3–Nov. 19 Wednesdays (10 sessions): Sept. 4–Nov. 20 (No class on Oct. 2 and 30) Thursdays (11 sessions): Sept. 5–Nov. 21 (No class on Oct. 31) Fridays (6 sessions): Sept. 13–Nov. 15 (No class on Oct. 4 and 11, Nov. 1 and 8) $54/private lesson $28/group lesson Led by Villa Musica instructors Once registered, please contact Aaron Bullard (abullard@villamusica.org) about scheduling and with any questions. By signing up for lessons, you are committing to the entire quarter.

Do you like to sing, dance, or act? An enthusiastic group of Middle School students is needed to present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Join us as we live in the world of the Peanuts for a day. All your favorite characters will be there: Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, and more. We will navigate kite flying, hungry dogs, baseball games, and more! Everyone who registers for this class is guaranteed a part in the show. New this year, auditions are held after two weeks of rehearsals to give all students a chance to become familiar with each other, the show, and the audition process. No matter your experience level, Miss Yin, Ms. Hansen, and Mrs. Clemente will prepare all participants to feel confident going through the audition process. Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m.: Aug. 27–Nov. 12 Performances: Wednesday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m., Four Flowers Theater Special dates September 5, 5–5:30 p.m.: Parent Meeting—After rehearsal, stay for a pizza dinner and information session on what it’s like to put on a show and how to support students through auditions, learning lines, performances, etc. Siblings are welcome. September 10: Auditions November 11: Tech Rehearsal from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (No school–Veterans Day) November 12: Final Dress Rehearsal from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Director/Choreographer: Christy Yin (LS/MS dance educator) Music Director: Liesl Hansen (MS music educator) Production Support: Wendy Clemente (LS music educator)

Begin learning the cello or continue your studies with Bing Yan. Private cello lessons run for 30-minute sessions on Wednesdays between 3 and 5:30 p.m. After registering online, please contact Bing Yan at celloyan60@gmail.com to schedule your specific session time. Private lesson: $55 / 30-minute lesson Partner lesson: $30 / per student / 30-minute lesson You will be billed monthly for lessons completed.

Middle School students apply math, science, and technology concepts to design and code Roblox games. The immersive world of Roblox enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork while bringing classroom knowledge to life. Dive in and unleash your creativity. Led by Kodely (STEM courses)

The Cool Cats kindergarten program teaches confidence, focus, and social skills through the fundamentals of martial arts (awareness, traditional karate, kicking, and boxing). Students receive a complimentary Freestyle Martial Arts T-shirt and white belt to wear to every class. Led by Freestyle Martial Arts Instructor Maia Hayden

The Pine Tones is LJCDS’ Lower and Middle School choir. It is open to any student who wants to sing; no audition or prior experience is required. The Pine Tones will perform at several school and community events throughout the school year, including a day at Disneyland Resort with a Disney Cast Member choir workshop in March and a final performance in May. This program runs in the fall, winter, and spring sessions from Sept. 9–May 19. There is no class on school holidays plus Jan. 6. Price includes uniforms, All Kids Create festival fees, and Disney workshop transportation and admission. Led by Lower School Music Educator Wendy Clemente and Lower School Performing Arts Educator Kelley Hart

Get your homework done with your Middle School English teachers! Students will receive support in completing their weekly assignments and preparing for quizzes, tests, and projects. This program will guide students in developing their executive functioning skills, such as planning, time management, prioritization, and perseverance, to maximize their academic potential. Students should bring their weekly assignments, laptops, and study materials to each session. Led by LJCDS English Educators Miranda Katz (Grade 5) and Christa Bentley (Grade 6)

Young dancers will learn new moves to hip-hop classics and exciting new music filled with positive messages. They’ll also learn fundamental dance skills, work on their gross motor abilities, and gain confidence while getting an introduction to hip-hop. The class focuses on creative expression and social-emotional growth. Led by Seaside Arts Center

Checkmate! Grab your bishops and knights and join Excelsior Chess for an exciting 8-week chess club session. Trained and experienced coaches bring enthusiasm to each team workout and share their passion and insights into the game. Group participation, playing skills, and sportsmanship are evaluated at each workout, and at the session’s end, every player receives an award acknowledging their achievement. Kindergarten runs from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Grades 1–4 runs from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Led by Excelsior Chess, Tricia or Michael Hedman

Students learn the fundamentals of kickboxing, traditional karate, and self-defense. All students receive a complimentary Freestyle Martial Arts T-shirt and white belt to wear to every class. There are only 6 classes because of early dismissals and days off. Led by Freestyle Martial Arts Instructor Maia Hayden