ASEP Activities
We have worked very hard to secure funding for our many enrichment and academic programs for this year. Additionally we have sent staff to several trainings so they will be prepared to implement the programs and work effectively with your children. What follows is brief descriptions of the programs we will be implementing.

Kidzlit
Our literacy program is called Kidzlit. Our goal is to bring good books to life and help the kids enjoy reading. Together, we will be reading a range of children's literature featuring stories and characters from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The books also highlight the positive values we emphasize here at ASEP - such as respect, kindness and responsibility.

Spark
We are continuing our physical activity curriculum into our program this year. San Diego State University SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) has been awarded "Exemplary Program" by the U.S. Department of Education. The curricula evolved from a National Institutes of Health study and a California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness project. SPARK has been proven effective by objective research with thousands of young people.
It is important that children feel successful each day and that they leave the program eager to attend again. That's why we plan to incorporate "S.E.A.D." philosophy. Physical activities will be Safe, Enjoyable, Active and Developmentally Appropriate.
One of our program goals is to actively engage children in sufficient amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity to improve and/or maintain their physical health and well being. Another goal is to encourage children to get excited about movement so they will seek opportunities to be active outside of the program and as part of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, children enhance motor, personal and social skills.

Tree Frog Treks
For the third straight year in a row, Tree Frog Treks is returning to ASEP! For parents who are not familiar with this program, Tree Frog Treks is a science based organization that, " strives to create critical thinkers that will work to save, preserve, and maintain our planet's biodiversity by introducing them to live rescued reptiles and amphibians, offering fun, hands-on science and art programming, and exploring nature." For the past two years the students and teachers alike enjoyed Tree Frog Treks so much that we asked them to return for a third year.

Drumming
Alfie Macias, our drumming teacher, will also be returning for a third year! Alfie has had great success with our students and we are looking forward to his return. He will teach students a variety of basic drum rhythms from around the world, from South America to Africa. And, this year, he will even teach students basic dance techniques to accompany the drumming! Not only does he teach during our program but he also teaches during the school day. Thus, what he teaches at ASEP reinforces and expounds on what your child learns in his class during the school day.

Shutterbugs
Lastly, this year we are looking forward to a new exciting enrichment program called Shutterbugs, which is an art and Photography program designed specifically for 1st-5th graders. It will be taught by Melissa O’Mahony who is an experienced photographer and educator. The program will not only include the basics of black and white and color Photography, but will also include art projects related to aspects of Photography such as light, perspective, design and composition. In many cases students will work with reused and found materials.