3rd, 4th and 5th Grade
Junior Mastery (Grades 3 through 5) groups meet twice a week in multi-level groups. This yearly commitment to a mastery allows students to develop discipline, the ability to think outside the box, collaboration, problem solving skills, creativity and pride in personal accomplishments.
Around the Table
Ana Vizoso and Veronica Castillo
Students learn different aspects “around the table.” As chefs, they learn their way around the kitchen, preparing kid-friendly recipes and learning the importance of a balanced, nutritious and healthy diet. In addition to cooking, students also learn tips and tricks on planning an event, as well as basic table etiquette.
Requirements: Students must be able to listen and follow directions, work in teams, and try new foods. Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in cooking.
Annual Fee: $30 – for staples in the kitchen. During the course of the year students will be required to bring specific ingredients depending on the recipe they are creating.
Caring Cougars
Natalie Batista and Rebecca White
Caring Cougars have an interest in helping others. Students work together to learn about the needs of our local and school communities. Students help develop service projects, fundraisers, and engage in acts of kindness that benefit various local charities. Caring Cougars work to recognize the power of a series of small actions towards a larger goal and learn that personal effort creates change.
Requirements: Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in service. Some service projects may require attendance during weekend events.
Cross Country / Track
Carlos Salvat and Paola Magliano
Cross Country requires students to run long distances. Students are expected to arrive on time and in proper running attire (regulation shorts, shirt, and running shoes). Students run 2-4 miles daily at different paced intervals to give them a well-rounded and solid foundation as they begin to understand what cross country and track style running consists of. By changing the methods in which students run, the coaches are able to identify each runners’ strengths and best determine their events.
Requirements: Try-out. Wear your regular uniform for the day and bring your PE uniform and sneakers in a bag.
Annual Fee: $275 – for uniform, practice t-shirts, Gatorade, entry fees, and tent.
Tryout: Tuesday, August 27th
Dance
Danella Bedford
Conchita Espinosa Youth Dance Ensemble (CEYDE) is dedicated to enhancing the dance training in various dance styles. Dance Mastery aims to provide students with the tools needed for performance in the professional world. In today’s dance world, the dancer must be extremely versatile as this art form continues to develop and, therefore, classes focus on ballet and modern technique, with other styles taught whenever possible. Students also study “progressive ballet technique,” which is a specific body conditioning class with the use of various simple equipment. Field trips to performances, workshops, or a combination of both, in or out of town, are an integral part of the training.
Requirements: Pre-Audition Class and Audition.
Students in Dance Mastery must take ballet in the Conservatory of the Arts. Students must have a desire and a passion to pursue dance and the ability to work hard and are expected to commit fully to the program, which includes consistent attendance to all conservatory classes, rehearsals, workshops, master classes, competitions, and field trips. Most performances, competitions, and extra rehearsals are NOT during school hours and, therefore, this program requires extra commitment, from both the students but also the parents. There are also extra costs, including, but not limited to, uniform, field trips, master classes and competitions. The cost can vary for each student, but an approximate cost of main events will be discussed in the first meeting at the beginning of the year.
Audition Class (Mandatory) – Thursday, August 29th from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Audition: Friday, August 30th
Students must bring leotard, tights, and ballet shoes on both days. Dancers must wear a proper ballet bun on both days.
Lego Robotics
Diane Majors
In Lego Robotics, students learn new vocabulary, use creativity, science, technology, and organization, planning, and problem-solving skills to build models and program them. Students share their creations with peers orally and in writing.
Requirements: Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in lego robotics. Students should enjoy building and creating with Legos, blocks, etc. Students should enjoy using technology to create programs, be good listeners, and be able to follow oral and written directions.
Annual Fee: $140 – to cover a portion of the robotics portion of the program.
Junior Magazine
Jessica Munar
The Junior Magazine Mastery is a special place for aspiring young writers to express themselves through writing and art. Students create poetry, narrative writing, and learn about various writing styles and genres. Students also learn to upload their writing and artwork and create layouts for teh school’s literary magazine. Their writing is published in the school’s monthly newsletters and website, as well as the school’s literary magazine, Esencia.
Requirements: Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in bring part of the literary magazine.
Mathletes
Fransel Lapica
Mathletes fosters a love for mathematics, science, engineering and problem solving. Students engage in hands-on activities, cooperative projects, and playing games centered around math. Mathletes provides academic benefits, and is a great way to express creativity and develop teamwork skills.
Requirements: Students must have a passion for math and science, be good team players, have a competitive spirit, be creative and be ready to have fun. During the course of the year, students will be asked to bring materials for different projects we will be making. Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in math.
Annual Fee – $25 for materials
Music
Yirka Ledon, Norman Milanes, Wendy Ocando, Antonio Perigo, Jose Pradas
Junior Music Mastery is the Mastery Group for CEA’s youngest musicians. It is geared towards students interested in developing their passion for music. Students do not need previous music experience. The music faculty work with new music students, as well as students who have previous experience with the instrument. Music faculty work students on an individual basis to strengthen their technical skills as musicians, as well as work with instruments in sections, and participate in ensemble work, in order to discover the magic of making music through teamwork. Violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, guitars, percussion instruments, keyboards, etc., are used to create music that delights audiences of all ages. Music Mastery participates in several performances each year.
Requirements: Interview (by homeroom Monday, August 26th through Thursday, August 29th ). Participation in conservatory music classes is recommended.
Fee – $100 fee for materials.
Visual Arts
Karina Vazquez
The goal for the Visual Arts Mastery is to give students knowledge of historical perspectives of art, as well as the classical techniques of each of the movements that studied in class.
Visual Arts classes take a classical approach to teaching drawing and painting as well as the history of art. The program goes beyond arts and crafts; the students learn how “to see” in a new way as well as to view, discuss, and create art masterpieces. Students use technology to research different arts and periods of art. Visits to museums and other art events pertaining to class discussion will occur during the year.
Requirements: Applicants should have a passionate interest in art since students are expected to spend at least 2 hours a week working in their sketchbooks at home. Portfolio submission is required. Portfolio should include current sketchbook with more than 10 pages completed and an original art work (size 8½ x 11) along with a paragraph or two about their artwork and/or interest in art. Name and homeroom should be on the back of the sketchbook and the art work. Turn in art portfolio to Mrs. Vazquez by Thursday, August 29th.
Fee – There is a $100 fee for supplies.
Voice
Laura de Mare
The CEA Voice Mastery is the official voice of Conchita. In Voice Mastery, students explore various vocal and musical styles. Students will not only grow vocally, but have the opportunity to blossom as performers. The voice mastery participates in official CEA ceremonies, such as First Communion and Graduation, and performs in assemblies, the Festival of the Arts, and other CEA and CEC important performances and events throughout the year.
Requirements: Audition (by homeroom Monday, August 26th through Thursday, August 29th ).
