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Grades 5–8

All 2020 Summer at Country Day offerings are available to current and incoming LJCDS families. Please visit the Parent Portal (login required) for the link to sign up for these complimentary programs. If you have any questions, please contact Summer Programs staff at summerprograms@ljcds.org.

New families are welcome to contact the office of admission for the link.


Morning

Afternoon

Academics

List of 8 items.

  • Adventures in Reading (Grades 5–6)

    Fill your summer with Wonder. Students will go on an in-depth dive into the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Reading will focus on building vocabulary, fluency and reading comprehension skills. Students will reflect on the important values exemplified in this story as they perform a Reader’s Theater portrayal of the story’s plot. Students will also read and discuss other texts with similar themes as Wonder. Come read with friends and see how spreading a little kindness in the world can truly make the world a better place.
     
    July 7–10 (There will be no camp on July 6)
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS librarian Lorrie Culver

  • Creating Simple Math Models to Gain Insights on the Spread of a Virus (Grades 5–12)

    One of the most exciting areas of modeling concerns “predicting” change. The main question that is posed in this setting is how to calculate change over time? This type of problem is found in science, engineering, humanities and finance. Predictions are made by knowing the value of something at a certain time (how many people have a virus on Monday) and then computing the values at a later time (how many people will have the virus a month from now). A system of equations that allows such a prediction is called a Discrete Dynamical System. In this class we will use basic concepts of arithmetic to model change. All the modeling will be done using Excel. The types of problems we will examine will be determined by the students. Some students may like to know how many sequences of 0’s and 1’s do not have two consecutive 0’s (a future computer scientist). Other students may want to model the interest on a car loan (a business major). We will have fun examining a variety of questions. This class is designed for both Middle and Upper School students. 

    June 8–12
    9–11:30 a.m.
    Gary Krahn, Ph.D., Head of School

  • Library and Research Skills (Grades 5–6)

    Are you looking for the tools that inspire curiosity? Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there? Working with the LJCDS librarian, students will be introduced to basic research skills and information literacy through researching and presenting a Google Slides project. Students will learn the importance of finding the right information. Class activities include discussions, learning to form a plan of attack, working on time management, concept mapping, library and research skills, and a touch of public speaking.
     
    June 15–19 
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS librarian Rafael Eaton

  • Mathematical Problem Solving (Grades 7–8)

    This two-week course is designed to help students develop their mathematical reasoning through discussion and application of problem-solving strategies such as working backward, solving a simpler problem and searching for a pattern. The focus will be on inquiry, exploration and discussion, and arriving at the solution(s) as opposed to the solution itself. Students will explore content adapted from the problem sets used at Exeter and the Art of Problem-Solving. 
     
    July 13–24 (two-week program)
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator Jamilah Ryan

  • Rational Number Explorations (Grades 5–6)

    An in-depth and hands-on approach to learning fractions, decimals, percents and integers. This class will focus on working through the basic algorithms for working with each operation and use visual and tactile learning to support concept development.
     
    June 22–26
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS math educator Andy D’Avanzo

  • Summer Reading (Grade 8)

    Students will be booked this summer! With great reads, that is. They’ll improve reading comprehension, discuss selections and practice critical thinking. Class activities include discussion, reading rounds, book reviews and talks and oral reading. Selections will include at least one novel from the LJCDS summer reading list. Books are included in fees.
     
    June 15–19
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS English educator Nate Heppner

  • Writing Skills (Grades 5–6)

    Be the writer! Be the designer! Be the publisher! Work on writing paragraphs and longer pieces based on student interests. This is a great class for students who need to work on writing more efficiently and accurately. The teacher will work with individual students at their levels.

    July 20–24
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator Wendy Clemente

  • Writing Skills (Grades 7–9)

    Be the writer! Be the designer! Be the publisher! Work on writing paragraphs and longer pieces based on student interests. This is a great class for students who need to work on writing more efficiently and accurately. The teacher will work with individual students at their levels.
     
    July 27–31
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator Wendy Clemente

Arts

List of 9 items.

  • 2D Art-Making (Grades 5–9)

    Develop your voice in this introductory course that will introduce students to a dynamic variety of two-dimensional art-making. This class is truly an experimental laboratory where conceptual thinking, artmaking and design skills are developed. Some materials used include charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, colored pencils, pastels and collage. We will virtually explore various international museums.

    June 29–July 2 (There will be no camp on July 3)
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Craft Time! (Grades 3-6)

    Looking to get creative this summer? Craft Time provides a week of DIY crafts and projects using materials from around your house in a fun social setting. We will be making a variety of different projects including origami, collage art, instruments and more.
     
    July 13–17
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator G Trupp

    July 20–24
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator G Trupp

  • Exploring Photography (Grades 5–11)

    Develop your voice and vision as a photographer in this fun camp! Students will have the opportunity to respond to a variety of creative photography prompts in their own, unique way. We will learn the basics of composition and visual communication, share work with one another, and practice digital editing skills. The class will culminate with a virtual photography exhibition! Students may use either a camera or a phone to capture their shots for the course.  
     
    June 22–26
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS art educator Jessie McIntyre

  • Figurative Sculpture (Grades 5–9)

    It’s time to explore personal expression through the versatile medium of polymer clay. Students will explore all the wonderful elements of sculpture (form, structure, negative space, balance, symmetry) as they grapple with the technical and conceptual issues related to sculpture and the creation of figures: animals, humans and other creatures. One-on-one mentorship and group critiques will provide the opportunity to reflect on their work while understanding the rich connection sculpture has to artistic expressions from the past and present and other cultures.

    June 15–19
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Fun With Photoshop (Grades 5–12)

    The possibilities with Photoshop are endless! In this fun and diverse class, students will learn basic and advanced tools to create some fun creations. Photography enthusiasts will learn how to add or remove elements to create their masterpiece. 
     
    July 7–10
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS innovation educator Luna Kim

  • Hue and Balance–Fun with Pastels (Grades 3–6)

    Discover the basics of pastels: how to use color to achieve harmonious effects and the use of the color wheel. There will be an emphasis on the elements of art, composition, form and contemporary art. Along with improving drawing skills, students will be encouraged to use their imaginations and to develop their own style. 
     
    July 7–10 (There will be no camp on July 6)
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Intro to 2–D Art (Grades 3–6)

    Develop your voice in this beginning course that will introduce students to a dynamic variety of two-dimensional art-making. This class is truly an experimental laboratory where creativity, art-making and design skills are developed. Some materials used include charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, colored pencils, pastels and collage. Students will be encouraged to use their imaginations to develop their own style. 
     
    July 27–July 31
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Intro to Architecture: Designing a Space (Grades 5–12)

    Students will be introduced into the rich history of exterior and interior architecture. They will take inspiration from respected international architects and put into practice what they’ve seen. During this course, each student will develop skills in freehand and architectural drawing, as well as experiment with software programs and emerging technologies including augmented reality. Each student will work on a series of design projects culminating in a final architectural proposition.
     
    July 20–24
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Intro to Graphic Design (Grades 5–12)

    Digitize your drawings to share with everyone! In this course, students will learn a variety of design skills to create graphics. Learn about highlights and shadows to achieve depth and color theory to make your designs stand out. Save your digital masterpiece and share your artwork with your friends and family.
     
    July 27–31
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS innovation educator Luna Kim

Arts

List of 4 items.

  • 3D Art-Making (Grades 5–9)

    Come explore all of the wonderful elements of sculpture (form, structure, negative space, balance, symmetry, etc.) and grapple with the technical and conceptual issues related to sculpture and the creation of an object. Students will produce a body of work that is inspired by the history of sculpture. They will explore their own relationship to material and the meaning we give to home objects. Materials used include our natural surroundings, metal and everyday household objects.
     
    July 7–July 10
    12:30–3 p.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Beginning Music Theory (Grades 7–12)

    If you have ever wanted to learn how to read music, how music is organized and notated, or simply wanted to advance your music reading skills, then Beginning Music Theory is the course for you. Throughout the two-week period, we will explore pitch, rhythm, meter, notation, scales, keys, key signatures, meter signatures, intervals, triads, seventh chords and basic harmony. By the end of the course, you will know all major and minor keys, how to read and write in treble and bass clef using standard meters and rhythmic values, and how to notate and harmonize a simple melody. Knowledge of all areas will be tested through hands-on project work. This is a two-week class.

    June 8–12 and June 15–19
    12:30–3 p.m. 
    LJCDS choir and music educator Caroline Becker

  • Intro to Architecture: Designing a Space (Grades 5–9)

    Students will be introduced to the rich history of exterior and interior architecture and take inspiration from respected international architects. They will develop skills in freehand and architectural drawing and experiment with software programs and emerging technologies, including augmented reality. Each student will work on a series of design projects culminating in a final architectural proposition.

    June 22–26
    12:30–3 p.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

  • Watercolor: The Natural World (Grades 5–9)

    In this course, we will produce a body of work that explores the beauty of the natural world. Technical skills in watercolor will be developed through in-class demonstrations and applications in our own paintings. Subject matter will include landscapes, plants and animals. Students will take inspiration and insight from the outdoors.
     
    July 27–July 31
    12:30–3 p.m.
    LJCDS art educator Liz Stringer

Tech/STEAM

List of 2 items.

  • Building an App (Grades 6–12)

    Love playing games? Have an app in mind that you wish existed? Students will learn to code and develop their first application! From ideation all the way to development, students will learn how mobile apps work and how to build each component. As a bonus, students will also learn how to design the apps to have a beautiful custom look.

    July 20–24
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS innovation educator Luna Kim

  • Keyboarding (Grades 5–8)

    Typing is more than a key skill for students in today’s computer-driven world—it can be an academic advantage. Students will learn typing techniques and strategies, with the goals of reaching 30 words per minute (wpm) for fifth-graders and 40 wpm for sixth-graders. 

    June 8–12
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator Bob Simon

    June 29–July 2 (There will be no camp on July 3)
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator Bob Simon

    July 13–17
    9–11:30 a.m.
    LJCDS educator Bob Simon

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

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