Summer Enrichment Classes for Gifted and Talented Elementary Students

Schedules by grade and date are below,

 

Animation & Storytelling with Scratch

Unleash your imagination in our fun and engaging *Animation & Storytelling with Scratch* class! Designed for creative young minds, this course introduces the magic of coding through storytelling. Students will learn how to bring their own characters, worlds, and adventures to life using Scratch, a colorful and beginner-friendly programming platform. Along the way, they’ll discover key coding concepts like sequencing, loops, and events—all while crafting interactive stories and animations they can proudly share with friends and family. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and coding that keeps kids excited to learn week after week! Grades 4 - 5. All sessions are online, via Zoom. Limit 8. To register, complete the form below. Instructor: Maria DiGiovanni

  • Wednesdays

  • July 2 - August 20

  • 9am PST

  • $400 (8 sessions)


  • Thursdays

  • July 3 - August 21

  • 4pm PST

  • $400 (8 sessions)

 

Creative Web Builders

Design your first website! Jump into the exciting world of web design in our Creative Web Builders class, specially designed for curious kids! In this hands-on course, students will learn how to build and style their very own websites using beginner-friendly tools and real coding languages like HTML and CSS. From creating colorful personal pages and digital postcards to designing interactive stories and pet profiles, each project sparks creativity while introducing key web development concepts. With plenty of room for self-expression and guided support, this class empowers young learners to become confident digital creators—one fun website at a time! Grades 4 - 5. All sessions are online, via Zoom. Limit 8. To register, complete the form below. Instructor: Maria DiGiovanni

  • Wednesdays

  • July 2 - August 20

  • 4pm PST

  • $400 (8 sessions)


  • Fridays

  • July 4 - August 22

  • 9am PST

  • $400 (8 sessions)

 

Reading Comprehension

Engage in discussion and activities that strengthen your critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Through short stories, articles, writing exercises and discussion, we'll explore how authors convey deeper meaning for greater understanding. Preparatory work and homework provided. All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Grades 4 - 5. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

Reading Comprehension: Fiction

  • June 30 - July 4

  • 1pm PST

  • $250


  • July 28 - August 1

  • 5pm PST

  • $250

 

Reading Comprehension: Non-Fiction

  • July 7 - July 11

  • 5pm PST

  • $250


  • August 18 - 22

  • 1pm PST

  • $250

 

Essay Writing

Read sample essays and identify effective/ineffective elements. Explore editorials, personal narratives and persuasive rhetorical devices. Formulate a claim and write essays using details and textual evidence to substantiate your ideas. Receive feedback and revise your essays. All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

Essay Writing: Personal Narrative

  • Grades 4 - 5

  • June 23 - June 27

  • 2pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • August 25 - August 29

  • 1pm PST

  • $250

 

Essay Writing Fundamentals: Personal Narrative

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • July 7 - 11

  • 6pm PST

  • $250


Essay Writing: Informative

  • Grades 4 - 5

  • July 7 - July 11

  • 1pm PST

  • $250


Essay Writing: Argumentative

  • Grades 4 - 5

  • July 14 - July 18

  • 1pm PST

  • $250


Essay Writing Fundamentals: Informative

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • July 28 - August 1

  • 6pm PST

  • $250

 

Passionate Writers

Engage in activities that hone your skills and foster your love of writing as storytelling. Areas of focus are Sentence Fluency and Word Choice with the goal of cultivating descriptive language, specifically in employing similes, metaphors and other literary devices. Optional homework activities are provided. All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

Plots & Characters

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • June 23 - June 27

  • 6pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • Wednesdays

  • June 25 - July 23

  • 11am PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • Saturdays

  • June 28 - July 26

  • 10am PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • June 30 - July 4

  • 5pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • August 4 - August 8

  • 5pm PST

  • $250

 

Descriptive Writing

  • Grades 4 - 5

  • July 14- July 18

  • 5pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • July 21 - July 25

  • 1pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 2 - 3

  • July 21 - July 25

  • 6pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • Mondays

  • July 28 - August 25

  • 11am PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • Mondays

  • July 28 - August 25

  • 7pm PST

  • $250


Choose Your Own Adventure

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • August 25 - August 29

  • 6pm PST

  • $250

 

Grammar Fundamentals

This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of grammar in a fun and interactive way. Through a variety of activities, including games, songs, and hands-on exercises, you will explore essential grammar concepts such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and sentence structure.

By the end of the course, you will confidently identify and use different parts of speech, construct complete sentences, and enhance your writing skills. Join us in making grammar enjoyable and accessible for all! All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Grades 4 - 5. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

  • Wednesdays

  • July 30 - August 27

  • 10am PST

  • $250


  • August 18 - August 22

  • 6pm PST

  • $250

 

Diagramming Sentences

Unlock the secrets of syntax and enhance your writing skills through our engaging course on sentence diagramming. This course will introduce participants to the fundamentals of diagramming sentences, providing a visual framework to understand the relationships between words and phrases. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, learners will develop the ability to dissect complex sentences, identify parts of speech, and improve their grammar proficiency. This course will make sentence structure more clear and accessible. All sessions are online, via Zoom. Grades 4 - 5. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

  • August 4 - August 8

  • 1pm PST

  • $250

 

Writing Clinics

Individualized Support

Participate in guided writing exercises with a focus on syntax, vocabulary and grammar. Both creative and essay prompts are presented. Individualized feedback is provided in real time. All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • August 11 - August 15

  • 6pm PST

  • $250


  • Grades 4 - 5

  • Fridays

  • June 27 - July 25

  • 10am PST

  • $250

 

Project Presentations

Learn how to design and deliver interesting and engaging presentations for school! You will spend time practicing stepping into confidence with your delivery of material in order to train your skills for school or beyond. Grades 4 - 5. All sessions are online, via Zoom. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

  • Wednesdays

  • June 25 - July 23

  • 10am PST

  • $250


  • Thursdays

  • July 31 - August 28

  • 7pm PST

  • $250


  • Saturdays

  • August 2 - August 30

  • 10am PST

  • $250

 

Public Speaking Salons

Being comfortable in front of an audience and able to express your ideas concisely are valuable skills to possess. Being able to capture the undivided attention of your audience and keep them in the palm of your hand as you rally them to action are skills that can transform both the audience and the speaker. Learn how to project your voice, gesticulate effectively, end your sentences definitively and engage your audience. All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

Public Speaking: Informative

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • July 14- July 18

  • 6pm PST

  • $250


Public Speaking: Persuasive

  • Grades 2 - 3

  • August 4 - August 8

  • 6pm PST

  • $250


Public Speaking: Informative

  • Grades 4 - 5

  • Mondays

  • July 28 - August 25

  • 10am PST

  • $250

 

Passionate Readers

Join our Passionate Readers Book Club, where students come together once a week to dive into the exciting world of literature! This club is a vibrant community for young book lovers to explore a wide range of genres, share their favorite reads, and discover new authors. Each week, we engage in lively discussions, participate in fun activities, and deepen our understanding of various themes and writing styles. Whether you're a devoted reader or just beginning your literary journey, this club welcomes all who share a love for books. Come and connect with fellow students, expand your reading horizons, and ignite your passion for storytelling! All sessions are online, via Zoom. To register, complete the form below. Grades 4 - 5. Limit 8. Instructor: Stacia Bell

  • Tuesdays

  • July 8 - August 5

  • 10am PST

  • $250


  • Saturdays

  • July 12 - August 9

  • 2pm PST

  • $250

 

Vocabulary Institute

Aristophanes said, "By words, the mind is excited and the spirit elated." Join this deep-dive into the world of words for the purpose of expanding your written and verbal vernacular. Preparatory work provided. All sessions are online, via Zoom. Grades 4 - 5. To register, complete the form below. Limit 8. Instructor: Robin Russell

 
  • June 30 - July 4

  • 6pm PST

  • $250

 
Ms. Russell is always full of energy, she gives fantastic, personalized feedback to help everyone build on their talents, and we always learn in a fun and engaging way. I’ve grown tremendously in this class, and I’d highly recommend it to all students who want to improve their writing skills.
Your support as an instructor, cheerleader, and coach has been a part of a successful journey for my children. They really enjoyed the environment, classmates, and of course, your expertise.
Going to Mrs. Russell’s class is like immersing yourself in a new world where anything can happen! It’s full of life, magic, and laughter. By the end, you’ll be creating your own unique world that you never want to leave.
 

Summer 2025 Registration

Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your Junk Mail.

 

all times are pacific standard time (PST). All classes are online, via zoom. Limit 8.

 

all times are pacific standard time (PST). All classes are online, via zoom. Limit 8.