STEM Middle School
2023 Summer Middle School Camps
We are delighted to be able to offer the 2023 Middle School Academy in-person at Fallon Middle School. We have one, two and three week enrichment courses during the summer to students in 6th to 8th Grades. Our enrichment courses will be open to students from all school districts.
Grades stated in the course descriptions are for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Please enroll your student accordingly.
Week 1: Starting June 12th
- ARCHERY For Everyone! (3 Weeks)
- Are You Ready for Broadway? The Snow Queen (3 Weeks)
- Chess Summer Camp for Middle School students (1 Week)
- Computer Science for Innovators and Makers (2 Weeks)
- Introduction to Competitive Table Tennis (2 weeks)
- Life Skills: Combo Camp- Public Speaking, Debate, & Personal Finance (2 Weeks)
- WordSMASH! 1 for Grades 6-8: Summer Reading and Word Fun (2 Weeks)
- Writer’s Nook 1 for grades 6-8 - Create your own Book! (2 Weeks)
Week 2: Starting June 20th (No Classes on June 19)
Week 3: Starting June 26th
Week 4: Starting July 3rd (No class on July 4)
ARCHERY For Everyone! (3 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr Eric Lamonica, Fallon Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 10th
Dates/Times: Weeks: 1, 2 & 3
June 12th - June 30th | Monday to Friday (no class on June 19)
Session A: 10am - 11am
Session B: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Session C: 1pm - 2pm
Duration: 14 x 1 hour
Room: Gym
Tuition: $299
Course Description:
Come try archery! This sport is a great activity that doesn’t discriminate based size, gender, athletic skills, popularity or academic ability.
In Archery your child will participate in a fun and fast-growing sport, develop strong problem-solving skills, increase focus and determination, learn goal setting, build confidence and discipline and create friendships that will last a lifetime. Whether your child's interest is purely recreational or has Olympic, Paralympic or World Championship dreams, this class is tailored to help the young archer achieve their goals.
In this class students will learn the basic equipment used for archery, practice components for nocking, drawing, aiming and shooting on targets, practice scoring and retrieving arrows. learn basic rules and etiquette of target archery, practice stretching and warming up specifically for archery and be encouraged to continue participation in Archery for its recreational, health, fitness and social benefits. It’s a great way to try out this fun and exciting sport.
Class Tournament – All the last day of class students will participate in a class tournament and medals will be awarded to the top 6 finishers in the class.
Are You Ready for Broadway? The Snow Queen (3 Week Course)
Based on the tale by Hans Christian Andersen and from the story that inspired Disney’s Frozen
Instructor: Instructors from Kenn Adam's Synergy Theater
Grade Level: Rising 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th
Dates: Weeks 1, 2 & 3: June 12 – June 30 | Monday to Friday
(no class on June 19th)
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Duration: 14 x 3 hours
Room: MPR
Tuition: $529
Course Description:
Is your child ready to be a STAR?! In this three-week Summer Theater Camp, you will learn all about acting in a play, form amazing new friendships and those memories will last a lifetime as you step into a role in our magical production of The Snow Queen.
In this mystical story Anna’s best friend has been kidnapped by the mysterious Snow Queen, sending Anna on a magical journey to bring him back alive. But, trying to stop her are murderous robbers, wicked witches, horrible monsters, and – of course – the Snow Queen, herself. Will Anna, along with the help of her trusty reindeer Sven, defeat the Snow Queen and rescue her friend? Find out in this exciting action-adventure-comedy that’s a thrill for performer and audience alike!
Better yet, on the last two days of the class, students will perform the play in front of family and friends on the Fallon Middle School stage. Better rsvp for your tickets now!
Chess Summer Camp for Middle School students (1 Week)
Instructor: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Level: Rising 6th & 7th
Dates: Week 1: June 12 – 16 | Monday to Friday
Week 3: June 26 – June 30 | Monday to Friday
Time: 10am - 12 Noon
Duration: 5 x 2 hours
Room: B2
Tuition: $199
Course Description:
Offered to Middle Schools students, this chess summer camp is a great opportunity to significantly improve the knowledge of the game and get ready to participate in tournaments.
The combination of chess tactics and strategies lessons allows students to achieve great results in a short period of time. The summer camp includes instruction, various tournaments (chess, bughouse, SacCity) as well as outdoor activities. All campers receive trophies at the end of each week!
Computer Science for Innovators and Makers (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr Kyle Voeller, Fallon Technology Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th & 8th
Dates: Week 1 & 2: June 12 – 23 | Monday to Friday - Session 1
Week 3 & 4: June 26 – July 7 | Monday to Friday - Session 2
(No class on June 19th or July 4th)
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Duration: 9 x 2 hours
Room: P6
Tuition: Session 1 or 2 - $325
Course Description:
This class will allow students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible, and shareable projects. Throughout the class, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation, or wearable device, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life. Physical computing projects will promote student awareness of interactive systems, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and broaden their understanding of abstract computer science concepts through meaningful and authentic applications.
Dance & Yoga (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mrs. Marissa Volk, Fallon PE and Yoga, Dance and Pilates Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th
Dates/Times: Week 2 & 3:
June 20 – June 30 | Monday to Friday @ 9:30am - 11am
Duration: 9 x 90 minutes
Room: Dance Room
Tuition: $259
Course Description:
Join us in a fun movement-based class with an eclectic mix of Dance and Yoga! This class will be open to all middle school students with no previous dance or yoga experience necessary and welcomes all ability levels.
In this class we will focus on the foundations of dance with basic dance steps and technique. We will also learn a variety of dance styles such as Hip Hop, Jazz, and Zumba, a heart pumping latin-fitness style dance. Students will learn dance routines and focus on the valuable skills of creativity and collaboration as they work with other students on choreography. Through dance your child will have the opportunity to increase strength, improve cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.
Students will also have the opportunity to develop lifelong practices for effective stress relieving and relaxation techniques through Yoga. In this class your child will learn the correct techniques of basic movements of Yoga, relaxation and breathing techniques, how to flow through a sequence of Yoga poses smoothly, as well as the various muscles engaged or stretched in a variety of Yoga poses. Both activities of Dance and Yoga will provide your child with many lifelong health benefits and an engaging environment where they will be excited to continue to grow in the years to come! As a Hip Hop coach, physical educator, professional dancer, yoga and Zumba instructor I am so excited to share my passion for dance and yoga to inspire the youth and look forward to seeing you this summer!
Attire – Students can wear any athletic attire, preferably more fitted clothing for shirts as we will be going upside down in yoga. Optional, if you have jazz/dance shoes you can bring them as well.
Design & Modeling (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr Gabe Manalac, Fallon Technology & Language Arts Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th & 8th
Dates: Week 3 & 4:
June 26 – July 7 | Monday to Friday (no class on July 4th)
Time: 9am - 11:30am
Duration: 9 x 2 hours and 30 minutes
Room: TBA
Tuition: $349
Course Description:
In the Design and Modeling (DM) unit, students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs and procedure a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design several prototypes that include a balloon powered toy car and a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.
Filmmaking 101 (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr Matt Wakerling, Fallon Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th
Dates: Week 2 & 3:
June 20 – June 30 | Monday to Friday
Time: NEW TIME!!! 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Duration: 9 x 2 hours
Room: A5
Tuition: $325
Course Description:
In this introductory level video production course, students will learn how to develop and visualize their ideas through all stages of cinema production, from pre-production through finishing and screening. Students will develop skills in screenwriting, cinematography, directing, lighting, and editing. Students will create films in documentary, commercial/public service announcement and narrative modes, exploring genre, auteurship, and modes of collaboration. Although students will learn about a variety of genres of movies, they will be able to choose the genre of film they want to create.
Student Objectives:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Conceive and execute a pre-production plan to successfully film and complete their projects.
- Define and perform skills necessary for basic cinema production, including cinematography, lighting, screenwriting, directing, and editing.
- Analyze and critique their own and other students’ work in a meaningful and constructive way.
Materials Needed:
- Students will need to bring a digital camera, tablet, smart phone or device with video capabilities.
Introduction to Competitive Table Tennis (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr. Jeff Ottey, Fallon Physical Education Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th
Dates/Times: Weeks: 1 & 2
June 12 – 23 | Monday to Friday (no class on June 19th) @ 11am - 12:30pm
Duration: 9 x 90 minutes
Room: PE Portable
Tuition: $259
Course Description:
Can you make it Spin? Can you hit a Loop? Well if you think you want to play like a champion, come and join Mr. Ottey’s Table Tennis class this summer. Whether you’re already a star Table Top Talent or you just want to learn to play the game of ping pong to have some fun with your friends and family, enroll in this class and have some fun this summer competing with your friends and improving your skills and hand-eye coordination. You may not be a champion “Spinner” or “Looper” just yet, but you could be soon.
Come learn new skills and make new friends. This course will allow students to understand the basic skills and concepts of table tennis in singles and doubles. Players are grouped based on level of play and are immersed in a fun, supportive, and safe learning environment. Students will be introduced to the basic grips then learn forehands, backhands, service and receive, followed by advanced looping. All table tennis offerings integrate both training and rally elements. Players will develop the skills required to elevate their play to the next level. Basic paddles are available to borrow for class use or students can bring their own. Appropriate athletic attire/footwear should be worn.
Students will leave the class with the competency to compete and enjoy playing the game with confidence.
Introduction to Digital Photography (1 Week)
Instructor: Mr. Matt Wakerling, Fallon Photo Instructor
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th
Dates: Week 4: July 3 - 7 | Monday to Friday
(no class on July 4th)
Time: 10am - 12 Noon
Room: A5
Duration: 4 x 2 hours 30 minutes
Tuition: $225
Course Description:
This digital photography class will explore the many facets of digital imagery. Students are expected to produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of basic and technical editing strategies and techniques through the use of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. This digital photography program will deepen the understanding of composition and image design; focusing on color, light, theory, and practical applications. Students will also explore photography and design careers. Students will have access to a limited number of class cameras during the class. Students should have access to a SLR or DSLR camera at home.
Note To Parents - “The purpose of the Digital Photography class is for students to learn how to take photos and not just pictures. If you wish for your child to use a smart phone instead of a digital camera, we can make that work for your child, however, the experience won’t quite be the same. In this class we teach the kids how an SLR or DSLR camera works and the technical skills involved in photography so that they are taking the photo and manipulating the image. If a student chooses to use a smart phone, the learning experience will not be the same or as rich as learning to use a digital camera.”
Introduction to Jewelry Making (1 Week)
Instructor: Jean Wright, Café Art Instructor
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th & 8th
Dates: Week 2:
June 20th - June 23 | Tuesday to Friday (no class on June 19)
Time: 1pm - 3:30pm
Room: B4
Duration: 4 x 2 hours and 30 minutes
Tuition: $199
Course Description:
Learn the basics of jewelry making including basic wiring techniques, jewelry knots, and leather. Students will make several pieces (i.e., necklace, earrings, bracelets) using beads, polymer clay and other materials. All materials used will be lead and nickel free. Best of all, your students get to keep the jewelry they create and bring it home.
Learn to Create with CAD (Computer Aided Design) (1 Week)
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level: Rising 5th - 9th
Dates/Days: Week 2:
June 20 – 23 | Tuesday to Friday (no class on June 19)
Week 4:
July 3 - 7 | Monday to Friday (no class on July 4)
Time: 9am - 12 Noon
Duration: 4 x 3 hours
Room: C3
Tuition: $249
Course Description:
Computer-aided design (CAD) is a technology that allows kids to create and design their own digital models using specialized software. With CAD, kids can bring their imaginations to life by creating 3D models of anything they can imagine using a 3D printer, from toys to houses to robots. By using a computer and mouse, kids can easily manipulate the shapes and details of their designs, making changes and improvements along the way. Whether they want to become engineers, architects, or product designers, CAD gives kids the opportunity to explore their creative side and learn valuable technical skills that will serve them well in the future
- Introduction to CAD
- Creating and manipulating basic shapes, editing lines, use of grids,
- Creating simple and complex models
- Understanding all tools like loft, revolve, trim, draft, fillit, rib, ...
- Design custom models in order to meet technical specifications.
- Design custom models given a design statement
- Practical CAD modeling, file formats for CAD,...
- Custom design challenge day, and a small 3d print for kids to take home.
Overall, 3D models are valuable tools for visualization, communication, and design, allowing users to see and interact with their designs in a way that is not possible with traditional 2D drawings.
Life Skills: Combo Camp- Public Speaking, Debate, & Personal Finance (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Gurus Education East Bay
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th & 8th
Dates: Week 1 & 2:
June 12 – 23 | Monday to Friday (no class on June 19th)
Time: 1 – 3pm
Duration: 9 x 2 hours
Room: B1
Tuition: $325
Course Description:
Confident speakers articulate themselves clearly! This is an excellent combo camp to develop the skills of leadership, public speaking, critical thinking & financial independence. Kids will learn to present and write effectively in 6 easy steps and gain confidence to make strong arguments and reasonings for thought provoking speech & debate topics.
Learning the concepts of money management will help students better understand the elements of financial literacy, the value of saving wisely, spending cautiously, banking & budgeting.
It’s a Fun, Effective & Exciting Camp!
Percussion: How to Drum with EXCELLENCE (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr Nick Garcia, Band Director
Grade Level: Rising 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th
Dates: Week 2 & 3:
June 20 – June 30 | Monday to Friday
Time: 9am - 11am
Duration: 9 x 2 Hours
Room: TBA
Tuition: $325
Course Description:
If you are currently in your school's percussion section, or if you want to learn the basics of percussion for the first time, or if you just want to take a bit of your summer to just drum a little, this is the place for you! Mr. Garcia will be taking you through the same steps that his award-winning Percussion Ensemble takes to achieve excellence in musicianship, technique, and performance.
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Have a confident sense of tempo and groove
- Establish great stick control and technique
- Break down written rhythms
- Work well with partners to clean beats
- Perform with joy and attention to detail
Recommended supplies:
- Vic Firth SD1 General Snare Drum Sticks
- Binder or folder to hold music together
This course is HIGHLY recommended for any student coming into Percussion Ensemble at Fallon as an incoming 6th grader this August.
Course will culminate with a special musical performance for friends and family. Performance will take place at Fallon Middle School.
The Art of Persuasive Writing for Middle Schoolers (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Mr Gabe Manalac, Fallon Technology & Language Arts Teacher
Grade Level: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th
Dates: Week 3 &4:
June 26 – July 7 | Monday to Friday (no class on July 4th)
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Duration: 9 x 2 hours
Room: TBA
Tuition: $325
Course Description:
Learn the art of persuasive writing! This course is designed to help middle school students develop their writing skills and ability to write with impact and strength. In this class, students will learn how to be more persuasive by learning the foundations of argumentation as well as tips and tricks that will help them improve their argumentative skills. Students will learn the essential structure of an argumentative essay, how to write an argumentative claim, how to find and use strong evidence to support their claim, and the different ways to effectively explain their evidence to convince their audience.
Whether your goal is to help your student become a more effective writer or debater, this class offers them the tips and tricks of argumentation to be successful not just in school, but also in life. Think of these skills as the same a lawyer would use in court to convince a jury that a client is innocent or guilty.
WordSMASH! 1 for Grades 6-8: Summer Reading and Word Fun (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: Rising 6 - 8
Dates: Week 1 & 2: June 12– June 23 | Monday to Friday
(no classes on June 19th or July 4th)
Time: 8:30am to 10am
Duration: 9 x 1 hour 30 minutes
Room: A3
Tuition: $325
Course Description:
Many older students view English as a chore. Not with WORDSMASH! Spur your student’s English creativity with laughter and figurative language!! Nurture your child’s creativity and sense of humor with WordSMASH!, our summer reading and word development program, designed to inspire laughter and learning through vocabulary!
WORDSMASH is guaranteed to engage your child with a range of activities to stimulate their reading abilities and tickle their funny bone with clever possibilities. From playful reading games and side-splitting podcasts to clever jokes and wacky characters, our program is full of out-of-this-world
prompts, puns, oxymorons and sticky situations. We'll use bizarre characters, nonsense words, and unpredictable situations to create hilarious scenarios that will ignite your child's imagination. Our inside and outside classroom will help your child express themselves because WordSMASH! make words and reading entertaining with incomparable shenanigans and fun activities.
Middle Schoolers will bring home jokes, crossword puzzles, word hunts, rhymes, limericks, and fun with language such as idioms, irony, and figurative language brimming with their unique sense of humor and imagination. You might even find yourself laughing out loud too! It’s absolutely contagious!
WORDSMASH! Will enable your student to:
- Develop word comprehension skills with fun and exciting words, phrases, and meanings
- Collaborative thoughts and grandiose ideas that only a middle school child can concoct
- Complete reading and word projects with their personal styles to appreciate language
Join us for fun this June and give your child the gift of laughter and language!
Writer’s Nook 1 for Grades 6-8 - Create your own Book! (2 Weeks)
Instructor: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: Rising 6 - 8
Dates: Week 1 & 2:
June 12– June 23 | Monday to Friday (no classes on June 19th)
Time: 11am - 12:30pm
Duration: 9 x 1 hour 30 minutes
Room: A3
Tuition: $325
Course Description:
Encourage your child's creativity with their thrilling book writing experience.
“Writer’s Nook” is designed for young middle school students passionate about writing. Whether it's text-based or comic book-style writing, our instructors guide students through a variety of prompts, which includes exploring elements of fiction and poetry. Throughout the course, students work on their own writing projects, using their own writing topics, ideas, plot characters, and unique plot twists. The program also includes interactive activities and adventures, culminating in a student reading on Fridays. Each student will have the opportunity to create their own book supported with personalized feedback. The indoor and outdoor class setting will inspire an engaging and collaborative peer to peer learning environment amongst the young writers. Students are also given opportunities to present their work to the class and develop valuable public speaking skills.
This course will enable your student to:
- Develop writing skills with other passionate writers of the same age group.
- Write about chosen material with professional guidance and critique.
- Students complete their own writing book or comic book.
The fun begins in June! Write Right this summer!
Questions or Comments
We are here to help. Please contact us with questions or feedback.
Main Office
(925) 587-5610
Rich Boschetti
Academy Director
(925) 587-5613
rich@dpie.org
Angela Clifford
Academy Program Manager
(925) 587-5614
angela@dpie.org
