MISSION VIEJO'S SILVERLEAF ACADEMY TO HOST MOTHER/DAUGHTER LUNCHEON DEDICATED TO FEMALE EMPOWERMENT ON SUNDAY, JUNE 10

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Sponsored By The Mission Viejo-Based All Girls Private High School's Associated Students, The Event Will Include Tours Of The Campus and Talks By Daisy Rock Guitars Founder Tish Ciravolo and Emerging Pop/Classical Singer Valencia Vas, Who Will Also Perform

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Daisy Rock Girl Guitar Raffle and More Details to Come

WHAT:         Mother/Daughter Luncheon at Silverleaf Academy in Mission Viejo, CA dedicated to female empowerment sponsored by the Mission Viejo-based all girls private high school's associated students, the event will include tours of the campus and talks by Daisy Rock Guitars Founder Tish Ciravolo and emerging Pop/Classical singer Valencia Vas, who will also perform. Geared around the topic of female empowerment, the event is for females young and old alike and will include inspirational speeches by successful women who embody the all-girls private school's inspiring ideals. There will also be a raffle for a colorful, state of the art Daisy Rock guitar. Admission for the luncheon will be $8 and there will be raffle tickets available to purchase for the guitar for $5 each. In addition to the talks and entertainment, some of the staff at Silverleaf Academy will be on hand to offer tours of the academy, and discuss the school's upcoming events of which include a summer program where girls (7th-12th grade) will have the opportunity to work with real world professionals in the fashion, art and theater circuit. Summer program dates begin in the end of June. The luncheon will be the first in a series of public events put on by the Associated Students organization to raise awareness of Silverleaf and its revolutionary approach to secondary education. Admission will be on a first come, first served basis; reservations are highly recommended and available by contacting info@luckmedia.com .

WHO:         Silverleaf Academy in Mission Viejo, CA offers a unique, revolutionary environment where students from 9th through 12th grade are able to succeed through positive reinforcement, individualized instruction and mastery learning. With a current enrollment of 40 students, it is also a place where teachers do more than simply share book knowledge. Their goal is to nurture the students' self- esteem and ignite a true passion for learning. Along the way, they are able to impart positive social values and encourage full artistic expression and creative ingenuity.

WHEN:        Sunday, June 10, 2007 from 11am - 2pm

WHERE:       Silverleaf Academy, Mission Viejo 25732 Taladro Circle, Mission Viejo, CA

 

 

 

Empowering Girls To Achieve Great Academic And Personal Heights, SILVERLEAF ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Offers A Unique And Nurturing, Single Gender Environment That Promotes Scholastic Excellence And A Powerful Sense Of Self Confidence

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Open to Girls from 9th Thru 12th Grade, The Mission Viejo School's Exciting Curriculum Emphasizes Math, Sciences and the Arts Geared around Inquiry Based Instructional Strategies and Problem Solving Assignments

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Individualized Instruction is of High Importance at Silverleaf Academy , which Maintains a 10:1 Student to Teacher Ratio.

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Orange County 's Only Non Sectarian Private Girls High School Is Dedicated To Preparing Young Women for the Best Colleges And Universities and Providing Them with Limitless Learning Possibilities and Career Choices

Since opening its doors in September 2006, Silverleaf Academy in Mission Viejo has fully lived up to its mission of “Empowering Girls To Do Great Things” by offering students from 9th through 12th grade a revolutionary educational environment dedicated to self-expression, creativity, collaboration and academic excellence.

As the only non-sectarian private girls high school in Orange County, the academy—whose current enrollment is 40 students—is a well-equipped facility where teachers do more than simply share book knowledge; they are fully committed to nurturing the students' self-esteem and ignite a passion for learning while also imparting positive social values and encouraging full artistic expression and creative freedom.

Silverleaf Academy's academic philosophy is grounded in the results of extensive educational research—by the U.S. Department of Education and Harvard University, among other institutions--that has shown repeatedly that girls learn better in a single-gender environment and exceed their co-ed peers in science, reading and writing.

“We believe there is a significant difference in educational outcomes based on gender,” says Dr. Rochelle Victor , Director of Silverleaf Academy. “Solutions, resources, programs, services and support should be applied in a manner that develops the full potential of each Silverleaf student. We are committed to changing the status quo for girls so that each individual can receive a quality high-level education.

“My personal goal,” she adds, “is instilling hope for the future so that today's girls will share their visions of excellence and success with future generations.”

Before joining the staff at Silverleaf Academy , English Teacher and the school's Assistant Director Colleen Cohen taught at the middle and high school levels at public schools in Huntington Beach and Valencia . “From the day I started teaching here, I have felt that this is a dream school, a dream environment that perfectly reflected my beliefs in student centered learning and positive reinforcement,” she says. “Having small classes, I am able to connect much easier with all of the girls so that no one falls through the cracks. Every student gets individualized attention before, during and after class. We can delve into topics and approaches that I could never do with a larger class.

“When I taught public school,” she adds, “I observed that with boys around, girls tended to be self-conscious about sharing their thoughts openly because they were concerned about being judged. The boys would be called on to contribute more in class, leaving many of the girls in the shadows. At Silverleaf, they feel confident about saying what's on their mind. Parents have been emotional about the changes in their child's life from being here. Many have truly come out of their shells because we provide a safe environment in the classroom.”

Silverleaf Academy's core curriculum includes Science, Mathematics, English, Social Science, World Languages, Physical Education, Fine Arts and advanced placement courses, enhanced by sophisticated twists on the classics through electives such as Women in History, Creative Writing, Physical and Biological Oceanography and others. The power curriculum includes a science program guided by space pioneer and the first woman astronaut in space, Sally Ride; performing arts courses such as acting, directing, screenwriting and producing; and a “no homework at home” policy that includes an hour built into the day for students to do their homework with faculty available to answer questions and guide students.

In addition to covering the California Content Standards, the school offers fashion, theater and graphic design, computer fine arts as well as traditional visual arts and a science program equipped with a state of the art lab. Silverleaf's sister affiliate, the West Coast Dance Academy , offers classes such as Ballet, Pilates and Hip-Hop. The fashion design teacher, Lynn Strobel , currently also teaches at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), while art teacher Lori Ryland is a renowned artist and gallery owner and Suzanne Wesley is an acting instructor with credits in the New York and LA film and theater circuit.

To enhance classroom learning, supervised field trips are taken to museums, concert halls, government offices, parks and gardens, laboratories and businesses, or wherever the interests of the class and needs of the subject lead. Community awareness among students is also encouraged with holiday activities that include care packages for troops in Iraq, participation in “Toys For Tots” and collections of books and crafts for those in need.

To support its students in successfully meeting their academic goals, Silverleaf Academy offers a faculty supervised Academic Advisement session from 3-4 p.m. daily. Sessions are used to answer students' questions, review course concepts and/or to clarify any questions concerning homework assignments or class projects. Academic Advisement affords students to leave school feeling empowered to complete their assignments by building their confidence and helping them become self-directed learners.

“The most unique aspect of teaching here is that you can really feel like you're helping students out, one on one, providing an answer for every question,” says Math and Science teacher Nicole Vearrier , who taught ecology and physiology labs for three years at Cal State Fullerton before joining the Silverleaf staff. “Any additional problem the students have, they can ask during this Academic Advisement time. It's a great opportunity to make sure they understand key concepts. We're all there and available to talk to. Aside from this incredible individualized-attention, which helps any of the students' insecurities melt away, we have amazing, state of the art lab facilities. This allows them not only to learn about biology, but also ‘do' biology! I really love the rapport I have with all the girls and I take a very personal interest in their lives and current and future success.”

Beyond the positive comments of the school's teachers, the real proof that Silverleaf Academy is an extraordinary school is the positive attitudes of the students themselves. Many of them come from very artistic backgrounds and have ambitions to pursue careers in the various arts. Arielle, a sophomore who hopes to apply to a fashion design college in London , says, “I had a hard time at another small private school I went to last year, and my parents and I both wanted a better learning environment. All of the teachers at Silverleaf are amazing, positive influences. They take time out of their schedules to help me do my best, and this has taken a lot of stress out of my life. They are so loving to us, they never get frustrated as long as we do the best we can. All the girls I've met here have become good friends and I don't have that weird anxiety I used to feel.”

Elyssa, a freshman, transferred to Silverleaf in November; she began the academic year at the Orange County High School of the Performing Arts. “I really think I'm getting everything explained to me more clearly here,” she says, “and there's more of a balance in my life because I get individualized attention.”

Sasha, a junior who transferred from an independent study program and will soon apply to NYU's School Of The Arts and Julliard, adds, “I love this big extended family here, and all the teachers are really committed to our success. I love the small classes and small group atmosphere which helps me better understand the harder concepts in math and science especially.”

Silverleaf Academy is committed to taking each girl's needs, talents and dreams into consideration when designing its academic program, ultimately leading to both personal and academic success. Cohen says, “As a teacher, I love the fact that I can make connections with them and lead them into deep, thoughtful discussions about real-life issues that truly matter. We appreciate the opportunity to work with them individually and ensure that their high school years are as remarkable and productive as possible. Silverleaf truly is a dream school for students.”

For more information, please call Silverleaf Academy at (949) 829-9037 or visit www.silverleafacademy.com .