Academia Latina
Academia Latina 2012 classes
Art
Mural Art
Experience art indoors and outdoors and challenge your imagination as you learn new ways to express your artistic talents on murals. Instructor: Jose Rivera is an art major at Southern Oregon University who attended Academia Latina for three years as a student.
Creative Writing/Literature
Creative Writing: Fiction is For You
Come gain the skills needed to join the ranks of Stephanie Meyer, J.K. Rowling and Suzanne Collins. In this class you will learn how to take your story ideas and turn them into quality fiction that readers won’t be able to put down. Instructor: Sra. Kaci Hardey has taught Language Arts and Social Studies at Talent Middle school. She also coached volleyball and led two student trips to Europe. This is her first year at Academia Latina.
Poetry, Por Favor
What do you think of when you hear the word poetry?
Do the words ‘Difficult’ or ‘Boring’ come to your mind? Come discover how poetry can help you become a smart, critical thinker, express thoughts and feelings important to you and enjoy sharing your creative side. Instructor: Sra. Kaci Hardey has taught Language Arts and Social Studies at Talent Middle school. She also coached volleyball and led two student trips to Europe. This is her first year at Academia Latina.
Humanities/History
Aztec/Inca/Maya Geography and History 
Did you know we come from greatness? Well we do—come learn all about it. Explore the ruins & glyphs of the Maya, Inca and Aztecs. Be inspired by strong Hispanic leaders who made positive changes and a difference in our society. Instructor: Sra. Rosie Ruiz is a two way immersion teacher at Phoenix Elementary. This is her first year teaching for Academia Latina.
Portuguese: Tri-Lingual?
What is the primary language of Brazil? Come explore a language that may be new to you and see how it relates to languages you already know. Instructor: Sr. Arturo ‘Tito’ Onesto attended Academia Latina three years as a camper and two years as a Junior Counselor, and was also a Senior Counselor. He is a junior at the University of Oregon.
Math/Science
Consumer Math: Living on a Budget
Come learn how to budget, save and plan for special events and see what it’s like to live in the real world. Learn to make ends meet with the circumstances you are given—salary, job and bills to pay. Learn the practical skills of check writing, keeping a check register and balancing a checkbook. Learn about interest rates, monthly payments, and real finance charges. Instructor: Sra. Julie Garcia worked at Phoenix High School as the ELL/ELD teacher. She has worked for and with Latino Youth of the Rogue Valley for over 20 years. She holds two Bachelor degrees and a Master’s. She is a returning Latina Instructor.
Higher Math Problem Solving
Learn how to manipulate mathematical expressions in all sorts of useful ways. You’ll find out what it takes to prepare and write up Geometry and Algebra math word problems. Get ready mathematically for college and discover how fun math can be. Instructor: Sra. Bettye Hitchko teaches math at Talent Middle School and has worked with Migrant students during summer school. This is her first year at Academia Latina.
Wat’z up Sista? Girls Only!
Let’s talk about you and me and life as we see it. Can we change or are we stuck in our shell? What influences our decisions? Come and enjoy a frank and open discussion of the issues teenage girls face in today’s environment including self-esteem, peer pressure, and body image. Instructor: Instructor: Sra. Julie Garcia worked at Phoenix High School as the ELL/ELD teacher. She has worked for and with Latino Youth of the Rogue Valley for over 20 years. She holds two Bachelor degrees and a Master’s. She is a returning Latina Instructor.
Wat’z up Bro? Boys Only!
Dude! What were you thinking? Let’s talk about the facts regarding all those topics you think you have the answers to. Let’s see if you really know what you think you do. Come prepared for discussions and laughs and lots of new knowledge. Instructor: Instructor: Sra. Julie Garcia worked at Phoenix High School as the ELL/ELD teacher. She has worked for and with Latino Youth of the Rogue Valley for over 20 years. She holds two Bachelor degrees and a Master’s. She is a returning Latina Instructor.
Nursing
Experience the rewards and challenges of nursing while you participate in various hands-on activities with simulations based on real patient care experiences. You are bound to come away with a better understanding of the skills needed to be a nurse. Instructors: Dr. Stephanie Sideras and a team of OHSU Ashland Nursing Faculty and Staff teach the Nursing class at Academia Latina each year.
Just to Bug You!
This is your chance to be introduced to the diversity of insects and to get up close and personal with all the creepy crawlies! You will take an engaging look at insects—from observing and handling insects, to exploring their world through “bug goggles,” to building robotic insects. You will even get some practice as amateur forensic entomologists! Instructor: Sra Heather Ransom has taught middle school Science for the past 19 years. She has been awarded numerous grants to coordinate student attendance at Science field trips around the state and country. She currently teaches at South Middle School in Grants Pass. Heather is a third year instructor.
Music/Dance/Physical Movement
Salsa Anyone?
Get moving and grab a partner as you salsa across the floor to the music. You will learn techniques for the proper footwork, hip movement and arm styling and have fun learning about the origin of this exciting dance. Instructor: Sr. Jonathan Chavez-Baez is currently an Admissions Counselor at SOU. He attended SOU and majored in Communications. He is currently working on his Master’s degree. He was a Senior Counselor for Academia Latina for two years.
Exploring Five Sports
Get outside and burn some energy as you learn the basic skills and drills, techniques and tactics of five different games: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Flag Football and Soccer. Instructors: Sr. Arturo ‘Tito’ Onesto attended Academia Latina three years as a camper and two years as a Junior Counselor, and was also a Senior Counselor. He is a junior at the University of Oregon. His brother Angel was also a camper and Junior Counselor at Academia Latina for years.
Zumba
Come explore the latest dance/exercise craze. Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health. Instructor: Seci Gonzalez is a featured veteran dancer with Ballet Folklorico/Ritmo Alegre. This is her first year teaching for Academia Latina.
