EIE SUMMER 2026 SCHEDULE
Join us this summer for some great classes, events, park days and specials.
CLASSES
“Music Makers”
Summer 2026 Mini-Music Camp

Session 1: July 28-30
Session 2: August 4-6
Tuesday-Thursday,
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Cost:
- $140.00 per session
- OR
- $270.00 for both sessions
Experience the joy of creating your own music this summer! Over the course of the week, participants will learn how to read and write basic music rhythm notation. They will also learn how to create their own rhythm patterns and even mini-music compositions, culminating in a mini in-class performance on the last day!
Students may participate in Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. Students participating in both sessions will build upon their learning and learn more sophisticated elements of music reading and writing. All class materials and simple musical instruments will be provided.
Students ages 5 and up are welcome; parents are welcome to join in the fun, too! Register today at: https://www.horizon-music-
LEGO LANDMARKS
TAUGHT BY CAROLYN FORTE

Tuesday
1:00 – 2:30
June 2 – August 11
Grades: 2nd – 6th
Cost: $50.00
Class Description: In this class students will learn engineering and public speaking skills while expanding their creativity. Each week students will be given a build challenge and then they will present their creations to the class. Each week students will learn a new public speaking skill, such as eye contact, speaking clearly, standing up straight, etc. They will also learn listening skills as each of their classmates present their creations. In addition, students will also learn some fun Lego facts along the way.
Enrollment:
- Call Carolyn (626) 821-0025
- or Drop by EIE
Chess
Taught by:
Jeff Schwartz

Wednesday
3:00 – 4:00
June 17 (4 week class)
and/or
July 15 (4 week class)
Cost: $84.00 for a 4-week class
$ 134.00 for 8 weeks
Recommended ages: 5 to 13 or grades K to 8.
Open to beginners and advanced students
Students will learn to play the game of Chess and learn winning strategies. They will become prepared for tournament play which is organized by Coach Jeff. Tournament play is not required but is an added bonus.
Chess is a wonderful game that helps children develop mental discipline, analytical skills, strategic thinking, and do better academically. Studies have shown that students studying Chess demonstrated a marked development of their verbal and math aptitudes. This class is a great way for kids to have fun, improve in Chess, and make new friends.
Added bonus: As Coach Jeff’s program is in twenty-one elementary schools in the San Gabriel Valley, Coach Jeff organizes three tournaments per semester.
About Coach Jeff: Jeff Schwartz has played tournament chess from the time he was a freshman in college. Coach Jeff is a Life Member of the United States Chess Federation, and an active member of the Arcadia Chess Club. Coach Jeff has taught Chess since 2007, helping hundreds of students mature in the world of Chess, even while he uses an individualized approach for each student.
Contact: chesscoachjeff@live.com or (626) 545-8457
WOOD SHOP
Friday
10:30 – 12:30
or
1:30 – 3:30
NEWLY ADDED:
TUESDAY 1:30 – 3:30
COST: $30.00 per class plus $10.00 material fee.
AGE TARGET: 11 and up.
One of the great benefits of homeschooling is to explore and experience different types of classes and activities. Now, with our woodworking class, you can experience the wonders of converting raw wood into some fantastics items. Start out with making simple toys and depending on your dedication create some awesome wooden projects. In fact we have one family that actually took the information they learned in this class and created their own businesses. This class is taught by a professional high end cabinet and furniture maker in his shop. The students will work with real woodworking equiptment under the supervision of a craftsman.
CONTACT: Jeff Krieger (626) 695-5688
THE CHANGE CHALLENGE
TAUGHT BY
LILLI WITCZAK
Wednesdays
2:00–3:00 PM
Grades: 7 and up.
Begins: June 10, 2026
Course Duration: 8 weeks
Course Description
The Change Challenge is a class designed to teach and inspire students to pursue positive change in an area of their lives that they personally want to improve. Examples of these areas include developing better study habits to achieve higher grades, building confidence when speaking in front of groups, or making healthier lifestyle choices such as exercising regularly.
Throughout the course, students are guided through the process of clearly defining their desired change and setting achievable, objective goals. The course addresses the common inertia that can hold people back from making improvements and provides strategies to overcome these challenges.
Students learn to outline strategic steps toward reaching their goals and explore the influence of peer pressure, examining both its positive and negative aspects. The course also prepares students to handle setbacks effectively, empowering them to stay resilient and motivated as they work toward their personal improvement goals.
Students are required to bring their own paper and writing tools to class to take notes.
Fees: $160 ($185 if a charter student). Family discount: $140 for each additional child.
To enroll, contact Lilli Witczak (626)232-7932 text only -or- email: lilli.witczak@gmail.com
.
New American Cursive
TAUGHT BY
LILLI WITCZAK
WEDNESDAY
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Grades: 5th grade and above
Begins: June 10, 2026
Course Duration: 8 weeks
Course Description
Develop clear, confident handwriting with the basics of New American Cursive. Through instruction and engaging exercises, students learn letter formation, connections, and spacing. By the end, students will write and read cursive more fluently, with improved speed and neatness.
The Importance of Legible Handwriting
Legible handwriting is crucial for academic success and effective communication. Clear writing ensures ideas are understood, boosts confidence during assignments, and demonstrates attention to detail—valuable skills for both school and future careers.
Skills Covered
Lowercase and uppercase cursive letters, connecting strokes, consistent sizing and slant, word and sentence practice, and simple signature development
Materials
Pencil and eraser; lined or cursive practice paper.
Also, please purchase the book (see below) from Carolyn at EIE or at the Memoria Press website. It is important that students bring their copy to class the first day.
Teaching Yourself Cursive by Iris Hatfield, Memoria Press, 2014. ISBN: 978079767852. Spiral bound.
Fees and Enrollment
Fees: $160 ($185 if a charter student). Family discount: $140 for each additional child.
To enroll, contact Lilli Witczak at (626)232-7932 (text only) or email: lilli.witczak@gmail.com
“Unsolved Mysteries” Detective Club
Taught by
Lilli Witczak
Wednesdays
12:00-1:00 PM
Grades: 5th grade and above
Begins: June 10, 2026
Course Duration: 8 weeks
Course Description
Are you ready to have fun and sharpen your detective skills? This course is designed to be both educational and enjoyable. Throughout the program, we will use the book Five-Minute Mysteries by Ken Weber as our main resource. Each week, the instructor will select a mystery case for the class to read together. We will carefully examine the evidence, paying close attention to important details and identifying any misleading clues, known as “red herrings.” Afterward, students will engage in lively debates, using logic and reasoning to defend their chosen suspect. Once all arguments have been presented, the group will read the official solution and “Detective Credits” will be awarded to those who successfully solved the case.
In addition to class activities, students will have the option to complete a non-mandatory homework assignment called “The Investigator’s Log.” This log is intended to be interesting and enjoyable, offering a low-pressure way for students to further practice their detective skills outside of class.
Materials
Students should bring a writing tool and paper to each class session.
Additionally, please obtain a copy of the required book, Five-Minute Mysteries. If you need assistance with purchasing, Mis Carolyn at the EIE Resource Center can help order the book for you.
Fees and Enrollment
The course fee is $160, or $185 for charter students. Families enrolling more than one child can receive a discount, with each additional child costing $140.
To register for the course, contact Lilli Witczak by texting (626)232-7932 or emailing lilli.witczak@gmail.com.
AI Lab: The Good, The Bad, & The Creative
Taught by
Lilli Witczak
Wednesdays
11:00-12:00 PM
s.
Grades: 7th grade and above
Begins: June 10, 2026
Course Duration: 4 weeks
AI can be a powerful learning sidekick—great for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and getting unstuck. It can also be confidently wrong, so this course teaches students how to use AI wisely without letting it replace thinking.
Goals for the students are as follows: 1. Understand what AI is and isn’t. 2. Use AI as a “Thought Partner.” 3. Identify bias, misinformation, and the “lazy” trap. 4. Putting it all together. The great AI debate.
By the end of the course, students will be able to: master the “perfect prompt,” spot “AI hallucinations,”, use AI as a “tutor, not a quitter,” navigate ethics and plagiarism, differentiate human vs. machine, and practice responsible creation.
Use a simple checklist to decide when AI is okay for schoolwork—and when it’s not (tests/quizzes, private info, or assignments meant to show independent thinking).
Write stronger prompts (purpose, audience, constraints) and revise prompts to improve results.
Check AI output for accuracy and fairness, cite/disclose AI use when required, and protect your privacy online.
4-Week Outline (1 hour each)
Week 1: The “Magic” vs. The Reality
Week 2: The Pros (Supercharging Creativity)
Week 3: The Cons (The Hallucination” Trap)
Week 4: Ethical Creators and The Future
Format: Mini-lessons, discussion, and quick hands-on challenges. No prior AI experience required. No in class computer is necessary for the class; however, a couple would be helpful.
Students are required to bring their own paper and writing tools to class to take notes.
Fees: $80 ($100 if charter). Family discount: $65 for each additional child.
To enroll, contact Lilli Witczak (626)232-7932 text only -or- email: lilli.witczak@gmail.com
Summer Clown College
Taught by:
Cindra Barnes and Steve

August 17-21
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
COST: $200.00
Art comes in so many different forms and being a performer is one of those arts.
If you think you’re talented, wish you were talented or just like to have fun there is a place for you in Clown College this summer. We would love to challenge your talents, help you find your inner kid or tap into a side of you that is hard to express.
This weeklong Comedy intensive will be taught in collaboration with a professional, working performer. Every day the workshops will expose you to a different aspect of an art form all culminating with a final performance.
Workshops will include:
- Clown History
- Make Up & Costumes
- Juggling, Magic & Props
- Comedy Improv & Performing
- Balloons & Face painting
- Skits & Interaction
- Games & Activities
This is an exceptional opportunity; a weeklong camp of this sort would normally cost $500. Don’t miss out!
Contact: Cindra Barnes for information and questions at:
schoolhouseofthegroves@yahoo.com or TEXT attention SHG 909-993-2203
SUMMER GARDEN CLASS
TAUGHT BY
Cindra Barnes
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
10:00 – 11:30
Our class garden needs love and care during the summer months, so if you like the sunshine and digging in the dirt join us for 2 months of outdoor and indoor fun. Learn the exciting world of botany using games and activities. We’ll also harvest the garden and use the rewards to make tasty treats and create projects that will decorate our garden and your garden at home.
DURATION: JUNE 16 – AUGUST 13, 2026
COST: $150.00 FOR THE 8 WEEK SESSION all supplies included.
Contact: Cindra Barnes for information and questions at:
schoolhouseofthegroves@yahoo.com or TEXT attention SHG 909-993-2203