ACHEV

Elementary PE Group
2024-11-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA
What: Please join us in engaging our younger elementary children in teaching them how to work as a team and develop perseverance, good sportsmanship and friendships through physical activity. Our goal is to choose activities that will challenge the kids a bit, but something that they can be successful at. Structured PE activities will be around 45 minutes long. Afterwards we will have optional free play.
Parents will take turns organizing/planning/leading the activities and do a different activity every month. If you need equipment, reach out to the other parents or ACHEVmoms on Facebook to see if it can be obtained/borrowed for free, or come up with another idea that doesn’t require equipment you don’t have. We are not expecting anyone to spend $$ on equipment. Some examples: Relay races, duck duck goose/Simon Says/Red light-Green Light, trash can basketball, Capture the Flag, Freeze Tag/Blob tag, dodgeball, jump rope games, push up games, track and field games, etc.
Who: ACHEV members under 10 and parents. ACHEV members over 10 are welcome to come and help the younger kids with the activities, sit and watch, or go play volleyball with the ACHEV volleyball group at Pitts Ranch. Drop off is ok for ACHEV volleyball (please see calendar for details on volleyball).
Elementary PE is not a drop off event, and parents should be available and willing to help their children through the activities, giving assistance and encouragement as needed.
Elementary PE is a co-op, but will remain open for ACHEV members to join us any time. Please consider joining us regularly and helping plan activities. We need to have a core group of people that intend to prioritize this activity on their calendar. The dates for the whole school year are printed below and all dates are also on the ACHEV calendar, all are on Fridays. We will meet at Pitts Ranch Park (Camarillo). Please email or text Bonnie Adair 805-504-6457 bonnieadair@verizon.net if you are interested in joining us. We need to know how many children will be present in order to help with activity planning.

9/6/2024

10/4/2024

10/18/2024

11/1/2024

11/15/2024

12/6/2024

1/17/2025

2/14/2025

2/28/2025

3/14/2025

4/11/2025

4/25/2025

5/2/2025

5/16/2025

Volleyball Clinic/Games
2024-11-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-22 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA
ACHEV Dad, Kevin Adair hosts this volleyball clinic for ACHEV kids 10 and up. We continue playing through the year, and if you log enough hours, you can count this for High School credit.
This is for fun, exercise, and to learn how to play the game, this is not hyper competitive. Kevin would love to do drilling and teach the kids more technique if they want to learn. So if you want to get better at serving, setting, etc. ask Mr. Adair to help you.
Who: ACHEV kids ages 10 and up. You don’t have to know how to play, Mr. Adair will teach you.
Drop off is okay for this event. If you are dropping off, please make sure we have your cell number in case we need to reach you.
We start at 2, and it’s really helpful if everyone gets there about the same time.
Please rsvp via email bonnieadair@verizon.net and make sure I have your email address and cell number in case I need to reach you.
Bonnie 805-504-6457
Kevin 805-910-0797

STEM Workshop at the Park
2024-11-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA
What: ACHEV 11th grade student and member of the Brainstormz Robotics team, Livi Richert, will be leading a free STEM workshop for kids ages 7-10 at Pitts Ranch Park. This is a separate event from Elementary PE.
Who: ACHEV members ages 7-10. This is not a drop off activity.
We will set up on the grass near the playground (in between the playground and the softball field) so that younger siblings can play on the playground.
RSVP is needed in order for the organizers to bring the amount of supplies needed for the activity. Please RSVP here as soon as you are able.

11/1/24 – Lego day

East Coast Swing Class
2024-11-06 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-13 16:00 - 17:00 | House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
What: Private ballroom dance classes for ACHEV at House of Dance – Lesson for 45 minutes, dance practice to music for 15 minutes. This is a series of classes that will go through December 4th with a break for Thanksgiving week.
First Class is Sept 4th, continuing through Dec 4th with the exception of Thanksgiving week.
We will be learning East Coast Swing this semester. We will learn a different dance after the New Year.
Who: ACHEV members, grads & guests 11 and up. ACHEV Members can invite guests: guests do not need to be ACHEV members, but need to be homeschooled. Please clear invited homeschooling friends through Bonnie at bonnieadair@verizon.net. Current ACHEV members are given priority on the sign up sheet, ACHEV grads next, and then guests. I will not add any guests to the class before 8/15. ACHEV members, sign up asap because I will start adding grads and guests after 8/15, or as I see space available, or a need to fill spots. We must have equal number boys and girls in order for the class to work. We can keep a waitlist in case space opens up prior to the first class in a series. Minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls in order to hold these classes. Partners rotate throughout the class.
Where: House of Dance , 3007 Bunsen Ave, Ventura 93003 https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per student per class payable in advance on the first of each month. $40 payable on Sept 4th, $50 payable on October 2nd, $40 payable November 6th. Pay in advance via Venmo or Zelle (info at https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/) Or pay with cash or check when you arrive on the first Wednesday of the month. If you pay via Venmo or Zelle, please include a note “ACHEV Homeschool class”
What to Bring & Wear: Bring your own water bottles. There is no drinking fountain. There is no special dress code, other than ACHEV’s general dress code for all events which is, “modest and appropriate for the occasion”. Some girls choose to wear dresses and skirts, but you can wear pants or shorts. Boys can wear pants or shorts. Be comfortable. If you do not have felt bottomed dance shoes (felt bottomed dance shoes are ideal), try to choose a shoe that is not grippy and rubbery on bottom. Leather soled dress shoes or Vans-type skateboard shoes are okay. Absolutely NO flip flops. No sandals, no Uggs. Boots are not good for ballroom or swing dancing. You want to be able to slide/glide on the floor, turn easily on your toes and point your toes.
To purchase good quality dance shoes (recommended but not required), go here
Payment Policy:
Payment for the month of classes is due in full at the beginning of the first class of the month. There will be no refunds or credits for missed classes. We understand that sometimes illness or unexpected circumstances come up on short notice, but in order to keep these classes affordable, House of Dance cannot issue refunds or credits. If you know before a series starts that you will need to miss a class, please check with the organizer to make sure that will be okay before signing up (it depends on a variety of factors), and the full amount of the series will still be due at the first class.
These classes are not drop-in classes. Signing up in advance is required. After the series has begun, we cannot add new students. If you sign up for a series, your classmates are counting on you to be there for all the classes other than illness or other unavoidable/unforeseen circumstances, because these classes are most enjoyable when everyone has a partner. Additionally, learning dance is sequential and if you miss too many classes, it can be difficult to catch up and it can hold up others in the class.
Questions? Bonnieadair@verizon.net or 805-504-6457 call or text.
We must have an even number of boys and girls. Any girls in excess of boys, or vice versa, are considered to be on the waitlist. We must have a minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls to proceed with the class.
Sign Up Here for East Coast Swing Fall 2024
Questions? Contact Bonnie Adair at bonnieadair@verizon.net.

Field Trip - Urbane Cafe Thousand Oaks
2024-11-07 08:30 - 10:30 | Urbane Cafe Thousand Oaks, 50 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, United States
What: Tour of Urbane Café Thousand Oaks. Learn about a “fast casual” restaurant and how to make a great sandwich!
During the field trip, we will split the class up into two groups. The first group will get a tour of the kitchen, learn how we prep some of our ingredients, get to play with some dough, help us make some bread, and learn to be a cashier. While the first group is in the kitchen, the second group will be given some crayons and a color page with which they can create their own sandwich. Once the first group is done, we will have them switch places! When everyone is done, they will all get two pieces of cheese pizza. Finally, we will hand out awards certificates to every student that is good for one free meal.
Who: All ACHEV Members *While this tour is geared towards 1st-5th graders, older and younger students are welcome to attend, as well as parents.
When: Thursday, November 7th 8:45am – 10:15am
*Please arrive 5-10 min early (8:35-8:40) to check in and be ready to begin on time
Cost: Free
Contact: Bonnie Adair bonnieadair@verizon.net 805-504-6457
Notes/Additional Info: Limited to 30 people. They will take 15 at a time into the kitchen area.
Sign Up Using the Google This Google Doc by October 28th

Park Day Ventura, Arroyo Verde Park
2024-11-07 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-12-05 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-12-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Blackburn Park Ventura, CA, 10557 Los Altos St, Ventura, CA, 93004, United States
Please join us at the park to play and get to know each other. We are looking forward to meeting new friends.
Bring a snack/picnic lunch, outdoor play equipment, blankets, etc.
RSVP appreciated but not required

Field Trip - Brainstormz Robotics Lab
2024-11-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Penrose Residence, 499 Paseo Grande, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, United States
What: The award-winning high school robotics team, Brainstormz, is inviting ACHEV to visit their lab where you can learn about what they do. There will be some hands-on fun where the kids can drive a robot and learn about the equipment.

Who: ACHEV members all ages
Cost: Free
Parking instructions: Pull into the drive way, drive along the right side of the house, park in the open space past the pool. The lab is in the garage.
Sign Up Here
Space is limited to 10 families due to parking and lab space constraints.

ACHEV Student Maker’s Market
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | The Richert’s home, 3389 Camino Calandria, Thousand Oaks, 91360
Calling all ACHEV students!!
We will be hosting a market where you can sell your homemade items for the holidays. Any ACHEV student can join in the selling. The Market will be open to the public. Summer is a great time to start making and creating. The event will be outdoors rain or shine. Each seller should bring a table, a holiday tablecloth, a chair for the student seller, and an optional pop up canopy.
Ideas of fun things to make and sell – candles, soap, crochet animals, pvc marshmallow shooters, jewelry, totebags, keychains. The sky is the limit!
Closer to the event, we will publish a flyer for advertising that you can share on social media and send to friends and family.
Deadline to sign up to sell is September 1.
Questions or to sign up as a seller, please text Barbara Richert (805) 341-6614
Saturday November 9
3389 Camino Calandria
Thousand Oaks
10-1

East Coast Swing Class
2024-11-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 | House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
What: Private ballroom dance classes for ACHEV at House of Dance – Lesson for 45 minutes, dance practice to music for 15 minutes. This is a series of classes that will go through December 4th with a break for Thanksgiving week.
We will be learning East Coast Swing this semester. We will learn a different dance after the New Year.
Who: ACHEV members, grads & guests 11 and up. ACHEV Members can invite guests: guests do not need to be ACHEV members, but need to be homeschooled. Please clear invited homeschooling friends through Bonnie at bonnieadair@verizon.net. Current ACHEV members are given priority on the sign up sheet, ACHEV grads next, and then guests. I will not add any guests to the class before 8/15. ACHEV members, sign up asap because I will start adding grads and guests after 8/15, or as I see space available, or a need to fill spots. We must have equal number boys and girls in order for the class to work. We can keep a waitlist in case space opens up prior to the first class in a series. Minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls in order to hold these classes. Partners rotate throughout the class.
Where: House of Dance , 3007 Bunsen Ave, Ventura 93003 https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per student per class payable in advance on the first of each month. $40 payable on Sept 4th, $50 payable on October 2nd, $40 payable November 6th. Pay in advance via Venmo or Zelle (info at https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/) Or pay with cash or check when you arrive on the first Wednesday of the month. If you pay via Venmo or Zelle, please include a note “ACHEV Homeschool class”
What to Bring & Wear: Bring your own water bottles. There is no drinking fountain. There is no special dress code, other than ACHEV’s general dress code for all events which is, “modest and appropriate for the occasion”. Some girls choose to wear dresses and skirts, but you can wear pants or shorts. Boys can wear pants or shorts. Be comfortable. If you do not have felt bottomed dance shoes (felt bottomed dance shoes are ideal), try to choose a shoe that is not grippy and rubbery on bottom. Leather soled dress shoes or Vans-type skateboard shoes are okay. Absolutely NO flip flops. No sandals, no Uggs. Boots are not good for ballroom or swing dancing. You want to be able to slide/glide on the floor, turn easily on your toes and point your toes.
To purchase good quality dance shoes (recommended but not required), go here
Payment Policy:
Payment for the month of classes is due in full at the beginning of the first class of the month. There will be no refunds or credits for missed classes. We understand that sometimes illness or unexpected circumstances come up on short notice, but in order to keep these classes affordable, House of Dance cannot issue refunds or credits. If you know before a series starts that you will need to miss a class, please check with the organizer to make sure that will be okay before signing up (it depends on a variety of factors), and the full amount of the series will still be due at the first class.
These classes are not drop-in classes. Signing up in advance is required. After the series has begun, we cannot add new students. If you sign up for a series, your classmates are counting on you to be there for all the classes other than illness or other unavoidable/unforeseen circumstances, because these classes are most enjoyable when everyone has a partner. Additionally, learning dance is sequential and if you miss too many classes, it can be difficult to catch up and it can hold up others in the class.
Questions? Bonnieadair@verizon.net or 805-504-6457 call or text.
We must have an even number of boys and girls. Any girls in excess of boys, or vice versa, are considered to be on the waitlist. We must have a minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls to proceed with the class.
Sign Up Here for East Coast Swing Fall 2024
Questions? Contact Bonnie Adair at bonnieadair@verizon.net.

Mom's Night In
2024-11-20 18:30 - 20:30 | The Pineda’s, 178 Furman Avenue, Ventura, CA, 93003
Let’s get together before the holiday season is in full swing. This is a wonderful time to pause together, share ideas, rejoice together over what is working well, and encourage each other in areas that could be going better.
This is an evening at Susan Pineda’s home in Ventura for fellowship, discussion, fun, laughter, prayer, and sharing favorite recipes!
Who: ACHEV moms and invited guests
Please RSVP so I can be sure to have enough refreshments and seating for everyone.
When: Wednesday evening, November 20, 6:30-8:30pm
What to bring – nothing is required! You can just show up with your smile, but if you are inclined:

I’d love to have each of you bring a favorite recipe to share. It can be anything! If you want to, but only if it is easy, you can bring some to share, but I know we’ll all be happy just to hear about it and have a written card, a link, or a picture of your recipe.
Think about how we can pray for you and your family. You don’t need to share, but what a golden opportunity it can be to let us pray for you.
Do you have a scripture or a saying you lean on to get you through tough times? We’d love to have you tell us.

As always, I invite Titus 2 moms to come along. These are ACHEV moms who have graduated their youngest. They have so much wisdom to share, hindsight, perspective, and above all, LOVE.
So come on out for a Mom’s Night IN at my home. I look forward to seeing you. Please RSVP to me (Susan) at 805-407-6851 or must_sew@yahoo.com.

Thanksgiving Party at Arroyo Verde Park
2024-11-21 10:30 - 13:00 | Blackburn Park Ventura, CA, 10557 Los Altos St, Ventura, CA, 93004, United States
Please join us at the park for a Thanksgiving party. We will have some activities and games. Please bring a dish to share. If you would like to volunteer to help please call or text Vanessa at 805-443-1738.
We are looking forward to meeting new friends.
RSVP appreciated but not required

JPL Pasadena Field Trip - NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
2024-12-02 09:30 - 12:00 | JPL California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, 91011
JPL Field Trip – NASA Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena

What: Guided tour of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, website: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/

“The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a unique national research facility that carries out robotic space and Earth science missions. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to study all the planets in the solar system as well as asteroids, comets and Earth’s moon. In addition to its missions, JPL developed and manages NASA’s Deep Space Network, a worldwide system of antennas that communicates with interplanetary spacecraft.”
“All tours commonly include a multimedia presentation on JPL entitled “Journey to the Planets and Beyond,” which provides an overview of the Laboratory’s activities and accomplishments. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.”
Sign up deadline: Thursday November 7, 2024
Time: Please arrive at 9:10 AM to check in and use restrooms. We will enter promptly at 9:30 PM. Tour will end by 12:00 PM. Keep in mind, the drive is far and you never know what traffic will do, so give yourself extra time and bring your breakfast, and maybe some books with you in the car.
Who: Grades 3-12 & parent chaperones. Younger siblings NOT Permitted, no babies. I was only able to get an exception for 2 second graders to come along. My son is one of them: that means we will be allowed only one more second grader if there is one that can handle the field trip as described without becoming impatient or disruptive. Please read the details below, and do not bring any children regardless of age that will likely have difficulties with the field trip. If there is a need for an accommodation for disability, please contact me so that I can communicate with JPL about accommodations.
I was only able to get a reservation for 30 people. Sign up on the waitlist if it is full in case someone cancels before Nov 7, or in case I get real lucky and can somehow add more people. These field trips are super high in demand and getting a reservation is really hard!
Please consider these things when deciding if this is a good field trip for you:
1) The subject matter may be boring to younger children if they do not have an interest in the topic. Your children need to be able to sit/stand still and be quiet for extended periods.
2) The tour will last 2 to 2.5 hours
3) If anyone needs to use the restroom during the tour, the whole tour must stop and wait.
4) We cannot go anywhere in the facility unaccompanied by the tour guide, so if a child becomes disruptive, you will not be able to remove them or stay behind.
5) There is considerable walking, standing, and stair climbing in this tour.
6) Everybody in attendance MUST be on the roster
7) The video that they show contains evolutionary ideas presented as facts; things such as, “we all came from stardust”. This is something you might want to talk about ahead of time.
8) There is nowhere on site where we will be allowed to eat lunch or purchase food. Pack a lunch and leave it in your car, or plan to buy food after the trip somewhere along the road.
9) You know your child best and if this tour will be something they will enjoy. We have done this field trip several times in past years and if your children are too young, or not mature enough yet, you will probably get a chance to do this in the future.
Cost: FREE
Location: 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, Directions: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about_JPL/maps.php
Street address for use in online map searches:
4800 Oak Grove Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Contact Person: bonnieadair@verizon.net, 805-504-6457
**Important Notes**: You must commit to this event. The final roster will be submitted 3 weeks before the tour and changes cannot be made once finalized. Please read the information below thoroughly before signing up.
As the tour organizer I have been told that you MUST read the following information:

All US citizens 18 years of age or older visiting JPL MUST present official, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before being allowed entry.
Anyone not on our approved roster will not be admitted on to the facility. *Note: Substituting roster names the day of the tour is not allowed*
All non-US citizens (Foreign Nationals) 18 years of age or older MUST present either a passport or resident visa (green card) before being allowed entry. Individuals without the appropriate identification will NOT be admitted to the facility.
Federal security requirements insist that you provide this office with a roster (maximum 20 persons) 3 weeks before the tour. We require the full name and country of citizenship for all adults, and full name for those under the age of 18.
All non-US citizens (Foreign Nationals) 18 years of age or older MUST present either a passport or resident visa (green card) before being allowed entry. Individuals without the appropriate identification will NOT be admitted to the facility.
The tour includes considerable walking and stair climbing. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Wheelchairs can be accommodated with prior notice. Cameras are allowed on the tour. While a small personal item can be brought on tour, please refrain from bringing any large items, such as duffle bags and suitcases. *Note: All tours are conducted in English*
Our address is: 4800 Oak Grove Dr., La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011. Further driving instructions can be found on our website.
To control the traffic flow in our visitor reception center, upon arrival, please send only one representative into the visitor reception building to notify us of your arrival. Please try to limit and/or control your guests’ access to the JPL Store and restrooms.

Sign Up Here by November 7th. Make sure to include full legal name with middle initial, plus country of citizenship.

Christmas Dance
2024-12-07 19:00 - 22:00 | House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
What: We would like to invite you to the annual ACHEV Christmas Dance at House of Dance in Ventura. This is a semi-formal event. There are a few things that will be a little different about this dance and will be described more below, but please pay attention that you must:

RSVP required by using this Sign Up Sheet
Be on time – please arrive at 6:45 to check in at the front.
Participate in the dance lesson that begins at 7pm, and most importantly…
Come prepared to dance the night away with new friends, have a good attitude and do your best!

We will start with a lesson (TBD) from 7-7:30. Then there will be free dancing from 7:30-10:15. There will be a variety of Christmas tunes and we will do some group dances as well as lots of partner dancing with a mixture of swing, Latin, and smooth ballroom dances.
We need volunteers to help with the dance. Click here to help.
When: Saturday, December 7th, from 6:45pm-10:15pm.
Where: House of Dance: 3007 Bunsen Ave Ste E, Ventura, CA https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/
Cost: $15 per student and includes a 30 minute professional dance lesson at the beginning from 7:00-7:30, taught by Patricia Monico.
***Payment in advance is not required, but is appreciated to help things run more smoothly and quickly upon entry. To pay in advance, we accept only Zelle to achevmail@gmail.com . All ticket receipts will go to House of Dance. ACHEV is collecting the ticket money and will hand it over in one lump sum, so please do not send any payments directly to House of Dance.
Refunds: If you pay in advance (again, super helpful), I will gladly give you a refund if you notify me by Noon on the day of the dance if you are unable to come. Please don’t No-Show.
Who: ACHEV members 6th Grade and up, ACHEV parents, and ACHEV graduates are also welcome. Parents are welcome and encouraged to join in the dancing as well as the lesson. **NO younger siblings at this dance. Babes in arms OK.
Guests: ACHEV members may invite guests. Clear your guests by emailing or texting Bonnie to bonnieadair@verizon.net 805-504-6457 with names, ages and their chaperone. Please do not share the sign up sheet links outside of ACHEV. Make sure to confirm that guests have read the dress code and etiquette, and please make sure they know that younger siblings are not permitted to be present. The information is available below to copy and paste (with the exception of sign up sheet links) and share with them and is also included on the sign-up sheet.
Chaperones: Each student under 18 must have a parent chaperone. You may have another parent chaperone in your place. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior and safety of their children for the duration of the event. Please make sure to include chaperone names for your student(s) on the sign up sheet. All Chaperones need to be signed up on the sign up sheet because the building has a maximum capacity that we need to be careful to observe.
What to Bring:

Your own water bottles (parents, too). Please help us reduce cost and waste. We will have water and cups available for refilling your water bottles, or in case someone forgets theirs.
Finger Food Snack to share with the group.
Girls, if you are going to wear heels, please bring a pair of more comfortable shoes in case your feet can’t stand it anymore. This might be a good idea for boys, too, if they are wearing a new pair of dress shoes. No going barefoot. It will hurt if you get stepped on.
Be on time. The dances will go much more smoothly and be more fun if everyone is on time for the dance lesson at 7. Do not sign up for this dance if you cannot be on time.

Please carefully read the dress code and etiquette guidelines below and share with your guests:
Dress Code:
We do not want to have to send anyone home, so please, follow the guidelines. If you are having trouble, reach out and ask questions or ask to borrow something.
Boys:

Collared shirts (button-up or polo), long sleeve or short sleeved.
Slacks, NO jeans. This is a semi-formal dance. Do not wear pants that look like jeans. Slacks have slits for back pockets, not sewn on pockets as jeans do. Slacks are pressed with a crease down the front center.
Closed toe shoes: Absolutely no flip flops, socks or bare feet. It is hard to dance when your shoes are super sticky/grippy on the dance floor. If you don’t have dress/dance shoes, Converse/Keds type shoes work OK.

Girls:

Skirts or dresses knee length or longer. (This means touching the top of the knee, regardless of leggings.) If there is a lace overlay, the skirt underneath (solid fabric) needs to touch the knee.
Slits in skirts cannot rise above the top of the knee regardless of leggings underneath. If you skirt/dress just touches the top of the knee and it has a slit in it, it is too short. You can stitch up a slit or use safety pins to close it up.
Leggings or shorts are required if the skirt rises past the knees while twirling. It’s a good policy to wear shorts or leggings under your skirts regardless of length.
No low-cut, strapless, backless, or halter tops. Straps need to be at least one inch wide. No exposed cleavage or bra straps. If you aren’t sure, wear a cardigan over your dress.
If your top is sheer or see through, you need to have solid straps underneath that are at least one inch wide.
No pants (other than leggings under your skirt or dress).
Closed toe shoes are recommended. We recommend no slingback shoes. Absolutely no flip flops, socks, or bare feet. It is hard to dance when your shoes are super sticky/grippy on the dance floor. If you don’t have dress/dance shoes, Converse/Keds type shoes work OK. If the girls want to wear heels, please bring a second pair of shoes that will be more comfortable in case they need/want to remove their heels.

Please view the visual dress code: ACHEV-Dress-Code-tailored-for-Christmas-Semi-Formal
Basic Dance Etiquette. Please go over this with your dancers:
For Boys:

Ask a variety of girls to dance. They are waiting for you to ask. We ask that all young men practice an attitude of chivalry.
You may be nervous asking a girl to dance. That is ok. She is probably nervous waiting to be asked.
Offer her your hand or your arm and escort her onto the dance floor.
When the dance is over, escort her off the floor and thank her for the dance.
If we announce a Sadie Hawkins dance, and you decline an offer to dance, you will rest for the entire song.

For Girls:

If a boy asks you to dance, graciously accept his offer unless you need to rest or take a breather, in which case you may say “no thank you”. If you decline an offer to dance, you will rest for the duration of that song.
If you stand with your friends in a closed circle, it is hard and nerve wracking for a boy to ask you to dance. Make yourself available by opening up your circle.

For Both:

Every dance has first time attendees. Make an effort to reach out to them and include them in your conversations.
Not everyone knows how to dance…that is ok. Everyone has to begin sometime.
A Sadie Hawkins dance is when a girl can ask a boy to dance. The boys are to do the asking unless we announce a Sadie Hawkins dance.

Sign Up for the Dance Here

Oxnard Police Department Tour
2024-12-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Oxnard Police Department, 251 S C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030, United States
What: Come visit the Oxnard Police Department. We will get a tour of the station, dispatch and booking, a police car, and see their new drone unit. We will also get to visit the building on Sturgis Rd. where the SWAT team trains and keeps all their equipment.
Cost: Free
Who: ACHEV Members all ages and their parents. Space is limited, so please only one parent per family.
Notes: We may be divided into two groups. I will let you know when we get close to the field trip date. We will be visiting two separate facilities. When we finish at one, we will drive about 10 minutes to the other. This gives us the opportunity to see all the neat stuff the SWAT team does as well as seeing the station, the jail, etc. I will give more details to all participants before the trip.
We haven’t done a police station tour since 2018, and we have never gotten to see the Sturgis facility before. We’ll also get to see some of their special equipment (robot, Bearcat), and new stuff, so we are excited for this opportunity.
*If you have a baby, it would be best to use a carrier for this field trip – it will be hard to maneuver a stroller around – there are tight spaces and stairs and it is a very old building.
Sign up Here by Sunday December 8th

Santa Paula Odd Fellows 17th Annual Christmas Train Display Private Tour
2024-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Santa Paula Odd Fellows 314, 868 E. Main Street, Santa Paula, CA, 93060
What: Annual Christmas Train Display featuring multiple layers of trains running throughout festive displays located in the 1,750 square foot lodge room in the Odd Fellows building (Iconic Clock Tower) on Main Street in downtown Santa Paula. Enjoy the small town atmosphere and our festive train display then continue on to one of the City’s many wonderful restaurants and shops. We have arranged a private tour for ACHEV!
Who: ACHEV families, all ages. This trip is a family event, so all ages welcome, and we are able to include non-ACHEV siblings.
When: Monday, December 16, 10am. Please arrive at 9:50 so you can park and be ready to start the tour promptly at 10am. Thank you.
We chose morning so after the tour, those who wish may enjoy lunch and shops in downtown Santa Paula. There are wonderful eateries, such as Rabalais, and many local shops.
Cost: We need a minimum of 20 people age two and older in order to take advantage of the group rate of just $5 per person. Please be prepared with cash the morning of this trip. If we fall under our minimum, I will have to pay the balance, so please, if you sign up, I am counting on you to come. Thank you so much.
I look forward to a lovely day with my ACHEV friends!
Please RSVP ASAP so we can plan ahead.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YTg6gldoIYSF76TlpGL_AGHGectmHIhvsfAlInvYi9Q/edit?usp=sharing

Waltz Class
2025-01-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-15 16:00 - 17:00 | House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
What: Private ballroom dance classes for ACHEV at House of Dance – Lesson for 45 minutes, dance practice to music for 15 minutes.
First Class is January 8th, continuing through April 30th with a break on the Wed before Easter (April 16th). There are 4 classes each month.
We will be learning Waltz this semester. We will learn a different dance in the summer, or we could do a series of workshops to introduce new dances every week.
Who: ACHEV members, grads & guests 11 and up. Only ACHEV Members can invite guests: guests do not need to be ACHEV members, but need to be homeschooled. Please clear invited homeschooling friends through Bonnie at bonnieadair@verizon.net. Current ACHEV members are given priority on the sign up sheet, ACHEV grads next, and then guests. Do not add any guests to the sign up sheet without approval first, and do not share the sign up sheet outside of ACHEV.
We must have equal number boys and girls in order for the class to work. We can keep a waitlist in case space opens up prior to the first class in a series. Minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls in order to hold these classes. Partners rotate throughout the class.
Where: House of Dance , 3007 Bunsen Ave, Ventura 93003 https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per student per class payable to House of Dance in advance on the first of each month. $40 payable on Jan 8th, $40 payable on Feb 5th, $40 payable March 5th $40 payable on April 2nd. Pay in advance via Venmo or Zelle (info at https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/) Or pay with cash or check when you arrive on the first Wednesday of the month. If you pay via Venmo or Zelle, please include a note “ACHEV Homeschool class”. Do not send payment to ACHEV or to me (Bonnie) personally.
What to Bring & Wear: Bring your own water bottles. There is no drinking fountain. There is no special dress code, other than ACHEV’s general dress code for all events which is, “modest and appropriate for the occasion”. Some girls choose to wear dresses and skirts, but you can wear pants or shorts. Boys can wear pants or shorts. Be comfortable. If you do not have felt bottomed dance shoes (felt bottomed dance shoes are ideal), try to choose a shoe that is not grippy and rubbery on bottom. Leather soled dress shoes or Vans-type skateboard shoes are okay. Absolutely NO flip flops. No sandals, no Uggs. Boots/cowboy boots/work boots are not good for ballroom or swing dancing and if you step on your partner (it happens) it will hurt a lot if you are wearing a heavy boot, please don’t wear heavy boots. You want to be able to slide/glide on the floor, turn easily on your toes (sometimes on your heels) and point your toes.
To purchase good quality dance shoes (recommended but not required), go here
Payment Policy:
Payment for the month of classes is due in full at the beginning of the first class of the month. There will be no refunds or credits for missed classes. We understand that sometimes illness or unexpected circumstances come up on short notice, but in order to keep these classes affordable, House of Dance cannot issue refunds or credits. If you know before a series starts that you will need to miss a class, please check with the organizer to make sure that will be okay before signing up (it depends on a variety of factors), and the full amount of the series will still be due at the first class.
Notes on Attendance: These classes are not drop-in classes. Signing up in advance is required. After the series has begun, we cannot add new students. If you sign up for a series, your classmates are counting on you to be there for all the classes other than illness or other unavoidable/unforeseen circumstances, because these classes are most enjoyable when everyone has a partner. Additionally, learning dance is sequential and if you miss too many classes, it can be difficult to catch up and it can hold up others in the class. This class continues for 4 months, so if there is one week where you have a conflict, that is understandable, please check with the organizer first if there is a week when you will not be able to attend.
Questions? Bonnieadair@verizon.net or 805-504-6457 call or text.
We must have an even number of boys and girls. Any girls in excess of boys, or vice versa, are considered to be on the waitlist. We must have a minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls to proceed with the class.
Sign Up Here for Waltz Classes Spring 2025
Questions? Contact Bonnie Adair at bonnieadair@verizon.net.

Ventura Park Day
2025-01-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Blackburn Park Ventura, CA, 10557 Los Altos St, Ventura, CA, 93004, United States
