Learning Comes to Life: Button Quail Hatch
Students in Ms. Wilson’s second-grade class at TLC La Mesa recently had the opportunity to participate in a memorable hands-on science experience—hatching button quail. What began as part of a classroom science unit soon became an exciting opportunity for students to observe the life cycle of a bird unfold right in their classroom. The project was the culmination of a six-week science unit on vertebrate animals, during which students studied birds and their life cycles. As they learned about the stages from egg to hatchling and discussed what animals need to grow and thrive, students prepared to observe the process firsthand. After carefully placing the tiny speckled button quail eggs into an incubator, the class tracked the days, monitored temperature and humidity, and made predictions about when the chicks would hatch. On February 27, the eggs hatched on Day 18 of incubation. When Ms. Wilson arrived at school that Friday morning, she was surprised to find the incubator already full of newly hatched chicks. Although the class did not witness the moment of hatching in person, Ms. Wilson shared the exciting news with students during a Google Meeting so they could see the chicks right away. Students were thrilled by the tiny new arrivals. “They are so tiny! I can’t believe how cute they are,” one student shared. Another added, “They are so fluffy!” In the coming weeks, students will continue learning about the quail through observation, reading, writing, and hands-on activities. They will document the chicks’ movements and behaviors while reflecting on what the birds need to grow and stay healthy.
“This experience allowed students to see the life cycle we studied actually happening in front of them,” said Ms. Wilson. “Observing the process sparked so much curiosity and excitement, and it created wonderful opportunities for students to ask questions, make observations, and learn how to care for living things.”
Projects like this often leave a lasting impression on students. Ms. Wilson shared that the memories can stay with students for many years. In fact, a former student—now a high school senior—recently told her that he still remembers hatching chicks in her class when he was in kindergarten. Once the class completes their observations, the chicks will have a new home with one of the student’s families. Through this project, Ms. Wilson’s class did more than learn about bird life cycles—they experienced one firsthand. The activity sparked curiosity, inspired awe, and gave students a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom science with the natural world.
Circuits, Code, and Community: TLC's Robotics Club Is Just Getting Started
TLC Chula Vista 8th grader Isaac Volk had always admired the robotics teams at other schools — so he decided to build one of his own. The result is the TLC Robotics Club, an after-school program at The Learning Choice Academy Chula Vista that is giving students a hands-on entry point into the world of STEM.
"My main motivation to start the Robotics Club was to open a door to a STEM-based after-school program for those who like or want to try the topic," said Isaac, the club's student founder and president.
After the initial idea, getting the club off the ground took some legwork. Isaac started by advertising during lunch to gauge how many students would be interested in joining. Once he had enough interest, the next step was finding a teacher willing to advise the club. A casual conversation with another teacher pointed him in the right direction, and he connected with Mr. Brady, who agreed to take on the advisor role. The club officially launched on January 21st of this year and meets every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. It currently has five active members, all of whom are 7th or 8th graders. While the club is still in its first year, Mr. Brady has already seen something special taking shape:
"The biggest highlight I would like to shout out is watching the students in a non-academic setting take pride in their work while developing a sense of community."
Isaac came to the role of Robotic Club president well-prepared. He serves as a teacher's aide for an electrical engineering class, has taken multiple coding courses, and spends his summers working on a personal robotics project. He has also attended events like BattleBots and a Naval STEM expo. His instructors have praised his ability to explain complex concepts to his peers — a skill that has proven invaluable as club president. A typical Robotics Club meeting centers around a theme or challenge that unfolds over several weeks. Right now, students are using LEGO sets to design, build, program, and test their own robots — and in the coming weeks, they will race their creations against each other. Earlier in the year, members also constructed robots using VEX components, though some technical difficulties limited how far that project could go. Mr. Brady is hopeful those parts can be repurposed in the future with a different control source to power new challenges. The skills students are building go well beyond robotics. As Mr. Brady notes:
"They are learning how they can use the given resources to create a solution. There is a lot of collaboration going on — in addition to basic electronics, coding, and building."
Mr. Brady also sees the club as preparation for a much bigger world:
"While not everyone will become a mechanical engineer, the engineering approach they learn here applies to medicine, law, art, and even cooking."
The club's most anticipated project is still ahead. Teams will each be challenged to independently design and code their own bot — and then compete against each other. It is exactly the kind of hands-on, high-stakes challenge that makes robotics so exciting. The TLC Robotics Club is open to middle school students at TLC Chula Vista. Any interested student is welcome to stop by Mr. Brady's classroom on a Wednesday after school to check it out. The TLC Robotics Club is still in its first year, but it has already made a positive addition to extracurricular life at TLC Chula Vista. Isaac hopes that other TLC sites will be inspired to start clubs of their own — and that one day, students from across TLC will have the chance to bring their bots together to compete. If this first year is any indication, the TLC Robotics Club is just getting warmed up.
TLC Student Launching Elementary REC Club to Support Younger Students
TLC La Mesa sophomore Zoey Garcia has been part of the TLC community since Kindergarten. Now, after more than a decade at the school, she is giving back by launching a new program designed to support younger students. Zoey is actively trying to create an Elementary REC Club for 3rd–5th grade students at the La Mesa campus. Having once been in their place, she hopes to use her experiences and what she has learned over the years to encourage and support the students she still sees a lot of herself in.
“The goal is to help students learn social, academic, and life skills through games, discussions, and art,” Zoey explained.
Currently, Zoey is in the planning stages of creating this club, but she has already begun building interest in the program. So far she has presented the idea to three classes and collected 62 student interest signatures. She is also working on scheduling the club timing with each class so that it does not interfere with academic instruction. She is hoping to get the club started for LP6 or the start of next school year. Zoey says her motivation for starting the club comes from a desire to support students during an important stage of development:
“I truly have a heart for young kids,” she said. “I want to empower them, especially at the critical ages between 8 and 11.”
She believes these upper elementary years are a time when students begin to face new challenges and ask deeper questions about themselves and the world around them. “New questions are arising, and they’re becoming more aware of things they’ve never noticed before,” Zoey shared. Zoey’s inspiration is also rooted in her own experience as a student. When she was in fourth grade, the COVID-19 pandemic began and schools shifted to lockdowns and remote learning. “Everything changed,” she said. “I missed huge bonding opportunities and critical experiences that really do shape my life today.” Because of that experience, Zoey hopes the REC Club will give younger students tools and encouragement earlier in their journeys:
“I want these kids to be given the tools that I didn’t get until much later, so that they can embark on their journeys with a new life in them—a new confidence, a new smile.”
Zoey also hopes the program will help prepare students for the transition to middle school:
“I want to give them academic tools—tools that won’t just ease the stress, but will make them feel like they can tackle hard challenges on their own, knowing they can still ask for help.”
A central message of the REC Club will be helping students recognize their own growth and accomplishments:
“The goal is to show them that even the little accomplishments they make are a big deal and something to be proud of. They don’t have to compare their accomplishments to the ones they have yet to make, the ones they made before, or the ones their friends have made.”
Instead, Zoey hopes to help students focus on personal growth. “The person they are right now is fantastic,” she shared. “It’s not about fixing yourself—it’s about growing.” Although she recognizes the work ahead with launching a brand new initiative, Zoey says her motivation is simple: making life a little easier for younger students. “It’s not going to be easy,” she said, “but as long as one kid has their life just a little bit easier, it is so beyond worth it.” Zoey also hopes this effort is only the beginning in supporting others. She is currently working toward her associate’s degree in American Sign Language (ASL) and plans to pursue a degree in business in the future. Her long-term goal is to eventually turn the REC Club into a larger association that can support students beyond TLC. With her initiative, leadership, and heart for helping others, Zoey is already making a meaningful impact within the TLC community.
Supporting the Whole Student at TLC Chula Vista
At The Learning Choice Academy Chula Vista, a simple closet has grown into something truly special. The Care Closet is a resource stocked with clothing, toiletries, and school supplies available to any student or family in need — no questions asked. The idea was born out of a moment that many teachers have experienced. "I had a student that had an accident one day and had nothing to change into," recalls Tiffany Dvorak, a first grade teacher at TLC Chula Vista who created the Care Closet. What started as a small collection of spare bottoms for emergencies has grown into an entire room filled with clothes, shoes, and personal care items. For Ms. Dvorak, the initiative is deeply personal. As a child, she was in a similar position to students she now serves. "I was the student not getting my needs met and I had people that would help me with things I needed," she says. "I wanted to be that for other students." Her philosophy is straightforward: a child who is cold, hungry, or uncomfortable cannot focus on learning. As she explains:
"We need to help the whole student, and the Care Closet helps us do that."
In just one year, the Care Closet has expanded dramatically. Today it is stocked with a wide range of items including clothing of all kinds, jackets, socks, underwear, shoes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair brushes, dental care products, lotion, deodorant, backpacks, and school supplies. Seasonal needs shape what gets used most. "In the winter we go through a lot of sweaters and coats," Ms. Dvorak notes, while warmer months bring a higher demand for deodorant. The Care Closet is open to the entire TLC family, and access is kept simple. Clothing is available without a key, while toiletries are stored in a locked cabinet that Ms. Dvorak and fellow staff member, Ms. Deanna Carey, can open for students. Younger students are walked up by their teachers when they need something. Ms. Dvorak estimates the closet has supported somewhere between 100 and 200 families in its first year, based on how frequently she has had to restock supplies. All donations have come from TLC staff and families so far, and Ms. Dvorak is grateful for every contribution:
"We can't run the closet without all the support, so thank you to everyone that has made it such a success over the last year."
Looking ahead, she hopes to bring community partners on board, add non-perishable food items, and expand the shoe selection, particularly for younger children with smaller feet. There are a number of ways to support the Care Closet for those who want to help. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk. Currently, the most needed items include bigger size shoes and shorts of all sizes. Volunteers are also needed to help organize and inventory on a periodic basis. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact Ms. Dvorak directly: tiffany.dvorak@learningchoice.org Every contribution helps ensure that students' basic needs are met so they can focus on what matters most — learning and being a kid.
Feathers, Feeders, and First-Hand Learning: A TLC Student's Chicken Adventure
At TLC, hands-on learning often makes for the most memorable lessons. As described earlier in this newsletter, this Spring students in Ms. Wilson's Hybrid Program class witnessed the process of button quail eggs hatching — a reminder that some of the best lessons happen outside of a textbook. That same spirit of experiential learning inspired fourth grader Cody Hicks, a TLC San Diego Homeschool Program student, to take on an ambitious project of his own: raising five baby chicks. The idea came naturally for Cody. His older sister is a member of FFA (Future Farmers of America), and he wanted to find a project the two of them could share. As Cody explains:
"I wanted to do a school project and something I could do with my sister — and also learn the process of a farm animal, so maybe next year I can do a bigger animal."
With encouragement from his mom, the project doubled as both a science study and a research assignment, giving Cody the opportunity to learn how to find, evaluate, and apply information to a real-life challenge. Cody got his chicks from Carter's Feed Store in Lakeside, bringing five two-week-old chicks home in a shoebox. From there, he got straight to work. He built a small starter enclosure equipped with a heat lamp to keep the chicks warm during their critical first weeks of life.
As they grew, he upgraded them to a much larger covered cage in the garage, making sure they had fresh air, light, and plenty of room to move around. Food and water feeders were checked three times a day for cleanliness, and Cody inspected the chicks daily for any signs of health problems. By week seven, he was treating them to lettuce and crushed apples. "They loved it," he commented.
Through the project, Cody discovered just how much goes into raising animals responsibly — and how fast the learning curve can be, commenting, "The most surprising thing was how fast chickens grow." He also discovered something unexpected about himself:
"How much I loved raising a wild animal."
The five chicks each developed their own distinct personalities, and Cody gave them names to match. Fat Gary, Big Red, Franchesca, Ella, and Princess each had their own quirks. "Princess was afraid of her shadow," Cody recalls. Two of the five turned out to be roosters, which brought its own surprises. "When roosters first start crowing they're so cute sounding," he said. "Fat Gary was my favorite because he was a beautiful bird."
As with any great project, there were challenges too. As the chicks grew bigger, picking them up became trickier. Luckily the family made a plan early on to move them once they outgrew the garage. At ten weeks old, all five chickens were rehomed to a farm in Ramona where they could live among other farm animals. When asked if he would recommend this kind of project to other students, Cody stated: "Yes — raising an animal that's not a house pet is different and gave me a different experience." He also offers an honest piece of advice:
"They are very messy animals. But it's a great start for a first wild animal project."
As for what comes next, Cody is already dreaming of another hands-on project:
"I'm hoping my mom and dad will let me do rabbits this year."
Cody's project is a great example of what’s possible for homeschooling students when they have the freedom to pursue meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
Born to Dance: TLC Student Kreayshawn Aguirre Is Living Her Ballet Dream
Some students discover their passion over time. For Kreayshawn Aguirre, an 8th grader at The Learning Choice Academy Chula Vista, she knew from an early age what she wanted to spend her time doing. Kreayshawn has been dancing since the age of two — and everything since has been in pursuit of one dream: becoming a professional ballet dancer. As she says:
"Dancing is my home and it's my life."
Kreayshawn trains at the San Diego Academy of Ballet, where she is a pre-professional student. Her schedule reflects the level of dedication that title demands. On a regular day she trains for three hours, but during rehearsal periods that number climbs to six, eight, or more. And training doesn't stop when she leaves the studio:
"I train every single day, even at home."
She also participates in summer intensives to continue developing her craft during the off-season. Much of her current work centers on pointe and variations — some of the most technically demanding elements of classical ballet. It isn't easy, but Kreayshawn has found her own way through the hard moments. As she describes:
"The most challenging part is dancing en pointe. How I work through it is by not giving up and telling myself you got this."
Her biggest inspiration is someone who embodies that same spirit:
"My biggest inspiration is probably Misty Copeland because she is amazing and ended up making history as the first Black female Principal dancer."
Kreayshawn is already building an impressive performance history of her own. She has appeared in numerous shows, but one stands out above the rest. "My most memorable performance is the Nutcracker," she says — and for good reason. Last year, she danced the role of Clara, the lead, a milestone for any young ballet dancer. This year she attended a summer intensive in Utah, and has since auditioned for two programs, passing both. She is currently deciding which opportunity to pursue. When she is not in the studio, Kreayshawn is finding the balance that so many student athletes and performers know well. "Sometimes I try to work in the mornings, then go to ballet, and after I try to do homework," she explains. It is a full schedule — but one she clearly embraces wholeheartedly. For Kreayshawn, TLC has been a meaningful part of her journey both in and out of the classroom:
"TLC supports me a lot."
Kreayshawn notes that TLC staff and students have shown up to cheer her on at performances — a reflection of the close-knit community that makes TLC so special. As for her favorite ballet, Kreayshawn doesn't hesitate: Giselle. She hasn't performed it yet, but with the trajectory she is on, it may not be long before she does. We are excited to see where Kreayshawn's dream and hard work takes her next!
STAR Student Recognitions
TLC recognizes STAR students each month based on a determined character trait. Students are nominated by their Educational Partners and School Site Administrators. Congratulations to this quarter's STAR students!
January: Fairness
Aurora Armenta Grace Bojorquez Ziyah Castaneda Ysabella Castanon Hezekiah Descans Maggie Doyle Hanna Fierro Jacob Galicia Zach Garcia Bella Gonzales Henry Guentner Emberlynn Hawley Sophia Jackson Maryam Khan Stormie Lampkin Aurora Maxwell Si'eir McCondichie Tristen Moore Penelope Nava Cruz Daphne O'Leary Sebastian Pacheco Guerrero Zoe Salazar Dean Salcedo Estrella Salgado Gigi Sanchez Betsy Sanchez Jacob Soltero Keer Sparks Warren Sparks James Starlin Hudson Thorsell Catherine Trajano de los Santos Mariana Trujano de los Santos Lacy Tuilesu Joey Wilson
February: Humor
Keoni Adlerz Giovanni Aguilar Ivin Alvarado-Duran Boris Andronov Dustin Brown Damir Castaneda River Cole Darina Cozliuc Jacob Cruz Joshua Del Toro A'ven Diaz Brooks Duke Gage Duke Lyric Early Malachi Echeverri Finn Edkins Logan Erpelding Mahkai Evans Jacob Floyd Johnny Fonseca Jacob Galicia Josh Galicia Josiah Gomez Emmett Gomez Theo Guentner Emily Guentner Leonard Guentner Xavier Maleeke Harris Christopher Lampkin Wes Martinez Lucie Martinez Josh McDonald Zay Moore Zane Mudd Zion Munoz Josiah Ortega Jesed Posada Dorian Racca-Huerta Joshua Rangel Emanuel Reynoso Isabella Rodriguez Jax Rojas Cruz Sanchez Gianna Sanfilippo-Williams Aubrey Sapp Jacob Soltero Gabriella Soto-Castro William Steitz Jaxon Thomas Madeline Thorsell Gianna Trujano De Los Santos Lucy Vales-Rios Arely Velasco Apollo Weis Sullivan Wyatt
March: Citizenship
Bogdan Adam Isla Adkins Iris Atkinson Alessandro Beltran-Donate Samuel Bivens Daniel Bojorquez Jakob Carillo Aubrey Cole Bodie Duke Samuel Echeverri Dominique Evans Johnny Fonseca Josh Galicia Luna Garcia Meliyah Goldkamp Henry Gonzalez Evelyn Gonzalez Josue Gonzalez Rocklynn Hawley Emma Holkenbrink-Romero Liam Huerta Kailah Jackson Angel Jacobo Charlotte Jones Isa Kaisa Luke Kocher Kate Kurguzova Nora Luman Zoie Marsiglio Robert Martinez Sire McCondichie Maisie McKee Sophia Merwarth Colin Mulligan Natalia Odish Estrella Ortega Max Pacheco Benji Perez Mark Quinones Uriel Caleb Reynoso Jimmy Rojas Shaha Salem Gigi Sanchez Santiago Silva Isaac Sonnabaum Jonathan Stewart McKenna Thomas Milan Thompson Micah Thompson Dawson Thorsell Jimena Uraga Aaliyah Venegas Armando Venegas
This quarter's staff recognitions are:
January: Fairness
Cassy Felizardo Marcos Fonseca Lisa Hallmeyer Jennie Linck Niko Skawinski Jessica Tyack Maria Zamora
February: Humor
Sydney Cobb Bendel Fults William Howard Vanessa Loke
March: Citizenship
Autumn Barry Alex Browne Ashley Cannon Joe Cunningham Tiffany Dvorak Kristopher Hoyt Molly McKenna Katherine Murphy Monica Porter Sophia Qaqundah Heather Rhoads Diego Romero AD Soto Aleena Stuber
Credits:
Created with images by TuruMuru - "Newly gathered button quail eggs in a nest on a wooden table" • The 2R Artificiality - "Creating a robot on an Arduino platform using DIY AI on a purple background with space for text suitable for educating kids and teens in STEM through robotics and electronics"