Dear TLC Families,
Welcome to a brand-new school year at The Learning Choice Academy! I am so grateful that you are part of our TLC community, whether this is your first year with us or you are returning for another season of learning and growth.
At TLC, we believe that education is a shared journey between school and home. Our hybrid model allows families to enjoy the flexibility of homeschooling while also benefiting from the support, enrichment, and community of our on-campus program. It’s truly the best of both worlds, and we love walking alongside you as partners in your child’s learning.
This year promises to be filled with wonderful opportunities for both students and parents. We are excited to offer many amazing field trips where students can connect their learning to real-world experiences and build lasting memories with friends. For parents, we will be hosting workshops and gatherings designed to provide support, resources, and encouragement as you guide your children through their educational journey.
Most of all, I want you to know how much we value the relationships that make TLC special. Together, we are creating a learning community where every child feels known, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for choosing TLC and for trusting us with your family’s educational adventure. We look forward to sharing a year full of learning, growth, and joyful experiences with you.
With gratitude and excitement,
Debi Gooding
Executive Director
A Joyful Start: TLC’s New TK Hybrid Program
This year, The Learning Choice Academy launched a new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Hybrid Program at our Chula Vista and La Mesa sites, offering families the best of both worlds: a nurturing classroom experience combined with the flexibility and family involvement of homeschooling.
Designed for our youngest learners, the Hybrid Program gives students the opportunity to learn and grow through play-based, hands-on experiences while gently introducing them to classroom routines and expectations.
A Day in the TK Hybrid Classroom
Each day in the Hybrid Program is filled with curiosity, movement, and creativity. Students begin their mornings with breakfast and a welcoming class meeting before diving into a variety of engaging activities — from stories and songs to art, movement, and exploration centers.
TLC Chula Vista's TK teacher, Ms. Ward, follows a consistent schedule that helps children feel secure and confident as they move through the day.
“We read stories, sing songs, and do small group activities related to our weekly themes,” she explains. “This week, we’re learning about community helpers, and we explore that theme through every subject — math, literacy, science, and more.”
The classroom also includes sensory and pretend play centers, which help children make sense of the world through touch, sound, and imagination.
“At this age, play is their language,” Ms. Ward says. “It’s how they learn best.”
Two Great Programs to Choose From
Previously only the Homeschool Program had been available for TK students. With the addition of a TK Hybrid Program, families at Chula VIsta and La Mesa can now choose the program that best fits their student’s and family’s unique needs.
Coming to school three days a week as part of the Hybrid Program gives students the chance to build friendships, practice cooperation and enjoy hands-on learning experiences. The classroom environment helps them get comfortable with routines and expectations, while still leaving time at home for family activities.
For families that choose the Homeschool Program, the pace of learning is more flexible and can be shaped around a student's interests. Everyday moments are opportunities for learning with little ones. Homeschooling allows for one-on-one time and a learning environment that works with a family's values and rhythms.
Growth and Joy in the Classroom
Already this year, both Ms. Ward and Ms. Amanda (the TK teacher at La Mesa), have seen remarkable growth in their young learners. Students are writing their names, solving social problems on their own, and showing greater independence each day. Ms. Ward shares proudly,
“They’ve learned to take turns, line up safely, clean up after themselves, and even use our ‘Solutions Wall’ to pick strategies for solving conflicts — like using a timer or taking deep breaths.”
In Ms. Amanda’s class, students have been exploring nature and science through projects like planting grass and pumpkins — and they recently enjoyed a hands-on “Apple Day” with the kindergarten class, where they tasted, experimented, and discovered all things apple-related.
Building Confidence for What’s Ahead
For both teachers, the most rewarding part of the Hybrid Program is watching students grow into confident, caring learners.
“It’s amazing to see them feel at home in our classroom,” Ms. Amanda says. “They’re making connections and finding their place here.”
Ms. Ward agrees: “Seeing them become independent, curious, and respectful individuals — cheering for each other, helping each other, and building a community together — that’s what makes this so special.”
By year’s end, both teachers hope their students will carry forward a love of learning, strong social skills, and a growth mindset that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
TK Activity Highlight: Process Art
Our TK Hybrid students at Chula Vista recently took part in a fun-filled and creative day exploring two “Process Art” activities inspired by the books The Dot and I Can Be a Super Friend. Through The Dot, students learned that everyone is an artist and celebrated individuality and perseverance. I Can Be a Super Friend helped them explore what it means to be kind, supportive, and a good friend.
Students expressed their creativity by making a vibrant dot collage using a variety of materials and designing their own “Super Friend” hero vests and masks. These activities supported many areas of development—including social-emotional learning, self-regulation, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and creativity—all while promoting teamwork and school spirit. Our TK students truly shined as artists, creators, and kind friends! Check out the video below for some highlights.
Mentorship and Growth: Supporting TLC’s New Teachers
At The Learning Choice Academy, we know that great teaching doesn’t happen in isolation—it grows through support, reflection, and collaboration. That’s why TLC is proud to offer a robust Mentorship Program that guides new teachers as they begin or continue their journey in education.
Clearing a Credential Through Collaboration
In California, new teachers are first issued a preliminary teaching credential. Within the first five years of holding it, they must complete an induction program to earn a clear credential. At TLC, we partner with High Tech High to provide this state-required induction support, ensuring our teachers have both a strong professional foundation and a supportive community as they grow.
The induction program typically spans two years and includes a variety of reflective and collaborative components. New teachers select an improvement group based on their area of focus—such as math, literacy, or classroom engagement—and spend the year deepening their practice in that area.
Throughout the year, new teachers participate in classroom observations, complete self-reflection assessments using the California Standards for the Teaching Profession, and meet weekly with their mentor to set goals, problem-solve, and celebrate growth.
TLC’s Mentorship in Action
While the partnership with High Tech High provides structure and accountability, TLC adds its own layer of personalized mentorship designed specifically for our school community. TLC mentors work side-by-side with new teachers on the practical and relational aspects of teaching—everything from lesson planning, classroom routines, and behavior management to attendance procedures, gradebooks, testing, and portfolio support. Mentors also help new teachers navigate TLC-specific systems, such as Meeting Weeks, to ensure they feel confident and prepared in all areas of their role.
TLC teacher, Ali Lipinski, who is currently going through the Mentorship Program shared,
“In the first year my mentor provided a safe space to troubleshoot challenges, whether I needed a fresh perspective on a lesson or concrete strategies for classroom management. Her consistent support extended to my graduate studies and, most importantly, our weekly check-ins established a vital routine of reflection on successes and areas for growth.”
For teachers who are new to TLC but already have a clear credential, the school pairs them with a buddy teacher instead of a formal mentor. This provides ongoing support in understanding TLC’s unique hybrid and homeschool structure without the additional induction requirements.
All mentors at TLC are experienced educators—each with at least three years of teaching experience—and they volunteer for the role because they’re passionate about giving back and helping others succeed.
The Power of New and Experienced Teachers
The mentorship model strengthens TLC as a whole. Experienced teachers bring stability, wisdom, and institutional knowledge, helping maintain the school’s high standards and strong sense of community. As Ali shared,
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been paired with tenured educators and administrators. Their diverse perspectives have been instrumental in helping me refine my instructional practices and navigate the complexities of the educational landscape with greater confidence.”
New teachers, meanwhile, infuse the school with fresh ideas, energy, and innovation. In addition, new teachers are often up-to-date on the latest technology tools and explore creative ways to learn, which they enthusiastically pass on to students.
Ali continued,
“The most exciting aspect of being a new teacher is the steep and constant learning curve. It's a unique period where you are actively encouraged to try new things, from educational technology to different pedagogical approaches. I find it exciting to analyze why certain strategies connect with one group of students and not another. This process of trial, reflection, and refinement is incredibly motivating. Turning a lesson that didn't go perfectly into a valuable learning opportunity for myself is what makes this work so dynamic and fulfilling.”
A Community of Continuous Learning
TLC’s Mentorship Program reflects the school’s belief that teaching is a lifelong journey of growth. Whether it’s a veteran teacher sharing classroom insights or a new educator introducing an innovative idea, every mentor and mentee contributes to a culture of learning and collaboration.
Ali reflected,
“The experience has inspired my own long-term professional goals. The guidance and support I've received have set a powerful example of what professional collaboration should look like. After gaining more experience, I hope to one day have the opportunity to pay it forward and serve as a TLC mentor for a new teacher myself.”
By investing in our teachers, TLC continues to invest in what matters most—creating the best possible learning environment for students.
TLC Green Teams Lead the Way in Reducing Waste and Protecting Our Planet
At The Learning Choice Academy, environmental responsibility is more than a goal — it’s a daily practice. In support of California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), TLC is taking meaningful steps to reduce food waste, recycle organic materials, and educate students about sustainability through hands-on experiences.
What Is SB 1383?
In 2016, California passed SB 1383, a law designed to reduce short-lived climate pollutants, especially methane — a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The law calls for a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal and for 20% of surplus food to be rescued for human consumption by 2025.
Because landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions in California, keeping food and other organic waste out of them has become a top environmental priority.
How TLC Is Reducing Food Waste
Across all three campuses, TLC Nutrition staff are following the Food Recovery Hierarchy, focusing first on reducing waste and then redistributing or recycling what remains.
Efforts include:
- Carefully managing food orders to reduce excess inventory
- Sharing extra items between campuses when needed
- Offering Share Tables, where students can place unopened food for others to take
- Providing leftover meals to students
- Donating suitable scraps to families or staff with livestock
- Additionally, each campus is teaching students how to correctly sort compostable, recyclable, and waste materials to minimize contamination and maximize recovery.
The Role of TLC’s Green Teams
To strengthen these efforts, each TLC campus has its own Green Team — a collaboration of teachers, nutrition staff, and students dedicated to promoting sustainability and supporting SB 1383 goals.
Green Teams:
- Educate and train students on proper waste sorting practices
- Monitor lunch areas to help peers identify compostable, recyclable, and landfill items
- Collaborate with Nutrition Services to improve waste reduction systems
- Plan environmental awareness activities, such as poster campaigns, classroom visits, and recycling drives
- Encourage a “Think Green” mindset across campus, helping students see how small choices make a big difference
Through these initiatives, Green Team members develop leadership and problem-solving skills while building a culture of shared responsibility for the environment.
The Green Teams at each school site have spearheaded initiatives based on their own passions. For example, Chula Vista’s Green Team does a monthly beach clean up (highlighted in this newsletter), whereas La Mesa has several student-led Green Team groups, including one from 6th grade (check out their video below), as well as a group of high-school students who teach TK, Kindergarten and 1st grade students how to separate their compostable, recyclable, and waste products into the correct containers.
Join the Movement
The Green Teams at TLC are always growing — and they welcome more helping hands! We’re especially looking for Middle and High School students who are passionate about sustainability and eager to help their campuses go green.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please contact Cathy Kniss at ckniss@learningchoice.org. Together, we can make small changes that have a lasting impact on our planet.
TLC La Mesa's 6th Grade Green Team
From the Classroom to the Coast: Mr. Andy Inspires a Cleaner Future
Every month, the dedication of one educator, Mr. Andy Cardona, and the support of two environmental organizations, ensure the beautiful beaches of San Diego get a little extra love. Mr. Andy’s Monthly Beach Cleanup has quickly become a TLC tradition – bringing our community together to support the environment.
A Passion for Place and People
Mr. Andy is one of the Green Team leaders at the TLC Chula Visa site. In addition to supporting sustainability initiatives at school, the goal of the Chula Vista Green Team this year is to clean Imperial Beach and help bring back the local ecology. As the most polluted beach in San Diego County, Imperial Beach is a fitting focus for their efforts—which are already making a real difference.
Together, TLC Chula Vista Green Team members, including Mr. Andy, high school students, and other volunteers, meet once a month to clean Imperial Beach. For Mr. Andy, this regular event is a reflection of his deep-seated passion for the environment, the beaches, and his students. His enthusiasm is infectious, extending beyond simply picking up trash. These cleanups are a perfect way for young people to connect with their local environment, fulfill service requirements, and see the immediate, positive impact of their efforts.
As Mr. Andy describes,
“As an avid surfer, I have spent my life trying to improve the quality of our oceans! The Green Team at Chula Vista has been a fantastic way to see the students thrive in their passions! To foster an environmentally conscious world it takes impactful progress from everyone! Even if it is only on a small scale.”
A Birthday Request Driven by Commitment
Mr. Andy’s commitment to the environment was on full display last month, when he celebrated his birthday. His one birthday request was simple yet powerful: he asked fellow teachers to join him at the cleanup. His colleagues showed up, not only to celebrate him but to support his environmental mission, demonstrating the powerful impact a passionate educator can have both inside and outside the classroom. It was a wonderful show of solidarity, along with setting an example for the students.
Powered by Partnership
Mr. Andy and the Green Team’s beach clean-ups are also an example of the power of community partnerships. Mr. Andy explains,
“I teamed up with the organization I Love A Clean San Diego last year to facilitate the beach clean ups and recently also started partnering with the Surfrider Foundation because they offered to help me supply the gear for the monthly clean ups!”
He credits his students for motivating him to seek community partners,
“The kids were actually the ones that heavily influenced me looking for community stakeholders to help support our clean up efforts. What started as me cleaning alone every month quickly expanded to multiple Green Team club members wanting to expand their local outreach to their communities as well. We consider every clean up opportunity open invite and believe in a community of leaders and volunteers!”
Together, these organizations amplify Mr. Andy's efforts, turning a routine beach sweep into a well-organized, high-impact environmental event.
Join the Movement!
The cleanups offer a consistent, positive outlet for action. By dedicating just a couple of hours one morning a month, you help protect local wildlife, enhance the beauty of our coastline, and reduce the flow of pollution into the Pacific. Want to pitch in for the next cleanup in Imperial Beach? Keep an eye out on Parent Square for the announcement!
You can also email Mr. Andy (andres.cardona@learningchoice.org ) or speak to a club member if you’re interested in learning more.
Connecting Families, Strengthening Community: TLC’s New Parent Initiative
At The Learning Choice Academy, parent involvement has always been a cornerstone of our community. When parents step forward to share their time, talents, and ideas, it creates ripples that reach far beyond the classroom—strengthening the bonds between families, supporting students’ growth, and building the kind of community where everyone feels they belong.
Two TLC parents, Gracie and Ivy, are perfect examples of how one simple idea—and a lot of heart—can make a lasting difference. Motivated by their shared desire to help students and families feel more connected, they launched Families Together, a new parent-led initiative designed to nurture connection and belonging within TLC San Diego’s hybrid and homeschool programs.
Families Together may be new for 2025, but the heart of this initiative—building connection and community—has always been part of Gracie and Ivy’s story. For the past few years they have been organizing class meetups and sharing information through ParentSquare and flyers. Now, with a growing team of dedicated parents, Families Together is expanding its reach, strengthening its network, and creating more intentional opportunities for families to come together.
Gracie and Ivy were inspired to start this group because they believe TLC’s limited on-campus time doesn’t have to be a barrier to connection—it can be an opportunity. By bringing parents and guardians together, they aim to build a vibrant, supportive community that extends beyond the classroom. TLC’s small class sizes already foster a close-knit environment, and creating connection opportunities outside of class time helps strengthen those bonds even more.
As Gracie shared,
“There’s something powerful about knowing we’re not navigating this alone. When we come together—sharing experiences, encouragement, and a little humor along the way—we create a space where our kids (and we as parents!) feel seen and supported.”
So far this year, Families Together has hosted gatherings to deepen TLC San Diego’s sense of community. They are focusing on organizing events for middle and high school students, parent meetups, and casual get-togethers during meeting weeks. As this initiative grows, Gracie and Ivy hope to expand these offerings—creating even more opportunities for families to come together, share experiences, and celebrate what makes our community unique.
Gracie and Ivy explained,
“Our goal is not only to create a healthy community for our kids, but to empower them with the tools and experiences they need to grow their own village. Through shared events, inclusive activities, and intentional outreach, Families Together is helping bridge gaps, spark friendships, and nurture a culture of connection.”
Gracie and Ivy welcome all TLC families to join them—whether you're a seasoned TLC parent or just starting your journey. As they said,
“Remember, building community is a journey, not a race. Every small effort adds up, and your presence matters. You’re not just joining a group—you’re helping shape a vibrant, welcoming circle of families who are in this together. Together, we can build the kind of community our kids deserve.”
Check out Families Together’s website for more information and a list of their upcoming events.
Events announcements will also be posted in ParentSquare. You can contact Gracie and Ivy directly by emailing FamiliesTogetherSDTLC@gmail.com
Parent Spotlight: Wilhelmina – Building Connection at the La Mesa Site
In addition to the community building that Ivy and Gracie are doing at TLC San Diego (highlighted above), parents across TLC consistently share that they are willing to support one another. This month, we’re excited to spotlight once such parent – Wilhelmina, a dedicated La Mesa parent who’s passionate about supporting fellow families and building a stronger sense of community at the La Mesa site.
Wilhelmina’s son, who is now a senior, has been part of TLC for seven years. Throughout that time, she’s seen firsthand the positive impact of TLC’s supportive environment, sharing,
“It’s been a wonderful and exciting journey,” she shares. “I appreciate how supportive the TLC community is—teachers and staff all working together to make sure every student feels seen and cared for.”
Beyond being an active parent in the TLC community, Wilhelmina enjoys spending her free time volunteering, reading, spending time with family, catching up with friends, and learning new things. She brings that same spirit of curiosity and connection to TLC and supporting other parents.
Wilhelmina is Here to Help
If you are a TLC La Mesa parent (or any TLC parent), Wilhelmina is willing to support you where she can. In particular she can answer questions you may have, offer advice on how she has navigated challenges, or even attend a meeting with you if it would be helpful to have another parent perspective. Wilhelmina shared,
“I’m always happy to help however I can, whether it’s answering questions, lending a friendly ear, or connecting parents with resources, I want other families to know they’re not alone—we’re all in this together.”
Join Wilhelmina & Other Parents
Wilhelmina is also looking for other TLC La Mesa parents who would like to connect and/or offer support to other parents. Similar to what Gracie and Ivy are doing at TLC San Diego, Wilhelmina believes a committed group of parent volunteers at TLC La Mesa could contribute to a positive school culture and help to create an even better experience for students and parents.
Her advice to other TLC families is simple but powerful:
“Get involved and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you connect with teachers and other parents, the more you and your student will feel supported. TLC is a great place to grow.”
Wilhelmina welcomes any parents who need support, or who would like to get more involved or simply connect, to contact her. She can be reached through the La Mesa Campus office. You can also email kacie.desmond@learningchoice.org to be connected with her.
WIlhelmina summarizes,
“I’m so grateful that we found TLC when we did,” she reflects. “I love seeing how much the school grows each year. When families support one another, amazing things happen for our kids!”
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!
August/September: Respect
Isla Adkins
Max Aguilar
Dominic Allen
Quinn Atkinsonsessler
Nahla Baker
Luke Baker
Annabelle Becker
Elizabeth Benitez
Liliana Benitez
Alexander Benitez
Gus Bogdon
Pepper Camat
Jack Carlton
Fernando Carrillo
Danisa Castaneda
Jove Cienfuegos
Emilee Corral
Alexandra Cozliuc
Sarah Cruz
Joshua Del Toro
Miranda Delgadillo
Mikhail Ermak
Maryanna Escobedo Crespo
Corbin Falvey
Elias Fimbres
Gracie Fimbres
James Garcia
Amarah Garrido
Sierrah George
Max Gonzales
Ayleen Gonzalez
Josue Gonzalez
Sean Hall
Wesley Harris
Cody Hicks
Owen Holkenbrink-Romero
Kailah Jackson
Aliah Jaff
Lei Kaisa
Azalea King
Jocelyn Laguna
Benji Li
Norah Luman
Ricky Marcoux
Gabriella Marin
Lance Martin
Laila Mayorga
Heath McDonough
Daniel Miranda Avendano
Dean Modica
Kyleigh Murphy
Audri Murrieta
Tre Norris
Ezra Ortega
Ava Ortega
Abdiel Padilla Gonzalez
Eden Park
Isla Park
Matthew Pedraza
Kieran Philo
Andrew Pratt
Celina Ramirez-Verdugo
Aliyah Rangel
Uriel Caleb Reynoso
Emma Robinson
Ezekiel Rose
Noah Runyon
Linkin Ryan
Lilly Sanson
Kaia Spellman
Pariss Thompson
Sofia Venegas
Vlada Voloshchenko
Jameson Wheeler
October: Caring
Maliyah Broy
Libby Camat
Rory Cole
Mia Cruz
Colton Davila
Finn Edkins
Evelyn Falvey
Justine Floyd
Lucy Fonseca
Lucas Garcia
Samuel Gladwin
Tatum Gomez
Jesus Gonzalez
Mason Gray
Milena Grigorian
Wesley Harris
Ben Hochstadt
Josalyn Hough
Cade Kocher
Travis Kocher
Harvey Majors
Evey Marcella
Luke Martinez
Melanie Martinez
Sasha Mcdonough
Ivy Miller
Colin Mulligan
Eli Osorio Nieves
Kara Post
Jessica Pyzel
Leo Rodriguez
ElRod Rodriquez
Eileen Santoyo Flores
Ellyn Shnati
Christopher Stewart
Alexander Stewart
Dezarai Suesue
Harley Thomas
Faith Tinajero-Reyes
Nelley Tyack
Max Wilson
Odin Zimmergarger
This quarter's staff recognitions are:
August/September: Respect
Dallon Beachem
Eunice Park
Jennifer Jacobus
Tom Flinn
Jill Nichols
October: Caring
Amanda Camat
Ashley Cannon
Brontee Cintron
Ben Coppersmith
Mary Grace Fernandez
Ali Lipinski
Heather Rhoads
Sheala Scavia
Aleena Stuber
Roxanna Vincent
Angela Wilson
Credits:
Created with images by Proxima Studio - "Renewable energy, ecology concept with tree" • malp - "Eco sustainable development sign." • Wirestock - "Aerial view of Imperial Beach coastline and pier."