Junior Mastery

Ana Vizoso, Bibiana Lacorra, and Veronica Castillo

Students learn different aspects “around the table.”  As chefs, they learn their way around the kitchen, preparing kid-friendly recipes and learning the importance of a balanced, nutritious and healthy diet. In addition to cooking, students also learn tips and tricks on planning an event, as well as basic table etiquette.  

Requirements: Students must be able to listen and follow directions, work in teams, and try new foods. Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in cooking.

Annual Fee: $30 – for staples in the kitchen. During the course of the year students will be required to bring specific ingredients depending on the recipe they are creating.

Natalie Batista

Caring Cougars have an interest in helping others. Students work together to learn about the needs of our local and school communities. Students help develop service projects, fundraisers, and engage in acts of kindness that benefit various local charities. Caring Cougars work to recognize the power of a series of small actions towards a larger goal and learn that personal effort creates change.

Requirements: Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in service. Some service projects may require attendance during weekend events.

Carlos Salvat and Paola Magliano

Cross Country requires students to run long distances. Students are expected to arrive on time and in proper running attire (regulation shorts, shirt, and running shoes). Students run 2-4 miles daily at different paced intervals to give them a well-rounded and solid foundation as they begin to understand what cross country and track style running consists of. By changing the methods in which students run, the coaches are able to identify each runners’ strengths and best determine their events.

Requirements: Try-out. Wear your regular uniform for the day and bring your PE uniform and sneakers in a bag. 

Annual Fee: $275 – for uniform, practice t-shirts, Gatorade, entry fees, and tent. 

Tryout – Tuesday, August 26^th

Danella Bedford 

Conchita Espinosa Youth Dance Ensemble (CEYDE) is dedicated to enhancing the dance training for CEA/CEC’s dancers. This program has a junior level and a senior level and aims to create a positive environment for dancers to gain confidence, discipline, and intrinsic motivation to meet the cognitive and physical demands of dance. The program develops dancers in movement, technique, and artistry. Classes focus on ballet and modern technique with other styles taught whenever possible.

Requirements: Class and Audition.
Students must have a desire to pursue dance and the discipline to work hard. Students are required to have consistent attendance to all conservatory classes, rehearsals, workshops, master classes, competitions, and field trips that are scheduled at the beginning of the year. Please note that many of these are not during school hours and, therefore, this program does require extra commitment, not just from the students, but also the parents. There are extra costs, including uniform, field trips, master classes and competitions. Students wishing to be a part of Dance Mastery must attend the mandatory audition classe(s) and audition day and must take ballet in the Conservatory.

Class (Mandatory) – Wednesday, August 27^th from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Audition – Thursday, August 28^th

Girls are to wear hair in bun and bring leotard, tights and ballet shoes both days.

Diane Majors and Elizabeth Del Rio

In Lego Robotics, students learn new vocabulary, use creativity, science, technology, and organization, planning, and problem-solving skills to build models and program them. Students share their creations with peers orally and in writing.

Requirements: Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in lego robotics. Students should enjoy building and creating with Legos, blocks, etc. Students should enjoy using technology to create programs, be good listeners, and be able to follow oral and written directions.

Annual Fee: $140 – to cover a portion of the robotics portion of the program.

Jessica Munar 

The Junior Magazine Mastery is a special place for aspiring young writers to express themselves through writing and art. Students create poetry, narrative writing, and learn about various writing styles and genres.  Students also learn to upload their writing and artwork and create layouts for teh school’s literary magazine. Their writing is published in the school’s monthly newsletters and website, as well as the school’s literary magazine, Esencia.

Requirements: Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in bring part of the literary magazine.

Fransel Lapica and Rebecca White

Mathletes fosters a love for mathematics, science, engineering and problem solving. Students engage in hands-on activities, cooperative projects, and playing games centered around math. Mathletes provides academic benefits, and is a great way to express creativity and develop teamwork skills. 

Requirements: Students must have a passion for math and science, be good team players, have a competitive spirit, be creative and be ready to have fun. During the course of the year, students will be asked to bring materials for different projects we will be making. Students must submit a paragraph about their interest in math.

Annual Fee – $25 for materials

Yirka Ledon, Norman Milanes, Wendy Ocando, Antonio Perigo, Jose Pradas

Junior Music Mastery is the Mastery Group for CEA’s youngest musicians. It is geared towards students interested in developing their passion for music. Students do not need previous music experience. The music faculty work with new music students, as well as students who have previous experience with the instrument. Music faculty work students on an individual basis to strengthen their technical skills as musicians, as well as work with instruments in sections, and participate in ensemble work, in order to discover the magic of making music through teamwork. Violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, guitars, percussion instruments, keyboards, etc., are used to create music that delights audiences of all ages. Music Mastery participates in several performances each year.

Requirements: Interview – by homeroom Monday, August 25^th through Friday, August 29^th. Participation in conservatory music classes is recommended.

Fee – $100 fee for materials.

Karina Vazquez

The goal for the Visual Arts Mastery is to give students knowledge of historical perspectives of art, as well as the classical techniques of each of the movements that studied in class.

Visual Arts classes take a classical approach to teaching drawing and painting as well as the history of art. The program goes beyond arts and crafts; the students learn how “to see” in a new way as well as to view, discuss, and create art masterpieces. Students use technology to research different arts and periods of art. Visits to museums and other art events pertaining to class discussion will occur during the year.

Requirements: Applicants should have a passionate interest in art since students are expected to spend at least 2 hours a week working in their sketchbooks at home. Portfolio submission is required. Portfolio should include current sketchbook with more than 10 pages completed and an original art work (size 8½ x 11) along with a paragraph or two about their artwork and/or interest in art. Name and homeroom should be on the back of the sketchbook and the art work. Turn in art portfolio to Mrs. Vazquez by Thursday, August 29th.

Fee – There is a $100 fee for supplies.

Laura de Mare 

The CEA Voice Mastery is the official voice of Conchita. In Voice Mastery, students explore various vocal and musical styles. Students will not only grow vocally, but have the opportunity to blossom as performers.  The voice mastery participates in official CEA ceremonies, such as First Communion and Graduation, and performs in assemblies, the Festival of the Arts, and other CEA and CEC important performances and events throughout the year.  

Requirements:  Audition – by homeroom Monday, August 25^th through Friday, August 29^th.