Spring 2017 PAAK Catalog
Welcome to Peoria Arts Academy for Kids
Peoria Arts Academy for Kids (PAAK) was established to offer quality arts instruction to
Peoria Academy students and eligible students from the Greater Peoria community.
PAAK is formatted to be affordable and comprehensive. A variety of courses are offered
each semester based on age and ability. This catalog contains instructor biographies,
course descriptions, and registration details. Please read through this information carefully. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Rock PAAK Coordinator, at
[email protected]
Hours
Contact Information
3:30-5:30 p.m.
3:30-4:30p.m.
4:30-5:30p.m.
Aftercare Available Until 5:30
Phone: 309-692-7570
Dates
Fax: 309-692-7665
Email: [email protected]
Spring Semester
Mail: Peoria Academy
Begins: Monday, January 23
Ends: Friday, May 12
2711 W. Willow Knolls Dr.
8 Week Mini Sessions
Session 1: Monday, Jan 23—Friday, March 17
Session 2: Monday, March 21—Friday, May 12
Attn: Jennifer Rock
Peoria, IL 61614
Registration
Peoria Arts Academy for Kids is excited to offer a variety of engaging and unique classes this fall! Online registration
forms can be found at Peoria Academy’s website (www.peoriaacademy.org). Classes are filled out on a first-come,
first-served basis, so make sure to register early!
All registrations are due by the first day of class. No late registrations will be accepted. PAAK course
charges will appear on your September statement. Refunds will not be issued for classes once the course has
begun unless the lesson is canceled by Peoria Academy. Peoria Academy reserves the right to change or
cancel course offerings if deemed necessary.
Participation in lessons is dependent upon student behavior. Peoria Academy reserves the right to remove any student who demonstrates unsuitable or disruptive behavior. If a student is removed from class, a refund will not be
issued.
Payment & Fees
1 Credit = $150
Lessons (Individual):
Cost: 2 credits per semester
1 meeting per week for 30 minutes
1:1 Student-Instructor ratio
Group Instruction Level 1: Cost: 1 credit per semester
1 meeting per week for 1 hour
Maximum 16:1 Student-Instructor ratio
Group Instruction Level 2: Cost: 2 credits per semester
2 meetings per week for 1 hour each
Maximum 16:1 Student-Instructor ratio
Aftercare:
Available to all Peoria Academy students and all students enrolled in PAAK
Fulltime Aftercare JK-4
Cost: 1 credit per quarter
Homework Lab 5-8
Cost: 1 credit per quarter
Aftercare Part Time
Cost: $10 per day
Aftercare is offered from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Payments may be made by check or automatic withdrawal from your checking account. To pay by
automatic withdrawal, please bring a voided check to your child’s first day of class. Checks should be
made payable to Peoria Academy. PAAK course charges for the fall will be invoiced at the beginning
of the school year. Payments will be due no later than September 10th.
Meet Our Instructors
David Blasco
David Blasco has a vocal performance degree from Northern Illinois University. He has sung
throughout Europe and has also performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. He is featured as a soloist
on the Dominican Festival Choir Europe Tour CD. In Peoria, Mr. Blasco sings with the Peoria Municipal Band and the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. He is also a cantor at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic
Church. He has been on staff for the last 4 years at Peoria Academy.
Anneliese Busman
Anneliese Busman is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a B.A. in Art History and Studio
Art. She has taught a variety of art classes both during and after the school day at Peoria Academy
over the past five years. She especially enjoys painting and drawing. In her spare time, she also enjoys practicing her baking skills. She's looking forward to helping your student develop as an artist this
semester, whether it be in the studio or the kitchen!
Gloria Busman
Gloria Busman has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. She has taught elementary level music, band, and piano throughout different areas of
the United States. She has used her keyboard skills as an organist and as a relaxation tool for those
suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Ms. Busman has taught piano at Peoria Academy for
eight years and is a member of the Peoria Area Music Teachers Association, the Illinois State Music
Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association.
Patrick Cohen
Patrick Cohen has been teaching chess in the Peoria area for six years. This is his fifth year teaching
chess at Peoria Academy. He graduated from Richwood's High School and is currently a sophomore
elementary education major at Bradley University.
Julie Gianessi
Julie Gianessi has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois
University. This is her second year at Peoria Academy. She taught kindergarten in the past and
grades 1 – 5 at Bradley University’s World of Wonder. Ms. Gianessi has developed environmental
education field trips along with special events for the Pekin Park District. She is a trained facilitator
for Growing Up Wild through the Environmental Education Association of Illinois.
Jennifer Rock
Jennifer Rock earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in studio art from Bradley University. Her
experience in art spans over 20 years of classes in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking as well as exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. Jennifer has also studied music for over
20 years, more recently Guitar and Ukulele. She has worked with and taught children in the central
Illinois area for the majority of her career as an artist. Mrs. Rock aspires to share her knowledge and
enthusiasm of the arts to young artists everywhere!
Joanie Sanford
Joanie Sanford graduated with an elementary education degree from the University of Illinois. She
also has an associate degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Ms. Sanford was a cheerleader for many
years and coached gymnastics from toddlers to team competition level. She enjoys teaching kindergarten and loves seeing children learn and grow!
Wesley Sedrel
Wesley “Wes” Sedrel has a bachelor’s in philosophy and a master of divinity from the University of
Dubuque, both with a concentration in music. He has taught music in the Greater Peoria Area since
1986, the same year he began classical guitar study. Mr. Sedrel has worked as a theory tutor in the
music department at Illinois Central College and enjoys accompanying congregational hymnal singing
on the classical guitar at his church.
Dennis Zehr
Dennis Zehr started Tae Kwon Do in 1985 at Grandmaster Soo Kim’s. He reached 1st Degree Black
Belt in 1987 and has been a 6th Dan Black Belt since 2010. Mr. Zehr has been the Tae Kwon Do Instructor at Peoria Academy for eight years.
Michelle Schwartze
Michelle Schwartze is a doctoral student at Illinois State University in the School of Teaching
and Learning. Her previous degrees consist of a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
with a minor in middle school mathematics and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. She has previously taught seven years at Lincoln Middle School (2001 – 2008) and six
years at St. Mark School (2009 – 2015), both in Peoria. While at Lincoln Middle School she
coached the MATHCOUNTS team and has always enjoyed teaching mathematics as her past
experience has shown. She is very excited to share her love of math with the students at Peoria Academy.
Physical Activities (non-IESA)
Bulldog Cheerleading
1 Credit
K-4th Gr.
Monday: 3:30-4:30
Let’s show some school spirit! Do you have school spirit? Would you like to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading
and dance? Come join Bulldog Cheerleading! Learn jumps, stunts, dance and cheers. We will perform A cheer/
dance routine at the end of the semester. Go Bulldogs!!!
Instructor: Joanie Sandford
Bulldog Gymnastics
1 Credit
PK-2nd Gr. Tuesday: 3:30-4:30
Come and learn the basics of tumbling! Bulldog Gymnastics is a progression-based class where skills are broken down
into small steps to insure easy, skill-building success. Gymnastics is great for building self-esteem, strong bones, and a
healthy heart.
Instructor: Joanie Sandford
Tae Kwon Do
Cost: 1 Credit
K-8th Gr. and Parents
Monday: 3:30-4:30
K-8th Gr. and Parents
Monday: 4:30-5:30
K-8th Gr. and Parents
Tuesday: 7:15-8:15 am
K-8th Gr. and Parents
Wednesday: 3:30-4:30
K-8th Gr. and Parents
Wednesday: 4:30-5:30-8th Gr. and Parents
Thursday: 7:15-8:15 am
Tae Kwon Do teaches basic self-defense. All forms of martial arts are utilized during instruction. This course is open
to both students and parents.
Instructor: Dennis Zehr
Dance Skills Class
1 Credit
1st-4th Gr. Monday 4:30-5:30
Come dance with Ms. Tina! Her dance class is designed to be a skill building program. Dance Skills will offer your child
technique in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and modern dance. The class will also include flexibility, conditioning, tumbling,
turns, and leaps! All skill levels are welcome!
Instructor: Tina Pizzuti
Yoga For You!
1 Credit
K-4th Gr.
Wednesday: 3:30-4:30
Come and learn about yoga for kids. Yoga has many benefits. It enhances flexibility, strength, and coordination. In addition, it helps with concentration, calmness, focus and relaxation. We will learn poses, partner poses and group poses. Fun themes will be implemented each week. Themes will be based on books, movies or characters.
Namaste!!
Instructor: Joanie Sanford
Academic Classes and Clubs
Chess
1 Credit
K-8th Gr.
Friday: 3:30-4:30
Chess is a classic game that develops spatial thinking and strategies and builds focused concentration. This class is
geared for all levels of chess players. Beginners learn basic game rules and opening tactic moves. Intermediate and advanced players learn sophisticated combinations and strategies and advanced opening moved.
Instructor: Patrick Cohen
Lego Challenge
1 Credit
JK-4th Gr.
Tuesday 4:30-5:30
Do you like to build with Legos? Join us for weekly building challenges. We will incorporate a little STEM into the day
with challenges for all ability levels. Get ready to be a creative engineer!
Instructor: Julie Gianessi
We’re Growing Up Wild!
1 Credit
K-3rd Gr.
Tuesday 3:30-4:30
It’s a wild world out there! Let’s learn about the wild world around us. We will have outdoor explorations, scientific
inquiry, art projects, music and movement, conservation activities, reading and math connections and grade appropriate
STEM activities!
Instructor: Julie Gianessi
Journey to the Past
1 Credit
K-5th Gr.
Monday 3:30-4:30
Travel to the past with historical dolls. Visit the late 1700s with the Nez Perce tribe, the Victorian time period, the
Great Depression, the groovy 1970s and more! Find out what life was like during different time periods. We will make
crafts, have special guests, learn a dance, host a tea party and more. (You can bring your dolls to join in the fun!)
Instructor: Julie Gianessi
Music
**Individual lessons days and times must be coordinated with instructors limited schedules. Lessons are offered in half hour increments. Please sign up online before filling out your preferred
time. Schedules for each teacher will be available in the commons for you to fill in your time for
lessons. Times will not be honored if you are not first signed up via the PAAK online registration. Hurry, lesson times will fill up fast!
Guitar Lessons: Individual
Cost: 2 Credits
1st-8th Gr. Tuesday: 3:30-4:30
Thursday: 3:30-5:30
These guitar lessons are open to students of all levels from beginner to advanced. Basic music theory is incorporated
into each lesson with an emphasis on proper technique. Both acoustic and bass guitar lessons available.
*This class will be offered in half hour increments.
Instructor: Wesley Sedrel
Banjo Lessons: Individual
Cost: 2 Credits
1st-8th Gr. Tuesday: 3:30-4:30
Thursday or Friday: 3:30-4:30
These banjo lessons are open to students of all levels from beginner to advanced. Basic music theory is incorporated
into each lesson with an emphasis on proper technique.
*This class will be offered in half hour increments.
Instructor: Wesley Sedrel
Ukulele Lessons: Individual
Cost: 2 Credits
Jk-8th Gr.
Monday & Tuesday 3:00-6:00
In ukulele lessons, students will learn the basic methods of ukulele. Children will learn proper fingering techniques, single
notes, and basic chords along with the ability to read music! The ukulele is a fun and easy way to get started on a string
instrument and gain a musical discipline!
* This class will be offered in half hour increments.
Instructor: Jennifer Rock
Piano Lessons: Individual
Cost: 2 Credits
K-8th Gr.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday: 3:00-5:30
Throughout this course, students are introduced to the piano keyboard, becomes acquainted with the theory behind
how and why music works as it does. At the appropriate grade level, students are encouraged to participate in the IESA
Solo and Ensemble Contest. Most of all, the student is encouraged to let the music they have learned flow from their
heart… where true music is expressed and comes to life.
*This class will be offered in half hour increments.
Instructor: Gloria Busman
Beginning Piano
Cost: 2 Credits
K-8th Gr.
Monday & Tuesday 4:00-5:30
If you've never taken piano before and want to learn more, this class is for you. You will learn the basics in Beginning
Piano.
*This class will be offered in half hour increments.
Instructor: David Blasco
Music Ensembles
Junior PA choir
Cost: 1 Credit
3rd-4th Gr. Monday: 3:00-4:00
Come sing songs as a group from the radio, tv, video games, movies and some of your favorite hits! This group of singers will be show cased at special events both at school and throughout the community. Need 8-10 singers for this class
to happen.
Instructor: David Blasco
Middle School Choir
Cost: 1 Credit
5th-8th Gr. Tuesday: 3:00-4:00
Come learn to sing in S A T B parts. We will sing songs from the top 10 along with other favorite hits that are popular
from movies or that you might have on your iPod. Need 10 students for this class to happen.
Instructor: David Blasco
Ukulele Ensemble
Cost: 1 Credit
K-8th Gr.
Wednesday 3-3:30
This ensemble group is prefect for the student who already plays ukulele and would like some performance experience!
We will learn traditional ukulele songs as well as contemporary songs on the ukulele in a group setting. We will learn to
play as a group and perform our ensemble during and at the end of the semester.
Instructor: Jenny Rock
Visual/Creative Arts
Art Clubs:
Cost 1 Credit + $50 Studio Fee
Jr. Art Club: 1st-4th Gr.
Tuesday 3:30-4:30
Art Club : 5th—8th Gr.
Tuesday 4:30-5:30
Get excited to do it all in Art Club!! In each of the Art Clubs offered we will explore new and age appropriate mediums of art every week. From sculpture to painting, ceramics to printmaking...we will experiment and create amazing
works of art! But art club offers more than making art….Students will also socialize with students from their own
grade as well as students in other grades. We are going to do so much cool stuff in art club….sign up before classes fill
up!
Instructor: Anneliese Busman
Storytime Art
Cost: 1 Credit + $50 Studio Fee
3yr-JK
Thursday 3:30-4:30
Books open our imaginations to worlds of endless possibilities! What better way to spark creativity than combining the
storybook world with the world of art. In storybook Art we will read a story each class and then create and art or
craft project to go along with the book! There’s no limit to what you can create in Storybook Art!
Instructor: Diana Janda
I Can Do Art
Cost: 1 Credit + 50$ Studio Fee
3yr-K Wednesday 3:30-4:30
Fun and interactive class to introduce your budding artist to a variety of materials. We will find creative ways to practice our fine motor skills, and learn a little about some great artists along the way!
Instructor: Anneliese Busman
Baking Bonanza
Cost: 1 Credit + $50 Supply Fee
2nd-8th Gr. Monday 3:30-5
An introductory baking class where your student can learn how to make all their favorite baked goods, from cookies to
bread to scones! Your student will get to bring home a sampling of what they make each week. We might even learn a
little chemistry along the way as we discuss how and why each of our recipes works.
Instructor: Anneliese Busman
Art Journaling
Cost: 1 Credit + $50 Studio Fee
3rd-8th Gr. Thursday 4:30-5:30
Do you want a relaxing hour of art each week? Join Ms. Busman as you follow prompts to fill a journal with color, pictures, words, collages, or whatever inspires you. An art journal is whatever you'd like it to be, so come join us and
don't be afraid to experiment with new art techniques. Keep in mind, art journaling is great for everyone from the new
artist to even the most accomplished artist.
Instructor: Anneliese Busman
Visual/Creative Arts
Painting
Cost: 1 Credit + $50 Studio Fee
3rd-8th Gr. Thursday 3:30-4:30
This class will focus on fundamentals of painting. We will explore color theory, as well as a variety of techniques. We
will also explore a variety of subjects such as still life, portraiture, and so much more!
Instructor: Anneliese Busman
Embroidery
Cost: 1 Credit + $50 Studio Fee
1st-5th Gr. Wednesday 4:30-5:30
A great class for those who would like to try a new art form. We will start with the basics, and as we progress
through the semester we will use all of our new skills in order to complete a final project.
Instructor: Anneliese Busman
PAAK
Fall 2016
Registration
Student Name:_____________________________________________________Grade:___________________
Parent Signature_____________________________________________________Date:__________________
*Email:___________________________________________________________*Phone:__________________
**Phone and email are required for contact in case of class cancellation or emergency.
Please fill out the form Below with the PAAK classes that you wish to register. Lesson charges will
be billed to you account unless otherwise indicated. PAAK charges will appear on your January
Statement. Questions or concerns, contact Jenny Rock at [email protected]
Day & Time of Class
Name of PAAK Course
Credits
Total # of Credits:________