Art Classes

Art classes are available to students in Kindergarten and up. We are fortunate to have on staff a talented art instructor, Mrs. Kim Culhane, who teaches the students a variety of techniques.

Character Education

A Character Education and Resource program is a part of the curriculum at the Pinecrest Simi Valley campus. Character Education program activities for kindergarten through seventh grade are geared towards improving life's values. The Resource program provides help in building academic skills.

Sixth and seventh grade students enroll in the Character Education class as an elective for one quarter during the school year. These middle school classes are held every Friday afternoon.

The Character Education program teaches ten unit themes, which are as follows:

• Positive Classroom
• Courtesy
• Responsibility
• Caring and Sharing
• Goal Setting
• Honesty
• Conflicts and Feelings
• Health and Prevention
• Esteem
• Acceptance

Computers

Pinecrest students receive computer instruction weekly in our computer lab using a large variety of applications. Our computer teacher, Mr. Mark Gandrau, introduces HTML to middle school students, who learn the basics of web design. Computers are also available in all classrooms. Internet access is available in the computer lab, Library and middle school classrooms.

Library

Students visit the library each week. In addition to learning library skills, each child is encouraged to develop a love of books and reading. Internet access is available in our library. Our Librarian is Mrs. Paris Crespo.

Music

We are very proud of the music program at our school. Students attend music classes weekly with our music teacher, Mrs. Michelle Ogle, who additionally produces a spring musical with the students. Last year's production of Newsies was outstanding.

In addition, we have on staff an exceptional band instructor, Mr. Jonathan Cruz, who leads his students as they play at events throughout the school year.

Spanish

Because foreign language instruction is so important for a well rounded curriculum, Spanish is taught at Pinecrest beginning in Preschool. Our Spanish teacher, Señorita Simon, teaches students to read, write and speak Spanish, as well as teaching about Hispanic cultures.

Athletics

Physical Education is an integral part of the Pinecrest program. Students attend P.E. classes daily and are taught the importance of regular exercise, as well as the skills in a variety of sports. After school sports teams are available on a seasonal basis to students in 4th grade and up. Learn more about our sports program by visiting "Tiger Sports."