Academic Enrichment For All
Academic Enrichment for All (AEFA) is Vista Verde’s community for extracurricular academic enrichment. AEFA hosts parent volunteer-led academic clubs, events, olympiads, tournaments and bees at Vista Verde. These programs are open to all Vista Verde students and funded by the PTA. Subscribe to the PTA E-newsletter receive AEFA program flyers and sign-up links as they are posted.
Send program questions to: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
Questions regarding the PTA sponsored math competitions below, please contact vvmathclub@gmail.com.
Math Madness Online Tournament (Gr 3-8)
Math Madness is an online, team-based math tournament that takes place
in the fall at two levels – ES (3-5th) and MS (6-8th). Students will compete
in leagues of weekly, 30 minute competition against another school in the
US, followed by a nationwide, single elimination bracket tournament.
Students will take the online test at home. For more details: https://www.aretelabs.com/math-madness
Math League (Gr 3-8)
The mathleague.org program consists of a series of online math
contests for Elementary School and Middle School students throughout
the school year, culminating in State or even National Championships.
For more details: https://www.mathleague.org
The Orange County Math Council (OCMC) Math Field Day (Gr 4-6)
All day math competition for students in Grades 4, 5, and 6. Competition
categories include: numbers and operations, algebraic thinking,
geometry, data analysis, and measurement. For more details:
https://sites.google.com/view/ocmathcouncil/home
MathCounts Competition Series (Gr 6-8)
Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in a Competition
Series that has 4 levels of competition— school, chapter, state and
national. Each level of competition consists of 4 rounds—Sprint, Target,
Team and Countdown Round. For more details visit:
www.mathcounts.org/programs/mathcounts-competition-series
MAA AMC 8
American Mathematics Competition 8 is a 25-question,
40-minute, multiple choice exam in middle school mathematics, testing
mathematical problem-solving skills, including counting, probability,
estimation, proportional reasoning, geometry, spatial visualization,
interpreting graphs and tables, beginning algebra, and more. For more
details:https://maa.org/amc-8-information-and-registration/
Important AMC 8 Dates:
Early Bird Registration Deadline: Oct. 21, 2024 ($53 registration fee)
Regular Registration Deadline: Dec. 23, 2024 ($73 registration fee)
Late Registration Deadline: Jan. 15, 2025 ($113 registration fee)
Additional Bundles Deadline: Jan. 15, 2025
AMC 8 Competition: Jan. 22 – 28, 2025
Science Olympiad
Elementary School Team- Division A (Gr 4-6)
Middle School Team- Division B (Gr 6-8)
Program Description:
The Science Olympiad Team at Vista Verde is an exciting and challenging
extracurricular program designed to foster a passion for science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students. This team brings
together motivated and enthusiastic students who have a keen interest in
exploring various scientific disciplines through hands-on experiments, projects,
and competitions. Through regular meetings, training sessions, and collaborative
projects, members will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of
STEM concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in friendly
competition with other schools.
Sample Meeting Schedule
Two to three months preparation. Study time will require weekly zoom or in person meetings between coaches and the students. Parent participation required.
Competition Day
On a Saturday for Middle school around February and for Elementary around April. Exact competition date will be announced.
For more details visit https://www.soinc.org/start-team/team-size-grade-levels
For questions email: vvscioly2023@gmail.com
Elementary (4th–5th grade) Poster & Podcast Only
Junior (6th–8th grade)
Competition Day: Spring
Students can choose one of the following ways to build their project:
● Individual Project
● Group Project (2–5 students)
2025 National History Day-OC Theme: Rights and Responsibilities in History
https://ocde.us/EducationalServices/CurriculumInstructionandAcademicEnrichment/History/Pages/History-Day.aspx
Every year National History Day frames students’ research within a
historical theme. The theme is chosen for the broad application to world,
national or state history and its relevance to ancient history or to the
more recent past.
Project Categories:
You may present your research using one of the seven category types below:
● Documentary
● Exhibit
● Historical Paper
● Performance
● Podcast
● Poster
● Website
For more information visit: https://www.nhdca.org/
Chess Club Gr 1-8
Program Description:
The Chess Club at Vista Verde is an engaging and enriching extracurricular activity designed to cultivate strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and sportsmanship among students. This club provides a supportive environment where chess enthusiasts of all skill levels can come together to learn, practice, and enjoy the game of chess. Through regular meetings, friendly matches, tournaments, and instructional sessions, members will
have the opportunity to develop their chess abilities while fostering friendships with fellow students. For more details Email: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
Meeting Schedule: Starting Sept, Once a month on a Wednesday from 1:30 to 2:30pm at school
Competition Day: Chess Club Challenge at Family Fun Night and Chess Club Year End Party
Viking Voices Middle School Speech and Debate Club Gr 6-8
Program description:
Viking Voices is a dynamic speech and debate club designed for middle school students. Our program provides a supportive and engaging environment where students can develop their public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills. Through a variety of activities, including debates, impromptu speeches, and prepared
presentations, students will gain confidence and proficiency in articulating
their ideas and arguments.
Goals:
● Enhance Communication Skills
● Foster Critical Thinking
● Build Confidence
● Promote Teamwork and Collaboration
● Develop Research Skills
● Encourage Active Listening:
● Instill Ethical Speaking and Debating Practices
Meeting schedule: TO BE ANNOUNCED.
For more information Email: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
Rubik’s Cube Club Gr 1-8
Program Description:
The Rubik’s Cube Club at Vista Verde is an inclusive and engaging extracurricular activity designed to bring together students who share a passion for problem-solving, logic, and creativity. Through regular meetings and collaborative activities, members will have the opportunity to learn, practice, and master the art of solving Rubik’s Cubes while fostering
teamwork.
Goals:
● Develop Problem-Solving Skills
● Foster Creativity and Critical Thinking
● Promote Collaboration and Teamwork
● Provide a Fun and Inclusive Experience
● Encourage Persistence and Resilience
● Promote STEM Education
Meeting Schedule: Starting Sept, Once a month on a Wednesday from 1:30 to
2:30pm at school.
Competition Day: Rubik’s Cube Challenge at Family Fun Night and Rubik’s Cube
Challenge at Club Year End Party.
For more details Email: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
Spelling Bee Elementary (Gr 2-5) Middle School (Gr 6-8)
Program Description:
The Spelling Bee Competition at Vista Verde is an exciting and educational
event designed to showcase students’ spelling abilities while promoting
literacy, language skills, and confidence. This event will bring together
participants from various grade levels to compete in a friendly and
supportive environment. Through rounds of spelling challenges,
participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their vocabulary
knowledge and spelling accuracy, fostering a spirit of academic excellence
and friendship among students.
For more information Email: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
Competition Days:
Elementary school: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 1:30-3:30pm at MPR
Middle School: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 1:30-3:30 at MPR
Astronomy Night – All Grades and families
Meeting Schedule: January 31st, 2025 5pm-7pm
Program Description:
Astronomy Night is an exciting and educational event designed for students
of all grades and their families. This event aims to spark curiosity about the
universe and foster a love for science through engaging presentations,
interactive sessions, and hands-on activities. Participants will have the
opportunity to explore the night sky, learn about celestial objects, and use
telescopes to observe stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena.
Goals:
● Promote Interest in Astronomy
● Provide Hands-On Learning Experiences
● Enhance Scientific Knowledge
● Encourage Family and Community Involvement
● Develop Observational Skills
● Support STEM Education
● Encourage Family and Community Involvement
For more information Email: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
Earth Day – All Grades and Families
Meeting Schedule: April 22nd, 2025 from 3pm to 4:30pm
Program Description:
Celebrate Earth Day with a special event designed for all grades and their
families. This program aims to raise awareness about environmental issues
and promote sustainable practices through engaging hands-on activities.
Participants will learn about the importance of protecting our planet and
how they can contribute to a healthier environment.
Goals:
● Raise Environmental Awareness
● Promote Sustainable Practices
● Encourage Family and Community Involvement
● Promote Lifelong Environmental Stewardship
For more information Email: AEFA@vistaverdepta.org
IUSD Gate Parent Representative for Vista Verde: TBD
Each IUSD elementary school offers cluster classes for GATE-identified
students in grades 4 through 6. These cluster classrooms integrate a small
group of GATE students within a general education setting of mixed
abilities. To learn more about the screening process, program model and
school contacts visit IUSD page by clicking here.