IUGO WORLD MAY 2024 1 loading...
IUGO
WORLD
Learning and Living Gazette
San Fernando Valley Edition
Homeschooling
Our Very First Issue
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world
Helping Our Children to
Endure Challenging Times
Endure Challenging Times
The Truth About
for Learning at the Y
Prepare Your Child
Homeschooling
for Learning at the Y
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isa
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Monthly Reader Drawing
Tips For a Memorable
Mothers Day
Mothers Day
required. Winner will be electronically picked at random on June 1st. Winner is not required to be present to
receive prize. Consult terms and conditions, when registering entry.
IUGO
WORLD
Learning and Living Gazette
San Fernando Valley Edition
Issue 1 May 2024 Website: iugo.world/iwgazette Tel: (888) 502-6795 ALWAYS FREE
Homeschooling
Our Very First Issue
iugo
world
Helping Our Children to
Endure Challenging Times
Endure Challenging Times
The Truth About
for Learning at the Y
Prepare Your Child
Homeschooling
for Learning at the Y
$100 V
isa
Win a
Giftcard
FREE EN
Monthly Reader Drawing
Tips For a Memorable
Mothers Day
Mothers Day
Enter the free drawing at www.iugo.world/iwgazette-drawing. Open to the public, no purchase or donation
required. Winner will be electronically picked at random on June 1st. Winner is not required to be present to
receive prize. Consult terms and conditions, when registering entry.
We sincerely hope that your family embraces the power of
learning and the warmth of community by making our gazette a
monthly addition to your home. We are committed to providing you
with educational insights, inspiring stories, community support, and
topics to bring families together in dialog and meaningful action. Our
hope is that together, as resilient members of the San Fernando
Valley, we can transform our children's backyard into the equitable
and safe community they truly deserve.
Welcome to our inaugural edition—a celebration of learning,
growing and rebuilding the indomitable spirit of the San Fernando
Valley.
Page 2- IW Learning & Living Gazette, May 2024
IW Learning and Living Gazette
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As a resident living at the vibrant core of the San Fernando
Valley, I find myself at a crossroads. Last year, I read a study from
UCLA that found “Living in the San Fernando Valley is a Downer.
Certainly, the challenges loom large: inflation, income disparities,
social division and discrimination, the homelessness and mental
illness crisis, crime, food insecurities, and school lockdowns are just
the tip of the iceberg. All these issues have a substantial impact on
our community and quality of life. It is most definitely a major downer
—especially when we consider that our children are growing up in
the thick of these challenges. Nevertheless, as a mother and
educator, I strongly believe there is a ray of hope amid these
overwhelming complexities, and that is education and community.
With this in mind, we are thrilled to announce the launch of
the first issue of Iugo World Learning and Living (IWLL) gazette. This
monthly publication is fueled by the conviction that education in its
diverse forms extends far beyond textbooks if it is to broaden our
perspectives, while community empowers us to transform what we
cannot change. Transformation is a larger concept than change. It
entails profound reinvention of our collective culture as a
community, which begins at home. In this issue, you will find Kendra
Thompson's article, “Why Hope is Different from Optimism”, that
Celebrating Our Very
First Issue
By Windy Fama
Co-founder, Iugo World
describes the importance of defining what hope looks like in the thick
of uncertainty so we can endure challenges. This powerful article will
not only help us find solid ground, but also to engage in meaningful
dialog to help our young people cope during difficult stages of their
lives.
Iugo /pronounced you-go/ in Latin
means to bind together, and to connect
As a community, we depend on each other
for shared resources, social connection and
collective impact.
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14242 Ventura Blvd, #100 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Sandra Nannozi
Real Estate Agent with Luxury Collective Realty
DRE #02205516
(818) 791-2029
sandralexy@kw.com
Selling your home or planning to buy your dream home?
We can get it done!
Home distribution in these cities: Calabasas, Chatsworth, Encino,
Granada Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Porter Ranch,
Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills.
Subscribe for mail delivery at:
iugo.world/iwgazette-subscription
If you find yourself connecting with
a parent at the local playground and come
to learn they homeschool their kids, four
questions that might pop into your mind
are: Aren't you worried they will lack social
skills?”, “Won't they fall behind?”, Are you
qualified to teach them?”, and “Don't you
want them to go to college?”. These are the
four questions that most seasoned
homeschool parents dread being asked
(and they will be asked), not because we
don't like talking about it, -on the contrary,
but because all too often, they are masked
in judgement. The truth is if you visit any
The Truth About Homeschooling
By Windy Fama
homeschool Facebook group, you will find hundreds of posts asking
for guidance, and for each question, at least a few dozen more well-
intentioned answers from parents that have never set foot in a
classroom as a teacher. Keep scrolling and you will eventually find
that cry-for-help/I'm ready to throw in the towel post from yet
another parent that feels like they're getting it all wrong. This is what
homeschool looks like. It is hardly the perfect process of education,
but it is the most organic one.
Traditional classroom schooling is the status quo for K-12
education in the U.S., but just because it's conventional doesn't
mean it's ideal or even necessary. The four burning questions about
homeschooling are familiar to every homeschool parent. After all,
they relate to the four key developmental components of education:
social-emotional development, teacher development, curriculum
and instruction, and college readiness. So how does homeschooling
account for these vital building blocks? By personalizing a learning
experience that encompasses all vital educational components.
Homeschooling isn't about replicating school at home, which
is what we experienced during the pandemic, when online
instruction was structured, and social distancing was required. It's
quite the opposite. Homeschooling is a social experience where
students connect with and relate to other people inside and outside
of the family, --which answers the first question: No, we're not
worried about their social skills.
The popular belief that homeschooled children have less
opportunities for social interaction is as much a misconception as
the assumption that all students in brick-and-mortar schools are
actively engaged in meaningful and productive friendships and
group activities during school hours. Homeschoolers strive to
develop social skills by interacting with individuals of various ages in
real-life situations like grocery shopping, organizing outings, and
volunteering. They also engage in group field trips with other
families, local clubs, sports teams, community programs, and
tailored social experiences just like traditional students do after
school.
No, they won't fall behind.
The second question of falling
behind academically is not exclusive to
homeschooling, but a common concern of
every parent, teacher, school administrator
and policy maker. Historically, the concept
of 'falling behind' is based on performance
assessment which fails to consider
individual student readiness and growth
beyond standardized testing. Moreover,
the concept assumes that each student
should achieve a standard within a given
timeframe without consideration of factors
that impact a student's readiness to learn.
This stands in stark contrast to educational equity. An individualized
learning needs approach that encompasses student culture and
emotional well-being is the cornerstone of academic success.
Homeschoolers understand this. We also know by experience that
learning and progress are not linear, and setbacks are a key
component of the process.
Historically, the concept of 'falling
behind' is based on performance
assessment which fails to consider
individual student readiness and
growth beyond standardized testing.
Yes, we are qualified to teach them (even though most of us don't
have a teaching degree).
Technology has revolutionized education, making knowledge,
content, and resources more accessible. K-12 classroom teachers
leverage technology to facilitate student learning. This requires
training and expertise in a comprehensive classroom setting that
caters to a wide range of learning needs and abilities with cultural and
background differences. Let's be clear, it's an insurmountable
challenge, especially when high expectations and complex policies
intersect with the teaching-learning process. By contrast,
homeschool parents focus on child-centered learning and rely on
research, textbooks and other resources, community, hands-on
opportunities, and specialized collaboration with subject tutors and
other professionals, not only when the target content or skill exceeds
their know-how, but to introduce new perspectives. Successful
teaching in any form requires collaboration, and this is something
these brave parents in Facebook homeschool groups know all too
well. (Continued to page 7)
Feature
IW Learning & Living Gazette, May 2024 - Page 3
The most influential relationship a young child will have in
their growth and development is the one that exists between
parent/caregiver and child. To support and strengthen this bond,
the Early Learning Readiness (ELR) Program provides a stimulating
environment to help children, ages 0-5, develop the physical, verbal
and social-emotional skills that they need for school. ELR focuses on
enhancing caregiver-child bonding, fosters a support network for
parents/caregivers, and provides weekly resources related to
children and families. This includes topics that are not always easy.
A Unique Support
Network for Parents
With Children Ages 0-5
Our programs aim to provide a safe haven for
families, especially mothers, healing from post-
partum stressors or mental health concerns. We
understand the experiences of stress, loneliness and
isolation women face, that often accompany having
a newborn or young child. ” -Program Director
Learning & Education
Mothers share about the benefits of connecting with their
child for a dedicated two hours of an ELR class, versus trying to
attend to them while multitasking through an endless array of
responsibilities at home. The mothers and other caregivers in our
program support and uplift each other, share resources, stories,
wisdom, and an openness to different perspectives. ELR provides
biweekly ELR classes, monthly field trips, special events, parent
empowerment workshops, and an annual graduation ceremony!
Give yourself a gift this Mother's Day to explore the
supportive resources in your community at your local YMCA. The
ELR Program opens its doors to you at the Mid-Valley Family YMCA
in Van Nuys, in addition to the East Valley YMCA in North Hollywood.
Contact the ELR Family Resource Director, Judy Szklarek, at
(213) 898-5743 to register for the program.
“ELR has been great for our child. She has developed
great social skills and looks forward to the program. The
staff is friendly, kind and patient. It truly is helping my
child get ready for pre-school next year.” -ELR Parent
Page 4- IW Learning & Living Gazette, May 2024
GET A HEAD START ON EDUCATION
Early Learning Readiness (ELR)
Stop by the Y to register for free ELR classes today!
East Valley Family YMCA, North Hollywood
Mid Valley Family YMCA, Van Nuys
Contact Judy Szklarek at:
JudySzklarek@ymcaLA.org
(213) 898-5743
Are You Thinking About Homeschooling?
Don’t miss this , live online conference
free
Are You Thinking About Homeschooling?
Don’t miss this , live online conference
free
Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m.
The pros and cons of homeschooling
Is it is right for your family?
Legal compliance
Learning outcomes
Resources, curriculum and support
Special needs
Community
Getting started
What if I fail?
Transcripts and graduation
Getting into college
Register at www.iugo.world/new-to-homeschooling
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world
All Your Quest
ions A
nswered
ONEgeneration's Senior Symposium will Highlight Multiple
Services for Seniors, their Families and the Community.
ONEgeneration's mission is to support and enrich the lives of older
adults, children, and their families throughout our diverse
communities. Established in 1978, we embrace our role in improving
the health and well-being of Los Angeles's most vulnerable
communities through a series of safety net services, interventions
that improve health outcomes, caregiver support, addressing
disparities in access and care, and encouraging a person-centered
approach in a community-based setting. Through our
intergenerational program efforts, we strive to strengthen the
connective fabric among all ages.
A great opportunity to learn more about ONEgeneration and
our services will be at our upcoming Senior Symposium on May 18 th
. If you want to connect with resources, tools and organizations that
support older adults and their families please come to this free event.
To learn more about ONEgeneration, and the multitude of services
we provide (homeless prevention, case management, utility
assistance and energy conservation, vaccine access and clinics,
Encino Farmers Market, CalFresh, nutrition, meal deliveries,
transportation, etc.). For more information, please visit
https://www.onegeneration.org.
iugo
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Page 5- IW Learning & Living Gazette, May 2024
King's prophetic words express the
virtue of hope amid hardship. He was not
optimistic that he would reach the “Promised
Land,yet he was hopeful about the ultimate
goal.
In conversation, “hope” and “optimism”
can often be used as synonyms. But there’s an
Why Hope Is Different Than Optimism
By Kendra Thomas
Long-term hope is not about
looking on the bright side. It is a
mindset that helps people
endure challenges.”
On April 3, 1968, standing before a crowded church, the Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. painted his vision for justice. “I've seen the
Promised Land,he said. “I may not get there with you. But I want you
to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.
Twenty-two hours later, he was assassinated.
challenges and tackle them head-on and keep their eyes on the
goal—a virtue that Dr. King and other community leaders exemplify.
We, Not Me
Hope is often defined in psychological research as having
strong will to succeed and plans to reach a goal. Hope is stronger
than optimism at predicting academic success and people's ability to
cope with pain. Plenty of scientific evidence suggests that hope
improves individuals' health and boosts their well-being, but
branding hope as a self-improvement tool cheapens this long-
established virtue.
Helping Our Children to Endure Challenges
When he said, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it
bends towards justice,he was not describing its natural trajectory,
but what people have the power to change. You cannot expect
greener pastures if they are not tended today.
Dr. King was not alone in leveraging virtuous hope for justice.
Brazilian educator Paulo Freire described hope as an existential
imperative” that promotes action. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27
years in prison, called hope a “powerful weapon.
(Continued to page 7)
important gap between them, as psychology
research suggests. One of the most common
tools to measure optimism asks people how
much they agree with statements such as, “In
uncertain times, I usually expect the best.
Those who strongly agree are regarded as
highly optimistic. But optimism can rely on a
sense of luck over action. Self-help books on
optimism are lined with hacks—like imagining
your greatest possible self or focusing on the
best-case scenario.
My psychology research studies how
people perceive hope and justice. Long-term
hope is not about looking on the bright side. It
is a mindset that helps people endure
Hope has benefits beyond the self. Thus, many psychologists are
expanding the study of hope beyond personal success.
My research team defines this “virtuous hope” as striving
toward a purposeful vision of the common good—a hope often
shaped by hardship and strengthened through relationships.
Many leaders, including Dr. King, have
channeled that lesson to inspire change.
Centuries of spiritual and philosophical work
describe hope as a virtue that, like love, is a
decision, not a feeling.
The Myth of Time
Dr. King wasn't known for looking on the
bright side or expecting the best from others.
He faced repeated waves of criticism, and, at
the time of his death, fewer Americans
approved of him than of the Vietnam War. In
Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Dr. King
lamented the optimism of moderate white
Americans who said they supported his goals
but took little action.
There is a strangely irrational notion
that there is something in the very flow of time
that will inevitably cure all ills, he wrote.
Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used
either destructively or constructively. He
cha s t is e d soc i ety f o r b e lie v i ng t h at
improvement would simply happen on its own.
IW Learning & Living Gazette, May 2024 - Page 5
In a world of gift-wrapped surprises, for mom, the most
precious one remains unboxed. It’s not a shiny adornment or a fancy
gadget—it’s the heartfelt simplicity of her children, all present and
accounted for, any day of the year, which is why Mothers Day is so
much more than another holiday on the calendar. It’s an opportunity
for a family reunion that revisits the cherished memories and a
chance to fill the house with laughter so that mom knows that her
innate selflessness, quiet endurance, and unwavering dedication and
care isn’t unrecognized.
There are moms that enjoy being celebrated, while others that
say it’s all part of the job. Nevertheless, the holiday forces us to pause
and reflect on our appreciation for mom and that it’s time to show
some serious gratitude.
For some, this leads to making reservations and gift shopping,
but celebrating her doesn’t have to feel like navigating a maze of
sentiment and surprise (not to mention crowds of people).
So what do moms really want? A safe bet is what we all want, a slice of
joy! Whether it's a large family gathering or 24 hours of "her" time,
creating the perfect game plan only involves tuning into what she
enjoys most. Celebrating Mothers Day on any budget can turn a
simple celebration into the most enjoyable event. Here are some
unique ideas to ensure her day is memorable.
Brunch Plans
Avoid the crowds and opt for a more intimate setting and
prepare, pick-up or cater her favorite dishes and enjoy a family picnic
at her preferred park, beach, or another suitable outdoor spot.
If she prefers staying indoors, bring the celebration home, but
don't forget to clean up afterwards.
If you're unable to be there in person, organize a virtual family
gathering. Arrange for food delivery and share the meal together via
video call. Be sure to have some memorable stories and photos to
share. It’s a wonderful way to bridge distances and create new
memories.
Gift Giving
Honoring mom with a thoughtful gift isn’t about grand
gestures, but rather the small details that speak to her heart.
Consider curating a gift basket that reflects her life’s narrative.
Help her rekindle fond memories of her past with a vintage
record or a compilation of hits from bands she loved as a teenager, or
the novel that inspired her in her youth. Be sure to include a framed
photograph of the two of you from the early years.
Indulge her present senses with a luxury or splurge that she
wouldn’t get for herself. Consider a selection of gourmet artisan
chocolates, a set of handcrafted candles and soaps, or an
arrangement of her most-loved blooms.
Ensure that serenity and wellness are in her future with a set of
shower steamers in her favorite scents, a premium meditation app
subscription, a handwritten uplifting letter to be opened only in
challenging times, or a guaranteed family night once a month to
reconnect.
However you choose to celebrate mom, focusing on her
unique spirit and thoughtfully expressing your appreciation will make
her feel like the reigning queen of the castle.
A Slice of Joy for
Mother’s Day
By Mai Tran
For the health conscious-mom
Frozen Fruit Soft-Serve Maker
$30-$70
Pictured: Yonana Brand Frozen
Fruit Soft-Serve Maker
For the mom that loves to lounge
Double Hammock with Frame
$59-$209
Pictured: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock
For the mom that loves nature
Lucky Bamboo
$15-$150
For the arts and crafts mom
Fresh Cut Pop-Up Bouquet
$12-$29 at www.freshcutpaper.com
For the overwhelmed mom
Calming Shower Steamer Tablets
$8-$20
Pictured: CalmNFiz
For the empty nester mom
Digital Frame
$54-$150
Pictured: FRAMEO 10.1 Inch
Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame
Last Minute Gift Ideas for Mom
Family & Living
Page 6- IW Learning & Living Gazette, May 2024
For the sentimental mom
A Mothers Guided Journal
$12 on amazon.com
For the tea/coffee drinking mom
Glass Coffee Enamels Mug (Lead-free)
$25 on amazon.com
Pictured: OEAGO Glass Enamel Mug
For the all-things-organic mom
Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden
$34- $127
Pictured: RAINPOINT Indoor
Hydroponics Growing System
For the athletic mom
Pickleball Paddles
$29-$130
Pictured: Helium Store Pickleball
Paddles Set of 4
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world
Pictured: Grand Peony Paradise