2009 Tesseract Summer Learning Adventures

We invite your child to join us this summer for thematic, innovative adventures in learning and to experience first-hand what makes Tesseract the pathway for children’s academic and social success!

Click here to download our 2009 brochure and registration form. Please contact Casey Blinder via e-mail or call 480.991.1770 for more information or to answer any questions.

Doubletree Campus

Worldly Whirlwind (Ages 3-5*) Educators: Jessica Corwin, Michelle Lappin and Monica Montiel
Hop on our jet plane and join us on a worldly whirlwind. We will travel the continents, becoming cultural researchers while exploring people, wildlife, traditions, science, art and much more. We will expand our knowledge and understanding of different locations with fun classroom visitors and hands-on experiences.*Note: Child must be at least 3 years of age and toilet trained; admission subject to teacher approval.

Mysteries and Puzzles (Rising Grades 1-5) Educator: Teresa Copeland
Keep minds and bodies active this summer with this mysterious camp. Campers will enjoy a variety of puzzles and mind-stretching games such as hidden object, scavenger hunts, clue hunts and mystery role playing games. We will learn how to write a mystery story and solve some too! There will be one fieldtrip each week.

Globe Trotters (Rising Grades 1-4) Educator: Tami McDaniel
Join us to visit the most famous wonders of the ancient and modern world! On this unforgettable adventure, travelers will receive a “passport” to visit landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, Egyptian pyramids, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, immersing themselves in the cultures of their destinations through art, music, food and games. 

Spanish Fiestas (Rising Grades 1-4) Educators: Blanca Patino and Monica Montiel
Have fun learning about various Spanish-speaking countries and their people, ways of life, art, music and national holidays through their fiestas. Students will sing traditional songs, create beautiful folk art, eat delicious food, enjoy fieldtrips and be immersed in the Spanish language.

Learning with LEGOS® (Session 1- Rising Grades 2-4; Session 2- Rising Grades 1-2) Educator: Jennifer Greer
Bring your love of LEGOS® and learning as we explore concepts like engineering, communication and math with this fun, classic construction toy.

American Girl Doll (Rising Grades 1-3) Educator: Jennifer Greer
Travel back in time to study American history and important events with the American Girl series. We will use their stories to learn about music, art, crafts, games and everyday life from long ago.

Step-Up Camp (Rising Grades 2-4) Educator: Lauren Ross
Step up to a new school year by exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt! Learn to write your name in hieroglyphics, create a metric timeline dating back to ancient Egypt and design your own pyramid. Through reading, writing and math activities students will learn about pyramids, pharaohs, mummification and much more!  Students should bring a sack lunch.

Shea Campus

Writer’s Workshop(Rising Grades 5-10) Educator: Teresa Copeland
Expand your creative writing skills! Learn poetry and short story writing, with an emphasis on genre skills, such as the writing of mystery, fantasy and science fiction. All campers will produce a short story collection to keep.

Digital Filmmaking (Rising grades 5-10) Educator: Ted Strickland
Discover digital filmmaking through various mediums. Students will watch movies and discuss character development to aid in creating characters for their own short films, which will be made with digital camcorders and Macintosh’s iMovie. Each participant will receive a DVD with films completed during this workshop. This class includes fieldtrips.

Manga Comics (Rising Grades 5-10) Educator: Teresa Copeland
Are you a future Rising Star of Manga, but your script needs work? Do you need some tips and tricks for comfortable convention cosplay? This camp will explore the creative side of Manga and anime fandom, from writing to costumes to better understanding Japanese culture.

Sports Camp (Rising Grades 1-8) Educator: Scott Partridge
Have fun and make new friends this summer!  This camp focuses a variety of sports, introducing students to new and exciting activities that help promote physical fitness and good sportsmanship. This camp includes fieldtrips.

Summer Musical Theater Camp (Rising Grades 3-8) Educator: Terri Scullin
Explore the world of musical theater through classes in acting, singing and dance! Students will be treated to several special events throughout the week including fieldtrips and visits from local performers, directors and theater professionals. Each week, students will share what they have learned through a performance for family and friends.

"All the World's a Stage" Shakespeare Theater Camp (Rising Grades 5-12) Educators: Ms. Terri Scullin and Ms. Erika Goethe
Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare! Students will develop their acting skills and a better understanding of Shakespeare through improvisation, movement, literature study and scene work. Students will be treated to special events throughout the week including fieldtrips and visits from local theater professionals. The week will end with a performance for family and friends.

Math Camp (Rising Grades 5-7) Educator: Marge Haakstad
Learn different math strategies to help with number sense and basic math skills! Students will use the TI-Math Explorer graphing calculators to help them see the relationships among numbers and their applications. Problem-solving and communicating in math language are part of this course.

Organization 101 (Rising Grades 5-8) Educator: Erika Goethe
Learn the key skills taught in Tesseract School’s three-year organizational program: goal setting, time management, prioritization, study strategies, text manipulation and organization of work space and materials—invaluable skills for middle school students!

About Tesseract Summer Programs

• The summer program is open to children throughout the Phoenix area.


• Tuition for each class is given in its description.


• Tuition includes one Tesseract Summer Program T-shirt.


• Kid-Friendly Lunch is available for $30 per week in June.


• Extended day care (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) is available for $7.50 per session (a.m. or p.m.) or $10 per day if using both a.m. and p.m. sessions. If needed, please include with your payment for the Summer Program.


• We appreciate receiving registration and payment in full by April 15.


• Payment in full reserves your space. No refunds will be issued after May 1.


• Check payments should be made payable to: Paradise Valley Private
  School Foundation.


• For questions please contact Casey Blinder,  call 480.991.1770 ext.126.