L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013 www.italoamericano.com 39 Italian American Academy: Italian Language and Culture for Kids ANDREW BAgLEY The Italian American Academy is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2010. It provides specialized Italian language classes to all children in San Diego. The academy is the creation of three individuals pos- Mazis from Padua, Marianna Spinelli from Naples, and Rosanna Bose Kemper from Formia. Classes offered are Lingua e Cultura Italiana (livello 1, 2); Lingua e Cultura dei piccoli; IFL (Italian as a foreign language) for elementary school students; IFL Rossella Broglia (L) and Nicoletta Mazis (R) sessing similar traits: all are native Italian, women, mothers of young children, experienced foreign language educators, passionate, have taught locally at the Italian Cultural Center, and completed their graduate studies at the University of Venice obtaining Master's Degrees in Italian Language and Promotion of Italian Culture Abroad. Together, they co-authored and published a thesis, "Comprehensive Plan for a Bilingual, Bi-Curricular School in San Diego" which was highly praised by its professors. Its founders are Maria Maestrini Williams, Rossella Broglia and Nicoletta Mazis. They felt a need for a brand new type of school. One they would like their own children to attend. The idea of a school offering programs based on the current and official elementary school curriculum in Italy which blends rigorous European curriculum with a dynamic American teaching style was hatched. They completed a comprehensive business plan spearheaded by Nicoletta and applied the work done for their thesis to San Diego County transforming their vision into reality. Maria Maestrini Williamson former president of the academy recently resigned this past summer due to personal reasons and has since been replaced by newly elected president Carol Gratzke who shares a deep passion and love of Italy and children. She also brings her bookkeeping experience to the academy as a former certified public accountant. The Italian American Academy offers its students two tracks. One specifically designed for Italian speakers and the other designed for beginners with no previous exposure to the language. Currently classes are taught by four outstanding and experienced Italian native speakers: Rossella Broglia from Pavia, Nicoletta (Italian as a foreign language) for middle school students: Cook & Play Italian (PreschoolKindergarten); Italian through art (Kindergarten-8th grade) and are taught throughout the year at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center and San Diego French American School located in La Jolla. Taught in a fun and nurturing environment, kids are encouraged to open their minds to a new language and perspective on the world. Using an immersionstyle approach, students are guided toward a greater understanding of Italian culture as they are taught how Italians really speak in their day-to-day lives. The academy is currently pursuing certification so that middle school enrichment programs are recognized by Italy and given proper accreditation towards completion. In less than two years, the academy has experienced tremendous growth. It also appears that there is a new generation of Italians and Italian Americans who desire that their children learn Italian. To learn more about the academy, class schedule and tuition, visit online at http://www.iaasd. org/SCHEDULE_JCC_20132014-final.pdf Dec. 13, Fri. - Cristina Fontanelli "Christmas in Italy" Concert, La Jolla. 3rd annual Christmas concert performed by Cristina Fontanelli at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. 7:30 PM. Tickets $38-$48. Group discounts available. For tickets and information call 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/448431 Dec. 13, Fri. - Ric Henry's Nightcap Cabaret, Convivio Center, Little Italy. The Carlsbad Showcase Company presents Showcase Goes to the Movies, a musical cavalcade of holiday favorites from the Golden Age of film to the blockbuster hits of today featuring 16 talented young performers. Doors open 7:30 PM performance begins at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. $10 advance/$15 door includes refreshments. For information: http://conviviosociety.org/event/ric-henrysnightcap-cabaret/ Dec. 15, Sun. - House of Italy: Monthly Membership Meeting, Balboa Park. Meeting held at Hall of Nations open to the general public. 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. $10 donation includes buffet dinner/wine. For information http://www.houseofitalysandiego.org/index.php/calendar Dec. 20, Fri. – West Coast Cabaret, Convivio Center, Little Italy. West Coast Cabaret presents a special holiday celebration with live jazz band, vocal and dance performances with special guests. All ages, no-host bar, complimentary hor d'oeuvres. VIP seating available. Doors open 7:30 PM performance begins at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. General admission $25 advance/$30 door. For tickets and information: http://conviviosociety.org/event/west-coast-cabaret/ Dec. 21, Sat. – Christmas, Italian Style! Convivio Center, Little Italy. Celebrate Christmas Italian style with dinner and concert. Wood-fired oven and a 5-course meal prepared by Cucina Caprese. Musical entertainment provided by Rosario Monetti. 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. $38 tickets online only. RSVP choice of entrée by 12/13/13. For tickets and information: http://conviviosociety.org/event/christmas-italian-style/ Dec. 31, Tues. – New Year's Eve Gala Ball, Handlery Hotel, Mission Valley. 18th annual New Year's Eve Gala Ball presented by Italian American Civic Association at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley. Reception with Hors D'oeuvres at 6:00 PM. Gourmet dinner with hosted wine at 7:00 PM. Champagne and panettone at midnight. Live dance music performed by Lou Fanucchi and Oggi Milano. $100 parking included. RSVP Nita 619-987-2320.

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