Our Specialist Classes
Taught year-round in each grade, students thrive in our specialist classes where they study concepts with greater depth, breadth and complexity, while also helping students to develop their own areas of interest and strengths.
Spanish
Spanish class is designed for students to develop a love and appreciation for the Spanish language as well as the many different cultures that come with it. Starting in Kindergarten, students are introduced to Spanish through song, games, movement, stories, conversation and lots of giggles. Students continue to expand their knowledge through hands-on projects and real life simulations such as going to the doctor's office in Third Grade, creating their own restaurant in Fifth Grade, researching a Spanish-speaking country in Sixth Grade, and taking the class on a virtual field trip in Eighth Grade. Spanish class at PHS is a unique experience that allows students to step outside of their comfort zones and gain confidence in all areas of learning.
Meet our Spanish Teacher, Ms. Allen
My name is Adeline Allen and I feel extremely grateful to have the role of teaching Spanish at PHS. I strive to foster every child’s unique skills and perspectives to create our own cultural experience in every class. I am a Los Angeles native and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) to pursue a degree in Communication Arts and Spanish language. While in college I decided to go even further from home and study at the Complutense University of Madrid. I fell in love with the country and the culture so I decided to return to Spain after college to pursue my passion of teaching. I taught English at Collegi Lestonnac Tarragona to students ages one to fourteen. I returned home to California to teach First and Third Grade in San Jose. I have been at PHS for three years now and have loved absolutely every minute of it. I am constantly learning from my students and my coworkers. When I’m not teaching you can find me tasting foods and seeing other parts of the world. When I’m home I am always outside soaking up sun h or spending time with my adorable pup!
Coding
Learning to code at a young age is a great opportunity for kids and teens to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills while building the necessary focus and organization to see projects through to completion.
Coding empowers kids of all ages to become makers of technology by tapping into their ability to bring their imagination to life.
Kids and teens who code excel at school in math and science, even reading, while developing a useful skill.
We use a platform called Tynker which takes students through a variety of engaging courses where students go at their own pace by taking the courses that match their skill level. Once they’ve learned the basics, students transition to real-world programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C.
Meet our Coding Teacher, Mr. Lechuga
I began working at Peninsula Heritage School in 2017 as an IT Associate. I have since become the Director of Technology and now teach 7th grade Geometry, 8th grade Algebra II, and Coding.
Along with teaching, I enjoy spending my time at home with my wife Keelin and our 2 dogs. We love traveling and experiencing the wonderful variety of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes around the world. I also love to hike, visit friends and family, listen to music, and watch sports and movies.
Find Mr. Lechuga featured in our 'Peninsula Heritage Connects' magazine. Simply click on the image to view the whole issue and his feature!
Music
Our music classes improve self-confidence, enhance brain development, and provide opportunities for creativity and emotional expression. Students get exposed to a wide variety of instruments, learn about music history and theory, and create music with their classmates.
Kindergarteners enjoy singing seasonal pieces that often incorporate movement as well as learning musical notes with hand bells. As students advance through the grades, they are introduced to more musical instruments and progress with more challenging musical instruction and theory.
In the 1st and 2nd grades, keyboards, xylophones, and "bucket drumming" are added. Recorders and ukuleles are introduced in 2nd grade, 5th graders focus on musical instruments of the colonial era, and middle school studies music from various genres as well as an introduction to the guitar. In middle school, students are able to take home any of our instruments to practice.
Meet our Music Teacher, Mr. Miller
I was first exposed to music because my parents and other influential people encouraged me to try every instrument I could get my hands on, eventually finding out which instruments worked well for me. That's why music at PHS is a "hands-on" experience!
I received my B.A. in Music at Cal State Dominguez Hills and my B.S. in Organizational Leadership at Biola University. I joined PHS as a Music Teacher in 2006 and have loved every year of sharing the joy of music with these wonderful students.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education program is designed to give students a life-long love for fitness and wellness through a variety of team sports, interactive games, team building activities, and personal goal-setting challenges. The main goal each day is for students to tap into their mind, body and character, finding joy and socialization through sport and fitness.
Coach Costin
Athletic Director
Having a passion for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, I believe that physical education plays a crucial role in a student's overall development. I hold a Liberal Arts degree from Cal State Northridge, as well as a Master’s in Education from the American College of Education., where I gained a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of physical education. My teaching philosophy revolves around creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. I am dedicated to helping students discover the joy of movement, teamwork, and personal achievement.
My goal is not only to teach fundamental fitness skills, but also to instill lifelong values such as healthy eating habits, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Whether it's leading engaging activities or providing individualized coaching, I'm committed to fostering a positive and active learning experience for all my students.
When I'm not at school, you can find me at a Dodgers game or playing another sport recreationally. Over the weekend, my girlfriend and I take her 3-year-old to any toddler-friendly adventure we can find. If you have any recommendations, please let me know! My favorite color is pink and, yes, that’s my blue jeep parked on campus. I’m looking forward to an amazing school year, filled with laughter, smiles, and of course, fun!
Art
Our Visual Arts program is focused on fostering creativity and promoting a joyful passion for learning. Students are encouraged to play and experiment with a variety of materials and techniques while gaining a strong foundation with respect to the Elements of Art (i.e., line, shape, form, texture, value, space, and color). Each art project is an opportunity to imagine, brainstorm, collaborate, problem-solve, and use a growth mindset. Our program strives to inspire each student to think critically about the visual arts and its role in their own lives and in the world around them.
Meet our Art Teacher, Ms. Christine
Throughout my childhood and into high school, I spent the majority of my free time drawing and creating. When I got older, I earned my BFA in Illustration from Cal State Long Beach and later I earned my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art from Cal State Long Beach as well. Currently, I am working on a few projects for children: an illustrated novel and a maze book!
Art has always been important to me. It is where my mind and my heart work in harmony. When I am brainstorming ideas and creating pieces based on those ideas, I feel I am directly tapping into my genuine self and communicating it to the viewer. The journey from that first spark of an idea to the manifestation of bringing that idea to life is meditative, joyful and fulfilling.
Drama
Every month, a PHS class does a performance about one of our character qualities during a Friday Assembly. During rehearsals and performances, students are building self-confidence, working together as a team, practicing their memorization skills, and so much more.
Meet Deborah Wilcox, the Drama Specialist
For the past fifteen years, I have had the privilege of being part of the staff at Peninsula Heritage School. In rehearsals and performances I experience a true sense of inspiration and awe in directing and choreographing all of our young artists. It is such an enjoyable experience observing all the students develop into self confident, vibrant, imaginative and caring performers.
As a child growing up, my parents were enthusiastic patrons of the arts and exposed our family to a variety of films and live theater performances, and that is where my identity, destiny, and passion for the arts began. I started taking dance classes at Carole's Dance Theater in Long Beach, where I later had my first teaching experiences. I have trained in dance as well as theater at Long Beach State and City Colleges, and with various teachers and well know artists in the industry. I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artist for over thirty years. I am a certified Teaching Artist from the Los Angeles County Commission for the Arts.
I have had the good fortune of having many of my dreams come true as a performer. I started my performing career at Disneyland and have performed at various theme parks. A highlight for me was performing in the classic movie musicals, “Grease”, and Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, and dancing on the Academy Awards. I have also performed in various showcases and productions in the Los Angeles theater arts community. I find that working behind the scenes is equally as thrilling and gratifying as performing.
Science Lab
In our hands-on Science Lab, students engage in scientific reasoning, perform experiments, record data, analyze results, discuss their findings and more.
Meet Angela Kozik, Science Teacher for grades K - 5
Angela has over 17 years of experience working with children and students K-12. Angela is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach with her bachelor's degree (Theatre Arts), master's degree (English), and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program. She previously worked for the City of Long Beach Parks Recreation and Marine for 16 years developing and running Youth Sports, Summer Camps, and Municipal Band programs. She worked for 5 years with the children's theatre group The Collaboratory and Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Art's Teach), to bring educational theatre programs to students K-5th. Additionally, she has worked in private independent schools for 5 years. Previously she worked at Westerly School of Long Beach as a Teaching Associate, Sports Coach, and Summer Programs Coordinator.
This is Angela's second year at Peninsula Heritage School as the K-5th Science Specialist. She continues to enjoy working in private independent schools because of the small community atmosphere. Science has always been her favorite subject and is one of her long-time passions. She loves to help foster the spark of curiosity, exploration, and discovery that comes from science with the kiddos of PHS. Outside of teaching, Angela is a full-time dog mom to her puppy Daisy. She is a foodie and enjoys adventuring to find the best-kept secret food places.
Meet Dr. Mary Wilson, Science Teacher for Middle School
I have been teaching hands-on science in our two science labs as a member of the PHS faculty for six years. Previously I was involved with presenting science experiments in the classroom for nine years when both of my children attended Peninsula Heritage (graduated 2003 and 2006). I attended UCLA and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. At that time, I was interested in becoming a veterinarian or a medical illustrationist. I love animals and have had menageries of pets from snakes to chinchillas. I was even a breeder of stick insects and supplied the Natural History Museum baby stick insects for their insect zoo.
When I worked as a lab technician in the histology lab at the UCLA School of Medicine for four years, I became interested in the field of dentistry and received my Doctorate in Dental Surgery from USC in 1981. After working for a couple of decades, I retired from dental practice and was fortunate to be offered a position at Peninsula Heritage School.
I love teaching our children and enriching their enthusiasm to learn about the wonders of science. Presenting scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way is very enriching to both the students as well as myself. I am a bit of a geek. I enjoy playing with gadgets that enhance scientific concepts (my home is full of them). I am addicted to Legos and building models. And I really enjoy playing board games with my family and friends - my favorite is Dominion.
Library
“There is nothing as sweet than seeing the wonderment in children’s faces when they are immersed in a captivating story.”
As PHS Librarian, helping children fall in love with reading is my primary goal. I am passionate about sharing the magic of reading with all my students. Our library contains a diverse selection of picture books, current fiction titles, high-interest nonfiction books, graphic novels, and well-loved classics. Maintaining a robust reading culture at Peninsula Heritage is paramount. We are committed to cultivating a culturally diverse collection of books for our students to explore and enjoy.
A weekly Library Class typically begins with a song or movement activity for the younger students and is followed by a story time, which is centered on the Character Quality or theme for the month. Students then engage in a hands-on activity associated with that day’s lesson from the read-aloud. Older students participate in literary discussions and have time allotted to browse books for personal reading and check out.
Whether your child is looking for their next great read or needs assistance with research, I am here to guide them on their journey. Helping my students become confident readers is one of my greatest joys.