Welcome to The Dalton After School Programs Spring 2023 Brochure!
This Spring, we continue to offer an eclectic range of class options in Dance, Comedy, Art, Music, Chess, STEAM and Robotics, and much more! The Spring brochure includes all After School Program classes for grades K-8. You’ll find First Program classes at the beginning of the brochure and Middle School offerings located midway through the catalog.
The Spring trimester runs from Monday, April 3 - Friday, June 9 . Classes typically meet once a week unless otherwise noted, for a total of 6-10 sessions depending on the day class is offered. Class times will vary depending on grade and are listed in the class descriptions . End times will reflect a natural staggered dismissal. Extended Care hours are available until 5:30 PM daily at First Program, Dalton East, and Big Dalton.
Registration begins on Saturday, February 25 at 12:00 PM and will take place on Dalton’s Campbrain system: https://dalton.myschoolapp.com/app/sso/auth/campbrain . All financial credits from previous terms will be reflected in your shopping cart upon registering. Registration will close on Wednesday, March 8 . Late registration will open on Monday, April 3 for classes with spaces remaining.
Financial assistance is available commensurate with a family’s tuition assistance plan provided by the school, except where noted (see General Information Page).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Jennifer Beasmoney at jbeasmoney@dalton.org and June Christian at jchristian@dalton.org . Registration is an extremely busy time, but we will respond to your questions and concerns as soon as possible.
We look forward to another great trimester in Spring 2023!
Jennifer June
Jennifer Beasmoney June Christian Associate Director, After School Programs On-Site Coordinator FP After School On-Site Coordinator of MS After School Director, After School ProgramsGeneral Information
Spring 2023 | April 3, 2023- June 9, 2023
After School Programs Director
After School Programs Associate Director
On-Site Coordinator at First Program On-Site Coordinator at Middle School
Jennifer Beasmoney
Office: 212-423-5348
Email: jbeasmoney@dalton.org
June Christian
Office: 212-423-5480
Email: jchristian@dalton.org
STEAM and Robotics After School Chess
Hope Donovan Beatriz Marinello
Email: hdonovan@dalton.org
Email: bmarinello@dalton.org
Registration Register at https://dalton.campbrainregistration.com
• Registration opens Saturday, February 25 at 12:00 PM and closes on Wednesday, March 8
- Changes or additions will not be accepted after March 8.
• Late Registration will open on Monday, April 3 for classes with available spaces. Late Registration will incur a $25 late fee
- Registration received between April 3 - April 5 will begin on April 10
- Registration received between April 6 - April 13 will begin on April 17
We reserve the right to cancel any course if necessary, including, but not limited to, insufficient enrollment.
Payment
Payment is due upon submitting the registration form. Acceptable forms of payment are EFT (direct debit from bank account), Debit Card or Credit Card. All registrations will include a $25 registration fee (tuition assistance applies). Payment by credit card will incur convenience fees of up to 3%. Registration fees and credit card surcharges are non-refundable.
General Information
Spring 2023 | April 3, 2023- June 9, 2023
Financial Aid
There is a maximum scholarship of 50% assistance for Dribbl, Gotham Tennis, Spark Business Academy, TGA Golf, and Private Lessons. All other classes are eligible for tuition assistance percentages assigned by the school. If you have not received your tuition assistance code , please contact Jennifer Pease at jpease@dalton.org . Payment plans are available to families who receive tuition assistance.
Refunds
There are no refunds for enrolled classes. Credits will be available to your Campbrain account for enrolled classes dropped before the start of the term.
• Dropped classes will receive 75% credit to their After School account after the 1st session. There are no refunds or credits after the 2nd session of a class.
• There will be no refund or make-up or hybrid classes in case of a substitution of any teacher, student absences, individual quarantine requirements, weather related closures, natural occurrences, or conflicting programs and/or class trips.
• In the event that a teacher is unavoidably absent and no substitute is assigned, class time will be made up in subsequent classes by adding 15 minutes to four classes or one half hour to two classes.
• If the After School Program is advised to stop all onsite programming, After School classes will continue to be conducted via Zoom.
Class Changes
Class changes cannot be made through the registration system. All changes to enrolled classes must be made by email to jbeasmoney@dalton.org and jchristian@dalton.org on or before March 8. Class withdrawals will be subject to the refund policy. Due to strict enrollment caps, we will not be able to accomodate all change requests. There will be a $25 surcharge for each change made after the first.
Spring 2023 Policies
Spring 2023 | April 3, 2023- June 9, 2023
• Students at First Program, Dalton East, and Big Dalton must be picked up when their after school class is dismissed or must be enrolled in the extended day program
• Students may be picked up at any time during the extended day programs but no later than 5:30.
• Families may be asked to withdraw from the program if pickup times are not honored.
• Drop-ins to First Program Fun House/Kids Club and Middle School Breakout Space/Extended Afternoon must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. Spaces may become limited pending school health and safety protocols.
After School Transition and Timing:
K-1 After School Session:
*Chess, STEAM, Private Lessons may vary. All times are noted next to class descriptions
2-3 Grade After School Sessions
*Chess, STEAM, Private Lessons and Zumba will vary. All times are noted next to class descriptions
4th Grade Instructional Classes
*Chess and private lessons may vary. All times are noted next to class descriptions
5th/6th Grade Instructional Classes
*Chess and private lessons may vary. All times are noted next to class descriptions
• Pick-up times/Locations
Transition: Lower Roof, 2:45-3:00 PM
Classroom Snack time: 3:00-3:15 PM
Instructional Class time: 3:15-4:15 PM
Kids Club from 4:15-5:30 PM
Transition: Upper Music Room 3:05-3:15 PM
Classroom Snack time: 3:15-3:30 PM
Instructional Class time: 3:30-4:30 PM
Kids Club from 4:30-5:30 PM
Transition/Snack time: Dalton East Library, 3:15-3:30 PM
Instructional Class time: 3:30-4:30 PM
Extended Afternoon from 4:30-5:30 PM
Transition/Snack time: Room 803, 3:15-4:30 PM
Instructional Class time: 3:30-4:30 PM
Extended Afternoon from 4:30-5:30 PM
- First Program STEAM/Robotics, Chess, Tuesday Dribbl, and Friday Tennis students will be dismissed from the East Lobby Door. All other classes will dismiss from the Bus Door
*After 5 PM, pick up from the main entrance and check in with security upon arrival
- Dalton East dismissal will be from the Athletics entrance. Check in with security upon arrival
- Big Dalton classes will dismiss to main entrance. Check in with security upon arrival
First Program Calendar
Spring 2023
Holidays/Early Dismissal Days: Classes will not be held on Holidays, Professional Development Days, Report Writing and Conference Days, or any days the school is closed.
Key Dates:
Monday, April 3 First Day Spring 2023 Term
Thursday, April 6 Passover - School Closed
Friday, April 7 Good Friday - School Closed
Friday, April 21 Eid al-Fitr-School Closed
Friday, May 19 FP Report Writing - After School Not in Session
Friday, May 26 FP Spring Fair - After School Not in Session
Monday, May 29 Memorial Day- School Closed
Friday, June 9 Last Day of Spring 2023 Term
Monday, June 12 & Tuesday, June 13 Fun House and Kids Club Drop-ins ONLY*
*contact Jennifer at jbeasmoney@dalton.org to arrange for Fun House and Kids Club drop-in service
First Program Quick Reference Page (alphabetical):
*See class timing next to class descriptions in the brochure
Fun House (K-3) $150
Kids Club (K-3) $135
Ballet (K-1) $465
Cartoon Club (2-3) $500*
New Students Only
Chess (K) $465
Knitting (2-3) $590*
Making Masks and Puppets (K-1) $500*
Origami (K-1) $500*
STEAM and Robotics (1, 2, 3) $580
TGA Golf (2-3) $555**
Fun House (K-3) $165
Kids Club (K-3) $150
Acrobatics (3) $615
Art Workshop (K-1) $550*
Chess (1) $615
Dance Expression and Performance (K-1) $615
Dribbl (K-1) $615**
Guitar (2-3) $550*
Private Guitar (1-3) $650**
Senior Leaders (2-3) $650*
STEAM and Robotics (K, 2) $640
Stop Motion (2-3) $550*
Fun House (K-3) $165
Kids Club (K-3) $150
Acrobatics (1) $615
Art Workshop (2-3) $550*
Chess (2) $615
Dance Expression and Performance (2-3) $615
Little Dalton Inventors (K) $650*
SPARK My First Lemonade Stand (K-1) $615**
Tap (2-3) $550*
Ukulele (K-1) $550*
Fun House (K-3) $150
Kids Club (K-3) $135
Acrobatics (2) $555
Art Workshop (K-1) $500*
Chess (2-3) $555
Mini Musical (2-3) $590*
Private Guitar (1-3) $590**
SPARK Little Shoppers (K-1) $590**
STEAM and Robotics (K, 1, 3) $580
Storytelling (2-3) $500*
Stuffie Sewing (K-1) $500
Fun House (K-3) $105
Kids Club (K-3) $90
Fun Being Me (K-1) $410*
Little Dalton Explorers (K-1) $410*
SPARK Young Diplomats (2-3) $375**
Tennis (1-2) $405**
Zumba/Hip Hop (2-3) $375
* Includes $35 material fee
** Maximum 50% Tuition Assistance available for Private Guitar classes, Dribbl, Spark Business, TGA Golf and Tennis classes for qualifying families
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Mondays
*After School transition to Lower Roof/Upper Music Room will occur before the start of class
Mondays - Fun House
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 2:45-4:15 PM // (Grades 2-3) 3:00-4:30 PM
Instructors: Victoria Cruz, Mark Gordon, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after school. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, watch a movie, and have a snack. This exciting, newly minted class will feature weekly themes to celebrate the seasons, special holidays, family and school life, and other topical motifs! Story Circle will provide special inspiration for our art projects. All drop-ins must be requested at least one day in advance and are subject to space availability.
Mondays - Kids Club
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 4:15-5:30 PM // (Grades 2-3) 4:30-5:30 PM
Instructors: Victoria Cruz, Hayley Clark, Mark Gordon, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after instructional classes. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, work on the computer, watch a movie, play organized games, and have a snack. Final pick-up is 5:30 PM
Mondays - Ballet
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Hayley Clark
And a 5, 6, 7, 8, let’s dance! Come and enjoy the fantastical world of Ballet. Class includes a warm-up for strength and flexibility, a light barre, and learning choreography to encourage self-confidence, focus, musicality, and a passion for dance for life! Active imagination and a love for movement and play will be encouraged in this class. Please wear ballet slippers or socks and movement appropriate clothing (no jeans).
Mondays - Cartoon Club
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Erica Lee
*New Students Only* Join 2nd grade House advisor Erica Lee for Cartooning! Cartoon Club is a place for young artists to en joy making comics! We will practice drawing cartoons and comic strips. It’s perfect for fans of comic strips and graphic novels! We will be using pencil, paper, and inks. Let’s go!
Mondays - Chess
Class Time: 2:45-4:15 PM | Grade: K (14 per class - Max 56 students)
Instructor: Eric Balck, Cherdona Chin, Beatriz Marinello, Jerald Times
For new and continuing Kindergartners. You will learn the chessboard, how all the pieces move, special moves of castling, pawn promotions, and the en passant pawn capture, the point value of pieces, how to count and evaluate attackers and defenders, check, checkmate and stalemate, including the ladder checkmate, three ways to escape from check, and opening principles.
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Mondays
Mondays - Knitting
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 12 students)
Instructors: Glenice Ellington and Rohan Shah
Join First Program Associate Glenice Ellington and Dalton High Schooler Rohan Shah for some knitting fun! Second and Third Grade students will work to become a “tight knit” group as they join together to knit hats and donate them to charity. Using a provided knitting loom, hook, needle, and ball of yarn, participants will learn how to create their very own hats! Students will knit (with supervision) and learn various knitting techniques. Participants may bring home their materials to continue their work if desired. At the end of the trimester, students will take home one hat and donate the others to charity for the homeless.
Mondays - *NEW* Making Masks and Puppets: The Hummingbird Project
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Vickie Fremont
This program consists of workshop-format activities in which recycled materials become art! Students discover their creativity and the myriad of possibilities inherent in using their own two hands. Opening the world of their own creativity and inspiration, this class will allow students to realize how simply and beautifully thrown-away objects such as paper towel tubes, plastic bottles, fabric, paper, beads, and wire hangers can be transformed into works of art!
Mondays - Origami
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Yuki Kittaka
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Traditionally, all origami pieces are folded from one sheet square paper. In this class students will learn how to take a simple piece of paper and turn it into one of the world’s oldest art forms. They will get personalized help and attention. The class content and pacing are tailored to the interest and needs of the students.
Mondays - STEAM and Robotics
Class Time: Dismissal-4:30 PM | Grades: 1 (Max 20 students), 2 (Max 20 students), 3 (Max 15 students)
Instructor: Hope Donovan
Hope Donovan, a FP Science teacher, and many other Dalton teachers have collaborated to create an engaging and challenging experience for your child. Students will expand their understanding of programming and work with various coding applications. They will also work through STEAM and Robotics challenges in a variety of topics focusing on collaboration, feedback, and perseverance—three key aspects of the STEAM and Robotics process. *Note: The STEAM and Robotics Program is run through Hope Donovan and only taught by Dalton teachers. Each trimester is a different curriculum with new challenges and coding, so new and returning students are welcome to come join in the fun!
We will do our best to restructure and accommodate all wait-lists. Please direct all inquiries to hdonovan@dalton.org
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Mondays | Tuesdays
Mondays - *NEW* TGA Golf
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 12 students)
*Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
TGA Premier Golf Coaches guide students through 5 levels developing fundamental golf skills, knowledge and passion for the sport:
Yellow: Understanding the Game | Orange : Learn the Fundamentals | Red: Practice with Purpose
Blue: Prepare for Play | Black: Become a Leader
All of TGA’s programs align with the U.S. Olympic Committee’s American Development Model principles of age appropriate activities that emphasize motor and foundational skill development.
Tuesdays - Fun House
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 2:45-4:15 PM // (Grades 2-3) 3:00-4:30 PM
Instructors: Victoria Cruz, Mark Gordon, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after school. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, watch a movie, and have a snack. This exciting, newly minted class will feature weekly themes to celebrate the seasons, special holidays, family and school life, and other topical motifs! Story Circle will provide special inspiration for our art projects. All drop-ins must be requested at least one day in advance and are subject to space availability.
Tuesdays - Kids Club
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 4:15-5:30 PM // (Grades 2-3) 4:30-5:30 PM
Instructors: Victoria Cruz, Mark Gordon, Marvin Matthews, Thomas Spackman, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after instructional classes. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, work on the computer, watch a movie, play organized games, and have a snack. Final pick-up is 5:30 PM
Tuesdays - Acrobatics
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 3 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Hayley Clark and Kevin Seon
Come learn how to bend in every direction and walk on your hands! This class will teach flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control and concentration. We will learn backbends, walkovers, handstands, elbow stands, and so much more! No flips involved, but upper body, back and core strength will be developed in fun and creative ways. NOTE: Acrobatics is a sport where it is better to stop and not perform a skill if there is any possibility of injury. Students who do not participate in a safe manner will be removed from the class permanently after 3 warnings.
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Tuesdays
Tuesdays - Art Workshop
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Barbara Hernandez Moreno
Wishing you had more art in your life? Eager to explore and express the world of your own imagination? Choose from clay, paint, collage, and paper construction to create and design individual works. If you can dream it, you can make it!
Tuesdays - Chess
Class Time: 2:50-4:40 PM | Grade: 1 (16 students per class, Max 42 students)
Instructors: Cherdona Chin, Beatriz Marinello, Jerald Times
This class is for new 1st grade Chess students and continuing students. We will emphasize opening principles, learn the center fork trick, the four knights game and other basic openings. You will continue learning pattern recognition and more advanced tactics.
Tuesdays - Dance Expression and Performance
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructors: Asia Bonilla, Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD)
Our Dance Expressions class uses dance and movement as means for exploration, self-expression, and as a tool for social-emotional development. Students connect to their bodies, imagination, and community through creative movement activities, games, and dance creation. We will use movements inspired by Modern, Afro, Latin, and Jazz techniques to build dance vocabulary, coordination, and rhythm. The class will culminate in a performance of original choreography and dancing alongside professional dance company, Ariel Rivka Dance.
Our participating students will have the exciting opportunity to perform on stage alongside Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) in our annual season performance! Students will have the chance to perform learned ARD repertory and student choreography with the dancers. This performance showcases our students’ growth through the trimester, class creativity, self-expression, and built community. This special performance will take place in early June in Manhattan (date and location to come). We are so excited to share the stage with our students and hope that you will join us!
Tuesdays - Dribbl
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 15 students)
Instructor: Dribbl, Maximum 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
Learn fundamental basketball skills in a positive and supportive environment. Founded by Dalton Athletic Director and Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, Teddy Frischling, the Dribbl program aims to develop and refine court skills such as shooting, passing, footwork, and ball-handling – all with a strong emphasis on sportsmanship.
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Tuesdays
Tuesdays - Group Guitar Lessons
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Sofia Campoamor
Learn simple accompaniments to familiar songs, and immediately start having fun with the guitar! Play with the group and individually, learn basic principles of music and guitar technique in a gentle, nurturing atmosphere.
Tuesdays - Private Guitar Lessons
Class Time: 3:00-5:30 PM (30-minute individual sessions) | Grades: 1-3 (Max 5 students)
Instructor: Michael Cioferro *Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
One-on-one, 30-minute guitar lessons for beginners through advanced. Bring your own acoustic guitar and learn the fundamentals of guitar playing in a gentle, nurturing atmosphere. Students will learn basic melodies and chords, as well as fun guitar riffs from popular rock and pop bands. Lesson times are assigned. Students should have their own guitars. Limited loaners available by request. Practice is key! Students should bring guitars and materials to and from home. Suggested Guitar and case available on Amazon.
GUITAR: Yamaha (CGS103AII) 3/4 Size Classical Guitar | CASE: Gator - Mini-Acoustic Gig Bag Lessons also available Thursday.
Tuesdays - Senior Leaders
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grade: 2-3 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Wendy Cauzitl
Join us in this fun, personalized club that celebrates students’ unique interests and skills while empowering each member to be a leader and to make a difference in their home and school communities. Collaborative activities, team building challenges, student designed games, creative projects, a mock newscast, and student developed missions to make a difference are some of the activities of the Senior Leaders Club, encouraging fun, friendship building and service to others. End of session will feature a collaborative video inspiring Dalton Little Leaders. Students also collaborate to design games and puppet shows for an end of semester game day and puppet show!
Tuesdays - STEAM and Robotics
Class Time: Dismissal-4:30 PM | Grades: K (Max 25 students), 2 (Max 20 students)
Instructor: Hope Donovan
Hope Donovan, a FP Science teacher, and many other Dalton teachers have collaborated to create an engaging and challenging experience for your child. Students will expand their understanding of programming and work with various coding applications. They will also work through STEAM and Robotics challenges in a variety of topics focusing on collaboration, feedback, and perseverance—three key aspects of the STEAM and Robotics process. *Note: The STEAM and Robotics Program is run through Hope Donovan and only taught by Dalton teachers. Each trimester is a different curriculum with new challenges and coding, so new and returning students are welcome to come join in the fun!
We will do our best to restructure and accommodate all wait-lists. Please direct all inquiries to hdonovan@dalton.org
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Tuesdays | Wednesdays
Tuesdays - Stop-Motion Animation
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grade: 2-3 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Thomas Spackman
This course will introduce students to the art of stop-motion animation. We will produce short animated films from beginning to end. We are using a variety of mediums such as drawing, collage, clay, pipe cleaners, painting, and cardboard construction to develop stories, characters and sets. We will also focus in part on the collaborative effect that movie making is. Clips will be shot on iPads.
Wednesdays - Fun House
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 2:45-4:15 PM // (Grades 2-3) 3:00-4:30 PM
Instructors: Ofelia Andino, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after school. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, watch a movie, and have a snack. This exciting, newly minted class will feature weekly themes to celebrate the seasons, special holidays, family and school life, and other topical motifs! Story Circle will provide special inspiration for our art projects. All drop-ins must be requested at least one day in advance and are subject to space availability.
Wednesdays - Kids Club
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 4:15-5:30 PM // (Grades 2-3) 4:30-5:30 PM
Instructors: Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after instructional classes. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, work on the computer, watch a movie, play organized games, and have a snack. Final pick-up is 5:30 PM
Wednesdays - Acrobatics
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: 1 (Max 8 students)
Instructors: Hayley Clark and Chase Croft
Come learn how to bend in every direction and walk on your hands! This class will teach flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control and concentration. We will learn backbends, walkovers, handstands, elbow stands, and so much more! No flips involved, but upper body, back and core strength will be developed in fun and creative ways.
NOTE: Acrobatics is a sport where it is better to stop and not perform a skill if there is any possibility of injury. Students who do not participate in a safe manner will be removed from the class permanently after three warnings.
Wednesdays - Art Workshop
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Thomas Spackman
Wishing you had more art in your life? Eager to explore and express the world of your own imagination? Choose from clay, paint, collage, and paper construction to create and design individual works. If you can dream it, you can make it!
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Wednesdays
Wednesdays - Chess
Class Time: 3:05-4:45 PM | Grade: 2 (14 students per class, Max 28 students)
Instructors: Cherdona Chin and Jerald Times
This class is for 2nd grade Chess students and continuing students. Learn king and pawn endings, checkmate patterns, tactics, middle game strategies, pawn structures, deeper explorations of the basic openings.
Wednesdays - Dance Expression and Performance
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 8 students)
Instructors: Asia Bonilla, Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD)
Our Dance Expressions class uses dance and movement as means for exploration, self-expression, and as a tool for social-emotional development. Students connect to their bodies, imagination, and community through creative movement activities, games, and dance creation. We will use movements inspired by Modern, Afro, Latin, and Jazz techniques to build dance vocabulary, coordination, and rhythm. The class will culminate in a performance of original choreography and dancing alongside professional dance company, Ariel Rivka Dance.
Our participating students will have the exciting opportunity to perform on stage alongside Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) in our annual season performance! Students will have the chance to perform learned ARD repertory and student choreography with the dancers. This performance showcases our students’ growth through the trimester, class creativity, self-expression, and built community. This special performance will take place in early June in Manhattan (date and location to come). We are so excited to share the stage with our students and hope that you will join us!
Wednesdays - Little Dalton Inventors
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grade: K (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Mark Gordon and Divya Prajapati
Note: For new Inventors’ students- this class is the same as the same as the Fall and Winter terms Come learn the basic fundamentals of STEAM! Enjoy engaging hands-on projects. Learn the history and functionality of inventions that we use today in the modern world. Discover how everyday objects came to be! Skills involve electrical engineering, physical engineering, physics, and much more! Returning students can enroll in Little Dalton Explorers on Fridays.
Wednesdays - *NEW* SPARK My First Lemonade Stand
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 10 students)
Instructors: Jeanette Sanchez and Soléana L. Rodriguez *Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families Let’s sell lemonade! Young students become “lemonade entrepreneurs” and learn how to make yummy lemonade and earn money selling it! From designing marketing flyers to estimating profits to experimenting with recipes, campers have fun all week while developing business savvy. As an optional showcase event, families are invited to attend the launch of students’ lemonade stand on the last session of the term!
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Wednesdays | Thursdays
Wednesdays - Tap
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Amanda Egan
This uniquely fun dance form helps improve balance and timing! Warm-up exercises, combinations, dance routines and improvisational techniques will be introduced with a variety of music to explore Tap Dance styles and rhythms prevalent throughout history. Work at your own pace in a joyous and supportive atmosphere! Please bring tap shoes!
Wednesdays - Ukulele
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructors: Sofia Campoamor
For kids eager to start learning a string instrument, ukulele is a fun and accessible way to begin. We will learn fingerings of basic chords and strumming patterns. As confidence grows, we will incorporate sing-alongs of favorite tunes.
Thursdays - Fun House
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 2:45-4:15 PM // (Grades 2-3) 3:00-4:30 PM
Instructors: Dulce Lamarca, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after school. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, watch a movie, and have a snack. This exciting, newly minted class will feature weekly themes to celebrate the seasons, special holidays, family and school life, and other topical motifs! Story Circle will provide special inspiration for our art projects. All drop-ins must be requested at least one day in advance and are subject to space availability.
Thursdays - Kids Club
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 4:15-5:30 PM // (Grades 2-3) 4:30-5:30 PM
Instructors: Dulce Lamarca, Marvin Matthews, Dorota Judy Stein, Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after instructional classes. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, work on the computer, watch a movie, play organized games, and have a snack. Final pick-up is 5:30 PM
Thursdays - Acrobatics
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Hayley Clark and Chase Croft
Come learn how to bend in every direction and walk on your hands! This class will teach flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and concentration. We will learn backbends, walkovers, handstands, elbow stands, and so much more! No flips involved, but upper body, back and core strength will be developed in fun and creative ways. NOTE: Acrobatics is a sport where it is better to stop and not perform a skill if there is any possibility of injury. Students who do not participate in a safe manner will be removed from the class permanently after three warnings.
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Thursdays
Thursdays - Art Workshop
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Barbara Hernandez Moreno
Wishing you had more art in your life? Eager to explore and express the world of your own imagination? Choose from clay, paint, collage, and paper construction to create and design individual works. If you can dream it, you can make it!
Thursdays - Chess
Class Time: 3:05-4:45 PM | Grades: 2-3 (14 students per class - Max 28 students)
Instructors: Beatriz Marinello and Eric Balck
If you have completed 2nd grade Chess or are in a bridge group between 2nd and 3rd grade Chess, this is the right level for you. You will learn: rook endings, advanced checkmate patterns, advanced middle game strategies, grandmaster master games. Engage in deeper explorations of your individual opening repertoire.
Thursdays - Mini-Musical: Matilda
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 12 students)
Instructor: Elisabeth Milbank and Sofia Campoamor
Calling all aspiring singers, actors, and dancers! Come explore the wonders of Broadway and Musical Theater as you learn and perform selections from Matilda as a mini-musical! Students will even design and create their own costumes! Students will be working on Matilda throughout the term.
Thursdays - Private Guitar Lessons
Class Time: 3:00-5:30 PM (30-minute individual sessions) | Grades: 1-3 (Max 5 students)
Instructor: Michael Cioferro *Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
Times selected at registration
One-on-one, 30-minute guitar lessons for beginners through advanced. Bring your own acoustic guitar and learn the fundamentals of guitar playing in a gentle, nurturing atmosphere. Students will learn basic melodies and chords, as well as fun guitar riffs from popular rock and pop bands. Lesson times are assigned. Students should have their own guitars. Limited loaners available by request. Practice is key! Students should bring guitars and materials to and from home.
Suggested Guitar and case available on Amazon.
GUITAR: Yamaha (CGS103AII) 3/4 Size Classical Guitar | CASE: Gator - Mini-Acoustic Gig Bag
Lessons also available Tuesday.
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Thursdays
Thursdays - *NEW* SPARK Little Shoppers
Class Time: 3:00 PM-4:15 PM | Grades : K-1 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Jeanette Sanchez and Soléana L. Rodriguez
*Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
Do you like to shop till you drop? In this practical program, campers become savvy shoppers through games and hands-on projects. Experiential bartering and purchasing activities help students internalize key concepts related to money choices, like needs versus wants. Students analyze marketing power, put their cashier math skills to the test, and engage in dynamic marketplaces taking turns as buyers and sellers.
Thursdays - STEAM and Robotics
Class Time: Dismissal-4:30 PM | Grades: K (Max 25 students), 1 (Max 20 students), 3 (Max 15 students)
Instructor: Hope Donovan
Hope Donovan, a FP Science teacher, and many other Dalton teachers have collaborated to create an engaging and challenging experience for your child. Students will expand their understanding of programming and work with various coding applications. They will also work through STEAM and Robotics challenges in a variety of topics focusing on collaboration, feedback, and perseverance—three key aspects of the STEAM and Robotics process. *Note: The STEAM and Robotics Program is run through Hope Donovan and only taught by Dalton teachers. Each trimester is a different curriculum with new challenges and coding, so new and returning students are welcome to come join in the fun!
We will do our best to restructure and accommodate all wait-lists. Please direct all inquiries to hdonovan@dalton.org
Thursdays - *NEW* Storytelling: Building Confidence & Curiosity Through Storytelling
Class Time: 3:15 PM-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Nicole Ferraro
People have been telling each other stories since the beginning of time, and personal storytelling is a wonderful way to get to know ourselves and each other, stimulate our curiosity, generate empathy, and practice public speaking. In this class, students will learn about the art of storytelling and develop their own talents for writing and performing personal stories. Using themed and guided worksheets, students will learn how to structure a story from beginning to end, how to identify the most important details, and how to revise their stories. In addition to writing skills, this class will also teach students how to effectively and confidently share their stories with an audience. The semester will conclude with a class storytelling show.
Thursdays - *NEW* Stuffie Sewing
Class Time: 3:00 PM-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 6 students)
Instructor: Tarika Coleman
Join Kindergarten House Advisor, Tarika Coleman for some stuffie fun! After practicing a few basic stitches and making a simple pillow, kindergartners and first graders will be guided through the process of designing their own stuffed animal and creating it, using a simple pattern. Besides being calming and fun, sewing offers young children a great opportunity to develop fine motor and measurement skills, spatial orientation, hand-eye coordination, and patience!
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Fridays
Fridays - Fun House
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 2:45-4:15 PM // (Grades 2-3) 3:00-4:30 PM
Instructors: Ofelia Andino, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after school. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, watch a movie, and have a snack. This exciting, newly minted class will feature weekly themes to celebrate the seasons, special holidays, family and school life, and other topical motifs! Story Circle will provide special inspiration for our art projects. All drop-ins must be requested at least one day in advance and are subject to space availability.
Fridays - Kids Club
Class Times: (Grades K-1) 4:15-5:30 PM // (Grades 2-3) 4:30-5:30 PM
Instructors: Ofelia Andino, Marvin Matthews, Judy Stein, Dorota Szczepankowski
Relaxed fun after instructional classes. Play outdoors and indoors, listen to stories, draw, work on the computer, watch a movie, play organized games, and have a snack.
Final pick-up is 5:30 PM
Fridays - Fun Being Me! Little Dalton Leaders
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Kristin Elam
Come join us in this confidence building, leadership training, and team club for kids! A fun, interactive club celebrates each student’s unique talents, skills and traits with social play, puppet shows, and student created skits, collaborative games, hands-on projects, and other fun activities. Students explore and articulate their individual talents and gifts, build a portfolio, collaborate to develop missions to make a difference and to be leaders in their home and school communities.
Fridays - *NEW* Little Dalton Explorers
Class Time: 3:00-4:15 PM | Grades: K-1 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Mark Gordon and Kevin Seon
For new and returning inventors!
Come learn the basic fundamentals of STEAM! Enjoy brand new engaging hands-on projects for students who have already completed little Dalton Inventors!. Learn the history and functionality of inventions that we use today in the modern world. Discover how everyday objects came to be! Skills involve electrical engineering, physical engineering, physics, and much more!
Fridays - *NEW* SPARK Young Diplomats
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Divya Prajapati *Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
This fun class helps students develop a global mindset and build international awareness early in life, an important skill in today’s increasingly interconnected world. Students explore cultural differences across countries, languages, currencies, country flags, geography games, famous landmarks, current global events and come up with solutions to global problems like world hunger, poverty and pollution.
First Program Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Fridays
Fridays - Tennis Anyone!
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 1-2 (Max 14 students)
Instructors: Andy Stuber and Tatiana Grigoryan, Maximum 50% tuittion assistance available for qualifying families
Tennis Anyone? Gotham Tennis Academy is an innovator in using cutting edge instructional methods to teach tennis to children in a positive, supportive environment. In fun and friendly classes right here at Dalton, Gotham teaches fundamental skill-building exercises critical to creating early muscle memory. Gotham utilizes USTA- approved low pressure balls, mini-nets, and age and level appropriate drills.
Gotham’s qualified pros are selected very carefully and understand the importance of younger players having a lot of fun, while developing confidence and learning the game of tennis. By the completion of the Gotham program, your child can expect to realize significant improvement in the areas of eye-hand coordination, footwork proficiency, basic stroke movements, and a basic understanding of tennis rules. Students should bring their own tennis racquets. Limited racquets will be available to borrow and must be arranged in advance . Please email info@gothamtennis.com with questions.
Fridays - Zumba/Hip Hop
Class Time: 3:45-4:45 PM | Grades: 2-3 (Max 12 students)
Instructor: Josef Woodson
Come join the party and groove to the latest Hip Hop/Latin beats. Dance to world rhythms that will MOVE you! No experience necessary! So much fun it won’t feel like a workout at all!
NOTE: Class time is 3:45-4:45
Students will be supervised, have snacks, and do warmups before the start of class
Middle School Calendar
Spring 2023
HOLIDAYS/ EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS: Classes will not be held on Holidays, Professional Development Days, Report Writing and Conference Days, or any days the school is closed.
Key Dates:
Monday, April 3 First Day Spring 2023 Term
Thursday, April 6 Passover - School Closed
Friday, April 7 Good Friday - School Closed
Friday, April 21 Eid al-Fitr - School Closed
Friday, May 19 MS Report Writing-After School Not in Session
Monday, May 29 Memorial Day - School Closed
Friday, June 2* Alumni Reunion - After School Not in Session at Big Dalton
Friday, June 9 Last Day of Spring 2023 Term
Monday, June 12 & Tuesday, June 13 Breakout Space/Extended Afternoon Drop-ins ONLY*
*contact June at jchristian@dalton.org to arrange for Breakout Space/ Extended Afternoon drop-in service
Middle School Quick Reference Page
3:30-4:30 PM unless otherwise noted
*See class timing
next to class descriptions in the brochure
Friday 6/7 Sessions Thursday 9 Sessions Wednesday 10 Sessions Tuesday 10 Sessions Monday 9 Sessions
Breakout Space (4-8)
$150
Extended Afternoon
(4-8) $135
Bulls and Bears Stock Market SPARK (4)
$555**
Music Production and Garageband (5-8) $465
Private Guitar Lessons
(5-8) $590**
30-minute lessons beginning at 3:15 PM
Stop-Motion (4) $500*
Breakout Space (4-8)
$165
Extended Afternoon
(4-8) $150
Budding Entrepreneurs SPARK (5-8) $615**
Music Business (5-8)
$515
Music Production and Garageband (4) $515
Breakout Space (4-8)
$165
Extended Afternoon (4-8) $150
Candid Camera (4)
$550*
Chess (5-8) $615
Rock Band (4) $ 650*
Breakout Space (4-8)
$150
Extended Afternoon (4-8) $135
Crafting Worlds: Mixed Media & Collage (5-8)
$500*
Creative Writing (5-8)
$465
Drawing & the World of Animation (4) $555
Yoga (4) $500*
Breakout Space (4) $120
Breakout Space (5-8)
$105
Extended Afternoon (4) $105
Extended Afternoon (5-8) $90
Chess (4) $435
Dance Expressions and Performance (4)
$435
Sports Management SPARK (5-8) $375**
*Includes material fee
**Maximum 50% Tuition Assistance available for Spark Business Academy and Private Guitar Lessons
Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Mondays
Mondays - Breakout Space
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 4-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructors: Carmela Costanza, Seymone Kelly, Sara Pavell, Adrienne Pluta
This low-pressure, relaxed option is available to students to unwind after a long day. Students are encouraged to “disconnect” from their devices and reconnect to each other through fun, games, and exploration. Students will participate in activities including Board Games, Art Projects, indoor play in open areas at Dalton East, encouraged to browse the library shelves, and much more! Students enrolled in private lessons such as After School Private Guitar can also enroll to wait for their assigned lesson times.
Mondays - Extended Afternoon
Class Time: 4:30-5:30 PM | Grades: 4 (Max 12 students), Grades 5-8 (Max 20 students)
The Extended Day option is available for those students who need to remain in school until 5:30 PM. Students can play games, read, continue homework assignments, or just relax after a long day. Final pick up is 5:30 PM.
Mondays - *NEW* Bulls and Bears
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 4 (Min. 6 students, Max 12 students)
Instructor: Wendy Cuazitl *Max 50% tuition assistance available for qualifying families
Come and learn how investors make (and lose) money in the stock market and how you can start investing successfully at a young age! In this hands-on class, students use a cool stock-trading simulation tool with real-time market data to select a $10,000 stock portfolio and practice the mechanics of investing. Topics include asset allocation, stocks and bonds, stock indices around the world, risk, return and diversification, IPOs, interest rates, PE ratios, mutual funds and more! A solid foundation for successful future investors!
Mondays - Music Production and Garageband
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grades: 5-8 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Chase Croft
Explore the possibilities of Apple GarageBand in order to create your own beats! We will explore the essentials of music programming software including creating loops, using effects, manipulating samples, using MIDI and using software instruments. Students will be able to generate arrangements of their own original music and come away with a brand new hit single in any style that they can imagine!
Mondays - Private Guitar Lessons
Class Time: 3:15-5:45 PM (30-minute individual sessions) | Grades: 5-8 (Max 4 students)
Instructor: Michael Cioferro *Max 50% tuition assistance available
One-on-one, 30-minute guitar lessons for beginners through advanced levels. Learn the fundamentals of guitar playing. Play basic melodies and chords, as well as fun guitar riffs from popular rock and pop bands. Adapted for advanced students accordingly!
Classes are conducted in 30 minute intervals beginning at 3:30 PM. Last lesson is at 5:00 PM. Lesson times are assigned.
Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Mondays | Tuesdays
Mondays - Stop-Motion Animation
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Thomas Spackman
This course will introduce students to the art of stop-motion animation. We will produce short animated films from beginning to end. We are using a variety of materials such as collage, clay, pipe cleaners, painting, and cardboard construction to develop stories, characters and sets. We will also focus in part on the collaborative effect that movie making is. Clips will be shot on iPads.
Tuesdays - Breakout Space
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 4-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructors: Carmela Costanza, Seymone Kelly, Sara Pavell, Adrienne Pluta
This low-pressure, relaxed option is available to students to unwind after a long day. Students are encouraged to “disconnect” from their devices and reconnect to each other through fun, games, and exploration. Students will participate in activities including Board Games, Art Projects, indoor play in open areas at Dalton East, encouraged to browse the library shelves, and much more! Students enrolled in private lessons such as After School Private Guitar can also enroll to wait for their assigned lesson times.
Tuesdays - Extended Afternoon
Class Time: 4:30-5:30 PM | Grades: 4 (Max 12 students), Grades 5-8 (Max 20 students)
The Extended Day option is available for those students who need to remain in school until 5:30 PM. Students can play games, read, continue homework assignments, or just relax after a long day. Final pick up is 5:30 PM.
Tuesdays - *NEW* Budding Entrepreneurs with SPARK Business Academy
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grades: 5-8 (Min. 6 students, Max 12 students)
Instructor: Kristin Elam *Max 50% tuition assistance available for qualifying families
So you want to be an entrepreneur? In this innovative class, you will learn what it takes to launch your own business and gain skills in strategy, marketing and finance – all at a kid-friendly level! Students select a ‘business idea’, learn how to develop a business plan and make a “pitch” presentation. Curriculum will include concepts such as Idea + Marketing+ Customers = SUCCESS!; the 3Ps: Passion, Problem-solving and Perseverance; learning from failures; and key traits of an entrepreneurial mindset. We will also explore a case study on entrepreneurship: Elon Musk (Tesla), Making an impact: What will be your legacy?
Tuesdays - Music Business
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 5-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructor: Mackinna Hart
Join First Program Associate Teacher Mackinna Hart for Music Business! Ever wondered how to get signed as a music artist? Maybe you have an awesome idea for a music festival, but don’t know where to start with putting one together. Are you someone who sees your talented friends creating music and wondered what it would take to help their music be heard? In this class, we will explore all the behind-thescenes of what goes on in the music industry. We will investigate different roles such as manager, artist, publisher, lawyer and more to gain a foundational understanding for how the music industry operates on a business side. There will also be opportunities to interview and speak with industry professionals throughout the course as students conduct their research. Students will then work together to create their very own mini-music industry where they will take on different roles and model how to get a song published, represented and monetized.
Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Tuesdays | Wednesdays
Tuesdays - Music Production and Garageband
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Chase Croft
Explore the possibilities of Apple GarageBand in order to create your own beats! We will explore the essentials of music programming software including creating loops, using effects, manipulating samples, using MIDI and using software instruments. Students will be able to generate arrangements of their own original music and come away with a brand new hit single in any style that they can imagine!
Wednesdays - Breakout Space
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 4-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructors: Carmela Costanza, Seymone Kelly, Sara Pavell, Adrienne Pluta
This low-pressure, relaxed option is available to students to unwind after a long day. Students are encouraged to “disconnect” from their devices and reconnect to each other through fun, games, and exploration. Students will participate in activities including Board Games, Art Projects, indoor play in open areas at Dalton East, encouraged to browse the library shelves, and much more! Students enrolled in private lessons such as After School Private Guitar can also enroll to wait for their assigned lesson times.
Wednesdays - Extended Afternoon
Class Time: 4:30-5:30 PM | Grades: 4 (Max 12 students), Grades 5-8 (Max 20 students)
The Extended Day option is available for those students who need to remain in school until 5:30 PM. Students can play games, read, continue homework assignments, or just relax after a long day. Final pick up is 5:30 PM.
Wednesdays - *NEW* Candid Camera!: Photography
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grades: 4 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Barbara Hernandez Moreno
Fall in love with your camera! Get to know it, understand it, see the limitations it has and the positive aspects of it. Understand the basics of photography to create that perfect shot, just right lighting, experimental angles, clear and soft focus, and many other tricks of the trade! We will explore how to frame a photo, adjust the shot for portraits or still life subjects. After this course you will be a master photographer, ready to take the perfect photo in any situation!!!
Wednesdays - Chess
Class Time: 3:30-5:00 PM | Grades: 5-8 (Max 16 students)
Instructor: Mackenzie Molner
This advanced class will focus on opening systems, tactics, endings, mating patterns, pawn structures, understanding and evaluating positions, planning and analyzing, and defensive ideas at the middle school and high school levels. We will frequently engage in deep analysis of Grandmaster games from both modern and historically significant tournaments and matches.
Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Wednesdays | Thursdays
Wednesdays - Rock Band
Class Time: 3:30-5:00 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Michael Eliran
Channel your inner rockstar in Rock Band! This class will provide students new ways to express themselves and collaborate with others. Students will focus both on learning how to write songs and how to perform them. We will learn to work as an ensemble on instruments such as the piano, guitar, and more. Students are welcome to bring their instruments into the space as well!
Thursdays - Breakout Space
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 4-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructors: Carmela Costanza, Seymone Kelly, Sara Pavell, Adrienne Pluta
This low-pressure, relaxed option is available to students to unwind after a long day. Students are encouraged to “disconnect” from their devices and reconnect to each other through fun, games, and exploration. Students will participate in activities including Board Games, Art Projects, indoor play in open areas at Dalton East, encouraged to browse the library shelves, and much more! Students enrolled in private lessons such as After School Private Guitar can also enroll to wait for their assigned lesson times.
Thursdays - Extended Afternoon
Class Time: 4:30-5:30 PM | Grades: 4 (Max 12 students), Grades 5-8 (Max 20 students)
The Extended Day option is available for those students who need to remain in school until 5:30 PM. Students can play games, read, continue homework assignments, or just relax after a long day. Final pick up is 5:30 PM.
Thursdays - Crafting Worlds: Mixed Media & Collage
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grades: 5-8 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Timur York
Enter the world of mixed media and collage! Both of these art forms stem from the common root, by transforming images and objects through their unexpected assemblages, thus giving them new meanings beyond their intended role. Students will utilize various art mediums, assemble images, objects, and texts, and create new meanings based on their own ideas and interpretations. The class offers an opportunity to train the imagination to see the world through the frame of endless possibilities for creativity.
Thursdays - *NEW* Creative Writing
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grades: 5-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructor: Luke Sullivan
Join First Program Associate Teacher Luke Sullivan for Creative Writing! Are you passionate about writing? Perhaps you are a natural storyteller who wants some more practice, or maybe you struggle with writing but want to get better. Practice crafting stories, revising for description and dialogue, and putting the final edits on your pieces in the Creative Writing Workshop. We will follow a traditional writer’s workshop model and you will have time to share your writing with the class. By the end of the program you will have 2-3 finished stories that you can show to your friends and family!
Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Thursdays | Fridays
Thursdays - *NEW* Drawing and Motion: World of Animation
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 8 students)
Instructor: Mark Gordon
Walt Disney animation was once considered a world of magic. Now the secret of how “the magic is made” is out! With the power of pencil and paper, you will learn the fundamentals of making drawings and putting them into motion, using the same techniques that industry professionals use to create the amazing features of today! During this course, students will have made numerous short flipbook animations, culminating in a larger final project at the end.
Thursdays - *NEW* Yoga
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 7 students)
Instructor: Danielle Storm
Come and experience all that yoga has to offer – it’s more than just stretching! In this class, we will work with our breath, minds, and bodies to discover connections to ourselves and to the world around us. We will learn the history and basics of yoga practice, incorporate breathing and mindfulness techniques, move our bodies in lots of different ways, play games, create art, and most of all have fun!
Fridays - Breakout Space
Class Time: 3:15-4:30 PM | Grades: 4-8 (Max 12 students)
Instructors: Carmela Costanza, Seymore Kelly, Sara Pavell, Adrienne Pluta
NOTE: After School will not be in session Friday, June 2 at Big Dalton. First Program and Dalton East will be in session as normal.
This low-pressure, relaxed option is available to students to unwind after a long day. Students are encouraged to “disconnect” from their devices and reconnect to each other through fun, games, and exploration. Students will participate in activities including Board Games, Art Projects, indoor play in open areas at Dalton East, encouraged to browse the library shelves, and much more! Students enrolled in private lessons such as After School Private Guitar can also enroll to wait for their assigned lesson times.
Fridays - Extended Afternoon
Class Time: 4:30-5:30 PM | Grades: 4 (Max 12 students), Grades 5-8 (Max 20 students)
NOTE: After School will not be in session Friday, June 2 at Big Dalton. First Program and Dalton East will be in session as normal.
The Extended Day option is available for those students who need to remain in school until 5:30 PM. Students can play games, read, continue homework assignments, or just relax after a long day. Final pick up is 5:30 PM.
Fridays - Chess
Class Time: 3:30-5:00 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 16 students)
Instructor: Beatriz Marinello
NOTE: After School will not be in session Friday, June 2 at Big Dalton. First Program and Dalton East will be in session as normal.
This advanced class will focus on opening systems, tactics, endings, mating patterns, pawn structures, understanding and evaluating positions, planning and analyzing, and defensive ideas at the middle school and high school levels. We will frequently engage in deep analysis of Grandmaster games from both modern and historically significant tournaments and matches.
Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions
Fridays
Fridays - Dance Expression and Performance
Class Time: 3:30-4:30 PM | Grade: 4 (Max 10 students)
Instructor: Amy Ashley, Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD)
NOTE: After School will not be in session Friday, June 2 at Big Dalton. First Program and Dalton East will be in session as normal.
Our Dance Expressions class uses dance and movement as means for exploration, self-expression, and as a tool for social-emotional development. Students connect to their bodies, imagination, and community through creative movement activities, games, and dance creation. We will use movements inspired by Modern, Afro, Latin, and Jazz techniques to build dance vocabulary, coordination, and rhythm. The class will culminate in a performance of original choreography and dancing alongside professional dance company, Ariel Rivka Dance.
Our participating students will have the exciting opportunity to perform on stage alongside Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) in our annual season performance! Students will have the chance to perform learned ARD repertory and student choreography with the dancers. This performance showcases our students’ growth through the semester, class creativity, self-expression, and built community. This special performance will take place in early June in Manhattan (date and location to come).
Fridays - *NEW* Sports Management
Class Time: 3:45-4:45 PM | Grades: 5-8 (Minimum 6 students, Max 12 students)
Instructor: Robert Vaccaro *Max 50% Tuition Assistance available for qualifying families
For the sports lover, future team General Manager, sports team owner or ESPN analyst, this unique program helps students view the world of sports from a business perspective. Students participate in fun mock drafts for various sports and analyze different sports topics, including player contracts, college sports, NIL, endorsements, the Nike vs Under Armour competition, sports agents, the Super Bowl, e-sports and more!
NOTE: Class time is 3:45-4:45
Students will be supervised and have snacks before the start of class.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Jennifer Beasmoney
Jennifer is Director for all Dalton After School Programs and the On-Site Coordinator of After School Programs at the First Program. Jennifer is a Creative Writing graduate of Hunter College and achieved her Master’s Degree from Stony Brook University. She served in 2007-08 as Head Teacher for Kids Club in ASP and conducted the Fun House class after school. In addition to her enthusiasm for working with children in a school setting, Jennifer loves to write, knit, and crochet. She wrote briefly for Jukepop, a website dedicated to writing serials that appear weekly or bi-weekly. Much of her knit and crochet work reflects various superheroes and fandoms that inspire her.
June Christian
June is Associate Director of After School Programs and On-Site coordinator of After School Programs at the Middle School. June is a graduate of both Grinnell College where she majored in English and Music as well as Teachers College at Columbia University where she received her Master of Arts in Music Education. This is June’s third year in the Dalton Community, and she could not be prouder to spend her time with the after school program. When she is not working with students, June enjoys choral singing, fiber arts, and reading.
Dorota Szczepankowski
Dorota is Assistant Director of FP After School and Head Teacher for Fun House and Kids Club. She is the daily instructor for Fun House, Dorota formerly taught in Poland and now teaches in New York City. She has worked in the Dalton After School Program for many years, providing K-3 students with nurturing and experienced supervision, while offering a range of fun and challenging activities for those signed up for ASP’s extended day. She also formerly supervised the High School Community Service students who joined us for our Homework Corner, GoodSport, and Kid Companion programs after school.
Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD)
ARD is an all-female contemporary dance company based in New Jersey led by Artistic Director Ariel Grossman. ARD’s mission is to champion female creatives through original choreography, commissioned music, and curated family and educational programming. Through movement, ARD creates a community of vulnerability and acceptance, providing opportunities for hope and connection.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Amy Ashley (Ariel Rivka Dance)
Amy is a performer, choreographer, and dance teacher originally from Southern Oregon. She has a wide-ranging background, including intensive Cecchetti ballet training from a young age, a decade of modern jazz in the Luigi tradition under master teacher Tracey Durbin, and performer and choreographer experience ranging from musical theater to post-modern dance. Working in dance education since 2013, Amy has taught a wide range of classes, privates, and workshops at studios across NYC. She currently teaches for the Ariel Rivka Dance Education Program, The School at Mark Morris Dance Center, and NJ-based Moving Youth Dance Company. Nationally she has taught at American Dance Festival’s Scripps Studios Youth Camps (Durham, NC), New Ballet Ensemble & School (Memphis, TN), and LINES Ballet Outreach Programs (San Francisco, CA), and internationally at Ru Sahne Sanatları Bale ve Müzik Okulu (İstanbul, Turkey), and Çıplakayaklar Dans Akademisi (İstanbul, Turkey).
Asia Bonilla (Ariel Rivka Dance)
Asia is originally from Trabuco Canyon, CA and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program with a major in Dance and a minor in Mathematics. She has per formed internationally at the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Rudolfinum Concert Hall in the Czech Republic and danced with Awaken Dance Theater, VISIONS Contemporary Ballet, BHdos (the 2nd company of Ballet Hispánico), and Alison Cook-Beatty Dance. She has performed works by choreographers Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Michelle Manzanales, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Jacqulyn Buglisi among others. She has also taught dance outreach in Nicaragua, NYC, virtually with JUNTOS Collective, and internationally with Ariel Rivka Dance. Asia is currently on the ballet faculty of Dance Project of Washington Heights and teaching faculty with Ariel Rivka Dance Education Program.
Ofelia Andino
Ofelia i s of Middle Eastern and South American descent and has been raised with Arabic and Latin rhythms and dance forms. Ofelia has studied with dance masters such as Yousery Sharif, Amira Mor, Dalia Carrera and the legendary Serena. She has performed in special events including children’s charities, women’s conferences, weddings, school events, Egyptian and South American workshops.
Ofelia is also a visual artist who honed her craft at the French Fashion Academy Art and Design School. Formerly an instructor in our DLI Spanish program, we are fortunate that in addition to being a Kids Club regular, she will continue teaching a Design Studio class in Fashion Sketching. Ofelia currently works as head teacher with preschool children in a daycare setting and teaches evening classes to adults in Belly Dancing.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Eric Balck
Eric joins the current Chess faculty in building student skills and heightening enthusiasm for the game!
Sofia Campoamor
Sofia is originally from Washington D.C. and graduated with honors from Yale University with a degree in Music, focusing on composition and songwriting. She has been a composer and teaching artist with Hear Your Song since 2015, engaging in collaborative songwriting with children managing serious illness and complex health needs. Sofía took a year off from school to travel the world as the first woman singer in the Yale Whiffenpoofs a cappella group. She now lives in Brooklyn, NY, where she writes, records, and performs original music, teaches voice, and sings with the Oratory Choir of St. Boniface. Sofía loves sharing her passion for songwriting with students at the After School Program.
The Character Builders
The Character Builders is founded by Lisa Fader and offers enrichment programs with a personalized focus to celebrate each child’s uniqueness and bring out the best in each student. We foster a love of learning, instill respect for self and others, promote collaboration and teamwork, and build integrity, character and leadership skills empowering each student to be a voice and make a difference in their community simply by being themselves.
Lisa Fader (The Character Builders)
Lisa Fader is an enthusiastic educator devoted to making a difference in children’s lives. She likes to incorporate arts and crafts in her lessons, as well as hands-on activities that will keep students engaged. Her classes help children build self-esteem, and she is an advocate of anti-bullying practices through collaboration and teamwork. Lisa holds bachelors and graduate degrees in Communications. Lisa currently works with the SPARK Business Academy and is excited to bring her own Leadership and Team Building classes to the First Program!
Wendy Cuazitl (The Character Builders)
Wendy teaches the Senior Leaders class at First Program. She started as a part-time teacher’s assistant during high school in 2016 and has since loved educating children on various subjects such as art, business, and science. She recently graduated from Hunter College with a Biology major and plans to go to medical school and become a pediatrician. Aside from studying, her hobbies include weightlifting, reading, and gaming. It is a pleasure to work with Dalton and inspire the younger generation to explore their leadership.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Kristin Elam (The Character Builders)
Kristin Elam is passionate about creative, enthusiastic teaching that evokes curiosity in the classroom. Kristin is currently an instructor for SPARK Business Academy and The Character Builders as well as a Master’s student studying Psychology in Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her compassion for all people influences her relationally-led teaching style and focus on social and emotional learning in the classroom. She taught high school English for three years after earning her bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Baylor University. She hopes to grow as a teacher and inspire wellness practices in the lives of her students and colleagues. Fun things that Kristin enjoys weaving into her teaching include photography, art history, hiking, listening to music, architecture, learning about social intelligence, and all things with a creative bent.
Michael Cioferro
Michael has a Master’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance and has taught classical and electric guitar for 16 years, including the Serendipity After School program at The Dalton School. In addition, he is a registered Suzuki classical guitar instructor with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Several of Michael’s students have gone on to study at major music conservatories such as the Manhattan School of music, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and Northwestern University. Michael has studied with Christopher Parkening and William Kanengiser and has been featured in Rolling Stone magazine and on VH1. http://www.michaelcioffero.com
Hayley Clark
Hayley is a freelance dancer based in New York City. She received her dance training at Ballet Academy East and later at SUNY Purchase, where she graduated in 2019 Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance: Ballet Concentration. While at SUNY Purchase, she danced lead roles in ballets such as Concerto Barocco and The Four Temperaments by George Balanchine. She danced as The Dewdrop in The Yorkville Nutcracker and in StylePointe Fashion Week for Michelle Thompson Ulrich. Hayley was a camp counselor at Ballet Academy East’s SUMMERDANCE for 5 years and started teaching ballet for the Young Dancer Division in the fall of 2019. Hayley also was a Learning Supervisor with Little Dalton during Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Tarika Coleman
Tarika Coleman is a Kindergarten House Advisor and parent of a Dalton alum (who enjoyed many of the after school program classes in her day!).
Carmela Costanza
Carmela is a supervisor in the After School Breakout Space Program at the Dalton Middle School. She has a degree in Elementary Education, grades K-6, and has spent the past nineteen years teaching fourth and fifth grade students. She is both experienced and passionate about working with kids of this age group, and is well aware that they often teach her. She also studied Creative Writing for 5 years, and likes to spend her free time reading the Classics, and writing.
Chase Croft ‘17
Chase is a Dalton Alumni who first learned production in 6th grade for a school assignment and has only developed his talents further since. While being most notable as a rapper and battle rapper, he also has self-produced nearly all of his music as well as created instrumentals for other artists. He graduated from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a concentration in Black Arts, Culture, & Performance. He has used primarily Logic Pro X & GarageBand to create a multitude of genres such as hip-hop, pop, dubstep, electro, ambient, drum & bass, baroque and more. Having previously taught the fundamentals of GarageBand as a guest teacher at Dalton, the Digital Music and GarageBand class looks to take things a step further in giving students the insight and tools toward creating brand new music.
Hope Donovan
Hope is a First Program Science Teacher and Coordinator for the STEAM After School Program.
The Dribbl Program
Dribbl focuses on getting kids comfortable on the court while improving basic motor skills such as jumping, running, and sliding. For the older kids, Dribbl also offers a chance to apply the skills they’ve learned toward timed league games.
Teddy Frischling ’89 (The Dribbl Program)
Teddy is a Dribbl co-founder and Athletic Director at The Dalton School. He’s also a varsity basketball coach and the Director of Dalton’s summer camp. Teddy Frischling is a Dalton alum and a proud Dalton parent!
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Evan Thomas (The Dribbl Program)
Evan is in his 4th year working at The Dalton School. He has had multiple roles in School, After School Program, and with the PE Department. These positions include Learning Supervisor, After School Coach and GAGA chaperone, and After School Teacher in programs such as Serendipity Sports, Play Lab and coaching for Dribbl.
Amanda Egan
Amanda is a professional dancer in New York City and graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA program where she received high honors. She is a current company member of CR dance, and Lydia Johnson Dance Company. She has performed works by Paul Taylor, Merce Cunningham, Alvin Ailey, Caitlin Javech, and Clifton Brown. In 2014, she was awarded the gold medal at the IDO World Tap Dance championships in Riesa, Germany. Amanda is thrilled to share her passion for dance with the students of the Dalton School.
Michael Eliran
Michael is a New York songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and teacher whose work is centered around using music as a uniquely powerful means of connection and expression. Through his work with people of all ages, he is consistently inspired by the ways music can bring people together, allow them to tell their stories, and create new ones. When he is not teaching, Michael records and performs with his band Dolly Spartans across the country.
Veronique Vickie Frémont
Veronique is an artist, designer, and anthropologist with dual background – Cameroonian mother and French father. She has lived between two different cultures and two worlds. She speaks several languages. She has traveled widely, and her formal education includes degrees in anthropology, language, teaching, as well as applied and fine arts. She has an abiding passion for the arts, culture, and music of Africa. For her entire career she has worked to improve her knowledge base as a teacher, artist, and designer. Her recent work deals with the environment, climate change, and global warming; although it’s a relatively new term for us, she has been recycling, reusing and recreating since she was a child. She attended the 20th United Nation Climate Change Conference (COP 20) in Lima (Peru), December 1-14, 2014. Since 2012 she has met women with whom she started projects (including the creation of a French school in Peru and the manufacture of bags from recycled saris in Sri Lanka).
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Kevin Gordon
Kevin is the founder of GX Studios Lab and a 3D Artist/Generalist who graduated from Mercy College with his BFA in 3D Modeling and Animation. He is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Georgia but still remains an active part of the Dalton community with the Little Dalton Inventors class he created. Kevin loves 3D design as it enables him to use constructive thinking and problem solving to make great ideas come to life. He has been an instructor, mentor, and tutor for many children over the past few years. He has primarily worked in after school programs and believes that the future of learning is in the 3D and digital medium field. In addition to 3D design, he experiments with re-creating various different inventions in his free time. Being ever-curious, he is always looking into and researching how different inventions and techniques came to be.
Mark Gordon
Mark has been in the Education field for over 12 years, and has been guiding students through the admissions process helping them become nurses, medical assistants, and automotive technicians. He is currently teaching Little Inventors to our Kindergartners. Mark is a tech savvy individual who isn’t afraid to take a few things apart to get them fixed! He is also an avid Star Wars fan who enjoys superhero movies. In addition to his after school program work, Mark has joined the Dalton Middle School and High School Admissions team as of Fall 2022!
Gotham Tennis Academy
Gotham teaches players to progress to their full potential whether they are beginners, intermediates, or advanced players. We realize that players have different capabilities and goals. Using Gotham’s proven methods – developed from decades of experience as professional instructors, world-class players and college coaches – we strive to provide the best tennis experience for each player in our system. We have a simple goal: enabling each player to reach his/her full potential playing this wonderful sport, not only now, but also for a lifetime. Our tennis programs are offered year-round to players of all ages and skill levels. Our tennis professionalsare some of the most talented, personable and engaging tennis pros in New York City. We are passionate about helping you improve all aspects of your tennis game.
Joel S. Kassan (Gotham Tennis Academy)
Joel is a co-owner and chief executive of Gotham Tennis Academy (www.gothamtennis.com) in New York City and the Hamptons. He has extensive experience developing and overseeing innovative tennis programs utilizing highly trained tennis teachers. Gotham Tennis Academy offers its players, especially young athletes, a proven system for learning fundamental tennis skills in a positive and supportive environment. Joel holds a Master’s degree from the University of
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Pennsylvania and a BA with Honors from Wesleyan University where he played college tennis.Ad missions team as of Fall 2022!
Warren Rand (Gotham Tennis Academy)
Warren is a co-owner and cofounder of Gotham Tennis Academy (www.gothamtennisacademy.com) in New York City and the Hamptons. Warren is a former nationally-ranked junior and collegiate standout at the Division I level. He has over 25 years of experience as a player and coach and has been involved in the New York area tennis community for more than a decade. Warren holds the highest rating as a teaching pro with the Professional Tennis Registry. He received a Master’s degree from Gothenberg University and a BS from Appalachian State University.
Andy Stuber (Gotham Tennis Academy)
A Director of Tennis, Andy is a teaching pro from Basel, Switzerland. He grew up playing his tennis on European red clay courts and brings a tremendous work ethic and passion. Andy has been known to use his outstanding, European work ethic to teach and inspire our juniors and adults. Andy is comfortable teaching all levels of players. It’s no surprise that Andy gets his inspiration from another Basel, Switzerland resident… Roger Federer.
Tatiana Grigoryan (Gotham Tennis Academy)
Tatiana was born in Moscow, Russia and started playing tennis at the age of 9. She has experience playing ITF and WTA professional tournaments. Tatiana played Division I tennis at the University of Portland and Fordham University. She further earned her school counseling Master’s Degree at NYU. She enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels. Her favorite tennis player is Roger Federer because of his class on and off the court.
Mackinna Hart
Mackinna is in her fourth year of teaching, her first here at Dalton. She recently graduated from Touro University with a Masters in Special Education and Education Grades 1-6. Prior to teaching, Mackinna attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN where she completed a degree in Music Business. She worked in the music industry through various internships at management labels, nonprofits and was even an extra in a music video for Lauren Alaina. She is very excited to bring her passion of both teaching and the music industry to inform students on all the behind-the-scenes that goes into the making of a song, album, and artist.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Bárbara Hernandez Moreno
B árbara is a Mexican artist who has been a writer since 2019, a visual artist since 2014 and a photographer since 2009. She has taught workshops for Vickie Fremont’s My Hands, My Tools organization and worked with Dalton students in a private art class. She is thrilled to now be joining the Dalton After School Program! Barbara has participated in an art residency at the Museo de Artes Gráficas, and has a diploma in Art History from UAdeC. Barbara spent 4 years at the Facultad de Filosofía Libre de Argentina and took online classes and is a Nutritionist by UANL. Her artwork has been exhibited at the NYC Health + Lincoln Hospital, Museum of Latin American Art MOLAA, Museo de Artes Gráficas, Museo de la Laguna, Museo del Desierto and Museo Biblioteca Harol R. Pape, to name a few. Among the clients of her photography portfolio are: Sears, JCPenney, John Derre, Magna, La orquesta Filarmónica del Desi
erto Coahuila de Zaragoza, Il Mercato, CEGO Corporate, to name a few. Barbara is about to publish her first book: “Otras Navegaciones.” An eclectic artist with many interests, Barbara is drawn to philosophy, history, politics, physics, religions, art, photography, and old texts.
Yuki Kittaka
Yuki grew up in Japan enjoying visual arts such as origami, painting, drawing, and crafts. She has been teaching origami to very young students from ages 3 to 10 years since 2000. She developed a special method to help them accomplish the goal without giving up or losing interest. She received her BFA and MFA from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Dulce Lamarca
Dulce is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and arts worker. As an artist, she has collaborated with actors, dancers, and comedians to produce her work in a collaborative manner. As an educator or teaching artist, she has taught youth, adults, elders, and people with disabilities, in Brazil, New York, and Argentina, traveling to underrepresented communities and teaching in a compassionate and resourceful manner. As an arts worker, she has worked for several galleries, museums and artists from all over the world. She is currently working for renown artists Mark Tribe, Pablo Helguera, and Vickie Frémont, and has worked for art institutions such as El Museo del Barrio (New York’s leading Latino cultural institution) and La Salita Gallery (founded by MoMA PS1 curator Elena Ketelsen). Lamarca was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a BFA in Painting and Arts Education from REA Regina Espacio de Arte, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a MFA in Fine Arts from SVA School of Visual Arts, New York City. Her experience working at a hospice with terminally-ill patients for three years and her background as a cellist deeply informs her work.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Beatriz Marinello
Beatriz is the Director of the Dalton Chess Program and the After School Chess Academy as well as a World Chess Federation Chess Trainer, Woman International Master and International Chess Organizer. Beatriz was a captain & player of the US Women Olympic Chess team (1994). She is a recipient of the prestigious Chess Educator of the Year Award by the University of Texas, Dallas, an award that recognizes her outstanding contributions to chess in education over the years. Beatriz has made teaching chess to children a main focus in her life and continues to promote chess and education all over the world. She has been involved in organizing National and International Chess Championships, Charity Events, and provides services for Non-Profit Organizations that help promote chess around the world.
Marvin Matthews
Marvin continues in his role as the head instructor of 2nd/3rd Grade Fun House and Kids Club. He’s been working with children for 12 years and enjoys seeing children have fun and get excited about the activities that they’re involved in. He is looking forward to an exciting year with the Dalton community.
Elisabeth Milbank
Elisabeth joins the Dalton Community in the Dalton Dance and Theater department at First Program. Elisabeth is a professional actor, singer, musician, and educator in New York City. She holds B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and recently completed an M.A. in Educational Theatre from New York University. Some of her most prestigious performance credits include, Once the Musical on Broadway, The Sound of Music National Tour directed by Jack O’Brien, the feature film Love the Coopers, and touring with the folk band The Lonesome Travelers featuring Peter Yarrow. She is a proud member of Actor’s Equity. Elisabeth is passionate about theatre and the power it has to uplift, educate, inspire, and transform participants. She loves working with young people and encouraging their individual creative journeys.
Ariel Moise
Ariel is a Second Grade teacher at Dalton First Program and a long-time zinester. She has published three zines and leads a summer zine club for adults in Prospect Park.
Christine Nassar
Christine has been one of Dalton First Program’s beloved librarians for six years. She is passionate about bookmaking, writing, and binding.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Beth Newbery
Beth studied at Rose Burford College, UK gaining her BA honors in Performance and an MA in Theatre Practice. After completing a three-year course in Acting, Beth worked professionally as an actress and director in various films, TV, and extensive Theatre. Beth has worked during the past twenty years as a workshop deviser, drama leader and developed a company called Infusionarts, taking theatre to Tanzania where she attended the 2008 TED conference in Arusha. Beth has implemented and devised a performance course for learning disabilities and gained many key highlights in working for schools across Devon as a key consultant in after school clubs. Since living in New York, Beth coaches both professionally and in schools, has directed four shows, written and directed a one woman show, and is currently revising her own short movie to be made in the New Year. Beth has been the head of drama for the Willow Tree Performance School for fifteen years. She is now aiming to develop some workshops in New York on various topics.
SPARK Business Academy
SPARK is an educational organization dedicated to promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship among young students. Their innovative classes on life skills empower kids with the tools and mindset to make sound financial decisions and develop into responsible global citizens.
Soléana Rodriguez (SPARK Business Academy)
Soléana is pursuing her Masters Degree, currently majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies at Fordham University. She has an extensive background in education dating back to her internship for a private elementary-middle school since 2016, supporting students and staff. She has also volunteered in the public education system for several years. She loves anime and spends her free time indulging in her creative side by painting and drawing.
Jeanette Sanchez (SPARK Business Academy)
Jeanette is a researcher and early education teacher currently working at Spark Academy. As a former mental health crisis service provider, Jeanette has a passion for helping children become critical thinkers and agents of social justice. Jeanette has a B.A. in Psychology from Westmont College, a MSEd. degree with honors in Early Childhood Education from The City College of New York, and was the recipient of The City College of New York Graduate Program in Early Childhood Education’s Life-Long Learner Award in Summer 2021. Jeanette is currently completing a Master’s of Science in Public Administration at City College of New York with an expected graduation date of June 2023. She was also the recipient of the Colin Powell Graduate Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service for the 2021-2022 academic school year.
Robert Vaccaro (SPARK Business Academy)
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
Danielle Storm
Danielle is certified and experienced in teaching yoga and mindfulness to children of all ages, from crawling through High School. Over the past 6+ years, she has worked with children in group classes, camps, after school programs, public and private schools, private sessions, and health and wellness events. In addition, she facilitates workshops for parents, teachers, and caregivers on incorporating mindfulness into their routines. Danielle is a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher, and has done several mindfulness and meditation training. She is excited to bring her passion for movement, breath, presence, and fun to Dalton!
Thomas Spackman
Thomas holds a BFA in Painting from Pratt Institute. He has worked with children at Forestcraft Hiking Camp, as a FP Learning Supervisor Art Team member at Dalton last year. His work is inspired by memories of his native Long Island, which can be viewed at www.thomasspackman.com .
Judy Stein
Judy has taught Kindergarten at The Brearley School, Fieldston and as a maternity leave replacement teacher at The Dalton School. She has also worked in Admissions at Brearley and Avenues: The World School. Judy received her Ed.M from Smith College and hails from the neighboring town of Amherst to which she remains a frequent visitor. Judy’s interests include cooking, playing the violin, yoga, swimming, and traveling.
Luke Sullivan
Luke is a Third Grade Associate Teacher in House 35 and a creative writer. He has been at the Dalton First Program for three years and previously taught writing in Shanghai, China. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University with a degree in English Literature.
TGA Premier Golf
TGA enrichment programs combine athletics, academic, and life lessons for a fun and educational experience.We incorporate station-based athletic skill development, STEAM Labs to explore educational concepts through golf, and key life lessons including: teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and leadership.
Stephen Ruben (TGA Premier Golf)
Stephen has been passionate for the game of golf since he was 12 years old. When he practiced law, his office voicemail on Fridays often recited that “I was on a course.” Stephen has played both left handed and right handed (long story, don’t ask) and can teach all players.
After School Staff Bios
Spring 2023
He has been a member of private clubs and on a Club Greens Committee and has played on four continents. Stephen taught his son and granddaughter to play and has been delighted to coach students on swing mechanics, course management, focus and the etiquette and values of the golf TGA program.
Jerald Times
Jerald started playing chess at age eleven and became the Harlem Chess Champion at age fourteen. In 2002 he was designated Chess Master by FIDE, the World Federation of Chess. Jerald graduated from Rice High School in Manhattan and received his BA from St. John’s University. Early in his career, Jerald worked with the Teacher’s and Writer’s Collaborative and taught poetry to students of all grade levels and organized poetry readings in homeless shelters and drug rehab programs that resulted in poetic pamphlets. Jerald is also an accomplished and published poet. While residing and acting as curator at the Langston Hughes House, Jerald wrote Da’ Badman Songs – a factual collection of African American folkloric poems. Some of Jerald’s other Chess work includes: the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF) at Manhattan’s acclaimed Mott Hall School, Chess Director for the Harlem Children’s Zone, teaching chess in South Africa and rose from township teacher to become the country’s national coach. Jerald also worked with at-risk students to turn them into champions and academic scholars through a holistic chess program. Times has been a traveling coach at the Dalton school since 2013 and became the first African American Director of Success Academy’s chess program in 2019. For more about Jerald’s philosophy on chess, we refer you to his interview with ChessBase Magazine in May of 2020.
Josef Woodson
Josef graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Dance Arts degree. In New York City, he studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance at the Joffrey School, the Alvin Ailey school, and at Steps on Broadway. Josef went on to dance with AILEY II and Donald Byrd/The Group. Josef is also the Associate Director of the SKIN Dance Company and has been a member of SKIN Dance Company for 9 years. He is a teaching artist for Disney Theatrical Group which produces Frozen, Aladdin and the Lion King on Broadway. Josef is currently starring in Josephine’s Cotton at Symphony Space in NYC.
Timur York
Timur is a New York based American multidisciplinary artist. He was born in Uzbekistan and immigrated as a teenager to NYC, where he was accepted into the acclaimed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts. Upon graduation, he studied Graphic Arts and Advertising at the School of Visual Arts. His areas of interest are centered around the concepts of Time, Place, History, and Love. He depicts issues facing the contemporary world through the use of Photography, Graphic Iconography, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media. Timur’s early sculpture work is on permanent outdoor display at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.