Middle School Spring 2023 Class Descriptions

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.