Fall 2017 Enrichment Classes
TUESDAY
SHALLER CAMPUS MONDAY BASKETBALL: grades 2-3 Rudy Crichlow Join Coach Rudy in a season of basketball! This class is geared for the student who loves basketball and wants to improve their skills. The class will consist of drills to develop shooting skills and ball handling techniques. Each session students will play a game! BEGINNER’S KARATE: grades 1-2 Chris DiRico Training in the martial arts builds strong bodies and strong values. Children gain flexibility, balance, and strength as they learn the elements of martial arts. Focus, concentration, listening and respect are stressed with the goal of helping children to develop confidence, selfdiscipline and self-esteem. Chris is a dynamic teacher who focuses on skill building in a positive atmosphere. This class is open to white, yellow and orange belts. Beginner students will begin sparring in the spring semester. Fall students will have priority placement in the winter. DANCE: grades K-1 Danielle Snyder Young dancers will learn the fundamentals of dance with a focus on rhythm, dance styles, and physical expression through movement in a fun and positive environment! Open classes for parents to visit in the fall and winter and a spring recital. KNITTING: grades 2-3 Harriet Heyman In this class, the students will learn the knit stitch, pearl stitch, casting on and casting off. We will be creating a knit square, a purl square and a surprise Chanukah gift. This class is for grades 1 and 2. THIRD GRADE BAND AND UKULELE: grade 3 Gene Gerstein Sing, drum, Play instruments and learn ukulele! Calling students who already play an instrument, those who want to learn the ukulele, drummers and singers. This is an ensemble group for children who love music to share the experience of making music with other players. The band will perform at the end of semester and at school events.
FENCING: grades 2-3 Alex Kushkov Fencing, the art of swordsmanship, has been practiced for centuries. Originally geared for combat it is now staged for Olympic gold. The sport of fencing develops quick thinking, discipline, agility, and speed, but most importantly, it is safe and fun. Fall and spring semesters with a tournament in the spring. NEWCOMERS’ KARATE: grade K Chris DiRico Training in the martial arts builds strong bodies and strong values. Children gain flexibility, balance, and strength as they learn the elements of martial arts. Focus, concentration, listening and respect are stressed with the goal of helping children develop confidence, selfdiscipline and self-esteem. Chris is a dynamic teacher who focuses on skill building in a positive atmosphere. Fall students have priority placement in the winter semester. RAINBOW CHOIR: grades 1-2 Eugenia Gerstein This choir is for all children who love to sing and want to learn songs from many countries. Singing rounds and harmony, learning how to use voice – the instrument that is given to every child – will build self-confidence in every student. This is an opportunity to be part of a performing group and learn about music and art through singing. “Rainbow” will perform at the end of the session. TENNIS WITH MATT: grades 1-3 3:00-5:00 p.m. Matt Baluch September 12-October 31 Learn tennis basics including forehands, backhands, serves and volleys, proper movement, and the rules of the game. Students will be scheduled in small groups according to ability. Classes will run for 30 minutes. Second hour is open to students in extended day, afterschool hour or those who are enrolled in a first hour program. YOUNG ACTORS THEATER TROUPE: 101 Dalmatians: grades 2-3 3:00-4:30 p.m. Gail Kelly Join the puppy parade! Based on the classic animated film this stage adaptation features a high-spirited score, fun dances, and many opportunities for acting! Students will learn fundamentals of stage performance: character development, movement, dance skills, vocal technique and more- all in preparation for our final class performances.
WEDNESDAY CHESS WIZARDS: grades K-3 Chess Wizards Chess Wizards returns with their unique educational program offering specifically designed classes that cater to all levels of children with fun games and lessons that entertain and mentally stimulate the children. Chess enhances cognitive development in children and helps strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, and abstract thinking. Students are grouped by level for instruction and games. All levels welcome. INTERMEDIATE KARATE: grades 2-3 Chris DiRico Training in the martial arts builds strong bodies and strong values. Children gain flexibility, balance, and strength as they learn the elements of martial arts. Focus, concentration, listening and respect are stressed with the goal of helping children to develop confidence, selfdiscipline and self-esteem. This class is open to students with orange, purple and blue belts. Students in the fall class will have priority placement in the winter semester. ART STUDIO: grades 2-3 Susan Fusco-Fazio An art studio for those who like to make art, advance in art skills, and explore new and unusual art mediums. Due to small class size, each student will receive individual guidance. Artists will sculpt with clay, paint on a large and small scale, draw with charcoal, do photography and more. We will venture outside to paint en plein air, like the French Impressionists, collect nature to print and imprint, go on photo safaris, and learn about famous artists. Artists will leave the class with exhibit worthy artwork and a sense of pride! Students will have an art reception and exhibition the last day of class. THE SCIENCE STUDIO: grades 1-2 Steve Lechner Participate In this open science studio focused on students I.D.E.A.’S. (Inventions, Discoveries, Experiments, Activities). This workshop will include Building and construction Kits/toys, Take-Apart Machine Space, Science Kit Center, Movie Making, and a Design Center. This is not a traditional led-by-the teacher afterschool class, but a more child-directed program where the students decide what to do based on their own interested, ideas, etc. In this class, Steve will work as a coach and mentor guiding students through their learning experiences with advice and ideas. If you are looking for a “maker-space” environment to test out your ideas and inventions, this is the place for you!
WEDNESDAY AT WELLS FOR GRADE 3 Third graders are invited to take classes at the upper school on Wednesdays beginning this fall. There will be transportation to the upper school for those students enrolled in classes.
HIP HOP: grades 3-5 Danielle Snyder Tied to rap and street music, hip hop has become one of the most popular forms of American jazz dance. In this class, students learn the latest dance steps: hip hop, street funk, video jazz and other cool ways to move. This fun and funky class will teach body rhythms, style, and original, energetic moves! STEAM MAKER STUDIO: grades 3-5 Claire Caine An exciting STEAM program with a focus on hands-on problem solving. This is a challenge-based approach to learning STEAM skills including Coding. Little Bits, MakeyMakey, Filmmaking (and Green Screen), App design, woodworking, podcasting, circuitry and more. Students will learn skills needed to solve the challenges presented each week and then spend several weeks on a final project of their choosing. This class will promote experimentation with an iterative process. SPORTS IN THE RINK: grades 3-5 Matt Baluch An exciting new sports program and an opportunity for our third graders to play sports in our state of the art facility with older students. This program will offer a variety of sports options geared to both the competitive sports lovers as well as those students who prefer noncompetitive active games.
THURSDAY ANIMATION WITH EMPOW: grades 2-3 Empow Studios With movies like Frozen, Inside Out, and Zootopia, animations have never been more popular. This class takes one form of animation, Stop-Motion Animation, and teaches kids how to create their own animated minimovies through storyboarding, filming, and postproduction. Materials including clay and paper are used to create characters, backgrounds, and props. Children work in pairs and depict their stories to show setting, rising action, conflict, and resolution. Once characters and backgrounds are created, students use computers, webcams and animation software to bring their stories to life! BEGINNER’S KARATE: grades 1-2 Chris DiRico Training in the martial arts builds strong bodies and strong values. Children gain flexibility, balance, and strength as they learn the elements of martial arts. Focus, concentration, listening and respect are stressed with the goal of helping children to develop confidence, selfdiscipline and self-esteem. See full description at Monday Beginner’s Karate. DRAMA KIDS: “TOY STORY”: grade K-1 Gail Kelly What happens to our favorite toys when no one is around? Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jesse, Little Bo-Peep, Rex the Dinosaur and more come to life to tell a story of friendship and fun. Students will take on these roles as they learn performance skills on stage--confidence, vocal projection, character, and a song & dance in a developmentally appropriate manner--perfect for kindergarten and first grade! Family and friends are invited to a final class performance. RUNNING CLUB: grades 2-3 Matt Baluch September 14 – October 26 Ready, set, go! Stretch and run as you enjoy this fun noncompetitive sport. Develop speed and stamina and get fit and strong.
SPORTS GALORE: grades 1-3 Matt Baluch November 2 – December 21 A great opportunity for young athletes to develop skills in an exciting environment. Students will play their favorite sports while building teamwork and strengthening athletic skill. The winter line-up includes hockey, soccer, touch football, volleyball, capture the flag and dodge ball. The class will include adventure-challenge activities.
YOUNG CHEFS: grades 1-3 Sharon Wanunu Take a trip around the world by cooking and eating traditional food from many countries! Enjoy tasting your way across cultures as we prepare culinary delights from all over the world.
AFTERSCHOOL HOUR K-3: 3:00-4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday) 4-5: 3:15-4:15 p.m. (Monday – Friday) 6-8: 3:15-4:15 p.m. (Monday, Friday) 4:15-5:15 p.m. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Afterschool Hour is for families who need to have their children stay for only one hour after the regular school day ends. Children can join our exciting activities, enjoy supervised free play or take the time to socialize with friends. Students in grades 4-5 can do homework in a supervised study hall; participate in Chugim on Tuesdays and Thursdays and join a variety of activities on Wednesdays. See parent letter and brochure for more details. Fall Dates: Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays:
September 5 – December 19 September 6 – December 20 September 7 – December 21 September 8 – December 22 September 9 – December 23
SHOOLMAN CAMPUS: Grades 4-8 Classes are from 3:15-4:15 p.m. unless noted
MONDAY MUSICAL THEATER: INTO THE WOODS, JR. grades 4-6 Gail Kelly Follow Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), the Witch, Rapunzel, and more fantastic fairy tale characters--through the woods as their stories intertwine in this whimsical show! The story weaves together many characters allowing for a full cast of wonderful parts. In this class, students will rehearse as they develop their acting and character development skills, vocal technique with challenging yet fun music, and learn choreography and movement along the way. We will focus on creating an ensemble based on teamwork and positivity as students build their confidence and learn new performance skills. Join us as we venture into the woods!
TUESDAY CHUGIM: Elective Clubs (3:15-4:10) The electives program (Chugim) will be expanded to offer options for students in grades 4 and 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students in grade 4 or 5 should register for Afterschool Hour or Extended Day to participate. Chugim are enrichment clubs that offer students a chance to try something new or further develop a passion they already enjoy. Examples of classes include Learn to Code, Art Studio, Tea and Text (calligraphy), Sports Statistics, Entrepreneurship, Creative writing, Robotics, Sports, Mathletics, Israeli Dance, and more. In September, students will be introduced to the fall chug options. Students will sign up at school for their top choices, and we will try to give each student first or second choice. Many of the Chugim will be all age groups based on interest.
FENCING: grades 4-8 (4:15-5:15) Alex Kushkov Fencing, the art of swordsmanship, has been practiced for centuries. Originally geared for combat it is now staged for Olympic gold. The sport of fencing develops quick thinking, discipline, agility, and speed, but most importantly, it is safe and fun. There will be an end of semester demonstration and a tournament in the spring.
LEARN TO SEW: grades 4-5 Judy Taub Judy Taub is a former teacher of fashion design and sewing at Newton South and will now be coming to Schechter to teach individual half hour sewing lessons. There is no charge for this wonderful opportunity available to children signed up for afterschool hour or extended day. Please let us know if you are interested. Each semester five students will work with Judy.
WEDNESDAY HIP HOP: grades 3-5 Danielle Snyder Tied to rap and street music, hip hop has become one of the most popular forms of American jazz dance. In this class, students learn the latest dance steps: hip hop, street funk, video jazz and other cool ways to move. This fun and funky class will teach body rhythms, style, and original, energetic moves! STEAM MAKER STUDIO: grades 3-5 Claire Caine An exciting STEAM program with a focus on hands-on problem solving. This is a challenge-based approach to learning STEAM skills including Coding. Little Bits, MakeyMakey, Filmmaking (and Green Screen), App design, woodworking, podcasting, circuitry and more. Students will learn skills needed to solve the challenges presented each week and then spend several weeks on a final project of their choosing. This class will promote experimentation with an iterative process. SPORTS IN THE RINK: grades 3-5 Matt Baluch This program will offer a variety of sports geared to both the competitive sports lovers as well as those students who prefer non-competitive active games. Priced the same as afterschool hour for grades 4 and 5. THEATER: grades 7 Gail Kelly This class is for 7th graders interested in taking their acting to the next level! This talented group will be a part of the play selection and rehearsal process as an ensemble taking on leadership roles. We will be focusing on nonmusical stage acting and performance with a final performance for friends and family.
THURSDAY BOYS’ BASKETBALL: grades 4-5 Rudy Crichlow Play a season of boys’ basketball. Focus on skill development and game situations. A great way to improve sport skills! Rudy Crichlow, an elite basketball coach and the owner of Mass Commanders, will teach this class.
ISRAELI DANCE: grades 4-5 Pazit Lahav A great Israeli folk dancing class with Pazit Lahav from Brookline Folk Dancing Studio. Learn the steps and styles of Israeli folk dances as you practice a variety of Israeli and folk circle and line dances. A very active, fast-paced and fun class!
FRIDAY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: grades 4-6 Rudy Crichlow Play a season of girls’ basketball. Focus on skill development and game situations. A great way to improve sport skills! Rudy Crichlow, an elite basketball coach and the owner of Mass Commanders, will teach this class.
KARATE: grades 4-7 Chris DiRico Karate with our master sensei, Chris DiRico! Training in the martial arts builds strong bodies and strong values. Children gain flexibility, balance, and strength as they learn the elements of martial arts. Focus, concentration, listening and respect are stressed with the goal of helping children to develop confidence, self discipline and self esteem. All levels welcome to this class.
AFTERSCHOOL HOUR K-3: 3:00-4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday) 4-5: 3:15-4:15 p.m. (Monday – Friday) 6-8: 3:15-4:15 p.m. (Monday, Friday) 4:15-5:15 p.m. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Afterschool Hour is for families who need to have their children stay for only one hour after the regular school day ends. Children can join our exciting activities, enjoy supervised free play or take the time to socialize with friends. Students in grades 4-5 can do homework in a supervised study hall; participate in Chugim on Tuesdays and Thursdays and join a variety of activities on Wednesdays. See parent letter and brochure for more details. Fall Dates are: Mondays: September – December 19 Tuesdays: September 6 – December 20 Wednesdays: September 7 – December 21 Thursdays: September 8 – December 22 Fridays: September 9 – December 23