Afterschool Brochure Fall 2025
Afterschool at Schechter
Enrichment Programming: Pre-Kindergraten-Grade 5
Fall 2025
ENRICHMENT CLASSES:
We are delighted to present our exciting calendar of enrichment classes for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 We are continuing our enhanced registration process, designed to better serve our community and ensure greater access to our most in-demand offerings. The priority registration period is open to all families. See below for more information.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION: Tuesday, July 8 at 1:00 p.m. through Monday, July 21
Registration during this period does not guarantee placement in a class.
A lottery will be conducted for high-demand classes after the priority registration period ends. We encourage everyone to register early to secure your spot in the classes of your choice!
CLASS PLACEMENT NOTICFICATIONS:
Parents will be notified about class placements by Friday, July 25.
Parents who do not wish to keep their class placement must notify us by Wednesday, July 30. After that date full refunds will not be available. See refund policy below.
Students who are waitlisted or closed out of classes will have the opportunity to make a second choice.
OPEN REGISTRATION:
Begins Thursday, July 31 at 12:00 p.m. for classes with remaining spots.
REFUND POLICY:
Cancellations must be received by Thursday, August 7 to receive a refund minus a $35 processing fee. After this date there will be refunds only for extenuating circumstances.
Full refunds will be made if a class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Full refunds will be issued if your child is not placed in the class for which they registered during priority registration.
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS:
Private Music Lessons: Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 8 (3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday)
Weekly half-hour, private music lessons. If you are interested in music lessons, please fill out this Google Form.
AFTERSCHOOL HOUR and EXTENDED DAY
Please register for these programs during our priority registration period. Because of the Stein Circle Campus construction work, it is very important for us to have a good sense of the number of students that will be staying in order to help us plan staffing and programming that best meets your children’s needs.
More information about registration and classes are included in the attached brochure.
Afterschool at Schechter
PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 3
G R A D E S 4 T H R O U G H 8
EXTENDED
3:15-6:00 p.m. 3:15-6:00 p m 4:05-6:00 p m 2:15-close 4:05-6:00 p
DROP-IN
Monday -
MUSIC LESSONS
Monday-Thursday
Extended Day and Afterschool Hour Schedule: Tuesday, September 2-Tuesday, December 23
Extended Day: Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 8
For families who need their children to stay at Schechter at the end of the school day for the full afternoon. This program offers a dynamic array of activities such as art, STEM and cooking as well as time for free play, homework and socializing. The cost is $30 for the afternoon and is registered by trimester on the Popsicle registration site. *Please note: After 4:05 p.m. there will be programming at the Stein Circle Campus ONLY. Wells Avenue Campus students in grades 4-8 who are registered for Extended Day will be shuttled to the Stein Circle Campus.
Afterschool Hour: Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 5
Afterschool Hour is for families who want to have their children stay at Schechter for only one hour after the regular school day ends Students can participate in a variety of activities such as art, science, building, games or enjoy supervised free play/recess Grades 4-5 will also be able to work on homework in a supervised study hall The cost is $18/day and is registered by trimester on the Popsicle registration site.
Drop-In: Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 8
Drop-in is our option for families who only need their student to stay on an occasional basis Students can stay for one hour or the full afternoon when they are “dropping in ” Parents MUST change the student’s dismissal information in SchoolPass to arrange for drop in. There is no drop in for students in Grades 4-8 after 4:00 p.m.
Early Closing Schedule:
Fridays, September 5-October 31; 4:30 p m
Fridays, November 7-December 19; 3:30 p.m. Monday, October 6; 5:00 p.m.
Enrichment Class Overview
MOVING
Program Descriptions
Monday
SENSORY GAMES AND FUN
3:00–4:00 p m | Pre-Kindergarten | Jami Zolotor
This class is perfect for little problem-solvers to explore sensory play materials! Children will practice real-life skills like pouring and scooping while developing investigation, multistep processing, spatial awareness and fine motor abilities They'll also build cognitive skills such as reasoning and problem-solving This type of exploration fosters independent, self-guided play, boosts confidence, extends attention spans and encourages persistence setting your child up for a lifelong love of learning!
SPORTS GALORE JR.
3:00–4:00 p m | Kindergarten-Grade 1 | Viking Sports
$ 3 0 0
This is the ultimate class for kids who love to move! Whether your child is a budding athlete or just loves to run, jump and play, this high-energy program introduces students to a wide variety of sports and gym games each week. From soccer, basketball and baseball to dodgeball, kickball, flag football, floor hockey and capture the flag there’s something for everyone. We’ll even mix in favorites like watermelon, dragon tails and other creative team games that keep the fun going! Our goal is simple: give every student an amazing time in a safe, active, screen-free environment Lots of movement, teamwork and laughs guaranteed!
GROUP TENNIS LESSONS
3:00–4:00 p m /4:00-5:00 p m | Grades 1-3 | JSX Tennis
Students will work on forehand, backhand, volley, rallying, serve and intro to point play. Every class practices and builds on tennis specific hand-eye coordination and ball contact skills in an energetic and exciting way by incorporating teaching games. This will be both an indoor and outdoor class, depending on weather Bring your own racket or one will be available.
SEW FUN
3:00–4:00 p m | Grades 2-3 | Katy Boelter-Dimock
$ 3 5 0
In this creative class, students will learn the basics of both hand and machine sewing through fun, age-appropriate projects Kids will build skills like threading needles, using simple stitches and safely operating a sewing machine Students will work on small projects they can take home like pillows, pouches or stuffed animals while boosting their confidence and creativity. No experience needed!
YOUNG CODERS: ANIMATED STORIES
3:00–4:00 p.m. | Grades 2-3 | Glenn Bogardus
In this creative tech class, students will learn how to bring stories to life through animation Using beginner-friendly tools like ScratchJr and stop-motion techniques, they’ll explore how simple coding, design,and sequencing can turn their ideas into animated shorts. Students will build storytelling and tech skills as they experiment with characters, movement and sound. Whether crafting a comic adventure or a talking animal tale, each student will create a short animated piece to share by the end of the session No prior experience needed just big ideas and curiosity!
MUSICAL THEATER PRESENTS “THE WIZARD OF OZ”
3:20-5:45 p m | Grades 4-5 | Ashlee Benner
Follow the Yellow Brick Road and join us for an afterschool theater adventure with The Wizard of Oz! In this exciting program, students will dive into the magical world of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch, all while learning the fundamentals of acting, voice and stage movement Designed for 4th and 5th graders, this program builds confidence, encourages creative expression and strengthens teamwork as students rehearse and prepare for a final performance for family and friends. Along the way, they'll explore character development, storytelling and the joy of bringing a classic tale to life on stage.Perfect for both seasoned performers and curious newcomers there’s no place like theater! $
Program Descriptions,
PUDDLESTOMPERS
$ 4 0 0
3:00-4:00 p m | Pre-Kindergarten-Kindergarten | Puddlestompers
Come explore nature after school this fall! Discover animals building homes, collecting seeds for a food cache and preparing for migration Use nature’s resources to build an animal home for winter. Investigate the different colors of leaves We will use hands-on exploration activities, active movement, STEM-based experiments, crafts and stories to investigate the natural world around us. Each lesson has been created to meet Massachusetts STEM standards and is specially crafted to be fun and engaging. We will be outside and moving as we explore Come discover the wonders of fall with us!
LEGO CHALLENGES
$ 3 5 0
3:00-4:00 p m | Kindergarten–Grade 1 | Right Brain Curriculum
Ready, Set, Le-go! If you love building with Legos, this is the class for you! Each week brings a thrilling challenge whether it’s a helicopter rescue, a space shuttle launch, or Lego Godzilla attacking a city! Partner up and race against the clock to create your masterpiece
STORYBOOK STUDIO
3:00-4:00 p m | Kindergarten-Grade 1 | Katy Boelter-Dimock
$ 3 0 0
In this joyful, story-based art class, students will listen to favorite picture books and create artworks inspired by the characters, settings and adventures they hear As they listen to stories, children will also invent their own characters and narratives, using art to bring their ideas to life Each week, young artists will explore a new tale and respond with handson projects like expressive masks, playful puppets, painted scenes, comic-style drawings and simple handmade books With a focus on imagination storytelling and artistic play, child how pictu
KARATE
3:00-4:00 p m | Grades 1-3 | Bushido Martial Arts
Welcome returning and new students! In this class our main focus is to develop our students' concentration, confidence and discipline through karate. We will be teaching our students the basic fundamentals of karate such as punches, blocks, kicks and stances. At the same time they will learn good morals, values, respect and the importance of using these techniques for self-defense only and never to harm others. Class includes a belt test at the end of the term If this is your student’s first term of karate, please use the uniform add-on option when checking out.
BASKETBALL
3:00-4:00 p m | Grades 2-3 | Coach Rudy Crichlow
Join Coach Rudy in a season of basketball! Rudy Crichlow, an elite basketball coach and the owner of Mass Commanders, will teach this class The 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!
JEWISH COOKING
3:00-4:00 p m | Grades 2-3 | Erica Rosenthal
$ 3 5 0
The fall is full of Jewish holidays! Come learn how to make traditional dishes for each holiday, as well as modern twists on the classics This hands-on class will teach you essential cooking techniques and enhance your culinary skills Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this class is perfect for anyone interested in celebrating the holidays through delicious food!
YOUNG ACTORS PRESENTS “THE JUNGLE BOOK
$ 4 0 0
3:00-5:00 p.m. | Grades 2-3 | Ashlee Benner
Join us for an exciting after school adventure into the wild world of The Jungle Book! In this fun-filled theater program, students will explore acting, movement and teamwork as they bring to life the classic tale of Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and Shere Khan.Through games, rehearsals and creative play, young performers will build confidence, learn the basics of stage performance, and work together to put on a final showcase for family and friends. Whether your child is a natural-born performer or just curious about the stage, this is a great opportunity to build skills, make new friends, and have a ton of fun
No experience necessary just a love of storytelling and a little jungle spirit!
Tech Week Schedule: TBA
Program Descriptions,
FLAG FOOTBALL
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Viking Sports
Students will have a great time while learning skills that will be useful on both sides of the ball Some of the skills we teach include the core components of passing, catching and deflagging Students will play a game of flag football each week $ 2 8 0
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
$ 3 6 0
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Amanda Strawhacker and Glenn Bogardus
Get ready to build, code, and compete as part of our FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) robotics team! Using LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime kits, students in Grades 4–8 will design and program robots, solve real-world challenges, and work together as a team to take on exciting missions
Highlights of the season include:
Collaborating in small teams to build and test innovative robot designs using the LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime kits
Competing in friendly, high-energy tournaments against other schools locally, regionally, and potentially even nationally
Tackling research-based challenges related to real-world problems
Showcasing teamwork, creativity, and engineering skills in front of judges and peers
YOUTUBE PRODUCTION
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Cinemakidz
$ 4 5 0
Lights, Camera, Action! Become a Director, Actor, Cinematographer and Editor. Utilizing professional equipment and technology, kids will work together and learn how to use cameras, audio equipment and editing software, while creating completely original video projects. Kids will get creative as they try their hand at various special effects techniques: building props, combining claymation and live-action video, experimenting with the potential of green screens, practicing various camera tricks, utilizing stock videos, video filters and much more! Participants will learn how to make movies from start to finish as they plan, write, film, act in and edit an original project together. The class will also highlight privacy, and staying safe on the internet Whether your videos go online or not, this class is perfect for any creative kid! Videos are not uploaded to Youtube
Wednesday
MINI ART ADVENTURES
3:00-4:00 p.m. | Pre-Kindergarten | Katy Boelter-Dimock
$ 3 0 0
Get ready for a colorful adventure in 2D art! In this playful class, young artists will explore a wide variety of materials and techniques each week. Children will experiment with watercolor painting, create collages, draw using unexpected tools, and print with Legos and other found objects. They'll even get to design and build their own printing stamps! Each class offers open-ended opportunities to create, with new materials introduced regularly, chances to revisit favorites, and a “choice” station where children can independently draw, cut, look through inspiring books or build with pattern blocks. This class is all about joyful exploration, creative confidence and discovering the many ways we can make art.
COOKING BASICS
3:00–4:00 p m | Kindergarten-Grade 1 | Erica Rosenthal
Do you want to improve your basic cooking skills? Then this is the class for you! In this class, students will learn essential kitchen skills while preparing fun and tasty recipes each week From measuring and mixing to chopping and baking, students will practice the fundamentals of cooking in a safe, supportive environment. Along the way, they’ll explore kitchen safety, how to read and follow a recipe and the science behind how ingredients work together Whether we’re making homemade muffins, pizza or a sweet dessert, students will build confidence, independence and creativity in the kitchen All recipes are designed to be approachable, age-appropriate and easily recreated at home
CHESS
3:00-4:00 p m | Kindergarten–Grade 3 | Chess Wizards
Chess Wizards is a fun way to have kids experience the excitement of chess. Students will have interactive lessons and play cool chess variants that build teamwork and foster a genuine enjoyment of a game over a thousand years old! It is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking and forming concrete opinions
Program Descriptions,
KICK IT: SOCCER SKILLS AND FUN
3:00–4:00 p.m. | Grades 1-2 | Jesse Wolf
Get ready to kick, run and have fun! In this energetic soccer class, young players will learn the basics of the game through playful drills, team games and lots of movement. Students will practice key skills like dribbling, passing and shooting, while also building confidence, coordination and teamwork. The focus is on fun and participation no scores, no pressure just a great introduction to the world’s most popular sport in a positive, encouraging environment!
CITY BUILDERS: ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING
3:00-4:00 p.m. | Grades 2-3 | Glenn Bogardus
In this hands-on architecture class, students will design and build their own city complete with skyscrapers, bridges, parks, and playgrounds! Using cardboard, LEGO® bricks, Lincoln Logs®, and more, they’ll explore how real structures stay strong, learning about arches, braces, supports, and joinery Like real engineers, they’ll build and test prototypes, refining their ideas along the way Students will tackle fun design challenges, like earthquake-proof towers and sturdy bridges, using creativity and problem-solving skills Once their city is built, they’ll bring it to life with lights and sounds using Squishy Circuits and LittleBits growing their core maker skills while having a blast! $ 3 5 0
FENCING
3:00-4:00 p m | Grades 2-3 | Dynamo Fencing
3 2 5
Fencing, the art of swordsmanship, has been practiced for centuries. Originally geared for combat it is now staged for Ol i ld Th t f f i d l i k thi ki
CRIME SOLVERS
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Minds in Motion
Please note: Begins 10/22
Join the crime team in this fun class! Learn all about forensics, searching for evidence, and gathering clues and bring home your very own detective kit! Working in groups, you will conduct many science experiments in our crime lab to solve the mysteries at hand. You will learn all about fingerprinting and how to classify them and bring home your very own fingerprint classification sheet! You will also perform chemical analyses and observations working with powders, liquids and much much more! Be amazed at how much science plays a part in solving a crime. Come ready with your thinking caps and be prepared to use all the skills necessary to solve the crime of the century and help save the Minds in Motion Laboratory! We need you!
WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Vineyard App Camp
Join our exciting Wilderness Survival Quest designed for young adventurers to dive into the fascinating world of outdoor skills and nature knowledge! In this engaging program, students will learn essential survival techniques through fun, interactive group games and hands-on activities. Young explorers will discover how to identify edible plants, build emergency shelters, navigate using natural signs and work together as a team to overcome wilderness challenges Students will explore their creativity by designing survival tools, solving outdoor puzzles and discovering the critical thinking skills needed when facing the unknown. You'll get to practice knot-tying techniques, learn safe fire-building principles (without actual fire) and develop communication strategies essential for group survival situations! This course will empower scholars with practical outdoor skills that are valuable today and will serve them throughout their lives.!
Thursday
HOP AND BOP
3:00–4:00 p m | Pre-Kindergarten-Kindergarten | The Dance Academy
Come move with us as we hop and bop! Students will learn to move their bodies in new ways while dancing to rhythmic, upbeat music! We will learn some basic hip hop movement techniques, play games and work together to learn a funky hip hop dance.
Program Descriptions,
JUNIOR ENGINEERING
3:00-4:00 p m | Kindergarten-Grade 1 | Steve Lechner
$ 3 5 0
Let’s build, explore and discover! In this playful, hands-on introduction to engineering, young learners will use everyday materials to solve fun challenges and invent their own creations. Each week, students might build a tall tower that can stand on its own, design a bridge to connect two platforms, or create a vehicle that rolls. As they explore how things are built and why they work, students will develop problem-solving skills, collaborate with peers and start thinking like real engineers. This class encourages curiosity, resilience and creative thinking perfect for little hands with big ideas!
DESSERTS AROUND THE WORLD
3:00–4:00 p m | Grades 1-2 | Erica Rosenthal
$ 3 2 5
Come explore the sweet side of the world! We will be making a dessert from a different country each week. Students will learn several baking techniques while making yummy cakes, cookies, pies and more. So pack your curiosity and your sweet tooth and join us on this delicious trip around the world!
THE WRITE STUFF
3:00–4:00 p m | Grades 2-3 | Jami Zolotor
$ 3 0 0
Calling all storytellers! In this exciting class, students will become real authors as they write, illustrate, and publish their very own books Through fun writing activities and guided lessons, young writers will learn how to develop characters, build plots, and bring their ideas to life on the page From brainstorming to final edits, students will experience the full writing process in a creative and supportive environment At the end of the course, each student’s book will be published and added to the Schechter Student-Written Library, leaving a lasting legacy for future readers to enjoy Get ready to dream big and write your story
MINECRAFT INNOVATORS
3:00-4:00 p m | Grades 2-3 | Right Brain Curriculum
$ 3 7 5
Become a part of our Minecraft community and help us create a spectacular city for future residents Build, budget and furnish your dream home, launch a marketing campaign for your own business and shape the city's future as a council member your vote truly matters! Guided by our expert teachers, you'll discover how math, economics and community-building drive urban success, all while having a blast in our Minecraft world! Don’t miss out sign up today and start building the future!
FLAG FOOTBALL
3:00–4:00 p.m. | Grades 2-3 | Jesse Wolf
Students will have fun while learning skills that will be useful on both sides of the ball Some of the skills we teach include the core components of passing, catching and de-flagging. Students will play a game of flag football each week
BASKETBALL (BOYS AND GIRLS)
3:20-4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Coach Rudy Crichlow
Join a season of basketball with elite coach and owner of the Mass Commanders, Rudy Crichlow, and get ready for Middle School sports Focus on skill development like shooting, dribbling, ball handling and game situations. This class is a great way to improve sports skills and sportsmanship
3D GAME LAB: INVENT, DESIGN, CREATE
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Glenn Bogardus
In this next-level maker class, students become game designers as they create custom tabletop games using 3D printers, laser cutters and other fabrication tools. They’ll learn to use TinkerCAD to model and print game pieces, design their own boards and explore the full design process from idea to playable prototype. Along the way, students build skills in digital design, file preparation and fabrication, gaining realworld maker experience and the confidence to bring their ideas to life
BEGINNERS BRIDGE
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Judy Taub
Learn to play the classic card game of Bridge! In this class, students will explore the fundamentals of this fun and strategic game including how to bid, play hands and work with a partner Along the way, they’ll build critical thinking, memory and teamwork skills all while having a blast at the table Perfect for beginners and curious card players alike! $ 2 3 4
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
3:20–4:05 p m | Grades 4-5 | Ilyse Ehrenkrantz
Whip up something delicious each week as we dive into both savory and sweet creations think hot pretzel challah, rice and bean enchiladas, and gooey babka bites. From entrees to snacks, students will build essential cooking and baking skills while exploring a wide variety of fun, flavorful recipes and kitchen techniques.
