DA PTA 2024 - 2025 After School Program Descriptions

• Sensory Play (Grades Prek - 1)
  Come have fun and get messy while learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity!  By using their five senses and experimenting with different materials and textures, students will build cognitive skills and learn about the world around them. Taught by DA Aides Wendy Peck and Renee Vilbrin.

• Recycled Arts & Crafts Club (Grades K-2) 

Students will be inspired to get in touch with their crafty and creative side, all while doing so as sustainably as possible!  Participants will create fun and unique crafts from (mostly) recycled materials to learn about upcycling and reduce the impact on our planet. Taught by Bizzy Bees instructor Amber Mooney.
**Please note: this class is off-campus at Bizzy Bees Academy (14 Kingston St).**

• Open Play (Grades K-2)
  Students will enjoy free play with options to explore the indoor and outdoor play settings at Bizzy Bees Academy.  This program encourages children to explore their world in their own way and will help foster creativity and imagination. Facilitated by Bizzy Bees instructor Amber Mooney.
  **Please note: this class is off-campus at Bizzy Bees Academy (14 Kingston St).**

• Science Club (Grades 1-3)
  Students will conduct one to three exciting physical science experiments each week using mostly everyday/household ingredients.  While doing so, students will learn about different scientific laws and principles, such as Charles's law of Ideal Gases, aerodynamics, osmosis, etc. Taught by PTA member  Amanda Dweyling and DA Aide Wendy Peck. 

• Lacrosse Club (Grades 1-5) (**Abbreviated dates: 10/9 - 11/13**)
  Come learn the basics of lacrosse with members of SUNY Delhi’s Lacrosse team. During the program you will learn how to throw, catch and scoop the ball as well as much more!  Taught by SUNY Delhi Lacrosse Coach Sam Miller.

• Junior Rangers (Grades 2-4)
  Through a combination of recreational opportunities and hands-on environmental education activities, this program will invite children to explore and connect with the natural world of the Catskills ecosystem, and encourage them to become stewards of the Earth!  Taught by PTA Education Coordinator Jenine Osbon and DA’s  2nd grade teacher Amber Gardner.

• Girls Who Code (Grades 3-5)
  Girls Who Code is a gaming experience that empowers users to code characters that better reflect them and the diversity of their communities.  This club is open to students who are female-identifying, nonbinary individuals or allies of the Girls Who Code Mission, those who have interest in computer science, beginner to advanced.  This club provides a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world. Taught by parent & PTA Vice-President Stacey Potter and Parent & PTA Member Kristin Antin - both work in the technology sector.

• Math Puzzlers (Grades 4-5)
  Using Breakout EDU kits students will focus on real world problem solving skills while having fun. Teams of kids will work together to solve clues that will lead them to unlock more clues to collaboratively solve a puzzle to win a prize. Taught by DA’s 5th grade teacher Mary Ann Keene.

• Creative Writing (Grades 4-5)
  This workshop will focus on introducing students to, and practicing, various forms of writing, such as poetry, plays, and short stories. Students will ultimately craft their own short stories, and the workshop will culminate with a printed and bound publication of participant’s writing that can be shared.  Taught by local poet and author Iris Cushing.

• Hands-On-History Club (Grades 4-5)
  Students will have fun learning about historic activities and making crafts from the 19th century, such as candle dipping, quill pen writing, sewing, and soap making.  Taught by Samantha Misa, an educator at Delaware County Historical Association, and Amber Gardner, 2nd grade teacher at DA.

• Creative Writing Club  (Grades 6-8)
  Students will explore writing short stories, poetry, graphic shorts, & creative non-fiction. Participants will find their unique narrative voice in this weekly writing workshop which will culminate in each student presenting their own writing piece. Taught by local Young Adult author Barbara Kopecek.