This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

St. John School's Enriching After School Program Offers Many Programs

When the academic day draws to a close, activities in the after school program at St. John’s School launch into full swing.  Children are guided in an enriching program that focuses on extracurricular activities that address the needs and interests of the whole child. “We are having a great year in the after school program” commented co-director, Daniella Frattaroli, “It has been a pleasure getting to know each child and working with such a dedicated staff.”

Students in all grades have been fully engaged in the many activities each week. Some of these activities include: arts and crafts, board games, time outside at the park, time in the Tozi (the gym), building structures with Legos and K’nex and playing organized games with the after school staff.  Older students in the program have been enjoying our mini pool table, table soccer and air hockey table as well as learning how to knit.

In addition, for an extra cost, all after school students have the opportunity to participate in additional classes during the school week. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Karen Shea leads a Verve yoga class for all students; on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Rebecca Griffin organizes and directs dance, drama and exercise programs; NEMPAC (North End Music and Performing Arts Center) offers private violin and piano lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and Chinese lessons are also offered. Through these programs, students have the opportunity to learn new dances, perform skits, try out new instruments and learn a new language. 

Find out what's happening in South Endwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In January, the after school program will be offering three enrichment programs at no additional cost to families. NEMPAC will be offering a music class for children in K3 through K5 called “Adventures in Disney Music.” Students will explore, sing and act out some memorable Disney movie moments. Becca Griffin will be introducing a class called “engineering for kids” that will be open to 1st through 4th graders. In this class, students will learn about concepts of civil and mechanical engineering through hands on activities. The Paul Revere House will continue their partnership with the after school program. Through this partnership, staff from the Paul Revere House will come to the after school program to visit with 1st and 2nd graders.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about the life of Paul Revere through stories and facts, try on period clothes from the 18th century, make tri-corner hats, experience what it was like to work in the 18th century North End and partake in a private tour of the Paul Revere House!

We are very excited to share all of these programs with the students!

Find out what's happening in South Endwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from South End