Enrichment Program

In this playful yoga class, kids will learn a variety of yoga poses and breathing techniques, as well as relaxation and stretching positions. In practicing yoga, students will learn to cultivate a calm mind, increase strength, improve flexibility and better concentration. Classes will include a check in, warm-up, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and will close with a savasana. Students will leave with a tool-kit of poses and breathing techniques that will help them to feel balanced and centered, and able to manage the stress of the various life situations that come their way.

Wednesdays, May 6 - May 27; 3:30-4:30

Taught by Shikha Malhotra

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 15 students. $75 

Join us for a fabulous, fun-filled, fiber-arts class... online! Patient and skilled Handwork Studio Instructors will inspire students to learn a variety of different techniques, such as wonder-knitting, kumihimo (japanese braiding) and pom-pom making. Not only will they learn the techniques but they will make the tools themselves from household items that they can use again and again. These fun and stress relieving techniques will entertain your kids for hours. In the last class, kids will combine all the techniques they learned and turn it into a one-of-a-kind project. Occasional adult supervision might be helpful to ensure safety, but The Handwork Studio will notify families when it will be necessary and will teach all curriculum. 

Supplies Needed: yarn, toilet paper or paper towel tube, 5 popsicle sticks, tape, cardboard, scissors, pencil or pen.

Fridays, May 8 - May 29; 3:30-4:30

Taught by The Handwork Studio 

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 12 students. $75

Jean Appolon is returning to teach Haitian Dance online for students this spring! Students will learn choreography, and connect with each other through storytelling in movement. Students new and familiar to dancing are welcome to join. Jean Appolon teaches regularly at Boston Ballet, The Dance Complex (Cambridge, MA), Somerville Public Schools and directs the dance company, Jean Appolon Expressions.

Thursdays, May 7 - May 28; 3:30-4:30

Taught by Jean Appolon, with support from Meghan McGrath

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 10 students. $75 

This session is for students who have previously attended Makerspace 101 in the fall or winter.  Students will delve more deeply into the digital fabrication design tools for the various equipment (laser cutter, vinyl cutters, 3D printers) as well as explore more materials and possibilities for the machines.  Students will also be introduced to the CNC Router known as Carvey.

Mondays, April 6 – June 1 (no classes on 4/20 and 5/25); 3:15-4:30 p.m. 

Taught by Kim Fogarty

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 10 students. $275

Are you interested in learning about mindfulness? Do you love being outside and are interested in trying some yoga too? Join Megan Armour in an exploration of mindfulness this spring. This class will incorporate yoga, environmental education and creative outdoor projects. Students will consider how mindfulness can help themselves in school and our world through the protection of our planet. No experience in yoga is necessary.

Mondays, April 6 – June 1 (no classes on 4/20 and 5/25); 3:15-4:30 p.m. 

Taught by Megan Armour

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 15 students. $275

Bollywood Dancing is back at The Park School! Bollywood dancing is one of the most versatile dancing styles in the world and has tremendous international appeal. Your kids will fall in love with the vibrant music while learning to dance with rhythm, expression, and emotion. Students in this class will learn a choreographed Bollywood dance piece that will help them build fundamental capabilities while having a ton of fun!  The steps, body movements, principles and confidence your child learns from Bollywood dancing will set them up for a lifetime of dancing, whether on stage or at a dance party. Great for beginners as well as more advanced dancers.

Tuesdays, April 7 – June 2; 2:15-3:30 p.m. 

Taught by Shikha Malhotra

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 15 students. $275

How can I make my RGB (Red, Green, Blue)  light strip flash in a specific color pattern?  How can I set off a buzzer when the MicroBit is tilted? This class will allow students to engage in programming in a very hands-on way.  Physical programming allows students to see the results of their on-screen coding through physical microcontrollers/tools in the real world.  Students will use tools including MakeyMakey, Circuit Playground Express, MicroBit, and TokyMaker.

Wednesdays, April 8-June 3; 3:15-4:30 p.m. 

Taught by Kim Fogarty

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 12 students. $275

So you want to be your own boss? In this engaging entrepreneurship class, you can do just that! Learn the steps to developing your own business platform, which include vision, logo, product design, and the delivery of a pitch presentation. Meanwhile, you will learn the basics of business strategy, finance, and meeting customer needs. Are you ready to be an entrepreneur SHARK TANK style?!

Fridays, April 10 – June 5 (no class on 5/1); 3:15-4:30 p.m. 

Taught by Catherine Pina, offered through http://www.sparkbusinessacademy.com/

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 15 students. $275

Do you wish that you could cast magic like Harry Potter or go on epic quests like Percy Jackson? Do you like solving problems with a group of companions? Then David Raabe invites you to join Dungeons and Dragons Academy! Learn to play the world's greatest tabletop game and live out adventures like your favorite book characters.

Mondays, January 13 – March 9 (no classes on 1/20 or 2/17)

3:15-4:30 p.m. 

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 8 students.

Come learn and practice computer science concepts through coding robots with Kim Fogarty.  Using different robotic systems, solve a variety of challenges while learning about algorithms, concurrency, conditionals, events and logic operators, polling, looping, randomness, sensing and more! We'll use robots KIBO, Dash and Dot, LEGO WeDo, MicroBit, Edison, Parrot drones and other robots to bring computer science to life. 

Mondays, January 13 – March 9 (no classes on 1/20 or 2/17)

3:15-4:30 p.m. 

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 12 students.

Nick Secatore, Park’s Upper Division wrestling coach, invites boys and girls to learn the exciting fundamentals of wrestling. No prior experience necessary. Students will learn the rules of wrestling, basic moves and holds, and how wrestling matches are scored. “The priorities are being safe, learning something new each class, and having fun! See you on the mat!”

Tuesdays, January 14 – March 10 (no class on 2/18)

A note on timing: This class begins  at 3 and ends at 4:15 p.m. Students may attend ASP from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to class or you may also elect to pick up your child at 2 p.m. and return to Park at 3 p.m. for the class.

Will Hanna from Oom Yung Doe New England brings a blend of martial arts into an interactive class that will teach students discipline, strength and mind-body awareness. The self-defense practices of Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, Aikido and Kung Fu will leave students feeling empowered and connected to themselves and those around them.

Tuesdays, January 14 – March 10 (no class on February 18th)
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Minimum 6 students. Maximum 20 students.

In this introduction to Park’s Makerspace, students will learn design for – and safe use of – the 3D printers, vinyl cutter and laser cutter through simple projects. Kim Fogarty will guide young makers through the process of design thinking, cardboard fabrication, and prototyping. 

Wednesdays, January 15 – March 11

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 10 students.

In addition to strength and agility exercises, yoga games, creative expression and mindfulness practices will be integrated throughout these classes. Megan Armour will lead students through yoga poses and exercises that will teach so much more than flexibility. With empathy games and creative projects like making glitter jars and relaxing eye masks, this hands-on class will offer growth to its students in a variety of methods and modalities. 

Wednesdays, January 15 – March 11

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 15 students.

In this class, Eduard Duchovny, International Arbiter, FIDE Master and coach of American, Israeli, and Ukrainian chess champions, will teach advanced strategies and tactics, such as opening, middle and end game moves, as well as the targets of the game. Through the process of learning these chess concepts, students will develop mental discipline, analytical, and strategic thinking skills. Prior experience is strongly encouraged. 

Please note that this chess class is now an all-levels chess class and will meet the needs of both beginning and advanced students. 

Thursdays, January 16 – March 12
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 8 students. Maximum 12 students.

In this class, Melody Bartlett will teach skills such as composition, proportion, and perspective to capture a moment in time. Whether flowers, fruit, or calculators, students will engage with drawing and painting techniques to reflect what they see and bring these objects to life. 

Thursdays, January 16 – March 12
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 12 students.

Shelly Magno will help you develop your artistic self through a variety of exciting projects, while you learn how public art improves community. This class will nurture students’ creative individuality through sculpture, drawing, collage, and painting. These projects will invite them to choose their own themes and expand in new directions to inspire others. 

Fridays, January 17 – March 13
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 15 students.

Melody Bartlett will lead students around the world through art explorations of all kinds using media as varied as clay, fiber, painting, and drawing! For example, students might make Chilean Chanchitos (little pigs) that bring good fortune and luck. No prior experience necessary. 

Wednesdays, October 2 – December 11 (no classes on 10/9 and 11/27)
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 10 students.

Calling all problem solvers! Explore the endless, creative possibilities of LEGO with David Raabe. Using the world’s favorite brick, find ways to move a minifigure from Point A to Point B, help a book character, or design a home of the future. 

Wednesdays, October 2 – December 11 (no classes on 10/9 and 11/27) 
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 10 students.

From building hot air balloons to making ice cream, students will explore science through a variety of media. Carol Buzby will guide students from one hands-on project to the next, including but not limited to dissecting owl pellets and building a roller coaster. This session will follow the themes of taking apart and building things and will leave students with an experienced eye for exploration and discovery.

Wednesdays, October 2 – December 11 (no classes on 10/9 and 11/27) 
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 12 students.

In this introduction to Park’s Makerspace, students will learn design for – and safe use of – the 3D printers, vinyl cutter and laser cutter through simple projects. Kim Fogarty will guide young makers through the process of design thinking, cardboard fabrication, and prototyping. 

Mondays, October 7 – December 16 (no classes on 10/14 and 11/11)
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 10 students.

Up your game in Scratch by deciding what makes a good game and then learning how to code with Kim Fogarty. We will explore winning elements like scrolling backgrounds, variables to track score and time, cloning sprites and manipulating them with "gravity." During the final classes of the session, students will design and program their own games to share.

Fridays, October 4 – December 13 (no class on 11/29)
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students. Maximum 12 students.

This class blends Afro-Haitian styles of dance with basic modern technique. Meghan McGrath and Jean Appolon provide a uniquely positive and affirming atmosphere in which every student (regardless of their prior ability or training) is deemed inherently capable and artistic. Jean Appolon teaches regularly at Boston Ballet, The Dance Complex (Cambridge, MA), and the University of Massachusetts Boston, and directs the dance company, Jean Appolon Expressions. 

Thursdays, October 3 – December 12 (no class on 11/28)
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students, maximum 15 students.

Park is excited to expand our partnership with Green City Growers from the school day to our after-school enrichment offerings. Students will learn how to grow vegetables in the fall and early winter, and develop techniques for food preparation, preservation, and crafting. Classes will cover topics such as studying plant anatomy, composting, and cold frame planning, planting and tending, as well as exploring nature. 

Tuesdays, October 1 – December 10 (no class on 10/22)
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Minimum 5 students, maximum 15 students.