After School Program
Extended Care Hours:
12:30-3:45 Monday-Friday
Enrichment Schedule:
Mondays: Science
Tuesdays: Art/Godly Play
Wednesdays: Music
Thursdays: Spanish
Fridays: Yoga
Science
In our science extended care enrichment program, Ms. Melissa strives to offer children meaningful scientific experiences that allow them to construct their own knowledge about natural phenomena. She focuses on creating a science curriculum that is playful, hands-on and takes place in all areas of the classroom. Children’s scientific discoveries can take place in any area of the classroom at any time. For example, in the building center as they figure out how to make their tower even higher or in the art area as they explore the properties of glue. She encourages the children to make predictions about what will happen if they put white flowers in green water, and in the writing center as they record their observations about their pea plants in their journals.
Art is so much more than just the application of paint, markers, or crayons on a canvas. The realm of creative arts encompasses a variety of activities that wholeheartedly capture and stimulate children's boundless imagination and creativity. Our creative arts program, led my Ms. Victoria, provides a rich tapestry through which children can explore and express themselves across all facets of their development—be it cognitive, language, social, emotional, or physical.
The arts provide each child with another vehicle and organizing framework to express ideas and feelings. Visual arts stimulate children to use words, manipulate tools and media and solve problems in ways that simultaneously convey meaning and are aesthetically pleasing.
Art
Music
Music and movement activities engage young children in the learning process and help develop things like motor skills, coordination, and balance. They also improve children's language and social-emotional development and promote creative expression.
Our music program, led by the talented and dedicated Ms. Sybi, plays a crucial role in enhancing students' learning abilities and fostering cognitive development. Through her engaging lessons, students not only develop a deep appreciation for music but also effectively exercise essential cognitive functions including planning, working memory, inhibition, and flexibility. These cognitive functions, collectively known as executive functions, are honed and strengthened through their musical journey under Ms. Sybi's guidance.
Spanish
Teaching Spanish to our students is very beneficial, as it will provide them with a valuable head-start toward enjoying the numerous cognitive and cultural benefits of bilingualism, equipping them with the skills to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world. Our Spanish program, led by Ms. Mayra, incorporates thematic activities that allow the children to learn Spanish through music, literature, games, sign language, art, and beyond.
Yoga
The benefits of yoga for young children are immeasurable, as it helps improve their flexibility, balance, and coordination. Additionally, yoga promotes relaxation and mindfulness, enhancing their emotional well-being and allowing them to develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety from a young age. Our yoga program at St. Mark's Episcopal Day School, led by Ms. Jessica, provides a comprehensive approach to wellness for our students. Through a well-rounded curriculum that includes breathing techniques, mindfulness activities, engaging games, and dynamic movement exercises, children are empowered to cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment, effectively manage their emotions, and nurture their physical well-being.