KINDERGARTEN
Danses des Enfants (Gr. K-1) This class incorporates improvisation, creative visualization, and various dance styles as a means of tapping children's unlimited potential. Children are introduced to basic steps and a variety of music as preparation for future study of dance. Ballet dance attire is worn. Teachers include dancer/choreographer and lower-grade PS87 teacher Ana Elosegui.
Junior Olympics Sports By popular request, City Sports for the younger set! Sports may include soccer as well as other popular Olympic team sports. Under the direction of experienced sports coach, NYC teacher, and PS87 Afterschool City Sports teacher Mike Vega, we have put together a rotation of sports, inviting experienced guest coaches and outside sports programs to guarantee the best Friday fun ever! Instruction will include adventure games as well as learning new sports skills, with a focus on social interaction and encouraging a healthy, fit lifestyle.
Totally Amazing Toy Factory (Gr. K-1) Let’s see, what do kindergarten creative arts teachers Brittany Hall and Joan Serpico have in store for visitors to their Totally Amazing Toy Factory? How about a rolling ball that makes ice cream, magic rainbow wands that change colors as the children move about, a fishing game that teaches math? Children will have so much fun playing with inventions in Totally Amazing Toy Factory -- and designing and building toys and games of their own invention – that they won’t realize they are building science, engineering, and math skills as they go!
Kids on Keys (Piano School of NYC, Gr. K-2), see below.
GRADES 1 TO 2
Totally Amazing Toy Factory (Gr. K-1), see above.
Danses des Enfants (Gr. K-1), see above.
Kids on Keys (Piano School of NYC, Gr. K-2) Group instruction covering introductory piano techniques, theory, and music reading skills, using a varied repertoire. For more individual attention, children will meet in small groups; each group receives 45 minutes of instruction and spends the other 45 minutes in supervised music activities. A year-end (May) recital at Lincoln Center is planned for all Piano School of New York programs. The Piano School of New York City has provided engaging keyboard instruction to hundreds of New York City schoolchildren.
Yummies Around the World (World Culture/Cooking, Gr. 1-3) Preparing international recipes is a wonderful activity that fosters understanding of other cultures as well as enjoyment of new culinary treats. Dynamic 2nd-grade teacher Lisa Shlansky -- whose in-school and Afterschool classes feature cooking explorations whenever possible -- will work with experienced Afterschool cooking teachers Dawnica Conyette and Jessica Giannone (whose Pie Birds bakery has been featured in the NY Times as a must-go holiday dessert source) to create a delightful food journey that will travel around our One Family Under the Sun, from Jamaica to Egypt to Greece and Hawaii.
All-Star Olympic Sports Designed to promote an atmosphere of fun, fitness, and positive sportsmanship, this class will develop cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility through activities including running, games, an introduction to ball handling, and related skills. A variety of Olympic sports will be introduced, including team sports as well as individual sports. Taught by experienced coaches and outside sports programs under the direction of experienced physical education teacher and coach Mike Vega.
GRADES 2-3
Yummies Around the World (World Culture/Cooking, Gr. 1-3), see above.
Jazzy Jewels & Terrific Ts (Jewelry/Fashion, Gr. 2+) Students will learn to use a variety of interesting materials -- including beads from around the world, as well as jewelry materials they craft themselves -- to make their own jewelry, including pins, backpack keychains, and much more! They will also create fanciful wearable art -- including T shirts, jazzy caps and tote bags. Taught experienced Afterschool jewelry/wearable art teacher Arshea Hall.
En Garde! Fencing A (Introductory, Gr. 2+) This exciting class offers training in a centuries-old Olympic sport in a safe, creative environment. Certified instructors teach the basics of footwork, bladework, rules, and strategy, inspiring an appreciation of teamwork and sportsmanship as they challenge their students to learn to use their minds and bodies in creative and effective ways through games and exercises. New Amsterdam fencing teachers compete nationally and have coached children in NYC public and private schools since 1997. Note: Two sections of Fencing are offered: Section A is introductory-level; Section B is for more advanced students. Placement in Fencing B is at the discretion of the instructors. New students will not be admitted to Fencing B.
Note: A $50 materials fee is charged to cover equipment rental fees.
En Garde! Fencing B (Experienced, Gr. 2+, see above)
Two sections of Fencing are offered: Section A is introductory-level (and may include current fencing students); Section B is for more advanced fencers. Placement in Fencing B is at the discretion of the instructors. New students will not be admitted to Fencing B.
GRADES 3 TO 6
Jazzy Jewels & Terrific Ts (Jewelry/Fashion, Gr. 2+), see above.
En Garde! Fencing A (Beginners, Gr. 2+), see above.
En Garde! Fencing B (Experienced, Gr. 2+), see above.
I Make iMovies A (Acting) I Make iMovies B (Directing) Two exciting classes offering kids the chance to create their own Hollywood-caliber movies burned to DVD. Students will learn to script, direct, and shoot their iMovies, master editing, learn to build in soundtracks and special effects and much, much more. (Students choose their studio: one group focuses on acting; the other concentrates on behind-the-scenes directing, special effects and production skills.) Teachers include award-winning Imagine Me director Jill Ahrold and veteran stage and film actor Branislav Tomich.
Note: A $50 materials fee is charged.
Knit Wits Students will begin by crafting their own knitting needles, then learn simple stitches and create beautiful projects to wear or give to friends. Knitting is relaxing, creative fun -- especially with Gloria! Gloria Zwick, experienced NYC teacher and knitting enthusiast.
MacKids: Web Wizards (Computer Lab/iPad) An exploration of exciting technology and software in PS87's Mac-equipped Computer Lab, with a focus on free, downloadable software that students can use to develop their own creative projects, media, online entertainment. Highlight this term will be hands-on explorations of creative apps on our new iPad tablets. Teachers include upper-grade PS87 teacher Bob D'Andrea.