P.S.154 After-School Enrichment Clubs Spring
Session Classes
Art Around the World
(Grades: Pre-K-1)
Young artists will travel around the world on an artistic journey, exploring 2 and 3-D multi-cultural art
activities, including Mexican frescos, Japanese scroll paintings and American quilt creation.
Instructors: Private Picassos
Tuesdays: 3- 4:30pm
Fees: $195 for 10 sessions + $10 materials fee.
Art –All About Me
(Grades: K-1)
Young artists will carefully look at themselves and the world around them through a variety of two and
three dimensional art activities. Projects will focus around self and family portraits, as well as artists who
explore similar themes, such as Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol and many more.
Instructors: Private Picassos
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $195 for 10 sessions + $10 materials fee.
Art – 'Zine Making
(Grades: 2-5)
Students will be instructed on how to make a ‘zine from start to finish.
We will begin by looking at the different types of ‘zines —from fan type zines to comics in both the
mainstream and independent book market. Students will then develop their own stories done in the
Exquisite Corpse style of writing. Students will be paired off and will then begin their story by one
partner writing a short paragraph then switching to the next partner to continue the story, and so on,
until the story is complete. After edits, students will work together to illustrate their stories. At the end
of the trimester, students will have a publish-ready zine that will be printed off and distributed to their
fellow classmates and parents.
Instructor: Matt Held
Thursdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions + $10 materials fee.
Instrumental Music – P.S. 154 Band
(Grades: 3-5) * We are not accepting new students at this time. We will accept new students in Fall.
It has been widely proven that studying music can improve a child's cognitive ability, in other words:
Learning an instrument makes you smarter! Now is the time for your 3-5th grader to join the
band. We had tremendous success with our school band last year. The students – many of whom were
beginners in September- learned to read music, play their instrument of choice, and truly work as a
team. Their final performances at both the Spring Carnival and the 5th grade graduation were
stupendous. Our band instructors are very talented professional musicians who are extremely patient
and generous with their students. This course will meet twice per week: once for a lesson focused on
the student’s chosen instrument with smaller group instruction, and once to rehearse as a band with all
the students and their instructors. Smaller group instruction will be held on Fridays and band rehearsal
will be held on Mondays. Please be sure that your child will be available to attend both days.
Instructors: Benjamin Holmes (Brass), Justin Lee Keller (Woodwinds)
Mondays and Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $200 for 20 sessions +$30 annual instrument maintenance fee.
Beaded Peyote Pouch – Fiber Arts
(Grades: 2-5)
Students will learn the traditional Native American beading stitch: Peyote. We will construct fully
beaded peyote, medicine pouches. This totem is traditionally worn around the neck. It is small and
personal. Beginning students will use large size beads to gain understanding and the fine motor skills
necessary for this off loom beading technique. Intermediate students will utilize size 11 beads (slightly
bigger than seed beads) and advanced students will use seed beads. The history, cultural use and
authentic to modern examples of peyote stitch will be covered throughout class.
Instructor: Annette Tacconelli
Thursdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $200 for 10 sessions + $20 materials fee.
Capoeira I and II
(Grades: K -5)
This is an arts/physical education program that builds physical fitness, cultural & artistic expression, &
character development through the scope of Capoeira. By participating in the program, children become
acquainted with all elements of the art form and learn new ways of moving their bodies in time with
rhythm, play percussion instruments, sing songs in Portuguese, and gain confidence in expressing
themselves through dance while encouraging the same in others.
Instructor: Kevin Chau
Thursdays: 3– 4:30pm
Fees: $190 for 10 sessions + $15 for pants (If student does not have them already).
Ceramics
(Grades: 2-5)
“Shape, squeeze, pinch and roll. Kids with clay can do it all. “
Bring your imagination and have fun with the world's most impressive and versatile material. What will
you do with it? Talented ceramicist Sabina Magnus will introduce students to building and creating with
clay. This class will have the opportunity to have their works kiln -fired and glazed at Sabina’s Brooklyn
Studio Columbia Clayworks. This class will culminate in an exhibition of the completed student work
and a reception for the artists.
Instructor: Sabina Magnus
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions + $20 materials fee.
Chess I and II
(Grades: K-5)
Beginning players will learn all the basic fundamentals of the game with special attention paid to
checkmating and opening principles. More experienced players will study the greatest chess games ever
played to help increase their understanding and sharpen their game.
Instructor Chess I and II (Grades K-5): Jairo Moreira & On the Chess Board Staff
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $185 for 10 sessions. No materials fee.
Junior Cooking Club
Not recommended for students with severe food allergies
(Grades: K-2)
Students will be working with raw fruits, nuts, spices and veggies to create yummy foods that are not
heat processed. Kids will be encouraged to work hands-on, using recipes that they can make and mold
themselves for a fun edible experience. The class will also cover sachet-making for herbs.
Instructor: Barbara McGouran
Wednesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions + $15 materials fee.
Cooking Club
(Grades: 3-5)
Students will learn basic cooking and baking techniques and a bit of the science involved in each. They
will also be learning to safely use kitchen tools - such as knives, graters, mortar and pestle, basic kitchen
appliances, and the stove top. The goal of this course is for the students to learn how to prepare
delicious healthy meals for themselves and for their families. The class will focus on encouraging
students to: try new and healthy foods, create nutritious meals that incorporate the four major food
groups, learn about local and seasonal foods and working within the seasons to get optimal nutrition
through cooking. The students will also learn about food combinations to support their immune
systems. Bon Apetit!
Instructor: Barbara McGouran
Tuesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions + $25 materials fee.
Finger Knitting- Beginner and Advanced
(Grades: 1-5)
Students will improve their fine motor skills by learning how to finger knit with 4 fingers. Advanced
finger knitters will learn finger knitting and sewing techniques to to create scarves, flowers, wall
hangings, shawls, blankets and pom-poms. Jennifer also runs a program called SPECTRUM - Specialized
Projects Encouraging Children To Really Understand Math. Toward the end of the session, students will
have the option to take a break from finger knitting and participate in a math through art project which
will incorporate symmetry, pattern, color and geometry.
Instructor: Jennifer Sirey
Wednesdays : 3 -4:30pm
Fees: $170 for 10 sessions + $10 materials fee.
Gardening for Butterflies
Students will be learning about all different species of butterfly and their natural habitats. The class will
begin with painted butterflies in their larval stage, create an ideal environment for them, and observe
them as they become beautiful butterflies. In the meantime, students will be planting in our after school
garden plot to create a welcoming “rest stop” for local species of butterfly like the Monarch, and the
Black Swallow Tail as they travel between Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery.
Instructor: Jennifer Hopkins
Tuesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $170 +$10
Guitar – Beginner and Intermediate
(Grades: 1-5)
In Guitar, we'll have tons of fun learning musical notes and applying them to guitar as a group. We'll
learn all about playing guitar chords, different musical styles, and write beginner songs together.
Students must own or borrow a guitar for the duration of the session. Guitars may be stored in the
office during the school day. This class will culminate in a performance by the students for their parents
and classmates. We will work with the students to determine whether they are beginner or
intermediate.
Instructor: John Caban
Tuesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $185 for 10 sessions + no materials fee.
Gymstars
(Grades K-2)
This fun-filled gymnastics class will keep your child on their toes. Whether it be learning to walk on the
balance beam, or perfecting a cartwheel, each will be packed with activities. Gymstars instructors will
bring in their own equipment to convert 154’s cafeteria into a gymnasium, and then teach the kids how
to tumble, balance and roll like gymnasts.
Instructor: Aimee German
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fee:$190 for 10 sessions + no materials fee.
Hip Hop
(Grades: 1-4)
This contemporary dance class makes staying fit fun! Students will learn about rhythm, musicality,
isolations, coordination, and strengthening, using the hottest hip hop dance music of today for
inspiration! The most current hip hop moves and combinations will be taught, as well as popular steps
from past decades. Students will explore club, street, and freestyle dancing. Each class will include
learning a warm up routine, choreography, and a freestyle improvisation to express each student’s
unique personality.
Instructor: Ingrid Alvarez
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
(Hip Hop Continued)
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions + no materials fee.
Karate
(Grades: K-2)
Strive for completion of character- Be Faithful -Endeavor-Respect others -Refrain from violent behavior
These are the principles that guide the practice of Shotokan Karate. Through exercise, practice, patience,
and commitment you will learn the Art of traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate. The basis for our
practice can be seen in kihon (basic) techniques. We will work on punching, kicking, and blocking to
establish a firm foundation from which you can grow. We will perform basic exercises, stretches,
stances, and application of techniques during our time together. We will also work on a very basic kata
which will implement some of the techniques taught in class.
Instructor: Sensei Jeff Weber
Mondays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $195 for 10 sessions + additional $20 fee for karate pants –optional, not mandatory.
Make These Toys
(Grades: 3-5)
In MAKE THESE TOYS kids will use everyday items like toilet paper tubes, paper cups, rubber bands, and
balloons to create toys and games they can take home and play with. Each week we will make 1 - 3 toys
and/or games based on projects in Heather Swain's books MAKE THESE TOYS and PLAY THESE GAMES as
well as her blog One Cheap Mother...a craft blog. Projects include mini-marshmallow poppers, indoor
tennis rackets, clothespin people with cereal box houses, rubber band rockets, Tyvek characters and
more!
Instructor: Heather Swain
Mondays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $195 for 10 sessions +$5 materials fee.
Mathtastic – Multiply your fun!
(Grades: 1-3)
Math is a beautiful thing and this club will help students to understand and appreciate math in a new
way. The first few weeks will be dedicated to math games and street math investigations. Then students
will launch into memorization of math facts through games, songs and math jeopardy. In the last few
weeks of the session, the students will engage in various S.P.E.C.T.R.U.M. projects designing and building
beautiful geometrical works of art.
Instructor: Jennifer Sirey
Mondays: 3- 4:30pm
Fees: $190 for 10 sessions + $ 10 materials fee.
Meditation for Monkeys
(Grades: 2-5)
In this class basic meditation will be taught and practiced; along with Guided Visualizations to
aid in clarity, self esteem and calmness. Various ways will be taught: sitting meditation, walking,
breath work, sound vibrational and VISUAL JOURNALING!
Instructors: Annette Tacconelli and Anthony Pinciotti
(Meditation for Monkeys continued)
Wednesdays: 3-4:30 pm
Fees: $170 for 10 sessions + $10 materials fee.
Music- Songs, Sounds and Jumpin’ Around
(Grades: Pre-K-K)
Kids will sing songs, dance, play percussion, and engage in imaginative play. We’ll also tune our
ears to music from around the world and experiment with a variety of instruments.
Instructor: Dan Vonnegut
Thursdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $195 for 10 sessions + no materials fee.
Origami
(Grades: 1-2)
Discover the beauty and art of paper folding. Learn basic techniques to create amazing shapes, animals,
objects and more.
Instructor: Angie Krent
Thursdays: 3- 4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions +$5 materials fee.
Percussion
(Grades: 2-5) (younger students will require an exception from instructor for admission)
Kids will be encouraged to play in an ensemble format, using a set of instruments that includes:
Drum set, Congas, bells, hand drums, and sound effects. Students will discover their own sense
of rhythm and musicality in a fun way; at the same time, they'll develop the skill and
experience of gathering in a group to work on a musical project from beginning to end. This class will
culminate in a performance by the percussion students for their families.
Instructor: Neil Ochoa
Tuesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $185 for 11 sessions + no materials fee.
Public Art Project - Monumental Tapestry
(Grades 2-5)
As a group, we will be creating a public art installation right on the grounds of PS 154!
Professional studio artist and sculpture, Annette Tacconelli will lead the group through the history and
process of large scale public art making. The class will revolve around the dynamic creation of a
monumental tapestry weaving. Technique, color and design will be the focus.
Instructor: Annette Tacconelli
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $170 for 10 sessions + $10 materials fee.
Advanced Rock Band
(Grades: 3-5)
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK? If you already play an instrument- then this class is for you.
Students will learn the rudiments of Rock through singing songs, playing a variety of instruments and
movin' and groovin'. We will also explore the history of Rock through listening to music from the Blues
up to present. Students will be admitted to this class by audition only. This class will culminate in a
performance for the musician’s fans.
Instructor: Dan Vonnegut
Wednesday: 3-4:30
Fee: $185 for 11 sessions + no materials fee
Musical Theater –After- School Play!
(Grades: 3-5) * open to younger students by instructor interviews.
This year’s after-school theater production will be a rendition of “Free to Be You and Me”.
Our ensemble of students who were in the winter session developed an adaptation of this series of one
act plays, monologues and songs made famous in the 1970’s by performing artists such as Marlo
Thomas, Alan Alda, Michael Jackson and Rosey Grier. The overall theme of this musical is the importance
of individuality, acceptance, and building self-esteem. This will be a hands-on student driven production
taught by the dynamic and talented team of Carrie McCrossen (after-school theater instructor, actress
and director) and Laura Tichler (154 parent, professional actress and director). The production will be
staged in June- dates TBD. We will need parent volunteers to help with set design, costumes and props
as we get closer to the performance. If you would like to volunteer, please make a note of it on your
registration form.
Instructors: Carrie McCrossen and Laura Tichler
Tuesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $200 for 10 sessions + No materials fee.
Science – Electronics 101 for Girls
(Grades 3-5)
Girls learn to construct circuits and incorporate them into fun and useful objects. Favorite projects
include light-up quiz boards, draw-bots, circuit cards, brush-bugs, and light-up aquariums. After just one
class, girls are comfortable planning their own circuitry, adding switches, and experimenting with small
motors. They learn how to plan and trouble-shoot their designs. All materials are simple and safe – no
shocks here – just plenty of discovery!
Instructor: Curious Jane School
Fridays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions+ $15 materials fee.
Skateboard School
Grades: 1-5
Let's face it – at some point the skateboard is going to become your child's primary means of
transportation. But don't fret – the skateboard school is here to teach them how to board safely.
Beginners will learn basic skills such as proper posture, balancing and turning. More advanced students
will learn flat ground and small ramp skills. Taught by experts from New York's Skateboarding School,
your child will be safely taught to tik tak and do manuals and other things you may not be able to teach
them yourself.
Instructors: The Skateboard School
Thursdays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $200 for 10 sessions * please note the instructor price has increased causing a rise in tuition.
Students will need to have access to a skateboard, helmet, shin and wrist guards and
knee pads in order to participate.
Soccer
(Grades: Pre K-5) PreK-1 on Mondays, 2-5 grade on Wednesdays.
Students will join coaches from the Fundamental Soccer Academy in Prospect Park for this soccer club
each week. Sessions will include a brief warm up, drills, introduction to the trick move of the week, and
will finish with a game of Futbolito. Futbolito is a 5-a-side team game played as the high point of a
soccer team practice session. It is geared to replicate street soccer played in a scaled down field area
with small sized goals and no goal keepers. Futbolito is a fun, fast-paced game with the emphasis on
skills, moves, passing and team play. Coaches are on hand to provide instant feedback and to encourage
kids to experiment with ‘lessons learned’ and ‘tips & tricks’ from their earlier session drills. Futbolito
accommodates players of all skill levels, no one player can dictate the outcome of a game and, as a
result, the skill levels and awareness of all player participants are raised.
Instructors: Fundamental Soccer Academy -Leyson Vargas
Mondays (PreK-1), Wednesdays (2-5th): 3-4:30pm (will be canceled if it is steadily raining)
Fees: $185 + $20 fee for equipment and t-shirt.
Yoga
(Grades: Pre K-1)
Age appropriate yoga class includes yoga games, story time, poses, breathing exercises,
bubbles and relaxation techniques to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and provided the students
with tools to use throughout their day.
Instructor: Shenazz Jetha (Bija Kids)
Mondays: 3-4:30pm or
Wednesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $185 for 10 sessions + no materials fee.
Yoga For Big Kids
(Grades: 2-5)
The positive outcomes of Kids Yoga are immediate and lasting: it helps youngsters improve body
awareness, flexibility, balance, strength, and focus! This fun and active class will keep the attention of
younger practitioners with stories, songs and dance while encouraging positive peer interactions and
exploring the basics of yoga.
Instructor: Kristine Petterson
Wednesdays: 3-4:30pm
Fees: $185 for 10 sessions + no materials fee.