Description Basketball players can continue to hone their skills this spring! Classes take place in school yard or in the cafeteria during inclement weather. Each section will focus on skill-building, scrimmaging, rules of the game, and sports etiquette. Please choose the class that corresponds to your child’s gender preference and grade level.

Instructors Brookyn Force coaches will lead the Tuesday clubs. PS 154 parent Danny Segelin is the founder of Brooklyn Force which focuses on empowering intelligent, humble, and hard-working young people who approach goals with a positive outlook, both on and off the sports field.  Force looks to develop players for the next step on "their" path. By integrating Core Values (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion) into our style of play, we help each member nurture a love for the game and to develop the perseverance needed to play at their next level.

Neomi Province heads up our Basketball for Girls program. She is an After School Kindergarten instructor and DOE para who is studying to become a certified P.E. teacher. She brings energy, joy, warmth, and compassion to all of her teaching endeavors.

NOTE: This class uses cardboard, masking tape, plastic recyclables, LED lights, small motors, and coin batteries.

Description If your child enjoyed the Toy Making club or was interested in giving it a try, they’ll love Building & Books! Each week, children will be inspired to make their own inventions based on stories from their favorite (and newly introduced) books. Each session will begin with a different age-appropriate read-aloud to spark the imagination and prime the pump. The Koko Teaching Artists will then pose a design challenge question about a theme from the story. Kids will use their imaginations plus recyclable materials to create and build individual inventions that further explore their ideas.

Instructor Koko NYC is a South Slope, Brooklyn-based organization that brings imaginative programming to children in 25 schools throughout New York City. By using real tools and recycled materials in sustainability focused programs, children in Koko classes explore the intersection of tech, art, and environment. Empowered by Teaching Artists, Koko classes foster confidence in children to take risks, think big, and learn from failure.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the winter waitlists.

Description In this multidisciplinary class, children will write, illustrate, and cook a new delicious, healthy recipe each week. They will learn kitchen skills, food science, cooking safety, recipe writing, and still-life drawing. Children will form a deep connection to the food they work with by delving into where plant-based ingredients come from, how and where food grows, and how different ingredients interact in the cooking and baking process. Time to write up the recipe and draw the ingredients will also be part of each class. By the end of the session, each child will have created an original illustrated cookbook with the recipes they cooked each week.

Instructor Sara Hepburn has taught children’s enrichment classes in art, food education and cooking to students all over New York City. She enjoys learning about growing food and the natural world, and loves sharing her enthusiasm with her students.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the winter waitlists.

Photography is the art of capturing light and telling stories. It is a great way for kids to tap into their imaginations and get creative. In these introductory classes, students will learn about different styles of photography, light and shade, the rule of thirds, and the 3 essentials of photography. On nice days, the class might explore our beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood through the lens. On cold weather days, the classes will stay inside to work on still life and portraits. Students will learn editing techniques, choose their favorite image to print, and frame it to take home. Since there are always new things to photograph, new and repeat students are welcome.

All children will learn on After School provided iPads. Children are also welcome to bring smart phones or personal digital cameras for use in the class. All smart phones will need to be turned off and stowed in backpacks during the school day and used in Airplane mode during class.

Instructor  Colin Jakubcyzk is a professional photographer and videographer who has worked on everything from weddings to comedy TV shows. He teaches photography and filmmaking to elementary and middle school children through The Shadowbox Theatre. This winter, he is excited to help PS 154 children realize their unique visions and explore the world around them through photography. 

NEW CLASS FOR THE SPRING SESSION

Description In this new class, children will learn the basics of cinematic storytelling through hands-on exploration. They will begin with developing an understanding of the elements necessary to create a compelling narrative (character development, plot structure, and conflict) then translate those ideas into a shared storyboard and script. From there, students will work cooperatively as they create an original short film, developing new skills as actors, camera operators, lighting designers, and production assistants along the way.

Instructor  Colin Jakubcyzk holds a BFA in Film and Television from New York University. He is a professional photographer and videographer who has worked on everything from weddings to comedy TV shows. In addition, he teaches photography and filmmaking to elementary and middle school children through The Shadowbox Theatre.

Description Oui, oui, madame! Non, non, monsieur! French language instruction continues for returning students in these fun and interactive language classes. Children will build on the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge they gained in earlier sessions of French to encourage more fluent word recognition, pronunciation, and ease of speaking.

Instructor  Matt Reeck started speaking French in fifth grade and hasn't stopped yet. He is a French-English translator and teaches French at St John's University. A year teaching kids at an English afterschool program in Seoul convinced him he likes teaching more than just about anything. 

NEW SPRING CLASSES!

Description In these two clubs, PS 154 children will commune with nature! In our K - 1 Gardening & Pollinators club, children will learn about the butterflies and bees that keep our gardens and parks blooming while helping to tend to the PS 154 garden as it wakes up from its long winter nap and transforms into our own flower and vegetable oasis. Children will engage in fun, hands-on projects and crafts to reinforce their understanding of the natural world in the midst of our cityscape.

In our Gardening & Prospect Park Exploration club, older children will use both the garden and Prospect Park for engaging projects based on the flora and fauna all around us. In addition to germinating and planting seeds that they will tend throughout the spring, children will design and make garden markers and vertical garden pods for the school fence. They will also learn how we can be good stewards for the birds and insects who share our space by creating nest material dispensers and bug hotels. Crafts projects will include things like sun prints, plant dyes, bird houses, and herbal teas.

Instructor Jennifer Hopkins is an avid gardener and the founding director of A Playdate Everyday. She is a PS 154 alumni parent and has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.

Jane Yi is a mother of two PS154 kids and school garden co-coordinator. She has always loved working with her hands. A former textile designer and current potter, she's eager to see the garden become a bigger part of PS154 life for all students. 

Description In these small group classes (limited to 5 students), kids will develop foundational guitar skills, cultivate their musical potential, and discover the freedom of making the guitar sing. They will learn to play melodies, chords, solos, and full songs, while collaborating with peers to develop basic musical skills. The new students course is designed for beginners with little or no guitar playing experience. Kids in the returning students classes will work on more advanced techniques and more challenging songs. Lessons are comprehensive and will cater to the individual needs and learning styles of each student. New and repeat students welcome.

Children in the first pre-session club from 2:30pm - 3:15pm will be dismissed directly to the club from their school day classroom. They may sign up for a different first session club or extended day which begin at 3:15pm or be picked up in the MMR at 3:15pm.

NOTE: Students must provide their own guitar for this club. We recommend a 3/4 junior guitar with nylon strings.

Instructor Ty Chen is a multi-instrumentalist musician based in Brooklyn, New York. He has a passion for songwriting and musical arrangement, as well as anything guitar related. Ty’s expertise lies in guitar and bass, but he is also versed in drums and keyboards. He values passing on knowledge from his own guitar playing experience and embraces the oral tradition of teaching.       

NEW SPRING CLUB AT THE KOKO LOT!

Descriptions In this off-site workshop, children will walk to the Koko Lot on 19th Street between PPW and 8th Ave (.5 miles / 15 minutes) where they will learn to use handsaws, battery-operated drills, and other tools to build structures fit for humans, pets, and other creatures (big or small, real or imaginative). This special hands-on class will teach kids how to use planning, engineering, woodworking and critical thinking skills to create original structures using found objects and other recycled materials. But it’s not for the faint of heart. All classes take place fully outdoors in all weather conditions except thunderstorms. (In the case of severe weather, children will meet with the Koko Teaching Artists at PS 154.)

Children will be escorted to the Koko Lot by a PS 154 staff member. They will. leave school promptly at 2:45pm after a quick snack and bathroom break. The club will last 90 minutes at The Lot (3:00pm - 4:30pm.) Children will then return to PS 154 (with our escort) by 4:45pm for pick up or extended day.

Please note: in order for your child to attend this club, a parent from each family must attend a virtual meeting with Koko NYC to learn about the plans, safety guidelines, and appropriate dress and sign a Koko waiver prior to the start of the club. Please be advised that due to higher operational costs associated with this specialty club, we are unable to offer refunds after registration period ends on March 14th. This policy ensures we can provide the planned program for all registered participants

Instructor Koko NYC is a South Slope, Brooklyn-based organization that brings imaginative programming to children in 25 schools throughout New York City. By using real tools and recycled materials in sustainability focused programs, children in Koko classes explore the intersection of tech, art, and environment. Empowered by Teaching Artists, Koko classes foster confidence in children to take risks, think big, and learn from failure.

Description Indoor Rec returns this spring with more fun group games and sometimes, weather permitting, we’ll take it outside! Ms. Donato always has something fun for kids such as corn hole, bocce ball, badminton, giant connect four, human tic-tac-toe and more. As always, emphasis will be on skill-building and sports etiquette in this fun way to expend some pent up energy after a long day in school.

Instructor Ms. Donato, our beloved PS 154 P.E. teacher, brings her game-playing expertise and sense of fun to this club.

Description Learn the traditional Japanese martial art from a master teacher! Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do means “Profound Reflections for Growth.” This ancient martial art provides physical fitness and self-defense in a fun and disciplined way. Each class focuses on strength, stamina, balance, and speed. Children build confidence, discipline, and self respect. Most importantly, students will use karate-do as a platform for personal growth and development. New and repeat students are welcome in session 1. Returning students who would like to work on advanced skills are encouraged to join the session 2 class at 4:45pm.

Instructor All Classes taught by 6th Degree Black Belt and 2012 Martial Arts Hall of Fame SEI SHIHAN (Senior Master) Mel Ramsey.

ALL NEW CURRICULUM!

Descriptions Using the world’s most popular construction toy, children will engage in problem solving and basic engineering concepts to create original projects set in urban playgrounds, gardens, and parks they know so well. Each week, they will have a new design challenge that introduces building basics such as pendulums, levers, catapults, wheels, and more. Children will engage their imaginations to give each project their own personal touch.

Instructors Brooklyn Latin High School juniors Matilda Curley, Leyli Atajanova, Christina Dong and Sayeeda Saima are thrilled to bring their enthusiasm for engineering concepts and projects to the children at PS 154.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the winter waitlists.

Description New & repeat students are welcome to join Brooklyn Magic Shop's Magic Arts Program (www.BrooklynMagicShop.com)! This club is designed to inspire aspiring magicians' magical interests. Students will learn or build on the important foundations of close-up magic using cards, props, and everyday objects while incorporating the use of misdirection and sleight-of-hand. Students will also explore magic through STEAM-infused prop making and gain an understanding of character development, improvisation, and performance through the lens of magic. This course also magically builds confidence and independence, fine motor skills, presentation skills, observation skills, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning! New tricks will be introduced and by the end of the course, children will have the opportunity to confidently perform their own routine using all of the concepts learned and practiced during an optional student showcase.

Instructors Daniel Morales is one of the founders and owners of Brooklyn Magic Shop, a small family business devoted to all things magic. Outside of the shop, Daniel combines his background in magic and education to create unique magic learning experiences for children across New York City. 

Descriptions

Under the Sea: Dive into drama, inspired by Moana, The Little Mermaid and the best aquatic-themed children’s lit! Shape-shift with your favorite demi-god, play a game of Sneaky Tag with the Sea Witch, save the heart of our island, and enjoy showing off your skills at the underwater ball! Led by professionally-trained actors, kids flex their imaginative muscles and learn the basics of vocal warm-ups, character development, singing and choreography. Students are inspired to create their own stories and sing classic songs for a “splashy” final showcase!

Magic Tree House: The spinning treehouse is off on adventures so hop aboard with Jack and Annie! Students go back in time to the land of knights and dinosaurs, and even venture, to the deep sea and outer space! They learn songs from the Magic Treehouse musicals and create our own brand-new adventures, performed in a final showcase. Led by professionally-trained actors, kids flex their imaginative muscles and learn the basics of vocal warm-ups, character development, singing and choreography. Merlin’s missions await!

Instructors Jocelyn Greene founded Child’s Play NY in 2009 as a way to transform theater education in her community.  She drew from her work as a student (MFA, NYU Graduate Acting, BA, Wesleyan University), an actor (The Public Theater, NYSF), and a teacher (Will Power to Youth, Oddfellows Playhouse, Epic Theater) to develop the rigorous curriculum and imagination-based games that ignite the program today. Child's Play staff is made up of professional working actors and musicians with a deep commitment to working with young people.

NOTE: This club is only 1st grade students who are striving to meet grade-level standards in math.

Description Does your 1st grader need a little more time and attention to solidify grade-level math concepts? If so, Ms. Ancona is here to help. Each week, children will engage in fun, hands-on activities to strengthen their base of knowledge and provide more practice for the math concepts they are working on during the school day.

Instructors Ms. Ancona is one of our wonderful PS 154 1st grader teachers.

NEW MUSIC CLUB!

Description Strengthen your little one’s foundations in music with an exploration of rhythm, melody, and motion. Each week, children will join Encore faculty Mr. Fitz (who teaches in the school day music program) to play percussion instruments, explore singing, and create ensemble pieces. Always fun and engaging, Mr. Fitz makes every class a dynamic, interactive experience that keeps kids moving and grooving to the music of their making.

Instructor Fitz Sam has twenty years of experience playing and teaching African and Caribbean drums. Mr. Fitz has taught students from two years old to senior citizens. Although he’s studied many different styles of drumming, he specializes in the traditional music of the Congolese people, and uses it as a starting point. Fun is the way to effortless work, would sum up Mr Fitz’s approach to sharing the joy, beauty. An accessibility of the many incredible instruments that could be labeled ‘drums’. Fitz is a faculty member for Encore Outreach, partnering with PS154 for several years now. He teaches grades K and 3 music.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the winter waitlist. New & repeat students welcome!

Description All the news that’s fit to print… at PS 154! Children are invited to join two of our wonderful school day teachers, Ms. Varriale and Ms. Capua, to learn the ins and outs of non-fiction writing. Children will choose topics that interest them, do research, and create newspapers to share with the community… all while working on valuable literacy skills. Students from the fall and winter sessions who would like to continue developing their non-fiction writing skills are welcome to join the class again.

Instructors Ms. Capua teaches 1st grade and Ms. Varriale teaches 2nd grade at PS 154.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Description The world outside our doors will be the backdrop for this 2D / 3D art class. Each week, Miyu will lead children on an exploration of the natural world in our school yard, neighborhood, and Prospect Park as inspiration for sculptural projects using a variety of media such as paper, cardboard, clay, wire, and other craft materials. During inclement weather, classes will meet indoors at PS 154.

Instructor Miyu Asakawa is a ceramicist, sculptor, and hair stylist from Japan.

NEW SPRING CLUB!

Description The PS 154 After School is thrilled to welcome Puppetry in Practice, a Brooklyn College-based cultural institution that has led the way for puppet making and performance in NYC since 1979! In this multidisciplinary club, children will engage in visual arts, storytelling, and collaborative performance to bring their original creations to life. Using a variety materials that reflect character attributes and personalities, children will build their own puppets. They will then create storyboards and scripts to create a world in which their puppets exist. Finally, children learn how to manipulate their puppets as they stage their performances for one another along the way and a showcase for families at the end of the session.

Instructor Rowan Trowbridge-Wheeler is an accomplished theater artist, puppeteer and circus arts performer, and instructor. He received a BFA in Experimental Theater at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, participated and presented in the Amsterdam International Theater Workshop and is a longtime teaching artist, counselor and creator for the acclaimed Children's Circus of Middletown, CT. Other work includes the Palladium Athletic Facility in NYC, as well as ARTFARM and Oddfellows Playhouse in CT.

NOTE: These classes are for children struggling with grade-level reading curriculum Registration is by grade level.

Description Fostering confidence and a love of reading will be the focus of these weekly small group help sessions. Children will play games and engage in activities (such as spelling dictation, sound manipulation using Scrabble tiles, and partner reading) that support their language-based classwork from the school day. Each child will be individually assessed to target areas of weakness and find opportunities for growth.

Instructor Heather Swain has a masters degree in education and has served as a private tutor and lead classroom teacher in Japanese public schools, Brooklyn Friends School, and most recently in her own microschool in Brooklyn. She has a keen interest in working with children who struggle with dyslexia and/or comprehension issues. She is also the author of 12 books for children and teens and can usually be found reading.

New & repeat students welcome!

Description Keep on rocking in the free world with the PS 154 Rock Band. Students will work on the rudiments of rock in a group setting. Drummers, percussionists, electric bass players, guitarists, keyboard players, and of course singers are welcome! Experience and your own instrument are a plus, but new players are welcome, too. If your child would like to join the band but does not have their own instrument, please email Barbara McGouran bmcgouranps154@gmail.com before registering.

Instructors Max Beirne-Shafer and Justin Fossella are both assistant instructors at PS 154 After School and avid musicians in their free time.

Description Get out and get moving with Ms. Neomi! After a long day inside, kids will get their ya-yas out in the school yard while learning the basics of track. Conditioning, strength, and endurance will be the skills underlying this fun run-around club.

Instructor Neomi Province is an After School Kindergarten instructor and DOE para who is studying to become a certified P.E. teacher. She brings energy, joy, warmth, and compassion to all of her teaching endeavors.

NEW CLUB WITH MS. DONATO!

Description What do pegasus, minotaurs, centaurs and the Super Bowel have in common? The answer: Ancient Roman. In this engaging dive into Roman myths, monster, and math, children will explore Roman mythology, create art and crafts projects based on the monsters, and delve into decoding and reading Roman numerals that still appear all around us from clocks to Super Bowl titles.

Instructor Our own Ms. Donato brings her fascination with ancient Rome to the After School this spring. As with all of her clubs, children will read, engage in hands-on projects, and learn together in a fun and supportive environment.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the winter waitlist. New & repeat students welcome!

Descriptions

Scratch is an online coding platform and online community developed by MIT that is designed to teach kids to write code. In every class, when projects are finished, students will have the opportunity to share them with the class and the online Scratch community, and receive constructive feedback from their peers.

Advanced Coding 3rd - 5th This class is for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade children who completed one session of Scratch Coding in the winter session. In this club, children will learn new techniques and tools to create more complex projects.

Scratch for New & Returning Students 2nd - 3rd In this club, children will create animations and games in order to learn basic programming skills such as loops and conditionals, and how to break complex ideas down into small steps. Since every Scratch project is an original creation, experienced Scratchers who attended a winter session class are welcome to return and work on new projects.

Scratch Jr. for K & 1st
Using iPads, students will create interactive stories with Scratch Jr. Students will learn basic programming concepts like loops and events, how to break complex ideas down into small steps and how to express themselves creatively through programming. Since every Scratch project is an original creation, experienced Scratch Jr. participants who attended a winter session class are welcome to return and work on new projects.

Instructor Zak Greene and his talented team of educators at Shed provide STEAM enrichment classes at New York-area schools. Miles Slade will be the lead instructor at PS 154. Miles joined Shed after working for several years as Associate Teacher and Head Counselor at Berkeley Carroll where he and Zak co-lead MIT Scratch summer camp sessions. Miles is a prolific Scratcher.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the winter waitlist. New & repeat students are welcome!

Description In this basic sewing and design class, each student will design and create original projects! Using fabric, hand sewing needles, cotton, buttons, zippers, scissors, yarn, pattern paper, and sewing machines kids will learn how to make a pattern, hand sew, and use the machine. They will combine these skills to create an original project to take home at the end of the session.

Instructor The Children’s Institute of Fashion Arts, established in 2017, is a NYC non-profit organization devoted to interdisciplinary, creative, life skills education in the fashion arts for young people.  Our mission is to give all children in-depth, hands-on experience in textiles, clothing, and design so they may understand the origins of culture, their own place in it, and have hope for a beautiful, sustainable future.

Fridays: Soccer on Fridays will be taught by Brooklyn Force which focuses on maximizing on-field play time for kids to help them explore soccer skills and athleticism in a game structure. Children will engage in thoughtful activities that are designed to help develop important skills: first touch, the ability to pass and receive, and their decision-making, communication, and leadership.  The course is designed around having fun while learning - and loving - the game!

Instructor Danny Segelin is a PS 154 parent and a former professional player (Cleveland Crunch, MSL), professional coach (New York Red Bulls, MLS), and collegiate coach (Columbia University, Emory University) who has been training athletes at all levels for 20+ years. He holds a masters degree in exercise science, a US Soccer "C" Coaching License, and he also has 3 children who have all attended PS 154. Danny is the founder of Brooklyn Force Soccer which is focused on empowering intelligent, humble, and hard-working young people who approach goals with a positive outlook, both on and off the field.  Force looks to develop players for the next step on "their" path. By integrating Core Values (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion) into our style of play, we help each member nurture a love for the game and to develop the perseverance needed to play at their next level.

New and repeat students welcome!

Description Street hockey is going strong at PS 154! No ice and no skates needed to learn the basics of this quintessential city sport! Using lightweight equipment appropriate for indoor and outdoor use, students will work on passing, shooting, stickhandling, and teamwork as they learn the rules of the game. This is a fast-paced game played in a friendly environment with thoughtful activities designed around having fun while learning - and loving - the game!

Instructor Danny Segelin is a PS 154 parent and a former professional player (Cleveland Crunch, MSL), professional coach (New York Red Bulls, MLS), and collegiate coach (Columbia University, Emory University) who has been training athletes at all levels for 20+ years. He holds a masters degree in exercise science, a US Soccer "C" Coaching License, and he also has 3 children who have all attended PS 154. Danny is the founder of Brooklyn Force Soccer which is focused on empowering intelligent, humble, and hard-working young people who approach goals with a positive outlook, both on and off the field.  Force looks to develop players for the next step on "their" path. By integrating Core Values (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion) into our style of play, we help each member nurture a love for the game and to develop the perseverance needed to play at their next level. Street hockey is his (second) favorite game!

Description This club is every toy lover’s dream! Each week, Ms. Donato will surprise the group with a new theme and a host of fun toys such as Hot Wheels, blocks, trains, wrestlers, Star Wars action figures, dinosaurs, pirate ships, board games— the list goes on! Children will use imaginary play in a self-directed environment to practice skills such as sharing, cooperating, respecting personal space, making eye contact, using manners, all while making new friends and having a blast!

Instructor When Ms. Donato is not teaching Physical Education at PS 154, she loves to play with toys.

Description This club is for kids that love playing the game of baseball. Each week, the children will split into 2 teams and play a 7 inning game using all the rules of baseball: strikeouts, force plays, double plays, and more.  Students signing up should have a basic knowledge of the game so they can jump into the batter's box and swing to put the ball in play.  Outfielders will play positions like 1st base and catcher in order to make plays and get outs.  Score will be kept, 3 outs will be counted, and the winning team will compete in a home run derby at the end of each class. 

Instructor Ms. Donato, our beloved PS 154 P.E. teacher, brings her wiffle ball expertise and sense of fun to this club.