Middle School Co-Curricular and After-School Programs
Park offers a wide range of co-curricular and after-school programs to meet our students’ range of interests.
The after-school opportunities vary in terms of commitment: some are year-long programs whereas others are seasonal; some meet almost every day each week, whereas others meet once or twice per week.
All opportunities noted below are considered part of Park’s academic and/or co-curricular program (no additional cost) — with the exception of individual music lessons and after-school enrichment classes (fee-based).
Important! When making choices about opportunities that take place outside the school day, we encourage families to have frank conversations with their children about their interests and priorities, as it is not possible to participate in all of the opportunities listed below. Students are more likely to have a meaningful experience if they are not over-scheduled and are able to fully engage in the activity without juggling too many commitments. Please see the charts below to learn about the variety of offerings, as well as an overview of which combinations work and which ones do not.
An Overview of After-School Offerings
| Offering | Full-Year or Seasonal | Days Per Week | Cost | Size Limit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Seasonal (fall, winter, spring) | 4–5 days per week (typically 3:30-4:30 p.m. for practice, longer on game days) | None | None | No registration required. Tryout information can be found here on the Athletics page under Preseason Information. |
| 8th Grade Production | Seasonal (December 1-March 7) | 4–5 days per week 3:30-5:30 p.m. (occasional Saturdays) | None | To be determined | Gina Braden will share information about auditions in early November. |
| Jazz Ensemble | Full-Year | Thursdays 3:15–4:15 p.m. | None | None | No registration required. See site for audition information. |
| B#s/B-Sharps | Full-Year | Wednesdays 7:30–8:20 a.m. | None | None | No registration required. See site for audition information. |
| Chamber Strings | Full-Year | Thursdays 7:30–8:20 a.m. | None | None | No registration required. See site for audition information. |
| Individual Music Lessons | Full-Year | 1 day per week (weekly time slot assigned upon enrollment) | See site for cost | None | Register in CampBrain between August 12-26. |
Enrichment Classes | Seasonal (fall, winter, spring) | 1 or 2 days per week (depends on class) | See site for cost | Varies based on class | First-come, first-served. Register in CampBrain starting August 12 at 9 a.m. |
| Clubs | Seasonal (fall, winter, spring) | 1 or 2 days per week (depends on club) | None | None | No registration required. |
| Middle School After Day | Full-Year | Open every school day 3:15–6 p.m. | None | None | No registration required. |
FALL: Beginning of September through the beginning of November.
WINTER: Beginning mid-November through end of February.
SPRING: Beginning in March through late May.
Fall Weekly Calendar
| MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics |
| Video Game Club (afternoon) | Math Circle (morning) | B#s/B-sharps (morning) | Chamber Strings (morning) | |
| Peabody Dance (afternoon, Grade 6) | Robotics (afternoon) | Robotics (afternoon) | ||
| Volleyball Club (afternoon) | Volleyball Club (afternoon) | |||
| Jazz Ensemble (afternoon) |
8th Grade Production meets December 1 to March 7.
Winter Weekly Calendar
| MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics |
| Video Game Club (afternoon) | Math Circle (morning) | B#s/B-sharps (morning) | Chamber Strings (morning) | |
| Peabody Dance (afternoon, Grade 6) | Robotics (afternoon) | Robotics (afternoon) | ||
| Jazz Ensemble (afternoon) |
8th Grade Production meets December 1 to March 7.
Winter enrichment class offerings will be added to the schedule before registration opens in October.
Spring Weekly Calendar
| MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics | Athletics |
| Video Game Club (afternoon) | Math Circle (morning) | B#s/B-sharps (morning) | Chamber Strings (morning) | |
| Peabody Dance (afternoon, Grade 6) | Jazz Ensemble (afternoon) |
Spring enrichment class offerings will be added to the schedule before registration opens in January.
| COMBINATIONS THAT WORK BETWEEN 3:15–5 p.m. | COMBINATIONS THAT DO NOT WORK BETWEEN 3:15–5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Athletics + Jazz Ensemble | Athletics + any two other afternoon activities (including Jazz Ensemble, Outdoor Theater, religious school, after-school tutoring, etc.) |
| Athletics + any single-afternoon activity | During winter/early spring: Have a lead role in the 8th Grade Production + Athletics |
| Athletics + an ensemble/non-lead role in the 8th Grade Production | |
| Athletics + Robotics (student would miss Robotics 1x/week) | |
| Morning music ensembles + any afternoon activity |
Activity Information
Athletics
The goal of athletics at Park is to provide positive and significant experiences for all students who participate in the program. There is no better place to learn life’s lessons than on an athletic field, court, or course. Cooperation, leadership, emotional control, confidence, resilience, and commitment are just a few of the numerous benefits that participation on a team can help instill or develop. We want to challenge students to take chances with advanced training techniques, with new sports, and with new roles on teams, and also to compete outside their comfort zones. As students hopefully prepare for their Upper School careers as student-athletes, we encourage them to try a sport this year, regardless of experience. There is a place for everyone in our program!
During the fall, Park offers teams in Cross Country (coed), Soccer (boys and girls), and Field Hockey (girls). On Wednesday, September 4 at 7:15 p.m., the Athletics Office will host a Parents/Coaches meeting on Zoom. Coaches will present their experience, coaching philosophies, and expectations for the season. You will also hear from the Athletic Directors about programmatic details and expectations. Information about winter and spring athletics teams will be shared with families during the school year. Click here to visit the Park Athletics website.
Arts
The Park Arts’ Department’s mission is to encourage authentic artistic development and support the rich inner lives of our students; our co-curricular and enrichment offerings complement and build on our rich curricular performing and visual arts program. We encourage students to participate in our ensemble-based music, theater, and dance programming when possible, as we know that participation in music, theater, and dance ensembles helps students to develop essential life skills. Opportunities to practice and strengthen cooperation, collaboration, commitment, confidence, creative problem-solving, empathy, expression, healthy risk-taking, leadership, resilience, and self-regulation are just some of the benefits community-based arts experiences offer young people. Acting, playing music, singing, and dancing are also all wonderful ways to connect in person with peers, unplug, and have fun!
8th Grade Production
This capstone project of the Middle School Drama program is fully built and run by 8th Grade students. Rehearsals run from December 1 to March 7 and individual rehearsal and build schedules will vary by role. Gina Braden will be inviting parents of 8th Grade students interested in participating in the show to an Informational Potluck Meeting in early November. Sixth and 7th Grade students interested in ensemble roles and their families will receive information about how to participate in late November via Middle School Announcements. Click here to learn more about the 8th Grade Production.
Music Ensembles (Jazz Ensemble; B#s/B-sharps; Chamber Strings)
In addition to their three years of ensemble-based curricular music study (during the school day), Middle School students are eligible to participate in any or all of our audition-based, co-curricular musical ensembles that meet before or after school. Music teachers will provide more information about co-curricular audition dates and sign-ups during music classes in the first week of school. Click here to read the co-curricular ensemble audition requirements.
Chamber Strings
Click here to access a folder with PDFs of the suggested audition pieces for Chamber Strings and B#s (B-Sharps). Students have the option of playing the suggested piece or a piece that they have already been working on outside of school. Students will also be asked to play a scale of their choice and to sight read a provided excerpt. Please contact Strings Director Doug Jameson at djameson@parkschool.net to schedule an audition.
B#s/B-sharps (Choral)
Click here to access a folder with PDFs of the suggested audition pieces for Chamber Strings and B#s (B-Sharps). Students have the option of playing the suggested piece or a piece that they have already been working on outside of school. Students will also be asked to play a scale of their choice and to sight read a provided excerpt.
Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Guitarists, bassists, and pianists who would like to audition for Jazz Ensemble will be asked to play a song with chords. Drummers will be asked to play a swing rhythm and a rock rhythm. All students auditioning will be asked to sight read a provided excerpt.
Individual Music Lessons
Individual lessons are available to students in Grades 6-8 to help students build their skills and musical creativity. Lessons are tailored to the needs and goals of each student, and include technique, musical theory, and performance skills. Our experienced faculty of professional musicians provide instruction on many different instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, as well as wind and string instruments. Families interested in individual music lessons must register in CampBrain between August 12-26, and specific lesson assignments will be shared with families by August 30. Click here to learn more about individual music lesson registration information, prices, and policies.
After Day
Middle School After Day is a free, supervised program for students that provides a relaxing space for students at the end of the day from 3:15-6 p.m. Registration for After Day is not required in advance. The program is for students who are not picked up by 3:15 or are participating in another school-sponsored program. Typical activities include board games, arts and crafts, open gym, and quiet time for homework. Students are encouraged to choose the activity that aligns with their needs and interests. Middle School After Day takes place in the Middle School Commons and surrounding areas. Students are required to sign-in at 3:15 and stay in one of the supervised activities until they get picked up. No food will be provided during After Day; students should bring their own.
Please note that After Day is not day care. It is a cost-free convenience provided for families who are unable to pick up their children after school. And while Park is able to sponsor athletics, various clubs, and some after-school care, we are not able to provide enough space or supervision for every Middle School student to stay at school at the end of the day. As much as we love that the kids want to stay at school, we ask that families resist their child’s request to stay later than necessary and to pick up their child when the school day ends or after afternoon activities are finished.
It is the students’ responsibility to update the sign-in sheet with their current location so that we can find them quickly. Please note that students will be monitored during their time in After Day, but not directly supervised at all times.
- Pull into the lot and dial 410-339-7070.
- Tell our supervisor the name of your child (first and last, and their grade level).
- Tell the supervisor your relationship to the student.
- The supervisor will radio our Director, who will then locate your child and send them out to you.
The Middle School Rule for Community Living is core to the after-school experience and will help us keep the students safe and accounted for. We need parental support for this to happen. Middle School students who have difficulty following these guidelines will be asked to leave school at 3:15 p.m. or at the end of their athletic practices/rehearsals. Parents will be expected to pick up children who cannot follow the rules for community living.
Enrichment Classes and Clubs — Fall Offerings and Descriptions
Enrichment Classes
Enrichment classes are offered on a seasonal basis to students in Grades 6-8. Registration takes place in CampBrain and classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for fall enrichment classes opens on Monday, August 12 at 9 a.m; the winter and spring schedules will be shared with families shortly before winter and spring registration opens.
| SEASON | DATES | REGISTRATION OPENS |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 9-November 1 | August 12 |
| Winter I | November 11-December 20 | October 7 |
| Winter II | January 6-February 14 | October 7 |
| Spring | February 24-May 16 | January 27 |
Curious about dance? Come join us for a fun and energetic introduction to the fundamentals of Jazz Dance!
This workshop series is specifically designed for students ages 9-11 who are beginners to Jazz dance. It is taught in an encouraging and supportive environment. Students will learn foundational positions and steps along with simple combinations. Explore the use of expression and individual stylization of the body through movement. A variety of different Jazz styles will be incorporated including, but not limited to, Classic Jazz, Musical Theater, Street Jazz, and Latin Fusion. Jazz Dance Workshop is open to 4th-6th Graders.
The Middle School Robotics program offers students an exciting opportunity to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge competition.
Team members will design, build, program, and operate robots for the annual challenge. While students are permitted to play a sport concurrently, they must commit to attending at least one robotics session per week. Under the guidance of faculty advisors, participants will gain hands-on experience in engineering, coding, problem-solving, and collaboration. They’ll apply real-world math and science concepts as they construct and refine their robot based on that year’s game rules. Throughout the process, students will develop technical skills, strategic thinking, and effective teamwork. The FIRST Tech Challenge allows middle schoolers to showcase their robotic creations while competing with and against other teams during two weekend competitions in December and/or January. Please note that robotics takes place during both the fall and winter seasons with a culminating competition may take place in January. Team members are expected to be available when the specific competition dates are shared in the fall.
Each class has a minimum number of students needed to run. Classes that do not meet the minimum will be canceled, and families will receive a full refund or can apply the credit to a different enrichment class. Classes also have a capacity with a waitlist available once the class is full. Full payment for classes is due upon registration in CampBrain.
In the past, we have had the occasional instance when children have dropped out mid-session due to lack of interest in the class. If after the first week a family decides to withdraw, a refund for the remaining sessions minus a $50 administrative fee will be provided. However, there will be no refunds for an after-school enrichment class following the first week of the class.
If for any reason classes need to be made up due to cancelations (we will not reschedule classes due to inclement weather), they will be added at the end of the session and you will be notified. Should the class fee present a hardship to your family, please contact afterschoolprograms@parkschool.net.
All classes run from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Middle School faculty and staff help students transition from school-day activities into after-school classes. At the end of class, students are either picked-up by the school’s main entrance from 4:30-4:45 or join the Middle School After Day program.
Clubs
Middle School Clubs provide a low-key environment for students with shared interests to gather on a weekly basis. Examples of clubs include Math Circle, Volleyball, Video Game Club, and Dungeons and Dragons. Some clubs are seasonal, whereas others are year-long, and students are welcome to transition into and out of a club at the seasonal transitions based on their other after-school commitments.
Although clubs do not have a fee, we ask that families not schedule other commitments at the same time so that the student can participate in the club unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Club information is shared with students and families during the first weeks of school.
Math Circle (Tuesday Mornings, 7:35-8:20 a.m.)
Have you ever wondered what tic-tac-toe would be like if you played it on the surface of a donut? Do you like thinking about infinity? Most of all, do you like playing around with problems and puzzles? Math Circle is a club devoted to investigating mathematical questions and looking for patterns. It’s a chance to get some exposure to topics not typically taught in the classroom. All problems are exploratory, so no particular background is required. Please direct any questions to Mimi Cukier, Upper School Mathematics, mcukier@parkschool.net.
Volleyball (Monday + Thursday Afternoons, 3:25-4:25 p.m.)
This coed club is open to all skill levels. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning or developing their volleyball skills. Contact Dave Lowther (dlowther@parkschool.net) for more information.
Video Game Club (Monday Afternoons, 3:25-4:25 p.m.)
This club gives the opportunity for students who like to play video games to meet and hang out. We will practice good sportsmanship as we play games together such as Jackbox Games, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros. Contact Drew Scoff (dschoff@parkschool.net) for more information.
Questions?
Please contact afterschoolprograms@parkschool.net. We look forward to hearing from you!
