Learning Opportunities Abound Outside the Classroom

Each of our elementary schools offers exciting learning opportunities outside the classroom. Here are some examples:

BOULEVARD Spanish Club: Students in all grades enjoy after-school songs, colorful visuals and conversation as they learn a new language and culture.Chess Club:Chess for Success - an after-school program offers chess instruction and competition.Poetry Club: Lunch time activity for third, fourth and fifth grade students. Students read and write poetry that culminates with a Poetry Slam.Sports Clubs: Fall football, winter basketball before school for fifth grade students. Math Mentorships: Fourth and fifth grade students solve math problems, guided  by Progressive Insurance actuaries. Scrabble Club:  Fourth and fifth grade students meet before school to play this word game.  

CANTERBURY Classes and Clubs:Seven afterschool enrichment classes, organized by the PTA, are available: Art, Chess, Spanish, Dance, Yoga, African Drumming, and Theater.  Girls Circle: Fourth and fifth grade girls join the school counselor  for this program that builds self-esteem, enhances judgment skills, and encourages the use of critical thinking to make wise and healthy choices.Girls on the Run:Parent volunteers follow a national curriculum that encourages pre-teen girls to develop self respect and healthy lifestyles through running.

FAIRFAX Student Council: Fourth and fifth grade students elect classroom representatives that plan service and social activities. Safety Patrol: Fifth grade students help adults keep students safe in the outside areas of the school. Lunch Bunch Book Clubs: Fourth and fifth grade students read and discuss books with adult volunteers.Tennis and Tumbling:PTA-sponsored after-school activities offered to all students.Challenge Choir: Fifth grade students audition for this performance choir.

GEARITY Classes and Clubs: Seven after-school and lunchtime enrichment classes and clubs meet: Spanish, Yoga, Hip Hop, Poetry, Art, Math and Chess. Environmental Club: Students travel to the Ohio State Lake Erie biology laboratory for field projects. Classroom Community Gardens: Thirteen gardens (one per classroom) are planned, maintained and harvested by students and neighbors. Meaningful Work: Students who want a job in the office, cafeteria, or library begin by writing a resume.  Applicants are interviewed, trained and evaluated.  These students are volunteers who gain work experience that is meaningful and helpful.

NOBLE Young Men & Young Ladies of Noble: Students with at least a 3.0 grade point average and good citizenship are invited to join these groups to reinforce and encourage academic achievement. Student Employment: Students can complete an application to apply for volunteer jobs as helpers in the cafeteria, library, office, gym or student store.  More than 70 students participate, learning the value of work. Chess Club: Students meet after school to learn and play chess. Recycling: Students receiving special education services collect and recycle juice boxes. Buddy Reading:  Selected third, forth, and fifth grade students are trained to read with younger students.

OXFORD Art Club: Interested students meet with the art teacher after school to draw, paint and create original art. Green Team:  Students collect paper from each classroom for a recycling program. Young Men & Women of Oxford: Fourth and fifth grade students  with at least a 3.0 grade point average and good citizenship are invited to join these groups to reinforce and encourage academic achievement and citizenship. Mother/Son & Father/Daughter Dance: Special dress-up evenings with music, dance and refreshments. Principal's Book Club:Principal Stacy Stuhldreher hosts a lunch time book club. 

ROXBORO Art Club: Aspiring artists meet with the art teacher during lunch to draw, paint and sculpt.Melting Pot:Students meet with a faculty adviser during lunch to plan activities that promote cultural diversity. Meaningful Work: Students apply for jobs to help in the office, cafeteria, and library. Students write resumes, are interviewed and evaluated.Good Friends: Adults mentor and tutor students.

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Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 2:45 PM, 04.16.2010