After School Programs: Spring 2025
*Brand new line-up of 8 week offerings in music, art, writing, crochet, boxing and archery for students Ages 3 through Grade 8*
Classes are OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS in the community (not just PCS students!) Please help us spread the word to your neighborhood friends!
Please reach out to Program Director Shannon Swanson with any questions: sswanson@peconiccommunityschool.org.
Gardening Club
8 sessions: Mondays, March 31 - June 2, 3:15 - 4:15pm
Early Childhood 3/4 - Grade 2
Fee: $275/student
Maximum 10 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
Join us for a fun and engaging after-school Gardening Club at Peconic Community School! Designed for children ages 3/4 (Early Childhood) through Grade 2, this hands-on program nurtures a love for nature, teamwork, and sustainable practices. Young gardeners will get their hands dirty in the soil as they plant, tend, and harvest a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Through interactive activities, storytelling, and garden-based crafts, children will develop an appreciation for the environment while learning basic gardening skills. Come grow with us this spring!
Inspiration is Everywhere: A Creative Writing Workshop with Wild Plum Poetry
8 sessions: Tuesdays, April 1 - May 27, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Grades 5-8
Fee: $375/student
Maximum 10 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
Writing is a tool that connects us with ourselves, other people, and the world around us. When approached as a practice rather than a chore, it’s kind of like yoga for the heart and soul. And when I refer to writing as a practice, what I mean is that it’s a practice of noticing. Looking at the world around you, the small beautiful things, listening, really listening to what people say. In this class we’ll write one or two poems a session using exercises (including walks outside!) and prompts (sometimes based on words by other writers!) to tap into our authentic selves and to learn that anyone can be a poet, because inspiration is everywhere. We’ll also have fun. And who doesn’t need more fun?
What you’ll need: Paper, pen, or a laptop if that’s what you prefer. And an open mind.
Ceramics with Ester Kislin
8 sessions: Tuesdays, April 1 - May 27, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Fee: $400/student ($25 materials fee included)
Maximum 10 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
Students will explore clay through hands-on projects that blend science, history, society, and culture. Each class introduces a new project—from making a pinch pot and sculpting functional art to experimenting with textures, glazes, and tile designs—while some sessions focus on collaborative construction of a large, coil-built vessel that will be presented to PCS at the end of the session.
Throughout the course, students learn various techniques including hand-building, surface decoration, Nerikomi, and experimental slip work. They’ll compare bisque-fired and unfired clay pieces to understand the firing process, ultimately culminating in a final collaborative glazing session where they bring together all their skills to create unique ceramic artworks.
Music and Movement with Miss Jenna
8 sessions: Wednesdays, April 2 - May 28, 3:15 - 4:00pm
Early Childhood 4/5 - Grade 2
Fee: $225/student
Maximum 10 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
A fun and engaging movement and music class where the students will explore rhythm, dance and creative expression through songs children love. Also using the Dalcroze method, this class will help young musicians build a deeper connection to music while developing coordination, listening skills, and a love for movement. Jenna will also incorporate stretching and mindfulness activities to help students develop body awareness, focus, and a sense of calm through music and motion. It’s a joyful, energetic space where music, movement and fun come together!
Boxing with Grant from Hill Street Boxing
8 sessions: Wednesdays, April 2 - May 28, 3:15 - 4:15pm
Grades 1 through 8
Fee: $300
Maximum 12 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
Get ready to move, punch, and have fun in Boxing with Grant at Hill Street Boxing! This exciting and engaging class is designed for kids in 1st through 8th grade, introducing them to the fundamentals of boxing in a fun, safe, and energetic environment.
Through age-appropriate drills, games, and exercises, young boxers will develop coordination, balance, confidence, and discipline while learning basic boxing techniques like footwork, punches, and defensive moves. Coach Grant ensures a positive and encouraging atmosphere where kids can stay active, build strength, and have a blast! No prior experience is needed—just bring your energy and a willingness to learn!
Crocheting with Noelle of Welly Crochet
8 sessions: Thursdays, March 27 - June 5, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Grades 1 through 8
Fee: $400 (includes $35 materials fee)
Maximum 12 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
Noelle is a crochet teacher who specializes in helping kids use crochet as both a creative outlet and a calming, meditative activity. Noelle’s teaching approach emphasizes learning by feel and observation rather than rigidly following patterns, encouraging progress over perfection.
Students will gain skills in reading patterns for projects they may want to tackle outside the classroom. The first few sessions focus on mastering basic stitches and proper hand posture. Once students have built a solid foundation, they’re free to work on projects of their choice—like plush animals or wearable items—with Noelle’s expert guidance. Her supportive approach empowers kids to let their creativity flow while developing a lifelong skill.
Archery with Jen Murray
8 sessions: Thursdays, April 3 - June 5, 3:15 - 4:30pm
Grades 3 through 8
Fee: $375
Maximum 10 students (minimum 6 enrollments to run the class)
Join us for an exciting Outdoor Archery Class, designed for young archers ages 8-14! Discover the fundamentals of archery as you develop essential skills, learn proper safety techniques, and practice shooting with recurve bows—all in a fun outdoor setting.
Led by expert coach Jen Murray, whose passion and experience make her a top-tier instructor, this program offers hands-on learning with high-quality recurve bows and equipment provided. You’ll also gain valuable experience in bow assembly and maintenance, deepening your understanding of the sport.
Stay engaged with skill-building exercises and friendly competitions that will challenge and inspire you. Get ready to aim, shoot, and have a blast!
Private Lessons in Voice/Piano with Jenna Becker
8 lessons offered Mondays, Tuesdays *or* Thursdays, March 31 - May 29
30 minute time slots available between 3:15 and 4:45pm
Grades 1 — 8 for Voice and Grades K - 8 for Piano
Fee: $460 for 8 thirty minutes lessons
Voice: 30 minute private lessons with Ms. Jenna working towards improving musical technique. Learning about breath, registers of the voice, resonance, tone, and preparation for an audition and end of the session recital.
Piano: Students will practice note reading and playing, rhythm, efficient practicing, ear training and preparing to play for an audience at an end of the session recital.
Private Lessons in Piano with PCS Alum Asen Roussan
8 lessons offered Wednesdays, April 2 - May 28
30 minute time slots available between 3:30 and 4:45pm
Grades 2 through 8
Fee: $460 for 8 thirty minutes lessons
Embark on a musical journey with Asen’s Piano Lessons! Designed for children in grades second and higher, Asen’s approach makes learning the piano both accessible and enjoyable. With a focus on foundational skills, personalized attention, and a passion for teaching, Asen guides students through the essentials of piano technique, reading music, and expressive play. Asen’s unique improvisational skills add excitement to each lesson and promises a supportive environment where each student can build confidence and discover the joy of music. Start your melodic adventure today with Asen!