News
Archives
Letter from Steve Piltch
E-News
Related Links
Important Notices
Sports Highlights
Alumni in the News
Keyword Search
| Stretching the Mind and Body: Shipley’s Later Gator After-School Program |
Outside, the Future Scientists club is conducting experiments with paper airplanes as part of a lesson about the scientific method. A group of boys is engaged in an intense game of soccer on the turf field, while kids on the playground are immersed in their own swing set-inspired competitions. Inside the Lower School building, Kindergartners are discussing chess strategies with peers in fifth grade and some students have gathered for their weekly knitting lesson. The Creative Writing club is sitting around a table crafting poetry, and the Manners Club is role-playing as part of their lesson in making casual and formal introductions.
Welcome to Shipley’s after-school programs—Later Gator and the Encore Clubs. Lauren Weitzel, Coordinator of After-School Programs, says, “The goal is to provide Shipley students with a variety of intellectually stimulating and challenging activities that pique their interests and extend learning. At the same time, I hope to meet parents’ needs in providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students after school.” Maggie Granados, Head of Shipley’s Lower School, comments, “Our Later Gator program is exceptionally ‘Parent-Friendly.’ If parents know that they need extended coverage every day, once or twice a week, or just that day, they are reassured to have such a well-staffed, well-organized program right here. If dad is running late or mom is caught in traffic, we can be there to help.”Students love the programs. “Kids cry when they have to leave,” says Weitzel. “It’s like the universal playdate,” not only providing structured activities for kids, but also time to play with friends whom they might not get to see much outside of school.
Parents love Later Gator and the Encore Clubs, too. One parent commented, “This is a wonderful program and meets my needs for work. My son is comfortable at Later Gator, and the Encore Clubs provide students with opportunities to try many activities regardless of talent.” Twenty different Encore Clubs are offered weekly. Math, cartooning, yoga, sewing, and soccer are just a few of the available choices. Most of the clubs are run by Shipley’s Lower School faculty, while a few subjects are taught by outside groups.USA Chess, a national organization, teaches the game of chess to children as a means to promote and develop critical and strategic thinking skills in a fun and positive environment. Lisa Richey, founder and director of The American Academy of Etiquette, leads students in activities designed to teach students basic lessons about use of the telephone, table manners, conversation skills, and more. The basic concepts of fencing are introduced to students by representatives of the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia.
“I like the opportunity for my kids to participate in fun activities while learning something new, and to have that activity right at school with a teacher they know,” said an enthusiastic parent. Maggie Granados sums it all up, “At Shipley we look to challenge the whole child. That doesn’t end at dismissal. Through Later Gator and Encore we allow children to stretch their intellectual, athletic, artistic, and social selves in a way that is most satisfying for them—and their parents.”
Copyright © 2008 The Shipley School, www.shipleyschool.org