Lower School

Students will learn, hone, and expand chess skills in this class, by Educational Light School of Chess. While tactical training will be the main focus, we will also explore fundamental endgames, strategic themes, and review great games in chess history. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and problem-solving. Students will train to compete in several novice and beginner tournaments and, of course, play lots of chess! 
 

Workshops Essayer is turning up the heat and bringing back Cooking Wars: a cooking competition class! Students will take to the kitchen where they are challenged to make not just one, but two dishes in each class. Each week, students will be given a basket of secret ingredients to incorporate into their dishes.  There will be some sweet dishes and some savory dishes, some baked delights and some cooked delights. Students will learn to work in teams, make quick decisions, and hold each other accountable as they work their culinary magic! At the end of each class is the presentation, the taste test, and, of course, the “Judges Table.” We will recruit judges from the Dwight community (parents, loved ones, students, and staff members) to help pick a winning team. Ready to take on the challenge?
 

LEGO®️ Robotics - Interactive and hands-on programs for 2 - 5th graders to explore, grow, and learn about research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering.  In this after-school activity, students will learn how to build a robot using the LEGO® EV3 Mindstorms system by attaching motors and sensors to make their creation move, spin, and pick up objects.  When students are engaged in hands-on STEM experiences, they build confidence, grow their knowledge and develop habits of learning.  Participation in this after-school activity lets students tryout for Dwight’s competitive team, which will be formed during the summer and will participate in the 2020 global robotics competition sponsored by the First® LEGO® League.
 

Grab your running shoes and run with Ms. Hellman in Central Park! Join Dwight as we run through Central Park, playing running games as we go. Students will build their strength and endurance in this class as we challenge ourselves to be our best.
 

En garde! Dwight has a long legacy of excellence in the sport of fencing. We are pleased to offer a wonderful program in partnership with the Tim Moore fencing club, the oldest and one of the most prestigious training sites for fencers in the U.S. The program will introduce Dwight students to the exciting world of Olympic-style fencing. Why fence? It’s fun, great exercise, and a sport with beauty and grace all its own. Plus, you’ll never have more fun with a sword in your hand! Students learn footwork and tactics and build stamina and teamwork. Students need no experience, and this program is accessible to all. Equipment is provided by an elite coach from the Tim Moore fencing club.
 

Gear up for weekly Central Park EDventures, including shelter building, bird tracking, and woodlands hide-and-seek – plus an original variety of awesome outdoor games & activities!  This exhilarating outdoor program builds confidence while encouraging teamwork, creativity, and open-ended education. The possibilities?  Endless.  The experiences?  Memorable.
 

Ms. Theeparajah will lead this after-school activity, providing students an opportunity to learn vocabulary in American Sign Language and to “talk” with their hands! She will implement fun games to help students learn this language! Since ASL is very expressive, Ms. Theeparajah will also introduce role-playing, charades, and acting out parts of a story. As a fun end-of-the-semester project, students will learn a song in ASL and perform it for parents.
 

Taught by our very own Ms. Shaffer, this class is great for both boys and girls! Children explore the styles of dance used in contemporary video clips and movies based on Jazz and Hip Hop Dance. Jazz/ Hip Hop Dance Fusion is a great way to get kids moving! Children will get to see their work played back just like the pros. Come and join the dance jam! Dress: Sneakers and comfortable clothing requested.
 

Ms. Harchik will lead this after-school activity, providing an open and supportive environment for Timothy House students interested in creative writing, including fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and all other genres. Time will be devoted to individual writing as well as work-shopping within the group, focusing on constructive and positive feedback designed to guide students into more compelling creative efforts. Additionally, the group will publish Mini Dwight Literary Journal. Students will handle layout, artwork, promotion, and all responsibilities of the Editorial Board, including recruiting, selecting, and editing creative pieces for publication from across the Dwight community.
 

Ms. Taylor will teach students how to do the basic knit and purl stitching to create their own warm scarf to wear for winter!  Students will also work to create squares for a knitted blanket to donate to charity. We’ll have fun learning other forms of weaving and bracelet making, too!