Lower School and Middle School Learning Labs, grades 2-5 and 6-9, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. and/or 4:30-5:30 p.m.

The Evergreen Learning Lab augments the classroom experience. Pine Point faculty will be on hand to provide individualized and small group homework and project support for students. Students will develop a stronger sense of how to use independent learning time effectively, have an opportunity to work collaboratively with peers on projects, and hone self-advocacy skills. We recognize the desire of parents to create balance for their families. Students who take advantage of this opportunity at school may be able to make regular progress on projects and get much or all of their independent work done before heading home for the evening. Having more time to reconnect as a family at the end of the day is good for everyone, and the Learning Lab can help!

Lower School Creative Play, grades 2-5, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. and/or 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Creative Play is the perfect opportunity for friends to meet after school! Students in grades 2-5 get to play with their classmates as well as those in different grades in a safe, supervised environment. Lead by Pine Point’s teachers, Creative Play provides supervision while allowing students the freedom of choice that fosters creative explorations.

Early Childhood Creative Play, preschool through grade 1, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. and/or 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Students in preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade can experience a fun afternoon from 3:10 – 5:30 p.m. with the teachers students love from our early childhood program. Program includes independent play, snack, circle time, and outdoor play.

Beginner Jump Rope with Judy Davis, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades: 1-2

Introduction to jump rope using a single rope, pair jumping with a friend, long rope and double dutch, and fun games to enhance jumping skills and practice important teamwork skills.

Shine Some Kindness with Lisa Scott, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 2-5

We'll explore kindness activities through literature, arts, games, meditation and some yoga poses. We'll create a space where the focus will be on well-being for the individual and others.

Toys and Gadgets with Lou Toscano, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades K-5

Students will design and build non electronic toys, games, and gadgets using everyday materials like wood, plastic, and metal.

Dance Production with Maggie Lipton, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 3-5

Discover the magic that happens behind the scenes of a dance concert, and the hard work required to bring it all together for opening night! In this course, we will explore many aspects of dance production, from selecting movement and choosing music to designing costumes and lights.

Agency of Art with Pine Point Alumna Becca McBee ‘91, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 3-5

Making art can be a fun way to express yourself or to simply relax, but have you ever considered the impact that your art could have on the world around you? Using examples from the 20th and 21st centuries, we will explore ways that art has influenced individuals and encouraged communities to solve problems through social change and innovation.

Beginning Guitar with Evergreen Music Instructor Lou Manzi, 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. (grades 2-4); 4:00-4:30 (grades 5-7)

This beginning guitar class will have students strumming away like young rock and roll stars. From Smoke on the Water, which they’ll learn at their first class, they’ll move on to other easy songs in rock, blues and classical styles. The course will also include an intro to reading music and the first steps in guitar improvisation. Students will learn important ensemble skills as they play together and listen to each other as they “jam” with their band.

Introduction to Latin Language and Culture with Amy Hallberg, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Middle School

In this year-long Evergreen Latin class, students will be introduced to the basics of the Latin language through traditional classroom instruction. Students will learn new vocabulary, grammatical concepts, and aspects of Roman history and culture. This introduction to Latin assists students in understanding the composition and vocabulary of the English language, while also providing a solid foundation for continued study of modern spoken languages such as French or Spanish.

Art Studio with Maria Iacoi, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 2-5

This course is designed for artists who want to explore a variety of mediums and want to have the time and space to create independent imaginative or representational works of art with support and guidance. Students will have both structure and freedom to experience, explore and create a variety of art forms and pieces.

Fun, Fit, and Fabulous! with Judy Davis, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 5-9

Have fun while getting fit! What a great way to get in shape, improve overall conditioning and cardiovascular fitness while stepping up to this fitness challenge class. The class will include various workout styles including circuit training, HIIT (high intensity interval training), light weights and resistance band training, cardio and tips for eating healthy to feel great!

Field Hockey with Melissa Bennett, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 3-5

Beginners will explore basic field hockey fundamentals and become comfortable with handling the stick and ball. With a focus on stationary and dribbling skills, offensive and defensive skills, and small game play, athletes will develop an overall understanding and excitement for the sport of field hockey.

Double Dutch Fun with Judy Davis, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., grades 3-9

Have fun learning double dutch jump rope! Students will improve their overall skills and conditioning while mastering the art of jumping double dutch. The overall focus is perfecting their skills as a turner while learning both freestyle skills and speed stepping skills in the ropes.

SSAT Prep with Carol Roper, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m., grades 7-9 on September 14, 21, 28 and October 5

Course Description: Thinking of applying to secondary schools? The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is a standardized test given to students in grades 5-11 who are preparing to enter boarding school or private school. It consists of a writing sample (ungraded, but given to schools to which a student is applying) and three other sections: math, verbal, and reading comprehension. This course is designed to help students prepare for this test by teaching them test-taking strategies as well as providing various ways to prepare.

Refresher SSAT Prep with Carol Roper, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m., grades 7-9 on November 9 or December 7

Need a refresher before taking the SSAT this November or December? Ms. Roper has you covered. Sign up for a 1-hour refresher course before your next exam.

Vocal Lessons with Beth Bromley, 30 minute lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, ages 12 and older

Learn and practice vocal techniques with individualized instruction.

Private Piano Lessons with Glenn Hardy, 30 minute lessons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, Kindergarten through adult

Piano Lessons can be traditional or not! Children usually learn to speak before they learn to read and write. Learning to play music before learning to read music notation works the same way. Some children are early readers, and it's the same with music. Teaching books for young children are designed to be at their level, and advance as new skills are learned. All modern teaching books emphasize playing first, then learning note recognition.

For older students, their input is sought, both in the approach to lessons as well as the actual material. Sometimes, playing songs of a student's choosing makes it more interesting for them.

Glenn Hardy was born and raised in Ventura, California, where he began studying piano at 4 ½ years of age. He is a pianist, organist, piano teacher and composer whose work has included music for piano, organ, concert band, chorus, video, solo voice, and small ensembles. He has been on the faculty of the Calvary Music School for fourteen years, and has also taught privately in Southeastern Connecticut for over twenty years. Glenn and his wife, Maggie, a poet, have collaborated on many projects. Their choral, vocal, and chamber music has been performed in concerts and churches, both locally and in New York City.

Beginning Guitar with Evergreen Music Instructor Lou Manzi, 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. (grades 2-4); 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. (grades 5-7)

This beginning guitar class will have students strumming away like young rock and roll stars. From Smoke on the Water, which they’ll learn at their first class, they’ll move on to other easy songs in rock, blues and classical styles. Instructor Lou Manzi stresses good technique and learning “the right way” so students learn efficiently and avoid bad playing habits. The course will also include an intro to reading music and the first steps in guitar improvisation. Students will learn important ensemble skills as they play together and listen to each other as they “jam” with their band.

Lou Manzi has been a music educator since the 1970’s. He earned a BA in music and has written 11 guitar method books for Alfred Publishing. He was honored to develop a guitar curriculum for the Boys and Girls Club of America, has taught guitar and harmonica seminars across the U.S. and has appeared at the House of Blues, Boston, and B.B. King’s Blues Club, NYC.