
Hello Dougherty Elementary Families!!!!
We are delighted to be offering in-person after school classes again. We have some of your favorite teachers back and some new courses to offer you.
We are offering a dynamic selection of courses available from 1st Grade through to 5th Grade. Below is the list of courses we are offering at Dougherty Elementary.
WinterSession 2023-2024
- Actors Workshop (Monday)
- Advanced LEGO® Robotics (Tuesday)
- Café Art – Winter Art: All Things Kawaii & Zentangles (Tuesday)
- Chess Academy For Kids (Friday)
- Creative Writing for Primary Grades: Historical & Realistic Fiction (Wednesday)
- Creative Writing for Grades 3-5: Historical Fiction and Realistic Fiction (Thursday)
- Dynamic Dougherty’s Readers Book Club (Thursday)
- Game Development (Monday)
- Keys to Becoming an Inspirational Presenter & Creative Writer (Thursday)
- LEGO® Robotics (Wednesday)
- LEGO® Robotics (Thursday)
- Life Science of the Garden – The Power of Hydroponics & a Greenhouse (Thursday)
- Noetic Math – Inspire the Mathematician Within Your Student (Wednesday)
- Reading Comprehension Strategies: Expository Reading for Primary Grades (Thursday)
- Reading with Comprehension Strategies: Expository Reading for Grades 3 - 5 (Monday)
- WordSMASH! for Grades 3-5: Reading and Word Fun (Tuesday)
- Writing with Comprehension Strategies - Expository Writing for Primary Grades (Tuesday)
- Writing with Comprehension Strategies - Expository Writing for Grades 3-5 (Wednesday)
Actors’ Workshop!
Instructor: Professional Actors from Kenn Adams Synergy Theater
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday – Nov 27 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 22 | Feb 5, 12, 26 | Mar 4
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12 pm
Room: MPR
Tuition: Early Bird - $196 After November 20 - $210
It’s laughter, learning and limelight with the After School Drama Club - The Actor’s Workshop! Through a fun series of theater games, acting exercises and scripted scene work, this introductory acting class teaches the fundamentals of the actor’s craft. Students explore the “three tools of the actor” – voice, body and imagination – as they learn how to create characters, interpret scripts and perform for an audience. The class teaches true theater skills such as stagecraft, emotionally truthful acting, and professional theater etiquette, while encouraging creativity and inspiring the imagination. The class culminates with a workshop presentation of scenes and monologues for an invited audience.
Advanced LEGO® Robotics
Prerequisite: To enroll in this course you MUST have first completed our Lego Robotics, WeDo Lego Robotics for Elementary Students or some other beginning Robotics class so your child is familiar with the basics of block coding. Otherwise, students should enroll in the Lego Robotics class at least once before enrolling in the Advanced Lego Robotics course.
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 13, 20
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: MPR
Tuition: Early Bird - $199 After November 28 - $210
Do you have a budding engineer in your family and a child who just can’t get enough of building and problem solving? Then the Advanced Lego Robotic course might be just the class you’re looking for. Working in teams, students will participate in an interactive engineering design process and will be challenged to construct more complex and dynamic robot projects that enable them to successfully complete a series of engineering challenges.
The Advanced Robotics course is designed for students who have already participated in our Beginning Lego & Robotics course as taught in the DPIE After School Program or a student who has already taken a basic robotics course and learned or is familiar with the basics of block coding.
Note: Students may enroll in this class twice without repeating projects.
Café Art – Winter Art: All Things Kawaii & Zentangles
Instructor: Jean Wright from Café Art
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday – Dec 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 13, 20
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $192 After November 28 - $205
Café Art is excited to invite your child on a seasonal art journey as we combine our favorite classes – all things kawaii (cute) and zentangles (fun doodles) with seasonal art. This session we will be learning to draw Kawaii characters such as, but not limited to, snowmen, snowflakes, birds, penguins, polar bears, and hearts…Students will use their skills to make sketchbooks, Shrinky dink keychains, bookmarks, button pins, canvas, final portfolio’s and more. We will be using art mediums such as pencil, sharpies, watercolor pencils, markers, and others. Don’t wait! These classes fill up fast. Hope to see your child soon.
Chess Academy for Kids
Instructor: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday – Dec 1, 8, 15 | Jan 12, 19, 26 | Feb 9, 23 | Mar 8
Sessions: 9 x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4.12pm
Room: MPR
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $198 After November 24 - $210
Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy!
This program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, and stay focused. Specially designed for young players with various levels of chess experience (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) the course offers easy-to-follow instructions, individual recommendations and preparation for chess tournaments. Parents can monitor kids’ progress by using our FREE mobile application PACIFIC CHESS ACADEMY easily downloadable from AppStore with unlimited chess games, studies, puzzles and tournaments.
Our students learn chess tactics and strategies and quickly become decent players ready for any challenge. We also offer make-up classes in online format (2 per semester) to kids who miss their regular class at school. Our students are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons so all they need to bring is a big smile and a willingness to win!
6 Reasons Kids Should Learn Chess
- Improves concentration, attention span and memory abilities
- Enhances reading and math skills
- Fosters critical-thinking and creativity in young minds
- Encourages and rewards hard work
- Develops problem solving skills
- Exercises both sides of your brain
Creative Writing for Primary Grades: Historical & Realistic Fiction
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 14, 21
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3.05pm
Room: P5
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 29 - $210
Encourage your child to use their imagination and creativity to explore these two similar yet different genres through reading, writing, and drawing.
In this course, students will be introduced to Realistic Fiction and Historical Fiction. Historical Fiction unfolds with past events that repeat into present-day events. All characters and settings resemble people in history. Tales within Historical Fiction remain grounded in historical characters and events, and many authors introduce some modern-day concepts. An example would be a day in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln’s lifestyle, education, struggles, and accomplishments are true to what we portray today.
Realistic Fiction has outcomes from real-life situations. Here, the characters bear a resemblance to people in the real world, complete with our challenges and how we overcome them towards success. In Realistic Fiction, there is language to convey the actual situation of the “real” characters, such as in The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess. Here, The Cat is the same as any visitor who creates chaos in the home without parental supervision.
Students complete their writing and drawing portfolios, showcasing their newfound skills and creativity. Students gain a deeper appreciation for both genres and learn to relate to characters, settings, and new situations.
Through the readings of Historical and Realistic Fiction, students will:
- Develop and understand real-life versus historical events in drawing and writing.
- Learn about different character development and their roles in the real world.
- Appreciate the author’s point of view and how it may differ from their own.
Creative Writing for Grades 3-5: Historical Fiction and Realistic Fiction
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Nov 30 | Dec 7, 14 | Jan 11, 18, 25 | Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 30 - $210
Encourage your child to use their imagination and creativity to explore these two similar yet different genres through reading and writing.
Students will be introduced to Historical and Realistic Fiction, where the characters and setting resemble real life. In this course, students will “feel” the events in their own lives. In Historical Fiction, authors illustrate the events in an effective way by using the language of the “real” characters during their unique period. Students learn to identify with time periods and fictional and non-fictional characters. An example of historical fiction would be Peter Pan. Here, the character is a fictional boy looking to remain forever young and oblivious to the world around him.
In Realistic Fiction, students gain an awareness of both present and past situations. Here, the author portrays the character, culture, and society with more modern twists. Learning realistic fiction aids in understanding global facts, which can be an asset in their own lives. An example of Realistic Fiction is R.J. Palacio's Wonder and the character, August. The disfigured character must live in a society that is often cruel, with many misunderstandings of his disability and his plight for acceptance.
Students complete their writing portfolio, showcasing their newfound skills and creativity. They also gain a deeper appreciation for both genres and, learn to relate and identify with character settings, new perspectives, and determine fact from opinion.
Through the readings of Historical and Realistic Fiction, students will:
- Develop and understand accurate historical settings
- Learn about what makes facts come alive during reading and writing.
- Appreciate elements of character, dialogue, setting, theme, plot, conflict, and world-building
Dynamic Dougherty’s Readers Book Club
Instructor: Ms Lina Barakat, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 4 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Dec 7, 14 | Jan 11, 18, 25 | Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 16
Tuition: Early Bird - $189 After November 23 - $200
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling literary journey?
Join our Young Readers' Book Club for 4th and 5th graders, where we dive deep into the magical realms of books and unlock the doors to imagination and critical thinking. We'll explore the fascinating world of literature through thought-provoking discussions and activities designed to sharpen your young minds.
Our goal is to foster a love for reading, encourage expressive communication, and inspire a passion for understanding stories on a deeper level. We will carefully choose a variety of captivating books from different genres, including adventure, mystery, fantasy, and more, to keep you excited about reading.
Game Development
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday – Nov 27 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 22 | Feb 5, 12, 26 | Mar 4
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05pm - 3:12pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $199 After November 20 - $210
This is a beginner’s course in design and building games. Students will be using the roblox game engine to build 3D games and learning the fundamentals of programming doing so. This is a fun way for kids to learn programming while applying their creative side to design games. They will be learning and practicing the concepts of variables, IF ELSE conditions, Loops, timers, functions, checkpoint, and events in this course.
Note: Students may enroll in this class twice without repeating projects.
Keys to Becoming an Inspirational Presenter & Creative Writer
Instructor: Gurus Education, East Bay
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Dec 7, 14 | Jan 11, 18, 25 | Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 – 4:05pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 30 - $210
A highly confident speaker is viewed as being more credible & knowledgeable.
Our goal is to help kids overcome public speaking anxiety, voice their opinion confidently, present impressively and write effectively in 6 easy steps. Students will gain an understanding of various writing formats such as persuasive, narrative, descriptive etc. They will also learn to make strong arguments by providing reasoning and evidence on thought provoking debatable topics.
This course will help kids formulate their thoughts with a clear and concise structure and prepare them for SUCCESS with CONFIDENCE!!
LEGO® Robotics (Wednesday)
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 14, 21
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: MPR
Tuition: Early Bird - $199 After November 29 - $210
Kids will have a great time in this hands-on Robotics course while also being introduced to various aspects of mechanical, electrical, and computer science Engineering. Students will be introduced to a block coding language in order to provide an intuitive understanding for programming as well as provide easy to follow instructions to build many simple machines.
In every class session students will use Lego pieces to build figures like airplanes, alligators, a smart spinner, etc., and they will be introduced to mechanical and electrical mechanisms like sensors, gears, pullies. They will then use block programming to help their fit all these pieces together to create their own moving project.
Note: Students can enroll in this class two times without repeating activities.
LEGO® Robotics (Thursday)
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Dec 7, 14 | Jan 11, 18, 25 | Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $199 After November 30 - $210
Kids will have a great time in this hands-on Robotics course while also being introduced to various aspects of mechanical, electrical, and computer science Engineering. Students will be introduced to a block coding language in order to provide an intuitive understanding for programming as well as provide easy to follow instructions to build many simple machines.
In every class session students will use Lego pieces to build figures like airplanes, alligators, a smart spinner, etc., and they will be introduced to mechanical and electrical mechanisms like sensors, gears, pullies. They will then use block programming to help their fit all these pieces together to create their own moving project.
Note: Students can enroll in this class two times without repeating activities.
Life Science of the Garden – The Power of Hydroponics & a Greenhouse
Instructor: Mr John Price, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Nov 30 | Dec 7, 14 | Jan 11, 18, 25 | Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 11/Garden
Tuition: Early Bird - $189 After November 23 - $200
Just because the weather has gotten a little colder doesn’t mean we can’t learn about life science in the garden. This winter session students will get to learn about hydroponics in a greenhouse setting. Hydroponics, in its simplest form, is growing plants by supplying all necessary nutrients in the plants’ water supply rather than through the soil.
Students will:
- Investigate what conditions are required for a healthy plant to grow and develop.
- Experiment with different types of nutrients and water sources for plants.
- Explore engineering designs to create different environments for plants to grow.
- Create a portable greenhouse to use at their own home.
Noetic Math – Inspire the Mathematician Within Your Student
Instructor: Instructor from Math Trek Program
Grade Levels: 1 - 3
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 14, 21
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $192 After November 28 - $205
Help your child discover the “magic” of math by enrolling them in our Noetic Math course. This class is different from a typical math class as it focuses on problem-solving skills that help students discover their own mathematical abilities and learn to appreciate how math can help them in the real world. During the course students will work on problems both individually and in teams to solve complex math problems through a variety of math games that are fun, challenging and inspirational.
Students will not only learn to effectively multiply, divide. they will be introduced to algebraic concepts that help them learn math conceptually. The class takes a gradual approach of exposing students from conceptually easy problems to progressively more complex problems. Not only will their math skills improve but they will be inspired to learn and enjoy math on a level they may not have experienced in the past. During our time together students will have the chance to participate in a variety of math contests that challenge them to apply the skills they are learning. Students who choose can participate in semi-annual Noetic Learning Math Contests (NLMC) for elementary students which we will let our families know about.
The goal of our program is to help students develop their problem-solving skills, enhance their enjoyment of math and to inspire them to excel in math as time goes on.
Reading Comprehension Strategies: Expository Reading for Primary Grades
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Day/Dates: Friday – Dec 1, 8, 15 | Jan 12, 19, 26 | Feb 9, 23 | Mar 8
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 Minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 24 - $210
Expository style explains a topic using facts in simple stories with pictures, often including an argument, fact, and a conclusion summarizing the information. In this reading course, students will interpret simple text to understand different opinions in the world through reading and illustrations with important messages.
Students will read passages that help explain information at their level of understanding. The most common examples of expository writing include reports, essays, and magazine articles. Different articles either compare and contrast, state a problem with a solution, or describe a situation with cause and effect. Expository writing has a clear purpose: to educate the reader. This style persuades readers through observations and experiences through simple text and illustrative techniques. Early elementary students learn through identifying and observing text.
Reading Expository Passages will enable your student to:
- Explain to the instructor and understand the reading passages.
- Understand the author's point of view and determine whether they agree or disagree!
- Learn to evaluate evidence, opinion, and accuracy.
Reading with Comprehension Strategies: Expository Reading for Grades 3 - 5
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday – Nov 27 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 22 | Feb 5, 12, 26 | Mar 4
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 Minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: 11
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 20 - $210
Expository writing primarily aims to provide factual information about a particular topic, subject, method, or concept. It serves as a means to explain information, encompassing various forms such as reports, essays, and magazine articles. In contrast to creative writing, such as fiction, expository writing focuses on delivering factual content, making it the language of learning and understanding the world around us.
In this course, students will read descriptive reading passages where characteristics, traits, and examples define topics. Essays outline a series of steps needed to complete a task or produce something and will also be covered. Comparative/contrast passages will demonstrate how two or more subjects are the same and different. Cause/effect will describe how one step leads to a result. Problem/solution presents a problem with possible solutions backed by data and facts, and Classification reading material breaks down a broad topic into groupings. Your student will get a chance to sample all four expository writing pieces. Students will determine if the reading is factual or fictional and be able to cite evidence from the text to prove their theories.
Reading with Comprehension Strategies course will enable your student to:
- Identify four subtopics of expository writing.
- Understand and annotate various types of writing and attempt to comprehend details.
- Begin to cite accurate evidence in writing practice for cohesion and sophistication.
WordSMASH! for Grades 3-5: Reading and Word Fun
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talentnook Writing Academy, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 13, 20
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: P5
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 24 - $210
Ignite your child’s creativity and love for language and reading with this jam-packed, engaging play-on-word course.
WORDSMASH! is packed with a great reading theme each week from Food Day to Animal Day, complete word games, wacky and humorous prompts, rhymes, hilarious jokes, nonsense words, humorous scenarios, absurd plots, homophones, puns, and reading ridiculous possibilities with everything in between to name a few. We offer activities such as "design your own nonsense words" and "read silly stories with laughable endings " that encourage giggles. Our collaborative and lively environment provides the perfect foundation for kids to unleash their creativity to read, listen, laugh, and ponder to let their words flow. Be prepared; this course is extremely entertaining, and your kids might tell you everything that happened.
Each student creates a personal folder filled with their creations, including jokes, crossword puzzles, word hunts, rhymes, limericks, scrambled words, silly sagas, funny situations, and interesting tidbits, all while leaving room for the simple pleasure of reading a favorite, whimsical book and smiling some more.
WORDSMASH will enable your student to:
- Develop thinking skills in a relaxed environment by reading tidbits, funny words, phrases, and suggestions.
- Read about entertaining thoughts and grandiose ideas that only an elementary child can imagine.
- Complete their own language projects in illustrative ways to use and learn language freely.
Get ready to giggle and laugh out loud with your children - it's contagious!
Writing with Comprehension Strategies - Expository Writing for Primary Grades
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talentnook Writing Academy, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Day/Dates: Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 13, 20
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: 15
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 23 - $210
In this writing course, students improve their grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary through reading passages and direct instructor input. The ingredients of language arts, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and reading are developed to create better writers.
Students attempt to organize their thoughts into words and sentences and understand information through pictures and reading.
Students use previous skills taught in the classroom and continue to reflect their own opinions in popular children’s nonfiction reading passages. Advanced critical thinking skills become more fluid and organized. Communication through context grows as students develop strategies for engaging in conversations and class discussions, leading to articulate writing. Students write in a harmonious atmosphere to enhance their understanding of text and discussion.
Students develop new strategies for writing skills. Through language, vocabulary, and writing practice, students focus on developing thought and improving writing with confidence, understanding, and interest.
Writing with Comprehension Strategies course will enable your student to:
- Identify the specific purpose at a basic level.
- Develop advanced vocabulary, grammar, and language skills for academic writing.
- Write more detailed responses from non-fiction reading passages.
Writing with Comprehension Strategies - Expository Writing for Grades 3-5
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.
Instructor: Talentnook Writing Academy, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 14, 21
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: 11
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 29 - $210
In this writing course, students improve their grasp of grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and the use of language with engaging reading passages and direct instructor input. The ingredients of language arts, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and reading are developed to create better readers and writers in this academic course. Students benefit from reading a variety of different points of view.
Through varied and interactive reading passages, students learn to compare and contrast different points of view, author’s tone, figurative language, opinions, and facts presented in educational literature. Informational text is analyzed with reading and writing strategies for accuracy and speed for the later stage at the elementary level.
Students build skills by conversing on grade-level topics and reading texts with supporting details. Textual information is presented with engaging questions discussed in class, which leads to better descriptive writing. With greater understanding, writing builds confidence and awareness.
Writing with Comprehension Strategies course will enable your student to:
- Decode figurative language and use evidence when writing.
- Understand the difference between fact, opinion, and theme for writing.
- Write with clarity of textual meaning at their grade levels.