Murray Elementary School
We are offering a dynamic selection of courses available from Kindergarten through to 5th Grade.
Hello Murray 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 Kindergarten through to 5th Grade. Below is the list of courses we are offering at Murray Elementary.
Monday Classes
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Tuesday Classes
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Wednesday Classes
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Thursday Classes
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Friday Classes
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Actors’ Workshop!
Instructor: Professional Actors from Kenn Adams Synergy Theater
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 20, 27
Sessions: 10 sessions x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: K4
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 21 - $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.
Art Integration-Blending STEM and Creativity - For Grades 1-5
Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook 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
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Dec 3, 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4, 11, 18
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: B3
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After November 19 - $240
This innovative curriculum seamlessly blends Science, Math, Engineering, and endless Fun with the power of artistic expression, offering students a holistic learning experience that ignites curiosity and fosters innovation. Through hands-on projects, collaborative activities, and creative lessons, students will explore STEM concepts with an artistic twist. Each class features engaging themes, encouraging learning, discussion, and plenty of artistic expression.
From understanding rainforest’s ecology or mountain layers to exploring buoyancy or chemical reactions, our instructors show that everything can be expressed through art. Students will bring concepts to life using paints, markers, 3D structures, playdough and more.
Art Integration: Blending STEM and Creativity will help students:
- Inspire curiosity and bridge the gap between analytical thinking and artistic innovation.
- Cultivate critical thinking through creative problem-solving.
- Gain a holistic understanding of STEM concepts by exploring them through scientific and creative lenses.
Join us for a semester of fun, exploration, and ten exciting projects that will inspire and empower your child!
Beginning Typing
Instructor: Ms. Sara Phillips, Murray Teacher
Grade Level: 1– 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Nov 21 | Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 20
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 2.05pm - 3.05pm
Room: B6
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 7 - $210
This course is a beginning course for students who need to learn basic typing skills. It will cover proper finger placement for typing so students can move away from pecking at the keys. This class will be fun and engaging and will include typing games to practice their new skills! Typing lessons are now not offered in the classrooms, this is a great time to help your students learn!
Beginning Typing is open to students whether they’ve taken typing before or not as we can work with students who are just beginning their typing journey or those who already have some typing experience. Students can always improve their typing skills and speed with additional practice.
Calling All Muggles for Challenge Island’s All-New WIZARDRY PARTY Class!
Instructor: Challenge Island
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5
Sessions: 8 classes x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:20pm
Room: K5
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 20 - $288
Step into a world of magic with our spellbinding STEAM challenges! At Wizardry Party Class, you’ll craft your very own magic wand, navigate the mystical STEAMbots Bank, find a way through enchanted mazes all while sharpening their problem-solving and critical thinking skills!
Next up, it's time for the Chocolate Frog Races—a thrilling dash through the wizarding world that uncovers the magic behind forces and motion. Finally, mix up some mystical fun with the Dragon Toothpaste Activity and unlock the secrets of chemical reactions in this hands-on potion-making adventure.
Each magical challenge will unlock the secrets of science, from bubbling chemical reactions to the forces behind flying broomsticks!
It’s a class full of adventure, hands-on learning, and fantastical fun as we bring the world of Harry Potter to life—STEAM-style! Don’t miss your chance to dive into the enchantment of STEAM-WARTS Class!
Chess Academy for Kids (Tuesday)
Instructors: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesdays – Dec 3, 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4, 11, 18
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After November 19 - $218
Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy! Offered to all levels (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) this program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, cultivate champion psychology, stay focused, and make new friends.
Each lesson consists of interactive instructions, analysis, and tournament games during which students play against each other. Lessons are fun and easy to follow and include individual instructions to practice at home. Kids are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons (boards, pieces, clocks, demonstration tools).
Additional online sessions (two per semester) will help students to improve their skills and become decent chess players in no time. In-person tournaments are organized at the end of each semester- all participants get trophies! Our students can enjoy a FREE application PACIFIC CHESS ACADEMY, easily downloadable from AppStore, to play against friends or computers, solve puzzles and participate in online tournaments. The Leaderboard allows parents to monitor their children’ progress.
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.
Chess Academy for Kids (Wednesday)
Instructors: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Nov 20 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5, 12
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After November 6 - $218
Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy! Offered to all levels (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) this program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, cultivate champion psychology, stay focused, and make new friends.
Each lesson consists of interactive instructions, analysis, and tournament games during which students play against each other. Lessons are fun and easy to follow and include individual instructions to practice at home. Kids are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons (boards, pieces, clocks, demonstration tools).
Additional online sessions (two per semester) will help students to improve their skills and become decent chess players in no time. In-person tournaments are organized at the end of each semester- all participants get trophies! Our students can enjoy a FREE application PACIFIC CHESS ACADEMY, easily downloadable from AppStore, to play against friends or computers, solve puzzles and participate in online tournaments. The Leaderboard allows parents to monitor their children’ progress.
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.
Creatif - Clay Workshop
Instructor: Creatif Art Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Dec 3, 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4
Sessions: 8 classes x 75 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:20pm
Room: F1
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After November 19 - $215
Join the Creatif - Clay Workshop, where imagination meets craftsmanship! In this hands-on class, participants will dive into the versatile world of clay artistry. From sculpting and molding to shaping and detailing, students will create art using clay. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, join us as we explore the endless possibilities of clay and create stunning works of art together!
Creatif: Drawing and Painting
Instructor: Creatif Art Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 5
Day/Dates: Friday - Dec 6, 13 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 21
Sessions: 8 classes x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:20pm
Room: K5
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After November 22 - $215
Join us for an exciting and interactive drawing and painting class tailored specifically for young artists. Through this fun session they will be introduced to basic drawing and painting skills. They'll have the opportunity to express themselves artistically, creating vibrant artworks.
No prior experience required as this class is designed to inspire creativity and foster a love for art. Join us as we embark on a colorful journey of self-expression and creativity! Enroll your child today to ignite their passion for drawing and painting.
Innovative Writing: A STEM-Inspired English Program for Grades 1-5
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: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Nov 20 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5, 12
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: D4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After November 6 - $240
This program enhances writing skills by integrating project-based, hands-on, and visual experiences grounded in STEM themes, providing students with a solid foundation for their writing development. Students in Grades 1-5 will experience those “WOW! Moments” that arise from an engaging STEM learning environment in the classroom.
They will then draw on these visual experiences to create unique and expressive pieces of writing that reflect their individual perspectives.
Each lesson features an interactive STEM demonstration, during which students explore the science and math behind concepts such as chemical reactions, aerodynamics, bubbles, balloons, catapults, and more. Following each demo, students articulate their experiences in writing, helping them enhance their descriptive and explanatory writing skills.
By the end of the program, students will have gained foundational STEM knowledge and improved their ability to communicate complex ideas, laying a solid groundwork for future academic and personal success. The Innovative Writing Program will empower your student to:
- Engage in Hands-On Learning:Participate in interactive STEM activities to explore scientific concepts.
- Enhance Writing Skills: Improve their ability to express complex ideas through visual learning and structured writing.
- Develop Critical Thinking: Solve real-world problems, enhancing analytical skills and understanding of relevance.
Keys to Becoming a Confident Inspirational Presenter & Creative Writer!
Instructor: Gurus Education Certified Teacher
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday – Dec 6, 13 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: B3
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 22 - $228
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!!
Lando Creative Coding with Scratch - 2 hours
Instructor: Lando Trained Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 3
Day/Dates: Friday - Dec 6, 13 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 classes x 2 hours
Time: 2:05 - 4:05pm
Room: B7
Tuition: Early Bird - $400 After November 22 - $410
Our classes are designed to engage both new and experienced coders. Instead of your typical coding puzzles, students learn by creating a variety of mini-games. They’ll master key concepts — such as sequencing, variables, conditionals, and events — all while enjoying the process of building games for themselves and their friends. We provide laptops loaded with our custom, distraction-free version of Scratch and send regular updates to keep parents informed about each student’s progress.
Lando LEGO Engineering & Design Thinking Class - 90 mins
Instructor: Lando Trained Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 3
Day/Dates: Monday - Nov 18 | Dec 2, 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | March 3
Sessions: 10 classes x 90 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:35pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird - $375 After November 4 - $385
Lando classes teach students the skills needed to solve real world engineering problems without relying on step by step instructions. Our unique classes give students the freedom to explore their own solutions to engineering problems, while our expert teachers guide them with tactical hints and suggestions, as well as explanations of core engineering and design concepts. This approach allows them to gain early exposure to complex concepts and ideas, while developing mental toughness and perseverance. In each class students will utilize legos to solve a specific engineering or design challenge (e.g., building a bridge, dome, elevator, catapult, train.) These challenges include distinct levels (bridge holds 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 35+ pounds) to keep students engaged and allow them to progress at their own pace.
LEGO® Robotics
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Days/Dates: Thursday – Nov 21 | Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 20
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: D4
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 7 - $228
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: Beyond the Basics
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 this Advanced Lego Robotics course.
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday - Nov 21 | Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 20
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: D4
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 7 - $228
This unit will develop your students' understanding of computer science as they create sequences and loops, decompose problems, and improve programs to meet specific needs. They'll investigate ways of accurately describing the decisions they've made when creating a program, carry out fair tests, and develop their ability to generate and debug multiple solutions. Your students will recount experiences using relevant facts and descriptive details. This will help them to improve their communication skills.
They will build river ferries, swamp boats, cable carts etc. by using LEGO pieces and program these LEGO figures to perform various actions.
Magical Murray Book Club
Instructor: Angieleque “Ms. Angie” Ollendorf, Murray Media Tech
Grade Level: 1 – 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Nov 19 | Dec 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4, 11
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 min
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm (New end time)
Room: C3
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 5 - $210
Calling all story enthusiasts! Do you like getting lost in a story but never have someone to talk to about the books? Join Ms. Angie on a magical adventure as we read and talk about amazing books. Enhance your student’s comprehension and create lifelong readers with fun stories and activities. Students will participate in group activities and meaningful round table discussions where they can share their feelings and thoughts with their peers in a safe and non- judgmental environment. All students will receive a book to keep. This course is open to grades 1st through 5th and students will be grouped by reading levels. Come join our adventures in reading!
Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies: Expository Writing For Grades 1-5
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: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Nov 18 | Dec 2, 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | March 3
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: B3
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 13th - $240
This program aims to enhance students' reading comprehension and writing skills through a focused approach to expository writing. Each week, students will engage with relevant texts such as how-to guides, comparison and descriptive essays, cause-and-effect essays, and problem-solution essays.
Our young learners will be engaged entirely in themes like "The Perfect Ice Cream Sundae," "How to Make a Taco," "Oranges vs. Apples," and "Traditional vs. Digital Books", to name a few. They will learn to identify main ideas, make inferences, and summarize essential information using strategies like organizing their thoughts, articulating ideas clearly, and effectively communicating information to others. Key elements of this process include maintaining an objective tone, ensuring a clear structure, and emphasizing clarity and precision in their writing.
Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies will enable your student to:
- Analyze texts, identify key ideas, and make informed inferences, strengthening overall comprehension skills.
- Express their thoughts through structured expository writing strategies, enhancing writing proficiency.
- Connect reading to writing through interactive themed lessons.
Soccer Stars! K-2
Soccer Stars is open for repeat enrollment, so students can join again and again and learn different skills at each session!
Instructor: Professional Coaches from Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Grade Level: K - 2
Day/Dates: Monday - Dec 2, 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | March 3
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: Blacktop
Tuition: Early Bird - $225 After November 4 - $235
At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as the vehicle to help children improve their soccer skills, build self-confidence in the game of soccer and life, and learn what it means to be a good teammate both on and off the field.
Our curriculum was developed by early childhood educators and soccer professionals. Our structured classes teach soccer FUNdamentals through imagination and play--each class has a theme (i.e. the beach, outer space, race track) which makes learning fun! Our coaches are patient and a ton of fun; they not only love working with children, but also enjoy developing these skills in a nurturing and non-competitive environment!
In our K-2nd program, the primary focus is body movement with the ball. Your child will be introduced to juggling, concepts of teammates and teamwork, and other skill-building activities that work on dribbling techniques, shooting, turning with the ball, defending, and other moves that promote confidence with the ball.
*Each child will receive a Super Soccer Stars Medal at the end of the season.
Note: If your child is enrolled in EDCC please complete and turn in the required EDCC form allowing them to release your child to the Soccer Stars instructor. Otherwise, parents will need to bring their students back to school to attend this afternoon class.
Soccer Stars! Grades 3 - 5
Soccer Stars is open for repeat enrollment, so students can join again and again and learn different skills at each session!
Instructor: Professional Coaches from Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Dec 2, 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | March 3
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: Blacktop
Tuition: Early Bird - $225 After November 4 - $235
At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as the vehicle to help children improve their soccer skills, build self-confidence in the game of soccer and life, and learn what it means to be a good teammate both on and off the field.
Our curriculum was developed by early childhood educators and soccer professionals. Our structured classes teach soccer FUNdamentals through imagination and play--each class has a theme (i.e. the beach, outer space, race track) which makes learning fun! Our coaches are patient and a ton of fun; they not only love working with children, but also enjoy developing these skills in a nurturing and non-competitive environment!
In our 3rd-5th grade program, players will improve their creative capacity through technical skill development and small-sided games. This allows for freedom of expression with the ball—a vital concept is emphasized with the introduction of 1v1 dribbling and defending games. The addition of opponents allows the player to make decisions under pressure. High repetition ball control activities help each player become more proficient with the ball.
*Each child will receive a Super Soccer Stars Medal at the end of the season.
WordSMASH! For Grades K-2
Instructor: Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level: K - 2
Day/Dates: Friday - Dec 6, 13 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05pm - 3:12pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After November 22 - $240
WordSMASH! for grades K-2 is designed to combine education with excitement, transforming language exploration into an exhilarating adventure for young learners. This dynamic course offers a variety of interactive word games, challenges, and activities that encourage students to think critically and express their creativity. Each week features a unique theme, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm as students delve into topics such as Seasons and their key characteristics, including Fall/Autumn, Acorns, Pumpkins, Spring, Flowers, Winter, Snow, and more.
Through these engaging activities, students will expand their vocabulary, improve their spelling, and develop essential language skills in a fun and collaborative environment. The thematic approach not only injects fresh energy into each day but also nurtures a love for language while promoting teamwork, discussion, and communication. WordSMASH! empowers students to become confident language users, making every lesson an exciting journey into the world of words.
WordSMASH! will enable your child to:
- Enhance their vocabulary and language skills through engaging activities.
- Foster creativity and critical thinking as they explore the nuances of language.
- Enjoy learning through fun and interactive games and exploration.
Questions or Comments
We are here to help. Please contact us with questions or feedback.
Main Office
(925) 587-5610
Angela Clifford
Program & Marketing Director
(925) 587-5614
angela@dpie.org
Lillian Radwan
Office Administrator
(925) 587-5611
lilli@dpie.org
Local, Qualified Teachers
Courses organized by local teachers with California Teaching Credentials.