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.
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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 – Aug 29 | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17, 24 | Nov 7, 14 added
Sessions: 9 sessions x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: F2
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After August 15th - $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: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: B3
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After August 13th - $240
This innovative curriculum seamlessly blends Science, Math, History, and Language Arts with the power of artistic expression, providing students with a holistic learning journey that ignites their curiosity and sparks innovation.
Students will embark on a dynamic exploration of STEM concepts through hands-on projects, collaborative activities, and interactive lessons, all infused with a creative twist. Each class session will revolve around a captivating theme, offering opportunities for learning, reading, discussions, idea sharing, and, of course, plenty of artistic expression.
From measuring and creating intricate designs with geometric math art, to building 3D models, exploring chemical reactions, understanding geological formations, and yet sharing their personal favorites, this class captivates students of all ages. Additionally, crafting Halloween-themed spiders and insects will also be a fun and engaging activity this fall semester.
Art Integration: Blending STEM and Creativity will enhance students to:
- Inspire curiosity and imagination, bridging the gap between analytical thinking and artistic innovation.
- Cultivate critical thinking skills by approaching STEM challenges with creative problem-solving strategies.
- Develop a holistic understanding of complex concepts by exploring them through both scientific and creative lenses.
Join us for this class brimming with fun, exploration, and enriching learning experiences that will inspire and empower your student.
Art of Public Speaking: Build Confidence & Charisma!!
Instructor: Gurus Education Certified Teacher
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday – Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: B7
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After August 16th - $210
Make your biggest fear, your greatest triumph!!
Our program will provide your child with the instruction, interaction, and practice to develop confidence and deliver compelling presentations with lesser anxiety. This class will not only teach non-verbal skills, but will also enhance their writing, critical thinking & communication skills. Kids will learn to make strong arguments through thought provoking topics, campaign speeches, and thru various activities.
We make learning EASY & FUN and prepare them for SUCCESS!!
Chess Academy for Kids (Tuesday)
Instructors: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesdays – Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After August 13th - $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 – Aug 28 | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Nov 6 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After August 14th - $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 - Drawing and Painting
Instructor: Creatif Art Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 5
Day/Dates: Friday - Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18 | Nov 8, 15
Sessions: 8 classes x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:20pm
Room: F1
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After August 23rd - $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.
Happy Traveler 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 Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday - Aug 29 | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17, 24 | Nov 7, 14 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: B3
Tuition: Early Bird - $215 After August 15th - $225
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.
Lando Creative Coding with Scratch - 2 hours
Instructor: Lando Trained Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 3
Day/Dates: Friday - Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 2 hours
Time: 2:05 - 4:05pm
Room: D4
Tuition: Early Bird - $400 After August 15th - $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 - Aug 26 | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21, 29 | Nov 4 added
Sessions: 8 classes x 90 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:35pm
Room: K4
Tuition: Early Bird - $340 After August 12th - $350
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 –Aug 29 | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17, 24 | Nov 7, 14 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: B4
Tuition: Early Bird - $215 After August 15th - $225
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.
Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies - Narrative Writing for Grades 1-2
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: Tuesday -Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: F1
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 13th - $240
It is never too early to start children on a path to reading for enjoyment and learning how to find important material in the text. Our Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies program developed with a theme of Narrative Writing for the fall semester for grades 1-2 allows children to read engaging passages with interest and accuracy, pulling out relevant information and developing a relationship with the text. The material is fun to read and encourages building a connection with the stories. Reading comprehension questions are designed to test understanding, while writing response questions foster student creativity.
Since writing skills are emerging at this age, teachers encourage students to draw and use illustrations to express their understanding. Learning to appreciate literature by listening, attempting to write, and creating through labeling and illustration is a win-win approach.
Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies will enable your child to:
- Listen, react, and illustrate the meaning of the text.
- Express main ideas and concepts about narrative texts through questions and responses.
- Engage in exploring the meanings behind literature.
Enroll your student in our Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies program to ignite their passion for reading and writing, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of literature.
Soccer Stars!
Instructor: Professional Coaches from Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Grade Level: K - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Aug 26 | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: Blacktop
Tuition: Early Bird - $225 After August 12th - $235
When school is done for the day, soccer is in! At Soccer Stars we teach the FUNdamentals of soccer in a non-competitive & nurturing environment. Our charismatic and dynamic coaches bring a cool blend of soccer skills, talents, and backgrounds to sprinkle extra fun and creativity. From practicing and playing small-sided games to skill development and team-building activities, our Super (soccer) Star line up has something for everyone!
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.
Spanish Safari: Sing, Rhyme, Play, and Write! 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: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday - Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: B3
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After August 16th - $240
"Spanish Safari: Sing, Rhyme, Play, and Write!" embarks on a fresh expedition through language and culture in the Fall season, tailored to captivate and educate students in Grades 1-5.
This immersive language program invites young learners to explore the depths of the Spanish language and its cultural richness. Guided by well-experienced teachers, the semester kick-starts with fundamental aspects like greetings, alphabets, numbers, and colors, laying the groundwork for a captivating learning journey.
Throughout the semester, students engage in stimulating projects that allow them to demonstrate their newfound language proficiency in imaginative and purposeful ways. These projects shine a spotlight on Spanish-speaking cultures and their unique traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for global diversity.
Spanish Safari will enable your student to:
- Foster cultural awareness, acceptance, and a keen appreciation for diverse viewpoints from around the globe.
- Sharpen problem-solving skills as they navigate through the intricacies of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction in a new language.
- Access a world of global opportunities in an increasingly interconnected society, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.
STEAM Slime-tastic Adventures
Instructor: Challenge Island
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Aug 28 | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Nov 6 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: D4
Tuition: Early Bird - $208 After August 14th - $218
In this bestselling Slimetopia sequel, the world is being taken over by slime! Join a crew of STEAM Teammates and dive into the ooey-gooey excitement of our 9-week STEAM enrichment program, featuring 3 weeks of mind-blowing slime recipes.
Calling all innovative and inventive kids to an adventure in STEAM and entrepreneurship! You and your STEAM Team will design, create, and open new businesses every day: From PIZZApreneur Day and SWEETrepreneur Day to SLIMEtrepreneur Day, PETrepreneur Day.
Did you know that engaging in STEAM activities can significantly boost academic achievement and cognitive development? Our STEAM Slime-tastic Adventures class combines the thrill of creating slime with the educational benefits of STEAM learning and entrepreneurship. This unique program will spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in young minds.
Get ready to mix up an amazing array of internationally-inspired slimes, from Italian Pizza Slime and Ghana Chocolate Slime to Boba Slime. Each session is packed with squishy, squashy, and sensational fun that’s guaranteed to captivate and inspire.
This slime adventure is sure to sell out in a flash, so book your spot today and don’t miss out on the slimy fun!