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 TK through to 5th Grade. Below is the list of courses we are offering at Dougherty 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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Café Art: Creative Art Journaling Adventure
Instructor: Jean Wright from Café Art
Grade Levels: 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: 9
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After November 19 - $215
Join us for an exciting session where creativity and self-expression come to life! In our Fall After-School Art and Journaling Class, students will dive into the world of journaling, scrapbooking, and imaginative art projects. This class is designed to help children explore creative and artistic ways to journal their hopes, feelings, memories, and goals while crafting personal art pieces.
There is no "right way" to do art or journaling, making this class a perfect space for kids to freely express themselves. Art journaling is all about the process of being creative, whether it's ugly, pretty, messy, neat, silly, profound, quiet, loud, sad, happy, or expressive—all without judgment.
Students are encouraged to bring their own photos (4x6 or smaller) to document events in their lives or incorporate them into their art projects. Throughout the session, students will create their own art journal and learn techniques such as collage, stamping, and metal art. This class promises a fun, engaging, and enriching experience for all young artists!
Journaling helps to encourage self-confident but also with communication skills, creativity, emotional well-being, memory, self awareness and literacy.
Chess Academy for Kids
Instructor: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday – Dec 6, 13 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3.12pm
Room: 19
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After November 22 - $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 - Intermediate Level
Instructor: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday – Dec 6, 13 | Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 | Feb 7, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3.12pm
Room: 11
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After November 22 - $218
This class is specially designed for kids with a good understanding of a checkmate and basic knowledge of chess tactics (forks, pins, discovered check).
The main goal of the program for intermediate students is to introduce basic chess strategies, and teach children how to overcome obstacles and understand various positions. Children will be able to develop a variety of skills that can be applied to everyday life including problem-solving, concentration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Lessons consist of chess instructions, tournament games, and analysis. Students are provided with all necessary equipment for lessons- boards, pieces, clocks, and demonstration tools. Each participant receives individual recommendations on how to improve playing skills and get ready for tournaments.
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
Code to Play
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: TK, K - 1
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Dec 3, 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4
Sessions: 8 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 19 - $228
Children will explore the wonderful world of coding and logical thinking using physical tiles (no screen time) to make their bot move, sing, dance, and create beautiful artwork. Coding concepts such as; sequences, loops, and subroutines will be introduced through fun projects around treasure hunts and exploration. This fundamental coding course has been designed by CompuChild’s outstanding team members with a Ph.D. in engineering, children’s librarian, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). We are one of the two national children’s education franchises that are ‘STEM Certified’ by Cognia.
Creative Art Explorations: Unleash Your Inner Artist!
Instructor: Veena Bobba, Dougherty Special Aid Teacher
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Dec 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | March 3
Sessions: 8 sessions x 75 minutes
Time: 3:05pm - 4:20pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 18 - $210
In this hands-on course, students will dive into a variety of artistic techniques while expressing their creativity through different mediums. Over the course, they will develop and refine their artistic skills in sketching, painting, and blending colors. The activities are designed to encourage self-expression, originality, and the exploration of new techniques. Each session will offer opportunities for experimentation with different art supplies and and tools, fostering a deeper understanding of art while having fun. Some of the activities will be:
- Freehand Sketching: Learn to sketch objects and scenes without the use of stencils, focusing on technique and creativity.
- Rock Painting: Turn ordinary rocks into colorful works of art using paints and brushes.
- Oil Pastels Blending: Discover how to color and blend with oil pastels to create smooth transitions and vibrant artwork.
- Acrylic Paint Techniques: Learn the basics of blending and coloring using acrylic paints to create dynamic and layered pieces.
- Watercolor Mastery: Practice blending colors with watercolors to produce beautiful, soft transitions and gradients.
- Imaginary Art Creation: Take on the challenge of sketching and coloring based on a creative description provided by the teacher, stimulating imagination and innovation.
- Canvas Art: Select oil pastels, acrylic paints, or watercolors to create a unique artwork on canvas.
- Timed Art Competition: Showcase your creativity and skills under timed conditions, followed by a presentation of your final sketch on canvas.
This course provides a fun and engaging environment for all skill levels, offering students a chance to explore their artistic side and build confidence in their creative abilities.
Dynamic Dougherty’s Readers Book Club
Instructor: Ms Lina Barakat, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Dec 3, 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 15
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 19 - $210
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling literary journey?
Join our Young Readers' Book Club for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, where each class is an adventure into the magical realms of books! Dive into captivating stories filled with adventure, mystery, and fantasy, and unlock the doors to endless imagination and critical thinking.
In our club, you'll meet fellow book lovers and embark on fun, thought-provoking discussions that bring stories to life. Imagine solving puzzles like a detective, embarking on quests like a hero, and exploring enchanted worlds—all through the pages of a book!
But that's not all! We’ll have exciting activities like book-themed games, creative arts and crafts. Each book we choose will take you on a new adventure, keeping you thrilled and excited about reading every time.
Our goal is to make reading fun, spark your imagination, and help you see stories in a whole new way. So grab your favorite book and join us for an unforgettable literary adventure!
Entrepreneurship, Finance & Public Speaking Combo Session
Instructor: Gurus Education, East Bay
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6
Sessions: 8 sessions x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 – 3:20pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $218 After November 21 - $228
An excellent combo program!!
Kids will learn to present confidently and write effectively in 6 steps. They will develop public speaking & leadership skills to provide reasoning and evidence on thought provoking topics.
Learning the concepts of money management will help students better understand the elements of personal finance, value of saving wisely & budgeting effectively. They will acquire the knowledge of entrepreneurship by creating step-by-step plans and present a New Business Project!
It will be a fun, effective and invigorating session!
Game Development
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Nov 18 | Dec 2, 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | Mar 3
Sessions: 10 classes x 90 minutes
Time: 3:05pm - 4:35pm
Room: 8
Tuition: Early Bird - $325 After No9vember 4 - $335
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.
Innovative Writing: A STEAM-Inspired English Program
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: Tuesday - Nov 19 | Dec 3, 10, 17 | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Feb 4, 11
Sessions: 10 sessions x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4.05pm
Room: 19
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After November 5 - $240
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.
Lando Creative Coding with Scratch - 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 | Mar 3
Sessions: 10 classes x 90 mins
Time: 3:05 - 4:35pm
Room: 120
Tuition: Early Bird - $375 After November 4 - $385
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.
LEGO® Robotics
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 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: P6
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 6 - $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 Lego Robotics course.
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Nov 20 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5, 12
Sessions: 10 sessions x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: P6
Tuition: Early Bird - $218 After November 6 - $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.
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: 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: 12
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After November 7 - $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: Wednesday - Nov 20 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22 ,29 | Feb 5
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: Field
Tuition: Early Bird - $225 After November 6 - $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: Wednesday - Nov 20 | Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22 ,29 | Feb 5
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: Field
Tuition: Early Bird - $225 After November 6 - $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.
Spanish Safari: Sing, Rhyme, Play, and Write! 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, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Dec 4, 11, 18 | Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5, 12, 19
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After November 20 - $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.
NEW!! STEM Adventures with K'NEX: Build, Create, Explore!
Instructor: Mr Giovanni Crotti, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday - Nov 21 | Dec 5, 12, 19 | Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 | Feb 6, 20, 27
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05pm - 3:05pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After November 7 - $210
Does your child love building and creating? Do they dream of designing skyscrapers, building machines, or inventing the next big thing? In our STEM Adventures with K'NEX class, students will step into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on activities!
This course is designed to inspire young minds by combining creativity with real-world STEM concepts. Using K'NEX building sets, students will engage in a variety of exciting challenges—from constructing towering skyscrapers to creating vehicles that move. With each project, they’ll learn about engineering principles, simple machines, and the forces that make things work, all while developing essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Throughout the course, students will:
- Explore engineering by building bridges, towers, and machines.
- Learn about forces and motion as they design and test their own moving vehicles.
- Dive into the world of gears and levers, discovering how simple machines power complex creations.
- Tackle engineering challenges that promote teamwork and innovation.
- Let their imaginations run wild in open-ended building sessions, where they can design and construct their own creative models.
Whether your child is a budding inventor or simply loves to build, this class will provide them with a unique opportunity to turn their ideas into reality while gaining a deeper understanding of the STEM concepts that shape our world.
Why Choose This Class?
- Hands-on, project-based learning.
- Encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Builds confidence as students complete fun, achievable engineering challenges.
- Perfect for elementary-aged students who love to explore, create, and invent.
Each week brings a new adventure, and by the end of the course, your child will have built multiple creations they’ll be proud of—and gained the confidence and skills to keep exploring the exciting world of STEM! Let’s spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators—sign up today for STEM Adventures with K'NEX!
Winter Wonders: Discovering Nature’s Secrets in the Cold Season
Instructor: Mr John Price, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Nov 18 | Dec 2, 9, 16 | Jan 13, 27 | Feb 3, 10, 24 | Mar 3
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 11/Garden
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After November 4 - $210
In this fun and interactive class, students will discover the wonders of nature during the winter season! They will learn about the unique plants that grow in cooler climates and how to create and care for a winter garden. Through activities like planting hardy winter vegetables (like kale, carrots, and spinach), mulching, and learning about composting, students will develop important gardening skills. They’ll also observe how different plants adapt to the cold, participate in nature-themed art projects, and explore the role of insects and animals in the winter garden ecosystem.
Each class combines indoor lessons with outdoor exploration, allowing children to learn about soil health, plant care, and sustainability while embracing the beauty of nature during the colder months.
WordSMASH! For Grades K-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, Certified Instructors
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: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: 25
Tuition: Early Bird - $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.
Enrollment Open