Description B-ball continues at PS 154! Due to the cold and dark conditions in the evening, the winter session only has first session basketball clubs which are held in the school yard or in the cafeteria during inclement weather. Each section will focus on continued skill-building, scrimmaging, rules of the game, and sports etiquette. Please choose the class that corresponds to your child’s gender preference and grade level.

Instructors Former New York City high school basketball players John Moskowitz and John McGouran head up our Basketball for All and Basketball for Boys clubs.

Neomi Province leads our Basketball for Girls program. She is an After School Kindergarten instructor and DOE para who is studying to become a certified P.E. teacher. She brings energy, joy, warmth, and compassion to all of her teaching endeavors.

Description In this electrifying STEM class, children dive headfirst into the world of circuit design and electricity, creating everything from their very own radio and magnetic switch to fused motors, sirens, music players, portable fans, and more. Kodely’s hands-on approach will spark children’s curiosity as they explore the fascinating world of hardware by building their very own contraptions. New and repeat students welcome!

Instructor PS 154 is thrilled to welcome Kodely to our program. Started by a mother-daughter duo with over 25+ years of experience in the tech industry, Kodely was founded with the goal of teaching students the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. The goal at Kodely is to provide students with not only career and academic skills, but soft skills that are needed for the modern workplace. Kodely strives to develop agile students that will be able to succeed through adversity.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description Each week, Sara will lead students through hands-on cooking and baking lessons to prepare delicious, healthy food. Students will learn how to read a recipe, use kitchen tools safely, and how to measure accurately. The class will delve into food science behind the recipes to learn about where their plant-based ingredients come, how and where their food grows, and how different ingredients interact in the cooking and baking process. Look forward to black bean brownies, homemade pesto, kataifi, and so much more!

Instructor Sara Hepburn has taught children’s enrichment classes in art, food education and cooking to students all over New York City. She enjoys learning about growing food and the natural world, and loves sharing her enthusiasm with her students.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description What started as a popular impromptu Halloween dance with Ms. Jenny in the MMR is becoming a club! Children will begin each class with a warm up to learn proper form, stretching, and foundational dance techniques. They will progress to across the floor exercises and movement. The class will learn a different dance routine every few weeks which will culminate in a showcase for the children who would like to perform.

Instructor Jennifer Hopkins is a former professional dancer trained in ballet, modern, and musical theater. She has performed nationally and internationally and has taught dance to all ages and levels for 10 years. She is also the founding director of A Playdate Everyday, a PS 154 alumni parent, and has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Photography is the art of capturing light and telling stories. It is a great way for kids to tap into their imaginations and get creative. In these introductory classes, students will learn about different styles of photography, light and shade, the rule of thirds, and the 3 essentials of photography. On nice days, the class might explore our beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood through the lens. On cold weather days, the classes will stay inside to work on still life and portraits. Students will learn editing techniques, choose their favorite image to print, and frame it to take home.

This is a BYOC (bring your own camera) club. Children are welcome to use smart phones or digital cameras. All smart phones will need to be turned off and stowed in backpacks during the school day and used in Airplane mode during class. For children who do not have access to a camera from home, please email Heather Swain (hswain.ps154@gmail.com) to arrange for a camera to be provided during the club.

Instructor  Doug Keljikian has been a magazine photographer since the 1980s and an elementary public school teacher in New York City since 2009. He loves exploring the city through the camera lens.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description Children in this club will be introduced to basic engineering concepts and design process through engaging, hands-on activities. They will explore real world problems and brainstorm solutions to questions such as How can we use renewable energy to power things in our world? How can we build strong bridges? What makes up an electrical circuit? How can we use block programming to power a simple robot? Topics covered will include sustainable energy, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and robotics. Each week, children will work on projects such as solar panel grasshoppers, wind turbines, miniature catapults, paper towel tube marble rollercoasters, basic robots and more!

Instructors Brooklyn Latin High School juniors Matilda Curley, Leyli Atajanova, Christina Dong and Sayeeda Saima are thrilled to bring their enthusiasm for engineering concepts and projects to the children at PS 154.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description Star gazers and planetary travelers are invited to join Ms. Donato to explore the solar system. This club will take learners on a deep dive into the Milky Way. Each week, children will learn about a different planet, asteroid belt, or other objects on a journey around our sun. Through lively discussion, group research, beautiful books, and hands-on projects, this club will bring the solar system to life.  

Instructor Barbara Donato, our beloved PS 154 Physical Education teacher, has a penchant for the planets that she’s excited to share with our After School students.

NOTE: Students on the fall wait list will receive priority registration for the New Student class on Wednesday.

Description Oui, oui, madame! Non, non, monsieur! Ever think of going to Paris? Want to study French in middle school? In this fun and interactive language class, children will learn basics of speaking French through games and stories. Organized into weekly vocabulary units about animals, members of your family, comics, the Olympics, and food among other things, this class will encourage word recognition, pronunciation, and ease of speaking for 3rd - 5th graders.

Instructor  Matt Reeck started speaking French in fifth grade and hasn't stopped yet. He is a French-English translator and teaches French at St John's University. A year teaching kids at an English afterschool program in Seoul convinced him he likes teaching more than just about anything. 

Description In these small group classes (limited to 5 students), kids will develop foundational guitar skills, cultivate their musical potential, and discover the freedom of making the guitar sing. They will learn to play melodies, chords, solos, and full songs, while collaborating with peers to develop basic musical skills. The new students course is designed for beginners with little or no guitar playing experience. Kids in the returning students classes will work on more advanced techniques and more challenging songs. Lessons are comprehensive and will cater to the individual needs and learning styles of each student. New and repeat students welcome.

Children in the first pre-session club from 2:30pm - 3:15pm will be dismissed directly to the club from their school day classroom. They may sign up for a different first session club or extended day which begin at 3:15pm or be picked up in the MMR at 3:15pm.

NOTE: Students must provide their own guitar for this club. We recommend a 3/4 junior guitar with nylon strings.

Instructor Ty Chen is a multi-instrumentalist musician based in Brooklyn, New York. He has a passion for songwriting and musical arrangement, as well as anything guitar related. Ty’s expertise lies in guitar and bass, but he is also versed in drums and keyboards. He values passing on knowledge from his own guitar playing experience and embraces the oral tradition of teaching.       

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description Keep active and stay warm with indoor sports this winter. Children will learn a variety of fun group games such as corn hole, bocce ball, badminton, giant connect four, human tic-tac-toe and more. As always, emphasis will be on skill-building and sports etiquette in this fun way to expend some pent up energy after a long day in school.

Instructor Ms. Donato, our beloved PS 154 P.E. teacher, brings her game-playing expertise and sense of fun to this club.

Inventors Lab Each week, children are presented with fresh challenges to solve real-life problems by designing and building their own inventions using recyclables, motors, LED lights, coin batteries, and parts from discarded electronics. Through this process, children learn the basics of simple machines, complex machines, and circuitry as they problem-solve their way toward making unique devices spurred by their imaginations.

Instructor Koko NYC is a South Slope, Brooklyn-based organization that brings imaginative programming to children in 25 schools throughout New York City. By using real tools and recycled materials in sustainability focused programs, children in Koko classes explore the intersection of tech, art, and environment. Empowered by Teaching Artists, Koko classes foster confidence in children to take risks, think big, and learn from failure.

Description Learn the traditional Japanese martial art from a master teacher! Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do means “Profound Reflections for Growth.” This ancient martial art provides physical fitness and self-defense in a fun and disciplined way. Each class focuses on strength, stamina, balance, and speed. Children build confidence, discipline, and self respect. Most importantly, students will use karate-do as a platform for personal growth and development. New and repeat students are welcome!

Instructor All Classes taught by 6th Degree Black Belt and 2012 Martial Arts Hall of Fame SEI SHIHAN (Senior Master) Mel Ramsey.

Descriptions

Lego Design Thinkers In this imaginative LEGO journey, children will engage in the art of design thinking, crafting adorable robots, bringing friendly farm animals to life, and designing fantastic buildings. As they dive into brainstorming their own LEGO creations, they'll develop critical design thinking skills. The grand finale? They proudly showcase their work to their fellow explorers, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. New & repeat students welcome.

Lego Machine Magic In this LEGO workshop,students will delve into the exciting world of engineering and mechanics. They'll discover the secrets of axles, cams, cranks, and much more, unlocking essential skills that spark their creativity and problem-solving abilities.Through hands-on design thinking projects, they'll build machines that showcase their newfound knowledge. In each class children will share their latest creations and explain the engineering principles they've discovered.

Instructor Kodely was started by a mother-daughter duo with over 25+ years of experience in the tech industry. Their goal — teaching students the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century through fun and engaging STEM classes.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description Brooklyn Magic Shop's Magic Arts Program (www.BrooklynMagicShop.com) is designed to inspire aspiring magicians' magical interests. Students will learn the important foundations of close-up magic using cards, props, and everyday objects while incorporating the use of misdirection and sleight-of-hand. Students will also explore magic through STEAM-infused prop making and gain an understanding of character development, improvisation, and performance through the lens of magic. This course also magically builds confidence and independence, fine motor skills, presentation skills, observation skills, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning! By the end of the course, children will have the opportunity to confidently perform their own routine using all of the concepts learned and practiced during an optional student showcase.

Instructors Daniel Morales is one of the founders and owners of Brooklyn Magic Shop, a small family business devoted to all things magic. Outside of the shop, Daniel combines his background in magic and education to create unique magic learning experiences for children across New York City. 

Descriptions

Make a Musical: Wizard of Oz Let’s go “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” together in this as we reimagine the classic story. Red-Light-Green-Light takes us through a twister and into incredible lands. Get interviewed in a Munchkin talk-show about your special profession and how you really feel about the Witch. Led by professionally-trained actors, kids flex their imaginative muscles and learn the basics of vocal warm-ups, character development, singing and choreography. We’ll create a new play based on our adventures and sing songs from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked. Class culminates in a showcase for families.

Make a Musical: Pride Rock Come sing and dance to the rhythm of the pride lands! The savannah comes to life as students play as animals, birds, fish and insects as they work toward an original re-telling of the Lion King! Led by professionally-trained actors, kids flex their imaginative muscles and learn the basics of vocal warm-ups, character development, singing and choreography. The "cubs" go on a thrilling quest for the crown and perform a showcase at the end of the session.

Instructors Jocelyn Greene founded Child’s Play NY in 2009 as a way to transform theater education in her community.  She drew from her work as a student (MFA, NYU Graduate Acting, BA, Wesleyan University), an actor (The Public Theater, NYSF), and a teacher (Will Power to Youth, Oddfellows Playhouse, Epic Theater) to develop the rigorous curriculum and imagination-based games that ignite the program today. Child's Play staff is made up of professional working actors and musicians with a deep commitment to working with young people.

New & repeat students welcome!

Description Math Squad 2.0 is an exciting afterschool program designed for 2nd and 3rd graders to explore math through the power of play! Whether students are continuing from this fall’s Math Squad or joining for the first time, they’ll dive into math-focused board games, puzzles, and hands-on activities that reinforce skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, geometry, and critical thinking. With a relaxed, supportive environment, Math Squad 2.0 helps students build confidence and discover that math can be fun and rewarding through games and challenges.

Instructors Tom Sperduto began his career as a dedicated kindergarten, 3rd grade, and art teacher. After years in education, he transitioned to the culinary world and now slings lemon ricotta pancakes at Krupa Grocery.

Nick Raschella has been in education for over 25 years. Before co-owning Community Bookstore and Terrace Books, he supported teachers and schools in the NYC DOE and nationwide. He has a private academic counseling and tutoring practice in Windsor Terrace.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the fall waitlist. New & repeat students welcome!

Description All the news that’s fit to print… at PS 154! Children are invited to join two of our wonderful school day teachers, Ms. Varriale and Ms. Capua, to learn the ins and outs of non-fiction writing. Children will choose topics that interest them, do research, and create newspapers to share with the community… all while working on valuable literacy skills. Students from the fall session who would like to continue developing their non-fiction writing skills are welcome to join the class again.

Instructors Ms. Capua teaches 1st grade and Ms. Varriale teaches 2nd grade at PS 154.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description In this 3D art class, children will learn the Japanese art of paper folding to create their own origami projects as well as other paper art techniques such are kirie and sculpture.

Instructor Miyu Asakawa is a ceramicist, sculptor, and hair stylist from Japan.

NOTE: These classes are for children struggling with grade-level reading curriculum Registration is by grade level.

Description Fostering confidence and a love of reading will be the focus of these weekly small group help sessions. Children will play games and engage in activities (such as spelling dictation, sound manipulation using Scrabble tiles, and partner reading) that support their language-based classwork from the school day. Each child will be individually assessed to target areas of weakness and find opportunities for growth.

Instructor Heather Swain has a masters degree in education and has served as a private tutor and lead classroom teacher in Japanese public schools, Brooklyn Friends School, and most recently in her own microschool in Brooklyn. She has a keen interest in working with children who struggle with dyslexia and/or comprehension issues. She is also the author of 12 books for children and teens and can usually be found reading.

New & repeat students welcome!

Description Keep on rocking in the free world with the PS 154 Rock Band. Students will work on the rudiments of rock in a group setting. Drummers, percussionists, electric bass players, guitarists, keyboard players, and of course singers are welcome! Experience and your own instrument are a plus, but new players are welcome, too. If your child would like to join the band but does not have their own instrument, please email Barbara McGouran bmcgouranps154@gmail.com before registering.

Instructors Max Beirne-Shafer and Justin Fossella are both assistant instructors at PS 154 After School and avid musicians in their free time.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Descriptions

Lab is the middle name in these collaborative STEM classes from Kodely! Each week, children will work together to engage in hands-on activities thoughtfully aligned with grade-appropriate state science standards. Projects emphasize creativity and problem-solving.

2nd & 3rd grade projects include:

• Building Strong Structures: Students will use simple materials like straws, rubber bands, and paper to create bridges and towers, exploring principles of balance and structure (aligned with 2-PS1-2).

• Buoyant Boat Challenge: Using materials like foil, clay, and pennies, students will design boats that float and support weight, applying concepts of buoyancy and density (aligned with 2-PS1-1).

• Marble Roller Coasters: Students will use cardboard tubes and tape to construct roller coasters that allow marbles to travel through loops, ramps, and turns, learning about force and motion (aligned with 3-PS2-2).

For the 3rd-5th grade cohort, more complex concepts will be introduced while still utilizing accessible materials. Each project aligns with higher-level state-aligned standards:

• Wind-Powered Vehicles: Using recycled materials, students will design cars powered by wind (aligned with 3-PS2-4). They’ll experiment with different sizes of sails to see how the force of wind affects movement.

• Water Filtration Systems: Students will construct basic filtration systems using sand, gravel, and cloth to purify water, exploring concepts of earth materials and resource management (aligned with 4-ESS3-1).

• Chemical Reactions in Action: Students will create simple chemical reactions to inflate balloons using baking soda and vinegar, learning about properties and changes in matter (aligned with 5-PS1-4).

Each project will culminate in a “show-and-share” where students can present their creations and explain the science behind them.

Instructor Kodely was started by a mother-daughter duo with over 25+ years of experience in the tech industry. Their goal — teaching students the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century through fun and engaging STEM classes.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Descriptions

Scratch for 2nd - 5th graders (enrolled by grade level)
Scratch is an online coding platform and online community developed by MIT that is designed to teach kids to write code. In this club, children will create animations and games in order to learn basic programming skills such as loops and conditionals, and how to break complex ideas down into small steps. When projects are finished, students will have the opportunity to share them with the class and the online Scratch community, and receive constructive feedback from their peers.

Scratch Jr. for K & 1st
Using iPads, students will create interactive stories with Scratch Jr. — a coding program designed by MIT to introduce younger children to coding concepts. Students will learn basic programming concepts like loops and events, how to break complex ideas down into small steps and how to express themselves creatively through programming. When projects are finished, students will have the opportunity to share them with the class and receive constructive feedback from their peers. 

Instructor Zak Greene and his talented team of educators at Shed provide STEAM enrichment classes at New York-area schools. Miles Slade will be the lead instructor at PS 154. Miles joined Shed after working for several years as Associate Teacher and Head Counselor at Berkeley Carroll where he and Zak co-lead MIT Scratch summer camp sessions. Miles is a prolific Scratcher.

NOTE: Priority registration will be given to children on the fall waitlist. New & repeat students are welcome!

Description In this basic sewing and design class, each student will design and create original projects! Using fabric, hand sewing needles, cotton, buttons, zippers, scissors, yarn, pattern paper, and sewing machines kids will learn how to make a pattern, hand sew, and use the machine. They will combine these skills to create an original project to take home at the end of the session.

Instructor Iris Speers is a lifelong seamstress with a background in costume design and styling. She attended UC Berkeley, where she designed multiple collections and taught sewing and fashion design for FAST — a club that hosts a student-lead fashion show. She has worked in the film industry, taught sustainable fashion design to middle schoolers in San Francisco, and attended classes at Parsons School of Design. The Children’s Institute for Fashion Arts strives to give all children in-depth, hands-on, creative education in textiles, clothing, and design so they may understand the origins of culture, their own place in it, and have hope for a beautiful, sustainable future. 

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description Stay Strong is a weekly, indoor conditioning class for the youngest after school athletes. Children will engage in a variety of games to promote strength, balance, speed, and agility. A great way to get the wiggles out and stay strong for spring sports.

Instructor Jennifer Hopkins is an artist, dancer, and the founding director of A Playdate Everyday. She is a PS 154 alumni parent and has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.

NEW CLASS FOR THE WINTER SESSION

Description No ice and no skates needed to learn the basics of this quintessential city sport! Using lightweight equipment appropriate for indoor and outdoor use, students will work on passing, shooting, stickhandling, and teamwork as they learn the rules of the game. This is a fast-paced game played in a friendly environment with thoughtful activities designed around having fun while learning - and loving - the game!

Instructor Danny Segelin is a PS 154 parent and a former professional player (Cleveland Crunch, MSL), professional coach (New York Red Bulls, MLS), and collegiate coach (Columbia University, Emory University) who has been training athletes at all levels for 20+ years. He holds a masters degree in exercise science, a US Soccer "C" Coaching License, and he also has 3 children who have all attended PS 154. Danny is the founder of Brooklyn Force Soccer which is focused on empowering intelligent, humble, and hard-working young people who approach goals with a positive outlook, both on and off the field.  Force looks to develop players for the next step on "their" path. By integrating Core Values (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion) into our style of play, we help each member nurture a love for the game and to develop the perseverance needed to play at their next level. Street hockey is his (second) favorite game!

New & repeat students welcome!

NOTE: This class uses cardboard, masking tape, plastic recyclables, LED lights, small motors, and coin batteries.

Description Toy making taps into the intuitive imagination of all children to help little ones give form to their ideas. Children begin by repurposing old toys and pieces of toys to create new ones. These original creations lend themselves to telling stories and creating environments or context for what a child has made. Based on a theme introduced by the Koko teaching artist, children will use recyclables to create a “home” or imaginary land for their inventions. This class is ever-evolving and based on the ideas and interests of individual students which spurs children to take risks, problem solve, and feel pride in their original creations.

Instructor Koko NYC is a South Slope, Brooklyn-based organization that brings imaginative programming to children in 25 schools throughout New York City. By using real tools and recycled materials in sustainability focused programs, children in Koko classes explore the intersection of tech, art, and environment. Empowered by Teaching Artists, Koko classes foster confidence in children to take risks, think big, and learn from failure.