Meet Our Teachers and Vendors

Little Architects (Grades 2nd - 3rd, Grades 4th - 5th)

Architecture is Elementary 

In this program, "Little Architects" will learn about the fundamentals of architecture and design through open-ended play, drawing, and hands-on building activities that ignite their imaginations and invite their curiosity in the built world.

Children will learn valuable observation skills through drawing and building; enhance their mathematical abilities as they learn to measure and recognize geometric shapes, structures, scale, and patterns; hone their critical thinking as they develop their designs in a stepwise and logical way; and perhaps most importantly, build on their innate creativity as they represent their ideas and find joy in creating something of their own. 

Most programs start with a literary component to introduce a topic as a starting point, giving kids a foundation to ask questions while exploring the fascinating subject of architecture. We will culminate the 10-week program with a fun design challenge that will showcase what students have learned. By balancing core design principles with creative, real-world exploration — students can connect abstract design concepts to their everyday.

Architecture is Elementary Level 1 is suitable for Grade 2-3

Architecture is Elementary Level 2 is suitable for Grade 4-5

Dungeons & Dragons by Play! Hoboken (Grades 2nd - 5th) 

Join a party of adventurers as they clear dungeons and slay dragons!

Dungeons & Dragons is a creative storytelling game, where the story is narrated by the Dungeon Master and the players make decisions in order to achieve a common goal.

Dungeons & Dragons is the perfect way to help children reinforce their reading comprehension, social skills, arithmetic, problem solving, and collaboration, all while having fun with a thrilling adventure of magic and monsters!

https://playhoboken.com/

Music & Movement with Elite Musicians (Grades PreK4 - K)

Big energy, little musicians, and lots of music-making!

This joyful, hands-on class gets kids singing, dancing, playing, and building confidence through music. Students explore rhythm, creative movement, musical games, and real instruments including piano, ukulele, guitar, percussion, plus our special Instrument of the Week!

Along the way, children strengthen listening, coordination, creativity, self-expression, and learn to move between high-energy and calmer moments through music.

Learn more about Elite Musicians at https://www.theelitemusicians.com/

Beginner Crochet with Ms. Carafello (Gr. 3 - 8)

Come learn the fun and relaxing art of crochet! This beginner-friendly class will teach students the basic skills needed to start creating their own projects, including the chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet.

Students will work at their own pace as they practice new skills and choose projects that match their ability and interests. Possible projects include bookmarks, headbands, scrunchies, mini pouches, bow ties, potholders, mug coasters, keychains, and scarves.

Students will learn and practice skills during class and may continue working on their projects at home between sessions.

No previous crochet experience is needed, and all materials will be provided!

Guitar with Mr. Ben (Grades 3 - 5)

Real songs on real guitars, from zero. No experience needed and no instrument required — guitars and amps provided****

Ben Wheeless has played guitar for 33 years and taught for 13, mostly elementary-aged students. He runs a music teaching studio in Jersey City built around relative pitch — teaching students to hear and understand how music works, not just where to put their fingers — and writes his own teaching software. 

In Guitar with Mr. Ben, students learn chords and melodies by number rather than by letter name, the system musicians use to understand why songs work, so they can move a song to a new key or figure out a new one on their own. Songs come from what they actually listen to: Imagine Dragons, Taylor Swift, a few classics. Every student learns to tune their own guitar and gets access to practice tools I built that run in any web browser.

By December, students will be playing songs together as a group and working on songs they can play on their own — at least two, hopefully more. Practice at home is recommended, not required. You can learn more about Mr. Ben here! 

• - - - - - - 

Thinking about a guitar for home? Mr. Ben is able to rent guitars to families that do not feel ready to commit to buying one (will need to let him know by 9/27) and also he recommends the following for purchase: Loog (loogguitars.com, about $160–250) or the Squier Mini Stratocaster (about $200). Electrics are usually easier for beginners than acoustics. 

Elite Musicians Lab (Grades 1-3)

What if music class felt more like a music lab… with a dance party mixed in?

Welcome to EML! Where kids don’t just learn about music, they play it, move to it, experiment with it, and create it!

Students explore rhythm, instruments, keyboards, percussion, voice, music games, and beginner music concepts through hands-on challenges and musical experiments. Special labs may include beat-making, DJ/music technology, songwriting, instrument exploration, and our high-energy EML Beat Break, movement challenges, rhythm games, and mini dance parties!

Along the way, kids build real musical skills, creativity, teamwork, and most importantly, confidence through music.

No experience needed. Come find your sound. 

Rising Voices Youth Chorus with Zombie Opera (Level 1 Grades 2nd - 3rd, Level 2 Grades 4th - 5th) 

Learn and Perform with UNDEAD ARTS and sing at this year's Zombie Opera!!



Join Undead Arts and be a part of their successful youth chorus, "Rising Voices 1 or 2". 



Students will learn vocal technique, ensemble instruction, basic elements of music theory and they will be taught both classical and Broadway songs. 

On October 24th they will perform at the 2026 Zombie Opera with a live orchestra and professional opera singers. 

An additional off-site performance opportunity will also be announced before class starts!

Rising Voices 1 is suitable for grades 2-3

Rising Voices 2 is suitable for grades 4-5 

The class will culminate with a finale performance in school at the last class. 



Important Notes:



Students who register for this course MUST commit to THREE off-site dates 

Location in downtown Jersey City

• • Sunday, OCT 18th: 2-3pm

  • Wednesday, OCT 21st: 6-7pm

  • Saturday, OCT 24th:  ZOMBIE OPERA tech Rehearsal 3pm & Show 6pm

Students MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian who will remain on site for the duration of the rehearsal and performance. 



Costume will be pulled from students personal clothes - i.e. jeans/dresses/t-shirts etc.

****This class will meet Tuedays and Thursdays until Zombie Opera. The class will then shift to Tuesdays only starting Tuesday, 10/26. There will be 11 classes in total, ending on Tuesday, 11/24 (not mid-December like the other classes).



Teaser of ZOMBIE OPERA 2025



Check out more here: www.undeadarts.org

Coding with Scratch: Level 1 (Beginners) (Grades 2nd - 5th)

Get ready to code, create, and bring your ideas to life! In this exciting beginner-friendly course, students explore Scratch, MIT’s fun and colorful programming language made for young creators. Using drag-and-drop code blocks, they’ll design their own games, animate characters, tell stories, and even build science simulations—all while learning real coding concepts.

From the first click, kids are in control—choosing their own projects, moving at their own pace, and unleashing their creativity. By the end, they’ll have a portfolio of interactive creations they can share with family and friends!

Students will learn to:

• Navigate the Scratch interface and understand essential coding blocks

• Program characters, backgrounds, and animations

• Design video games and interactive adventures

• Tell stories, simulate science experiments, and create digital art

• Apply object-oriented programming principles in a fun, visual way

Learn. Create. Play. Repeat. Join us for a coding adventure where imagination meets innovation!

Coding with Scratch: Level 2 (Intermediate) (Grades 2nd - 5th)

Students who have completed Level 1 and new students with prior Scratch experience are welcome!

Our Scratch Intermediate course is for students who have completed the introductory Scratch class and are ready to level up their coding skills. They’ll dive into advanced concepts like custom blocks, variables, lists, and complex conditionals—all within the fun and familiar world of Scratch.

Through hands-on projects, students will design multi-level games and animations, strengthen their problem-solving and logical thinking, and begin to think like real programmers. This course encourages creativity and independence, allowing students to take ownership of their projects and express their unique ideas through code.

Students Will Learn:

• Advanced Scratch Concepts: Use custom blocks, variables, lists, and more to build structured, efficient programs

• Creative Game Design: Design multi-level games with scoring, lives, and user interaction

• Real-World Coding Skills: Strengthen logical reasoning and planning through applied math and algorithmic thinking

• Project Development: Build complete projects from concept to final product with an emphasis on independence

• Problem Solving: Tackle more complex coding challenges with guidance and support from instructors

By the end of the course, students will have a strong grasp of intermediate-level programming concepts and be ready for more advanced Scratch courses or text-based coding languages.

 http://www.alphamindsacademy.com/

Baseball and Softball Skills Clinic with Mrs. Fuchs (Grades 2-3, Grades 4-5)

Mrs. Fuchs grew up playing both baseball and softball. She coached recreational and travel softball for 10 years and ran her town’s recreation softball league for 12 years.

This clinic is designed to introduce young athletes to the basic skills of baseball and softball in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment. Through fun games, drills, and activities, children will have the opportunity to learn, practice, and build confidence with the fundamentals of the game.

Players will focus on basic skills such as:

• Throwing and catching

• Hitting and learning how to swing

• Fielding ground balls

• Learning to use a glove

• Basic base running

• Hand-eye coordination and movement skills

• Teamwork, listening, effort, and sportsmanship

The focus will be on learning the fundamentals, developing coordination, building confidence, and having fun! Activities will be age-appropriate and designed to keep young players moving and engaged while giving them plenty of opportunities to practice their skills.

Whether your child is picking up a glove for the first time or has played before, this clinic is a great way to learn the basics, develop new skills, make friends, and begin building a love for baseball and softball!

Kidokinetics JR SportsPlay (Grades PreK4 - 1st)

Get ready to run, jump, kick, and throw your way through a brand new sport every class! In this high-energy, coach-led program, our youngest athletes are introduced to the fundamentals of soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, and more through fun games, obstacle courses, and imaginative play.

Every class is designed to build gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence while keeping things silly and exciting - because at this age, movement should feel like play! No experience necessary, just a willingness to have fun.

Coached by the Kidokinetics team. Movement for Fun. Skills for Life.

Kidokinetics SportsPlay (Grades 2nd - 5th)

Calling all future athletes! This dynamic program rotates through a variety of sports each week - including soccer, basketball, flag football, and more - giving kids a chance to try something new while sharpening the skills they already love.

Students will build on core athletic fundamentals like agility, teamwork, and sportsmanship through skill-based drills and game play, all led by our energetic Kidokinetics coaches. Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just looking to have fun and stay active, this class has something for everyone.

Coached by the Kidokinetics team. Movement for Fun. Skills for Life.

Tennis with Mr. Adinolfe (Grades K - 1st, Grades 2nd - 5th)

Learn the fundamentals of tennis (e.g.proper grip, forehand, backhand, volleys), and improve hand/eye coordination and agility. Students will participate in fun drills, challenges, and games to develop and improve their tennis skills.

Art with Mr. Nogueira (Grades PreK4 - 1st, Grades 2nd - 3rd)

Cordero’s talented and well-loved art teacher will have students experiment with different art mediums, portraits and drawing perspective. 

Simple Sweets with Ms. Elbadry (Grades PreK4 - 1st)

Mrs. Mary has been working in the school system for over 20 years, originally substituting for all different grades and then becoming a teacher’s aide. Since 2014, she has permanently worked with Pre-K-3 and Pre-K-4. For the upcoming school year, she is offering Simple Sweets Class geared towards Pre-K-4 to First Grade students. The class will allow children to make delicious treats! 

Literacy Crafts with Ms. Boules (Grades PreK4 - K)

Ms. Boules will teach this session's Literacy Crafts class geared toward pre-K4 and kindergarten students in which children will enjoy a book and then make a craft inspired by that book. Ms. Boules is Ms. Capollari's long-time assistance in Literacy Crafts.

Chess by Alpha Minds

Level 1: Beginners (Grades K - 5th) "Pawn Control"

*Students from the previous Beginners session and new students without prior chess experience are welcome!

Level 1: Beginners (grades K-4) "Pawn Control"
Our Chess for Beginners classes introduce children to the fundamentals of chess, building a strong foundation for future growth. Designed for kids with little to no prior experience, lessons are fun and engaging, blending storytelling, games, and interactive activities.

Students will learn to:

• Recognize and move each chess piece

• Understand the chessboard and its coordinates

• Apply basic rules and concepts (check, checkmate, stalemate, castling)

• Identify common checkmate patterns

• Play with awareness of openings, tactics, and strategy

• Navigate the three phases of the game: opening, middlegame, and endgame

Beyond the game, chess helps children:

• Boost IQ and foster critical, creative, and original thinking

• Build patience, focus, and self-discipline

• Strengthen problem-solving, memory, reading, and math skills

• Gain confidence, social skills, and resilience in taking thoughtful risks

Classes include board demonstrations, guided practice, and plenty of gameplay to reinforce learning.
Join us for a year of fun, discovery, and growth in the world of chess!

Level 2: Intermediate (Grades 1 - 5th)  "Knight Explorers"

*Intermediate students continuing from the prior session and new students with prior chess experience are welcome!

Our Intermediate Chess classes are designed for students who already know the basics and are ready to deepen their skills and strategies. Students are grouped by ability to ensure targeted instruction and maximum progress.

Key Skills Covered:

• Game Phases: Opening, middlegame, and endgame strategies

• Advanced Tactics: Pins, forks, skewers, double attacks, overloading, and deflection

• Positional Play: Controlling key squares, open files, and diagonals

• Pawn Play: Structure, development, and promotion (including en passant)

• Checkmating Patterns & Defenses

• Endgame Mastery: Opposition, zugzwang, and critical squares

LEGO Engineering with Bricks 4 Kidz (Grades PreK4 - 1st, Grades 2nd - 3rd)

Bricks 4 Kidz:

Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Engineering classes explore architecture, engineering, and technology. Students build a new project each week using LEGO® bricks and elements. This STEM-focused program gives children the opportunity to combine scientific discovery and team building in a fun, hands on learning experience.

Benefits of our afterschool program include:

• Applied STEM concepts: Children apply what they are learning to create their own tangible models. This brings classroom learning to life.

• See the world in new ways: Children watch the concepts of torque and friction playing out in real-time, and begin to understand the push and pull of how things work.

• Grow in self-confidence: Our programs encourage students to try new things and apply complex concepts to the LEGO® Bricks in front of them. Accomplishing their goals and figuring out how to solve problems leads to a boost in self-esteem.

• Build teamwork skills: Children work in teams! This gives them a chance to communicate clearly, ask for help and learn the dynamics of teamwork and sharing.

• Imagine bigger: From model building to free-play time, children are encouraged to dream, create, design and imagine anything they wan

Visit us at https://www.bricks4kidz.com/

Global Soccer Academy (Grades PreK4 - 1st, Grades 2nd - 5th)

Our goal at Global Soccer Academy is to provide a safe and fun environment for our students to learn and enjoy the beautiful sport we love - Soccer.

Below is an outline of what a class at GSA will look like. We detail our method and approach, highlighting key aspects of our training philosophy. At the end, we have
included two lesson plans as examples to give you a clear understanding of our program. 

1. Activation: SAQ (Speed, Agility & Quickness) Training
Objective: Wake up the body, elevate heart rate, and prepare mentally and physically for the
session ahead.
Activities:
Short sprints, Ladder drills, Cone zig-zags, Plyometric jumps
Directional changes

2. Fundamental Fun Games
Objective: Develop essential soccer skills while ensuring players are engaged and having fun.
Activities:
Dribble relay races
Passing accuracy challenges
Target shooting games
Keep-away circles

3. Game Play Scenarios
Objective: Introduce and practice game situations to develop decision-making, spatial
awareness, and tactical understanding.

4. Ball-Always Philosophy
Objective: Maximize ball contact time, reinforce skills, and develop a natural feel and control
of the ball.
Guidelines:
Always dribble a ball during water breaks.
Balance on one foot with the ball underneath during instructions.
Encourage touches, dribbles, and ball manipulation during downtime.
Note: Emphasize that consistent, minor improvements ("1% changes") over time lead to
significant progress.

5. Cool Downs
Objective: Assist in recovery and build long lasting habits
Activities:
Dynamic stretching
Key Principle: The emphasis throughout the program is on continuous player development,
enjoyment, and fostering a love for the game. Our priority is always to ensure safe and
positive learning environment for our students.