After School Adventurers
After School Adventurers (ASA) is the Country Day School's unique after-school program from 3:10pm-6pm Monday-Friday. Students receive a fun and engaging experience that can be customized to fit their individual needs and interests, without ever having to leave the campus! Options include enrichment classes, study center, unstructured play, organized games and more! Rates are offered by the term for daily enrollments, add-on enrichment opportunities as well as emergency drop-ins.
Please note: There is no longer a full year or an all-inclusive enrollment option. Students must enroll PER TERM for the after school program as well as individual enrichment courses.
- General Info
- Enrichment Classes!
- In-Service Days/Break Camps
- Policies and Procedures
- FAQ
- Register Now!
General Info
2022-2023 ASA Dates & Rates
Terms:
Term I Fall (12 weeks): Aug. 30–Nov. 18
Term II Winter (12 weeks): Nov. 29–March 3
Term III Spring (11 weeks): March 6–June 2
Term III Spring:
Daily Care Mondays (7 sessions): $182
Daily Care Tuesdays (11 sessions): $286
Daily Care Wednesdays (11 sessions): $286
Daily Care Thursdays (11 sessions): $286
Daily Care Fridays (10 sessions): $260
Daily Drop-In (Emergency Day-of): $35
Daily Care term rates include a daily snack and any supplies needed for daily activities plus homework help in the Study Center. Rates exclude Enrichment Programs, In-Service Days, and Break Camps. All enrichment programs are in addition to the Daily Care fees. Enrichment classes are only eligible to those enrolled in Daily Care. Please note that all after school programming and enrollment space is contingent on staffing and overall enrollment. Programs may be adapted and/or canceled based on enrollment. If this occurs we will communicate it immediately to all enrolled families. If a day-of emergency arises and after care is needed please reach out as soon as possible so we can accommodate and assist.
CONTACT
Terry Polczynski
After-School Adventurers Site Coordinator
412-254-4772
adventurers@shadysideacademy.org
Sarah Chedwick
Director of After School
412-473-4375
adventurers@shadysideacademy.org
Program Features
Students will venture in age-based cohorts throughout after school hours. Each day will feature fun and engaging activities, including outdoor/indoor organized sports and games, arts and crafts, homework time, and more. All activities will be done while still strictly adhering to SSA COVID-19 safety protocols. Activities include:
Play Time! Included w/Daily Care enrollment
Play time includes the gymnasium, field and playground. Students begin each afternoon with recess and a snack before beginning their individual schedules. Adventurers can enjoy play time for the entire afternoon or return there after enrichment classes, music lessons or Study Center time. In addition to unstructured play time, a staff member may lead a variety of daily games and intramural sports.
Study Center Included w/Daily Care enrollment|
The Study Center is run by an educator who works closely with students to ensure students have the opportunity to complete their homework during after school hours. This is available to students grades 1-5 and Monday- Thursday. Study Center is not available on Fridays.
Snack Included w/Daily Care enrollment
Enrichment Classes Additional Fees Apply
A wide variety of enrichment classes are available at an additional cost Monday through Friday, from sports to art to theater to science. Adventurers have access to one enrichment class each day that they are enrolled. See the Enrichment Classes tab for class information.
Enrichment Classes!
Monday
Total of (7) Mondays in Spring Term
- March 6, 13
- April 3, 17, 24
- May 8, 15
Woods Play with Ms. Karen Difiore
Ages and Times: K-5 3:45- 5:15 p.m.
Rate: $150 per Term
Minimum 5 per class (maximum 15 per class)
We will head into the woods to hike, play and explore! There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing; which means we will be heading outside for every class, regardless of the weather! Students should be prepared to get dirty, muddy, and possibly wet if we get rain or snow! Students should be prepared with boots, snowpants, winter jacket, hat, and nylon mittens (not cotton because once they get wet their hands will get really cold!). Woods Play class is purely old fashioned, free play in the woods and on the trails!
Tuesday
Total of (11) Tuesdays in Spring Term
- March 7, 14
- April 4, 11, 18, 25
- May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
The School of Mindful Arts Presents: Mindful Movement
Ages and Times: Grades PK-5: 3:30-4 p.m.
Rates: Grades PK-5: $225 per term
Minimum enrollment of 10 students (maximum of 20 per group)
Mindful Movement PK-5: In this shorter, 30 minute course, we dispel any bias that mindfulness means sitting still or being bored. Mindfulness means being aware, & fully present with kindness and curiosity- what better way to start children off on the basic physical literacy of mindfulness than through movement? This series will be a sampler of classes guided towards self-regulation including body scans, yoga, tai chi, dancing, drumming, mindful walking, and stretching as well as stories, art, and games.
Wednesday
Total of (11) Wednesdays in Spring Term
- March 8, 15
- April 5, 12, 19, 26
- May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Soccer Shots
Grades PK-K: 3:30-4 p.m.
Grades 1-5: 4-4:45 p.m.
Rate: Grades PK-K $150 per term, Grades 1-5 $170 per term
*Need Minimum enrollment of 5 students per class (Max 20 per group)
The Soccer Shots program provides children an opportunity for social development, participation, confidence, and fun through the game of soccer. Our Empower curriculum is focused on breaking down new skills and encourages growth with balance, movement, and basic soccer concepts. It is supported with visuals and can be altered to accommodate children’s needs. We celebrate growth, confidence, and participation in our classes!
Thursday
Total of (11) Thursdays in Spring Term
- March 9, 16
- April 6, 13, 20, 27
- May 4, 11, 18, 25
- June 1
After School Artists with Mrs. Colleen Mientkiewicz
Ages and Times: Grades PK-5: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Rates: Grades PK-5; $200 per term
*Minimum enrollment of 10 students per group (maximum of 16 per group)
Join Country Day art teacher, Mrs. Mientkiewicz, for an hour-long art class after school! Projects will be inspired by springtime but may evolve based on our young artists’ interests. Art supplies and techniques will vary based on projects but will likely include oil pastels, tempera paint, watercolors, printmaking, scratch art, and more!
Friday
Total of (10) Fridays in Spring Term
- March 10, 17
- April 14, 21, 28
- May 5, 12, 19, 26
- June 2
Fundamentals of Dance: The INK Experience
Ages and Times: Grades PK-5: 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Rates: $275 per term.
Minimum enrollment of 8 students (maximum of 16)
Students will learn coordination with music, discipline, and confidence all while exploring the principles of DANCE!!! The INK Experience invites students to explore the world of performing arts through dancing, costume, physical education, and wellness. The INK experience is sure to leave a positive mark with a fun-filled program aimed to encourage youth to be the best they can be!
In-Service Days/Break Camps
In-Service Days
$80 Per Day • 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 6, 2022
- Tuesday, November 1, 2022
- Monday, November 21, 2022
- Monday, November 28, 2022
- Tuesday, January 17, 2023
- Monday, April 10, 2023
- Monday, May 1, 2023
- Monday, May 22, 2023
- Space is limited and enrollment is competitive. Please be sure to sign up when registration becomes available!
- Waiting List: If the program is sold out online, please make sure to formally enroll in the specific waiting list. If space becomes available we will be in contact immediately for a seamless transition into the program. (Waitlisted does not guarantee a spot)
No Care Available
- Monday, Sept. 5 – Labor Day
- Monday, Sept. 26 – Rosh Hashanah
- Wednesday, Oct. 5 – Yom Kippur
- Monday, Oct. 24 - Diwali
- Monday-Friday, Nov. 22-26 Thanksgiving Break
- Monday Dec. 26 - Monday January 2 – Winter Break
- Monday, Jan. 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Monday, Feb. 20 – Presidents' Day
- Friday, April 7 – Good Friday
- Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day
Break Camps
Hosted at the Shady Side Academy Junior School in Point Breeze and open to Pre K- 5 students from either Country Day School or Junior School.
(Pricing to be determined, programming for these break camps are contingent on staffing availability)
Winter Break Camp - December 19-23
Spring Break Camps March 20-24 & March 27-31
- Families must provide lunches and snacks daily.
- Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SSA Junior School
- FREE before care begins at 8 a.m.
- After care is available until 6 p.m. at an additional cost of $20 per child.
- All activities included in the program cost.
- Late registrations are subject to a $20 fee. Some programs may not accept late registrations.
Policies and Procedures
Late Pick-Up Policy:
After 6 p.m., a late pick-up fee of $10/child will be added for the first 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the late fee increases to $10/child per minute. Families who are late more than three times in one term will be charged $10/minute/child on subsequent late pick-ups. Charges will be added to the end of term bill.
Absences:
To maintain proper records and ensure the safety of our students and staff, there will be no refunds or pro-rated fees for missed days/time at SSA After School programs. This includes, but is not limited to, due to illness/injury (including COVID-19), failing any daily COVID health screening, or required quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure.
Enrollment & Payment:
After school requires a per child application deposit of $25, via credit card, to complete enrollment. The remaining balance will be billed on a term basis via your VC Pay student account. Charges sent to VC Pay will be added after the end of the each term in November, February, and June. All enrichment programs are in addition to the Daily Care fees. Enrichment classes are only eligible to those enrolled in Daily Care. All Drop-in Daily care attendees must enroll formally via the Camp Brain system at least one time per term. If attending cross country or any non-ASA clubs and needing after care, families must enroll in the Drop-In Daily Care or the appropriate Daily Care day of the week. Please note, there will be no billing adjustments for any cancellations following the first week of After School per term start.
Waiting List:
Due to staff limits and enrollment caps, waiting lists are available for specific days and programs. If a program and/or day is sold out online please make sure to formally enroll in the specific waiting list. If space becomes available we will be in contact immediately for a seamless transition into the program. Being waitlisted does not guarantee a spot.
Drop-Ins:
Due to limited staffing, we are only accepting day-of emergency drop-ins. If you are in need please contact adventurers@shadysideacademy.org immediately so we can assist! Each new enrollment, per term, requires a one-time online registration.
Rules:
SSA After School subscribes to the Guiding Principles of Shady Side Academy: Honesty, Kindness, Responsibility, Respect and Safety. It’s paramount that children act accordingly and participate as good citizens in the SSA Summer community.
Things that are never okay to do at After School:
- Hitting, shoving, pushing or physical violence
- Verbal abuse, offensive language or bullying
- Lying or manipulating the truth
- Stealing or taking things without asking
- Destroying property
- Possessing, using or distributing drugs or alcohol
- Bringing weapons of any kind to school
- Ignoring staff or staff directions
Consequences at After School:
We expect all children to follow the "Shady Side Way" and demonstrate care, respect and responsibility at all times; children must also exhibit self-control, kindness and follow instructions. Children who do not follow the rules will be asked to take responsibility for their actions.
If a student breaks a rule, s/he will receive a verbal warning from a counselor and will talk through their choices and come up with a plan to rejoin the group after they have taken some time to calm down and reflect on their actions.
If the child ignores the verbal warning and continues with poor behavior, both the child and a parent/guardian may be asked to meet with the Director or Site-Coordinator to help the child make a constructive plan for improved behavior.
If after the meeting the child still does not follow the after school rules, s/he may be suspended and/or asked to leave the program. In this case, a refund will not be issued.
In extreme cases, to ensure the safety of the after school community, the Director or Site-Coordinator(s) reserve the right to expel a child at their own discretion. In this situation, refunds will not be provided.
FAQ
How do I register?
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. At the beginning of each term, you will receive an email to let you know that registration is open. Visit the Register Now! tab above to find the link to our online registration site when registration is open.
Do I need to send payment with my registration?
There will be a non-refundable application deposit fee of $25, paid via credit card. The remainder of your after-school balance will be billed by the school at the end of each term via your Student Account in November, February, and June .
How do I pick my child up from After School Adventurers?
For the safety of your child, all doors to the Country Day School are locked. Guardians will not be permitted to enter the building. You can reach us by texting 724-472-8731 when you arrive, and an ASA staff member will bring your child to your vehicle.
Who are the instructors for the program? Are students properly supervised?
Under direction of After School Director, Sarah Chedwick; Site-Coordinator, Terry Polczynski and a consistent group of qualified and experienced staff supervise students during activities, homework help, and playtime.
What safety measures are taking place during after school hours?
ASA follows the same COVID-19 safety protocol that is practiced during the school day, including age-based cohorts, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and optional mask wearing.
Register Now!
After School Adventurers Registration
After School Adventurers registration for Spring Term 2023 will open on Thursday February 9th, at 10:00 a.m. and close on Sunday Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. at the link below.
All after-school programming is contingent on student enrollment.
Note: After School Adventurers is only available to currently enrolled SSA CDS families.
In-Service Day Registration
Spring Term Break Camp registration will be available at the beginning of Spring Term After School registration at the link above.