2025 Spring ETC - Potomac School

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Contact Us

Grace Burgett
Auxiliary Programs Coordinator
(703) 873-6143

Semedra Thomas Fields
Director of Extended Day and After School Educational Program
(703) 749-6307

Shveta Khullar
Director of Auxiliary Programs
(703) 749-6380

Spring 2025 After School Classes

For the spring 2025 season, most of the classes will run from April 7^th to May 21^st, with the exception of Service Learning, VEX IQ Robotics, and VRC Robotics . Below please see the schedule and details of all our offerings.

Monday: April 7, 14, 21 and 28, May 12 and 19
Tuesday: April 8, 15, 22 and 29, May 6, 13 and 20
Wednesday: April 9, 16, 23 and 30, May 7, 14 and 21
Thursday: April 10, 17 and 24, May 1, 8, 15 and 22

Registration for ETC Classes, Spring Sports Clinics and Workshops will open Wednesday, February 5 at noon and run through Friday, March 7. To view our offerings at a glance, click here. Information about our cancellation and refund policy can be found here.

Lower School Classes

Acrylic Painting (grades 3-6)

Course Description: Explore the exciting world of acrylic painting in this class! Whether you're new to painting or looking to improve your skills, this hands-on course will guide you step by step to create beautiful art on canvas. With simple helpful instructions, and plenty of room for creativity, students will learn techniques, new styles, and use tools to bring their ideas to life. Additionally, we will include a special session on soap making during the course.

Teacher: NYSA (New York School of Arts) Instructor

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00 (all supplies included)

Adventures in Spanish - Beginner Level (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: In this class, students will explore Spanish language and culture through participation in conversation, games, and songs. They will engage in storytelling, creative movement, art, and more, all designed to immerse them in the language. This experience will help them develop an “ear” for spoken Spanish, including its tones, accents, and rhythms. The goal is to make their introduction to Spanish a relaxed, enjoyable, and enriching experience.

Teacher: Nancy Alarcon-Levy, Potomac School Substitute and ETC Teacher
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $245.00

Adventures in Spanish- Advanced Level (grades 1-3)

Course Description: In this class, students will deepen their knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and language skills. They will learn to count up to 50 and explore topics like food, animals, body parts, and more. The group will also begin forming sentences using the vocabulary learned in class.

(Prerequisite: One year of Potomac's ETC Spanish - Beginner Level)

Teacher: Nancy Alarcon-Levy, Potomac School Substitute and ETC Teacher
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $245.00

Arts and Crafts (kindergarten-grade 2)

Course Description: In this arts and crafts class, students will explore the beauty of the spring season through creative projects. Inspired by spring, the group will work with various mediums to create pieces that reflect the essence of the season. This class goes beyond crafting—it encourages students to see the world through the eyes of an artist, filled with imagination and wonder.

Teacher: Oksana Andreeva-Ehle, ETC Teacher

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (all supplies included)

Checkmate Adventures (kindergarten-grade 6)

Course Description: Let's have some FUN while learning a new skill! Class time will be split between lessons and practice games, covering everything from basic rules to advanced tournament strategies. Students will also have the chance to compete in tournaments, both in-person and online, outside of club time (note: in-person tournaments may have additional costs). The group will participate in weekly practice tournaments and a special event with world champion Magnus Carlsen or Judit Polgar, the greatest female chess player in history. All skill levels are welcome!

Teacher: Magnus Chess Instructor
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $300.00

Cooks with Books (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: Calling all chefs! In this hands-on culinary class, students will bring stories to life through cooking. Each session starts with a brief storytime, followed by kitchen time where students prepare dishes inspired by the book. Join us for a fun blend of literature and cooking, where imagination meets delicious creations!

Teacher: Morgan Downing, Lower School Technology Teacher and JV Volleyball Coach

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $260.00 (all supplies included)

Gymnastics (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: In this co-ed gymnastics class, students will learn forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, basic bar techniques, balance skills, and improve their strength and flexibility. No prior experience is required, and instruction will be adjusted to suit each student’s skill level. The focus is on safety and having fun! All skill levels welcome!

Teacher: Ready, Set, Gymnastics, LLC

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00

Percy Jackson: Acting & Stage Combat (grades 3-6)

Course Description: Step into the world of Olympus and let your hero’s journey begin! An action-packed adventure where myth meets stagecraft. Create bold characters, craft legendary stories, and learn safe stage combat—punches, kicks, swordplay, and more—just like Percy Jackson and his friends.

In this fun class, you will:

Master acting techniques to bring characters to life.
Learn the art of stage combat, from realistic punches to daring swordplay (with safety first).
Explore epic mythological themes for inspiration.
Build confidence, communication, and spatial awareness.
Work as a team to prepare for a grand finale performance!

Teacher: Carl Long, Upper School Math Teacher
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $260.00

Spring into STEM LEGO® Class (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: Kick off the arrival of Spring with Play-Well and over tens of thousands of LEGO® pieces! Craft lively birds, create vibrant flowers in full bloom, and set sail on a paddle boat adventure. Unleash your creativity by bringing your wildest ideas to life! Come explore the endless possibilities of LEGO® with a trained Play-Well instructor.

Teacher: Play-Well TEKnologies Instructor

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $230.00

Middle School Classes

Acrylic Painting (grades 3-6)

Teacher: NYSA (New York School of Arts) Instructor

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00 (all supplies included)

Checkmate Adventures (kindergarten-grade 6)

Teacher: Magnus Chess Instructor
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $300.00

Percy Jackson: Acting & Stage Combat (grades 3-6)

In this fun class, you will:

Master acting techniques to bring characters to life.
Learn the art of stage combat, from realistic punches to daring swordplay (with safety first).
Explore epic mythological themes for inspiration.
Build confidence, communication, and spatial awareness.
Work as a team to prepare for a grand finale performance!

Teacher: Carl Long, Upper School Math Teacher
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $260.00

News and Journalism (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Join this class, for an exciting dive into the world of broadcast journalism! In this hands-on course, students will explore every step of creating a news show—from brainstorming and planning stories to writing original scripts, designing props and graphics, and creating fun backgrounds. Students will experience the excitement of filming, composing music, and mastering video editing to bring your news to life! Whether you are in front of the camera or behind the scenes, you will gain practical skills, unleash your creativity, and have a blast producing your own news show. Ready to be the star of your newsroom? Let’s get started!

Teacher: Morgan Downing, Lower School Technology Teacher and JV Volleyball Coach
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $295.00

Next Level Building with VEX IQ (grade 4)

Course Description: In this course, students will build upon the concepts learned in the 4th-grade robotics unit. Throughout the course, students will apply the steps of the engineering design process as they participate in various building, driving, and coding challenges. Whether your young engineer is passionate about robotics or simply interested in learning more, this course provides a great opportunity to advance their skills in a fun and collaborative environment.

Teacher: Beth Brundage, MS Technologist
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $260.00

Panther Pacers (grades 3-6)

Course Description: Panther Pacers offers 3rd-6th grade girls the chance to boost confidence, develop healthy habits, and make lasting friendships through running. With the support of a dedicated coach/mentor, participants will set personal goals while training for a school-sponsored 3K. Runners of all skill levels are welcome! More details about the 3K will be shared as the event approaches.

Teacher: Jenni Hoffmann, LS Grade 3 Teacher
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $295.00

Speech Squad (grades 5-6)

Course Description: In this speech class, students will develop practical skills in constructing clear arguments and delivering them effectively. They will focus on content-based skills, such as ensuring logical flow and supporting their claims with evidence, as well as delivery-based skills like maintaining eye contact and projecting their voice. Under the guidance of their instructor, Kayla Williamson, 5th-6th grade students will apply these skills, building a solid foundation of confidence in their public speaking abilities.

Teacher: Kayla Williamson, Upper School History Teacher
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $260.00

Service Learning in Sustainability (grades 5-8)

Course Description: Make a difference with EcoImpact! Dive into interactive lessons and hands-on service projects covering key topics like recycling, renewable energy, climate change, local food, and waste management. Gain the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in your community and lead sustainably. Start making your impact today!

Teacher: Alexa Twibell, Upper School Teaching Fellow
Day: Wednesday (April 23 and 30, May 7 and 14, 2025)
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $190.00

Speech Squad (grade 4)

Course Description: 4th Grade Speech is the perfect introduction to public speaking! This engaging class helps students build confidence through fun vocabulary exercises and projection activities. Each week, students will practice delivering impromptu speeches and receive valuable feedback. The course will end with an exciting speech showcase, giving students the chance to shine!

Teacher: Upper School Debate Department
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $295.00

The Epic Debaters (grade 6)

Course Description: Discover public speaking and discourse through extemp debate! Led by Head Coach Harry Strong, Upper School Speech and Debate teachers, and Varsity students in the competitive program, this class introduces students to debate by focusing on the fundamentals. Students will have plenty of opportunities to enhance their public speaking on engaging and relevant topics. At the end of the session, the group gets to showcase their skills by participating in an in-house tournament.
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Teachers: Upper School Speech & Debate Team
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $295.00

VEX IQ Competition: Head-Start Building Sessions (5th Grade)

Course Description: This mini ETC course will allow students to begin working toward next season’s VEX IQ Competition game as soon as it is announced. No previous experience is necessary, but students should only sign up for this course if they are planning to apply for the MS competition program during the 2025-2026 robotics season.

Teacher: Beth Brundage, MS Technologist
Day: Thursday ( May 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2025)
Time: 3:30-5:00 pm
Cost: $190.00

Intermediate School Classes

The Epic Debaters (grades 7-8)

Course Description: Explore public speaking and discourse through debate! Guided by Head Coach Harry Strong, Upper School Speech and Debate teachers, and Varsity students in the competitive program, participants will start by practicing debate fundamentals. The class offers numerous opportunities to enhance public speaking skills with engaging and relevant topics. At the end of the session, students can participate in a tournament, which is a great way to showcase the skills practiced in class. Those who join debate will be well-prepared for the Upper School’s award-winning competitive program.

Teachers: Upper School Speech & Debate Coaches

Day: Wednesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00

Service Learning in Sustainability (grades 5-8)

Teacher: Alexa Twibell, Upper School Teaching Fellow
Day: Wednesday (April 23 and 30, May 7 and 14)
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $190.00

VRC Robotics Competition: Head-Start Building Sessions (grade 7)

Course Description: With the new VEX VRC challenge revealed in early May, it is time to get brainstorming! In this mini-session, current seventh-grade students are invited to design and begin building a bot for the 2025-2026 robotics seasons. Students will begin in the design phase by sketching drive bases and mechanisms, identifying building components, and learning key building skills. Students can then move into the building phase. Any robots started can be saved for the next season. No previous experience is required, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about robotics before committing to the new season in the Fall.

Teacher: Jenni Ashley, Grades 6-12 Technology and Innovation Coach
Day: Wednesday ( April 30, May 7, 14, and 21, 2025)
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
Cost: $190.00