2025 Winter ETC - Potomac School

In This Section

Contact Us

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

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

Grace Burgett
Auxiliary Programs Coordinator
(703) 873-6143

Winter 2025 After School Classes

For the winter 2025 season, most of the classes will run from January 13th to March 6th, with the exception of Panther Game Time. Below please see the schedule and details of all our offerings.

Monday: Jan 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 24; and Mar. 3
Tuesday: Jan 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; and Mar. 4
Wednesday: Jan 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; and Mar. 5
Thursday: Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; and Mar. 6

Registration for Winter Sports Clinics and Workshops will open Wednesday, October 30 at 10:00 am and run through noon on Friday, December 6. To view our offerings at a glance, click here. Information about our cancellation and refund policy can be found here.

Lower School Classes

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: $280.00

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: $280.00

Arts and Crafts (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: In this arts and crafts class, students will explore the beauty and magic of the season through creative projects. Inspired by winter textures, colors, and stories, the group will work with various mediums to create pieces that reflect the essence of the season. From layering soft materials to using cool tones and shimmering accents, young artists will learn to capture the atmosphere of winter in their artwork. 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: $345.00

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: $400.00

Minecraft Engineering using LEGO® Materials (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: Venture into the world of Minecraft in our unique LEGO® experience. Get ready to build your base, craft your tools, use your Minecart to harvest raw resources, and battle to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. 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

Panther Game Time (kindergarten-grade3)

Course Description: This class is for students who love being active in a fast-paced high-energy environment. Our youngest panthers will participate in games that they have enjoyed in Physical Education class and will also be introduced to traditional team sports such as basketball, soccer, and flag football. Students will improve their overall coordination and work on their throwing, catching, and kicking skills. All skill levels are welcome.

Teacher: Barbara Mays, Lower and Middle School Physical Education Teacher and Coach
Day: Tuesday - 5 weeks only (Jan. 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18)
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $175.00

Middle School Classes

Checkmate Adventures (kindergarten-grade 6)

Teacher: Magnus Chess Instructor
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $345.00

Ceramics (grades 4-6)

Course Description: In this engaging and imaginative pottery class, children will dive into the world of clay using hand-building techniques. Designed for beginners, this course will equip young artists with fundamental skills like making pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. Students will discover how to shape, mold, and sculpt clay into creative works of art, including bowls, animals, and decorative items. Each session will highlight a unique project, enabling kids to improve their fine motor skills, unleash their creativity, and build confidence in their artistic talents. Throughout the course, students will also learn the essentials of glazing and finishing techniques to perfect their masterpieces. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed. By the end of the class, students will take home their own handmade, kiln-fired pottery pieces to cherish!

Teacher: NYSA (New York School of Arts) Instructor

Day: Wednesday

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $400.00 (all supplies included)

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, you 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. You 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

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.
.
Teachers: Upper School Speech & Debate Team
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $330.00

Speech Class (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

Intermediate School Classes

The Epic Debaters (grades 7-8)

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: $330.00