2026 Winter ETC

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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

Winter 2026 After School Classes

For Winter 2026 season, most of the classes will run from January 12 to February 26. Below please see the schedule and details of all our offerings.

Monday: Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23, and March 2
Tuesday: Jan. 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3
Wednesday: Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25
Thursdays: Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26

Registration will open Monday, November 3rd at 11:00 am and run through noon on Friday, December 5th. 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 the Spanish language and culture through conversations, 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: Azul Torres Velducea, Intermediate and Upper School Spanish Teacher
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $245.00

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

Course Description: In this class, students will build on their Spanish language foundation by expanding vocabulary and developing sentence formation skills. They will learn to count up to 50 and explore topics such as food, animals, and body parts through engaging, age-appropriate activities. As they strengthen their language skills, students will also take a cultural journey through Spanish-speaking countries, discovering music, traditions, celebrations, and daily life. This integrated approach encourages students to embrace both the language and the rich, diverse cultures it represents, fostering curiosity, connection, and global awareness.(Prerequisite: One year of Potomac’s ETC Spanish – Beginner Level)

Teacher: Azul Torres Velducea, Intermediate and Upper School Spanish Teacher
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $210.00

Arts and Crafts (grades 1-3)

Course Description: In this arts and crafts class, students will explore the beauty of the winter season through creative projects. Inspired by winter, the group will work with different media to create pieces that reflect the essence of the season. This class is more than just making things—it helps students see the world like an artist, full of creativity 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: Silver Knights 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 interactive culinary class, students will embark on a journey where books come to life through the magic of cooking. Each session begins with a brief storytime, allowing us to dive into captivating tales to spark the imagination. Following our book, students will roll up their sleeves and step into the kitchen to bring the stories to the table, cooking recipes, and dishes inspired by our book! Join us for a class where literature and culinary arts blend seamlessly, creating a recipe for both literacy and tasty fun!

Teacher: Morgan Downing, K-5 Academic Technologist

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (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 are welcome!

Teacher: Ready, Set, Gymnastics, LLC

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00

Winter Nature Explorers with Mr. Wolfe! (kindergarten-grade 3)

Course Description: Bundle up, grab your boots, and your explorer’s net. It is time for a winter adventure right here on The Potomac School’s beautiful wooded campus! Join Mr. Wolfe as we explore how nature changes in the colder months. We’ll search for animal tracks, study how plants rest for the winter, and adventure through Potomac’s winter wonderland.

Teacher: Steve Wolfe, Middle School Science Teacher

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $210.00

Panther Pacers (grades 3-6 Girls Only)

Course Description: Panther Pacers provides 3rd-6th grade girls with the opportunity to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and strengthen friendships through running. Participants will work closely with their coach/mentor to set goals while preparing for a school-sponsored 3k. Runners of all experience levels are welcome! Details regarding the 3K will be shared as we get closer to the date.

Teacher: Brittany Abuhoff, Teaching Fellow

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $245.00

Middle School Classes

Checkmate Adventures (kindergarten-grade 6)

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

Combat Theater: Demi Gods Conquer Villains (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Step into a realm where heroes of myth and imagination unite! In this action-packed class, students become demi-gods on a daring quest to outwit and overpower notorious villains. Through creative acting and safe stage combat—featuring dramatic punches, kicks, and swordplay—they’ll bring epic battles to life. Together, they’ll craft bold scenes of courage and triumph, leading to a thrilling final performance where ancient power faces modern evil—and victory awaits the brave!

Teacher: Carl Long, Upper School Math School Teacher

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (all supplies included)

Crocheting (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Discover the joy of crochet in this hands-on beginner course! You’ll start by learning the essentials—understanding different crochet hooks, exploring various yarn types, and mastering how to read pattern instructions. We’ll build your skills step-by-step, practicing key stitches on 5” x 5” swatches before moving on to classic granny squares.

Once comfortable with the basics, you’ll use your new skills to create fun and practical projects like bags, pouches, keychains, and charming small stuffed animals. Whether you’re looking to relax, express creativity, or make personalized gifts, this course offers plenty of engaging projects to inspire you every step of the way!

Teacher: NYSA (New York School of Arts) Instructor

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $350.00 (all supplies included)

Middle School Robotics (grades 5-6)

Course Description:This hands-on, project-based class will give students the opportunity to explore the exciting world of robotics. Using the engineering design process as their guide, students will conceive, design, build, test, and refine robots that bring their creative ideas to life. Whether your child chooses to build a battle bot, create a work of art with robotic elements, or design a bot that can tackle a series of driving challenges, this class offers students the freedom to explore and create. Students will work both individually and in teams as they stretch their creativity while strengthening their technical skills in a supportive, fun environment.

Note: This course will be offered during the spring ETC season for the 2025-2026 school year.

Teacher: Beth Brundage, MS Technology Teacher

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm (1 hour)

Cost: $290.00 (all supplies included)

News, Journalism & Podcasting (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Discover the excitement of broadcast journalism—now featuring podcasting as our newest addition! Students will write, film, and edit their own news stories while also learning how to record and produce original podcasts. From on-camera reporting to behind-the-scenes editing, this class builds real-world media skills and creative confidence. Get ready to make the news and share your voice!

Teacher: Morgan Downing, K-5 Academic Technologist

Day: Monday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $260.00 (all supplies included)

Panther Pacers (grades 3-6 Girls Only)

Teacher: Brittany Abuhoff, Teaching Fellow

Day: Tuesday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $245.00

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, Mernine Ameris, 5th-6th grade students will apply these skills, building a solid foundation of confidence in their public speaking abilities.

Teacher: Mernine Ameris, Upper School Speech and Debate Coach
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Cost: $260.00

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 skills 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 Coaches

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00

Kitchen Chemistry: Science You Can Eat! (grades 4-6)

Course Description: Grab your chef’s hat and your lab coat—it’s time to mix, bubble, and experiment your way through the kitchen! You’ll discover how science makes your favorite foods come to life as we create awesome gummy bears, chewy boba pearls, and mind-blowing frozen treats. It’s chemistry you can taste—get ready to cook up some seriously cool science!

Teacher: Steve Wolfe, Middle School Science Teacher

Day: Thursday

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Cost: $295.00 (all supplies included)

Intermediate School Classes

The Epic Debaters (grades 7-8)
Intro to Metal Bots for Seventh and Eighth Graders

The Epic Debaters (grades 7-8)

Course Description: Explore public speaking and discourse through debate! Guided by Coach Harry Strong and led by Coach Ryan Levesque 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. During the session, students can participate in a tournament, which is a great way to showcase the skills practiced in class. Those who join this class 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

Intro to Metal Bots for Seventh and Eighth Graders

Course Description: Dive into the exciting world of robotics with this introductory course designed for Intermediate School students new to metal bots! In this hands-on program, students will explore the fundamentals of designing, building, and programming robots using the VEX EXP metal robotics system. Students will develop skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving. They will learn how to use tools to construct sturdy robot frames, integrate motors, and write basic programs to control their bots using VEXcode software. As part of the course, students will collaborate to complete mini-tasks and prepare their robots for friendly classroom competitions. These activities encourage creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork while introducing students to the exciting field of competitive metal robotics.

This ETC class is now a prerequisite for the competition team. Eighth graders who complete this class in the fall and show interest and skill may be eligible to join the competitive eighth-grade teams.

Teacher: US Robotics Team

Day: Wednesday - Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: $325.00