Benjamin Rush PTA

PTA organizes an after school enrichment program twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. We are thrilled to be able to drive this extracurricular program that offers additional academic, physical, and social development of our elementary students after school hours. 

Spring Session 2025

Important Info [Read Before Registering!] 

  • SESSION DATES 
    • All classes will run the week of March 3 through the week of May 12th,  except the week of Spring Break (April 14-18). 10 classes total. 
    • **Exception: Primary Choir is run on a different schedule! See schedule below under Tuesday. 
  • PARENT CHAPERONES NEEDED
    • Parent chaperones make our classes successful by tracking attendance and helping our students when needed. Vendor-led classes must have a chaperone to run. All chaperones must be LWSD approved volunteers (a simple background check) and PTA members. Volunteer to be a chaperone for the entire session and your child can attend the class for free! Scroll below for classes with the green OPEN sign. How to sign up to chaperone: 
      • Make sure you are a PTA member and LWSD volunteer (both are easy to do)
      • Register your child for the class
      • E-mail afterschool@benrushpta.org for the class you’d like to chaperone and the name of your student. 
      • A refund will be issued once registration is confirmed
  • CLASS REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
    • No refunds are allowed after the FIRST week of classes. If for whatever reason you need to cancel a class after the first class, you must email afterschool@benrushpta.org within the first week of class.
    • Refunds will also not be given for class cancellations due to unexpected school closures (i.e. weather). 
  • PTA MEMBER DISCOUNT
    • PTA members who register early will get a $5 discount for each class. The prices listed below are for non-PTA members. PTA members should subtract $5. 
  • WARNING: CLASSES MAY CANCEL IF LOW ENROLLMENT
    • There are rare instances when classes may be cancelled if minimum enrollment numbers are not met. Those families will be notified via email and full refunds will be given if so. 

REGISTER HERE

 

MONDAY


Pickleball Club - w/ Ms. Brawner & Ms. Dompier

Join us for an exciting After-School Pickleball Club, where 4th and 5th graders can learn and enjoy the fast-growing sport of pickleball! Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this club is a great way to develop skills, stay active, and have fun with friends. The club will be led by Ms. Brawner and Ms. Dompier!

What to Expect:

  • 👟 Learn the rules and basics of pickleball
  • 👟 Practice essential techniques like serving, volleys, and teamwork
  • 👟 Play fun matches and friendly competitions
  • 👟 Stay active and build confidence in a supportive environment

No equipment? No problem! Paddles and balls will be provided. Just wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and get ready to have fun on the court!

When: Mondays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: Grades 4-5
Cost: $145
Location: Gym
Chaperone position: N/A 

Planes, Trains, and Automotives - By Snapology

In Snapology’s Planes, Trains, and Automobiles program, children will explore the world of transportation. Students will build models of their favorite forms of transportation as they learn about energy, wheels and axles, air resistance, and more. They will also learn about the history and modern use of these vehicles, and apply this knowledge to their builds!

When: Mondays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: K-2
Cost: $190.00
Location: 1st/2nd grade pod
Chaperone position: FILLED

“Building Into Art” - By Smart with Art

Join Smart with Art as we explore art in architecture! Famous American Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright will inspire us to create a 3d sculpture home model. Get creative as we design our very own treehouse, including floor plans and blueprints inspired by local tree house master, Pete Nelson. So many fun adventures as we build our skills in art and discover the wonders of architecture in this innovative and creative session. As always, dress for mess!

When: Mondays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: K-5
Cost: $260.00
Location: 1st grade pod
Chaperone position: FILLED

 

TUESDAY

 

Primary Choir - w/ Mrs. Hodges (AM CLASS)

Let your voice shine! 🎶 Our Primary Choir (K-2) is the perfect place for young singers to discover the joy of music.  We'll explore fun songs, learn basic vocal techniques, and build confidence, all while preparing for a spectacular end-of-year performance!  Join us and let's make some beautiful music together!

Key Dates: 

  • Rehearsals: March 18-June 10 (11 rehearsals) 
    • When: Tuesday mornings, 7:45-8:30 AM
    • Concert: June 5 (6:30pm call time; 7:00-7:30pm concert) 

Open to: K-2
Cost: $90 (Scholarships available. We want everyone to join regardless of financial situation. Contact counselor: lbyram@lwsd.org)
Location: Choir Room
Chaperone position: FILLED

Intro to Soccer - w/ Ms. Cox

A fun and engaging beginner's soccer class introducing basic skills. Please join us for an exciting after-school soccer class where kids will learn the fundamentals of the game in a fun and supportive environment! This class focuses on essential skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork through engaging drills and small-sided games. Whether your child is new to soccer or looking to build confidence on the field, this is a great opportunity to develop coordination, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.

When: Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: 3-5
Cost: $90
Location: Meet at Outdoor Basketball Court
Chaperone position: N/A 

Upper Primary Drama - By Drama Kids

🎭 Lights, camera, DRAMA! 🎭 Unleash your inner star in our Drama Kids Upper Primary class, designed for students in grades 3-5!  Get ready for a year of imagination, laughter, and unforgettable theatrical experiences.  We'll build confidence, boost creativity, and develop essential communication skills, all while having a blast!  And the best part? You'll get to shine bright in our spectacular Spring Performance!  Don't miss your chance to take center stage – sign up for Drama Kids Upper Primary today and let the show begin!

When: Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: 3-5
Cost: $260
Location: 3rd grade pod
Chaperone position: FILLED

 

WEDNESDAY


Basketball Development Practice (K-2nd) - By Backboard Basics 

At Backboard Basics, our Basketball Program provides practices for young athletes to develop their skills and build a strong fundamental base. We strive to create an environment of support and inclusivity, where both new and experienced players are encouraged to grow and sharpen their skills. We are dedicated to changing the culture of basketball and providing an exciting and fun learning experience for all! 

When: Wednesdays, 1:45-2:45 PM
Open to: K-2
Cost: $230
Location: Outdoor Basketball Court
Chaperone position: FILLED

THURSDAY

 

Intermediate Chess Club - By Grand Knights Chess Academy (AM CLASS)

Ready to checkmate the competition? Our Intermediate Chess Club is the perfect place for 3rd graders and above, or tournament-ready players with a rating of 500 or higher, to hone their skills and conquer the board! Whether you're looking to sharpen your strategy, learn advanced techniques, or just enjoy some friendly competition, this club is your next move. Join us and become a chess master!

When: Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 AM
Open to: 1-5
Cost: $230
Location: Library
Chaperone position: FILLED

Mega Machines Robotics - By Snapology

In Snapology's Mega Machine Robotics class, your child will create some of their favorite motorized vehicles and machines! Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, pulleys, cranks, and programming as they build trucks, space rovers, helicopters, and much more. Your child is sure to have fun as they build, learn, and play!

When: Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: 3-5
Cost: $190
Location: 4th grade pod
Chaperone position: FILLED

Hip Hop & Dance - By Dukane Studios

Get ready to groove and sweat! 💃🕺 Our Hip Hop Fitness and Dance class is the perfect way to get your heart pumping and learn some killer moves.  Whether you've got two left feet or are a dance floor pro, you'll have a blast learning the latest hip hop steps while getting a full-body workout.  It's fun, energetic, and a great way to boost your confidence and coordination.  So ditch the boring gym routine and join the hip hop party – sign up today and let's get this dance floor poppin'!

When: Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: K-5
Cost: $227
Location: 2nd/3rd grade pod
Chaperone position: FILLED

 

FRIDAY

 

Beginner Chess Club - By Grand Knights Chess Academy 

New to chess? No problem! Our Beginner Chess Club (K-5) is the perfect place to learn the basics and discover the fun of this classic game. We'll teach you the rules, strategies, and how to think ahead, so you can start playing like a pro! Join us and make your first move towards chess mastery! Students will be divided based on experience so we encourage students of all levels to join us. 

When: Fridays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: K-5
Cost: $230
Location: Library
Chaperone position: FILLED

Badminton - With Mr. Overland and Mr. Wilson

Want to learn how to play the world’s fastest racket sport? Join Mr. Wilson and Mr. Overland as students learn how to serve, clear, drop, and smash. Additionally, students will learn sportsmanship, common badminton etiquette, and how to keep score. The class ends with a fun tournament!

When: Fridays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: 4-5
Cost: $145
Location: Gym
Chaperone position: N/A

Paint, Sculpt, Design - By CreArt Studioz

This season, young artists will explore new techniques, experiment with textures, and bring their ideas to life! From oil pastel resist and watercolor layering to 3D pop-up designs and pattern storytelling, each project is a hands-on journey into the world of art. Through painting, sculpting, and mixed media, kids will build skills, spark imagination, and make joyful, messy masterpieces!

When: Fridays, 3:15-4:15 PM
Open to: K-5
Cost: $280
Location: 1st grade pod
Chaperone position: FILLED

 


 

Interested in volunteering to run After School Enrichment next year? 

Email afterschool@benrushpta.org if you're interested in organizing an amazing enrichment program for Ben Rush students in 2025-2026! Multiple people can run the program together. 

 


 

Fall Session 2024

Thank you for an amazing Fall Session! We offered 17 classes and had over 500 students enroll in a class this session! We are so grateful for your participation and support and are excited for another great session in 2025. 

 


Questions? 

Email our coordinator at afterschool@benrushpta.org.