Course Description: Are you ready for an art expedition? Let the wonder and beauty of the animal kingdom inspire your empathy, curiosity, and creativity. Learn about lions, elephants, sharks and more, and find out how wildlife conservationists are working to protect species around the globe. Experiment with a variety of art techniques, and use Crayola® products to create animal-inspired art projects, from frog paintings to polar bear sculptures! Let your creativity run wild, and bring your handiwork home to build a menagerie of animal-themed masterpieces.

Grades: PreK3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Dr. DNA

Course Description: This playful introductory STEM program ignites young students' natural curiosity and builds their habits of learning with hands-on activities in the classroom and at home using LEGO^® DUPLO^® bricks.

Grades: PreK4 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Russell Goodrich

Course Description: Let's Get Outside!
Spending time outdoors plays a crucial role in your child’s mental, physical, and emotional development. Allow your child to join Nature Together as we explore, appreciate, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. Our group will experience mindfulness exercises outdoors, creative projects using natural objects and sensory exploration to boost overall mood and focus. Nature Together sessions teach gratitude, emotional intelligence and social skills, all while taking deep breaths, slowing down, being present, and connecting with nature and friends. Nature Together is facilitated by Gina Paolozzi, a special education teacher, forest therapy practitioner, and child development specialist, and Nature Together program director at Body Positive Works: Center for Mind Body Balance in Saddle River. The program uses research based nature connection activities to foster overall wellness.

Grades: K - 5
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Body Positive Works 

Course Description: This class invites students to embark on a creative journey around the world! Each week, we'll explore a new country, learning about its culture and famous artists. Using a variety of art materials such as paint, clay, and paper, students will create projects inspired by current art trends from places like Japan, Mexico, Australia, and more. This course encourages personal expression while fostering an appreciation for global art and creativity. Perfect for young artists eager to explore different cultures and techniques! 

Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: One River Art School

Back by Popular Demand! 
Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. We will explore the history of computers, coding, women in computer science, digital art & design, robots, video games, mobile apps, online security and more! 

Grades: 3 - 7
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Laura Hollis

Course Description: Join us for a Jurassic journey with hands-on activities galore -- by the end of this fascinating 10 week class, you'll have a giant collection of fossils and minerals and other crafts! Super interactive experience - see and touch life-size and genuine Museum exhibit pieces up-close!  Learn from a DINOSAUR ROCK expert! Weekly hands-on activities...Excavate REAL fossils and minerals to keep!  Polish REAL rough amber in search of insect and plant inclusions ... to keep! Make a Fossil Shark tooth necklace.  Open a Crystal-Filled Geode...and more! Fun & Educational! As seen at the Bronx Zoo and hundreds of  area schools.

Grades: PreK3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Bradley Chernoff

Course Description: Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Mandarin! This 10-week
enrichment class introduces young learners to the basics of Mandarin
Chinese through engaging activities, songs, stories, and interactive
games. Students will develop listening and speaking skills while
exploring Chinese culture, traditions, and simple characters. Designed
for beginners, this course fosters a love for language learning in a
fun and immersive environment, helping students build confidence in
basic communication.

Each session will focus on a thematic unit that introduces key
vocabulary, simple phrases, and cultural elements. Through interactive
storytelling, movement-based activities, and hands-on crafts, students
will experience Mandarin in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
-Recognize and pronounce basic Mandarin words and phrases.
-Understand simple classroom commands and greetings.
-Sing songs and engage in role-play using learned vocabulary.
-Gain cultural awareness through holiday celebrations and traditional stories.
-Identify and write a few foundational Chinese characters.

Grades: K - 4
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Dr. Xiaoqin Su

Course Description: In this unique program, your child will learn that yoga is so much more than poses! "My Yoga Time” is an opportunity for kids to build self-confidence and both fine motor and social skills in a uniquely fun and supportive environment. Your child will build their understanding of mind-body connection - learning to recognize emotional responses in the body and how to self-regulate and feel more balanced. Yoga poses, breath practices, and simple meditations will be taught in a fun and engaging way through yoga games, activities, and imaginary play. Leader-led conversations will also give children insight into how yoga can help in our everyday moments. Sessions are led by Amanda Lohman Yeu, ERYT-500, Director of Yoga Programing at Body Positive Works 

Grades: K - 4
Day and Time: Tuesdays 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Body Positive Works 

Course Description: Welcome to Crazy Chem-Works, where young scientists transform into chemistry wizards through a whirlwind of exciting experiments! Discover the wonders of "Super Sticky Stuff," witness "Chem in a Flash," and dive into the gooey fun of "Slime Time." Experience the frosty magic of "Dry Ice Capades," roll up your sleeves for hands-on "Lab Works," and unravel the mysteries of "pH Phactor." Light up the room with the dazzling "Glow Show" and explore explosive reactions in "Junior Reactors." Get ready for a chemistry adventure that’s bursting with surprises and ignites a passion for science!

Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Dr. DNA

Course Description: In this course, students will have a blast expanding their vocabularies and improving their command of oral and written language through gameplay and game creation. We’ll play all the classic word-based board games (Bananagrams, Scrabble, Scattergories and the like), along with some newer favorites (“Poetry for Neanderthals”, anyone?). Then, we’ll create and perfect our own word games, decoder rings, mad libs puzzles, and homespun variations on the online megahit Wordle!  

Grades: 4 - 8
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Lexie Kelly

Did you know that all children are musical? Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child? MUSIC TOGETHER classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement with weekly classes full of fun musical activities including rhythm games, tonal games, lots of instrument play, and both small and large movement. Plus, your child will receive a CD, songbook, digital access code, and bonus activities so the musical fun can continue all week long! It’s the perfect way to deepen your little one’s music education. 

Grades: Pre-K 3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Alyson Cohn

Course Description: Are you ready for some Field Day fun?!  Students will participate in Field Day inspired activities such as relays, obstacle courses, team building challenges, and parachute games.  Each session is led and organized by Mr. Ramirez, a state certified Health and PE teacher with 12 years of teaching experience.  Safety, movement, and sportsmanship are the priority while having fun with peers.  Please wear sneakers, bring a bottle of water, and get ready to have a blast!  The party doesn’t have to stop here.  Book Field Day Parties for your child’s birthday or event and we will bring Field Day to your own backyard!  www.FieldDayParties.com 

Grades: K - 2
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Carlos Ramirez

Course Description: We like to think Rookly began when we were six years old and were competing on the Horace Mann chess team. Chess kept us close as we went to colleges on opposite coasts (Caltech and Cornell), and we want to share that love of the game with students at Saddle River Day School. Our classes will be taught by US National Expert Nelson Dunn. Nelson was our chess teacher and helped instill in us our love for the game. Additionally, he has led the Dalton School to several national chess championships. Our hope is to develop a rich chess culture and an outlet for our students to play recreationally or even competitively. We hope chess teaches you to carefully plan and execute your moves, develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, and deepen friendships- as it did for us!

Looking forward to seeing you in our Rookly Class.

Grades: K - 4
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:30
Instructor: Nelson Dunn

Course Description: Ever wonder how child actors prepare for roles in theater, TV and film? Come have fun exploring how to create an age appropriate character. 

We'll play theatre games and do performance warm ups to build skills and confidence.
The course will end with each child choosing and learning a short monologue. The course has no singing or dance component.
Basic reading skills and enthusiasm are the only requirements. Students in grades 2,3 and 4 encouraged to join.

Grades: 2 - 4
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Ritamarie Kelly 

Get Ready to Spin, Mix, and Party in Our DJ Music Class!

Course Description: Calling all young music lovers! In this high-energy, hands-on class, you’ll dive into the world of DJing, learning how to mix your favorite songs and create epic beats. Ever dreamed of blending Taylor Swift with Sabrina Carpenter or adding some Hip-Hop vibes to your playlist? Now’s your chance!

We’ll show you how to create amazing mashups and even challenge your friends in fun DJ mixing showdowns. No prior experience needed – we’ve got everything you’ll need: laptop, controller, headphones, music, and more. All you need to bring is your love for music and your best energy.

Get ready to mix, match, and party like a pro!

Grades: 3 - 7
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: The Music Team

Course Description: Learn how to operate a 35mm digital camera and compose interesting photos!  Students will be introduced to traditional tools such as equipment, lighting, and film as well as the basic mechanics of a 35mm digital camera. The students will be encouraged to explore a wide variety of media options, which will include film cameras, large format and some idea of the creative process in the darkroom.

Grades: 5 - 12
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Susan Stava

Course Description: We like to think Rookly began when we were six years old and were competing on the Horace Mann chess team. Chess kept us close as we went to colleges on opposite coasts (Caltech and Cornell), and we want to share that love of the game with students at Saddle River Day School. Our classes will be taught by US National Expert Nelson Dunn. Nelson was our chess teacher and helped instill in us our love for the game. Additionally, he has led the Dalton School to several national chess championships. Our hope is to develop a rich chess culture and an outlet for our students to play recreationally or even competitively. We hope chess teaches you to carefully plan and execute your moves, develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, and deepen friendships- as it did for us!

Looking forward to seeing you in our Rookly Class.

Grades: 5-12
Day and Time: Wednesday 4:30-5:20
Instructor: Nelson Dunn

Course Description: Mini Doodlers gleefully create their own masterpieces using a wide range of quality art materials.  Mini Doodlers in our early childhood art classes develop skills important for school success such as fine motor skills, language, cognitive skills and the ability to listen and follow directions in our enchanting environment. Mini Doodlers develop: school readiness skills, new language, brain power, creativity, imagination and more!

Grades: PreK3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Krista Roberts

Course Description: In this hands-on course, students will explore engineering and design principles using Legos to create imaginative structures. They will work both independently and collaboratively in free play or to tackle design challenges, using problem-solving skills to build unique creations. Students will practice sharing their designs with classmates and will keep an engineering notebook to document their work and ideas. This fun and creative environment fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Russell Goodrich

Course Description: Students who participated in Odyssey of the Mind this year, or students in grades 2-4 who might be interested in joining next year, are welcome to take this course to enhance their creative problem solving skills. Students will complete short-term creative projects focusing on unusual uses for materials, skit writing, acting, and the technical components of OM problems. If a current team advances to the State Finals, the team will also enroll in this course to continue preparing for States. 

Grades: 2-4
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Jessica Leigh & Jonathan Lee

Course Description: Dive into the world of creativity and innovation! In this hands-on class, students will explore immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences using Meta Quest 2 headsets, dive into 3D design and printing with Tinkercad, and bring their own inventions and prototypes to life. Each week, students will engage with exciting tech tools, pushing the boundaries of their imagination while developing real-world skills in design and building.  

Grades: 4 - 8  
Day and Time: Thursdays 3:30-4:20  
Instructor(s): Hannah Gandon & Laura Hollis  

Course Description: Are you ready for Culinary Creations? Each week students will be taught by a HealthBarn USA educator who transforms you into an expert taste tester! You will be preparing a hands-on, delicious recipe each week and learning how to make good food choices for a strong body, healthy mind. Recipes and tastings include the Rainbow Swirly Smoothie, Super Salad Bar with salad dressing creations, cake pops and more! All ingredients are organic, natural, nut-free foods and we accommodate for allergies. HealthBarn USA is the leader in proven, hands-on healthy-lifestyle education for children and families. The unique curriculum emphasizes the importance of where food comes from and why eating fresh is best for a happy and healthy life.

Grades: Pre-K3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: HealthBarn USA Educator

Course Description: The program is a first step in learning how to code, otherwise known as computer programming.  Children are taught through the activity of building video games.  They will learn the fundamentals of computer programming.  The primary concepts that they will learn are looping, conditional statements, and variables.  They will be given the opportunity to create six unique games.  All games will be developed utilizing the Scratch platform.  Each child will be given their own login account so that they can save their work.  They will be able to access their games on their own account after the program concludes.

Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:30
Instructor: Manpreet Tyagi 

Course Description: Explore simple circuitry with LEDs and art projects. Students will be challenged to investigate how light can be incorporated into creative projects all while learning about the basics of electricity and wiring. We will have the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects, including dioramas, holiday cards, and lightboxes.

Grades: 2 - 4
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Giles Bullen 

Course Description: We are thrilled to welcome Chef Angie back to our Coaching Academy lineup! She has been a judge on “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen”, and is ready to teach your little chef how to slice, dice, and prepare delicious food! 

About Chef Angie
Growing up in the Florida Gulf Coast town of Tarpon Springs, Angie and her five siblings were practically raised in the kitchen. Vegetables were homegrown, fish for dinner was freshly caught, and trips to the supermarket were a family affair. Chef Angie’s father instilled in his children a love for homegrown and home cooked meals at a very early age. The family garden was their hub, ripe with collard greens, grapes, mangoes, oranges and grapefruit. And everything was cultivated, picked and cooked by family hands. Working with fresh ingredients around the family kitchen inspired her love of creating traditional family meals. Angie is committed to bringing the spirit of home cooking to homes across America by creating unique dishes that use bold worldly flavors from spices such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Her inspiration for this technique is inspired by her travels from around the world.
https://creative-cooks.com/

Grades: 1 - 8
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Chef Angie

Day and Time: Monday 3:10-4:00, Tuesday 3:10-4:00, & Thursday 3:10-4:00
Subjects: Math & English (Reading and Writing)

I am Roneet Castelli, presently serving as a 1st Grade Teacher's Assistant at SRDS. With two years of dedicated experience in education, I find immense joy in interacting with children. My proficiency extends to tutoring in both Math and English. My passion lies in nurturing their growth, fostering confidence, and igniting their motivation to excel.

Grades: PreK3 - 6
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), & Tuesday 3:30-4:20 (FULL)

Does your child have difficulty with computation or other mathematical concepts? Could they use individualized support to boost their literacy skills? Would learning phonics skills in isolation help your child decode and encode multi-syllabic words? Does homework feel like a daunting task or a constant battle? 1-1 tutoring sessions can help boost your child’s confidence and overall academic performance!

This is my 10th year teaching and my 5th at SRDS! I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education as well as my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on mindfulness in schools. I have 4 teaching certifications in the state of New Jersey, and I am currently working towards my PhD in General Education with a specialization in student well-being. I have experience teaching executive functioning skills and general and special education students in grades K-8 in all core subjects. I received training in Touch Math and Orton Gillingham, multi-sensory learning programs.

My tutoring sessions are designed to foster your child’s maximum potential through an individualized approach. Both literacy and math skills can be taught through multi-sensory instruction while incorporating concrete and real-world examples. Each session will be personalized to meet the diverse needs of your child’s learning and tailored to their individual learning style.

I look forward to working with your child!

Grades: Kindergarten - 3
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), Tuesday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), Wednesday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), & Thursday 3:30-4:20 (FULL)

Are you looking for a way to enhance your child’s education? I have been teaching for 10 years, and am Orton Gillingham trained, which is a structured literacy program. Each of my tutoring sessions will be designed to maximize your child's growth in a fun and engaging way! I will work with your child to ensure that they have all of the necessary tools to help them become more confident independent learners throughout all subjects.  I am looking forward to working with you and your child!

Grades / Subjects: Kindergarten-12th Reading, Writing, ELA

Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20

As students get older, more of their school day is focused on content than on reading or writing skills. This could leave gaps in a student's abilities that grow as the content gets more difficult. If your child is struggling with the reading or writing assigned in any of his or her classes, I can help! I am a middle school teacher, a former high school teacher, and a K-12 reading specialist. I can help your child make sense of their reading and assist them in developing the skills necessary to work with more challenging texts. Additionally, I can guide students through the writing process for class assignments or for personal growth in writing. Sessions are customized to focus on whichever skills you feel would be most beneficial for your child, or I can assess their reading and writing skills and create a tutoring plan based on that data.

Grades: K - 5
Subjects: Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
Day and Time: Monday 3:10-4:00, Tuesday 3:10-4:00 (FULL), Wednesday 3:10-4:00 (FULL), Thursday 3:10-4:00 (FULL), & Friday 3:10-4:00 (FULL)
 
If your child could benefit from some extra support in reading (phonics), vocabulary development and writing, then you have come to the right place.  I have 30 plus years of experience in N.Y. and N.J. as a Literacy Specialist, grades K-5. I hold a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, and certifications in Literacy, Special Education, and Teacher K-6.  I offer a balanced literacy program for tutoring with emphasis on phonics instruction (Orton-Gillingham trained), methods for learning reading comprehension strategies, and grade appropriate vocabulary development and spelling.  For instructional techniques, I will meet the children where they are academically, and tailor my curriculum by providing a multi-sensory program structured specifically for your child in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. My ultimate goal is to build your child’s stamina in reading improvement, while building essential reading skills, and addressing their sensitive confidence levels.

     I look forward to enhancing your child’s learning experience in literacy at SRDS, and creating excellent readers and writers for our community.

Grades / Subjects: 6-12th Math, SAT Prep, Social Sciences
Day and Time: Monday 7:30-8:20 AM, Tuesday 7:30-8:20 AM (FULL), Thursday 7:30-8:20 AM, & Friday 7:30-8:20 AM (FULL)

I specialize in competency-based learning, a tailored approach that hones students' skills regardless of their current proficiency level. With experience teaching a diverse range of students from middle school to graduate school, I understand the importance of adapting to individual learning styles and abilities. My goal is to create a personalized learning plan that identifies strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset and empowering students to become self-directed learners.
I hold a master's degree and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide students on their educational journey, ensuring they excel and reach their full potential. I can assist with math, SAT prep, and social sciences, offering comprehensive support to help students succeed. Through competency-based learning, we'll focus on enhancing skills, filling knowledge gaps, and building a solid foundation, ultimately boosting your child's confidence and motivation in their academic pursuits.

Grades / Subjects: PreK4-4th
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:10-4:00

If your child is in need of support in any area or simply needs additional guidance with homework, you’ve come to the right place! I am a certified teacher in New Jersey and New York in Pre-K through 6th Grade. I have experience working one-to-one with a range of students including those with various learning needs. Throughout my school experiences, I have worked through may ways to help students learn and best support individual students based on their specific needs in all general area subjects. In addition, I studied Spanish throughout middle school, high school, and college.

Every student has a preferred method of learning, and I would love to guide your student through finding ways that work best for them in a one-to-one session. I am looking forward to working with your child!

(FALL-WINTER)
Grades: 2nd & 4th
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:10-4:00 (FULL)

My name is Megan Thomas. I have a Master's in Elementary Teaching and Education, English, and Professional Writing. My experience in elementary school education is perfect for after-school tutoring in any subject! I specialize in English and Math and am passionate about helping kids of all ages succeed in school. With my years working in the classroom, I understand students' needs and strive to find the best approach to boosting their grades and confidence. I am a Certified Yoga Teacher and a Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. I'm an interactive and supportive tutor, using visual aids and modern technology to ensure student's needs are met and that their learning experience is fun and informative. I cannot wait to work with your student here at SRDS!