Afterschool

A rich array of activities

MFS Afterschool programs are an extension of the small, intimate community that makes our school so special. Whether enjoying free play or joining one of our enriching afterschool classes, children benefit from a safe, structured environment and the opportunity to learn and play with kids across different age levels.

Early Childhood Afterschool Program

By the time 3 o’clock comes around, the Preschool students have had a very busy day. What’s most important is that the children enjoy the last part of their day and go home feeling satisfied with the interpersonal experiences they’ve had.

The Early Childhood Education Afterschool Program is designed to support their daily curriculum and enrich their cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and language skills. Time spent in afterschool is time for playing, problem-solving in a social context, bonding, discovering new friendships, cherishing the company of others, indulging the imagination, creating art, talking, laughing, eating and… learning Spanish!

Enrichment

An optional Afterschool science class is available for an additional fee. These classes are taught in series, with the topic for each changing throughout the year. They are taught by a Montessori-trained science teacher who uses the Lawrence Hall of Science curriculum. Fun weekly projects focused on physical science, observing, comparing, and acquiring new vocabulary.

Schedule

The 3 year-olds gather in the Afterschool room for a quiet beginning to their afternoon while the 4-6 year-olds kick off the afternoon with Spanish.

3:00pm – 3:30pm – Spanish circle (includes games, skits, stories, crafts, workbooks, and call-and-response activities designed to make learning a new language irresistibly fun). Spanish circle takes place Monday through Thursday.
3:30pm – 4:00pm – Finishing lunches and having snack.
4:00pm – 5:15pm – Outside play time (includes special activities such as bowling, bubble blowing, tee ball, obstacle courses, and outdoor art).
5:15pm – 5:25pm – Cleaning up and washing hands.
5:25pm – 5:40pm – Tea Time, which brings the children together, sitting in a quiet, small circle, drinking tea, and eating fruit or crackers. They reflect on the most enjoyable parts of the day and decompress as the day comes to a close. Tea Time takes place closer to 5:15pm during the winter, when it gets dark outside early. If it is nice outside until 5:30pm, children soak up the sunlight until then and come in for tea at that time.
5:40pm – 6:00pm – Brief story time for remaining children who have finished their tea and treats.
6:00pm – School is closed. All children must be picked up by this time.

Elementary and Middle School Afterschool

At the Elementary and Middle School Campus, the Afterschool Program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for children to end their school day. MFS students work very hard throughout the day, so the focus in Afterschool is on productive social playtime.

Students have many play options, from art projects to sand box play, to sports, gardening, and solitary reading time. Activities are almost always student-initiated and optional.

Afterschool care can be purchased in advance for a low annual rate, or used on an hourly, drop-in basis with no sign-up required.

Enrichment

On Mondays, Homework Club meets from 4:30pm – 5:30pm. During Homework club, students can get a head start on their weekly homework assignments. Afterschool teachers can provide support to the students as needed.

Numerous other Afterschool enrichment programs are also available for an additional fee. The class lineup changes throughout the year, offering children the opportunity to participate in such activities as art, cooking, chess, Spanish, science, martial arts, and sports.

In addition, Afterschool faculty is providing optional themed activities at no additional fee. This schedule is as follows:

Monday: DIY Recycle Art Day

Tuesday: Artist of the Week Inspired Art Day

Wednesday: Creative Writing Day

Thursday: Drama / Music Game Day

Friday: Cooking Day

Schedule

3:00-3:15 – Sign in

3:15 – Afterschool Enrichment classes begin

3:30 – First Snack is served

3:30-4:20 – Free play outside (or inside in the community room depending on the weather)

4:20 – Student Job Clean up

4:35 – Transition from Yard to Community Room

4:40 – Free Afterschool activity of the day begins

5:00 – Second Snack is served

5:00-5:45 – Free play

5:45 – Clean up, pack up, individual activity or silent activity until pick up

6:00 – End of Afterschool

Fees

If a child is in a paid enrichment class, the family will not be charged any additional Afterschool fee for the hour the child is in that class.

Otherwise, Afterschool fees are assessed as follows:

3:15-4:00 – 1 hour

4:01-5:00 – 2 hours

5:01-6:00 – 3 Hours

Families are charged $25 for every 15 minutes after 6:00.